A Golden Harvest

When the editor saw this MGB GT advertised for sale and realised it was just down the road, he popped over to have a chat with Mike Leckey, the owner. Simon ended up getting rather more than he’d bargained, as the short chat led to a second visit, a full interview – and a sale.

You’ve got quite a collection of cars on the drive, not to mention a storage unit just down the road full of bikes. I know we are here primarily to talk about the MGBGT, but can I ask first if there is a theme to your cars?

Generally I’m into British classics from the 1960s and 1970s, with occasional forays into the 1980s. I would actually class myself as a Triumph enthusiast primarily, but while some people are very rigid in their preferences (‘I’d rather walk than ride in an MG’ and all that!), I can appreciate MGs for what they have to offer.

For example, I recognise that a BGT is a lot more solid than a GT6, or even than my TR6. The chassis flexes so much on a Triumph that you get all these rattles and shakes. A BGT not only feels a lot more solid than an equivalent Triumph, but handles better too. The only downside is that it doesn’t have a nice big straight six up front. I’ve had several Bs and BGTs over the years as well as Triumphs; I just happen to be in the fortunate position at the moment where I can have one of each.

So is it always sports cars you choose?

No, I’ve got a Jaguar S-Type saloon as well. That is a long-term restoration. Very long term in fact, as it is actually going backwards! I bought the Jag some 20 years ago as a runner, did a lot of bodywork repairs, left it in for a respray – and 11 years later got a call from the painter to say he was closing down the business and could I come and get it! He had managed to strip the car and put a coat of primer on, but that had reacted with the paint underneath and had crazed. Needless to say, there was no bill for the work...