GT
29-01-2006, 03:26 PM
As some already know, I have come accross an advert for a rather interesting MG Metro!
Its a 1983 registered 'Tickford' MG Metro Turbo...
The Tickford Metro's for those who do not know, are a rare breed of 26 MG Metro's which had their engines fettled with by a company called Frazier, and their bodies altered by Aston Martin's Tickford coashwork builders. Most of you are probably more aware of its well acclaimed big brother, the limited edition of 505 MG Maestro Turbos.
The result was a chunkier looking Metro (especially for the early 1980s!) which came very well equiped with a Vanden-Plas level of comfort and electricery, but also had a new dashboard and a bodykit, alongside some peperpot alloys.
The finshed example was a car that looked like this (courtesy of austin-rover.co.uk)
http://www.austin-rover.co.uk/images/lc8mod_01.jpg
The advert I have seen, claims that these cars are worth nigh on £10,000 when complete and in top condition, this one however is not, so is advertised at a mere £500.
As you can see from the below pic (higher res in gallery) this one has had some work done to it before and requires a bit of a 'restoration' job.
http://gallery.brit-cars.com/data//531/medium/tickford-resto4.jpg
Obvious points to note are the new paintwork (only came in silver, green and 'bronze') which needs re-doing, the missing Aston Martin badge from the front wing and the lack of the car's pepperpot alloys!
However, it is described as dent and rust free, save for a small patch on the rear valance (no picture supplied).
The front grille is missing and the bumper is cracked and in need of repair (and painting, like the rest of the car!), the fog lights are also missing.
http://gallery.brit-cars.com/data//531/medium/tickford-resto1.jpg
There are no engine pics either, but it does show the interior as needing carpets and a damn good clean as it has obviously ben exposed to the elements! But the original electrics appear to all be present and whilst not the leather interior, it does appear genuine!
http://gallery.brit-cars.com/data//531/medium/tickford-resto2.jpg
My lack of space issue asides... I just wondered what the verdict was from our panel of experts?
Most people will probably think *its a metro, dont bother* or *yuck, not looking like that* - so I guess I'm after the thoughts of those who have been a little more in-detail to Metro workings or general car resto (JLD?, MartinW?, Sumo?)
It could be an interesting project and pretty cheap in comparisson, but some parts will be impossible to re-purchase and it will require some elbow grease.
I was also wondering if there was a way to tell if it was an original tickford car and not just tickford bits put on a regular Metro? Did they come with am issue number or a certificate or something?
I look forward to your thoughts!
Its a 1983 registered 'Tickford' MG Metro Turbo...
The Tickford Metro's for those who do not know, are a rare breed of 26 MG Metro's which had their engines fettled with by a company called Frazier, and their bodies altered by Aston Martin's Tickford coashwork builders. Most of you are probably more aware of its well acclaimed big brother, the limited edition of 505 MG Maestro Turbos.
The result was a chunkier looking Metro (especially for the early 1980s!) which came very well equiped with a Vanden-Plas level of comfort and electricery, but also had a new dashboard and a bodykit, alongside some peperpot alloys.
The finshed example was a car that looked like this (courtesy of austin-rover.co.uk)
http://www.austin-rover.co.uk/images/lc8mod_01.jpg
The advert I have seen, claims that these cars are worth nigh on £10,000 when complete and in top condition, this one however is not, so is advertised at a mere £500.
As you can see from the below pic (higher res in gallery) this one has had some work done to it before and requires a bit of a 'restoration' job.
http://gallery.brit-cars.com/data//531/medium/tickford-resto4.jpg
Obvious points to note are the new paintwork (only came in silver, green and 'bronze') which needs re-doing, the missing Aston Martin badge from the front wing and the lack of the car's pepperpot alloys!
However, it is described as dent and rust free, save for a small patch on the rear valance (no picture supplied).
The front grille is missing and the bumper is cracked and in need of repair (and painting, like the rest of the car!), the fog lights are also missing.
http://gallery.brit-cars.com/data//531/medium/tickford-resto1.jpg
There are no engine pics either, but it does show the interior as needing carpets and a damn good clean as it has obviously ben exposed to the elements! But the original electrics appear to all be present and whilst not the leather interior, it does appear genuine!
http://gallery.brit-cars.com/data//531/medium/tickford-resto2.jpg
My lack of space issue asides... I just wondered what the verdict was from our panel of experts?
Most people will probably think *its a metro, dont bother* or *yuck, not looking like that* - so I guess I'm after the thoughts of those who have been a little more in-detail to Metro workings or general car resto (JLD?, MartinW?, Sumo?)
It could be an interesting project and pretty cheap in comparisson, but some parts will be impossible to re-purchase and it will require some elbow grease.
I was also wondering if there was a way to tell if it was an original tickford car and not just tickford bits put on a regular Metro? Did they come with am issue number or a certificate or something?
I look forward to your thoughts!