Congratulations to @LKsE and their beautiful Jaguar E-Type for getting the most likes in our British cars show!
Join our virtual car show with this week's theme: British cars.
Reply to this post and include:
No car to submit? No problem. Have fun looking at the pictures and reading stories from others. And make sure you “like” your favorites!
The reply with the most likes by next Thursday 28 May will win this week’s show - earning unlimited bragging rights and some Hagerty social media love.
This is my 1961 Austin Healey Mark 1, Bugeye Sprite. I did a total ground up, 3 year restoration when I retired in 2007. Work included the replacement of approximately 20% of the sheet metal, including the floor pans. The original 948/4speed was replaced with a rebuilt 1275 out of a 1974 MG Midget and a 5 speed transmission out of a 1980 Datsun 210. The painting was done in my garage.
Dave S
Williamsport, Pa
Here is OUR MG, our 1973 MGB tourer. We have owned this car since 1983. We taught both our kids how to drive and shift in the MGB. It is part of our family. We are members of the MG Car Club Western New York Centre and attend rallys, car shows and cruise nights in OUR MGB. We have driven it as far as Canada to join up with a multi MG car club picnic, and I regularly drive to Watkins Glen every September for the Vintage Grand Prix weekend. I enter the MG in the Glenkhana every year! Its a fun little car to drive and work on! It has been repainted twice in original Glacier White, and I even was in an accident with the MGB about 12 years ago. I had the engine rebuilt around 2015 and over the years have repaired or replaced many parts so she runs like new. I have done most of the work my self and that's part of the fun! A few years ago I bought a factory hardtop from a fellow club member and had it painted to match the car. It makes it much more snug for fall and early spring drives!
Forgot to add to OUR MG we live in Victor, New York.
This is my 1961 Austin Healey Mark 1, Bugeye Sprite. I did a total ground up, 3 year restoration when I retired in 2007. Work included the replacement of approximately 20% of the sheet metal, including the floor pans. The original 948/4speed was replaced with a rebuilt 1275 out of a 1974 MG Midget and a 5 speed transmission out of a 1980 Datsun 210. The painting was done in my garage.
Dave S
Williamsport, Pa
1953 RR SS, LONG BEACH, CA. Original owner - Viscountess of Shropshire. Delivered to USA by her family in 1977. I am first non-family owner.
Recently purchased this 1969 Morris Minor Traveller from long time open wheel racer Mike Rand. It has the "big" 1100cc motor. 🙂 Right hand drive. Front brakes have MG Midget disk upgrade and rear shocks converted to modern tube shocks. It's noisy, smelly, under powered, under suspended, uncomfortable to drive... And I love it!
The perfect conveyance for my gear bag when racing at Lime Rock Park 13 miles away.
Being a Wallace and Gromit car that is beyond cuteness can't drive or park anywhere without getting smiles, a wave and/or pleasant conversation. There are only a few reasons to own a car like this and even fewer reasons not to own it. 🙂
Let's play, "One of these things is not like the other..." (And I don't own the other!)
Let's play, "One of these things is not like the other..."
My 1977 MGB with a 1980 Rover 3.5 V8. Bought the shell in 2000, on the road in 2005. Along with the V8, “Sebring” fender flares were added. 1st Gen MX5 seats, Minilite wheels.
I’m currently working on a 1970 MGB GT with another Rover V8. I’ve owned a 1974 B roadster, a 1994 MG RV8 and a 1974 Austin Mini. Those cars have gone on to new caretakers.
Happy Motoring!
Simon Austin
Surrey BC
I was fortunate to buy this car in 1973 as a 5th grade teacher.I held on to it.In 2009, it started its body on restoration having 21,000 miles on it and we are the 2nd owners/caretakers.
It was originally silver with dual blue interior.As you
can see the 1980's picture it was pastel blue.I thank GOD that I was able to find this car and keep it all these years!Happy Memorial Day!
It's a 1950 XK 120,an early steel body.I forgot to tell you.
This is the 2nd Mini I've owned, in the same colour. A 1972 ex-1000 from New Zealand, she's called "Limey". We are in Boulder, Colorado, and are founding members of @minis.of.the.rockies. Although, now I get to say that she's a British car that doesn't leak oil, because of a Honda Vtec under the bonnet.My matching suit
Sunrise mountain backdrop
Custom branded subwoofer
It's the relish!
1966 Lotus Elan Fixed Head Coupe, Series 3, Type 36
Fountain Valley, California
Here are a few shots of my “pre-airflow” Elan coupe. I’ve owned it for about 9 years, it’s very original and great fun to drive. I’m a lifelong car guy and an Elan Coupe has been on my bucket list since I was a kid.
1962 Lotus Seven
I am the second owner. It was the original owner's daily driver; never a race car. Still has original 948cc engine, smooth case transmission, drum brakes, and so on. It gets driven every other weekend. It has always been a Southern California car.
1973 Jaguar e-type OTS
(With removable hardtop)
Owned,and driven, for 9 yrs
Salem, SC
1967 Austin-Healey 3000
Owned, and driven, for 38 years!
Salem, SC
We are a husband (Healey) and wife (Jaguar) team loving our British cars!
I fell in love with the Lotus Europa when I was 16 in 1971. In 1981 I bought a 1970 Series 2. The car sat dormant from 1985 to 2001 when I started a body-off, frame up restoration completed in 2005.
The car has been modified with a Renault 807 Crossflow engine with twin Weber DCOE 40s replacing the original Renault engine.
We currently reside in Northern Virginia.
I saw my 1st Berkeley as a kid back in 1961. My brother and I were out on a bike ride in Seattle and passed by a small car dealership and saw a little sports car in the window. It was a new Berkeley (probably an SE-328) and I absolutely fell in love with it. This car measures 4' x 10' (perfect 'kid' size), weighs 700 lbs, and is powered by a 3-cylinder Excelsior motor cycle engine. I got a brochure at the time (and I still have it) and never forgot about it. Several years later when I was old enough to drive one of these could not be found, so I had to settle for an old '55 Porsche Speedster as my first car. When I was in the Navy in Long Beach in early 1967 I saw an ad in the paper for a Berkeley up in LA -- ended up buying it. A friend (shipmate) and I worked on trying to get it running, but after several months of trying had no luck. When we were out on the road one time someone drove up alongside and wanted to buy it on the spot -- I relented and sold it. It was always in the back of my mind to maybe get another one someday, and when one showed up for sale in Seattle around 2009 I just went up and bought it. It has been a part-time project since, run only occasionally. It is a 1959 Berkeley SE 492 with the original Excelsior 492 cc engine replaced with a Suzuki GT 550 engine. She resides in Gig Harbor, WA.Berkeley SE-492
Berkeley SE-492
Berkeley SE-492
1970 Jaguar E-Type 2+2
Engine bay
Interior
Originally growing up in England, an E-Type Jag was my dream car and totally beyond my expectations of ownership. Fast forward 35 years here in Canada and my dream came true. Actually two dreams - the second was that my wife encouraged me to buy the car!
My 1970 E-Type 2+2 lives in the Vancouver BC area. Originally unsold in California it was re-registered in BC in 1971 and stayed put. I purchased it in 2014 as an un-restored original, it truly was, complete with original, under body protecting, oil leaks! The previous owner had the car from 1976. He was a long time member of the Vancouver Jaguar/MG club and at 96 years young was having difficulty getting in and out and looked for a good home - I guess I passed the test! I knew it needed some fixing up but as I worked on the car it was obvious there was a lot more work than I anticipated, anyone heard that before? I took the car off the road in 2016 and work is still progressing. Fortunately the body is in amazing shape so I am able to do most of the mechanical work myself. For a while (17 months) the bonnet (almost half the car) was a feature of our living room - did I mention I had a great wife? My garage also contains a 1977 MGB restored jointly by me and my daughter and her recently acquired 1970 MGB project in waiting.
Sadly in 2019 the Jag's previous owner passed away in his 102nd. year. When asked what his secret to long life was he replied "don't drink on a Monday"!
Cheers to everyone in the collector car world during these trying times.
This is my 1965 Triumph TR4; I've owned it since May 1968. Mostly original with some engine and suspension mods underneath. My wife and I were married in this car in 1970; our son and daughter-in-law used it as their "limo" in 2010. Grandson is learning mysteries of carburetors, stick shift, and manual everything - and loves it. Boston, MA area but still drive it on clear road days in winter as well as fair weather. PS. Has never let us down in 52 years!
1970 Jaguar Series 2 E-type OTS (roadster)Checking the view of the Straights
A top-down day at the beach!
Hello,
I own a beautiful MG Classic Convertible here in Arizona! This is my 1975 MG with all its original paint & most parts! Take a look at its original engine, tires, windshield and the wipers (yes there are 3 of them and if you take a closer look you will see my Mr Potato Head hanging out on the dash), its leather top and in the trunk is the original jack, and I am sure you will not miss the original spoke wheels that yes they shine so bright! The interior is red which matches the engine that was professionally painted! It sure is a nice ride and I hope you enjoyed the pics!
A 1974 Panther J72. Spent over five years doing a complete restoration. Always draws an admiring crowd!
Ken, Northern California.
Very nice enjoy, Its a great looking car you are blessed
1969 Jaguar XKE Roadster - Kansas City, MO
I bought this car when I was 20 years old from Boffo Motors in New Brighton, PA. Somehow I've managed to keep it for 51 years! It remains in its original condition, including its Sable brown paint, tan leather seats and convertible top. I show it in Preservation class at Jaguar Concours events. 1969 Jaguar XKE
My 1960 Land Rover Series II 88" Deluxe Station Wagon is one of very few North American Market Land Rovers purchased by the Canadian Federal Government as a workhorse to tackle the wilds of Western Canada. It has spent nearly all of the last 60 years being battered, bruised, and dented on almost every available surface of the original Birmabright aluminum alloy. There is very little evidence of the original smooth bodywork or mid-grey paint on the outer panels. Several years ago I came across this truck parked in a field and inevitably fell in love, so I purchased it from the nearest landowner and began a slow rebuild as I cut my teeth as a first-time classic car owner and restorer.
Although it is missing the original interior insulation, it has still miraculously retained all the rare Canadian dealer options such as the Koenig crank-driven winch with cab controls, Canadian-built Kodiak II heater (currently removed for restoration), throttle hand control, tropical double roof and a deluxe hood with wheel, all of which are utilized regularly as this truck keeps up its legacy as an unkillable workhorse exploring Western Canada.
1970 MGB with RX7 Rotary engine
Removable hard top for winter.
Custom interior with Miata seats.
Mazda 12A rotary, Weber 48 Side draft
My father bought this 1970 MGB brand new when it had British Racing Green paint and a black interior. He drove it for about 10 years and then gave it to my younger brother who drove it for many more years. When my brother could no longer use bailing wire, duct tape or chewing gum to keep it running, he towed it over and dropped it off at my house!
In 1990 I had just opened Karma Kreations, my auto & boat upholstery shop. I took the MGB to my new shop and over that first winter I rebuilt it, painted it red and redid the interior in tan. I then gave it back to my father as a “surprise gift” on Father’s Day in 1991.
In 2003 my father passed away and I got the MGB back. I started to drive it quite a lot but by the end of 2005 it had blown a head gasket. I took it to a local British car repair shop and was told it needed a complete rebuild which was going to be much more than I wanted to spend.
So, I made a trade-deal with the Hot Rod shop next door to install a Mazda RX7 Rotary engine and Mazda 5 speed transmission in it. I did a custom interior for them in return. Then I repainted the exterior in Maaco base-red, put a custom tan interior with Mazda Miata seats, and fabricated a custom double hoop roll bar.
I finished the rebuild in 2006 and have since driven it to many car shows, club events as well as to work. It has become the most reliable car I own and when I mentioned this to one of the United British Sports Car Club members, he replied “but that is because all the important bits aren’t British!”
This car is now seriously fast, handles like it looks and is a real blast to drive!
I live in El Dorado Hills CA, just east of Sacramento and my shop is in Rancho Cordova.
This is my 1973 Jensen Healey. Located in Eastern Pennsylvania. It was bought new by my friends uncle and was sitting in his barn since 1980. When I acquired it had just 22k miles and no rust but needed a full restoration. I have touched every nut and bolt and upgraded it with the all the best factory improvements while keeping its soul pure Jensen Healey. I love driving it and hearing the music of the Lotus 907 engine and Getrag close ratio 5-speed. I fell in love with these cars the first time I saw one in 1975. I enjoyed the entire restoration process and now I enjoy thrill of the drive each time I turn the key.
2003 Opel speedster 2.2
Yeah I know I know, some may say it’s not British because the badge says Opel (Vauxhall for some). However The car is designed and built by Lotus and manufactured in the same line that the Elise in Hethel, Norfolk.
My first real Sport Car (after a Peugeot 205 GTi I used for track days). Very very light and very responsive. It’s a pleasure to drive it. Difficult to get in a out but once in, it feels like you were born in there. Your heels are at the same height that your “end of your back”.
I live in Huntington Beach, CA, although this car is in Madrid, Spain. I couldn’t figure it out how to take it to California.
Las time my dad drove it. He passed away 5 days ago after fighting cancer for more than 10 years. Love you dad!
"Beck TD" is a 1952 MG TD with a period conversion to Volvo B18 power - a popular upgrade in the 60's and 70's. The Beck's Brewery livery came with the car, from a time when it was a promotional vehicle for a beer distributor. I've done a ton of work on it - 61 blog posts to date. Just Google "Beck TD" and you'll find something.
Beck TD
‘53 MG TD
USC Marching Band
San Marino
Motor Classic
1st in class
After & Before.
Phew! Smile
Her name is Abbie for Abingdon!
In these times the old MG motto is apropos—
“Safety Fast”
This is my 1968 Jaguar E-Type Series 1.5 which was my childhood dream car. The FH Coupe matched my favorite matchbox car which I carried in my pocket to an age much older then I should have. I drive it every Friday to work and never tire looking at it. Not perfect but a joy to me!
Gaylen L. - Arlington, Texas
This was a nice two-owner car. Originally purchased in Quebec, Canada and later purchased by a chap in Ontario Canada. It was loved and well used for many years however, the car sat outside for a couple of winters after the previous owner fell on hard times. I cleaned up the car best I could and prepared it for sale with the proceeds going to the second owner to help him out. He was sad to part with his car but his health and finances meant he could no longer care for or drive the car. Two owner 1976 TR6
Corey and Tim freshening up the '76 TR6
I have a 1962 Sunbeam Alpine Series II. I got it in the late 70's from a coworker. I've spent the last 40+ years rebuilding the motor, transmission, body work, etc. To my wife's delight once I retired I got it back from a mechanic that put in a rebuilt engine, then I had it repainted, had the interior upholstered and it's running on the road. As far as I know, it’s been in Southern California its whole life.
I am in Rancho Cucamonga, California
A Southern California Car
New with Red Stiching
A few Items left to finish
62 Alpine
Alpine II
1966 Sunbeam Tiger
Bob and Mike Del Zio
This is a new purchase just before quarantine. Bob owned a Sunbeam Tiger for 13 years after returning from serving in the Marines in Vietnam. He is looking forward to making some new memories with this car!
Heres my '57 Healey having just finished a load of work at Hahn Auto Restoration in PA, now back home in Sunny CA. Sneaky air intake on the fender is a hint of the 6.3 LS3 hiding inside.
Sorry about the orientation
No longer a 100-6..
The integration is very well done! You must really blow some minds when you open the bonnet at a car show.
1969 Triumph TR6
TR6 AND VET
That's a lovely combination of UK and American performance!
I am more of a German car/bike enthusiast... but I do rely on two British work-horses for most of my 4 wheeled towing and off-road tasks....
Moving this Mercedes to its own post.
From Nick Berger...
Hi here is my one owner 68 E Type Coupe. I was 23 when i bought it in 1968.I was sheet metal Apprentice at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard. saved up for 3 years so i could pay cash for it.I spent 3 hours negotiating the price down to what i had saved up. The sales man kept cranking on the old style hand adding machine until he was able to meet my price. Car pooled,small car pool lol, with it for many years. It has been parked in the back of my garage for 20 years until 3 years ago when i took it out for a complete resto.i did some custom body work,ie lED taillights in bumper,close down the licence plate area to the size of an american plate. All leather interior with a modern GPS radio.Candy red over silver with diamond dust in the clear coat. Love driving it every chance i can get.
Amazing story! There can't be too many 1 Owner E-types these days!