Overview
In 1962, Erin branched out into the realm of GT cars with the Ghaleda, an understated, powerful 2+2 coupe that, like many of the company’s early ventures, aimed to take on the big boys. Today, the car is one of the more sort-after of Erin’s early models, with less than 600 examples being produced between 1962 and 1965.
History
In 1960, Erin set out a roadmap for the expansion of its company, including the launch of a multitude of new models and the construction of a new factory in the south of Nottingham, UK. Arnold Clark, who had joined the company that year and was one of the main advisers to CEO Dominic Erin, was keen to see Erin make a GT coupe to compete with the likes of the Bonham Fleming, Zavir 65, Scagliati 300 Series and other offerings from the continent.
A new 2.6m platform was developed for the car, as well as a revised version of their SE-12 engine found in the more famous Lagana. This new engine, named the SF-12, was a DOHC 2V all-iron V12, and its first iteration was a 4.0l 309hp variant. This would be the only engine offered in the Ghaleda.
The styling aimed to be contemporary and understated, carrying some of the features of the Lagana with it. It was given a long nose and large boot for practicality. The cabin was spacious, with light walnut cladding, painted leather and a well-specced sound system. It was the most well equipped car the company had made to date.
The Ghaleda was the first car to be built on C-Line at the Nottingham Factory, a hand-made construction line with limited machinery assistance that would stay open until 1977.
On the road
The Ghaleda knocked out 0-60 in 7.0 seconds and could hit 138mph flat out, making it on the slower side for GT cars of the day. Erin decided that to counter its then-notoriety for making cars that were too sharp and too racer-esque for every day use that they should produce a model more focused on handling and road feel, which is where the Ghaleda excelled. It was rounded and more comfortable away from the limit.
The car’s high base price, however, did limit it in sales and appeal, having to compete with more established companies and marques. It has often been seen more as the test mule for more successful GT cars later in the company’s life, but still forms an important chapter in the early days of Erin.
The base chassis would later be used as the basis for its successor, the Fusilla, which arrived in 1966.