Monday 30 March 2020

Autobarn Fabrications' Gecko

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?

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

3 comments:

  1. i drove one in 1990 dave simmonds brought the jigs and copyright i think

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  2. Still have my Autobarn Gecko Convertableb I purchased in 2006, still fun to drive

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  3. My 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

    ReplyDelete