From Across The Pond

A Coyote-Swapped MG Shoots for 200 MPH at Bonneville.

- Evan Perkins

Bonneville is both the alpha and the omega of speed, a universal beacon for all that is fast. It was that calling that inspired Colin Walker, his cousin, Steve Walker, and David Chapman to make the pilgrimage from their home in Derbyshire, England, across the Atlantic Ocean and the better half of the eastern United States to make their mark at SCTA Speed Week 2016.

The team’s weapon of choice: a 1961 MGA, coated in Porcelain Green paint, swept by countless hand-fabricated touches, and powered by a Ford 5.0L Coyote V8.

The trio of guys met by happenstance when Colin and Steve wandered into Milner Offroad, the shop Chapman works at. “They walked into the shop, asking about building a roll bar,” Chapman said. “I’m thinking it’s a quick hoop, maybe a diagonal bar, and then they start talking about taking the car to Bonneville. Immediately, I’m interested.”

It was all downhill from there—in the best sort of manic race-car building way—while the team dreamed up the V8-swapped monster you see before you.

Car owner Colin Walker originally had plans to keep the car “all MG” and later even considered a form of larger-displacement Jaguar power. But after some research and planning, he realized neither of those engine platforms would deliver enough power to let the team reach their goal of joining the hallowed 200-mph club. To efficiently, and quite awesomely, solve the power deficiency, an order was put in to Ford Performance for a Coyote crate engine.