Descrizione
Ultimate MGB: Jacques Coune Homage - Superb!
There are always Whats, Ifs & Buts in the story of any car and the Jacques Coune Berlinette is arguably the big If for the MGB.
Widely regarded as the prettiest incarnation of the ubiquitous MGB and an extremely rare sight with just 55 examples (only one RHD) being manufactured by the Belgium Carrosserie this is a car that Milestones are absolutely delighted to bring to market.
Jacques Coune's objective was to design an MG based luxury grand tourer and the extensive modified prototype was exhibited at the 1964 Brussels Motor Show. The cut off tail and small rear spoiler were styling features stolen directly from the Ferrari 375GTB and the re-worked front wings/ headlamps completed a very sharp looking GT that was well received by the motoring press.
MG had provided a basic roadster off the Abingdon production line to Coune for the original project and after the Brussels debut the car went back to MG for evaluation by the senior management team. They decided not to pursue the project although, not surprisingly, one of the executives retained the car for his personal use for a good number of years,
Milestone Classics have recently been approached to assist a retired coachbuilder to reduce his collection of remarkable cars. Each car has gone through his workshop and been the subject of a no-expense-spared personal restoration that has taken hundreds of hours and cost thousands of pounds.
A number of years ago a Jacques Coune MG arrived at Marcs workshop for remedial repairs. Marc was blown away by the beauty of the coupe and took mouldings of the rear fiberglass panels from the original car in order that he could recreate an identical example (but better) for his own use.
Over the following three years Mark painstakingly created a replica of the Jacques Coune car. The level of craftsmanship is astonishing and the result is an absolute credit to his knowledge, skill and financial commitment to produce only the best.
Summary of Project
· Original Pull-Handle Roadster Shell Sourced
· Stripped/ Blasted/ Primed. Panels Replaced/ Fiberglass Panels Produced
· All mechanical components checked and replaced as necessary.
· Engine, Gearbox (Overdrive) and Back Axle Rebuilt (Gearbox 4 synchro)
· All Hydraulic Components Replaced
· Clutch Replaced
· Brakes/ Suspension Rebuilt
· Radiator/ Water Pump Replaced
· Ignition Distributor/ Coil/ Plugs/ Leads - Replaced
· Alternator Conversion/ New Loom/ Switchgear
· Carbs Rebuilt
· Custom Coune Interior Leather Seats/ Carpets/ Dashboard/ Roof Lining
· Windscreen Replaced & Custom Rear Window/ Quarter Lights
· All Chrome - Replaced
· Paint Stunning BMW Graphite Grey
· Since completion the car has formed part of a private collection and been used sparingly.
Only 12 examples of the Coune Berlinette are known to exist and only one RHD example the development model - was ever produced.
At Milestones we sadly still get very excited by the cars we market and the Berlinette has really captured our imagination. She is an utterly stunning car that is perfect for a road trip to Italy, Goodwood, any MG event or simply to look at and appreciate Jacques Cournes dream.
An opportunity not to be missed
