06 October 2025, Ronalds

GEMBO Returns to the Top Level of European Autocross

After more than a decade away from the autocross spotlight, legendary French constructor GEMBO is officially back with a bold new project in both the SuperBuggy and 1600 categories. With four European titles in the SuperBuggy class and its most recent European Championship victory in Maggiora, Italy in 2006, achieved by Christian Barbarin driving a Gembo Porsche, GEMBO is preparing for a triumphant return in 2026.

Founded on a tradition of engineering excellence and racing success, GEMBO became a household name in European autocross thanks to iconic championship titles such as:

🏆 1992 – Dominique Dubourg (France)

🏆 1993 – Jean-Paul Vincendeau (France)

🏆 1994 – Jean-Paul Vincendeau (France)

🏆 2003 – Luis Ribeiro (Portugal)

A Legacy of Innovation – A Future of Victory

“We have been working on new buggies in every category. Our goal is to win back the titles. We stepped away from autocross for about ten years to explore other disciplines. From a technical perspective, chassis design hasn’t evolved much compared to the developments we introduced back in 1993—such as the multi-link rear suspension with four rockers,” explains Christophe Gengembre.

“We chose to work independently, without paying attention to what other constructors were doing. GEMBO-Sport focused on consolidating all the knowledge, solutions, and experience we have built up in autocross, through multiple European, French, and Spanish titles. We created a synthesis of all GEMBO models—cars that were built, raced, and won by several drivers—in order to combine the best technical aspects into a true racing machine. Nothing is ‘off the shelf’: GEMBO manufactures its own gearboxes and differentials.”

Looking ahead, GEMBO confirms its commitment:
“In the 1600 class, it will be possible to build either a 1600cc car with a turbocharged automotive engine or one powered by a motorcycle engine,” adds Gengembre.

2026 – A New Era for GEMBO

With development already underway, GEMBO is preparing to deliver racing machines that embody the brand’s DNA: cutting-edge engineering, driver-focused design, and a relentless pursuit of victory. For fans, 2026 will not just be a comeback—it will mark the beginning of a new chapter in autocross history.

“Innovation, passion, performance: that is the GEMBO promise.”

Special thanks to: Christophe Gengembre for sharing his time, insights, and vision for GEMBO’s return to the European Autocross Championship.