Gordon Keeble

[Chris]

Heres another one dragged up from the automotive deep: Gordon Keeble!! (sorry about the quality of my work, its done rather hastily)

This British company operated from 1964-1966. The car seemed ideal: cheap American V8 muscle (corvette 327, 300hp, 4 speed), Italian styling (by Bertone, by Giugiaro) and British chassis know-how.
It had a top speed of 135 mph, and could do 70mph in first! Devastatingly fast!

It had a fiber-glass body (90 out of 99 built remain today), and it looked very good (I will scan pics sometime, unless someone has them). Waht really set it off was the slanted twin headlights. At its introduction, it was nicknamed, "the Growler". Its interior was luxurous leather seating and some wood trim. It took the interior styling from aircraft, with many toggle switches and instruments. Everything about the car flowed so nicely. One of the most beautiful 4 seat coupes ever, IMO.

Handling was by a deDion axle at the rear, and a complex spaceframe neatly integrated the front suspension (I dont know the front suspension type). The car provided grip, balance, and a good ride, although the unassisted steering provided to much kick-back.

The car seemed a sure-hit for success (the slogan was: The car built to aircraft standards), but supply problems and under-capitalization forced it into bankruptcy. A shame, as the car was under-priced, also.

Another good idea down the drain. *sigh*

[blatch]

pics? the car sounds interesting

[Jay!]

Pics are hard to find:




A few more:
http://www.race-cars.com/carsold/oth...7/gk0047pp.htm

[Chris]

The pics I have are way better, I will try and get them up sometime this week.

[tigermiata]

Chris, I see you've posted topics about several of my favorite cars; once I owned the Tiger, I discovered many European cars using US engines (frequently V8's), like the G-K, Facel, and Bristols you've posted.

My favorite is still the Iso Rivolta, and vow to eventually own one. Right now, my wife doesn't want any more old cars coming home, so I satisfy myself with a cabinet of 1/43rd scale miniatures of what I call "Ameripowered" cars on display in the garage (at least they don't leak oil! )