What other car offers:- Royal patronage, +140mph, +35 mpg, practical luggage space, comfort over long distances, reliability, longevity, cheap to run and .....timeless body styling?

This car, Middlebridge No 50, was first noted by MESS** at the Middlebridge 20th Anniversary re-union (Curborough, 16/08/09). The owner declined an offer of £6.5k on the day. The then owner was the second owner (I am the third) and had purchased it from widow of the first owner after discovering she was about to trade-in the car for "Scrappage value". By chance he saved MB50 from the crusher. A close run thing I'd say!

1. MB50 interior is mostly original and in good/ excellent condition.
2. Paintwork is original and at 35 years old looks good enough for more to come.
3. The "bomb proof" galvanised chassis is, of course, in excellent condition.
4. The unbreakable V6 2.9EFI engine runs faultlessly.
5. The back axle is silent (some are not).
6. All mechanical and electrical systems have been fastidiously maintained as they ought.


A few "improvements" incorporated into MB50 include:-

• Uprated coolant rad (ally) and larger fan (originals held in storage).
• Revised radiator plenum for better rad cooling.
• Modern coolant tank, now with low level warning alarm.
• K&P oil filter.
• Aluminium rocker box covers ('Middlebridge' lettering).
• 'Carbon Fibre' cover panels for induction air box and battery.
• Gearbox overhauled and 2.83:1 ratio 1st gear incorporated.
• MOMO steering wheel fitted (original Middlebridge wheel held in storage).
• Rear parking sensors fitted.
• Improved rear luggage space cover gives more under the cover storage volume.
• Rear hatch internal release (replaces exterior key lockable).
• Wolfrace wheels of the period are fitted for daily use and being wider than MB wheels give the car a more muscular stance (orig. MB wheels held in storage).
• Spare wheel of space saver type fitted (is easier fit under the bonnet than original).
• Windscreen wiper boxes replaced.
• Headlights relays fitted (to protect switch from overload failure/ fire).
• Dash panels now uprated to Burr Walnut style (Burr Walnut was a factory option).
• Improved heater to new design incorporated.
• Braking has been massively improved by fitting Wilwood calipers.

All serviceable / repairable parts removed have been retained in storage so if some future owner wishes to make MB50 absolutely original once again then it can be done quickly. Additional to regular use from it's current base in Lincolnshire, journeys around Scotland (NC500), Belgium, Germany and France have proven MB50 to be a totally reliable vehicle which gives speedy yet relaxed and comfortable motoring over long distances.

MB50 has recently been awarded a Heritage Certificate by Mess**. This certificate verifies it's credentials and is thus useful not only for say insurance purposes, but particularly to distinguish between it and earlier iterations made by the Reliant Motor Company which look superficially similar. The Reliant cars, made in large numbers became dated whereas the Middlebridge was bespoke (just 79 and each individually made), incorporated latest technology, were more costly and built to a much higher specification. Alan Timmis. (21/10/24).

**A group set up to inform and promote the Middlebridge marque.