The GD427 is an accomplished vehicle in any arena due to its torsionally rigid chassis an the unique body structure. As a continental tourer, the GD427 eats up miles without stressing the engine or the driver. As an occasional trackday car, the GD427 can outperfom on the straights and can carry enough speed into the corners to surprise the best Lotus Seven inspired sportscar. As a true racing machine, the GD427 has been proved in the Sports and Racing GT Challenge by winning the series on a number of occasions.

The GD427's classic 1960s styling is hard to beat - with its muscular lines and glinting chromework here is a machine that epitomises everything that's great about the open-top sports car. However, where we feel the GD427 differs from others in the marketplace is what goes on under the curvaceous exterior. From this perspective, the GD427 is completely unique.

We are the only manufacturer in this sector of the marketplace to offer a high performance backbone chassis while the bodywork is also fabricated in a unique way, being a semi-monocoque construction rather than a simple outer shell as in most cases. Indeed, from the creation of the suspension upwards, you'll find lots of imaginative and effective design in the GD427 - all of which make this an utterly unique and highly entertaining performance car.

Even in the areas you can see, Gardner Douglas Sports Cars hasn't been a slave to replication. Sure, if you want something that closely emulates the Sixties atmosphere then the GD427 will happily oblige, but we've also taken the opportunity to look at all aspects of the design and offer updated interpretations wherever we've felt it can add to the drama. Our unique inner door release levers are a typical example - wonderfully stylish yet extremely simple.

The GD427 is our flagship model and after twelve years of continuous production we're confident it offers an unparalleled balance of performance, refinement and exhilaration.

Two In One

With the GD427 you have a choice of two different suspension systems...

Jaguar based - This Jaguar XJ6-based system retains the donor's differential, braking system, driveshafts, front and rear hubs plus wishbones (using specially rated coil-over damper units). Located on Gardner Douglas' acclaimed backbone chassis this set-up delivers a superb standard of ride, handling and refinement - all at a reasonable cost.

EURO based - The second option is to go for Gardner Douglas' bespoke suspension system known as the EURO. Here we use fabricated wishbones and cast alloy uprights on each corner, with specially rated coil-over dampers and driveshafts. The system uses Ford Cosworth hubs and braking components (with high performance aftermarket 4-pot calipers and discs as an option) along with a GKN differential.

The EURO suspension pack offers the ultimate in performance, with reduced unsprung weight, improved traction and balanced camber control front and back. It all adds up to race proven handling yet production sports car levels of ride comfort.

Gripping Performance

Step up to a GD427 and you know you're in for a treat. Even at a standstill, this has to be one of the most dramatic looking sports cars on the planet.

Slide down into the leather bucket seats and soak up the atmosphere. Glinting chrome-bezelled instruments cover the leather dashboard while through the gently curving windscreen you can survey the long sweeping wings dipping away in front of you. This is just part of the GD427 experience - this is where it all begins.

Twist the key and press the dash-mounted button and the V8 under the bonnet flexes its muscles. Underslung exhausts are a Gardner Douglas forté and they rumble with an understated thunder that has more class than brute force (side pipes are an option for those who can't resist!).

Engine options are varied, but a typical budget route would include Rover's ubiquitous V8 while high performance installations will centre around Chevrolet's 350ci unit. With the capability to handle over 500bhp, the GD427 delivers genuine supercar levels of performance (0-60mph in 4 seconds and a top speed of 175mph depending on exact engine and gearbox fitment).

Thanks to the unique way in which the bodywork is located onto the GD chassis, the driving experience in the GD427 is uninterrupted by squeaks, rattles or vibrations. Comprehensively isolated from the frame by its unique bushed location, the car immediately has a quality feel to it. The backbone chassis forms the perfect platform for the suspension to do its stuff and the ride and handling are suitably accomplished, regardless of which suspension system you opt for.

With its full weather protection (including an optional hard top), large boot and comfortable interior, the GD427 is a surprisingly practical ownership proposition, equally happy to cruise down to the south of France on holiday or battle the elements back in Blighty!

But above all, owning and driving a GD427 is an experience like no other. From the gorgeous styling to the stunning performance and handling, it's a gripping performance.

Keys To Success

There are several key elements which we feel make the Gardner Douglas GD427 exceptional...

A Unique Chassis - Our backbone chassis offers a number of advantages over more traditional designs. Not only is it lighter but its 3-dimensional design offers greater torsional stiffness than comparative ladderframe structures - vital if the suspension is to work effectively. It also offers additional safety to the occupants by enclosing the engine, propshaft, rear differential and driveshafts within an ultra strong 'cage'.

A Unique Body - Unlike conventional bodyshells which are simply decorative, the GD body is a semi-monocoque design. Careful use of different fibreglass materials (such as woven rovings in the side sills) and techniques (such as Cormat sandwiching in the footwell areas) endow the GD427 with great strength and high levels of occupant protection. This is further enhanced with foam filled side sills and substantial anti-intrusion beams in the doors.

Because of this strength the bodyshell can be isolated from the chassis through comprehensive use of rubberised mounts which reduce vibration and noise in the cockpit. The monocoque design means there are no inner panels or floors to bond in place, making trimming easier and ensuring a watertight environment. Finally, the whole body can be removed from the completed car's chassis in around an hour for major servicing or repair work - yet another completely unique feature to the GD427.

Racing Heritage - Gardner Douglas' has gone out of its way to prove its engineering capability by campaigning a GD427 EURO in the hugely exciting BRSCC Retro Sports and GT Championship. Winning the Championship in 1996 and 1997, the company returned to the track in 2001 and, with the new GD427 Lightweight, once again took top honours. No other manufacturer in this sector can boast such a track record.

Specification

GD427 - Jaguar based
Chassis: Fully triangulated backbone chassis
Bodywork: Pre-coloured GRP semi-monocoque bodyshell
Front suspension: Jaguar front wishbones and stub axles, AVO coil-over dampers
Rear suspension: Jaguar rear hub carriers, wishbones, rear driveshafts and differential. AVO coil-over dampers
Brakes: Jaguar outboard front ventilated discs and calipers plus rear inboard solid discs and calipers
Wheels/tyres: Typically 16" 3-piece alloys with 215x55 R16 front tyres and 225x55 R16 rear tyres (15" & 17" alloys an option)
Engine options: Rover V8, Chevrolet V8 in all it various guises plus other small block V8 units
Gearbox options: Rover 5-speed or Borg Warner T5 and Tremec 5-speed boxes for American engines
Steering: GD steering rack. 3.25 turns lock-to-lock. Jaguar collapsible column
Fuel tank: 12 gallons
Dimensions: Length: 162". Width: 69". Wheelbase: 90"
Weight: From 950kgs (with Rover engine)

GD427 EURO

As above except...
Front suspension: GD double wishbones, cast alloy uprights, coil-over dampers
Rear suspension: GD double wishbones, cast alloy hub carriers, coil-over dampers, GKN differential and GD driveshafts
Brakes: Outboard front and rear ventilated discs with sliding calipers
Wheels/tyres: Typically 17" 3-piece alloys with 225x45 R17 front tyres and 245x45 R17 rear tyres
Weight: 950kgs (with Chevrolet 350 engine)

Prices

GD427 - Jaguar based - A chassis pack is available from £1950 + VAT, which includes the backbone frame, pre-fitted body isolation mounts, front damper mounting plates, radiator mounting frame, diff. carrier brackets, transmission tunnel cover, steering rack, arms and track rod ends. Add in your donor suspension components and a set of coil-over dampers and you'll have the chassis rolling. For more information, see our Typical Shopping List and Price List.

GD427 - EURO based - The GD427 EURO in component form is only available as a rolling chassis upwards, with all suspension components pre-fitted at the factory. The GD427 EURO rolling chassis is priced at £7495 + VAT. For more information, see our Price List.

Options and Extras

After twelve years of continuous production we've developed a large number of exciting options over and above what we'd term the basic components required to get a GD427 on the road. At its most significant, this might include our gull-wing hard-top, which endows the GD427 with genuine all-year round practicality as well as improved security. From a more technical perspective we can offer all manner of suspension, engine and interior upgrades. Gardner Douglas is happy to discuss with you any specific requirements in these instances and advise on the best solutions.

Finally, after your car has been completed Gardner Douglas offers a number of additional services including suspension set-up, SVA compliance checks etc. See our @ Your Service section for more info.