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Surprise, surprise, very little was achieved over the Christmas or New Year period. I have now though started Bertie's rebuild. Starting with the new wiring harness and the various brake and fuel pipes, I realised that I had forgotten the proper routing from rear to front! I then realised that, although when removing everything I was certain that I would remember the location where things go, I have forgotten. I soon discovered that the Haynes workshop manual, although generally very good, does not show every detail so I had to resort to the internet. I then found that there are photographs and videos of almost everything required when restoring a MGB, thankfully. So with the harness loosely in place the steering column was next. I decided to work from the rear of the car towards the front. So all of the rear lights were installed and connected to the wiring loom. This will be followed, this week, with the doors and interior items, excluding any...

Just arrived from the Paint Shop. Plenty to do over Christmas!...

Work has been steadily progressing on Bertie's restoration, but the plan has changed. I reached the point where the number of panels needing to be repaired or replaced, due to rust, was no longer the best solution. Bertie is to have a complete new shell! The old body shell has been sent to have those panels that are still sound removed and re-used, and the new body, made by British Motor Heritage, has arrived. The seams of the new body have been sealed, in line with recomendations, and several holes have been drilled for accessories to be attached. Now the bodyshell has gone to the paintshop and I am busy cleaning the engine and gearbox, replacing the clutch and restoring everthing else currently laying in a heap on the garage floor.  ...

For many a classic enthusiast, buying a sports car with an octagon badge on its nose is the realisation of a dream. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, cars leaving Abingdon were not only bound for UK showrooms but dealers in countries across the globe, such was their popularity owing to the fun they offered and the freedom they represented. And yet, while many aspired to own an MG, it was a dream that was far from out of reach; especially moving into the 1970s when the affordability offered by these cars was brought to the fore. The same is true today; MG remains one of the most popular brands in the UK thanks to the range of classics in its back catalogue, with the 1970s rubber-bumper Midget and 1990s MGF in particular providing phenomenal value for money. A budget of £5000 guarantees you’ll be sitting behind the wheel of a fine of example of either of these B-road champions. But picking the best is...