Harold996tt 1991 British racing green
Moderators: timk, Stu, zombie, Andrew, The American, Lokiel, -alex, miata, StanTheMan, greenMachine, ManiacLachy, Daffy
-
- Driver
- Posts: 25
- Joined: Mon Jan 14, 2013 1:20 am
Harold996tt 1991 British racing green
Decided to introduce myself as a new/old MX5 owner. Before launching into my most recent purchase, perhaps a bit of an introduction into my past.
I originally hail from Perth Western Australia (born in Melbourne but raised in Perth and more or less studied there my whole life). Whilst at university I always saw a beautiful limited edition BRG MX5 parked in the university car park and that first got me interested in the MX5. I completed my studies in 1991 and moved to Singapore for work purposes. On my return to Perth in 1994 I immediately picked up my first sports car, a 1994 MX5 Clubman in silver, bought new from Brookings Mazda (since closed). But I always wanted the BRG limited edition, and looked at a few at the time second hand with a view to sell my Clubman and pick up one of the BRGs second hand. Sadly all the cars I looked at did not appear to be in great condition and I decided to stick with the Clubman.
Unfortunately my stint in Perth was short and I was required to relocate back to Singapore in 1995 for work. The Clubman was interestingly sold to a WA MX5 club member who also had a BRG! I then picked up an automatic 1991 MX5 in Singapore for my daily commute and enjoyed the car for a period of time before bigger horsepower got hold of me. From there I moved on to numerous cars including 5 porsche 911s, one Ferrari, and two Lamborghinis all in Singapore (still have a Lambo in Singapore where I spend most of my time).
I also bought a Porsche 911 back in Perth some 9 years ago as a holiday car and I still have that car back in Perth. On my most recent trip back to Perth in January I decided to on the very last day before my return back to Singapore grab a quick look through carsales.com.au and spotted this car...
http://www.carsales.com.au/private/deta ... rt=default
It was fate as far as I was concerned. So I immediately contacted the seller, and arranged to meet him before my flight back to Singapore the following day. So the next day I dropped by to see the car... Sadly it was in a rougher state than I had hoped, but was definitely still an acceptable base car, and it was an originally delivered WA car which was important to me (don't ask me why, I just always wanted a WA BRG). So with very little haggling, I ended up paying way higher than market for the car simply because I HAD TO HAVE a BRG first gen delivered in WA.
Regardless, I am very happy, and will be back in Perth early Feb to look the car over properly (got it delivered to my parents house for storage there). First port of call will be a full mechanical check through and full service, and in this respect am still trying to identify of there is any specialist MX5 workshop in WA. I have also got in contact with a restorer- my intention is to do a full bare metal restoration of this car and bring it to as new condition- I am going to be way out of the money on this car, but the intention is never to sell it.
In this regard, would love to see if there are any people on the forum with an ability to take a picture of the wood gearknob as I need mine to be totally redone and need a base from which to start (could not find any pictures on the net unfortunately), and the knob on my car is so badly worn that it will be a bit hit and miss in trying to redo it... In fact I'm not sure if I can even see the edition number of the car still on the knob!
Sorry but no pics other than those from the carsales add at the moment but will be back in Perth in a couple of weeks and will snap all the shots then in greater detail to show how the little battler has (not) faired over the last twenty odd years.
Looking forward to gradually bringing this car back to life and will report on it as and when progress is made. In the meantime I hope to continue to learn from all the old hands on the forum so that I can bring this old lady back to its fully original glory.
I have also been running a blog for some time on all my car exploits and will be updating the project on this little green number there as well.... Http://smfracing.blogspot.com
Cheers,
Harold.
I originally hail from Perth Western Australia (born in Melbourne but raised in Perth and more or less studied there my whole life). Whilst at university I always saw a beautiful limited edition BRG MX5 parked in the university car park and that first got me interested in the MX5. I completed my studies in 1991 and moved to Singapore for work purposes. On my return to Perth in 1994 I immediately picked up my first sports car, a 1994 MX5 Clubman in silver, bought new from Brookings Mazda (since closed). But I always wanted the BRG limited edition, and looked at a few at the time second hand with a view to sell my Clubman and pick up one of the BRGs second hand. Sadly all the cars I looked at did not appear to be in great condition and I decided to stick with the Clubman.
Unfortunately my stint in Perth was short and I was required to relocate back to Singapore in 1995 for work. The Clubman was interestingly sold to a WA MX5 club member who also had a BRG! I then picked up an automatic 1991 MX5 in Singapore for my daily commute and enjoyed the car for a period of time before bigger horsepower got hold of me. From there I moved on to numerous cars including 5 porsche 911s, one Ferrari, and two Lamborghinis all in Singapore (still have a Lambo in Singapore where I spend most of my time).
I also bought a Porsche 911 back in Perth some 9 years ago as a holiday car and I still have that car back in Perth. On my most recent trip back to Perth in January I decided to on the very last day before my return back to Singapore grab a quick look through carsales.com.au and spotted this car...
http://www.carsales.com.au/private/deta ... rt=default
It was fate as far as I was concerned. So I immediately contacted the seller, and arranged to meet him before my flight back to Singapore the following day. So the next day I dropped by to see the car... Sadly it was in a rougher state than I had hoped, but was definitely still an acceptable base car, and it was an originally delivered WA car which was important to me (don't ask me why, I just always wanted a WA BRG). So with very little haggling, I ended up paying way higher than market for the car simply because I HAD TO HAVE a BRG first gen delivered in WA.
Regardless, I am very happy, and will be back in Perth early Feb to look the car over properly (got it delivered to my parents house for storage there). First port of call will be a full mechanical check through and full service, and in this respect am still trying to identify of there is any specialist MX5 workshop in WA. I have also got in contact with a restorer- my intention is to do a full bare metal restoration of this car and bring it to as new condition- I am going to be way out of the money on this car, but the intention is never to sell it.
In this regard, would love to see if there are any people on the forum with an ability to take a picture of the wood gearknob as I need mine to be totally redone and need a base from which to start (could not find any pictures on the net unfortunately), and the knob on my car is so badly worn that it will be a bit hit and miss in trying to redo it... In fact I'm not sure if I can even see the edition number of the car still on the knob!
Sorry but no pics other than those from the carsales add at the moment but will be back in Perth in a couple of weeks and will snap all the shots then in greater detail to show how the little battler has (not) faired over the last twenty odd years.
Looking forward to gradually bringing this car back to life and will report on it as and when progress is made. In the meantime I hope to continue to learn from all the old hands on the forum so that I can bring this old lady back to its fully original glory.
I have also been running a blog for some time on all my car exploits and will be updating the project on this little green number there as well.... Http://smfracing.blogspot.com
Cheers,
Harold.
- MrRevhead
- Racing Driver
- Posts: 715
- Joined: Mon Mar 26, 2012 2:40 pm
- Vehicle: NA6
- Location: NW Sydney
Re: Harold996tt 1991 British racing green
Welcome to the club Harold
I also own a BRG Aus Delivered 1991 NA6 (#124).
I will gladly post up a pic of the LE numbered gear knob for you. The labelling on mine is slightly worn (expected after 22 years of use) but you can still see most of the outline of the design.
If you find someone who is willing to restore it to as new condition, feel free to let me know.
I also own a BRG Aus Delivered 1991 NA6 (#124).
I will gladly post up a pic of the LE numbered gear knob for you. The labelling on mine is slightly worn (expected after 22 years of use) but you can still see most of the outline of the design.
If you find someone who is willing to restore it to as new condition, feel free to let me know.
1991 NA6 BRG Limited Edition #124 (Aus Delivered)
-
- Driver
- Posts: 25
- Joined: Mon Jan 14, 2013 1:20 am
Re: Harold996tt 1991 British racing green
One of the things that has also struck me is the fact that through all the other cars that I was able to experience (with the grace of all the stupid banks that were willing to lend a stinking credit like me money to- no wonder about the financial crisis!), none has gripped my memories or heart as much as the little first generation MX5. I've never had the luck to try the newer Mx5s but the fact remains that I can't seem to go beyond the first generation.... It just does something to me!
And none more so than the BRG first edition. I just can't wait to get behind the wheel of it finally!!
Thanks for listening to the rant! I'm just super excited!
And none more so than the BRG first edition. I just can't wait to get behind the wheel of it finally!!
Thanks for listening to the rant! I'm just super excited!
-
- Driver
- Posts: 25
- Joined: Mon Jan 14, 2013 1:20 am
Re: Harold996tt 1991 British racing green
MrRevhead wrote:Welcome to the club Harold
I also own a BRG Aus Delivered 1991 NA6 (#124).
I will gladly post up a pic of the LE numbered gear knob for you. The labelling on mine is slightly worn (expected after 22 years of use) but you can still see most of the outline of the design.
If you find someone who is willing to restore it to as new condition, feel free to let me know.
Thanks very much for thr welcome! Mate will definitely let you know and most appreciate the picture. The restoration of the gear will be the least of my concerns but clearly the icing on the cake. This car is going to need a fair bit of work to get it up to scratch.... Let the journey begin....
- MrRevhead
- Racing Driver
- Posts: 715
- Joined: Mon Mar 26, 2012 2:40 pm
- Vehicle: NA6
- Location: NW Sydney
Re: Harold996tt 1991 British racing green
Very similar to me, I always wanted a BRG/Neo Green NA as a teen, the green and tan combination always appealed to me.
Last edited by MrRevhead on Fri Jan 18, 2013 5:24 pm, edited 2 times in total.
1991 NA6 BRG Limited Edition #124 (Aus Delivered)
-
- Speed Racer
- Posts: 11852
- Joined: Mon Aug 08, 2005 11:35 pm
- Vehicle: Clubman
- Location: Melbourne
Re: Harold996tt 1991 British racing green
Congrats & Welcome!
Here you go:
http://i.imgur.com/izbGF.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/U06Gg.jpg
From here:
viewtopic.php?f=44&t=45454&p=573912
Harold996tt wrote:In this regard, would love to see if there are any people on the forum with an ability to take a picture of the wood gearknob as I need mine to be totally redone and need a base from which to start...
Here you go:
http://i.imgur.com/izbGF.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/U06Gg.jpg
From here:
viewtopic.php?f=44&t=45454&p=573912
- bootz
- Racing Driver
- Posts: 887
- Joined: Thu Aug 19, 2010 1:13 pm
- Vehicle: NB8B
- Location: The Wild Wild West
Re: Harold996tt 1991 British racing green
Hmm, Lambos and a 911 as a holiday car. Not yr average NA owner.
Post lots about the journey.
Post lots about the journey.
Bootz and Boof - On the road to somewhere.
-
- Driver
- Posts: 25
- Joined: Mon Jan 14, 2013 1:20 am
Re: Harold996tt 1991 British racing green
93_Clubman wrote:Congrats & Welcome!Harold996tt wrote:In this regard, would love to see if there are any people on the forum with an ability to take a picture of the wood gearknob as I need mine to be totally redone and need a base from which to start...
Here you go:
http://i.imgur.com/izbGF.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/U06Gg.jpg
From here:
viewtopic.php?f=44&t=45454&p=573912
Exactly what I was looking for! Thanks so much for the assistance!!
-
- Driver
- Posts: 25
- Joined: Mon Jan 14, 2013 1:20 am
Re: Harold996tt 1991 British racing green
bootz wrote:Hmm, Lambos and a 911 as a holiday car. Not yr average NA owner.
Post lots about the journey.
Haha... Like I said... The stupid banks have been kind to a bad credit like me! The BRG was always THE dream car for me. All the other cars just happened to be cars that with a lot of luck I was able to afford as I progressed in my career...but I never dreamt of owning any of them lr yearned to own them the way I did the MX5....
-
- Speed Racer
- Posts: 2399
- Joined: Tue Apr 12, 2011 3:04 pm
- Vehicle: NB8B
- Location: North West, NSW
Re: Harold996tt 1991 British racing green
You've got to love Singapore hey? 90% loan on a car with a 10 year life.
-
- Driver
- Posts: 25
- Joined: Mon Jan 14, 2013 1:20 am
Re: Harold996tt 1991 British racing green
Apu wrote:You've got to love Singapore hey? 90% loan on a car with a 10 year life.
Would you believe they are now at 100 percent financing over 8 year loan. And a brand new MX5 here costs around aud160k!! And u can only keep the car 10 years. It's more like hiring a car for 10 years at exorbitant levels. The price you pay for having such a small country with so many people wanting to drive. That's why so many people venture every weekend into Malaysia to fulfill the need for speed...
-
- Speed Racer
- Posts: 2399
- Joined: Tue Apr 12, 2011 3:04 pm
- Vehicle: NB8B
- Location: North West, NSW
Re: Harold996tt 1991 British racing green
Of course I know lah!
Didn't know they went to 100% over 9 years though. I used to drive at Pasir Gudang and Sepang. Also had a couple of drives at Batu Tiga before they closed it...I reckon that was most fun.
You guys still shoot through Johor? Not sure if you know of the attempted kidnapping / shooting of Frank Choo at Gelang Patah about 10 years ago?
Didn't know they went to 100% over 9 years though. I used to drive at Pasir Gudang and Sepang. Also had a couple of drives at Batu Tiga before they closed it...I reckon that was most fun.
You guys still shoot through Johor? Not sure if you know of the attempted kidnapping / shooting of Frank Choo at Gelang Patah about 10 years ago?
- gslender
- Speed Racer
- Posts: 2330
- Joined: Sat Feb 19, 2011 10:49 pm
- Vehicle: NA6
- Location: Brisbane, QLD
Re: Harold996tt 1991 British racing green
Would be keen to know if anyone restore the knob. I'd need one done too!
G
G
MX5 91 NA6 LE completely stock and loving it!
MX5 92 NA8/ITBs Silver "aka Track Beeotch"
MX5 92 NA8/ITBs Silver "aka Track Beeotch"
-
- Fast Driver
- Posts: 430
- Joined: Wed Aug 16, 2006 8:24 am
- Vehicle: NA6
- Location: Brisbane
Re: Harold996tt 1991 British racing green
And me! Welcome from BRG 78.
Make something idiot-proof, and somebody will make a better idiot.
2007 Limited Edition (back in the saddle again)
2007 Limited Edition (back in the saddle again)
-
- Driver
- Posts: 25
- Joined: Mon Jan 14, 2013 1:20 am
Re: Harold996tt 1991 British racing green
Just spent the better part of the last two weeks back in Perth to get acquainted with my new purchase. Decided that rather than booking it into workshops and body shops over the short two weeks, I would just drive the car and enjoy it as well as get to know what are the issues with it if any.
Well, I'm seriously happy to report that the car runs really well for its age (sure has a bit of rattles coming from it though that will be sorted in due course), as well as lights that dont like to retract (relay I'm guessing). I had so much fun with it and it truly brought so many memories back- took my sons and daughters on constant drives throughout the entire trip non stop and they only wanted to sit in the äntique"car all the time!
Paint also needs attention on the two rear quarter panels as does the alignment on the right door. Can't see any obvious crash damage, but that wll become obvious only with the full bare metal strip down that I will hopefully get around to commissioning in the coming year. Have now returned to Singapore (I am now based most of the time in Singapore for work), and can't wait for my next holiday to go back and do some driving in the old green one again. Only thing done to the car thus far was the swap of the plates to my old personalised plates on my 911 which I in turn changed on the Porker to be more in line with the Porsche's heritage (being the last of the air cooled 911s before they went to the stupid water cooled modern 911s).
Have been busy buying parts from MX5parts in the UK and gradually building up a list of what needs to be done before approaching some body and upholsterers on my next visit back to Oz. In the meantime, had the car booked into Honmaz in Nedlands for this coming 21st Feb for a thorough going through to see what needs to be done mechanically first. Will be getting my dad to drop the car in for that as I am already sadly back in Singapore.
All the work done to the car will be done with the sole intention of keeping the car entirely original ie: I want it to look exactly the way it would have looked and been spec'd when it left the showroom floor of Brooking Mazda in 1991.
Well, I'm seriously happy to report that the car runs really well for its age (sure has a bit of rattles coming from it though that will be sorted in due course), as well as lights that dont like to retract (relay I'm guessing). I had so much fun with it and it truly brought so many memories back- took my sons and daughters on constant drives throughout the entire trip non stop and they only wanted to sit in the äntique"car all the time!
Paint also needs attention on the two rear quarter panels as does the alignment on the right door. Can't see any obvious crash damage, but that wll become obvious only with the full bare metal strip down that I will hopefully get around to commissioning in the coming year. Have now returned to Singapore (I am now based most of the time in Singapore for work), and can't wait for my next holiday to go back and do some driving in the old green one again. Only thing done to the car thus far was the swap of the plates to my old personalised plates on my 911 which I in turn changed on the Porker to be more in line with the Porsche's heritage (being the last of the air cooled 911s before they went to the stupid water cooled modern 911s).
Have been busy buying parts from MX5parts in the UK and gradually building up a list of what needs to be done before approaching some body and upholsterers on my next visit back to Oz. In the meantime, had the car booked into Honmaz in Nedlands for this coming 21st Feb for a thorough going through to see what needs to be done mechanically first. Will be getting my dad to drop the car in for that as I am already sadly back in Singapore.
All the work done to the car will be done with the sole intention of keeping the car entirely original ie: I want it to look exactly the way it would have looked and been spec'd when it left the showroom floor of Brooking Mazda in 1991.
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 248 guests