1974 1/2 MG BGT

This one-of-a-kind MG was found in a barn in Minnesota in December of 2005 after being left to rot and rust for over a decade. Restoration work was completed in 2020. Little is known about the exact reason for the promotional decals and how the car was used or displayed. Based on Pepsi marketing materials, the Ray Charles, “The Right One Baby” song and dancers campaign was used in the early 1990’s. This car was likely modified into a promotional vehicle by a regional Pepsi bottler in the Midwest during that period. When this car was removed from the barn in 2005, the decals had long since been scratched away with a razor blade and years of dripping water and rodents had taken their toll on the car. Thankfully, the fade lines from the decals were still visible on the paint and that subtle clue helped begin the research process that led to this restoration. The car that you see today preserves nearly all the modifications done during the 1990 promotional campaign including spin-on alloy wheels, metallic blue paint, Weber carb, exhaust upgrade, electric cooling fan, retractable radio antenna, audio, front spoiler, oil cooler, and brake upgrades. The decals were recreated thanks to help from PepsiCo’s Marketing Division and Bullzeye Sign & Graphics Co. This car is owned and restored by Ian Baltutis who also serves as the Mayor of the City of Burlington, NC.