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General MG For those who remember Tony Barnhill

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Basil

Basil

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Those of you who are newer may not have known Tony Barnhill from Huntsville, AL. He had been a moderator here at BCF before being tragically killed in a car accident a couple of years ago. Due to my job, I had occasion to travel to Huntsville quite often. On one of those business trips, I was able to take some time off and drive out to Tony's place (he actually lived in Gurley, AL outside of Huntsville). To say Tony was a fan of MG cars would be an understatement. On my visit to Tony's on August 9th 2003, I took a few pictures of some of his collection. Here they are, enjoy:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/britishcarforum/sets/72157632825553935/
 
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Thanks for posting those, Basil.

Had a number of "quality" phone conversations with him over time, even got some MGB bits from his "collection" for Mitsy's B. Always wanted to get a face-to-face but fate intervened. :madder:

And somewhere in here is a photo of the Colonel on his Norton.
 
Thanks for posting those, Basil.
 
DrEntropy said:
Thanks for posting those, Basil.

Had a number of "quality" phone conversations with him over time, even got some MGB bits from his "collection" for Mitsy's B. Always wanted to get a face-to-face but fate intervened. :madder:

And somewhere in here is a photo of the Colonel on his Norton.
Click to expand...

TonyNorton.jpg
 
Gotta love it.

Thanks, Mick.
 
:lol:
 
Marvin Gruber said:
Tony and I swapped cars several times. I would trade him a MG for a Triumph, then rag each other on who got the best deal.

Marv
Click to expand...

That's what Tony did best!
 
I bought an early (63) MGB close to his house once, when I traded it to him he asked where I got it. I said just a few miles from his house, he immediately started fussing, not at me but he then recognized the car and said he never could get anyone to the door to talk to. I had fun with that for a while.

Marv
 
Oh, man... Burr under a saddle, fer SURE.
 
"Thanks for the memories!" He was one of a kind!
 
I was lucky enough to talk to Tony a couple of times on the phone before finding BCF. I ordered parts from him and he sent one of his "The Autoist" ball caps to me with one of the orders. I rarely wear the cap now for fear of losing it although I would still never forget talking to him, what a trip!
 
As it happens, I just got off the phone with Tony's wife, Jerri. We've been in touch fairly regularly, and she called to check in. She also asked if I had one of Tony's business cards. They didn't keep one and would like to have one. I don't, and am not sure I ever saw one. If any of you happen to have one and wouldn't mind either sending it to me or copying it and sending it, I'll be sure she gets it.
 
Thanks, Jay! Will pass it on.

Mickey
 
I don't remember if Tony put any in a box of parts I got from him. I will go through my MGB cabinet stuff to check. Kinda hard to believe that there isn't some in a box somewhere. I wouldn't think they would be destroyed. ?? PJ
 
I purchased a running 71 MGB but I am also trying my hand for the first time at resurrecting and restoring a non-running 77 B using some parts of my late brother Jack's 79 B which is in much worse shape. Of course, based on many recommendations I have printed out and am using Tony Barnhill's "Awakening a Sleeping MG." I asked a much more experienced British Car Enthusiast to stop by and give me some direction He did, but he also presented me with an Autoist hat that he had received from Tony. I now wear it while working on the car for inspiration and to help channel Tony's guidance. Cheers!Autoist.jpg
 
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