50 years ago today a little white sports car rolled out of the MG factory in Abington, to be shipped over to the USA and sold sometime in the next year. He would eventually be know as the Tunebug.

On this morning, 50 years later, he looks like this:



While I missed the deadline of having him driving by his birthday, he will be back on the road before he turns 51. I promise!

On a side note, I think it's neat that his birthday and mine are only a day apart. A neat coincidence.

Cool post Drew - that is a milestone for her, and she's lucky to have found a good keeper.

Where are you at BTW on getting her back together?

We're into winter here, so my new target is March/April for completion. I do hope to have things wrapped up before then, but once the salt is on the road he won't be leaving the garage.

I've always wanted a car built the same month and year I was born - December 1963. With a December build date, would it be considered a 63 or a 64? I just haven't been able to decide which one. Any suggestions?

I got the same month, just not the same year (I came out of the factory in 1972 :g).

Tunebug has two dates: built in November, 1959, titled in 1960. Given that the notion of a "Model Year" wasn't really applicable to these cars, I consider the Tunebug to be a 1959. Specific build dates matter more than title year, as production changes happened all the time.

Brief history please. Where was it originally sold, what was original color etc.?
Thank you

I can't remember the original sale location (US East coast, I seem to remember). I'll have to look it up when I get home. Originally Old English White in color. I bought it out of San Diego in 2006 where it had sat in a garage since the late 60s, and it was essentially original (proper color, though it's a mediocre repaint).

I've since swapped in disc brakes and a 1275, though I've kept all the original parts including the original 948 engine.

I'll scrounge up the Heritage Certificate after work and add in a few more details.

Mine turned 50 in October. Might have known yours at the factory. I'll ask her.

Very possible! I'll have to see if Tunebug recognizes yours.

A few more details on the Tunebug:

Dispatch date: December 9, 1959
Destination dealer: Philadelphia
Original color: Old English White with black interior
Factory equipment: heater, windscreen washer, rev counter, tonneau cover, whitewall tires, red and white flashers

The heater was removed at some point, probably after the car arrived in the San Diego area. Some time in the mid-late sixties the car was parked on a trailer in the owner's garage, where it sat until the early 2000s. I bought it from the guy who bought it from the long-term owner. Even have many of the registrations back to the 60s (they kept it registered even though it wasn't running). About 40k miles or so.

Silly info, but still sort of neat to have some history on the car. The poor Tunebug has spent most of his life sitting around, waiting to be driven. I'm doing my best to turn that around.

Most everything (else) is considered next model year with a September build date. I couldn't tell you on these, especially given the title year/ production year issue.

I'd like a "born on date" car too.

Just don't buy beer with the same "born on date" as you !!!!

I think Doc wanted to do that too, but they can't have a horse and buggy in his neighdborhood.

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double post

I'm poor at remembering birthdays, but now you've got me wondering.

I guess ~my A35~ rolled out of Longbridge around 51 years ago.

Maybe when it's really cold and we have snow, I'll research this a bit more (now back to raking leaves).

You like raking leaves??? Boy have I got a treat for you !!!!

I've got 4 acres of them, come over, I'll do the research and you rake the leaves.

Drew, I note that your radiator has four groves in the top. I thought orginal ones had three. Just a "look at that comment".

In fact I just sold one yesterday for $150. Three grove top and bolt in condition.

Could be, Jack. Never looked that closely at that.