MGB Roadster Aston Martin Prototype Copy

Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image

Those of you with long memories will recall rumours and press-reports of a tie-up between Aston Martin and British Leyland at the end of the 1970s. There was talk of Aston rejuvenating the MGB and taking over production of a new, improved model. In the event, it never happened.

Aston Martin did make one car, though: it had a Leyland O-series ohc engine, improved styling, swish interior and white Wolfrace alloy wheels……The car on offer here is a recreation of that car.

VPL 349M started life as an MGB GT, but was cruelly remodelled in 2005 when a lorry slowly reversed into it. Our vendor (and the creator of this car) saw an opportunity to do something a little different with the remains, which incidentaly, were not recorded on the insurance register.

Apart from the obvious body modifications (including removing the roof) the car has been lowered, fitted with replicas of Aston’s re-jigged energy-absorbing bumpers, a two-litre SD1 O-series engine and a higher, GT-style windscreen. The white Wolfies have been replaced by less garish Minilite replicas.

The interior was re-trimmed in line with Astons re-working of the car and you must admit it does look smart. The car is full of little modifications that would have dragged the MGB into the 1980s: gas struts on the bonnet and boot-lid, concealed fuel filler cap, additional rear lamps, re-styled bumpers.

The vendor was a professional car restorer when he produced this car and did most of the work himself. He admits that it is not an exact replica of the Aston MG – all he had for reference were press photographs – but was a labour of love by a long-term MG enthusiast.

Sadly, he can no longer drive the car these days due to a health problem and the car has seen little use over the last eight years, covering fewer than 400 miles in that time. The car has an MOT to May 2019 (no advisories) although the vendor adds that he would recommend a thorough check-over before regular use.

If you fancy something a bit different, that's easy to own and fun to drive, this looks just the ticket.