" This car was not only the quickest MGA in New Zealand but was in fact one of the fastest MGA's in the world"
Tony Haycock - Classic Driver Magazine July 2011.

DUE TO ITS HUGE DOCUMENTED PROVENANCE, WE HAVE DECIDED TO PRESERVE THIS VEHICLE IN OUR COLLECTION.

Originally painted iridescent Ice Blue with red leather, this car was owned new by David Gouk who took it to Jack Brabhams workshop in the UK for some modifications to be carried out. A possible reason for David going to Brabhams for the engine modification is that Roy Billington a Northland car Club member [and friend of Davids] was Jack Brabhams mechanic.

We understand that David, who was a dentist, happened to be a good friend of Bruce Mclaren, as they lived near each other in Remuera – New Zealand . We were told how David would let Bruce drive the MGA when they went to there beach House at Snells beach, David said there was always a shower of metal as they drove down the gravel roads with Bruce at the wheel.

We know that this car was also raced by David at Brands Hatch prior to David importing it to New Zealand. Sadly David, who as we understand was also a member of the Northland Car Club passed away in 2004 in the UK.

The MGA was really a huge step forward for MG. Released at the 1955 Frankfurt Motor Show, this looked like no previous MG. Gone was the upright look of the T series of cars, a style, which went back to the early 1930's J Series, replaced by a more modern, sleek, clean and streamlined design. The BMC B series engine was fitted, running a pair of SU carburettors producing 68hp.

In the early 1960's, Russel Grace from Sanson  undertook a development of the car to produce was what acknowledged as the fastest pushrod MG in the country. Raced extensively at Levin, Ardmnore and Pukekohe, the car was then purchased by Allan Morpeth of Palmerston North in 1965, who continued to campaign the MG in hill climb sand gymkhanas throughout the North Island.

According to his notes, the car could cover the standing 1/4 mile in 17.2 seconds and the flying mile at 112mph.

Today the car no longer has the original engine, which “blew to be replaced with a new one from Dominion Motors.

While not concourse, it is in very good condition. The body is straight with no sign of rust or damage. The red paint is good but has crazed in a couple of places. The red painted dash has its full set of correct and working instruments and a period radio in the correct hole. Tucked out of sight is a very effective period heater.

The black bucket seats are comfortable. The almost vertical sprung steering wheel is far enough from your chest to be comfortable and all of the gauges are clearly visible with large rev counter and speedo being prominent.

Car has a very light clutch with no judder and a short gear lever with an equally short throw. Nicely weighted rack and pinion steering even at low speed.

This car is lucky enough to have ended in the right hands and will from here be preserved in our collection. It will no longer be raced but driven occasionally on dry sunny days. It will end up in our museum one day, which we plan to develop in time around North Canterbury.

We welcome any history, photos or information about this car, which we will gladly preserve with the vehicle's already extensive history.

Contact Jesmond at [email protected]  or +64 274990020.

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