Ginetta G55 (2011 onwards)
The Ginetta G55 is a front-mid-engined British GT racer built in Leeds from 2011. Most cars use a Ford 3.7-litre V6 and a Hewland sequential gearbox. It served as the Ginetta GT4 SuperCup car for a decade and won British GT4 titles. Today it is a common, affordable entry into club GT and endurance racing.
History
Ginetta announced the G55 in November 2010 and delivered the first cars in February 2011 1. It replaced the G50 and was built at the Leeds factory. The launch price was £75,000, or £25,000 to upgrade an existing G50 1. Ginetta's own history notes that most G50s were converted to G55 specification 2.
The Cup car used a Ford 3.7-litre V6, a Hewland six-speed sequential gearbox and a tubular spaceframe 14. It became the premier car of the Ginetta GT Supercup on the BTCC support package from 2011 315. In 2014 a Geartronics pneumatic paddle shift arrived across the grid. Geartronics reported no gearbox rebuilds that season and said engine over-revs had stopped 13.
A GT3 test car ran in 2011 and the V8 G55 GT3 made its race debut in Britcar in 2012 1. In August 2013 Ginetta confirmed an SRO-homologated G55 GT4 for 2014 3. That version suited British GT, GT4 series abroad and long races such as the Dubai 24 Hours 321. In 2017 Century Motorsport ran two revised G55 GT3s in British GT with a 570 bhp Chevrolet LS3 20.
For 2022 the V8 G56 joined the GT4 SuperCup, and the G55 kept its own class that year 15. From 2023 Britcar's British Endurance Championship opened a Ginetta SuperCup class for G56 and G55 GT4 cars 16. A Ginetta history site suggests the G55 GT cars are probably out of SRO homologation now 17. The cars remain busy in Britcar, GT Cup and GT4 racing overseas 5714.
Palmarès
G55s first raced in British GT at Oulton Park in 2011, and Century Motorsport took fourth at Rockingham that year 1. The GT3 version won its first race in Britcar at Donington Park with a one-two 1. Graham Johnson and Mike Robinson won the 2016 British GT GT4 title for Optimum Motorsport in a G55 18. In 2017 Will Tregurtha and Stuart Middleton won the GT4 drivers', teams' and Silver Cup titles with HHC Motorsport's single G55 19. The G55 was the main car of the Ginetta GT4 SuperCup from 2011 to 2021 15. A 2017 G55 won the 2025 Britcar GT class 7.
What to check before you buy
Engine hours since last rebuild and who did it (Ginetta factory or independent): The current recommendation quoted by sellers is 120 hours, and factory rebuilds may carry a Ginetta warranty. Gearbox and differential hours since full rebuild, with invoices: Sellers quote these figures separately from engine hours, and no standard interval is published. Chassis number and build history: Some G55s carry a G50 chassis prefix because many G50s were upgraded. Confirm what the car started as. Exact specification: GT4, GT4 Evo with ABS and TC, Supercup, GT3 or GTA: Aero, electronics, tyres and gearbox differ between versions, and a US GTA uses a Quaife helical box. Expiry dates of the fuel cell, seat and harness: Replacement adds cost before the first race, and recent sellers list these dates. Spare driveshafts and CV joints in the package: CV failures are reported and parts may need to come from the UK factory. Eligibility papers for your target series: British GT GT4 homologation may have lapsed, while Britcar and GT Cup still accept the car.
Versions and evolutions
| Version | Years | What changed | How to identify |
|---|---|---|---|
| G55 Cup / Supercup | 2011-2022 in the Ginetta one-make series | Ford 3.7 V6 of 355-370 bhp, Hewland 6-speed sequential, Michelin control tyres. Geartronics pneumatic paddle shift from 2014. Ginetta's history site says it is close to GT4 specification apart from tyres. 2 | Supercup front splitter and rear wing, 9 in front and 10 in rear 18-inch wheels. Many cars started life as G50s, so check the chassis plate. |
| G55 GT4 and GT4 Evo | 2014 onwards (SRO homologated version) | Same V6 and Hewland gearbox as the Cup car, built to SRO GT4 rules. Later Evo cars add Bosch ABS, traction control and a MoTeC M150 ECU. Later GT4 output is quoted at 380 PS. 3 | ABS unit and traction control switch on the wheel; sellers list cars as 'GT4 Evo' or note 'ABS, TC'. Cars without ABS are often advertised as 'non ABS'. |
| G55 GT3 | 2011 test car, 2012 race debut; revised 2017 cars | Ginetta-built 4.35-litre V8 (a Nissan VK45 unit per Ginetta's history site), about 1,100 kg, wider wheels. The 2017 Century cars used a 570 bhp Chevrolet LS3, revised splitter and brakes. 1 | Larger rear wing, wider wheels and a V8 engine. Very few were built, so ask for build papers. |
| G55 GTA (North America) | late 2010s, Ginetta America | Detuned 270 bhp Ford 3.7 V6, dry sump, race clutch, paddle-shifted 6-speed Quaife helical gearbox with auto-blip. 1 | Quaife helical gearbox rather than a Hewland sequential. Do not confuse with an ex-Ginetta America G55 GT4. |
| G56 (successor, for context) | 2022 onwards | Separate model with a 6.2-litre Chevrolet LS3 V8 of about 500 bhp in GT4 form. It replaced the G55 in the SuperCup and in British GT. 17 | Different model; some G55s now wear G56 front bumpers, so check the chassis number, not the bodywork. |
Known issues
- Engine life and rebuild timing — Sellers say Ginetta now recommends a rebuild at 120 hours on its six-cylinder engines. Older cars carried a 60-hour Ginetta warranty, so many are sold near that mark. unknown; a used high-output engine sold for $9,500 5
- Driveshaft CV joint failures — A GT4 Australia team broke a CV inside a driveshaft in practice in 2024. The parts are specific and had to come from England. 14
- Pneumatic gearshift actuator and sensors — An overheated valve on the gear actuator stopped one car shifting. Another seller lists a new gear position sensor among recent work. 14
- Over-rev damage on pre-2014 shift systems — Geartronics said its 2014 paddle shift stopped engine over-revs. Ask whether an early car still has the older system or a damaged engine history. 13
- Gearbox and differential wear — Hewland box and Drexler-type diff need periodic rebuilds. No published interval was found; sellers quote hours since rebuild by Racing Transmissions or Ginetta. 5
- Mixed-specification cars — Many cars began as G50s, and some carry Supercup aero or G56 bumpers on a GT4 base. This can affect eligibility in a given class. 2
- Lifed safety items — FIA fuel cells and belts expire. Recent listings give fuel cell and harness dates, for example a cell valid to February 2030. 7
Checklist before you buy
- Engine hours since last rebuild and who did it (Ginetta factory or independent). — The current recommendation quoted by sellers is 120 hours, and factory rebuilds may carry a Ginetta warranty. 5
- Gearbox and differential hours since full rebuild, with invoices. — Sellers quote these figures separately from engine hours, and no standard interval is published. 5
- Chassis number and build history. — Some G55s carry a G50 chassis prefix because many G50s were upgraded. Confirm what the car started as. 8
- Exact specification: GT4, GT4 Evo with ABS and TC, Supercup, GT3 or GTA. — Aero, electronics, tyres and gearbox differ between versions, and a US GTA uses a Quaife helical box. 1
- Expiry dates of the fuel cell, seat and harness. — Replacement adds cost before the first race, and recent sellers list these dates. 7
- Spare driveshafts and CV joints in the package. — CV failures are reported and parts may need to come from the UK factory. 14
- Eligibility papers for your target series. — British GT GT4 homologation may have lapsed, while Britcar and GT Cup still accept the car. 17
Running costs 5
| Rebuild interval | Engine: about 120 hours, the current Ginetta recommendation quoted by sellers; older cars had a 60-hour warranty 5611. Gearbox and diff: no published interval. |
|---|---|
| Typical rebuild cost | Not published. A complete used high-output engine sold for $9,500; one UK seller prices the same car at £35,000 as is or from £50,000 rebuilt 125. |
| Consumables | 18-inch slicks and wets (Michelin, Pirelli or Goodyear depending on series), Alcon brake pads and discs, engine, gearbox and diff oils 4610. |
| Spares availability | Factory support from Ginetta in Leeds and UK preparers such as Preptech UK and Anthony Seddon Racing. Some CV parts must come from England 4614. |
Where it races today
- Britcar British Endurance Championship · Ginetta SuperCup class (from 2023); GT class — Class opened for G56 and G55 GT4 cars; a G55 won the 2025 Britcar GT class. 16
- GT Cup Championship (UK) · GTH — A G55 GT4 took a class podium at GT Cup Round 1 in 2025, per a seller. 5
- Ginetta GT4 SuperCup · G55 class (2022) — G55 was the main car from 2011; in 2022 it had its own class beside the G56. A Ginetta history site says the series has ended. 15
- British GT Championship · GT4 — Won GT4 titles in 2016 and 2017; probably out of SRO homologation now. Check current regulations. 17
- GT4 Australia and other national GT4 series · GT4 — A 2018-spec G55 GT4 raced in GT4 Australia in 2024. 14
- Spanish hillclimb · GT — A Spanish GT4 Evo is offered with a national hillclimb passport. 11
Market prices
- G55 at launch (new): 75,000 GBP (2011-02) 1
- 2016 G55 GT4 SuperCup, zero-hour engine, Iconic auction lot 649 (not sold): not sold, no published estimate GBP (2022-03) 4
- G55 GT4 Evo hillclimb/circuit car, Spain, 400 hp, ABS (asking): 95,990 + VAT EUR (2024-11) 11
- G55 GT4 Evo, ABS and TC, 81 h engine (asking, as it stands): 35,000 (from 50,000 rebuilt) GBP (2025-10) 5
- G55 GT4 380 bhp, 89 h engine, gearbox and diff 16 h (asking): 42,500 GBP (2025-10) 5
- G55 Supercup, fully restored, 48 h engine (asking): 70,000 GBP (2025-10) 5
- G55 GT4 LHD, Denmark (asking): 99,000 + VAT EUR (2026-03) 8
- 2018 G55 GT4, ex-Ginetta America works car (asking): 60,000 GBP (2026-11) 9
- G55 Super Cup, 36.5 h engine (asking): 38,000 + VAT GBP (2026-11) 10
- G55 Supercup GT4, 60 h engine (last asking price, marked sold; sale date not shown): 35,000 GBP (2026-11) 6
- 2017 G55, 2025 Britcar GT class winner (last asking price, marked sold; seen November 2026): 45,000 GBP (2026-11) 7
- G55 high-output 3.7 V6 engine package only (marked sold): 9,500 USD (2026-11) 12
Between October 2025 and November 2026, UK asking prices for G55s ran from about £35,000 to £70,000. Continental GT4 Evo cars with ABS were advertised at €96,000-99,000 plus VAT. No G55 listings were found on racingcarnetwork.com on 6 November 2026.
Reference prices are dated and sourced; live asking prices are in the listings above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I tell a G55 Supercup from a G55 GT4?
Mechanically they are close: same Ford 3.7 V6 and Hewland box. Supercup cars ran Michelin control tyres and Supercup aero, while GT4 cars were built to SRO rules. Later GT4 Evo cars add Bosch ABS and traction control. Ask for the build sheet and chassis number, because many cars have mixed parts.
How often does the V6 need rebuilding?
Several UK sellers in 2025 and 2026 say Ginetta now recommends 120 hours between rebuilds on its six-cylinder engines. Older cars carried a 60-hour factory warranty. Ask who rebuilt the engine, how many hours it has done since, and whether any warranty transfers.
Which gearbox does a G55 use?
GT4, Supercup and GT3 cars use a Hewland six-speed sequential with pneumatic paddle shift, an oil cooler and a sealed limited-slip diff. The North American GTA version is different: it uses a Quaife helical six-speed with paddle shift and auto-blip.
Where can I race a G55 today?
Britcar has run a Ginetta SuperCup class for G56 and G55 GT4 cars since 2023, and a G55 won the 2025 Britcar GT class. GT Cup accepts it in GTH. British GT homologation has probably lapsed, so check current rules before buying for that series.
What does a G55 cost to buy?
UK asking prices from late 2025 to late 2026 ran from about £35,000 for a car needing work to £70,000 for a restored Supercup. GT4 Evo cars with ABS in Spain and Denmark were advertised near €96,000-99,000 plus VAT.
Is the G55 the same as the G56?
No. The G56 is a newer model with a 6.2-litre Chevrolet V8 of about 500 bhp. It replaced the G55 in the SuperCup from 2022 and in British GT. Some G55s now wear G56 bumpers, so check the chassis number.
Sources
- Ginetta G55, Wikipedia (2026) — Launch dates and price, G50 upgrade price, version specs (Cup, GT3, GT4, GTA), early race results
- Ginetta G55 model index, ginetta.org (Ginetta history site) (2026) — Versions, G50-to-G55 conversions, Supercup vs GT4 tyres, engine code, GT3 V8
- Ginetta announce G55 GT4 plans, The Checkered Flag (2013-08) — SRO-homologated GT4 version for 2014, Hewland gearbox, Supercup origin
- 2016 Ginetta G55 GT4 SuperCup (2022-spec), lot 649, Iconic Auctioneers (2022-03) — Detailed spec (355 bhp, Hewland with oil cooler, Drexler LSD, Alcon brakes, 1,085 kg), not-sold result, spares
- GT Cup marketplace (Ginetta G55 listings of 21 October 2025), GT Cup Championship (2025-10) — Asking prices, 120-hour engine recommendation, gearbox/diff rebuild hours, GTH class
- Ginetta G55 Supercup GT4 (advert 156728, sold), Racecarsdirect (2026) — £35,000 asking price, 60 h engine, 120 h recommendation, preparer
- Ginetta G55 (advert 162573, sold), Racecarsdirect (2026) — £45,000 asking price, 2025 Britcar GT class win, Ginetta rebuild, driveshafts, fuel cell expiry, G56 bumper
- Ginetta G55 GT4 (advert 162918), Racecarsdirect (2026-03) — €99,000 + VAT asking price, chassis G50-LT-374, Supercup aero on GT4
- 2018 Ginetta G55 GT4 ex Ginetta America works car (advert 163714), Racecarsdirect (2026-11) — £60,000 asking price
- Ginetta G55 Super Cup (advert 167394), Racecarsdirect (2026-11) — £38,000 + VAT asking price, 36.5 h engine, wheel sizes, gear position sensor
- Ginetta G55 GT4 Evo hill climb specs (advert 150412), Racecarsdirect (2024-11) — €95,990 + VAT asking price, 400 hp claim, MoTeC M150/C125, Bosch ABS, 60 h warranty, hillclimb passport
- Ginetta G55 Supercup V6 engine (advert 161598, sold), Racecarsdirect (2025) — $9,500 engine package, high-output internals, dry sump
- News 2014, Geartronics (2014) — Pneumatic paddle shift on G55 Supercup cars, no gearbox rebuilds, over-revs eliminated
- Ginetta repaired and ready to surprise on home turf, GT4 Australia (2024-07) — Driveshaft CV failure, parts from England, gear actuator valve failure
- Ginetta GT4 SuperCup welcomes Ginetta G56 for 2022, Ginetta (2021-09) — G56 joins SuperCup for 2022, G55 class, G55 used since 2011
- British Endurance Championship introduces Ginetta SuperCup class, Ginetta (2022-11) — Britcar/BEC class for G56 and G55 GT4 from 2023
- Ginetta G56 model index, ginetta.org (Ginetta history site) (2026) — G56 engine, G56 replacing G55 in British GT, G55 probably out of homologation, SuperCup ended
- Johnson and Robinson confirm GT4 title defence with PMW Expo/Optimum Motorsport, British GT Championship (2016-09) — 2016 British GT GT4 title in a G55
- GT4 champions Tregurtha and Middleton hail best season yet, British GT Championship (2017-09) — 2017 GT4 drivers', teams' and Silver Cup titles, combined age record
- Century selected as Ginetta factory team to run updated G55 GT3s, British GT Championship (2017-02) — Revised 2017 G55 GT3 with 570 bhp Chevrolet LS3
- Track test: Ginetta G55 GT4 with Fox Motorsport, Driver61 (2016-10) — 355 bhp, Hewland paddle shift, eligibility for GT Cup, British GT and endurance races
Did you know
In the marketplace now
View all →No exact Ginetta G55 (2011 onwards) listed right now — here is closely related machinery on the market.
1974 Porsche 911
1970 Lotus Europa
AUDI RS6 C8 Avant TFSI quattro Tiptronic 600CV
1984 IMSA GTU Mazda RX7 Roger Mandeville
Cupra Leon TCR SEQ Hillclimb
Osella Pa2000 Evo Honda Mugen 330hp
Alfa Romeo GT Junior 1.6 ASI 1972
