Barn Find Unicorn 80s Turbo Classic Car - Will it run?

[@mikejba]

Honestly, these vids are just so lovely. With all the turmoil in the world news at the moment, episodes like this really warm the heart. I am very sorry to hear that John passed away, best wishes to his family and friends.

[@justsomebloke6784]

With all the bollocks going on in the world, this was a heartwarming interlude of people having a good time. Cheers Johnny for giving John a great goodbye. My own Father passed recently, and a few days before we took him for a bacon sandwich at a local burger wagon that has been there for 40 years, and drove him round his old haunts (as much as they still exist), then went for a pint in a marina overlooking loads of boats(he was a naval architect for the first couple of decades after leaving school), and now he's gone I remember that day fondly. John's stories and good humour were a treat, and I hope his family will take comfort from watching him so happy.

[@99AmethystZJ]

Sorry to read about your dad but nice that you could have a run out and make another memory or two, hope you're all ok as a family and talk often of him eh👊

[@Ro32da72]

What a lovely thing; right towards the end of your life, to have a tour round some of your old memories - beautiful. Sorry for your loss ❤ but now that day is a happy (if poignant) memory for you too. My Dad died 3 years ago, and every time I borrow a tool I still stand in his garage and 'ask him' if it's ok.

[@thestuster1]

That is a heartfelt comment. ♥️

[@MattTester]

John's devotion to _examples of the marque_ is inspiring, really glad we got to meet him. Rest in peace.

[@Baz_R]

I was very sad to learn MGJohn had passed, a true gentlemen and legend. His exquisitely written forum posts were a joy to read on the likes of Rovertech and such.

[@angeloah]

I remember losing one of our forum members which knew what John did about mgs he knew of Civics. Blessed to have known him. Life is fleeting.

[@williamrae9954]

Thank you,for the update...sad news!😢

[@GuyChapman]

Such a shame. A real gent.

[@JamesSmith-qs4hx]

I can't imagine the incoming replacements will look after cars so well, even though we are told diversity is our strength🤔🤔🤔

[@GuyChapman]

@@JamesSmith-qs4hx tell us you’re a racist without actually telling us you’re a racist.

[@stevecox5012]

What a lovely video. So good that John got to see it running. Peace and love, all.

[@angeloah]

Well said

[@ianmitchell9102]

@@angeloahx2 ❤

[@GarryMcGovern]

Thanks for the spoiler!!!!!!! (Only kidding....... I'll blame Jonny for pinning this comment to the top, so I couldn't miss it!! Haha!!).

[@robboddcc3003]

John was clearly absolutely chuffed that you were there to spend the day with him, his son and his cars. A lovely tribute to him 👍

[@Wardy5]

A fitting tribute. So glad you were able to get to this one Jonny, and for John to see it brought outside and running.

[@SG-w9j]

Fair play chaps, that's possibly one of the most wholesome car related things on the interweb. A family united by cars, doing car things one last time. Exactly what this wacky expensive hobby is about. Top work. RIP John.

[@kevinturner6281]

RIP John, not going to lie, bought a tear to my eye that one 🥲 So glad he had that experience prior to passing away, seemed like a true gent 👍

[@CJ-go7ff]

I wasn’t ready for that ending 💔 so glad John got to see and hear it being brung back into life one more time. Rest in peace John

[@Ash-ky8jo]

I am sure this guy was MGJohn on Pistonheads, and his knowledge on the forum was fantastic. He hasn't posted for a while, and i wondered how he was doing, so this video was great to see and i was sad to learn of his passing. What a collection of great cars. It is nice to see his son has learned a lot of his knowledge and shares the same enthusiasm for the future.

[@adamjohnston5250]

Yeh it was him

[@asdreww]

Ah no way, yeah I recognise his name. RIP

[@andrewc5664]

I’ve read many of John’s forum threads over the years. PG1 gearbox rebuild threads were a particular highlight. He was a legend among the MG Rover community. What he didn’t know about MG Rovers probably wasn’t worth knowing. RIP John.

[@matthewyoung3942]

What a truly epic example of what it means to be a custodian of a car and ambassador of a marque. Car culture spans every inch of automotive and, no matter what the niche, our culture should do nothing but applaud such a man. Rest in peace John.

[@coolhand1983]

My Dad's name is John, he's from the South West (Bristol), and we had a B reg MG Montego Turbo in the mid 90's.... (Reg was B240 TKL). He's also very unwell these days so I hope that's where the similarities end! 😢 The car was actually pretty cool! Digital speedo that counted backwards when you got to 70mph! Rest in peace John, my condolences to any family reading this

[@Matt_Beale]

So nice to see the owner smiling and happy to see His car running again. I hope His family manage to get the car back on the road in his memory soon.

[@gojeta1982]

RIP John. Massive respect for helping keep the MG marque from disappearing. A true British hero.

[@angeloah]

This one hits hard as I am currently helping my ailing father in law. Going through memories and writing down stories, listening to him recall and reminisce. We are short on time if you get me. Great work and rest in power.

[@GlennJ1881]

I had an 85 (B) MG Montego 2.0 EFI in Black with Red striping early 90's. What a lovely Car it was but kept on having Fuel Pump issues. Very sad to get to the end and see John had passed. So pleased he got to see it run one last time. RIP John McFeely

[@scottnewlands628]

What a brilliant family and what a barnfind. So glad John got to see it run.

[@VisaGeezer]

As much as the cars are wonderful, it’s a video like this that reminds us what is so special about the stories, car communities and most importantly the families of us car types. Nothing but absolute respect for John. He’s obviously passed on much knowledge and skill. My condolences to his family and friends. What a proper top car gent !

[@paulmaddison8792]

If you know you know. That phrase gets used a lot these days. It fits MG Rover perfectly. Beautiful film. Left me in tears.

[@stikkiedd67]

So moving that unicorn needs recommissioning and needs dedicating in memory of John .. Car Perverts are giving people who mourn both cars and owners with pride and a heavy heart 💛💜

[@davidbarnes668]

R.I.P. John condolences to the family. So glad he got to see it run again. I'm sure his son will carry on his legacy and hopefully one day bring it back to it's former glory.

[@MartinStephenson1]

Glad you could get this car running before John passed away, it obviously meant a lot to him. Thanks to the family for allowing you to post this fitting tribute to his obsession with MG.

[@adamclark7536]

This reminded me of my Auntie who passed away recently. She had a Montego for many years. Lovely to see the dedication being passed down the family. RIP John.

[@darrenbartlett3283]

What a tribute to Johns love of the cars , sincerest condolences to his family ,

[@sporkfindus4777]

Wonderful Gloucestershire hospitality. Sorry to hear that John passed recently, he seemed like a thoroughly nice person. That MG Montego is stunning. It's funny when you see a car from your childhood that you haven't seen in years, and can appreciate the styling with different eyes.

[@simonthomas5367]

I teared up at the end. Cracking clip. Nice one guys.

[@theloneranger2101]

To say this was a Wonderful video, is very must an understatement Jonny. You really did make MGJohn a very happy man that day, and also his family. This video will now have some very happy memories for his family to cherish of that Wonderful day, of that I have no doubt. Well done Jonny, you're a ⭐. Thank you MGJohn RIP.

[@jwvandegronden]

Great episode again and what a marvelous gift you gave him and his family! To be part of someones last memories is quite a special honor and to be there in this capacity must feel both a little heavy and thankful at the same time! What a beautiful send-off!! Thanks for sharing all of this!

[@stevefinch8519]

Great video johnny my uncle had a black one of these in the 80s with the voice synthesiser , lovely bloke as well , sorry to hear he passed away . Cheers . Steve . Ps you should bring Porter along on. One of these .

[@ItalianRebuild]

You can easily tell that John had a great day! The passion when he wanted to know what was in the boot haha..... Glad it ran and rest in peace John.

[@blackhawk69100]

Episodes like this are the toughest of all. We literally his whole life. While the new MG has its place, it’s the original MG that is in the hearts of all whole love them. I’m so glad John got to see his Mg Montego run once more. And the passion clearly runs deep in the family with the ZTs and ZSs.

[@nicolelongneckergallery]

Brilliant video, Jonny. Thank you, Mr. McFeely for passing your passion to you boys. May his memory remain for a blessing.

[@JR90.]

Life is so cruel at times! So glad John got to see his pride and joy run. Well done TLBS team.

[@JasonCampbell-xb5qi]

Shame john passed away seemed a lovely old fella. Can tell his knowledge of rovers would have kept you entertained for hours on end. Nice to see his son taking over the mg/rover heritage. Love the montego awesome cars back in the day. That little metro would give it a run for its money. Hopefully you complete the montego and get it back on the road in memory of your dad.

[@jimothy84]

So happy that John got to see it run again, and glad his passion has been passed down to his kids, fingers crossed you're able to keep up with the rebuild and we see the car again! Rest in peace.

[@richcretrogti618]

Love watching your barn find videos Jonny, not only for the cars but also for the people and to hear their ownership stories. RIP John. The car community is a wonderful thing.

[@more.power.]

What a beautiful video filled with so many memories. I may not have known John or his family, but I must admit I shed a tear at the end. Not out of sorrow, but from the emotion of knowing that this man had one last opportunity to hear his beloved old car roar to life. It's clear that he had a deep love and knowledge of the marque. Thank you for sharing this with us, and my best wishes go out to the family." Thank you Jonny

[@MartinThorn-v8r]

What a lovely bloke and family, will be such a nice memory for them in difficult times.

[@ollieholden9584]

What a brilliant tribute, love that John got to see that and a brilliant family memory. And the montego design has aged so well! My favourite barnfind by far.

[@woodgeorge1]

RIP John at least he got to see it run . What a wonderful video for Johns family to keep of him , and it was great we got to meet a great man

[@UploadingOCD]

Not only that your barn finds episodes are fantastic, the owners are such an interesting and graceful people. So sorry John passed away.

[@123jrh1]

brilliant , love the longbridge cars, i have 2 rover 200's a 1992 214 sli and a 1992 rover 216 cabriolet( possibly the oldest) registered april 92, john is a credit to the community. really pleased he got to see the montego run . rest peacefully john

[@darrentrotter]

Just watched, another great barn find Jonny. Great to see a Montego,can't remember the last time seen one on the road. Really sorry to see that John passed away 😢, condolences to his family and friends. The world needs more people like John.

[@stepheng8779]

Sorry to read that John had passed away. Thanks for his family allowing us to see this lovely car and the rest of their collection & it was great to meet John ❤ You could tell he enjoyed the day hearing the car running again. Cheers Jonny and love to all, RIP John ❤

[@In_memory_of_Dad]

I was having a really miserable day but this video has really cheered me up and brought back some wonderful memories 👍🙂👍

[@paultaylor5061]

Glad John got to see it run again, he was a true gent who helped me after I met him through the MG Rover forum. Thoughts are with his family, RIP MG John.

[@AnthonyRBlacker]

It must be wonderful Jonny not only to get to revive all these old - and to me an American mysterious cars - stored away for years but not forgotten about, how life gets in the way we get old, we get sick. May John McFeely Rest in Peace, and may his lineage live on in success and glory. I sure am glad to see his young man is more than knowledgeable and will surely revive these cars to showroom quality one day again. Thank you very much Jonny for the wonderful story!

[@Android-vk8yh]

First of all, massive condolences to John's family. What's a great guy? Just loved seeing his dedication to the MG Mark, really enjoyed the video and got really choked to hear his passing. I lost my father and wish I could still work on cars with him now. So glad you got to get the car out and start it for him. This brought back memories for me. I had a montego as one of my first cars. It wasn't my choice but I loved it.

[@wilf18]

Torque steer and crazy mental understeer Mad as a box of frogs Great video RIP SIR ❤

[@lukesheppard5807]

Car enthusiasts hanging out doing what they love. What a great day for one of your last. RIP.

[@ruechampagne]

Hi Jonny, brilliant video. My dad passed away exactly four years ago today, he owned a black 1995 MG Montego Turbo, he loved that car. The sound of the key coming out of the barrel and the boot hinge creak when it was opened and that interior brought me back to my teens. I was lucky to drive that car and still remember the torque steer under acceleration. Great thing for John to see one running one more time, RIP.

[@The_BenboBaggins]

What a lovely episode, tinged with sadness - of all the barn finds, this is the one I most want to see a post restoration follow up on.

[@In_memory_of_Dad]

Wow this brought back some memories. I had 2 Montego Turbo's, god they were quick cars, i had forgotten just how quick they actually were!!!

[@ryantaggart5642]

Clearly a lovely man, and a lovely family. And a garage to be proud of. What better tribute than to celebrate someones passion.

[@kennadod2080]

What a lovely thing for him to see it running before he passed. It's great to see people have such passion for certain cars and makes. RIP John

[@johndavey72]

So sad to hear of John's passing but l think you really made him so content and happy Jonny . I'm sure his family also appreciate your appreciation in seeing his dreams come true . Thanks Jonny , and sweet dreams John .

[@RJC-_]

Fantastic Jonny, and a lovely tribute to John and his family. Rest in peace 🙏🏻

[@IvanProsper]

What a great man and great family. Thanks for giving these wonderful people some time in the limelight. All the best to John and his family

[@zilspeed]

I don’t remember the Steve Soper advert, but do remember journalists of the time rubbing their eyes in disbelief at the idea of feeding 150bhp through driven front wheels. It was surely the limit of what could be done, was the view. Now, that’s a pretty normal number for a fwd car.

[@VILLAGEOFDEATH]

It's something special when a whole family share the same passion, condolences to the family on the passing of John rest easy Sir. 🙏🙏🙏 another great find Jonny, meeting the owners is fastly becoming the best part of the videos, makes you think what else is out there hidden away just waiting for a Late Break Show.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Dozens of things, judging by our inbox!

[@colinm1325]

Hey Jonny and team, a bloke called o0OMouseO0o on utube who is in your neck of the woods, has built himself a diesel, manual shifting motorbike who commutes daily on. Turbo intercooled, and has a reverse too, ala Goldwing Not a pretty thing, but does a job, maybe worthy of a look for you guys. Kind Regards.

[@Canalsman]

The joy on John's face, and the happy chuckles, say it all. That was a lovely thing to do and I commend you for it Jonny. Seeing that car brought memories of my own about these MG derivatives of the 80s. They were scorned widely at the time but were immense fun to drive. I had the pleasure of buying two Turbos, Metro and Montego, in 1983 and 1985. They looked great on the drive alongside each other, one in Red and one in White. They were huge fun to drive and surprisingly quick. If Cecil Kimber, who created the first MGs from bog standard Morris cars, was aware of the 80s successors I'm sure he'd be proud. Great cars worthy of wearing the badge.

[@adamweston4152]

My father had four montegos in the 80s and 90s and they were great car's, excellent reliability and comfort and the nicest one he owned was the vanden plas 2.0 which was really quick and full leather interior, alot of people will slag them off but I thought highly of them.

[@mikebull1972]

Aw, bless John and his family. And bless you Jonny, for being such a good people person in these videos.

[@tomcole020]

MGs have been underrated for a while but I’m glad to see they’re starting to be appreciated more. Even my ZR has had lots of positive comments. The MGR community is 100% the best full of so many helpful people and so much knowledge

[@Jonathan_Doe_]

They’re not really being appreciated that much more. It’s just the fans are able to find each and make content more easily now. I respect 80’s and onwards MG’s and Rovers as an example of engineers somehow managing to make vaguely good products despite management penny pinching and an assembly line with poor morale. The turbo montego and maestros were rapid for their day, but the bodyshell was flimsy. Head gasket issues aside, the K series is actually a great engine power to weight and cc wise.

[@tomcole020]

@Jonathan_Doe_ Good points but I've definitely noticed they're being taken a bit more seriously. 5-6 years ago when we last had MGs they never really got many comments and they usually got laughed at online 😂 My ZR has had quite a few people compliment it and even had one or two trying to buy it 😂 You still get the odd headgasket comment but I think people are starting to like them now they're starting to get that early 00's retro cool look to them

[@davidwood4271]

Brilliant video really nice to see old MG montego rip John ❤

[@chubsnscrubs1754]

Really did love this video, I have no interest in the marque at all but seeing someone so passionate themselves just breathes fresh air into the content, this was beyond fascinating, John is a true legend ❤

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Exactly this. Nail on head. 👌🏽

[@chubsnscrubs1754]

@@TheLateBrakeShow thanks for sharing his passions with the world mate, may he rest in peace, look forward to more content like this!

[@retromechanic2238]

Deepest condolences to Johns family. How wonderful he was able to see this little beauty run before he passed. That memory will stay with the family forever. Great video!

[@iannolan-f4g]

I thought I had nothing to watch tonight, then a Barn Find episode dropped - thanks you Johnny! Lovely family, great episode.

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

Not going to lie but the tribute to John gave me a cold shiver down my spine, had i not read the comments before the end i would have been in tears. A great episode Johnny and what a lovely man John was and his family. RIP John.

[@andydunn1878]

I’ve never been an austin rover fan but i do like watching videos on 80-90’s cars. I’m so glad john got to see it run before he passed away RIP John.

[@FRST2012]

I love the way how these cars become the extension of the garage shelf to put things on. Remember seeing a few of these when I was young. Great days, along with the R5 Turbo, Nova, XR2.

[@Boating_David]

How lovely for John to see the car out and running, love a chap with a passion for a marque. The world needs more John's, may you rest in peace sir 🙏

[@NigeUK007]

One of my Favourite barn finds. A lovely family and all with a wealth of knowledge. I would so love to see a complete restoration process of this car on KZbin… in memory of John! RIP.

[@BigDuke6ixx]

My mate had the Maestro MG 2.O EFI. An interesting car to drive but by the time of its first MOT pretty much everything needed replacing. Even the clear coat had gone milky. let's be honest, they were shiitters, but it's good to see them getting some love from enthusiasts.

[@eastcoastdcc]

What a great Barn Find video. RIP MGJohn. Evidently a wonderful man! Love and deepest condolences to the family. Thank you for sharing this with us. Ross.

[@jackphillips3962]

A lovely tribute to John. What a great guy. I hope these cars live on in his memory!

[@h12st_d63]

This is why your channel is so unique Jonny, a lovely tribute to John's passion and I think we all look forward to seeing the car back on the road one day

[@bentaylor9021]

Lovely video. Lots of memories. I never knew John or the family but I’ll admit that I shed a little tear there at the end. Not of sadness but the emotion of knowing that man got one last chance to hear that old car of his run. He clearly had huge love and knowledge of the Marque. Thank you for sharing this with us and my best wishes to the family 🙏🏻

[@marklucas3025]

What a terribly sad ending! Thoughts to the family. I guess at least John got to see his MG Montego running again. Terrible shame.

[@MickHurst65]

Remember delivering these for Hertz and later for a fleet distribution company, always enjoyed the Monte Turbo. Never see them now, a real shame how the British car industry died. Lovely to see this one in such good condition. RIP Mr John McFeely and condolences to his family and friends.

[@craigrobertson7938]

Thanks again for this Johnny. I always feel it is a privilege for the person or family to let us see what they have. Sometimes I think oh it’s not a car that I’m interested in but almost always it isn’t about the car but the people. Always interesting to hear about their life and why they have that car. Good to see his son there and hopefully he will be able to keep the cars together and running. Sad to hear about John passing. He had more passion and knowledge of these cars than the people who can the company.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Thank you. That's really lovely to hear.

[@kevincochrane]

Lovely video, Jonny.. I worked on a number of those Montegos back in the mid 80s.. Brings back some happy memories.. Be nice to see this one return to the channel once the recommission is complete.. 🏁

[@HQBProductions]

Good work Jonny….you made an enthusiast contented by getting the car running…I can imagine the thoughts in his head as he watched you working….thank you for helping him. 🙂🙂🙂🙂

[@mickmcc2158]

Wow! John’s devotion is inspiring. My father had a metallic blue Montego in the late 80s. I honestly think it would overheat on a January morning. He still has nightmares about it! Great video as always, Jonny

[@robincook3367]

It's lovely to see. I'd had some correspondence with Martin previously, and this is about a mile from me. My family have had numerous Rover/MG/Austin Rover/BL cars over the years, but these guys enthusiasm is next level.

[@belgreenhills]

Godspeed John. lovely old man - May he rest in peace. He was obviously a true car guy. Thanks for sharing.

[@StrudlePie]

Rest Easy John! Its great that your enthusiasm is being well and truly carried on. All the best to the family

[@snbala]

Sad to see at the end of the video he had passed, RIP. Great he had seen it run and hopefully that Montego will be restored and driven on the roads. Great video.

[@kevmackintosh7953]

What a lovely video, so glad he got to see that car run. So happy for his family that you could help give them what will be such a happy memory, I bet he talked about it for ages afterwards. So sad for their loss though, he seemed a lovely guy. I hope the car gets back on the road in his honour.

[@zogzoogler]

Worth the vid just for the sound of an SU searching for fuel. Memories of working on Minis metros, Itals and Maestros with my late Father. Condolences to the sons❤.

[@simoncross2634]

Great to see this Johnny.John for me came across as an old school gent with great passion! Please put this one in your note book, be great to see more, montego that metro too. Lovely family, many thanks too all

[@secretbrad9259]

My dad owned a Rover dealership in Newent Gloucestershire at the time this car was launched and I remember very fondly him having one! Thank you for this video it has brought back my childhood happy time!

[@arronjones6985]

I had a G plate in one in 1999 in the same colour. Think it was silver leaf. Quick car in its day. No abs or traction control! Torque steer and lift off oversteer was ridiculous! Absolutely loved it!

[@michaelsaville7693]

I loved mine, I still have the watch, key fob, tie-pin, tie and booklet which came in a presentation box when I bought it, heading down to BAE Bristol on the M5 was always a joy 🙂

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Do you really?

[@BlackBuck777]

Sold my box of treasures on eBay years ago- the tie was quite handy but the watch not so great. Be worth a fortune now 😊

[@michaelsaville7693]

Hello Johnny, Yes, I lost the box which also had a keychain, the MG badge is worn from where it would rub against my shirt cuff, I can take pictures if you would like to see them. Its shape was based on the TA-TB & TC radiator grill.@@TheLateBrakeShow

[@1unsung971]

Story telling at its best. Wonderful as always. Bravo Johnny Smith. Thank you!!!!

[@GentilsGarage]

This video made my day. A lovely bloke (interacted with him in the past on the MG Forums) and will be very much missed by the community, but more importantly, but his family who I send the best wishes.

[@feenyx6394]

I really appreciate the history lesson. There weren't really a lot of Rovers or MGs here growing up, so it's sort of a hidden world to me. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@stuartblack9258]

Brilliant episode RIP MGjohn❤

[@usuallyfixingtinkering]

What a great episode and a massive tribute to someones love of Austin MG Rovers from that period that people often remember harshly but also fondly!