The XP at the Marcos 50th Anniversary Rally, Prescott 2009

Back in 2002, I imagined my visit to see the XP would be a once in a lifetime experience.

It was in, little used, private ownership in California and I never imagined that I would ever see the car or the Morris family again.

So, it was a great pleasure to see photos of the car in a much restored state and even more exciting when I heard rumours that the car may come to the UK for the 50th Anniversary at Prescott.

It seemed a bit of a pipedream, but when I arrived at Prescott, there sat the XP, looking every bit as exciting as, but a lot more immaculate than, in 2002.

Great to see the car again

Restored to its Spa 1000KMs race appearance, complete with numbers and Castrol decals, the car has been completely rebuilt, with some bodywork damage repaired and much of the perspex replaced with a distortion free material.

Restored to its Spa appearance

Interestingly, the car now has a different registration number (MANTIS X, instead of MANTA), although I didn't get a chance at Prescott to ask why this change had been made.

Rory discusses the first run with Ned as Chris gets ready

Comparison between these images and the earlier ones give an idea of the quality of the restoration and the immaculate finish of the XP now.

One feature that I felt might have been retained (even if it wasn't original) was the 8-Track player fitted to overcome the noise when driving the car in the LA commute, but I'm sure it's safely tucked away somewhere.

Interior smartened, but where's the 8 track?

Engine beautiful and new perspex has improved visibility

Rear end showing gearbox driven alternator - Note new Registration

Talking to Chris, he remarked how the visit I made with Don and Mark back in 2002, and Dave McGill's earlier visit had partly inspired the family to restore the car. If it's even slightly true, I'm happy and proud to have played a tiny part in getting the XP back into such fantastic shape.

The car was also photographed by Classic and Sportscar magazine whilst in the UK (having come here on a Virgin Atlantic 747) and will feature in a forthcoming issue.

I know that Marcos Heritage were partly responsible (at least) for getting the XP to Prescott and for tending to the car during its visit - It ran like clockwork all day, completing a number of runs including a few passenger rides for some lucky people, so many thanks to Rory, the Morris family and everyone else responsible for getting the car to Prescott.

XP approaches Pardon Hairpin on one of its many speed runs.

We spoke with Ned, Chris and Roberta a number of times throughout the day and it was a nice moment when Roberta finally climbed aboard for a couple of runs alongside Ned as she had reflected on many XP moments when we spoke with her. Judging from her smiles later, the day at Prescott added a few more good memories.

Roberta gets a run up the hill in the XP

There will, no doubt be tempting offers for the beautiful XP now (I've heard there were before), but I hope the Morris family continue to enjoy the XP for many years to come.