MR2 Only, Issue 17

It?s been a busy time in the MR2 community since the last issue, by now you?ve spotted the Century Motorsport/Marangoni MR2 on this issue?s cover, so powerful when launched its front heads skywards, an incredible piece of MR2 engineering and tuning with nigh on 1000bhp, recently slaying the current MR2 1/4 mile world record, and is destined for more things to come. In fact this issue is almost the Century/Marangoni issue, as the car's featured, and also competed at TOTB 09 and Jap Show, Santa Pod with its stunning new look for 2009.

Although the MR2 first launched in the UK early 1985, 2009 marks the 25th anniversary of the Midship. We recently joined the MR2 Driver?s Club for their Silver Jubilee celebrations down at an historic dockyard, Chatham in Kent. An impressive line up of MR2s of all marques were displayed proudly over the weekend and we lined up a few tasty feature cars and had the pleasure of meeting a few new friendly faces. The weather also treated us kindly for Jap Show, where we joined the MR2OC stand for what I have to say is one of the best organised shows we?ve attended. TB Developments and TWOBRUTAL also attended and displayed with many MR2s taking to the strip. We also headed up to Elvington, York to support a five man MR2 team competing in this years Ten of the Best, a thoroughly enjoyable day despite the miserable weather, with the MR2s holding their own with impressive 1/4 mile and handling circuit times.

Further afield we have a nice feature spread on the Northern California meet, where an impressive line up of 70 plus MR2s turned out to show off in 90 degree heat, MR2s from each generation, fully restored Mk1s, 400hp MR2 Turbos, BEAMS powered Mk2s and even a few V6?s .

If you?re in the UK club scene, it?s nearly JAE time, this time more centrally located at Wicksteed Park, Northamptonshire. Be sure to get your name down and join the MR2 Village and be sure to come over to our trade stand to say hi, pick up any back issues you may have missed, or generally chat MR2, don?t forget we?re always looking for feature cars.

Features, sharing the cover with the Century Beast, is the original TRD2000GT Number 1, which owner Mick Jones aka Topgun, has sympathetically restored to its former glory. Mick?s no stranger to the world of the widebody, or MR2 Only Magazine, having already featured his purple TRD replica. We also feature a very rare and stunning Do-Luck body kitted Revision 3 Turbo owned by West Midlands lad Scott Jaggar, a favourite of our Rich Lee?s with its JDM goodness. Finally we re-visit Northern lad Davy?s Mk3 Turbo, featured in our early days. This car has come on leaps and bounds with the addition of Turboness!

After gathering dust on the garage floor, with the help of a team of fellow Roadster Club members we finally managed to fit the uprated ARBS to the project Roadster Turbo, which I have to say is one of the most impressive modifications I?ve ever done, and added yet more grin factor in the twisties and has re-invigorated my driving pleasure.