Dad was known to drive the MGB quite regularly – Friends’ comments, and also on Dad’s driving!

Richard, Peter’s Son –‘ I remember my first trip in it, I can’t remember too much, but I do remember being on the back bench, sitting sideways and thinking that it was pretty weird type of rear seat (I also remember absolutely loving it!). It also made me want to get an MGB for myself and in my early 20’s I bought a 1972 MGB GT in red (affordable, but rotten under the doors).’

Gloria – Waimak Classic Cars, North Canterbury – (Meeting dad at Swop Meets and rally) – ‘Your dad was the loveliest of people to be approached by…he was calm and polite and had sweetness in the way he spoke… …he was never rushed or hurried…he always approached with humbleness and always remembered where he had left off in our conversations! As I said it was a shock when you said he passed away!’

Les – Lived opposite Mum & Dad in Ragiora. Memories of daily use & inspired to own an MGBT!
‘Peter’s MGB roadster arrived in our street (Strachan Place Rangiora) along with it’s stable mate the YB from England and a selection of vintage motorcycles in shipping containers. My background is automotive mechanical so my interest in these classic cars was reignited whenever I heard these cars start up and reverse down the long driveway opposite our house, the MGB especially with it’s distinctive exhaust note. Peter and Janet would be traveling off to various events and rally’s. Peter was a believer in using these cars and not having “show ponies” (my words) that only get taken out on dry days.

My association with Peter over the years and seeing and hearing the distinctive sound of the MGB sparked an interest and desire to own my own piece of motoring history. Having Peter a short walk away and his MGB enabled me to first of all check to see if I could actually get myself into the car, (there is
a knack to this). Many questions about the MGB were followed up with spare manuals and books that Peter had in his vast library about the history of the MGB and all manner of reference material on where to get spare parts from and links to all sorts of groups that did help once I had purchased my own MGBGT. We went to a few car rallies and enjoyed each other’s company with common interest in all things mechanical, over the years.
Peter was justifiably proud of his inventory of classic cars and motorcycles enjoying them and servicing them himself. He told me about the “hard top” on the MGB and the work involved in getting it fit for purpose. I don’t think he had a desire to remove the hard top, too cold in New Zealand he would say and a lot of trouble getting it watertight again.

I would hear the MGB backing down the long driveway at least once a week as Peter left for his “men’s shed” nights or other interested groups that he was part of throughout the year, winter or summer. The little mustard MGB was a joy to see on the road and if the car had not been taken back home to England I would have jumped at the chance to own her. Having an MGBT (hard top) for the winter and a MGB (soft top) for the summer would have been the ultimate if I had had the room.

‘John & Kay Daimler Club – ‘Our memories of him were mainly in the Conquest. We remember him taking the MG to the Club on occasion….. we will never forget Peter’s speedy driving though. We still have visions of him coming down off the motorway ramp and heading into Christchurch and zooming past at 70 miles per hour as we were both heading into the Club. Did you find any speeding tickets amongst your dad’s items?’

Chris, Vintage Car Club – ‘Went in it with him on a couple of occasions when he was on the motorcycle committee at the same time as I was, I remember him driving fast and cutting the corners…. The hard top was always fixed even on warm to hot days….Peter was as you well know a heavy smoker … so being a non-smoker I often declined a lift, but I do know he used it regularly as I often saw Peter out and about in the MG, but don’t recall your mother being in the MGB…. But did see them both out in the MGY many times at rallys.’