The Ginetta G34 was presented in January 1993 as a version of the G33 with a turbocharged Volvo four-cylinder engine. It used some design cues from the stillborn G33SC, including the Mazda MX-3 headlamps, and was an attempt to break into the European market with a fully built and type-approved car. Production in Sweden began in 1997 and ended in the spring of 1998 after 21 cars had been built.
Ginetta G34 at a glance
| Maker | Ginetta Cars; built by Gin 1 Car AB in Sweden |
|---|---|
| Presented | January 1993 |
| Based on | Ginetta G33 |
| Engine | turbocharged Volvo four-cylinder |
| Initial power ratings | 165 or 190 PS |
| Production cars | 225 PS |
| Gearbox | Volvo M90 five-speed manual |
| Rear axle | Volvo 960 |
| Headlamps | Mazda MX-3 units from the G33SC design |
| Built | 21 |
| Production | 1997–spring 1998, in Arvika and then Älvdalen |
The G34 is described in a section of the English Wikipedia article on the Ginetta G27, which covers the G27, G33 and G34. Based on one source.
History of the Ginetta G34
A type-approved Ginetta for Europe
In January 1993 the G34, a version with a turbocharged Volvo four-cylinder engine, was presented. It used some of the design cues from the stillborn G33SC, including the MX-3 headlamps. The car was an attempt to break into the European market with a fully built and type-approved car, as the kit market was very limited in continental Europe.
Swedish production
Ginetta’s Swedish importer, Ingemar Engström, formed a company called Gin 1 Car AB to produce the model, using Volvo engines and other parts, including the M90 five-speed manual transmission and the rear axle from the Volvo 960. Initial specifications included engines with either 165 or 190 PS; the taller engine also required a sizable hump in the bonnet. Volvo, which typically does not supply parts to small companies, already had a relationship with Jösse Car, the maker of the Indigo sports car, and gave significant assistance to the new operation.
The end of the project
Production finally began in 1997 in Arvika but was moved to Älvdalen soon afterwards. The production cars received a 225 PS version of the Volvo engine. The project failed, with Swedish production coming to an end in the spring of 1998 after 21 cars had been built. Production then reverted to the United Kingdom, where the last few cars were built and sold as the G40 — no relation to the later Ginetta G40 — to celebrate Ginetta’s 40th anniversary.
Design and features
- Volvo power: a turbocharged Volvo four-cylinder, rated at 225 PS in the production cars.
- Volvo running gear: the M90 five-speed manual gearbox and the rear axle from the Volvo 960.
- Type-approved: a fully built car intended for continental Europe, where the kit market was small.
- G33SC styling cues: the stillborn prototype’s Mazda MX-3 headlamps were carried over.
- Swedish build: assembled by the importer’s company, Gin 1 Car AB, in Arvika and Älvdalen.
Ginetta G34 versions
- G34 prototype (1993): the original car with 165 or 190 PS engine options.
- G34 production car (1997–1998): the 225 PS version built in Sweden.
- G40 (1990s): the last few cars, built in the UK to mark Ginetta’s 40th anniversary.
The G34 was developed from the G33 after its moulds went to Ginetta’s Swedish importer, and it followed the G32 in the company’s move towards complete cars. More cars are in the Ginetta collection.
Video: Ginetta G34
Video on YouTube.
Sources
- Ginetta G27, English Wikipedia: G34 design, Volvo parts, Swedish production, G40
