Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON
I’d been mulling over the best way to interpret this week’s theme for a couple of days, until a chance encounter brought me this opportunity. On Monday, I was trying to avoid the Labour Day holiday crowds and, on a whim, I took the underpass below Prince Bridge.
As I emerged from the deep shade of the cool bluestone, I spotted this red MG parked in the sunlight. Realising that the glistening paintwork would look best if I shot it facing south, I walked to the front of the car – and that’s when I saw the extra mounted headlights, making a perfect foursome.
These legendary sports cars were first produced in 1924 and of course they found a new generation of owners when the MG F two-seat roadster was revived in 1995. It’s interesting to note that the brand name MG actually comes from a British car dealership called Morris Garages.
After I shot the first frame, I noticed that the long hood (or bonnet, depending on where you live) of the car was glistening in the sunlight, while the actual chrome grille partially reflected the shade of the underpass. That’s when I hit the shutter a second time for the shot below.
The early autumn afternoon sun was so strong that you just couldn’t tell what colour the hood/ bonnet really was. Just for the record, it was fire-engine red. And yes, it was in immaculate condition.
Visit TNChick's Photo Hunt. Today's theme: "Four".
Classy, classic. Used to own a TR3 and an Austin Healey 3000. Good times.
ReplyDeleteYou're a 4s to be reckoned with! How 4tionate 4 us that you always have that 4site 4 which subjects make good 4tography. ;)
ReplyDeleteThat reminds me, I've got to wash the car *sigh*
ReplyDeleteThat is one gorgeous car! And I didn't know you had a labour day down there! :)
ReplyDeleteMarvelous! And what a find!
ReplyDeleteAll these years and I never knew where the "MG" came from. I wonder why they spun off the Morris (as in Mini-Minor) line rather than keep it all under the same umbrella? Then again, with the incestuous tangle that was British Leyland at one time, I suppose keeping the "MG" nameplate as a separate entity might have made sense.
Since you characterize the car as "flawless", I'm assuming it was one of the original MG-TC/TD/TF models and not the 90's vintage repro? While I'd hope the later models would have addressed the (nearly legendary) reliability problems of the progenitors of the line, there is a certain romanticism tied up with spending your weekends lovingly tending to the wiring (usually) or carburetor (sometimes) troubles of a capricious lover like this.
"Four" the record, my "offouring" is far more prosaic this week "four" Photo Hunt. (Photo Hunt Link
Photo Hunt #18: "Four")
But I got a few cars in along the way this week so it's all good.
I am rather partial to British sports cars. We used to own a Morgan.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite car is a Jeep. I love Jeeps -- don't ask me why. Corvettes and BMWs? No, no, no -- give me a Jeep any day.
I can almost hear the engine revving - yours as well as the cars?!
ReplyDeleteHow can you not love an MG...
ReplyDeleteOf all the cars in all the world the MG is the car of my dreams. All I ever wanted was a boyfriend with one, never mind what calibre he was...so the list was small, one loser with a van [with a matress in the back...that was a one date wonder] A slick fellow with a Riley, and another with a Sunbeam, both nforgettable, till at last...the MG boy. Sadly he was called up for his National Service and I never saw him again. What WAS his name?
ReplyDeleteI've always dreamed of owning a fire- engine red Jaguar (like Inspector Morse). But this morning, while hanging around your post, I've decided I need to rethink that, and go for the MG instead :-) Happy photo motoring!
ReplyDeleteAnother beautiful car shot! Love the ornament and I can tell it's red.
ReplyDeleteawesome foursome
ReplyDeletegreat blog, I follow it every day, though I don't often leave a comment. Just thought I'd let you know I appreciate your work.
I use to own a MG Midget. How I loved that car. How it hated the Canadian climate!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful car. My Dad has a replica that looks like the one in the photo. He built it in 1981 on a VW bug chassis.
ReplyDeleteAn Arkies Musings
Awesome!! Car and photo!!
ReplyDeleteCool car! I love the second shot with the mystery of the hood color!
ReplyDeleteOh, those are the coolest cars ever! And you photos are terrific, but no surprise there. Thanks for a really great "4"
ReplyDeleteI know it's not the same make, but the first thing I thought of from the first picture was Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. It may be I need to seek out some adult TV viewing.
ReplyDeleteThat brings back memories from my childhood. My dad had an MG that looked just like that. Not sure what year it was, but it was the coolest car ever!
ReplyDeleteWonderful find, David!
ReplyDeleteOh, that's a great shot. Lucky us!
ReplyDeleteGreat shots again, David. These bring back fond memories for me because a former schoolfriend owned an MG of this ilk - not red but racing green. It was super to drive and even being a passenger was exhilerating. Nearly as good as driving an ambulance!
ReplyDeletethat is a beauty david
ReplyDeleteBeautiful care and of course you would do something very clever for the theme. I haven't finished mine yet...Michelle
ReplyDeleteThere's nothing like a good car.
ReplyDeleteThank you for including the Photo Hunt information. I just checked it out. That is a great idea.
ReplyDeleteI love the stories behind your shots David and this is no different.
ReplyDeleteExcellent shots with a great tale. And a good ol' British car! ;0)
Beautiful headlight shots on that beautiful red MG!
ReplyDeleteLove this pic...
ReplyDeleteHere's mine
http://sandyben.blogspot.com/
Wow! So shiny!
ReplyDeleteI played too :)