Gillet

Gillet: Belgian Craftsmanship in High-Performance Sports Cars
Gillet is a prestigious Belgian automobile manufacturer, founded in 1992 by former racing driver Tony Gillet. The company is renowned for producing hand-built, ultra-lightweight sports cars that combine cutting-edge technology with bespoke craftsmanship. The brand's slogan, "Supercar and work of art Pure Pleasure!" encapsulates its commitment to delivering an unparalleled driving experience.

Early Beginnings and the Vertigo
Tony Gillet, a successful racing driver who won the Belgian hill-climb championship in 1979 and 1980, founded the company after a career in motorsport and as the Belgian importer for Donkervoort, a Dutch manufacturer of Lotus Seven-style cars. In January 1990, Tony Gillet set a record for the fastest 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) time for production cars with a specially modified Donkervoort.

The first prototype of the Gillet Vertigo was completed in 1991 and showcased at the 71st Brussels Auto Show in January 1992. The Vertigo, known for its lightweight construction and impressive performance, was finalized for production over the next two years and displayed at the Paris and Geneva car shows in 1993. The production model featured a carbon fiber and honeycomb chassis, a technology borrowed from Formula One, which provided greater strength and stiffness while reducing weight.

Evolution and Notable Models
The Vertigo has undergone several evolutions since its inception:

Vertigo Mk 1: The initial production model, powered by a Ford Cosworth 2.0-litre inline-four engine.

Vertigo .5: Introduced in 2008, this model incorporated features from the Vertigo race car used in the 2007 FIA GT race series and was powered by a 4.2-litre Ferrari/Maserati V8 engine.

The Vertigo held the 0-100 km/h record for production cars at 3.1 seconds for a time, showcasing its exceptional performance capabilities. Notable owners of the Vertigo include Prince Albert of Monaco and French singer and actor Johnny Hallyday.

Recent Developments
In recent years, Gillet has continued to innovate and expand its offerings. In 2015, Zagato released the Zagato Maserati Mostro, based on the chassis of the Vertigo .5, at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. In 2017, Prince Albert II of Monaco visited the Gillet factory to show his support for the brand. Gillet also collaborated with Transnubel to produce composite cubes for the Belgian nuclear industry.

Official Website
For more information about Gillet, its history, and its current lineup of vehicles, you can visit the official Gillet website. https://www.gilletvertigo.com/

Gillet's journey from its inception to becoming a symbol of Belgian automotive excellence showcases its dedication to innovation, performance, and bespoke craftsmanship. The brand's impact on the sports car market remains significant, and its vehicles continue to be cherished by enthusiasts around the world