Precious metal

I’m sure you know why precious metals and gems are called ‘precious’? Obviously, it’s because they are an absolute devil to find as they are rare and in short supply. You might use the term in relation to a J-type Midget but surely not about the MGB GT? Until fairly recently, the MGB and its Coupé derivative, the GT, have been perceived as a quick fix for anyone wanting to get into classic MGs in the UK. Nowadays, if you have the desire to own an unrestored one in good nick it won’t be as easy to find as it once was.

Back in 2014 Paul Clappison arrived at that time of life when a classic car would fit perfectly into his family and, like many, he was a fan of the MG and the BGT in particular so the search was on. “I wanted a’s classified ads were scoured through, as well as those in countless classic magazines and auction sites while he looked for the right candidate and, on paper, there seemed to be plenty of options around. “I must have travelled thousands of miles over the next three years to see countless MGs,” Paul recalls. “I’d get there all excited only to find none of them matched their descriptions. They were either far rustier than claimed or any minor restorations or repairs weren’t up to much. It seemed my idea of a good, solid car wasn’t theirs.”