Right – it’s no good – watching the sunlight play with those beautiful silver and grey curves is just too much to resist. I had asked Doug what colours they were, expecting something unusual and exotic, so I was rather surprised to hear that they’re Citroën van colours... Anyway, the modern silver and grey combo does add a very definite retro touch to this GTS and it really complements those stick-on numberplates and those fantastic Dunlop Formula R wrapped 8J Compomotives.
So I hop in and go for a spin. Even in here, it’s the little touches that count – particularly if you’re a BMC anorak. The chrome window winders that replace the nasty plaggy ‘safety’ originals, the all metal interior door releases devoid of vinyl and which don’t so eagerly shout ‘Maxi’.
Fired up and rolling, it’s clear that the Type-29G isn’t about power, it’s all torque. Floor it and I’m sure this MGC made the Earth spin a little faster and the day a little shorter. Extend the revs and, yes I’ll admit it, the orchestral noise is enough to encourage stirrings in my trousers.
California dreamin': a quick pornographic blast in a 1969 GTS.
Yes are still aware of the engine's weight up front, but it isn’t an overbearing annoyance. Indeed neither is the gearbox thanks to this car sporting a stealth Ford Type-9 gearbox conversion, so changing gear is fantastic fun; rather than making you feel like you’re operating heavy machinery in a Victorian iron works. Now there’s no risk of putting your shoulder out, changing gear is a pleasure even if it isn’t strictly necessary.
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I pull up very impressed, it’s clear that these GTSs really do have more than sheer good looks; there is something rather enigmatic, soulful and almost hypnotic about them, too.
Yes, your own hand-built cheque-book GTS could cost you Porsche Boxster money, but I think if people took the time to drive one of these MGs then they would not end up with something really rather obvious perched outside their home.
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