1959 MGA Twin-Cam Roadster
Registration no. XLW 198
Chassis no. YD1/2497

The deceased vendor's late father purchased this MGA Twin-Cam in 1963 and enjoyed it for over 50 years before succumbing to Alzheimer's Disease in 2019, aged 79. This lot is being offered for sale to benefit Alzheimer's Society, a United Kingdom care and research charity for people with dementia and their carers. Alzheimer's Society is a UK Registered Charity No. 296645. The car's first owner was the renowned London-based Italian graphic artist and illustrator, Renato Fratini, whose work has included countless memorable film posters, book jackets, etc. Mr Fratini kept the MG until 31st July 1963 when ownership passed to Rob Davis, who would remain its registered keeper until March 2016. The car had briefly been registered to motoring author and MG aficionado, Michael Ellman-Brown, but only to facilitate the acquisition of the registration mark 'JJJ 888' (the original registration was 'XLW 198'). The MG's original buff logbook records a number of changes of address and colour scheme.
In common with Rob's previous car (a supercharged PB) the Twin-Cam was raced in many club events, his trophy collection testifying to successes at Brands Hatch and Silverstone. Off track the car was used for various touring holidays as well as Rob's Cornish honeymoon. When MG began disposing of Twin Cam engine parts following the end of production, Rob got wind of this and picked up a new 'crate' engine and cylinder head among other parts. (This crate engine was fitted in the late 1990s and travelled less than 5,000 miles during Rob's tenure of ownership.) In 1987 Rob decided to ship the car to Barbados for a restoration, which was undertaken by him and his son, James. Replacement parts were bought from Mike Green at NTG Motor Services in Ipswich. The car lived on Barbados for 20 years, featured in car meetings and carnival processions as well as spirited trips out. It was used sparingly. In 2006 a series of upgrades was undertaken, with a Ford Sierra five-speed gearbox conversion; new telescopic suspension; a set of Peter Wood cast alloy wheels; and a side-exit exhaust being fitted.

Rob was officially diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2012 and from then he was slowly robbed of his memories, his ability to maintain the car and ultimately his driver's licence. In 2016 the family decided to sell the MG (and their holiday cottage) in order to contribute to Rob's long term healthcare. He passed away surrounded by family and friends in August 2019 aged 79.
On 14th March 2016, the MG was sold to Ricky May of Salem, Virginia, USA. A Twin-Cam fan and collector, Ricky got the MG running again, did a few jobs and ran the car briefly before putting it up for sale.

Dealer John Regis, from Stamford in the UK, was the ultimate buyer in 2018. The MGA was shipped back to the UK where he entrusted his good friend Peter at Classic Cars of Wirral to sell it on his behalf. That same year Rob's son James learned that his father's MG was back in the UK and was able to buy it from Classic Cars. He also managed to retrieve the car's original registration mark, 'XLW 198'. Sadly, last year James too passed away and the MG is now for sale, all proceeds to be donated to Alzheimer's Society. His extensive and painstakingly researched history of this remarkable car may be found at https://www.mgalzheimers.uk/