Author Archive: AlanJMassey

Many believe the prototype of MG’s Sporting ‘A’ was first viewed as far back as 1952 with the companies Le Mans entry (rebodied MG TD) for the arduous 24-hour race. It would be another three years before the public were able to place their orders at the local BMC dealer; the ex-works price of £595 was announced at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The first full year of production in 1956 saw over 13,000 cars built with the majority of those leaving our shores for new lives across the Atlantic. The A swiftly recaptured the MG spirit, a true sports car that was affordable, fun, yet stylish. Its rigid chassis played host to BMC’s 1489 ‘B’ series motor offering 72bhp from a 4 cylinder OHV with twin carbs. Also fitted in the saloon Magnette, installed in the MGA ensured 95mph and a 0-60 of 15.6 seconds. Produced in both coupe and roadster form the MGA enjoyed [...]

Post war austerity forced a pre war design to be offered in updated form; surprisingly it would sell very well and continue to delight for another decade. All the T series MG’s scream character, as desirable today as they were from their introduction in 1936 with the TA. From 1945 10,002 TC’s were built, mostly for export Stateside (2000 went across the Atlantic) but their large numbers ensured the home market could also be satisfied. An improved gearbox from the earlier TB (which only ran to 379 chassis before hostilities began in 1939) the TC is instantly recognised featuring tall 19-inch spoked rims and 60 litre fuel tank attached to its rear. Its 1250cc ohv motor offered 54bhp at 5200rpm and fuelled by twin SU carbs almost 80mph could be enjoyed by those brave enough but also returning 27mpg. The four speed transmission benefits from synchro in 2nd, 3rd and 4th with direct steering and firm suspension [...]

The stylist who was only in his 20’s (later to become legendary) was Giorgetto Giugiaro, yet this car continues to be regarded as one of, if not his very finest achievement. Giulio Alfieri was responsible for engineering design at a time when Maserati was still fully under the control of the launching family of brothers. The robust race proven quad cam all alloy V8 engine featured dry sump lubrication which together with pop-up headlights, provided a very low bonnet line, good aerodynamics, and eye pleasing aesthetics. The four twin choke Weber fuelled 310bhp engine was particularly notable for having excellent low-end torque, ideally suited to the grand touring role of the car. Comparative road tests of the time, rated the refined Ghibli very favourably, relative to contemporary Ferrari and Lamborghini models of the same era. Ventilated disc brakes are highly effective, and the rear suspension features a particularly well located axle, controlled by radius arms, [...]

Country Classic Cars are pleased to have been asked to offer this unique ‘Touring’ Minor, for sale due to ill health. This Cowley built Minor carries its original MAT chassis, confirming it was built as a convertible and not a saloon conversion. An extensive history file makes for interesting reading and the story begins just prior to the New Year in 1960. Minor enthusiasts will already have noted this ‘Tourer’ carries the later 1098 rear lights and badges almost three years before the model was released onto the market. 279 LAE was originally a 948cc version finished in Porcelain Green and spent the first 17 years of life in and around the Bristol area. In 1977 Lonstan Motors (commonly known as the Morris Minor Centre) Bath registered 279 LAE in their name, at which time a 1098 engine upgrade had already been carried out; a month later the current custodian would take the keys and [...]

Mercedes 280CE was introduced as one of the C123 variants during 1978, just one year after the saloon had first hit showrooms in Europe. Featuring the M110 power plant inline six cylinder with the DOHC and Bosch K-jetronic injection. This example was one of the last 280CE’s registered in 1986 by Mercedes (Head Office) Retail on the Great West Road, Brentford and is currently showing 90796 miles travelled. Supplied with the 4-speed automatic transmission (how many are left show 66 either sorn or taxed in 2021). Sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike who revel in the pillarless design, robust build quality and bullet proof mechanicals.

Country Classic Cars are pleased to offer this Mercedes C280CE a commission sale as instructed by a regular client. Having seen various C123 examples go via our workshops and forecourt we know what they are about and look to offer a ‘warts and all’ appraisal for any potential buyer [...]

As Car & Driver magazine pointed out in 2002 the replacement for Mercedes stalwart R129 needed to be brilliant, straight out the box as it had big shoes to fill. They suggested the R230’s ‘Slippery sheet metal guarantees status...

The W201 ‘Baby Benz’ or 190/190E series was derived from the pen of prolific designer Bruno Sacco, the man credited with many of Mercedes most popular vehicles including the SL R129, SLK ‘C’ ‘E’ and ‘M’ Class to name but a few.

Country Classic Cars are saying ‘hello to hybrid’ with the stylish Toyota Yaris Icon Tech VVT-i HEV CVT offered for sale on behalf of a regular client. Registered in November 2018 and having travelled a mere 10392 miles this example is the updated third generation fitted with

For those who can’t follow the crowd and desire more ‘distinctive’ features, Country Classic Cars are thrilled to offer the Kei car that is all about being unique, the Suzuki Cara. We pride ourselves on offering an honest ‘warts and all’ appraisal of every vehicle we offer for sale, this avoids buyer disappointment often resulting from a lack of detail within sales adverts.