2016 Gardner Douglas 5.7-litre Manual

Highlights

• Renowned Gardner Douglas backbone-chassis with class-leading handling

• 5.7-litre Chevrolet V8 with Edelbrock carburettor

• Tremec five-speed manual

• Superb cosmetic condition

• Recently fettled by a specialist and ready to enjoy

• Low mileage

Overview

The Gardner Douglas GD427 is generally regarded as one of the finest sixties sports car evocations built in Britain. Designed around a steel triangulated tubular backbone chassis with a GRP semi-monocoque tub, it delivers a stiff, rattle-free structure and a low centre of gravity that translates into sharp, neutral handling. Independent double-wishbone suspension, adjustable coil-over dampers and a limited-slip differential make the GD a genuine driver's car, equally happy on a B-road blast or a European touring trip. Add a big-cube American V8 and the result is an analogue driving experience with real theatre.

This bright-red example pairs that celebrated chassis with a 350ci (5.7-litre) short-block Chevrolet V8, fitted with an Edelbrock single-plane inlet manifold, sports cam and tubular stainless-steel headers. Drive goes through a Tremec TKO five-speed manual, and there's a big-V8 soundtrack to match courtesy of a chromed underslung twin stainless exhaust exiting centrally at the rear. The vendor tells us it starts easily, pulls strongly through all gears and sounds fantastic.

Inside, the cabin is trimmed in cream leather with red piping and Gardner Douglas-embroidered headrests, complemented by black carpets and Willans four-point harnesses. A full set of classic Smiths gauges faces the driver, mounted behind a 14-inch wood-rim Mota-Lita steering wheel. Outside, the deep gloss red paint presents excellently, and the car sits on 17-inch faux-Halibrand alloys with aluminium spinners and good-tread Falken FK452 tyres. Chrome quarter-bumper overriders, twin roll-over hoops with cream head fairings and the iconic 427 wing badge complete the look.

It's a beautifully sorted example that suits the enthusiast who wants the raw V8 sports car experience with genuine handling pedigree and none of the compromises.

History and Documentation

• First registered 1 March 2017 following an IVA certificate issued in January 2017; chassis built 2016

• British-built by Gardner Douglas of Grantham and correctly registered as a Gardner Douglas, with an age-related plate tied to 1986 Jaguar donor running gear

• Two previous owners; in current ownership since September 2025

• Documented maintenance on file including a comprehensive recommissioning in June 2022 (full service, battery, oil and filter, HT leads, eight spark plugs, Edelbrock carburettor, fuel pipes, cooling-fan thermostat control, water-temperature sender, rear wheel studs, Willans harnesses, headlamps, Mota-Lita steering wheel and gauges), plus brakes bled, front wheels balanced and aligned, and a handbrake rebuild in August 2022, followed by steering, manual choke and fuel-system work carried out in 2026

• Two sets of keys plus two battery cut-off/isolator switch keys; a file of previous bills and documents; V5C in current keeper's name

• Believed to have received a new odometer at some stage; total mileage is estimated to be around 3,800 miles

• Current MOT expires 13 June 2027

• HPI clear

Interior

• Cream leather with red piping and GD-embroidered headrests

• Black carpets throughout; carpeted boot area

• Willans four-point harnesses for driver and passenger

• Full set of classic Smiths gauges: tacho, speedo, fuel, volts, oil and water temp

• 14-inch wood-rim Mota-Lita steering wheel

• Toggle and rocker switches with red starter button

• Fire extinguisher mounted between seats

• The vendor notes some very small marks to the leather that could benefit from a clean; otherwise in great order

Exterior

• Deep, glossy red paint presenting excellently

• Classic oval grille with chrome surround and mesh; twin round Halibrand/P700 headlamps

• Chrome quarter-bumper overriders front and rear; twin round tail lights

• 427 wing badge; side vent louvres; chrome roll-over hoops with cream head fairings

• Chrome-framed windscreen with fold-flat aero screens; chrome wing mirrors; smoked-glass sun visors

• The seller identifies a few blemishes as follows: marks around the boot latch, a chip to the fibreglass on the underside of the boot lid, chipped fibreglass around where the hood fits into the bodywork

• Aluminium riveted arch beading; Le Mans-style aluminium fuel filler cap

• Black mohair folding hood in as-new condition; toughened-glass wind deflectors; replica stainless mirrors

• 17-inch faux-Halibrand alloys with grey inserts and aluminium spinners in excellent condition

• Falken FK452 tyres with good tread

Mechanical

• 350ci (5.7-litre) short-block Chevrolet V8 supplied by Westfield Cars and built by a specialist, with Edelbrock single-plane inlet manifold, sports cam and tubular stainless-steel headers

• Edelbrock 600cfm carburettor; HEI distributor; Chevrolet "Chevy Power" valve covers

• Aluminium header tank and silicone hoses; Revotec electric cooling fan; Facet fuel pump

• Tremec TKO five-speed manual gearbox

• 10-inch chromed underslung twin stainless exhaust with central rear exit

• Gardner Douglas steel tubular backbone chassis; 1986 Jaguar XJ Series (Daimler) rear axle, brakes and steering rack

• 11-gallon aluminium fuel tank; drilled brake discs

• Manual choke fitted in 2026 to ease cold starting

• The vendor is aware of no mechanical or electrical faults; it starts easily, pulls strongly and smoothly, and stops well

Summary

This Gardner Douglas GD427 combines the marque's celebrated backbone-chassis engineering with a characterful 5.7-litre Chevrolet V8 and Tremec five-speed manual. It presents beautifully in deep gloss red over cream leather, with low indicated mileage and a raft of recent specialist work leaving it sorted and ready to enjoy. For the enthusiast seeking a raw, analogue experience with genuine handling credentials, this is a well-sorted example worth a close look.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Wokingham, Berkshire.