He’s been at it again! Following my first visit to Rover Dealer Stephen Palmer last March to test drive his modified MGF, he again issued an invitation to try out more ‘SP Specials’. We’re hoping that one of them is capable of 150mph and another is certainly distinctive. Why don’t you pop up to Long Eaton to see what you think Zok said Stephen enticingly. No second bidding necessary, the MGA’s nose was pointed northwards up the M1 once again to meet this genuine enthusiast who just loves playing around with MGFs. On arrival, I was delighted to find three very different MGFs to try, all blessed with the SP touch.

 The first MGF was unmistakable and unmissable. This 1.8i had been personalised’. Standard British Racing Green in colour, the front and rear bumpers had been painted gold which merged into the green body so the effect was mingled rather than a hard definitive line where one colour ended and the next commenced. Matching gold wheels and hard top complimented the colour scheme as well as smaller details of golden petrol cap, stop light and mirror backs. The interior was luxurious in cream leather with green piping, similar to the finish we had seen on the last SP’ car, only this time the two-tone leather had been extended over the rear bulk head just behind the seats and more walnut had been added around the dash. Regardless of whether you like the effect of gold and green, Stephen was just trying to prove that he can produce your MGF to any finish you like, in any colour with any interior variations. A red F with black hood and gold wheels left our forecourt hardly before the paint was dry mentioned Sales Manager Wayne Harvey. A couple were driving past our garage recently in their green MGF, spotted this one, bought it there and then on their Switch card and she drove it away. Surely the ultimate in His n’ Hers.

 Cosmetic attention was not all that had received the SP treatment on this green/gold MGF 1.8i. The suspension had been lowered for visual effect which naturally resulted in a firmer ride. Personally I don’t feel that the ride can be improved and prefer the slightly higher, softer setting mentioned Stephen but the car definitely looks better nearer the ground. This point has already been proved by the MGF designer Gerry McGovern whose own F has been lowered to his specifications. Other changes included fitting our own full exhaust system which we have had specially designed (as seen on the first SP’ MGF) and adding a new ECU which gives more torque and power continued Stephen. This is an additional ECU, connected to the car’s existing one, and even without the camshafts (which have yet to be fitted) we think this car gives extremely pleasing results in a par with our original power package Go and try it – you’ll find it fun!

Stephen was right, the car was fun. From the moment you pull away into the road, the car is impressive. The urban sprawl of Long Eaton and extensive surrounding motorway roadworks means that quite a few miles are confined to 30 mph before reaching countryside. Nonetheless I have never had so much fun doing 0-30 mph! The throaty burble of its exhaust is a delight and the car pulls its heart out in any gear. This is possibly the biggest drawback of the car – it makes you become a very lazy driver. Within reason, this F responds to the right foot in whatever gear. No hiccups, no stumbling. Of course, drive her like a sportscar, pushing her hard though the gears and the result is impressive. Out in the country now, foot down in second gear, up through the rev counter to over 5000 rpm before changing into third, again pulling well to over 6000 rpm before the road ran out. Getting familiar and therefore braver, it was still difficult to find the space and gatso-free area to find her true colours. The handling and braking were of course excellent, as you expect from the F and instils, as do all Fs, a tremendous feeling of confidence. Despite all this power testing, the car pootles happily along at 70mph at just under 300 rpm and whilst idling at traffic light is so quiet you think it has stalled. You can drive this F to suit your mood and she will comply lamb-like or lion-like, the choice is yours. The change in suspension could certainly be noticed and the rougher ride made this pilot feel more macho, more the hey, tough guy’, more of a real driver! As Stephen says, the suspension change is not necessary for this car but oddly if feels right that the sportscar should be slightly uncomfortable to get the maximum feel-of-the-road sensation. Or does this just apply to MGs?

 Enthusing wildly on return to base, Stephen then threw me the keys of a deceptively docile looking white VVC. If you enjoyed yourself in our 1.8i, then you’ll probably refuse to return this one commented Stephen. He mentioned that Kenwood speakers had been fitted for the sound system expensive but worth it were his parting words. In all honesty I completely forgot to even turn the radio on, so am unable to comment on this point. My instant regret was that I had spent nearly 90 minutes playing with and photographing the green/gold 1.8i, which although a tremendous fun drive, just meant time detracted from roaring around the countryside in the Palmer Special VVC. As I’ve said before, I am not the world’s bravest or most competent of drivers but this car had me charging up through the revs, almost touching 7000 rpm, 60 mph, the VVC still pulling strongly before nerve failed and reached the next gear. And that was only in second! I held the same immense pull up though all the gears and at no time did I discover her limits. In agreement with her owner, this VVC needs a test session on a race circuit, especially as he thinks she is not where the enjoyment is – it’s getting there. This particular car is enormous fun, even within the speed limits. The lowered suspension feels appropriate on this VVC, giving a strong sense of solid road holding, no speed wobble, with just a hint of apologetic over-steer if pushed. The growl from the exhaust is again pure delight (hence no listening to Kenwood speakers) and in common with all these Fs, the car purrs sweetly along in towns, makes no fuss at complying with motorway regulations and yet is capable of serious performance.

Questioning Stephen on the modifications this car has undergone, he was as cagey as ever. Full SP exhaust of course, again a new, additional ECU, a lot of work by commissioned specialists mapping the ignition and each car receives approximately 3 hours on computerised tuning to get the optimum performance. The SP VVC has now had a get session at Bruntingthorpe, proving that 143mph is within her capabilities and we hope for a bit more once she is fully run-in . Oh yes, this white VVC has not even covered 3000 miles yet! In common with all Stephen Palmer Specials, as the mileage increases so does the power. 150mph here we come?

The last MGF to try was Stephen’s own car, resplendent in Charcoal with silver hood and wheels. This 1.8i has the full SP package, including camshafts, and has already hinted at great things that may not be far short of the white VVC. A visit to the MGF Birthday Party at Gaydon was the only mileage she had covered, so no harsh handling for her at this stage. Even so, there was no new car feel about her, only that she wanted go and was perfectly capable of doing so.

So why go to all this trouble to modify MGFs when they are already so popular you have to wait 6 months for delivery! We are entirely customer driven explained Stephen. It started by changing the exhaust note and has simply gone on from there. Our customers want their cars to be their own, different from others Fs on the road, and also like the power package we have put together for them. We like our customers to feel that we are still interested in the cars even after they have left our showroom – a joint ownership if you like. We are enthusiasts and we know our customers are too; one particular lady owner has decorated and carpeted her garage so that her MGF is comfortable at night!

I cannot imagine anything else Stephen can do to an MGF but no doubt he’s got something up his sleeve. I await the next phone call with anticipated pleasure.

Zoe Heritage