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MG MGA - PJB 147 1st Prototype MGA Twin Cam found

Way back in October 2005, I started searching for this car and eventually found it and was lucky enough to purchase it.

I has languished since 1981 and in need of a total restoration but it represents an interesting project.

Many if not all of the prototype parts still exist and have been independently authenticated.

I hope to update my web site this w/end with a brief history of the car and a list of the various period magazines it appeared in.

http://freespace.virgin.net/marka.hester


Anybody knowing of this car or possessing photo's please contact me.

Well have a good weekend.
Mark.



Posted 13 October 2005 at 11:17:53 UK time
Mark Hester, Perth, Australia OR London UK
Has anyone seen the car with this registration plate

PJB 147

Possibly in south east london at one point.

DVLA still show's it as being registered.

Date of Liability 01 12 2005
Date of First Registration 11 12 1981
Date of Last V5 Issue 06 10 2003
Year of Manufacture 1958
Cylinder Capacity (cc) 1600CC
CO2 Emissions Not Available
Fuel Type Petrol
Export Marker Not Applicable
Vehicle Status Licence Not Due
Vehicle Colour RED

Cheers <MARK>



Posted 14 October 2005 at 09:53:10 UK time
Mark Hester, Perth, Australia OR London UK
Once owned my Doug Briefly of London.

Does anyone recognise this name either.

Here's some photo's of the car.

http://freespace.virgin.net/marka.hester/First_10_TC's/499PJB147.jpg

http://freespace.virgin.net/marka.hester/First_10_TC's/498or499PJB147.jpg


Anyone know a friendly policeman who can check if this number plate is still registered to an MGA ?

Cheers <MARK>


Mark Hester

Congratulations Mark!

It's great that you've been able to dig up this great piece of history. Keep us posted as the story unfolds on this car. Details of the prototype bits et al.

John

PS your specific photo links don't appear to be working.
JohnB

John,
I'm in Geneva at the moment and can only update my web page from UK... fly back this weekend, should be working on Sunday
Mark Hester

Wasn't the TC prototype ORX 885? There is a picture of PJB 147 (listed as a press demonstrator) next to EX 186 on pg 93 of "The MGA" by Price-Williams.
Kemper

Mark, Just done an enquiry for you and got the following:

Different to what you got!!

The enquiry is complete

The vehicle details for PJB 147 are:

Date of Liability 01 12 2006
Date of First Registration 11 12 1981
Year of Manufacture 1958
Cylinder Capacity (cc) 1600CC
CO2 Emissions Not Available
Fuel Type Petrol
Export Marker Not Applicable
Vehicle Status Licence Not Due
Vehicle Colour BLACK
Vehicle Type Approval
The information contained on this page is correct at the time of enquiry.


CP
Colin Parkinson

Mark,

My wife picked me up a September 1958 Road and Driver and it has some photo of what it claims is the "new twin cam" its a roadster.

Would this be of interest to you?
Tysen

JohnB, just cut & paste the WHOLE line.

TTFN

Derek Nicholson

John,
Web site it up now. Enjoy the reading.
http://freespace.virgin.net/marka.hester/PJB147/PJB147.htm

Colin,
Well spotted, we have changed the V5 from Red back to it's original colour of Black and I will be painting it black whilst restoring it.

Tysen,
Most interested if it has PJB147 shown, could you scan the cover and any pages showing PJB, as I seem to be finding more and more magazines that the car appeared in.

Kember,
I'm in contact with the owner of ORX and we hope to know more about their history soon.

Cheers <MARK>
Mark Hester

Kemper,

Could you let me know which "The MGA" book as there appears to be two, a blue and a red cover one.

Blue:
http://www.veloce.co.uk/shop/products/productDetail.php?prod_id=V256&prod_group=Cars%20Vans%20&%20Trucks

Red:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/The-MGA-First-of-a-New-Line_W0QQitemZ230003771652QQihZ013QQcategoryZ1132QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


Tysen,

Is that definatly "Road and Driver", not Car and driver?
Whats your email address please ?

Cheers <MARK>
Mark Hester

Kemper,


Many Thanks for the lead to that page.

http://tinyurl.com/ju22o
Mark Hester

Mark

On your page you talk of photos, but I see only background wallpaper - did I miss something?
dominic clancy

Dear Mark,

In the January, 1983 issue of Safety Fast there are two pictures of PJB 147. The caption says that the owner was Doug Briarley and it refers to the car as the ex-works demonstrator (YD1 502). The car looks in very poor condition but was going to be put into better than new condition. By the sound of it, this may not have happened.

In the April, 1983 issue of Safety Fast there is another picture of the car probably taken by the factory as the car looks brand new and in beautiful condition.

All three photographs are black and white so I could not say whether the colour is red or black.

Derek Porter

Derek,

I was at Dougs yesterday, he sold it to his brother in law.

Yes, MGCC got it wrong.. well sort of...(long story)
I won't publish the chassis number here, but if you poke about on my site I'm sure you will find it.

Any chance you could scan the April 83 S/F one for me, as I have the Jan 83 one...
Well asking the MGCC for a copy too.

Cheers
<MARK>

PS the real 502 is out there and ready to be found!!! Check DVLA online for starters
Mark Hester

Mark, that was quick! You must have an alarm bell that rings when a new comment appears! Unfortunately, I cannot scan the picture but it is the one of the car in front of a cottage without a driver and taken from the nearside looking towards the front of the car. You have the picture on your web site. Best of luck with the restoration.
Derek Porter

This thread was discussed between 28/07/2006 and 31/07/2006

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