Beschreibung
This NGTF (KCR 285L) utilised a 1972 MGB as a donor car
from which the engine and gearbox provided the basis to
acquire exchange / reconditioned parts. The car is based on standard MGB mechanicals. The (Ivor Searle) engine is a “B series” linked to a 4 speed gearbox with overdrive available on 3 and 4. All components are of original design and level of tune thereby facilitating any required replacement.
The car was professionally assembled and commissioned by Cadina Motor Sport (Engineering and Preparation) of Ferndown Dorset in 2003. The box girder chassis, body and trim were acquired new from NG/ Findhorn Cars and new or reconditioned mechanical parts were purchased principally from the “MGB Hive”, Moss, Parts for MG and Abingdon MG Parts. The car features a walnut dash, Moto-Lita leather steering wheel, period Smiths instruments, leather front seats, rear bench stowage, fold up chrome luggage rack, mohair hood, frame cover and side screens.
Files containing the build manual, photos, invoices, workshop manual etc would indicate that the cost of the build was circa £25, 000!
The car is classified as an ‘Historic Vehicle’ and as such the road fund / car tax is £ zero per annum and having an MOT is at the discretion of the owner. The car in fact has an extensive MOT history. It was last tested on 07/ 08/ 23 and there were no advisories. The car has completed 6594 miles since it was assembled in 2003 and was purchased with a mileage of 1800 by the present owner in 2018. Since 2018 the following work, in addition to routine maintenance, has been undertaken:-
New battery/ isolation switch, new clutch slave cylinder, replacement Cibie driving light glass, new radiator cap, option to run on electronic ignition (not in use), rebuilt tachometer to accommodate electronic or coil ignition, relay fitted for rear brake light circuit, adjustment of trafficator arm cancellation, addition of rear luggage rack.
(Note there is a small paint defect immediately in front of the windscreen caused by tree sap.)
The car is unique by virtue of its professional build and has an agreed insurance value of £11, 000.
SPECIFICATION
Coach work: 2 + 2 seater tourer body of aluminium and unstressed GRP construction with swept wings. Rear boot mounted spare wheel.
Windscreen: Flat screen chrome on Brass/ Bronze.
Chassis: Cruciform type, MIG welded heavy gauge, fully shut box section and tubular steel.
Engine: 4 cylinder 1798cc @ 100 bhp approx.
Gearbox: 4 speed with electronic overdrive on 3rd and 4th.
Suspension:
(front) Independent coil sprung double wishbone with lever arm. (rear) live axle, leaf springs and panhard rod + lever arm.
Brakes: Disc front, drum rear non servo assisted.
Wheels: 15 x 5 1/ 2” chrome wire wheels with 185x65 R15 Pirelli P400 (5 off).
Performance: 0-60 in under 10 secs. Top speed 100mph (approx).
Dimensions: Length 12’4” (3750 mm)
Width 4’11” (1500 mm)
Height 4’ 2”. (1270 mm)THE NGTF STORY
Taking its aesthetic cues from the vintage MG TF of the early 1950s, the NG TF is a kit car of altogether superior quality to some other kit cars.
NG cars was founded in the early 1980s by Nick Green, a professional car designer and has been based in a number of locations eg Petersfield, Milford on Sea and Epsom. He designed a number of nostalgic sports cars normally based on the MGB 1. 8 litre or Rover 3. 5 litre power units.
Usually based around an MGB donor vehicle, NG TFs have a glass fibre body and aluminium bonnet. That makes them considerably sprightlier performers than their MG TF precursors, which didn’t have the MGB 1800cc engine or tough, proven, dependable MGB mechanicals.
Rust isn’t a problem for the NG TF owner, and neither is easy access to affordable parts. Those with a need for speed will find that the engines can be tuned to achieve rather more than originally intended.
The NG TF offers the practicality of a 2+2, the pure fun of an old-fashioned sports car with more modern underpinnings and running gear, and the affordability of cheap and easy motoring.
Simple, pretty and charmingly evocative of a bygone era of RAC sentry boxes, Shell Guides, handlebar moustaches and policemen who said ‘hello’, the NG TF brings together trusted and proven technology in a vintage-look-alike vehicle that’s ultimately only ever as good as its original builder.
I bought this car in 2018 because it satisfied my criteria for my “high days and holidays” vehicle:-
I wanted a sports car of the style of a 1950s’ MGTF. I could not however justify the cost of buying a fully restored “classic” vehicle which could have been in the region of £25-35, 000.
I wanted a private sale because asking prices are generally lower.
I wanted a restored or rebuilt vehicle inorder to minimise mechanical tasks after purchase because I don’t have a vehicle lift or inspection pit.
If your criteria is similar then I would invite you to make further enquiries.
