Orphan cars

Sometimes a car is orphaned by benign neglect, sometimes it is after suffering abuse.  My MGA coupe was purchased from a well-meaning owner who rescued the car from complete neglect but who realized the car was too far gone for him to resurrect.

I probably should have realized that too.  Now, however, we are involved in a lot of work to bring the car back to a semblance of originality, knowing from the start that what I wanted, and could do practically, would result in only a partial recovery, this happens with orphans.

This coupe lived in Oregon and Washington state for many years, that means rain which can lead to rust.  The rocker panels and left sill had been replaced sometime in the past.  A front end collision necessitated a change to a Cobra-type fish mouth.  Wait until you see the front frame extension.

A long-gone unknown make V6 conversion butchered the inside fenders, motor mounts and lower firewall. The fender seams were filled in and the wheel wells widened.  An MGB rear-end, front king pins, and discs were installed.   Hopefully with some skill.

Fortunately, the frame has no rust except along the drivers footwell where the floor supports join the frame. I have the windshield and rear glass.  And a beautiful headliner.

Arrival pictures: