Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.
|
MG MGA - Goodby Old Friend!
A sad day for me. After 50 years of daily driving I have had to say goodby to an old friend.
Time to rationalize my life as an octogenarian and follow other pursuits. I found this car written off after an accident, towed it home to the delight of my family (see b&w photo) rebuilt it and drove it every day! 4 motors and 2 gearboxes, countless miles, tons of fun but all things must come to an end. The new owner has already made a great fuss, lots of new 'bits' and a polish and intends to drive it! And so the legend lives on and a new family gets the thrills! I have also sold my half completed resto Mk11. thus clearing out the garage and 50 plus years of all things MGA. Thanks to all on this site for your help and enthusiasm over many years. Happy MGA Motoring, Barry. |
Barry Gannon |
Sad to see her go Barry. Fond memories. Privileged to have had the opportunity to drive her at the circuit. Steve |
Steve Gyles |
Barry, you've made that hard decision that all of us will face sooner or later, but at least you've have 50 years of driving enjoyment. Good luck in your future endeavors! |
Nick Kopernik |
Barry I'm in my "Diamond Year" and have owned my MGB for 20 years. I too will be making the same decision as you some day. Hopefully it's next owner will enjoy it as much as I have. Cheers Gary 79 MGB |
Gary Hansen |
Barry, Saying farewell to an old friend is always hard, but at least it sounds like he is going to get pampered/enjoyed. As you say the legend lives on and you will always be a major part of that. I'm looking down the barrel of a similar choice before too long, we've had our elan for 46 years now and don't seem to use it as much nowadays. I'm sure I can speak for everyone here and say your input will always be welcome here, so if you need a chat----anytime. Stay well-stay safe regards willy |
William Revit |
Thanks Barry. Yes, I am the lucky new owner of Barrys faithful car.
I have wanted an MGA for a while now to complete my collection, although they are never really complete are they? Barry’s car is a treasure. Driven over a long time and we’ll maintained. The body is far better than I had hoped, with no rust anywhere and an older good coat of paint. I have polished and cleaned it, replaced all the suspension bushes,gone over the brakes and replaced all fluids.It will be Licensed in a week or 2. It now drives tight and right. I also own a MGB V8 Costello a MK2 Australian Cooper S and an Australian Clubman GT.The MGA fits perfectly. I plan to maintain it and drive it. It won’t be over pampered, just maintain.as it should be and driven with a little gusto. I live on Phillip Island, the home of the Historic Classic race meeting held in March each year. If anyone is heading over here contact me, it would be great to meet you. David |
D McAdam |
Getting there. On the road soon. David |
D McAdam |
Good stuff David, thanks for the pics etc,- Bit of a V8 fan ,can i ask what model your Costello is -roadster/GT, willy |
William Revit |
Hi Willy, a roadster, have owned it 21 years and still in love. has toured Tassie extensively as I have friend in Hobart with one. They are a great package! Cheers, David |
D McAdam |
Barry I wish you the very best with those new pursuits. Someone once said to me at a car show that we do not own our cars, but we are just their temporary custodians! And it sounds like yours has gone to a good custodian Take care |
Graham V |
David I'm pulling my hair out-didn't take long----lol, trying to think who's got a Costello in Hobart Are we using the term Costello , um, as a description of a v8 conversion of your car and his or are we talking genuine Costello There's not many genuine Costellos in Australia, Your red car looks familiar, I'm sure i've seen it somewhere---which engine/box combination does it have willy |
William Revit |
Great news David. Why not join the MGCC Victoria, then you automatically become part of the MGA Register. You can also take your car for a spin around Phillip Island raceway with the MSCA or join us on social events. This Sunday is the Concours at Yarra Glen. Mike MGCC MGA Register captain |
Mike Ellsmore |
Too true Mike. And David, as Steve Gyles says your 'A' is no stranger to the Phillip Island circuit! With me in the passenger seat, Steve had me white knuckled at 100mph. down the main straight. That was in 2012 and a memorable time for me as I had never driven that car at such a speed in all the years of my ownership! Former Top Gun RAF pilot with a very heavy right foot ... what more to expect! Barry. |
Barry Gannon |
Willy, it’s a 3500 with a 390 Holley . LT77 gearbox and a ford LSD. Volvo 4 pots on vented rotors and still has drums on the rear. I still grin every time I drive it! |
D McAdam |
Barry my Cooper S has done many many laps around the island. I don’t need to drive it ,it knows the way. The MG’s are touring cars and are used extensively. My V8 is joining 2 other red V8’s on a trip around Victoria early March. Really looking forward to it. |
D McAdam |
Cheers David--I've built a few V8's and used to run the V8 register here, was just interested to know the setup of your car-- built my first one back in 1976 just after Andrew Rennie built his---I'm thinking your mate in Hobart would just about have to be Herby------ |
William Revit |
Driven on an unregistered vehicle permit. Strong engine, delightful gearbox and no rattles. Very happy!
|
D McAdam |
Barry’s car, finally finished and on the road. Here resting with his younger brother.
|
D McAdam |
Nice collection there David, it'll be hard to decide which saddle to get into- The pic also answers my v8 conversion V Costello question Cheers willy |
William Revit |
This thread was discussed between 16/02/2022 and 05/03/2022
MG MGA index
This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.