Chris Gill loves his MGs, and is dead keen on photography too. Here he introduces the background to his own cars and a few of his favourite shots.

I was five when I got my first camera, and shortly afterwards I was introduced to the wonderful world of British cars. At that time our neighbour, Mr. Higgins in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada owned a beautiful 1971 Jaguar XJ6 in which he often used to drive his son and me to school.

Fast forward 37 years and it is now my turn to introduce British cars to my two sons (Coen, age five and Parker, age six months). I currently own a midnight blue 1971 MGB GT that was purchased from my in-laws seven years ago. Fortunately the car was garaged-kept throughout most of its life, so the body and interior are in great shape.

After blowing an exhaust valve in 2009, I decided to completely overhaul the GT’s mechanicals, which included a new engine, new clutch and master cylinder, rebuilt carburettors, new brake master cylinder, new alternator, re-cored radiator and a stainless steel exhaust. I also installed overdrive, which is probably one of the best mods I have done to date.

Coen and I regularly use the GT for trips to town, which is a joy for both of us and a great way for father and son to bond. Parker is still a bit young for rides, but I know he will catch the British car bug soon enough!

As much as I love the GT, I have always wanted a roadster and after driving a friend’s Rover V8-powered MGB, I decided to embark on a roadster V8 conversion project of my own. With the help of a few good friends I rebuilt a Rover 215 and a GM T5 transmission, and then took on the onerous task of body modifications to the 1979 roadster I had purchased so I could run slightly larger tires to compensate for the additional horsepower. The car was painted this winter and I am now in the process of wiring it. I hope to have it on the road some time this summer if all goes as planned.

To read more pick up the July 2011 issue of MG Enthusiast 

Back issues available here.