A THIRTY-year-old dream has finally been fulfilled for Richard Brown, who can drive through the county in the super-slick open-top MG roadster that he built from scratch.

The classic-looking 1960s car is actually a Millennium masterpiece that would beat any European counterpart in the price war.

It has taken three years to get it on the road, but the Llanwarne resident ecstatically claims that it has been worth the wait.

And the scarlet vehicle has already been attracting lots of attention, particularly from other MG users who offer a 'club' wave to which Richard now responds with a 'John Wayne salute'

Memories of a drive with a friend in an MG B on a sunny afternoon through Mid Wales stayed with Richard, and he had always hoped to relive that moment.

When he saw an article on ways to build that same model for £7,500, he jumped at the opportunity.

Although the finished product, which combines old and new parts, has cost double the price he thought it would, he does not regret it.

Electrical work was carried out by Welsh MG, whose mechanics said Richard's car was 'as good as they get'.

The last car he built was a replica Type 35 Bugatti, with help from his father Richard. It was sold on and is apparently still going strong down in Torquay.