I came across this picture of a Gecko in front of the Autobarn premises where it was built. The sign behind reads 'AUTOBARN - Tamworth 68214. Agricultural & Motor Engineers. Specialist Vehicle & Chassis Builders. Volkswagen Conversions Specialists. Security & Safety Equipment Fabricators.'
I also wonder about the vehicles on the left. The one at the back looks to be the shell of a Ford powered Hensen M30 to me, but how about the other? It's registered 432 HWD and certainly seems to be Mini based, too. A prototype for the Gecko? Or something else?
I also wonder about the vehicles on the left. The one at the back looks to be the shell of a Ford powered Hensen M30 to me, but how about the other? It's registered 432 HWD and certainly seems to be Mini based, too. A prototype for the Gecko? Or something else?
Autobarn Fabrications of Tamworth built the Gecko between 1976 and 1990
Picture Jeroen Booij archive
They were known as a Volkwagen specialist, but the Gecko surely was Mini based
Picture Jeroen Booij archive
i drove one in 1990 dave simmonds brought the jigs and copyright i think
ReplyDeleteStill have my Autobarn Gecko Convertableb I purchased in 2006, still fun to drive
ReplyDeleteMy grandad built 3 around 1986 one of them is pictured in one of the sales brochure can gig the pic out if you want email me on motojumble@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThe company was owned by my very good friend Nick Ingram, he was indeed a VW specialist, and a very clever agricultural engineer.
ReplyDelete432 HWD was Nick's work utility vehicle which he built and used for many years.
He got so many enquiries about it, that he decided to built a prettier version for sale.
Hence the Gecko was born.