A classic MG that isn't boring - Extreme engine swapped drift project

A classic MG that isn't boring - Extreme engine swapped drift project. Hot Wheels winner. Jonny Smith gets the story and test drive of one of a Classic MG like you've never seen - probably the most unique custom MG projects - by young Yorkshireman Mike Wallhead. Mike built the whole car himself from a cheap donor, adding Jaguar/Ford Duratec 3.0 V6, and combining JDM style components with patina and drift culture.

A complete one-off, the budget project car caught the attention of the Hot Wheels Legends Tour competition and ultimately won the UK leg of the event.

Thanks for stopping by The Late Brake Show.

Smith & Sniff is the UK's #1 automotive podcast, where Jonny and ex Top Gear and Grand Tour script editor Richard Porter chat absolute rubbish for an hour, periodically mentioning car related topics. Listen now:
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Jonny Smith
Creative content maker, car presenter & car pervert for hire since '98

CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
1:20 Meet Michael
2:55 JDM inspiration
3:37 300bhp Jaguar Ford V6
4:03 3D printed parts
4:30 Bought for £250!
5:10 Side exit exhaust
5:47 Metal fab
8:08 DRIVING
8:35 Old jeans for seats
15:40 VOLUME UP
16:00 Engine bay
18:35 Range Rover, Merc van and Reliant parts
19:50 More DRIVING
23:32 Upcycling and reuse
24:10 Engraved flowers!
25:20 Lowrider inspired
25:45 World Record Fastest wheelie bin!
29:08 Verdict

#driftcar #engineswap #modifiedmg #thelatebrakeshow #4k

[sebastiend.]

Great video, great car!

What kind of (Nissan, I guess) car where you doing the VPN presentation from?
Mad thing.

Greetings from the Netherlands

[dotkomist]

It's so nice to see that even in the passenger seat, Micheal is basically smiling the whole time in that car. A true passion project!

[mat_tamarin]

Mike is one of the nicest and most generous people I've ever met, and all of his projects, not just this car, exude passion and attention to detail that can't be fully appreciated on camera. But this video makes a brilliant effort to do so. Thanks for making this. 👍

[russellmalone]

Awesome car. I’m not a MG man either but you must appreciate all classics. That Peugeot looks so cool ❤. Great build.

[jamesmacd]

Love this guy.. he's like the guys who built the car industry in the past.

[thenoknowledgegarage]

Not only is this video awesome, and the car a phenomenal testament to his skills, Michael is such a top bloke too he’s helped me bring a mower back to life and he’s genuinely a great all round guy, great video 🙏

[jamesellsworth]

Working in home garages around the country are some fantastic mechanics and engineering-minded fellas.

[TygonBC]

Honestly the cut to the bin run at 27:08 made me spit out my drink. Another superb video. This guy is like a low-key Colin Furze.

[daveyacarter]

As a middle aged MG owner, I bloody love that car!!! Well done. I, always wanted to chuck an RX-8 drive train in mine. I think a mental rotary B GT would be hilarious. Can't be any less economical than mine is now on Webbers 😂

[jonathanstow]

Michael is the nicest chap and so glad I taught him to drive!!

[ChrisFEJackson]

Thanks Johnny, so glad you drove it! I'm not a fan of MG's but respect people that do keep them on the road, as for many other makes seen at car shows etc. I love this aspect too taking a car & doing what ye fancy, how can anyone disagree with this, it's very indulgent but just shows what you can do amalgamating old & new across many differing OEM's. This guy is a legend in the making. Let's see where he takes us in the next few years. Excellent episode! & bleddy good choice.

[marklucas]

What a breath of fresh air to MG ownership. Love what he’s done here, a real custom hot rod street weapon. Unique and quirky! Love it. 😍👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[SmallBlogV]

MGBs aren't rare classics, so if the odd one here and there is a bonkers project car (that "GT3-spec" one that was on Speedhunters years ago also comes to mind) then it's hardly the end of the world. Some great workmanship here, and it sounds mega!

[Exhausted-autos]

... this is truly inspirational, I'm currently DIY supercharging my '74 B and who knows where I'll go after that... Fantastic. I live by the my car my choice mantra, people might not agree but you've got to respect the love and effort gone in here!!! Come join the B dark side (or shiny chrome side) Jonny!

[GenMaster]

Very jealous how clever this guy is, a real engineer and motoring enthusiast…respect to him 👏🏻👏🏻

[Alan-J-Mock]

Massive effort, engineering and creativity - big well done!

[FanatikBuilds]

It’s crazy… I love it! 🔥 (And not just because I’m used to the concept) Hats off to you Mike, and thanks for showcasing it Jonny! #Bringbacktinycars

[Android-vkyh]

Just love it! I can't believe I missed this episode, but Mike is an inspirational shed engine build tinker. The very true. The MG is generally underpowered so to have one that's a hot rod like this is brilliant. a civic type. R engine in one of these would fly as well. Bet it would fly around a track. My God the bin lid flaping around 👍👏😂👏

[fastEdCanuck]

Mike is clearly a talented and creative guy, that’s an interesting build. Gave him a follow on IG too. That wheelie bin is crazy!

[colinscutt]

that must be a record for the most camber ever on an MGb, im loving that modded Datsun look