Steve Baker MG T-Series

I've been invited on a local rally next week in the south of France and that's meant wheeling the racer out for the first time since Angouleme last year and facing all those jobs I really didn't want to do! 

As you'll see I've had a busy day or two, it's all out and the to do list was as follows; 

1. Stop the gearbox jumping out of third (ever heard that one before? ;))

2. Stop the engine from leaking oil (an XPAG, who would have thought it?)

3. Set up my supercharger correctly! I've spent a large chunk of the year researching time to put theory in to practice.

*** UPDATE

Well under way:

1. I've swapped the box for my spare for now, time is ticking! I suspect the thrust washers or the dog teeth are at fault, slightly annoyed as it was "freshly rebuilt" when I got the car!

2. Think I've found out the problem here, the cork gasket on the rear main bearing was made of 2 pieces which had decided to part company. I've found a solid, old fashioned 1 piece and deployed it accordingly... with a bit of luck it'll now be back to leaking at it's normal rate!

3. Nice big pulley added, higher ratio so we should see that boost gauge in action. I know it's a rally not a race but I can hardly turn up with a slow car now can I??

Upon my return I will be modifying the car to meet HTP specification, that should be a laugh!

UPDATE: CAR IS NOW SOLD!

For sale; one very usable and very 60s styled MG TC complete with the Quadrophenia horn array and indicator switch conversion. It's a bit rough around the edges, but none-the-less a lovely car with real patina. She runs like a sewing machine.

The car drives well, no clunks from the rear axle, rear brakes are dry. Brakes/cylinders all in good order. Steering is normal T-Type, heavy. Cruises at 3500rpm, oil pressure between 50-60. The engine doesn't smoke but it does leak a bit of oil (all T-types do, conversion kit or otherwise!).

Bodyworks shabby-chic, looks better in the photos. All of the panels are original. Few patches of rust in the hard to see areas. Looks nice though. The interior trim is all vinyl and totally incorrect, along with the weather gear - looks tired but it works. Dashboard is totally correct, but worn. Chromework is old, but looks right - an antique dashboard!

The car has been repaired as and when to keep it on the road. There's a huge pile of paperwork / receipts with the car. I've gone through the car too, should really add a Steve Baker MG receipt..It's just sailed through a fresh MOT and will be my daily runaround until someone decides to take her away!

Click on the photo below for more pictures. 

Contact me with queries. Regards, Steve

I've gone against my religion and bought myself a MMM car, this L1 which has been rebodied and fitted with a K type (KD) engine. I couldn't resist her, it's just a beautiful car with so much potential and goes to show that they can still be found in an unrestored condition. More photographs are available by clicking on the image below.

***SOLD*** Update 23/06: I've now sold the car on to a good friend of mine, she's going to make a lovely project for him and I hope to be able to keep you all up to date with his progress during the restoration. It's a beautiful car but I can't go against the grain, I am and always will be a T-series man!

Just a one line note to say I've put an FT27 and a set of Luvax front shockers on eBay. In case any of you concours lot read this!

My latest project, long promised now in the flesh. This bell-housing will be fitting an XPAG one way or another! Thankfully my machinist understands what I'm on about. Looking forward to seeing her bolted to an engine, not thought as far ahead as actualling driving the thing. Many hours of cursing before that! If it's anything like people say it'll be well worth it.

I now have two supercharger kits available, as per those described in the online shop. One polished and one not. Frankly they both look awesome.

I believe supercharging is the way to go if you're looking for power from your XPAG. A 1350 engine with a standard head can produce serious horse power when blown and saves the expense of a Leystall head and boring the engine. I'd also wager it's less likely to go wrong.

The kits are extremely simple to fit, having been factory designed for XPAG and come with all the relevant belts, fittings and pulley for 6 lbs boost (suited to fast road use). Higher boost set-ups will be available shortly. I will also have full technical specifications and be able to advise re: power-output. All technical data is being collated at the factory and under great scrutiny.

These will be +VAT in the future, imported to meet demand. It's a niche product but offers a straight forward and economical solution to building a race engine or a reliable fast road setup. 

Finally! A car for you all. She's not much to look at, but comes with a lot of hard to find items and a rare, uncracked MPJG engine. It's an english car with original logbook and chassis. Far too good to break for a Q type replica, it deserves a bit of TLC. Click here for photographs.

Spring is here and with it the usual clearout. I've decided to empty one of my garages, which means selling items I said I'd be buried with. Anyone looking for rare items or concours touches should keep an eye on my web store and eBay over the next week or so.

I've found 5 engines already (including uncracked, crested MPJG block), an FT462 fog lamp, steering columns, Luvax shock absorbers (TA), more parts than I care to think about but it's all got to go! A set of con rods have already appeared in the online shop (link above) and the superchargers arrive early next week.

Do also take a look at my items on eBay. I'll be listing during the evenings this week. To view my items on eBay CLICK HERE

Finished! Here's a couple of photographs for you, I will add this car to the "photographs" section of the site this week. You'll also be able to see it at several events this year including the Silverstone MG weekend and at the Nurgburgring oldtimer race. I must stress that the car is not for sale, but I do have two kits which will be very shortly. 

Every finishing touch I could find, lovely stone guards from Gregory's autoparts and k3 styled torsion cables. The brackets are stainless steel and the front axle has been nickle plated. The next car that I build will also have the springs bound and corded.

With the body away at the paintshop I've not had a lot to show you all on this car, now that it's back I've been busy ensuring it all lines up and that I've all the pieces to complete the puzzle.

There will be a lot more information over the next couple of weeks, it's looking like one of the best I've built and I hope you'll enjoy taking a look. Here's a couple of photographs to get you going:

1. I've learnt from the K3 style here, there's no doubt the bonnet will sit nicely!

2. The pre-war theme continues with the bracketry, the torsion cables are on order and will sit nicely with the polished front axle.

3. Oh and then there's the aero screen modification that I mentioned, a la Bugatti.