1965 Ashley MG GT

Ashley Laminates were manufacturers of body shells and chassis for various specials from 1955 to 1962 and offered a range of bonnets and hardtops for other mass-produced sports cars, including the Austin-Healey Sprite and Jaguar E-Type. The 'Ashley GT' conversion came as a complete package and became popular amongst owners of Sprites and Midgets transforming the little convertibles into small 'Grand Tourers'.

At some stage, this 1965 MG Midget was converted with a Williams and Pritchard pattern nose and finished in dark green. The car found its way to Ireland but returned to the UK having been modified with a 1275cc engine.

In 2010, it was upgraded to a 'fast road' specification and was fitted with a new Ashley MkIII GT hardtop with Kamm tail and internal boot cover, (supplied by Ashley distributors), new aluminium doors, a new windscreen, Ashley stainless steel grille, and correct front and rear Ashley badges. The car was fully repainted in Jaguar British Racing Green two-pack paint, giving it a beautiful finish.

A fast-road spec 1340cc Rae Davis Racing built 'A-series' engine hides under the bonnet fuelled through twin-choke 45 DCOE Webers. The cooling system was comprehensively renewed with new a radiator, oil cooler and all new pipes and hoses, and the gearbox was overhauled with a 3:7 differential being fitted giving better cruising speeds at lower RPM. The front brakes were renewed, whilst the rears were overhauled with new seals, and the car now sits on wire wheels with 3-eared knock-offs. In the cabin, new Speedwell-style bucket seats were fitted along with all new carpets and trim panels, a wood rim steering wheel, alloy gear knob, period cigar lighter and even a map reading light.

Supplied with a UK V5c, the car will have a fresh MOT prior to the sale and is now looking in fine condition. With Ashley GTs now appearing at lots of historic motorsport events, this lovely little car is the perfect candidate for touring or may even provide a route into hill climbing or sprints.