Heron MJ1 Sports

by Bryce Gliddon

The Heron MJ1 Sports was designed and built by Ross Baker of Rotorua. Ross was an accomplished designer and builder of some of New Zealand’s most successful road and race cars.

There are known to only be 6 prototypes and 19 production models of the MJ1. I have owned my Heron MJ1 for four years and was living near Rotorua at the time of its production during the 80s. My interest in the car has always been strong because of its unique and revolutionary design, namely a full composite monocoque construction and the brilliant 2L Fiat twin-cam engine.

My car is in very good original condition apart from the mechanicals being refreshed.

The engine now balanced, with two 45 webers, Alquati fast road cams from Italy producing strong horsepower for a car weighing only 740 Kgs. So, when this car came up for sale, it was too tempting to pass up the opportunity as the previous owner had owned it for nearly 30 years. Being a true car enthusiast, I have owned numerous classic cars overtime but my current favourites, including the Heron, is an MGA fixed head coupe and an Alfa Romeo GT.

Bryce Gliddon