A journalist who restored his parents’ wedding car after a 36-year hibernation has detailed the journey in a new book.
Tom McCooey, a former News Associates tutor, wrote Maggie, A Lifelong MG Love Affair to chronicle his efforts in honour of his late father Will, who died 10 years ago.
He spent six years fixing the 68-year-old vehicle, transforming it from a “piece of rust” to a beautiful, road-worthy classic car.
Tom, who has previously published two sports books, said: “It made no sense to take the project on from a practical point of view, it was too far gone.
“But I was desperate to honour my dad, and this is a story of restoration in more than one sense, as it is about relationships and finding perspective from those around you.
“I started writing about the MG as a way of processing losing my dad, never intending to have a book, but we ended-up with a lasting tribute.”
To celebrate the book launch, both Tom – a journalism lecturer at Liverpool John Moore’s University – and the car will be at The North West Museum of Road Transport in St Helens on Sunday, November 3.
David Simister, Editor of Classic Car Weekly, said: “Tom’s resurrection of an MG that’s been in his family for generations is a story that should inspire all budding classic car nuts.
“His enthusiasm for Maggie shines through the many highs and lows of this huge undertaking, which he writes about with a deft honesty that chronicles the many challenges of a first-time resto. It’s a delight to see this wonderful piece of ‘50s history firmly back on the road, where it belongs.”
The book is set to be published on October 31 by Scratching Shed Publishing, priced £12.99.
Feature image: Tom McCooey with Maggie
