1976 Ashley Midget GT

For sale by auction on Saturday 28 November 2015 with Historics at Brooklands. Brooklands Motor Racing Circuit. Weybridge. Surrey. Call 01753 639170
Ashley Laminates Limited was formed by Peter
Pellandine and Keith Waddington in 1956 and in its
early years produced fibreglass bodies. mainly for the conversion
of Austin Sevens and Ford 8s into stylish and modern looking sports
cars. With the arrival of the Frogeye Sprite. they branched out
into hardtops and lightweight forward-hinging bonnets; due to a
demand to change the odd-looking Frogeye front into something more
conventional and streamlined. particularly for competition work.
This 1976 MG Midget has been rebuilt as an Ashley GT and utilises a
genuine Ashley Laminates bonnet and hardtop. believed to date from
1962. The car was purchased as a project by the present vendor with
most of the mechanical work having been completed including chassis
repairs. lowering the front to the height of an early Midget. an
engine rebuild and the fitment of electronic ignition. A stainless
steel exhaust box and tailpipe have been fitted as well as Minilite
wheels with new tyres including a spare. A major body refit was
then undertaken with the addition of the Ashley components.

Further modifications include the fitment of telescopic dampers
to the rear and a competition clutch. The headlamp covers and side
windows are Plexiglas items sourced from the USA and a period wood
rimmed steering wheel has been fitted as well as bucket seats and
leather bonnet and boot straps to complete the period look. There
are some detail alterations to the dashboard such as the fitment of
period type toggle switches plus an immobiliser and hazard
flashers. New door cards and light pull straps replace the
originals. The car was rebuilt to resemble an early 1960s Ashley GT
and nearly every detail is period correct save for the rear light
lenses.

The Ashley has covered just over one thousand miles since the
completion of the rebuild and presents extremely well. looking very
smart in its Jaguar Regency Red finish. The vendor reports that the
car is enormous fun to drive and would make an ideal starter
vehicle for someone wishing to take up club motorsport where a
number of classes are run for Midgets and Sprites. The Ashley is
offered at a tempting estimate and a spare gearbox is included.

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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