A WHEELER Dealer host has revealed his secret car cave featuring a 1959 MGA won in a raffle and left to rot in the garage.
Mike Brewer has amassed an envious collection of motors in a myriad of colours which he keeps in his private garages.
YouTubeMike Brewer showed off an iconic 1959 MGA[/caption]
YouTubeThe Wheeler Dealers host said that he got his hands on the impressive sports car in California in unusual circumstances[/caption]
The host of the popular motoring show invited Jonny Smith over to peruse the personal car haul and it’s fair to say it lived up to expectations.
Known for being the frontman of Wheeler Dealers since it began almost 20 years ago, veteran motorist Mike had some impressive motors to show off.
An impressed Jonny compared the collection to a “car cathedral”.
Pride of place in Mike’s iconic haul went to a 1959 MGA that the motoring host enthusiastically showed off.
He said: “When you’re in front of a MGA like this just bow, curtsy, salute – you could go down on one knee.
“There is a protocol when you see one of these cars, it’s beautiful.”
Mike revealed that he got his hands on the priceless sports car in unusual circumstances after visiting California for the filming of an episode of Wheeler Dealers.
He said that he got talking to an old man who owned a building full of motors they were visiting – and the host revealed he had a British classic car of his own.
Mike continued: “He said that he won it in in a raffle and it’s been sat in the garage for the past 20 years.”
He said that the man revealed he was “ready to let it go” because of his old age and the fact he and his wife could not access it.
After visiting his house, Mike said: “He opened up the garage door and under eight very dusty blankets was a primrose yellow 1959 MGA.
“The whole car was complete and hand painted. I said wow that’s amazing.”
The Wheeler Dealers host was then shocked even further when the previous owner said he could have the stunning sports car for free.
As the man insisted he didn’t need any more money, Mike generously decided to donate $10,000 dollars to the former owner’s favourite charity.
Mike then shipped the iconic car home and designed his own paint job for the incredible motor.
He completed a full restoration of the MGA, intent on making it roadworthy rather than be left sitting in a garage.
Mike upgraded the engine to a 1.8MGB and improved the gearbox.
He added: “This car drives like you cannot believe it. It sits on the motorway at 70, it will overtake somebody at 90.
“It goes 0-60 in about eight seconds – it’s quick.”
A proud Mike said that he uses the “beautiful car” often because it would be a waste to leave it at home.
Mike also showed Jonny a number of his Porsches that he has accumulated over the year.
He showed off a 1982 Porsche SC he bought off an American Airlines pilot while he was living in California.
The bright red sports car boasts a full black leather interior and an electric roof.
Mike had also customised the front and rear bumpers of the car to give it an even more personal feel that he “absolutely loves”.
Mike added: “I’ve had this car for about five years. I don’t think I’ll ever let this one go, it’s my little baby.”
And he also introduced Jonny to his Porsche 912E and Porsche 928.
The motoring host also showed off a classic blue Ford Ranger Raptor with a 2litre diesel engine.
He added that it is capable of carrying a couple of tons and said that it was dirty for a reason.
Mike quipped: “If it’s not muddy it’s not being used.”
And there was also a Landrover 110 Defender on show in his envious collection.
This comes after a motor expert says the EV boom has been a ‘disaster’ for car brands.
Meanwhile, a campervan driver warned other owners about the ‘plant-based’ wiring on his vehicle.
Discovery ChannelThe motoring show is celebrating its 20th year on air[/caption]