Christmas Present 2017
Just arrived from the Paint Shop. Plenty to do over Christmas!...
Restoration Progress
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.
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Restoring Bertie
It is now 18 months since I bought Bertie the 'B' and I have decided to carry out a restoration of everything except the Oselli engine. The intention is to take it back to bare metal and replace any rusty panels before respraying it. Bertie will remain Snowberry White but will have a new red trim and hood. The above picture and the first 4 pictures on the slider below are of Bertie before I started work. These are followed by pictures as the strip-down has advanced. More will follow as the work progresses....
EPIC BATTLES: MG Midget 1500 v MGF Reprinted by kind permission of Classic Car Weekly – June 2017
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...
Bridget and Bertie’s New Season
Bridget has already completed her first engagement this year at the 'Old Speckled Hen Run'. This is a MG Car Club event, held annually, that was first run 25 years ago. Wednesday 7th June Bridget attended her first photo shoot of the year so currently is looking at her best. Since I arrived back from my Winter Quarters I have tightened down Bridget's new cylinder head, adjusted the timing and balanced the carburettors. She is in first class condition, even if I say so myself.
I have decided that I am unlikely to go spend next winter away, but am planning to strip Bertie down to a shell and re-spray her. Currently, the choice is for a deep pearlescent red, but that may change.
This weekend Bridget and I shall be at MGLive, Silverstone, so perhaps we will see you there.
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