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Young engineer set to showcase ‘nuts and bolts’ restoration at Tractor Fest
A young engineer is set to showcase an impressive restoration at this year’s Tractor Fest at Newby Hall in Ripon.
Andy Turner will be showing his fully restored 1969 MGB GT at the event on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th June, which is celebrating 100 years of the MG car.
Tractor Fest, organised by the National Vintage Association, is the UK’s largest tractor festival. This year it is marking the centenaries of John Deere Model D tractors and MG cars with exhibits from across the decades.
26-year-old project engineer Andy, usually exhibits restored vintage tractors at Tractor Fest, but this year he has opted to show for the first time his fully restored 1969 MGB GT.
Andy and his pregnant wife Amy with the restored car
Andy said:
“It’s taken me nine months and is a nuts and bolts restoration.
“It was a metal shell when I got it. Everything was in bits, the engine was out, it had no wheels and no interior. I’ve assembled all the parts and the job has been finished to a very high standard.”
Andy’s MGB GT belonged to a neighbour’s uncle who had it from new in 1969. It was taken off the road in 1987 for repairs and has not been back on the road since – until now.
He added:
“I know the car’s history and its sentimental value to the family who owned it. I wanted it to stand the test of time and I’m very proud of it.”
The car has been resprayed in its original colour, mineral blue. Andy’s father-in-law Paul, a professional paint sprayer, carried out the bare metal respray on the exterior of the car and the interior which features new leather upholstery.
Tractor Fest attracts more than 12,000 visitors annually and features more than 1,000 vintage and modern tractors and 600 stationary engines, commercial vehicles, cars, trucks and motorcycles.
Admission also includes access to Newby’s award-winning gardens, adventure playground, dolls house and teddy bear exhibitions.
Other activities for families over the weekend include mini tractor driving, face painting, colouring and interactive exhibits. There are also trade stands, crafts and a choice of street food.
Tractor Fest is sponsored by Europe’s leading agricultural and machinery auctioneer Cheffins, The National Vintage Tractor & Engine Club (NVTEC) and Econ Engineering. The show is also supported by Ripon Farm Services.
For more information about tickets click here
For more general information about the event click here
