G32 - unloved?
Discussion
This Turbo version sounded cheap.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4528992709&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4528992709&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT
I've got a G32, originally a 1.6i but now fitted with a tuned 1.9 a couple of thousand miles ago that cost more than the turbo went for. Yet no one wants it.
It's a fabulous car and on the back doubles there's little or nothing that can keep up with it. It's comfortable for me and my son, despite the fact that we're both over 6'2", there's lots of luggage space - we went camping at Le Mans in it last year - it's well made, certainly the best Ginetta, although possibly not as good as Dares.
I was going to sell it to help fund my Chimaera but at the top price I was offered, £1,500, there's no point in selling. At around £150 to insure it's a cheap car to own. And with Ford parts, there's no need to re-mortgage the house if the gearbox goes phut.
Why is it looked down on? It's a G15 for those who want a bit of room and to go fast. Fair enough, it's not as pretty, but then few cars are. It was the culmination of the four brothers' years in the car manufacturing business yet they are the bargain of the specialist sports car market.
It's a funny old world.
It's a fabulous car and on the back doubles there's little or nothing that can keep up with it. It's comfortable for me and my son, despite the fact that we're both over 6'2", there's lots of luggage space - we went camping at Le Mans in it last year - it's well made, certainly the best Ginetta, although possibly not as good as Dares.
I was going to sell it to help fund my Chimaera but at the top price I was offered, £1,500, there's no point in selling. At around £150 to insure it's a cheap car to own. And with Ford parts, there's no need to re-mortgage the house if the gearbox goes phut.
Why is it looked down on? It's a G15 for those who want a bit of room and to go fast. Fair enough, it's not as pretty, but then few cars are. It was the culmination of the four brothers' years in the car manufacturing business yet they are the bargain of the specialist sports car market.
It's a funny old world.
Derek Smith said:
I've got a G32, originally a 1.6i but now fitted with a tuned 1.9 a couple of thousand miles ago that cost more than the turbo went for. Yet no one wants it.
It's a fabulous car and on the back doubles there's little or nothing that can keep up with it. It's comfortable for me and my son, despite the fact that we're both over 6'2", there's lots of luggage space - we went camping at Le Mans in it last year - it's well made, certainly the best Ginetta, although possibly not as good as Dares.
I was going to sell it to help fund my Chimaera but at the top price I was offered, £1,500, there's no point in selling. At around £150 to insure it's a cheap car to own. And with Ford parts, there's no need to re-mortgage the house if the gearbox goes phut.
Why is it looked down on? It's a G15 for those who want a bit of room and to go fast. Fair enough, it's not as pretty, but then few cars are. It was the culmination of the four brothers' years in the car manufacturing business yet they are the bargain of the specialist sports car market.
It's a funny old world.
Do you have any pics? I only saw the car above for sale the other day (asking 3,200, which still seemed too cheap!) and those are the only pics I've seen of a 32.
I showed my dad the above, and he said he'd quite like one.
He was looking at a MkI MR2 for my sister, before she went and got herself a Rover 200 bubble car
- He was mainly using her as an excuse (she still lives at home so he'd actually have the car most of the time 
) Anyways, he's now thinking of an MR2 for himself, or an S2/S3 Tiv. Personally, I'd rather he had a Ginetta, so I'm on the look out for him.
I really like the '32 as a different little sportscar, but the misses just won't go for it 
I did seriously look at one a few years ago... but currently do a lot of mileage so can't really have the "extravagance" of a kit car as an every day car - as I'm self employed it would 'cost' too much to not be able to get to work.. I also like the fact that my current motorway chugger has a decent sized hatchback boot for lugging stuff when the need arises...
If you want to see pics of a 32 go to the owners club site.. www.ginettaownersclub.org/ Even the "Open" part has a few pics around - select GType and then 80s...
Hmmm... Just had a look Only one pic on there, there used to be more You could always join the Owners Club (the name is a bit of a misnomer!) then receive the Newsmag - well written, by a G32 owner btw! and see when cars come up for sale.. None at the moment, but there used to be 2-3 every now and again.
hth
>> Edited by ginettag27 on Thursday 3rd March 22:33
I did seriously look at one a few years ago... but currently do a lot of mileage so can't really have the "extravagance" of a kit car as an every day car - as I'm self employed it would 'cost' too much to not be able to get to work.. I also like the fact that my current motorway chugger has a decent sized hatchback boot for lugging stuff when the need arises... If you want to see pics of a 32 go to the owners club site.. www.ginettaownersclub.org/ Even the "Open" part has a few pics around - select GType and then 80s...
Hmmm... Just had a look
Only one pic on there, there used to be more You could always join the Owners Club (the name is a bit of a misnomer!) then receive the Newsmag - well written, by a G32 owner btw! and see when cars come up for sale.. None at the moment, but there used to be 2-3 every now and again. hth
>> Edited by ginettag27 on Thursday 3rd March 22:33
Having read up on the G32 maybe the Turbo on ebay was not so cheap after all.
Were there really only 2 of them built?
I can imagine that a turbo installation in such a small space would be prone to overheating - not something I would too keen to take on in a weekend car.
There are some very cheap G26's around but that may not be unusual. They really do seem to be unloved.
Were there really only 2 of them built?
I can imagine that a turbo installation in such a small space would be prone to overheating - not something I would too keen to take on in a weekend car.
There are some very cheap G26's around but that may not be unusual. They really do seem to be unloved.
It was my G32 turbo that recently sold on eBay and yes I think they're undervalued, but having just sold one I guess I would say that wouldn't I.
Regarding overheating.....it doesn't. G32's do suffer some heat from the exhaust that gets a bit close to the starter motor wiring but its nothing a bit of insulation wrapped around the harness cant fix.
If you fancy a G32 snap one up now while they're cheap.
Regarding overheating.....it doesn't. G32's do suffer some heat from the exhaust that gets a bit close to the starter motor wiring but its nothing a bit of insulation wrapped around the harness cant fix.
If you fancy a G32 snap one up now while they're cheap.
g32turbo said:
It was my G32 turbo that recently sold on eBay and yes I think they're undervalued, but having just sold one I guess I would say that wouldn't I.
Regarding overheating.....it doesn't. G32's do suffer some heat from the exhaust that gets a bit close to the starter motor wiring but its nothing a bit of insulation wrapped around the harness cant fix.
If you fancy a G32 snap one up now while they're cheap.
Hi,
Thats an interesting observation.
The GoC site (iirc) suggests that only 2 Turbo's were constructed - because of the the heat dissipation problems. At least that is the way I interpret it.
So what are people supposed to make of this? Personally I would be happiest with an owner's current experience. It may well be that there were some problems in the early days, hence the comments, but that these were overcome.
On the other hand is it correct that only 2 Turbo installations were completed?
In a broader context, if such impressions can be passed on uncommented through the dedicated sources of the a group of owner enthusiasts covering a relative low population of vehicles, what chance does anyone have when trying to make sense of any information in the wider world context?
Thanks for the feedback and I have to say I wish I had done more homework before I spotted your auction. I'm not sure the timing would have been right for me but I would have been tempted to bid.
I will keep my eyes open in the coming months.
I believe both turbos were developed for Ginetta by external companies. Yes they get a bit warm in the cockpit particulary if you suddenly hit traffic after the turbo has had time to heat up but its nothing an enthusiast cant sort. You have to remember that these cars were all type approved and not sold as kits so there was a fair chance the cars would be sold to non techies who just liked the shape. I think thats the reason Ginetta decided not to continue with the turbo installation. A friend has a 1.9 which is almost as quick as my turbo and suffers no overheating problems at all. If I were to offer advice to anyone buying a G32 I would tell them to concentrate on making sure it doesnt leak around the screen or wiper spindles. Many do but some people have cured the problem.
As far as technical support within the club is concerned the G32 appears to be one of the best models to have.
As far as technical support within the club is concerned the G32 appears to be one of the best models to have.
There are no overheating problems with the G32 normally aspirated engines. Ginetta had such problems with the G15 and this seems to have stuck in everyone's mind. My car runs without fuss in traffic jams on the M25 without problem. The fan cuts in occasionally and the temperature needle slides down the gauge and then switches off.
I'm on the original generator and starter motor, so that tends to suggest that under-bonnet temperatures are within a decen range.
The only heat problem I have had is, when being stuck in traffic with a tail wind, the hot air comes out of the vent behind the driver's window. I have to wind my window up on occasion, but not that often. I get no heat through the seat. All in all it is one of the best sorted Ginettas.
I'll probably be selling it in about 3 months, so if you are after one, keep an eye on the Classifieds.
Derek
I'm on the original generator and starter motor, so that tends to suggest that under-bonnet temperatures are within a decen range.
The only heat problem I have had is, when being stuck in traffic with a tail wind, the hot air comes out of the vent behind the driver's window. I have to wind my window up on occasion, but not that often. I get no heat through the seat. All in all it is one of the best sorted Ginettas.
I'll probably be selling it in about 3 months, so if you are after one, keep an eye on the Classifieds.
Derek
I've decided not to sell my G32.
I was looking over the car durig the week and thought that, if I saw it advertised for £2,000 I'd probably put in an offer to buy it.
To anyone considering one, it is a superb buy. The 1.6 is a bit underpowerd and it might be advisable to budget for some tuning. Other than that, the only criticism of it is the gearchange, and that can be sorted.
Ultimate limits of road-holding are very high. I've taken 2 degrees of tow-in off the rear wheels which reduces the grip a little but does give my jaded senses a bit of a warning when the limit is approaching. The back twitches, not much, but you should not drive this car when half asleep.
With the 1.9 engine, and with a faster cam, the car comes alive. It really is great fun to drive although the temptation is to do so like a yob.
It is possible to use it as an everyday car as mine has been very reliable. The Ginitta Owners Club gives lots of support.
Sorry to go back on what I said but I can't think of a good reason to sell a car that costs only £124 to insure fully comprehensively and, on the twisty bits, has few equals.
The Walkletts crowning moment.
Derek
I was looking over the car durig the week and thought that, if I saw it advertised for £2,000 I'd probably put in an offer to buy it.
To anyone considering one, it is a superb buy. The 1.6 is a bit underpowerd and it might be advisable to budget for some tuning. Other than that, the only criticism of it is the gearchange, and that can be sorted.
Ultimate limits of road-holding are very high. I've taken 2 degrees of tow-in off the rear wheels which reduces the grip a little but does give my jaded senses a bit of a warning when the limit is approaching. The back twitches, not much, but you should not drive this car when half asleep.
With the 1.9 engine, and with a faster cam, the car comes alive. It really is great fun to drive although the temptation is to do so like a yob.
It is possible to use it as an everyday car as mine has been very reliable. The Ginitta Owners Club gives lots of support.
Sorry to go back on what I said but I can't think of a good reason to sell a car that costs only £124 to insure fully comprehensively and, on the twisty bits, has few equals.
The Walkletts crowning moment.
Derek
Derek Smith said:
I've decided not to sell my G32.
I was looking over the car durig the week and thought that, if I saw it advertised for £2,000 I'd probably put in an offer to buy it.
Quite a love affair Derek - but I suspect you are doing the right thing. With a relatively low value and low running costs there is little to be gained (about 1 TVR service?) and a lot to miss by selling.
I have seen one or two show condition cars advertised. They look great and not expensive considering the show level preparation. But I would like to feel comfortable taking one on track and the thought of the possible damage to a show standard car on which someone has lavished time, effort and money puts me off.
Now if I could find one that is sorted but would need some work to make it pristine I could use it to get the track bug worked through my system and then seek to re-furb later.
Hmm. Perhaps I need to re-think that.
g32turbo said:
Now if I could find one that is sorted but would need some work to make it pristine I could use it to get the track bug worked through my system and then seek to re-furb later.
Hmm. Perhaps I need to re-think that.
Should have bid on my turbo then!
I too think I should but as I recall I only came across it a day or so before the auction ended. Knowing very little about the model or even much about Ginetta's in general in recent times, I thought it best to see what I could find out rather than go in blind.
I have to say that the idea of only 2 ever being built (information on the GOC web site) was sort of attractive in some ways but worrying in others. Not enough time to decide whether it was a good idea really. Well, that and a few other issues at the time - including a shoulder injury that is still not right. Steering, even with power, has been quite tiring. So my plans have been delayed somewhat.
If it comes back to the market let me know though. Are you still in touch with the new owner?
As is obvious the G32 is currently a really good bargain for such a specialist sports car. As per usual the motoring mainstream press did their hatchet job on the Ginetta G32, just as they did on the fabulous Walklett designed Dare DZ (for which completely contrary and glowing road tests appeared in non-mainstream mags - why? - you tell me). The Walkletts were ridiculed by some sections of the mainstream press journalists when they had the audacity to suggest that they intended to build a MR2 rival. Of course as history shows they did build it. It looked far prettier than the MR2 but obviously should never have been compared in such a 'direct' light because one car was built by the 'then' largest motoring manufacturer in the world, while the other came from a company whose largest model output was only just in excess of 800 cars! It was and still remains some achievement BECAUSE no other manufacturer, small nor large, at that time could even contemplate or dare to rival the Toyota, but little Ginetta did. And what did they get?!
Also remember when the 'Walkletts' who had, contrary to some rubbish written, already type-approved the G32 before they sold their company had priced the new car at around 10 grand - this was vitally important and a major selling point, so missed by its new management, the car was nearly 3 grand cheaper than an MR2 - which made it a 'real' alternative. The new management sadly and almost immediately increased the price of the 32 to within 325 quid of the MR2 - fatal!, something Bob Walklett would never have done (I know because he has told me as much) - that is why he succeeded with the G15 - Bob made the G15 selling price unassailable: Jem Marsh apparently asked Bob how the hell could they do the G15 at such a low price (Marcos, like others were at that time all looking into Imp power) and he said they could keep it, to which Bob replied, 'we intend to!' A policy that kept Ginetta in business, without interruption, for 31 continuous years.
Also remember when the 'Walkletts' who had, contrary to some rubbish written, already type-approved the G32 before they sold their company had priced the new car at around 10 grand - this was vitally important and a major selling point, so missed by its new management, the car was nearly 3 grand cheaper than an MR2 - which made it a 'real' alternative. The new management sadly and almost immediately increased the price of the 32 to within 325 quid of the MR2 - fatal!, something Bob Walklett would never have done (I know because he has told me as much) - that is why he succeeded with the G15 - Bob made the G15 selling price unassailable: Jem Marsh apparently asked Bob how the hell could they do the G15 at such a low price (Marcos, like others were at that time all looking into Imp power) and he said they could keep it, to which Bob replied, 'we intend to!' A policy that kept Ginetta in business, without interruption, for 31 continuous years.
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