What vehicle do you drive?

A 1953 MGYB. It was built in Abingdon. The exterior colour is black, the interior green. The car belongs to the MG Car Club which means various staff members can drive the vehicle, but I really enjoy the chance to get out in it.

How long have you had it?

The MGCC has owned the car since August 2009 and it has been based at Kimber House ever since. One of the club’s members, Tim Pennicott, sadly passed away suddenly in July last year and bequeathed two MGs to the Club. One was an MGBGT and the other a 1953 MGYB which the club has retained and uses to educate the younger generation about the pleasure of classic car ownership.

How much did it cost?

The MGCC didn’t pay for the vehicle, however current market value is about £6,500.

What do you like most about it?

The charm the YB exudes means you build up an instant rapport with the car. The leather interior is all original and the smell is absolutely fantastic as soon you enter the vehicle. The car also handles extremely well, the rack and pinion steering system was quite advanced for its time. Of course, the reaction the car receives when out on the road is brilliant, with plenty of other motorists craning their neck to take a look.

What irritates you most about it?

Nothing really irritates me too much, but there are a few niggly bits and pieces that spring to mind. There is no heater, the windscreen wipers are particularly hard to operate and the drum brakes aren’t overly responsive.

Is it good value for money?

Yes, the YB is certainly one of the marque’s more affordable cars. It’s an attractive saloon car and is a great entry level to classic motoring.

Does it have a name?

The car has been named ‘Little Gem’. When the MG Car Club inherited the car it needed a small amount of work doing to it which the Club’s Y Register quickly embarked.

They were so taken with the car they christened in ‘Little Gem’ and the name has stuck ever since.

What is your favourite memory of the vehicle?

In November 2009, the car was taken to Classic Motor Show in Birmingham and displayed on the MG Car Club’s stand.

It was certainly amongst good company and alongside MGs with far superior monetary value. However, the YB proved most popular and many children enjoyed sitting inside the car.

And your worst?

There have been a couple! The car overheated in spectacular fashion whilst en route to its MOT and steam was pouring from the engine bay. Also, when reversing the car out of the garage, it backfired a metre-long flame which singed my colleague’s trousers!

If you could own any vehicle what would it be?

An MG Magnette, chiefly because my first childhood memories are standing at the wheel of my grandfather’s. I never lost my affection for this model of MG.

What was your first car? How much did it cost and how long did you own it?

It was a Ford Anglia, I can’t remember the cost. The Anglia was a 1200 Super two-tone in very nice condition brought from an airman at RAF Brize Norton. My second was an MGB Roadster. It was supposed to be shared with my father, but I quickly took sole ownership.

Do you drive an old banger which you can't live without? Or something unusual or extravagant? If you drive a car, motorbike, van or truck with an interesting story, email chris.walker@oxfordmail.co.uk