THE MARQUE OF FRIENDSHIP
December 2017 Volume 61 Number 12 £3.95
THE
CAR
CLUB
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ABINGDON-ON-THAMES FO U N D E D 193 0
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STYLE New Polo shirt and Sweatshirts available from Motoring Classics & MG Car Club! They feature the MG, Heritage & Safety Fast logos. Buy online at
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MIDLAND
CLASSIC
R E S T O R AT I O N S
Servicing and MOTs, Restorations, Insurance Work, Full Trim Facilities, Full Race Preparation and Performance Modifications Offering a comprehensive range of services for all types of MGs and any classic motor car 5 minutes from Junction 6 of the M5 at Worcester
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We We manufacture manufacture aa complete complete range range of of top top quality quality ash ash frames frames and and components, components, complete complete panelled panelled bodies, bodies, individual individual steel steel parts. parts. Full Full restorations restorations undertaken undertaken on on all all classic classic cars. cars. Comprehensive Comprehensive paint paint shop shop and and trim trim facilities. facilities. Ash frame skeleton bodies. Ash frame skeleton bodies. Individual Individual ash ash frame frame components components and steel panels. and steel panels. •• Dashboards Dashboards •• Quarter Quarter Panels Panels T-Series ash frame sections & body panels T-Series ash frame sections & body panels •• Door are hand built in our Bradford factory. Door Frames Frames are hand built in our Bradford factory. •• Hood Hood Finishers Finishers Fully Fully assembled assembled complete complete panelled panelled bodies bodies for for TA TA to to TF. TF.
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www.mgcc.co.uk
JULY 2016 SAFETY FAST! 3
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DECEMBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 3
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Inside this issue 7 Club Matters 8 News and Kimber House News 10 Products 12 Postbag 60 Race Torque 62 MGs on Track
63 70 72 84 92 98
Luffield Championship Overseas Review Centre Updates Register Updates Classifieds Looking Back
Features 16
The New MG A first look at the new Compact SUV, the MG ZS
23
Project MGA Part IV The chassis of Mike Brewer’s MGA gets powder coated before the big rebuild
28
Mitchell’s Mongrel(s) – Part II The tale of Terry Mitchell and his exceptional creations
32
Winter Layup Hints and Tips for those who lay their MG up for the winter
57
MG SV 15th Anniversary Dave Pearce reports on the Anniversary event held at Shelsley Walsh
66
News from MG Car Club Denmark Gert Joergensen gives the low-down on what’s happening in the MGCC Denmark
23
Newsletters 38
Y Type Newsletter Jerry Birkbeck looks back at the 70th Anniversary year of the Y Type
41
MGA Twin Cam Newsletter 1958 MGA Twin Cam Launch – Re-enactment and Track Experience and Owners’ Modifications
46
V8 Newsletter Parts news, V8 40th Anniversary 2018, Ever broken a stud removing parts from your engine? And more
52
ZRZSZT Newsletter A round-up of 2017 and The Loch Ness Monster Revealed
28
The MG Car Club, Kimber House, PO Box 251, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 1FF Tel: 01235 555552 Fax: 01235 533755 E-mail: mgcc@mgcc.co.uk www.mgcc.co.uk. If visiting The MG Car Club using Sat Nav please use OX14 1AS
Membership Type
Direct Debit Rate
Standard Rate Online
Standard Rate Post
Single
£45 £50
£50
Joint
£49 £54
£54
Young Members 15-20
£15
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Young Members 21-24
£30
Available soon
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Published by: Hine Marketing, Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton Glos, GL2 9LN. Tel: 01452 730770
4 SAFETYFAST! DECEMBER 2017
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Welcome
The new MG ZS Exclusive in Cosmic Silver, photographed during the recent press launch
57
@mgcarclub
FO U N D E D 193 0
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The official publication of The MG Car Club Incorporating ‘The M.G. Magazine’, ‘The Sports Car’ and ‘Brooklands Track and Air’, Safety Fast! Copyright MG Car Club 2017
The Club had a great time at the Classic Car Show, held at the NEC, with loads of interest in the various MGs on display, from the brandnew Dynamic Red MG ZS on loan from MG Motor to the MGA rolling chassis belonging to Wheeler Dealer Mike Brewer. The NEC was the last major event of the year, but for those of you who don’t put your MG into hibernation the Centres and Registers have got plenty of events in the run-up to and over the Christmas period, events such as Christmas Dinners, Chilly Willy and Boxing Day runs, to name but a few. For those of you who do decide to put your car away during the colder, wetter months, in this month’s magazine we’ve published a winter layup article in conjunction with Hamilton Classics Ltd, which is packed with lots of helpful hints and tips; and as a member of the MG Car Club you can get a discount when ordering any of the Hamilton Classics Ltd products. During the NEC show it was amazing how many people I spoke to over the weekend that were considering getting, or had just purchased, an MGF or TF. These MGs are still incredible value for money, with an MGF that needs a little work still available for under £1,000. I myself purchased a project MGF earlier in the year and have enjoyed working on it and getting it to a standard I’m happy with, ready for the show season next year. With so many useful, technically minded contacts within the MGF Register, and lots of companies who advertise in Safety Fast! and support the Club who specialise in the MGF and TF, nothing was too much trouble and all parts I needed were easily sourced. With Christmas just around the corner, the MG Car Club has got a lot of new merchandise available to purchase, lots of which is unique to the MG Car Club. To view the current products or to order securely online visit https://shop.mgcc.co.uk Finally, I wish you all a very merry and peaceful Christmas and look forward to meeting more members throughout 2018. Until next month, drive safely.
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David Manners Group supplying quality genuine, oe & aftermarket
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CHAIRMANS NOTES BY IAN QUARRINGTON
L
essons. In last month’s notes I promised you I would report on our Autumn Council and AGM meetings which were held in Daventry. Well, I learned an awful lot this time around. This was the liveliest forum I have experienced in my time on the Board. The first lesson this set of meetings taught me is not to try to cram too much onto the agenda. None of us is perfect and one of my failings has been to try to please too many people by including a large number of presentations. What will always remain are the key reports from the Chairman, Treasurer and General Manager, plus any motions for debate brought forward by your CRBs. I am already thinking about reports and presentations for next spring on the basis of lessons learned in October 2017. I introduced the idea of CRB contributions a couple of years ago, following a suggestion from Liz at Kimber House. This has worked particularly well, as each presentation
has so far proved lively, informative and very entertaining. Our friends from Ulster Centre gave us a two-part contribution this year: a video on auto testing and then a very surprising set of slides about how the production of their magazine over the years has significantly affected the number of members joining the Centre. Food for thought indeed. Next lesson. Patience. The lively debates included some exchanges on our motorsport activity and this led on to the question of dates for MGLive! 2018. At the time of writing we still do not have a confirmed date for our flagship event next year and this, of course, does not help when planning the racing calendar or the other events we like to set up ahead of the coming year. We all have to remember that in years gone by we have not had a set date for MGLive! until well into January, so the lesson learned here is for us all to have a little patience while Bill and Lauran talk with our friends at Silverstone. You can be certain that as soon as we have
confirmation of the 2018 date we will be publicising it on the Club website, by email and in the CRB Bulletins. Lauran gave a presentation on lessons learned from year one of our three-year plan to revitalise MGLive! and Bill took those points in his own presentation to show how we plan to make more changes in 2018 to further improve the event. The MGLive! Strategy Group meets during next month and you can be assured that early careful planning in this forum will be key to continuing our success with the three-year plan. A Motion for debate was submitted by the Midget Register. I always welcome any such contributions and we learned from this particular presentation that there are diverse views among Council on the current rules on the tenure of CRB Chairmen. We will take more time over this at the next meeting where I would like to see a conclusion to the motion. On an allied subject, Council agreed that the tenure of Chairmen of subcommittees reporting to the Board will be limited to five years from January 1 2018. I am grateful to Dave Tynan for bringing a very positive IT presentation to the meeting, which was very well received. IT will always be an ongoing project for the Club as there will always be requests from Members for improved services. Keeping up with technology to support these wishes is a prime objective for Kimber House and the Board. Finally: another year gone, a lot of changes taken in, a tremendous amount of success to look back upon and I am sure many lessons learned by us all in 2017. Have a peaceful and relaxing Christmas time and a healthy and happy New Year.
Just as we went to print, the Club received dates for MGLive! 2018. The event is set to take place on June 2 -3, once again taking place at the home of British Motorsport, Silverstone. Whilst these dates are still provisional, we hope to confirm them as soon as we can. Please keep an eye on the Club’s website, our social media and in Safety Fast! for confirmation and more information on the event.
www.mgcc.co.uk
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NEWS
Honorary member Paddy Hopkirk becomes new BRDC President One of the MG Car Club’s honorary members, Paddy Hopkirk MBE, has
Rolling Road Day For some time the Anglia Centre committee has wished to offer a Rolling Road day so members can experience the opportunity of seeing the power their car produces and also be offered advice and help in improving the performance and setting up their cars. We have now been offered an opportunity to visit such a company at Fordham, near Newmarket, on the Cambs/Suffolk border. The company is involved with tuning, remapping, classic car and race car preparation. We have agreed with LSD Developments Ltd for the visit date to be Saturday February 10 2018, with the discounted cost for a rolling road advanced-booked session of £60 and free of charge for spectators. Due to limited spaces please confirm your booking asap by email to compsec@mgccanglia.com upon which you will be advised of payment methods and confirmation by email.
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been appointed as president of the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC). The former BMC Works driver was elected during the Club’s AGM at Silverstone Circuit on October 18,
succeeding former Formula One racer, Derek Warwick, who is stepping down after a decade of being involved in the running of the club. A BRDC member since 1965, the 84-year-old has previously been a director of the club between 1993-2002 and a vice president since 2006. He joins a roll call of presidents that also includes Sir Jackie Stewart and Damon Hill. Although best known for his rallying exploits, he was elected a BRDC Member based solely on his racing successes, which have included class wins at Le Mans, Sebring and the Targa Florio, amongst several others. Paddy has been a very welcome guest speaker at a number of the Club’s dinners over the years, and we would like to wish him a very successful presidency.
A special award at the MG Trophy Dinner The MG Trophy Championship recently held their awards dinner; it was Pete Macwaters’ final awards evening as Co-ordinator of the MG Trophy championship. The Trophy drivers presented Pete and his wife Heather with an MG ZR cake to thank them both for all their hard work over the last 10 years. I’m sure we’ll still see Pete around the Trophy Paddock in 2018 as he’s staying on as Trophy Chairman to assist the new coordinator, Bruce Woods.
Midland Centre AGM Date: Monday January 15 2018 Venue: Somers Sports and Social Club, Halesowen Time: Commencement Time – 8.00pm Welcome guests to meeting Apologies Minutes of previous AGM Matters arising from previous AGM minutes Approval of minutes Chairman’s report Secretary’s report
Treasurer’s report Trials report, Curborough report, Chief marshal’s report Any other business Election of Centre officers: Election of committee: Close of meeting All nominations for election to committee and any other communications to the secretary: Paul Hollingworth, 92 Old Birmingham Road, Lickey End, Bromsgrove, B60 1DG by January 2 2018.
www.mgcc.co.uk
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WE HAVE A DEDICATED DEPARTMENT FOR
KIMBER HOUSE NEWS
GROUP TOURS
New staff member, Jeff Ruggles MGs have been a firm favourite in my car-obsessed mind ever since my dad collected his two-year-old MG Maestro EFi almost 30 years ago, and I’m delighted to carry that fondness into my new role as Brand and Communications Executive for the MG Car Club. The team at Kimber House has already made me feel extremely welcome, and I’m looking forward to working in such an iconic location. Aside from a student job as a car alarm fitter, my background is mostly in print journalism. Though not directly involved with MGs, there were obvious family ties as I spent 11 years working on Mini Magazine, the last six as editor. I’ve always been a big classic Mini fan, but the chance to join the MG Car Club and help it to grow even further was one I couldn’t resist. During my years on magazines I also gained in-depth knowledge of the A-Series and questionable early ‘70s BL paint shades, so it naturally follows that I’m on the lookout for a 1275 Midget to get stuck into. It’s only a matter of time before an MG joins my fleet, and past form means I’m unlikely to stop at just the one…
Former Abingdon Factory Employees Party Following the success of the 2015 party, the MG Car Club is delighted to host another Christmas reunion for former factory employees on Wednesday December 6 2017 at the MG Car Club’s headquarters here at Kimber House. Over 80 MG ex-workers attended the last function, giving them the chance to meet up and reminisce about the time they built cars we all know and love. More details are available by calling 01235 555552.
As the preferred tour operator for 5 Major UK Car Clubs, we have a ‘Dedicated Groups Department’ to help Anyone to arrange a group driving tour or group event. Groups can be as low as 3 or 4 cars and there is no limit to the number of cars, subject to availability of course. You don’t have to belong to a club, your group can simply be a group of friends who want to go on a driving holiday together. “ Having dealt with Kieran at Scenic Car Tours for various trips in the last few years, we really must sing his praises, he is always helpful, efficient , friendly and patient, all characteristics you require when trying to organise a trip for a group. We always feel that we can approach him with any problem and he can sort it.” Worcester MG Owners Club.
SO WHO IS OUR MAIN COMPETITOR? Believe it or not, our main competitors are the people or clubs who enjoy organising tours or events themselves and are reluctant, for whatever reason to seek help from a company like ourselves as they feel they may lose control of the arrangements or things won’t get done in the way they want. The truth is in fact that we are more than happy to allow you to retain as much or as little control as you want. We simply become your back office, your secretary, your booking agent - we are there to help you in any way. WHAT WE CAN INCLUDE: Full financial protection for you and your members • An amazing selection of hotels at great prices • The choice of ferry crossings from the UK to Europe & Ireland • Tailor-made tours & itineraries • No financial commitments • An optional Booking Service with the facility to pay by credit or debit card • A No surcharge guarantee • Marketing support including e-leaflets, presentations at your club, etc • 24 Hour Emergency back up. CAN WE DO IT CHEAPER THAN YOU? In most cases, yes, but we can’t guarantee it. As a commercial tour operator we do not apologise for having to make a profit to survive, however one thing we do guarantee is we will give you a first class service and great value for money. We really would like to help you to organise your next group tour. We are currently making group reservations as far ahead as 2019 tours. The earlier you plan your next group the better, there’s no financial commitment.
SO WHAT HAVE YOU GOT TO LOSE? www.sceniccartours.com/clubgroup-tours
CALL KIERAN IN OUR DEDICATED GROUPS DEPARTMENT ON: 01732 879172 OR EMAIL: Kieran.line@sceniccartours.com
www.mgcc.co.uk
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PRODUCTS IF YOU HAVE A NEW PRODUCT THAT WOULD BE OF INTEREST TO OUR MEMBERS, AND WOULD LIKE TO SEE IT IN SAFET Y FAST! WHY NOT CONTACT COLIN GRANT AT COLINGRANT@MGCC.CO.UK
MGCC BONE CHINA MUG AND TEA TOWEL
It is time to start buying your Christmas Presents and this year we have created a unique gift set, including a gift tag. It contains an MG Car Club bone China mug and Tea Towel (100% cotton), both featuring the MG Heritage images from Abingdon on Thames. This unique, bespoke design is made and produced by the famous English Artist Martha Mitchell. Price £ 22.50 + P&P. To order please phone Ineke on 01235 849737, shop online at https://shop.mgcc. co.uk, or why not visit us at Kimber House in Abingdon.
MGF COIL SPRING CONVERSION KIT FROM MIKE SATUR
THE RETURN OF DUCKHAMS Q20W50 MULTIGRADE OIL
The famous British oil brand Duckhams was launched at the Classic Car Show last month featuring two monogrades in SAE30 and SAE40 together with their renowned Q20w50. It will retain the green colour that was such a feature of the oil in its heyday. Duckhams plan to concentrate on lubricants for classic cars first before moving back into the motorsport and modern markets it once dominated in the Fifties, Sixties and Seventies. It’s worth remembering that MG broke land speed records in Utah in the early 1950s using Duckhams oils. Watch out for supplies appearing at your local stockists soon.
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With the last MGF being built some 15 years ago and with early cars now 22 years old, it’s not surprising that the Hydragas units are now well past their service life. The failings with the Hydragas units are corrosion, leaking fluid and the eventual loss of pressure in the internal nitrogen compartment, which is something that cannot be prevented, as well as the fluctuation in ride height. This gradual loss of gas leads to a harsher and harsher ride which may not be noticed until too late and permanent damage has been done. With new units almost impossible to find and secondhand units of a dubious quality, help is at hand from Mike Satur. Mike has developed a coil spring conversion kit comprising everything you need for the conversion and is a DIY job for a competent owner. All parts are UK manufactured and are being offered at £1,050 which includes VAT and delivery. For more details contact Mike on 01782 373547, email sales@ mikesatur.com or web mikesatur.com
www.mgcc.co.uk
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POSTBAG
NO FOOL LIKE AN OLD FOOL I enjoyed Peter Jones’s article ‘No fool like an old fool’ published in the October issue. The incident of driving (or even worse, reversing) with only one front wheel doing the steering deserves top marks in the category of ‘what’s the worst that can happen’. On the subject of whether old capacitors (or condensers as they used to be known) deteriorate with age? Yes, they can, but in my experience they usually go for years or decades without trouble. What I have found to be more of a problem is the modern replacements. I bought an MGA which had stood idle for about 30 years, so as part of its recommissioning (aka getting it to start and stop on command) I replaced the condenser. About 100 miles later I found myself stranded by the roadside with a very sick-sounding engine. Since I had just replaced it, I checked everything but the condenser and, a bit like Peter Jones, I mean everything. After much frustration and cost, out of desperation I replaced the condenser with another new one and hey presto! Only to have the same thing happen again in another 100 miles. Diagnosis didn’t take as long the second time and I was careful to replace it with a different make. I also changed the polarity of the coil to negative earth since the rest of the car had been changed from positive earth. Many hundreds of miles later, so far so good. So what was it, duff condensers or swapping the coil connections? I’m certainly not the first to discover problems with new parts. I have found over the years that items like condensers, brake light switches, recon shock absorbers, flasher units can be cheap but dubious quality. Where the accepted wisdom for a high-mileage old car used to be ‘change it to be on the safe side’. I now apply the old adage ‘if it ain’t bust, don’t fix it’. Pete Stevenson
12 SAFETY FAST! DECEMBER 2017
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40-YEAR ROLLING EXEMPTION
M
I read with interest the short piece, and the editorial, about a 40-year rolling exemption from the MOT test, published in a recent edition of Safety Fast! and I thought I detected a note of disapproval regarding the decision to introduce such a freedom for the Classic Vehicle Movement. Let me say first that I do not advocate the use of unroadworthy vehicles under any circumstances and it is, of course, the moral and legal responsibility of us classic car owners to maintain our vehicles in roadworthy condition if we wish to continue driving them. I am sure the 56% that opposed the idea would count themselves amongst a minority of classic car owners who would never dream of driving an unroadworthy vehicle on the public highway and are directing their comments at other classic vehicle enthusiasts. I am greatly irritated by their arrogance in assuming that the rest of us, now our vehicles will not be subject to an annual MOT test, will allow our vehicles to mechanically deteriorate and rust away while we continue our hobby and motoring blissfully unaware of their condition. However, of more concern is the thought that this rolling MOT exemption may at some time in the future be a precursor to restrictions on the use, or even banning, of old vehicles on public highways. This 56% should reflect that their opinions give support to those who would see such a ban introduced.
NR
Re
Desi MGA MG
M
M
Yours sincerely, Dougald Ballardie.
THE GOLD CUP It was with absolute delight and astonishment for Barrie and I to be awarded the Nuffield Gold Cup at the recently held MG Car Club Gala Dinner. I very rarely find myself completely speechless; however on this occasion I was, Barrie had to speak on behalf of us both whilst I stood alongside him in amazement. It was an honour for us to accept this prestigious award on behalf of the full MGC Register Committee, for our achievement earlier this year with the 50th Anniversary event at Chateau Impney. This was a truly international event and supported by MGCs and their owners from all around the world. Thank you to all that played a part in nominating us as a Register for this fantastic award. The future looks good and the C Register will continue to thrive under the direction of the new officers and established committee and, of course, all the loyal supporters of our events – a “True Marque of Friendship”. The evening was made even more special when Dave Saunders, (appointed directed for the C Register) was awarded a new trophy for his commitment, hard work and dedication to the Club spanning many years. Very kind regards to all.
ML
MG
Pr
AH
AU v v v v v v v v v v
Barrie and Ginny Cartmell
STOC OF:
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OPENING HOURS: Mon-Fri 8.15am-5.30pm Sat 9.00am - 1.00pm All prices are correct at time of going to press but may be subject to change. PLEASE MENTION THIS ADVERT WHEN PLACING YOUR ORDER TO OBTAIN THESE PRICES. All orders subject to availability. All prices include VAT @20%. CARRIAGE EXTRA
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For up-to-date listings on our cars for sale visit www.ukmgparts.com
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F Our tours are designed to be as flexible as possible, so that you have the freedom to enjoy your trip to the full!
F
In most cases we do not escort our tours, there are 2 main reasons for this; 1. Each year we operate literally hundreds of tours, so as you can imagine, it would be impossible for us to escort this number of tours. 2. Our tour price would increase dramatically as we would have to include costs such as; accommodation, meals, fuel, road tolls etc. Instead of a Tour Escort we supply you with a detailed Roadbook featuring day by day suggested itineraries, backed up by Michelin & Tom Tom Maps with a choice of direct and scenic route options, plus points of interest. Overnight Stops - Where necessary our tour itineraries include overnight stops on route to your ‘main stay’ destination. Mileages on the transit days tend to be higher than on the touring days. Car Parking - is available at all of our hotels. In most cases parking is included, however in some cases where this is not possible, charges may be payable locally. Ferry Crossings - Most of our European Tours are based on P&O Ferries crossings from Dover to Calais, for a supplement you can change to Eurotunnel, North Sea Ferries or other routes between the UK and the continent. Our Irish Tours include crossings with Stena Line, again we can also offer other routes on request. Number of Cars - We cannot guarantee how many cars will book on our tours and sometimes the number of cars travelling may be lower than anticipated. We will make every effort to ensure each tour runs irrespective of the number of cars booked. No Surcharge Guarantee - Once you have booked a trip with us and paid your deposit, we guarantee your price will not change, irrespective of currency fluctuations or any supplier price increases imposed on us.
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oin us on one of our Amazing Road Journeys in the UK, Ireland, Europe or one of many exciting destinations. Over the last few years our range of scheduled tours has grown enormously, as has the physical number of cars travelling with us. For 2018 we have introduced even more tours than ever before, and these are all featured in our new 64 page brochure. In addition to the old favourites, we have added a number of exciting destinations including the Scandinavian Baltic Capitals & St Petersburg, Sardinia and a 16 day tour to New England in the fall to mention just a few. Some of our most popular tours for next year include, Laon Historique, the biggest annual pilgrimage of classic cars across the channel, Ireland’s Causeway Coast and the Wild Atlantic Way. Looking a little further afield, the initial dates for our new Highlights of Austria & High Alpine Road tour have already
SCOTLAND’S SCENIC NORTH COAST ROUTE 500 From £759.00 Per Person
AMERICA’S MUSIC ROAD From £2495.00 Per Person
sold out, so due to popular demand we have added more dates. This amazing tour includes 9 nights hotel accommodation, buffet breakfast each morning, welcome group dinner on first overnight stop, a 3-course evening menu including set starter and dessert, 2 choices of main, tea or coffee after dinner, a welcome glass of prosecco or schnapps, an open bar from 18h30 to 20h30 including local beer, wine and soft drinks, complimentary tea/coffee and homemade cakes in the afternoon on one day, free use of the hotels leisure facilities, reserved underground car parking and admission to Hitler’s Eagles Nest in Obersalzberg. To find out more about these and our other tours, see our website www.sceniccartours.com or call us for a copy of our new 64 page brochure.
JERSEY INTERNATIONAL MOTORING FESTIVAL From £369.00 Per Person
GREAT DOLOMITE ROAD & ALPINE PASSES From £1399.00 Per Person
For more information or to book a tour 01732 879153 SCCT GENERIC AD (DPS) DEC 2017 MG SAFTEY FAST 2017.indd 1 MG-SafetyFast_Dec2017_1-50.indd 14
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YPRES & WWI BATTLEFIELDS From £269.00 Per Person
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DINANT & THE BELGIAN ARDENNES From £279.00 Per Person
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From £549.00
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Mille Miglia
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From £329.00
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THE ENCHANTING BLACK FOREST From £599.00 Per Person
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From £499.00
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For more information on our tour planning service call our Group Relations Manager Kieran on: 01732 879172
ISLE OF MAN & CAUSEWAY COAST From £679.00 Per Person
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Join one of our scheduled tours Tailor make a group tour package Financial security for peace of mind 24 hour emergency phone line We give you time to sell your tour We’ll support you all the way
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Ireland’s Causeway Coast
From £399.00
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From £2295.00 09/11/2017 10:01:51 23/11/2017 15:14
THE NEW MG T he new MG Compact SUV, the MG ZS, hit the dealers’ showroom on November 1. Described by MG as the next chapter in its history, by the end of 2018 MG expects its sales to double, due to the quality, an ultra-low starting price of £12,495 which undercuts its rivals by a couple of thousand pounds and a full manufacturer-backed sevenyear/80,000 mile warranty. Like the larger MG SUV, the GS, the ZS is available in three trims: Explore, Excite and Exclusive, with the Explore available in a manual 105bhp fourcylinder 1.5-litre, and the Excite and Exclusive available with the manual, 105bhp four-cylinder 1.5-litre or a sixspeed automatic 109bhp turbocharged three-cylinder 1.0-litre. Four members of Kimber House recently got to experience the MG ZS first-hand. Here are their thoughts on MG’s latest offering.
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Jeff Ruggles: The crossover market remains the hottest sector for new vehicles, so as much as I’d like to see a new octagon-badged sports car, the launch of the new MG ZS compact SUV model makes a lot of sense for
a company with ambitions to double its UK sales. Standing out in such a competitive arena isn’t easy though, so MG has responded with very keen pricing and a strong seven-year warranty. The styling appears to be built upon a
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combination of cues and details lifted from market rivals, but I’m probably being a little unfair in such a judgement as the overall effect is pleasing and the new grille with its large MG badge certainly looks the part. Inside, there are plenty of neat details and the eight-inch touchscreen with satnav is impressive. The quality of the steering wheel and switchgear is definitely up a few notches compared to previous models, and though some of the plastics on show don’t live up to the soft-touch upper dashboard, it must be remembered that the ZS is a good few grand cheaper than its rivals. Six months of development work for the UK has endowed the ZS with a comfortable ride, and the handling is more than adequate. The 1.5-litre engine option with its manual gearbox is fine in most situations, but is found wanting when swift progress is required. The 1.0-litre turbo with its six-speed automatic transmission has a similar power output and is actually slower
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on the 0-60mph sprint, but this is a bit misleading as it’s much livelier when it comes to mid-range punch and overtaking. I can’t help but feel a manual ‘box on the little three-pot engine would be the best combination, assuming a bigger-capacity turbocharged motor isn’t made available in future. That said, it’s still a very promising start for the ZS. There is plenty of space on offer, the new colours look superb and the long manufacturerbacked warranty shows that MG is very confident about its new car. The ZS is already attracting a lot of attention and could very well be the car that tempts a healthy number of people away from mainstream brands and into an MG.
average family. There’s also the handy presence of a dual-height boot floor, plus the usual 60:40 split-folding rear seats. Sitting in the car there is oodles of leg and headroom, not only in the front but in the back as well. I was impressed with the amount of storage space which is generous all round, plus there are some neat slots in between the front seats for storing parking tickets and other receipts. I liked the interior which is well appointed with the use of soft touch material on the dash and door trims. The Exclusive model I drove had an eight-inch colour touch screen which I found logical and easy to use. The reversing camera worked well, and not having had a car with such an option I soon mastered it and found it a breeze to use. With two engines on offer I tried the 105bhp 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol motor first. First impressions were good, with the engine pulling away quite briskly from the standstill, but once out on the road I found it lacking when needing power quickly for overtaking slower vehicles. But driving round the country lanes of Northamptonshire the motor responded perfectly and became a joy to drive with the five-speed manual transmission slick and easy to use. The powerassisted steering has three options,
Colin Grant: On first seeing the new MG ZS I was immediately impressed by its stylish looks and finish. Looking inside, it was like Dr Who’s Tardis with 448 litres of space with the rear seats in place, rising to 1375 litres with them down, so there’s plenty of room for an
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Urban, Normal, and Dynamic. I chose Dynamic as it gave me the feel of my existing MGTF, but Urban is no doubt ideal for town driving, giving a much lighter feel, with Normal no doubt being the standard setting for most people. Handling was also impressive with barely any body roll, although I didn’t take it to its limits. Braking was excellent, as you would expect on a modern car, with no heart-stopping moments when having to brake in a hurry. Overall, very impressed. My next drive was the 1.0 litre turbo six-speed automatic. Now I have never liked autos, but I liked this one. The power delivery was excellent with the auto transmission almost seamless, a total joy to drive. Pop it in sport mode and I became a boy racer again, using the manual gear changes to the
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full. The extra power delivery from the turbo made the dual carriageway driving of our test route very relaxing, with plenty of power for overtaking. Which car would I choose? The automatic every time; it just did it for me and I would have no hesitation in placing an order for one when we next change our existing saloon car. Andy Knott: After previewing a Chinese version of the ZS at the London Motor Show back in in May this year, I’ve been awaiting the launch of the UK-specification Compact SUV with anticipation. My wife currently drives a four-year-old MG3, which although it has been totally reliable, is now getting a bit small for our two growing boys and all the paraphernalia we need to cart round to the various
Clubs and groups they attend. I was hoping the UK ZS would live up to the hype that was shown at the London Motor Show, as it could be an ideal replacement for the MG3. On seeing the UK spec ZS my initial impression was that it looked good, although the exterior styling is fairly generic for today. The Longbridge design team have managed to add some very neat styling cues, such as the tilting boot badge that opens the class-leading 448 litre boot. The lack of a separate boot release keeps the exterior rear looking clean and uncluttered. The front sports a new family face for MG, with a large full frame grille allowing the large octagonal MG badge to take centre stage. The interior of the Exclusive models we experienced were very stylish, from the soft-touch dashboard
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to the 8’’ touchscreen which features Apple CarPlay, ideal for the iPhone user. The leather-style seats offered plenty of support and when sat in a comfortable driving position for my 6ft frame allowed plenty of leg room for the rear passengers. Headroom both in the front and rear was also more than ample. Driving the 1.0 turbo automatic first I was apprehensive as to what the driving experience, or more precisely the power delivery, would be like. I was pleasantly surprised. The eagerness of the three-cylinder engine with a turbo belied the performance figures quoted by MG, mated to the six-speed dual clutch gearbox I found the ZS a capable cruising car on the motorways as well as having the power to pull up hills or out of sharp bends whilst out in more rural areas. The dual clutch automatic gearchange was very smooth and eager to change down if accelerating hard, the threecylinder making a distinctive, but not unpleasant sound as the revs rose to the red line. Knock the gearstick to the right and you engage sports mode, the car changes down, you then have the option of changing gear by knocking the stick forward to change up and back for down. I found the road noise a little loud at speed. The car we had was fitted with 17’’ alloys shod with the 215/50 rubber;
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the ride was competent but I found it a bit harsh when travelling along the not-so-well-maintained rural roads of Northamptonshire. Back on the motorway it was very surefooted. The power delivery of the 1.5 VTi-tech manual ZS felt as expected, coming from an MG3 with a virtually identical power unit, the performance felt adequate with a 0-60mph time of 10.4 and 141Nm of torque for the compact SUV. For me, though, the 1.0 GDI turbo was the engine of choice in the ZS. Adam Sloman: Having already bought a mk2 MG6 and an MG GS, I’m the least likely of the Kimber House staff to be in the market for a new car; however it’s always fascinating to see how MG’s products continue to evolve. I saw a Chinese-market MG ZS at the Shanghai Auto Show in April and found myself impressed with the design, the cabin layout and the sheer amount of space inside the car. While it’s great to sit on a motor show stand with a gleaming, carefully prepared car, it’s another thing entirely to try a car in a real-world setting. Thankfully, the ZS delivers the same sort of ‘wow’ factor on a cold, grey morning in Northamptonshire as it did in Shanghai! The fit and finish of the car is excellent, with the doors and boot shutting with a reassuring ‘thunk’, while
the cabin layout is smart, simple and intuitive. Each new MG seems to benefit from another leap in quality and the ZS is no different. Comparing it directly to my wife’s GS, the interior has been decluttered, with a distinct Volkswagen feeling to the buttons and their positioning. The large 8’’ touchscreen is great, with a big, clear display and, importantly, the satnav is easy to use. My first on-the-road experience was behind the wheel of the threecylinder, 1.0 Turbo with six-speed auto. I’m not a huge fan of automatic ‘boxes, so was initially disappointed not to be in the manual; however my disappointment quickly faded once I was out in the car. The little three-pot is a genuinely engaging car to drive, it packs an impressive punch, no doubt helped by the turbo, and the sound of the three-cylinder engine gives the ZS some real character.
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MG ZS TECH SPEC Make Model Model year Vehicle type Body type / style Engine / drivetrain layout
MG ZS 2018 MY Sports Utility Vehicle 5-Door Hatchback Front wheel drive / Front engine / Transverse mounted 1.5 DOHC VTI-tech Naturally aspirated Port fuel Injection UNLEADED 95 RON Stop / Start with Smart electrical charging 4 cylinders 16 Chain 1498 106PS @ 6000rpm 141 Nm @ 4500rpm
1.0T GDI turbocharged Turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection UNLEADED 95 RON Smart electrical charging 3 cylinders 12 Chain 999 111PS @ 5200rpm 160Nm @ 1800 – 4700rpm
Performance and Insurance 0-100kph 0-60mph 50mph-70mph (4th) 50mph-70mph (5th) Maximum vehicle speed mph Insurance group and security rating
10.9 seconds 10.4 seconds 10.3 seconds 15.2 seconds 109 11E
12.4 seconds 12.1 seconds 7.5 seconds 7.5 seconds 112 10E
Fuel Consumption and CO² Emission Standard Urban MPG L/100km CO² Extra Urban MPG L/100km CO² Combined MPG L/100km CO²
EU6 B 41.0 mpg (6.9L/100km) 158g/km 58.9 mpg (4.8L/100km) 110g/km 49.6 mpg (5.7L/100km) 129g/km
EU6 B 34.5 mpg (8.2L/100km) 187g/km 54.3 mpg (5.2L/100km) 119g/km 44.9 mpg (6.3L/100km) 144g/km
MODES
Powertrain Application Aspiration type Fuel delivery type Fuel Stop / Start functionality Cylinders Valves Camshaft drive system Engine displacement (CC) Maximum engine power (PS @ rpm) Maximum engine torque (Nm @ rpm)
For the full specification please visit http://mg.co.uk/mg-zs/ Fuel consumption and CO The 1.5 manual was a less impressive experience – as others have already said, it feels nigh-on identical to the MG3, albeit the 1.5 here is charged with moving a larger, heavier car, so
20 SAFETY FAST! DECEMBER 2017
some performance trade-offs are to be expected. That said, if you prefer to do your gearchanges yourself, the MG ZS manual offers a decent drive and anyone looking to trade up from the
MG3 will be immediately at home. With such a low starting price, good spec levels and strong warranty it’s difficult not to give the ZS serious consideration.
M
M w co sa C
www.mgcc.co.uk
*A
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INCLUDES
Apple
CarPlay™*
ALL AREAS W I T H S T Y L E , S PAC E A N D S P E C
FROM
£12,495 0% APR £199 FROM
PER MONTH
STEERING MODES* M G . C O. U K
/ M G M OTO R
@ M G M OTO R
VISIT MG.CO.UK
TO ARRANGE A TEST DRIVE TODAY
MGZS fuel consumption: URBAN 41.0 mpg | 6.9 l/100km, EXTRA URBAN 58.9 mpg | 4.8 l/100km, COMBINED 49.6 mpg | 5.7 l/100km, CO2 Emissions: 129g/km. Model shown: MG ZS Exclusive manual with Tri Coat paint (optional extra £695) in Dynamic Red at £16,190 OTR or £215.87 a month for a 60 month conditional sale agreement. Offer shown available on MG Exclusive manual with solid paint at £15,495 OTR or £199 a month for a 60 month conditional sale agreement. OTR prices include VAT where applicable, vehicle first registration fee, delivery, number plates and 12 months ‘Vehicle Excise Duty’. Fuel consumption values shown are based on official EU test figures and are to be used as a guide for comparative purposes and may not be representative of actual driving results. Offer terms and conditions apply: *0% APR: Conditional sale. 0% APR available on all MG ZS models until 31.12.2017. A minimum deposit of 20% applies. 0% is not in conjunction with any other offer. Finance by MG Financial Services, a trading style of GMAC UK plc, PO Box 6666, Cardiff CF15 7YT, subject to status, availability and terms and conditions. Applicants must be aged 18 or over at participating dealers. See your local dealer or visit mg.co.uk/offers for details. *Available on Excite and Exclusive models
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CHRISTMAS CARDS AVA I L A B L E F R O M T H E M G C A R C L U B
1
2
1. The 2017 MG Car Club Christmas card A beautiful Martha Mitchell Design folded Christmas Card, printed on luxury paper, incl. envelope. A bespoke design for the MG Car Club featuring iconic Abingdon on Thames MG images. £2.00 each plus post and packaging 2. Christmas Dinner at the Bell Christmas Card A Kevin Walsh design Christmas card measuring 12.5cm x 17.5cm featuring an MG TD. £2.00 each plus post and packaging 3. The Railway Crossing Christmas Card A single Kevin Walsh design Christmas card measuring 17.5cm x 12.5cm featuring an MGA. £2.00 each plus post and packaging 4. Catching the Post Christmas Card A R Wheatland design Christmas card measuring 12.5cm x 17.5cm featuring an MG PA Airline Coupe. £2.00 each plus post and packaging 5. Monte Carlo Rally6R4 Christmas Card measuring 21cm x 15cm, commissioned by the MGCC and featuring Tony Pond and Rob Arthur piloting their MG Metro 6R4 in the 1986 Monte Carlo Rally. £1.50 each plus post and packaging
3
4
5
TO ORDER ANY OF THE CARDS PLEASE VISIT https://shop.mgcc.co.uk or phone Ineke on 01235 849737
22 SAFETY FAST! DECEMBER 2017
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www.mgcc.co.uk
23/11/2017 15:14
SUPPORTED BY
FEATURE
Chassis ready for the big build, starting next month
PROJECT MGA PART IV
With the chassis of Mike Brewer’s MGA stripped of all its components it looked in excellent condition, but time would tell. The first job with the stripped chassis was to degrease it as much as possible. This involved brushing it by hand with cleaning chemicals, agitating the grease before giving it a wash off with a high-power pressure washer. The next stage would be the ultimate test of how well the chassis had endured the Californian climate, as the guys from RPS carried the chassis across to the shot blast room of Cotswold Accident Repairs, located adjacent to the RPS premises. Shot blasting is
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the operation of forcibly propelling a stream of abrasive material against a surface under high pressure to, in this case, remove surface contaminants, which will give the best possible surface, essential for the application of paint, powder and other coatings. It’s at this stage that any nasty surprises are revealed, especially if you’re shot blasting a car body, as it removes all paint, filler and rusty metal. Thankfully the chassis was sound so we were able to move to the next stage.
A shiny new coat Mike opted to powder coat the chassis and components over the traditional wet painting. Powder coating is the electrostatic application of powder to metal parts. The powder is then cured by heating, resulting in a hard, smooth, protective coating. The chassis was taken straight from the shot blasters to Vale Powder Coatings on a dry day, to keep moisture to a minimum; the last thing you want is for moisture to
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SUPPORTED BY
Box of parts cleaned and ready for the next stage
The chassis stripped and cleaned ready for shot blasting
settle on the bare metal of the chassis. Vale Powder Coatings, based in East Challow close to Abingdon, have over 20 years of experience in the powder coating industry, and with their state-of-the-art oven have the flexibility to coat most shapes and sizes, from an MGA chassis to a oneinch bracket. When the chassis and other components arrived at Vale, they were taken straight in and hung up to be,
air blown dry and Etch primed by Sam. This protects the metal and also helps key the surface so the powder adheres to it. With the etch primer applied and cured, the guys set about putting bungs in the holes and caps over the threaded studs to stop the powder ingress and prevent the laborious and time-consuming task of re-tapping all the threads. The etched parts work their way around the Vale premises on a hanging conveyer system until they reach John
Ben from RPS loading the cleaned items, ready for powder coating
Shot blasting in progress
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SUPPORTED BY
FEATURE
Holes with bungs to stop the powder entering
Stu from Vale Powder Coatings inserting the bungs
who applies the powder in an extract booth. The booth removes the excess powder to a large underfloor tank that’s emptied once a fortnight. One of the benefits of powder coating
Threads covered with caps
is that it is an environmentally safe finishing process because it produces few volatile organic compounds. The powder used is electrically charged from the gun as it is applied to the part, giving each particle of the powder a negative charge. The chassis and parts being powder coated are electrically grounded on the hanging conveyer as a means of attracting and attaching the powder to the part’s surface. This electrostatic attraction is a key requirement of the process
and results in a uniform coating of dry powder clinging to the parts. Once every nook and crevice has been coated in powder, the items make their way around the conveyer and into the state-of-the-art electronically controlled oven. The oven runs at a constant and even 195°C, meaning no hotspots. The items travel through the oven slowly whilst it heats the metal and the powder gels, flows and cures to produce a smooth, durable powder coat finish. During the curing
John starts applying the black powder to the primed chassis
www.mgcc.co.uk
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DECEMBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 25
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FEATURE
SUPPORTED BY
The powder coated chassis entering the state of the art oven
Parts head to the powder coating booth
process, the heat of the metal makes a chemical reaction between the particles of powder take place. After about 20 minutes the parts started to emerge from the oven with a deep, even, gloss black coating. Powder coating is typically a one-coat finish, so once the chassis and other items
had cooled they were wrapped and on their way back to RPS. The total process time from start to finish was just three hours. With the chassis and parts back at RPS the rebuild begins in earnest next month, with a first for the MGA. All will be revealed in Project MGA Part V.
Parts work their way slowly through the oven
The Chassis emerges from the oven
Stu and Sam inspect the finished chassis
Vale Powder Coatings Vale Powder Coatings is a well-established powder coating company with over 20 years’ experience driven by quality, and the flexibility for rapid turnaround. They also offer competitive pricing, as well as: • specialising in finishing sheet metalwork. • having the flexibility to spray most shapes and sizes of various materials. • offering a wide range of finishing products, from matt through to gloss. • providing customers with a large choice of known industry brand colours. • being equipped to undertake any size order – large or small. For more details contact Vale Powder Coatings at Unit 2, W&G Industrial Estate, Faringdon Road, East Challow, OX12 9TF, telephone 01235 760159 or email sales@valepowdercoatings.co.uk
26 SAFETY FAST! DECEMBER 2017
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www.mgcc.co.uk
23/11/2017 15:15
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94
of customers would recommend Carole Nash Based on reviews from January 2017 – June 2017
Classic | Camper Van | Motorhome | Military | Performance UK opening hours: Mon - Fri 9am - 7pm, Sat 9am - 5pm. As with all insurances, terms and conditions apply. †Based on an average customer saving 33% compared to buying three separate Carole Nash policies. Average customer = 51 year old male driving a 1972 MG B; a 1971 MG B and a 1972 MG Midget. Savings accurate as of 18 September 2017. Carole Nash Insurance Consultants Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, firm reference no. 307243. Carole Nash is a trading style of Carole Nash Insurance Consultants Ltd, registered in England and Wales no. 2600841.
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or or or or
DECEMBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 27
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The ‘new’ Special together with Bob Hobson’s TF
MITCHELL’S MONGREL(S) -PART II
W
e left our story of the latest Mitchell, last month, with Terry contemplating a body style that would do justice to his new car. At
Two views of the new Special ‘fully clothed’ photographed c.1961 28 SAFETY FAST! DECEMBER 2017
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By Peter Neal this point he was able to put his EX179 experience to good use. First he formed the basic outline using small, square cross-section tubing and then added plywood templates, cut to shape, at regular intervals to create the final contours of the surface. Nevertheless, Terry did not attempt to make any of the panels himself this time, instead calling in a specialist metal worker to fashion the body in aluminium for him. It is not recorded who the person was who undertook this task, but suffice it to say that the end result was, and still is, a stunning example of the panel beater’s art. Gone were the awkward and, dare one say, rather ungainly lines of the original ‘Mongrel’ and in their place
was a sleek, aerodynamic shape that could hold its own with the best of its contemporaries. For convenience Terry used a Sprite windscreen allied
The Bubble car receiving a bit of attention on the ACU Rally
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Terry in contemplative mood on the ACU c1959/60 Rear view of the bubble car
to an MGA hood and tonneau cover. The car even sported a small boot with sufficient room for a spare wheel and a set of tools (both essential items in those far-off days). The latest Mitchell Special had at last become a reality. It was 1961 before the car was ready for the road, and if this seems a rather long gestation period we must bear in mind that there was, in fact, another special produced by Terry during this time. This, as they say, proved to be something completely different. One of Terry’s close colleagues in the office at that time, Roy Brocklehurst, was a keen motorcyclist and had undertaken a solo ride in the annual Round Britain ACU Rally. Riding an early BSA Bantam (all he could afford) Roy returned tired
The Westminster with Terry’s daughters ‘train spotting’
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and saddle-sore from this gruelling event and vowed ‘never again’. Terry however had other ideas. A threewheeler would qualify as a motorcycle combination as long as it had no reverse gear. Now, bubble cars were becoming all the rage at this time and he saw no reason why he couldn’t build one in readiness for the following year’s event. Being enclosed, it should be rather more comfortable on such a long (non-stop) journey than any motorcycle. It is known that Terry began as usual with a tubular chassis, but suspension, brake and steering details have disappeared in the mist of time. For the engine Terry called on another colleague, Dick Wright, who had recently joined the department. It just so happened that Dick was
The Austin Westminster with ‘Twin Cam’ engine installed
good friends with the then-managing director of the Villiers Motorcycle Company. Terry arranged for Dick to accompany him on one of his regular trips to the Midlands and a meeting was set up with the said gentleman. The outcome was that Dick managed to obtain a 197cc Villiers engine for Terry at virtually cost price! With its front-opening door and side-by-side seating the little car bore a passing resemblance to the popular Iso (later to become the BMW) Isetta of that period. The body was constructed of fibreglass on a base of perforated aluminium with windows of moulded Perspex. After they had successfully completed the rally, the car became Terry’s regular transport and soon became a familiar sight around the Abingdon factory. Coincident with the completion of his latest two-seater Special, conceived as far back as 1954, an
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Bob Hobson’s son exploring the ‘Mitchell Special’ prior to the restoration
With the car on its wheels it was time to get to work on the body
The aluminium body stripped of all vestiges of paint and ready for the body shop Fitting the de Dion rear axle and inboard brakes
expanding family was putting fresh pressure on Terry to provide something more appropriate in the way of family transport. Despite the fact that Terry had only driven his latest creation some one hundred miles (although he’d loaned it to a friend who ran a coach business who had in fact put some 10,000 miles on the clock), it was decided that it would have to be sold to provide both space and perhaps more importantly, funding, for a larger car. The chosen vehicle would turn out to be an Austin A90 Westminster, albeit with a degree of added performance. The Westminster’s engine was adequate, but not adequate enough for Terry. Managing to persuade his longsuffering chief, Syd Enever, to part with a redundant development Twin Cam motor, Terry managed to shoehorn it into the new ‘family’ car! The column
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change was also replaced by a remote control to provide a floor-mounted gear lever. A final flourish was to equip his new mount with knock-on wire wheels to give it a more sporting appearance. Here, then, was a car that would suit Terry’s enthusiastic driving style and provide more than enough space for transporting the family in relative comfort. I say relative because anyone who has experienced Terry’s driving (as I have) will tell you that it was impossible to be completely relaxed when he was at the wheel! There would be other Specials, around a dozen in all, but these would generally be customised versions of existing vehicles – Minis, ADO16s, MGBs and Midgets. This certainly isn’t the end of the story, however. Ex-Royal Air Force engineer and Avro Shackleton (what
A replacement engine was rebuilt as close as possible to the original spec
Terry would call a proper aeroplane with proper engines – Rolls Royce V12 Merlins and later Griffons) pilot Bob Hobson, a long-time MG enthusiast since first owning a TC in 1960, stumbled across the remains of the 2-seater Mitchell Special languishing in the back of a small garage in Hemel Hempstead circa 1981. Despite its sorry condition, Bob, intrigued by the flowing body lines and the original engine’s factory
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The Silverstone reunion of Bob and the special with Terry’s daughters, Linda and Theresa
Terry’s other hobby – building 7 1/4 gauge model steam locomotives!
experimental number (sadly the original engine had been replaced by this time), decided to purchase the car with a view to restoration. At this point Bob took stock of what he’d actually bought. This amounted to a rather battered aluminium body shell mounted on a tubular chassis of (then) unknown parentage, along with a couple of tea chests filled with a variety of obscure handmade parts – and no workshop manual! Due to a move to Scotland involving the refurbishment of a 17th century dwelling, the Mitchell Special was placed firmly on the back burner. Meanwhile, however, Bob, with the assistance of the log book, was able to contact previous owners including Terry with whom he met up and who was able to provide helpful
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information on the car and how it went together. The rebuild finally got under way in 2005 with Bob turning to a professional; Gordon Needs of Alyth, for the restoration of the bodywork. The end result showed the wisdom of this decision. Although Terry had passed away by the time the restoration had been completed, Bob arranged to display the car at the MG Car Club’s annual MGLive! event held at Silverstone, where it was viewed by Terry’s daughters and family members. Needless to say, emotions were running high that day and more than a few tears were shed. All agreed, however, that the car looked terrific after Bob’s superb rebuild and would serve as a lasting memorial to Terry’s ‘special building’ skills. Terry never lost his boyish enthusiasm and epitomised unquestionably the MG advertising copywriter’s assertion that MGs were designed and built for enthusiasts by enthusiasts. He even managed to equip the mid-engine replacement for the MGB (ADO 21) with a de Dion rear axle. As we know the ill-fated TR7 won the day, with ADO 21 being consigned to the bin. What a pity.
A glimpse of Terry’s well-equipped workshop
Terry in retirement enjoys a rare moment of relaxation in his garden
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Autopod Outdoor Vehicle Storage system protects cars, even over the hardest winters
WINTER LAYUP
I
f, like many of us, you have an MG you do not use during the winter months, then chances are now is the time that you are looking to ‘hibernate’ your vehicle before using it again next spring or summer. With the assistance of Car Care experts Hamilton Classic we have compiled a tips list for those of you looking to store your pride and joy at this time of year. General Preparation Before storing your car make sure it is clean by thoroughly cleaning inside, outside and underneath. This makes sure there is no dirt festering in crevices that can encourage corrosion to take hold. If you have a soft top car it is also worth cleaning the hood as any dirt could encourage mould to form and if you are storing the car indoors do not be tempted to leave the hood folded away as this traps moisture and can permanently mark it – put it up. Check all your levels ensuring they are all topped up and anything that contains water, such as coolant and windscreen washer fluid, is not going to freeze should the temperature drop below freezing. Use a premix windscreen washer fluid or buy it concentrated
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by Colin Grant
and mix 50/50 with distilled water. The additive will stop the water freezing and distilled water will stop a build-up of crud in your washer bottle that you can get if you use tap water. It is also worth checking to see if you have any coolant leaks and get these seen to, as coolant can stain and leave a nasty residue which can be difficult to remove. Also check the antifreeze content in the cooling system by purchasing a hydrometer, sold at motorist shops such as Halfords, and follow the instructions that come with it to ensure the mix is to the correct strength. Take time to remove each of your wheel nuts, clean them and smear a small amount of anti-seize grease such as copper grease on the threads. If you do this one at a time, it will mean you don’t actually have to take the wheels off. This will alleviate the risk of not being able to undo the wheel nuts in the event of a puncture due to them seizing in place due to corrosion. Make sure when replacing the nuts you use a torque wrench and tighten the nuts to specified torque rating given in your workshop manual. If you leave a car stationary – in particular outside – this problem can be magnified so it’s well worth doing
Brakes After washing your car ready for winter storage make sure your discs, if fitted, are dry as leaving them wet will cause the pads to stick to the disc and lock on, also rusting can form. It’s also a good idea to take your car for a short run to dry them off. Brake fluid is hygroscopic and naturally absorbs moisture from the atmosphere, so we recommend the brake fluid is changed every two years. The reason is that in absorbing moisture it reduces the boiling point of the fluid. The lower boiling point can cause the fluid to boil, under heavy load, which will cause poor braking – highly undesirable. It’s not a bad idea to get in your car every week or so and pump the brakes. Lastly leave your car parked, if possible, with the handbrake off as this can have a tendency to seize on over the winter months. However if due, do not change the brake fluid at this time. This is best done when coming out of storage. Fuel System/Engine Ideally the petrol in your tank should be drained to stop a build up of moisture in the fuel, together with your carburettors. An alternative is to
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fill the tank up and add a stabiliser and follow the instructions by running your engine to insure the stabiliser reaches all throughout the system and is present in the carb bowl. With regard to the engine it’s a good idea to change the oil and filter. Old oil can have acids suspended in the fluid which can be potentially destructive. It’s also a good idea to remove the plugs and spray some light oil into the cylinder bores. Tyres Tyres are easily forgotten when storing a car. If it is going to be stationary for any length of time then tyres can suffer. Three options to consider are as follows: 1. Jack the car up and put it on axle stands so the wheels are not in contact with the ground. This not only helps the tyres but can take the strain off bearings. However it is important to make sure the car is supported on the suspension – not the chassis.
It’s worth checking the tyre pressures regularly whilst the car is in storage
Wheel spats protect the tyres from the elements when stored over winter.
2. Pump the tyres up about 15psi higher than normal. 3. Use a product such as a ‘tyre trainer’. Option one is not for everyone and if you need to use the car for whatever reason it can be a nuisance. Option two is what many of us would have done in the past and can certainly help – however, perishing can be encouraged and small flat spots can still form on the tyres – although this is less of an issue in the winter than it is in the summer. You also have to remember to drop the pressures again when you wish to use the car – it can be potentially lethal not to do so.
Tyre Trainers help prevent flat spots and premature perishing www.mgcc.co.uk
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Option three is the most convenient solution as tyre pressures do not necessarily need much adjustment and the ‘trainers’ will help prevent flat spots and premature perishing by supporting more of the tyre tread area. The standard tyre trainers suitable are for wheel sizes up to 17”, are modular and will slot together for use on tyres wider than 215. For bigger wheel and tyre combinations there are also heavy duty tyre trainers. One final thing to do is inspect your tyres and try and remove wherever possible any stones or debris from within the tread. Once you have done all this you may wish, if you are going to cover the car, to think about covering your wheels and tyres. Believe it or not Wheel Spats are now available to do just this and are available through the Club from Hamilton Classic. Covering your car If you wish to consider covering your car, there are various options but be careful as there are rules that we recommend you adhere to. There are two things you should avoid when covering a car. They are as follows: 1. You must never use a material that is 100% waterproof (one that
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does not breathe), such as an ‘old tarpaulin’ or plastic sheet. Moisture from below the car or airborne moisture will still get underneath this type of cover and will leave the car damp and ‘sweating’. Mould will be encouraged to grow, water marks and micro-blistering may appear in the paintwork and the car will probably be in a worse state than if it was not covered at all. 2. If you are storing the car outdoors or indoors in a non-heated environment you should also avoid using a material which is hygroscopic. Cotton is such a material and although many cars have been covered with this material over the years it is not very suitable to use in a climate such as ours. Due to the way it is woven it does not have very good resistance to stopping dust from going through it and because it is hygroscopic it will draw in and hold moisture against the body of the car. If storing your car outside Ideally in this country you should use a good fitting semi-tailored car cover. By this we mean a cover that is designed to fit a generic shape and size of vehicle, not a ‘one size fits all’ cover or a fully tailored cover. A ‘one size fits all’ cover will more often than not be too baggy, and as such will probably fit poorly and move about excessively in the wind – excessive flapping can damage the car beneath but also prematurely wear
A good fitting and breathable hood cover will protect the hood during the winter months
out the cover. This type of cover tends to appear value for money, but more often than not they can cost you far more than if you had spent three times the price on a decent cover in the first place! A fully tailored cover, whilst it will without doubt be well made, will sit too close to the body of the car. In climates found in the south of France or Spain you can rely on the sun coming out, but in this country we cannot. Whether we like it or not moisture will get under a cover (and by moisture we do not generally mean rain) and you need either the sun and/or air circulation to help remove this moisture. So even if the cover is breathable, because it fits like a glove it will not allow the air to circulate beneath it and if the sun does not come out the moisture can remain or at least take much longer to escape.
The semi-tailored indoor cover is available in a selection of sizes and colours to protect your MG whilst stored indoors
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Therefore a good fitting, breathable, semi-tailored car cover will allow better air circulation beneath it meaning that it is not essential that the sun comes out to help remove moisture. Think of a well fitted mitten rather than a glove, and you will probably not go far wrong; and if it has a soft inner lining then even if the wind picks up and the cover does move slightly, it will not mark the car. The other properties that are important for an outdoor cover are that it should be breathable – preferably through the whole body of the material and not just through a couple of vents. Vented covers allow air circulation in small areas but still leave pockets where moisture does not escape from (i.e. if the vents are on the roof, the top of the car might dry out but the headlights will still be damp). To achieve this, a multilayer construction
A semi-tailored waterproof, breathable cover is available from Hamilton for all models of MG
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Cair-O-Ports is fitted with triple fans to eliminate moisture getting to your car, offering the best protection for your pride and joy
with offset perforations through every layer allows moisture and air to escape but does not encourage rain, sleet and snow to penetrate. It should also be in a light colour to help reflect away as much damaging ultra violet light as possible. (Ideally covers should be made in white, but that is far too impractical.) If colours are dull or dark then the ultra violet is absorbed and this not only can be harmful to the vehicle beneath, but can prematurely destroy the cover making it brittle and fall apart. Additionally the seams should be welded, as stitched seams can be broken down by ultra violet light. It should ideally be made in a multi layer construction as this makes them more rigid and less likely to flap about in the wind, and finally it should have good holding capabilities, preferably with strong elastic hems at each end to hook under the bumpers and some other form of strapping that can go under the vehicle to secure it in high winds. On the subject of snow: while a cover will keep snow off a car, there is no physical cover designed that can breathe beneath a layer of snow. The snow itself forms the barrier, so whenever possible brush snow off a cover as soon as possible to ensure
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that it can start to breathe once again. If storing a car indoors For indoor solutions you have even more choices, but again there are rules that apply and the most important one, mentioned already, is to avoid covering the vehicle in a hygroscopic material unless the car is to be kept in a really dry environment. So unless in a dry environment cotton or natural fibres are best avoided, but there are plenty of ‘non hygroscopic’ man-made dust covers out there, even in the ‘one size fits all’ category, but remember the better the cover fits the less likely it is that dust will get underneath it. A good semi-tailored breathable cover is recommended if you are going to store your car in an open barn or garage that is not heated. As with the outdoor cover this allows air to circulate which helps to keep moisture at bay. However, if you have the luxury of a dry, warm garage and you wish to spend the extra money you could go the ‘whole hog’ and have a fully tailored cover. As to whether it does a better job compared to a good semi-tailored cover, we doubt it, but they look fantastic! On a separate note if you have a garage there is a train of thought that you should seal any gaps below
doors etc. to stop moisture build up and drafts. However, in the majority of cases, allowing it to be draughty can actually be a help rather than a hindrance at keeping moisture levels down. (This does not apply to a heated garage) If you use a de-humidifier, these are great at keeping your car moisture free, but be very careful how high you set them. If a de-humidifier is set too high it will draw all the moisture out of everything around it. That includes rubber seals, leather seats and anything made of vinyl or soft plastic, all of which can become brittle and crack, as well as anything made with wood, such as veneer dashboards which can warp and in turn force the veneer to crack. They can also be expensive to run and need emptying. The final option is to use one of the ‘air circulation tents’ on the market. These ‘covers’ never touch the car (in theory). There are three of these available in the UK, the Cair-O-Port, the Airchamber, and the Carcoon. They use fans to constantly circulate air to stop moisture and dust from settling on whatever is within them. All the air tents are very good at what they do. They are all now available with frames and of the three, the Cair-o-port is the sturdiest and designed to be used in garages with up and over doors – it is also unique as it has the benefit of three filtered fans to ensure excellent air circulation around the car. Please note the Airchamber and the Cair-o-Port cost about the same to run a year as a dehumidifier can cost to run a fortnight! Finally for outdoor use there is a product marketed by Hamilton Classic called the Autopod – Outdoor. Fundamentally it is an enclosed tent for a car. The one and only size for those of you who have the space is 6.6m by 3m at the base and like most modern tents it is a fully enclosed system with a built in floor and a separate outer layer. The inner layer has the option of the
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fan kit from a Cair-o-Port, ensuring the perfect environment in which to keep a car throughout the year and not just for winter. Available with or without fans, it comes in green and unlike the outdoor Carcoon is easy to use for any kind of storage with easy access at any time without any deconstructing required. Covering in General Remember, the most important rule of all is a cover should only be put on a clean car, as any dirt between the cover and the panel work has the potential to scratch. (This rule does not apply to the Cair-O-Port, Airchamber or Autopod as the material never touches the car, but to erect a Carcoon requires material to be dragged over the body of the car and so therefore ideally it must be clean.) And remember if you are storing cars in the winter outdoors and it snows, the cover will not be able to breathe – regardless of who makes it or how the cover is made! Brush it off at the first opportunity. Batteries Let us be honest, one of the biggest nuisances of owning a car that’s not used very often is nine times out of 10 when you go to start it – it won’t, and of those cases 95 times out 100 it is because the battery has gone flat. This also applies to some lawn mowers, and motorbikes etc. Batteries are not getting any cheaper, and for about half the price of an average car battery you can buy a conditioner that will help you look after it so that hopefully you never have to replace it, or at least much less frequently. The conditioner’s job is to keep the battery charged up so it is always ready to use. There are two main types – analogue and digital/automatic. We recommend the latter as they guarantee never to overcharge a battery which is always a possibility with the analogue type. We have for many years recommended the CTEK
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range of battery conditioners mainly because of their reliability, ease of use, the fact they can be used outside and because they come with a five year warranty. One of the latest models being the CTEK MXS3.8 is an update of the highly popular CTEK 3600 which many members have used and recommended. CTEK Products are also recommended/supplied as standard or optional equipment, by Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Bentley, BMW, Ferrari, Harley Davidson, Lamborghini, Lexus, Maserati, Maybach, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche among others. The beauty of a product like this is you can connect it up as soon as you finish using the car and leave it connected permanently without worrying about it overcharging the battery. The CTEK units have the benefit over most of the opposition in that they are also waterproof so if you do not have the luxury of garage space then you can safely use it outside too. Finally, if you do not have an accessible mains socket to plug your CTEK into, then you may wish to consider a solar conditioner. While these can never be as good for your battery as the mains conditioners, they will at least slow down the degradation a battery suffers when it is not being used. General Any chrome items on the car should be cleaned and lightly oiled or greased to protect them from the rigours of winter. Also ensure that any items that have grease nipples are greased and
apply some grease to movable fittings. Don’t cancel your insurance policy during this time as car thieves are just as happy stealing from a locked garage as they are stealing off the street, as a friend of mine found out. If your car is being stored in a barn or in a garage where there is the possibility of vermin, then make sure you take the necessary precautions as mice or rats can do an amazing amount of damage to your car by chewing wires, interior trim, seats etc. Interestingly they don’t like the hum the fans of a Cair-O-Port make – so another great reason to use one! One thing it’s best never to do is to start your cars engine and leave it running at intervals during its storage. This just creates excess moisture in the engine and exhaust with damaging effects. If you want to run it, take it out for at least a ten mile drive to make sure everything warms up and the moisture is cleared. You can, if your car is supplied with a starting handle, spray light oil down the plug holes and turn the engine over with the handle to make sure the bores are kept lubricated. Finally give the electrics a spray over with WD40 or equivalent as this will help stop moisture ingress during the winter months, and you can now look forward to reviving your MG in the Spring of 2018. Hamilton Classic is a specialist company dealing in accessories for the Classic & Sports Car Market. The senior management team have over 40 years experience in vehicle care and a further 22 years in the retail motor industry working with cars from MG Rover to Aston Martin. Hamilton offer a 10% discount to members and most of the items mentioned can be purchased from our online shop at https://shop.mgcc.co.uk or by telephoning 01235 555552.
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Y T YPE NEWSLET TER Jerry Birkbeck 01926 258691 Mob: 07855 566325 jerrybirkbeck@btinternet.com • www.mgccyregister.co.uk
WELCOME TO THE Y TYPE NEWSLETTER
Jo and Jerry represented the Y’s 70th year on a very wet day at Stony Stratford on New Year’s Day
Looking Back at the 70th Anniversary The principal activity in the Y Type world has been the 70th Anniversary of the Y. This was enthusiastically taken forward through a number of activities and we must thank supporting Registers and Centres in the MG Car Club and both the MGOCC and the MGOC. MG and Triumph Day at the NAC – February 2017 We began with an awareness-raising exercise at the International MG and Triumph Day at the NAC in February.
scribe’s YT was featured on the stand of our sponsors Stewart Miller & Peter James Insurance. It was they who, with the close help and attention of Phil Beck, added so much to the Round Britain Relay. Our Brooklands invitation was arranged through the auspices of the MGCC South East Centre. We were asked to find 20 Ys to be one of the attractions in order to celebrate the
70th Anniversary. This we did with surprising ease – especially with the early 9.00am start for the cavalcade. Neil Cairns in his YB duly led the Ys in and to the chosen parking area. Thank you to all who participated, which was very much appreciated, and to the South East Centre. I unfortunately was at the NEC and was unable to make the event, which was very disappointing. Y Types on display at Brooklands. Photo: Neil Cairns
Brooklands MG Experience and the Practical Classics Show at the NEC – April 2 In April we enjoyed further promotion at the NEC and Brooklands MG Experience – both on the same day! The NEC event was the Practical Classics Restoration Show and your
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Y Register Weekend and Spring Run – May 2017 Another excellent weekend arranged by Chris and Annette Callaghan. This year they chose a superb hotel, Elcot Park Hotel, near Newbury. Annette made a special effort to decorate our dining room with a ‘Ys at Seventy’ theme. The weekend was enjoyed by well over 30 Ys of all types and on Saturday evening Marc Hanson provided us with an illustrated lecture on his exploits in his YB UMG 662 in the last two Classic Monte Carlo runs. This was wellprepared and thought out – well done, Marc! A special award was given by Mollie Murray in memory of our wellloved Registrar, Jack Murray. Mollie’s award was the Helping Hands Trophy – fittingly awarded to Neil Cairns. The traditional Spring Run was from Elcot Park to Nuffield Place, Huntercombe, near Henley-on-Thames. This was another thoroughly enjoyable event and Chris and Annettee summoned up the weather gods to deliver a lovely sunny day enjoyed by everyone. The popular vote for the best of the different Ys went to: YA Gary and Sue Gibbs, YB Neil and Janet Cairns and YT Peter Vielvoye. Y Register at MGLive! 2017 Gosh, the sun shone at Silverstone! How often has that happened? Too often it’s a sea of mud. The Register was allocated a pitch outside the Club Marquee. The photo shows Chris Callaghan, chairman of the MGCC Y Register, on the left presenting John Day, the President of the MGCC, with an oil painting commissioned in respect of the Club’s eight years’ ownership of Little Gem YB 1170. The picture depicts the naming of Little Gem when members of the Y
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Y Types enjoying the Spring Run Chris and Annette Callaghan’s Y Type in good company during the Register weekend
The start from Lakeside of the Round Britain Relay. Photo: Paul Grafham
Register committee first viewed the car at Kimber House and Suzie Arnell pronounced “she’s a little gem”. Painted in oils by Kevin Parrish, the picture is hung in the new Archive wing at Kimber House. The Round Britain Relay June – July 2017 The idea for this came from Register Member Julian Bosworth and he put together an imaginative but ‘doable’ event, spread over two months. It started in London and finished at Abingdon. 53 Ys covered 37 50-mile stages around England, Scotland and Wales (apologies, Northern Ireland!). In order to complete the 1,800-mile trip the routes covered a clockwise and anticlockwise route. The ‘baton’ was beautifully crafted by Peter Vielvoye and depicting the letter `Y’, carefully carved out of rosewood split into two. A side each was given to the two route leaders and then passed on at the culmination of each stage. The two were then symbolically joined together at Kimber House and accepted by Club Chairman Ian Quarrington. The overall event was masterminded by Little Gem owner Maggie Grafham. We must thank our sponsors Stewart Miller and Peter James – well-known Classic Car Insurers.
Y Relay reaches Caerphilly
Relay Baton reaches Gloucester during June
Autumn Break – the Isle of Wight September 2017 Our final event of the year was wonderfully well organised by the indefatigable Peter Sharp and his wife Gillie. A great break with some 28 attending and around 17 cars present.
Y Types ready to head off and explore the Isle of Wight
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MGA TWIN CAM NEWSLET TER Colin Manley manley.colin@talk21.com
WELCOME TO THE MGA TWIN CAM NEWSLETTER Welcome to the eighth four-page spread in Safety Fast! for the Twin Cam Group. Hopefully you had some fun in your Twin Cam this year. First, some important news of the most important event the TCG is likely to ever organise.
1958 MGA TWIN CAM LAUNCH – RE-ENACTMENT AND TRACK EXPERIENCE AT CHOBHAM TEST TRACK – JULY 14 2018 This date will be the 60th anniversary of the press launch of the MGA Twin Cam. As described in Motoring, the Nuffield house magazine in 1958, this event took place at the Chobham Test Track which is still (just) there beside the M3 motorway. MGA Twin Cams and push rod MGAs, as well as Magnettes, were also there on the day. The track is used for many of the photo shoots in the glossy magazines and a variety of TV ‘motoring’ scenes. The track is available to rent and the MGA Twin Cam Group have arranged to hire it for the morning of July 18 2018 to enable the circuit to be used by not more than 40 cars. This is not a track day, more a track experience. Your committee of volunteers has been working away in the background on this 60th Anniversary event, tackling all the bureaucratic, insurance and practical aspects of the day.
It is envisaged that there will be four x 15-minute sessions, a total of one hour on track. There will be a short re-enactment of the launch, followed by a lunch at a local pub. We hope, also, to have a major magazine title on site to record the event for later publication. The cost for the day will be £135 per participating car with an additional cost for passengers. STOP PRESS! Places were originally limited to 40 entrants, but, due to popular demand, we have now extended the maximum entries to 48 and are still taking deposits, after which we will operate a waiting list. At the time of writing this piece in October, over 50% had paid the deposit and 39 entrants have reserved their place so, reserve your place right away to avoid disappointment. To register interest in this unrepeatable event, please contact mgatcg@outlook.com We are also looking for volunteers on the day to help marshal and set up. See the flyer at www.mgcc.co.uk/ mga-twin-cam-group/wp-content/uploads/sites/ 23/2017/10/Chobham-Test-Track-Flyer-mock-up-v3.pdf
MG ERA DAY – BROOKLANDS We were granted lovely weather for this annual event held in April. MGAs were parked around the Concorde. Of two icons of the sixties, only one type is still flying along! Work was under way in April, but now the Bellman Hangar is in its new position off the finishing straight of the race track, re-displaying it as the Brooklands Aircraft Factory. The finishing straight has also been restored.
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MGAs at Brooklands
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OWNERS’ MODIFICATIONS After the previous Newsletter’s request for information on any modifications that you may have carried out, I have had no response from any of you. Twin Cam owners seem either reluctant to admit their past modifications, or …don’t tell me you haven’t done any! So, I will list some of the modifications I have done, just to tease some of you into a response;
Mechanical Brake Light Switch. Replacing the unreliable hydraulic switch (which is left in place just to plug the five-way union). It is mounted on a panel fastened to the underside of the brake pedal box bracketry. It operates directly upon the smallest movement of the pedal and, in turn, operates a relay for the lights.
Transmission Tunnel. Fastened on top of floorboards. I did this when restoring the car. I cut the flange of the transmission tunnel off and replaced it 3/8’’ higher up (the thickness of the marine ply floorboards) and fastened it with woodscrews into the floorboards. It proved its worth when, some years later, I fitted a five-speed gearbox and the floorboards remained in place.
Air Filters. Stub stacks, or Venturis, fitted inside the air filter cans. The original style was fitted after chassis #2468, so many of you won’t have these. It was a short velocity stack incorporated into the base plate of the air cleaner. The effectiveness of this part, as original, is a bit suspect because of the squaredoff shape at the entrance end and the restricted airflow it must cause by drawing the air from the entire surface area of the filters, then up towards the top of the tube. Surely causes turbulence before the tube? See www.angelfire.com/rant/mgatwincam/ servicememos/MG286.pdf The type of stub stacks I fitted were as per Jaguar (to get the correct internal diameter for the Twin Cam carbs) and different to the original installation. They are claimed to smooth the air flow into the carburettors, which I can understand in comparison to the BMC original style, but I have not tried any form of measurement since they were fitted.
Mechanical Brake Light Switch
Single 12V Battery. A common and cheap modification. Better cranking power and a more reliable battery than the original two sixvolt batteries. Whilst simple enough, these can be tricky to fit as we have seen both 6’’ and 6.5’’ battery boxes; the earlier is unsuitable. It would pay to measure beforehand, could be 7’’ and 7.5’’ and battery boxes have often been replaced.
Velocity Stack
Stub Stack
Bilge Blower fan. A few of us did this mod a couple of years ago. A four-inch diameter marine ‘bilge blower’ fan, mounted inside the air hose metalwork, just to push more cool air under the bonnet. I must admit, I sometimes think about fitting one inside the heater air hose, just to see what boost of warm air might be achieved compared to the squirrel cage fan in the heater unit. Anyone want to try and report back? About heater fans, you can also fit the MGB plastic heater fan blade. It is lighter weight and has slightly longer fan vanes and gives slightly better airflow through your heater, we believe. Electric Radiator Fan.
Single 12V battery
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Self-explanatory. Its use does slow down an immediate rise in engine temperature when in traffic. Although, in really bad traffic I did once pop the bonnet (Hood for “over the pond” readers) open whilst crawling along – it did help. You
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can also fit the MGB plastic fan blade on the water pump, which is claimed to improve the airflow through the radiator (more, and different shaped, fan blades than original MGA type), but this will require removal of a small part from the rear of each blade to give clearance on the Twin Cam.
In-Line Fuel Filter. Fitted in the fuel line, underside of the driver’s seat floor, tucked away and protected. Don’t rely on the mesh filter inside your Twin Cam fuel pump (Cleaned it lately?), this is quite coarse. I know of other installations where owners use a fuel pressure regulator with a filter, fitted nearer the heater shelf.
Seatbelts. Three-point fixing style. Using high-tensile bolts at the bottom (with quick-release clips) and an MGB quick-release fastening at the top.
Headlight Bulbs. More of an upgrade, rather than a mod, ‘Nightbreaker’ headlight bulbs. Brighter and better beam pattern than older halogen bulbs. Beware of ‘knock off’ copies when buying. Also, be aware that you SHOULD NOT fit any LED or High Intensity Discharge bulbs to our cars’ light units as the LED emits its light pattern totally differently to an incandescent bulb and the light reflectors were designed for those bulbs only. Alternate units may well show up brighter, but their light spread will be wrong and may dazzle oncoming drivers. Finally, they are not road legal for the UK.
Voltage and Ammeter Gauges. Mounted in a suitably appropriate pod, below the heater control panel. All wiring is totally reversible. It is interesting to see the movement of the gauges in varying situations. The voltmeter has its own in-line fuse, while the ammeter is wired in circuit using a fusible link (Yes, spares are carried on board!)
volt amp gauges in location
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MGB gearstick rubber and chrome bezel. I did this to brighten up the look of the tunnel and it has received many a positive comment. I simply fitted the new rubber gaiter, aligned the bezel and made sure I could get all the gears, then marked through, into the transmission tunnel metal for the pilot holes for MGB gear bezel fitted to the A the screws.
Axle Clonk As you know, I have asked for topics from you all in the past, which usually leads to an empty mail box … however, in getting out and about, a topic that did arise for discussion was that of the axle ‘clonk’. More often than not, this is only experienced on moving between forward and reverse gears, or vice versa. If one discounts worn U/Js and wear on the wheel or the hub splines and that the spinner is nice and tight (are you going to check them now, then?), this ‘clonk’ is usually down to general wear or worn-out pinion thrust washers. Referring to the Twin Cam Service Parts List AKD 1296, what is not often investigated, or even thought about, are the thrust washers (Items 21 and 23 in the photo) that act upon the two pairs of pinions. Original washers were copper but replacements have been known to be fibre. The pinions sit within the cage. The smaller pinions act as idlers and rotate on the pinion shaft. Common thought is that, with
Diagram of the MGA Diff
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the pinion to crown-wheel thrust and backlash being OK, wear in any of these other thrust washers will bring about the audible ‘clunk’, possibly even heard on a slow gear change where a bit of overrun might occur. These washers on the MGA do not, apparently, wear badly and this may be why very few people look at them when overhauling a differential unit. Whether this is due to the washers being copper rather than fibre (MGB, and now) replacement MGA parts, we don’t know. Replacement is fairly simple but does require the drilling out of a pin that has been ‘peened’ in position as part of the disassembly.
The thrust washers are Items 21 and 23 (two of each) in the diagram; part numbers ATB7072 for Washer for Gear (Thrust) - No 21 in the SPL, and IG7445 Washer - Pinion (Thrust) No 23 in the SPL. (Note; the item numbers may vary across the different parts catalogues.) Earlier this year, in the MGA Register four-page newsletter, Edward reported on the ‘Spydar’ fuel gauge damper for negative earth cars. He has fitted one and reports that it works just fine. Don’t forget: email me with your own topics for inclusion in future newsletters, especially those modifications you thought worth doing! For information, the MGA Twin Cam Group website is www.mgcc.co.uk/mga-twin-cam-group/
STOCKCROSS An enjoyable event, again held in August, with nobody getting lost on the run in the morning! The weather also held off until the last part of the day. Photo from Mark Hester; alas Twin Cams and Deluxes did not congregate at the half way point but several were in attendance. A YouTube video of the cars on the tour in the morning and the later proceedings can be viewed here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aIK2-jKPpc
Classic cars gather at Stockcross
Here is a closing conundrum; Most engines, have an engine breather system of some sort; the pushrod engine MGA’s have a breather pipe at the air filter connecting to the crankcase at the rocker cover, a draft tube from the crankcase and the air is drawn from the draft tube on the engine side, to be replaced by air drawn in through the breather inlet (wherever it may be). How come the Twin Cam does not have such an inlet, and why does the Twin Cam not suffer from such a lack of ventilation? We’d be interested to hear views on this topic.
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OIL FLEXIBLE LINES There was some debate earlier in the year over incorrect lengths of the oil flex line that goes from the engine block to the coupling for the oil feed of the dual gauge. Some suppliers offer incorrect lengths for the Twin Cam and Pushrod applications. The Twin Cam flex line is slightly longer due to having to route around a pipe that is not present on the pushrod engine. Correct lengths of this flex line, end to end, are (approx.) 280mm for the pushrod engine and 340mm for the Twin Cam engine. My thanks go to Claire at Stevson Motors and Adam at Moss Europe for their assistance on this topic. Peter Wood has subsequently advised that 317mm is fine for Twin Cam application if you can obtain such.
The oil flex line that goes from the engine block to the coupling for the oil feed of the dual gauge
www.mgcc.co.uk
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1931; 2 Seater MG F Magna Supercharged (by Godfrey Marshall and totally reconditioned by specialist Derek Chin Ltd); Green/Full Apple Green Connolly Hide by Collingburn (the Best prewar MG upholsterer) together with full set of side screens, roof & tonneau; Electric Fuel Pump; Adamant Steering Box as used by MG on the Le Mans Race Cars. Sports Body; 6 Cylinder N Type (totally rebuilt by Baynton Jones to fast road spec with all internals totally new including Crank Shaft); 1272cc (the only 6 cylinder chassis fitted with cycle wings from the factory) with a Virtual K3 DriveTrain. This car was completely stripped and rebuilt to original factory specification but with the modification of an ENV preselect gearbox (supplied and fitted by Baynton Jones) in place of ENV manual box, fully panelled L2 body, fitted on the nose with a Marshall J100 supercharger with single Carburettor, Dash L2 with all original instruments reconditioned and radiator rebuilt with new shell and honeycomb. Blockley Tyres supplied 2 new wheels, 3 reconditioned and 5 new tyres and tubes. The Brake system was totally rebuilt by Barry Foster using 4 new drums, brake plates, shoes, etc and ribs/shafts. Rear axle rebuilt by Barry Forster - Baynton Jones then fitted new High ratio Diff. New fuel tank, pipes and pump, Steering Box and Components reconditioned by Barry Foster, seats by Collingburn, new hood and side windows, new road springs covered by Prichard Gaiters, new badge, shocks by Mike Dowley and new electrical system including re wire and rebuilt components. The car has covered 600 mls only since total engine, gearbox, suspension, brakes and supercharger overhaul. Parts were mainly supplied by Sports and Vintage Motors LTD in Shrewsbury, with total restoration bills totalling approximately 55,000 GBP. This vehicle was granted a FIVA Certificate this year. Participated in The Silver Flag Hill Climb, at Vernasca, Italy in June 2017.
ÂŁ175,000
W: www.howardwisecars.co.uk
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E: howard@howardwise.co.uk
T: 020 8418 9191 or 07836 522234
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V8 NEWSLET TER Victor Smith Tel: 0208 392 9434 victorsmith@v8register.net • www.v8register.net
WELCOME TO THE V8 NEWSLETTER RV8 OVERALL WINNER OF THE LUFFIELD SPEED CHAMPIONSHIP
Dave Morris says: “I have been lucky enough to be overall winner of the Luffield Championship this year in my RV8. This is my second season campaigning the car and it has been 100% reliable and dependable throughout. It just goes to show that a well-maintained and carefully tuned RV8 can be competitive and good fun to drive in these events.” Dave ended the 2017 season with 803.87 points, ahead of Ian Howlett with 798.85 in second place and Andrew Till with 796.73 in third. It was his second season competing in this speed championship which includes events in the north and southwest of England. Dave gives us the following account of his season: Getting started My first event in the Luffield MG Speed Championship in the RV8 was at Rockingham in March 2016. I had never taken part in a sprint before and had no idea what to expect. I queued up nervously to sign on and
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for scrutineering, then got my safety gear checked and my helmet stickered. Fortunately both the car and I got through the formalities unscathed and the fun could begin! The other competitors and the organisers were very helpful and gave me a few pointers, including watching out for the banking and avoiding the concrete wall alongside. By the end of the day I had had four blasts around the fast but tricky circuit, I was well and truly last, but was bitten by the bug. The Luffield MG Speed Championship is a combination of sprints and hill climbs at some of the best-known venues in the country. The Championship rounds often coincide with major Vintage and Classic car events and the opportunity to join the paddock at places where I had enjoyed spectating in the past was irresistible. In 2016 I completed rounds at several historic tracks and circuits in the company of exotic machinery and came away at the end of that first season as ‘Best Northern Novice’. At
the tender age of 64 I thought this was quite amusing. As a result I decided to have a serious go at the Championship in 2017. An RV8 Racer? Why in an RV8, you might ask? It probably seems an odd choice as a competition car – after all, it is a luxurious sports tourer and not really tuned for speed. Well, basically it was what I had! I bought it in 2014 as a pile of boxes and put it back together as a road car. It had only done about 30,000 miles and, as part of reassembling and recommissioning it, I had replaced many critical bits with new parts. I run in the “standard class” so the permitted modifications are very limited and I concentrated on improving reliability and driveability. Over the winter before the 2017 season I did my best to optimise the performance and the handling of the car. I replaced the dampers and suspension bushes, lowered the back end by one inch and changed to Toyo T1R tyres on Minilite-type wheels. Engine-wise, I added a DIY cold air intake, reset the timing and made sure there were no air leaks or faults with the fuel injection. The Rovergauge software was a great help here. I replaced the exhaust with a bigger bore single box system and then had the car set up on a rolling road. Although this did not increase the peak power output, it greatly improved midrange throttle response and driveability. The car has been 100% reliable but I did not get it all right first time. Initially I fitted 205 45 15 Toyos, thinking they would give me better grip and acceleration. Unfortunately, I found that at tricky circuits like
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Curborough and Harewood I was actually slower than I had been the previous year! Too much wheelspin and hitting the rev limiter all the time. So I went back to a higher profile (205 55 15) and got an immediate improvement. I need more horsepower! About this time I also realised that success was not just about making the car faster. Line and driving technique were equally, if not more, important. Or to quote one of the trainers at the Curborough sprint school: “Dave, you’re all over the ***** place!” It was a case of trying to drive with too much right foot, rather than concentrating on getting the right line and carrying more
speed onto the straights. One thing I have learnt is that sprinting and hill climbing are very technical branches of motorsport in which you only get one chance to get it right. I am absolutely delighted to have won the Championship, of course. It shows that a standard MG can easily be adapted for motorsport with some chance of success. I have met some great people at fantastic historic venues like Shelsley Walsh and Loton Park, with paddocks full of wonderful classic Jaguars, Astons and Bugattis as at Prescott. Will I do it again? Yes, definitely, but probably in my recently acquired MG TC race car; or maybe I will modify the RV8 and compete in a different class. We will see.
PARTS NEWS Clive Wheatley has obtained a new supply of RV8 track rod ends from a British manufacturer specialising in high-quality forged steel automotive parts. They are available now at £19.16 plus VAT and freight costs. It’s worth noting they are far better quality than some of the replacement track rod ends seen available recently. He also has a batch of new RV8 back axle U bolts due for delivery shortly. One of his fastest-selling items lately is the wheel centre cone for the MGB GT V8 Dunlop composite wheel. Sets of the RV8 manuals on a handy CD are available from Brown & Gammons.
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For the 40th anniversary of the formation of the V8 Register in October 1978 and the launch of the MGB GT V8 model in August 1973 we have a programme of eight main events in 2018. V8 Curry 2018 on Saturday February 10 2018 at the Lloyds Indian Restaurant in Knowle, west of Stoneleigh, where the annual MG Show is held the following day. Visit to the Symphony Hall and Organ in Birmingham on Wednesday May 30 2018. Visit to Packwood House, a National Trust property in Warwickshire, on Thursday May 31 2018. Tour of the Hook Norton Brewery and lunch in the brewery shop/café on Friday June 1 2018. V8 Anniversary Dinner on Friday June 1 2018, near Silverstone. V8 Register AGM at MGLive! 2018. V8 Technical Day 2018 on Saturday July 14 2018 at Club Office in Abingdon. V8 Derbyshire Tour 2018 on Sunday 2 to Thursday September 6 2018, based at the Matlock Bath Hotel, with a programme of visits. Rolling road session at a specialist in the West Midlands on a Saturday in September 2018. The event will have live rolling road sessions where each car will be run up and the BHP and torque curves recorded. They will not be able to undertake any adjustments or other work on the cars; they will provide a report on anything seen needing attention. The date will be released in January 2018. For information and booking arrangements, go to: www.v8register.net/more.htm
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EVER BROKEN A STUD REMOVING PARTS FROM YOUR ENGINE? It happens, particularly on studs that are exposed to the elements and to heat, as exhaust manifold studs invariably are. Here Nic Houslip recalls having the frontmost stud holding the exhaust manifold shear off just below the nut on a car that he was working on and was able to remove the residue with a stud remover. I was able to remove all the other fixings and the manifold, leaving me with about 1/2’’ of 3/8’’ UNF stud protruding from the cylinder head. In cases where the stud breaks flush with or below the surface, you have no option but to drill down centrally and use a stud extractor, but this is really a ‘head off and take it to a machine shop’ job. They will then have to drill accurately down into the stud, remove it if it will come free with a ‘screw in’ extractor that has a coarse left-hand thread, or if that fails, to drill down with larger drills until the root thread diameter is reached and pick out the remaining bits of thread from the hole. This is a difficult and time-consuming job and best avoided, or better still left to an expert. In this instance there was just enough stud protruding to be able to do something about it, but a first attempt with a self-grip wrench failed because it wasn’t possible to exert enough pressure to grip and turn the stud. Over the years I’ve bought various unusual tools at events and auto jumbles, mostly on the basis that “it’ll come in handy if I never use it”. One tool I have had for a long time but never tried was a stud remover that had a cam-shaped wheel with a
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knurled surface inside a strong circular body that was supposed to grip the stud. Unfortunately it needed about a half turn to get a good grip, by which time the body of the tool was up against the timing chest. Time for a search on the internet. Less than 15 minutes later I had located a device that looked like a big sturdy version of a drill chuck. This seemed to be the tool for the job, so next morning I set off to the local Machine Mart to get one. The photo alongside shows the device mounted onto the stud. It clamps on like a drill chuck, and is designed to be used with an impact wrench, although it could be used with a 1/2’’ square drive ratchet or breaker bar. Turning the black hexagon-shaped part anticlockwise tightens the jaws, chuck fashion, onto the stud; the more it is turned, the tighter the grip, and the teeth inside the jaws bite into the stud. The teeth produce longitudinal marks that can be seen below. It is these that grip the stud tightly. Setting it to run anticlockwise, the impact wrench screwed the remainder of the stud out of its hole in about 15
seconds, the length of time showing how tightly it was held by the rust of the ages. It is possible to use a 1/2’’ drive bar but this might not be as easy as using an impact wrench, unless you have a very long one and the space to manoeuvre it. I can honestly recommend this tool as being something that works exceptionally well. It was made by Laser Tools www.lasertools.co.uk and is called the 1/2’’ D. It will remove studs from 6mm-12mm (1/4’’ – 1/2’’) diameter. It can also be used to remove rounded or rusted nuts with external dimensions similar to the stud diameter, such as those with hexagon heads from 1/4’’ AF to 1/2’’ AF or 6mm to 12mm AF. I bought mine from the Machine Mart at Great Barr in Birmingham. https://www. machinemart.co.uk/p/tool-connectiontc3986-impact-stud-extractor/ At £21.59 it was worth every penny.
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ROAD SPEED SENSOR FOR THE RV8 Responding to a member searching for a replacement road speed sensor for his RV8, Nic Houslip agreed it is difficult, adding: “When I first had my RV8 it had some issues with idling at strange speeds, so I thought I had narrowed it down to the sensor. I then dissembled it and checked the operation.” Nic Houslip explained how it works and how he sorted his sensor. It is a simple device with a number of magnets rotating on a shaft. As these magnets pass by a device called a “Reed Switch”, that is basically a pair of electrical contacts sealed in a glass tube, it opens or closes the contacts and sends a train of pulses to the ECU. It interprets this to determine the speed the car is travelling at, and more importantly in this case, if the vehicle is stopped (no pulses). The ECU then makes a decision, based on a number of other inputs (coolant temperature, air temperature and fuel temperature) and tells the stepper motor to let the engine idle at 700 rpm. Other inputs might have a great impact on the decisions that the ECU makes – if, for example, it detects that coolant temperature is not in the right range, it will allow a much higher idle speed. The most likely explanation is the sensor is giving false information (either due to a sensor fault or more likely a poor connection) and then errant operation may occur”. Malfunction of the Sensor It seems to be indicated when the idle speed is erratic. The sensor is mounted on the inboard side of the pedal box on a bracket. Access is restricted, but it is possible to remove it after unscrewing the single screw mounting it to the bracket. After removing the retaining nut from the speedometer drive cable that comes from the gearbox, move the cable end out of the way, then there is just enough room to get your hand in to unscrew the retaining nut that holds the short cable to the speedometer head.
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The electrical connections are made by a two-pin connector that needs to be disconnected; after pressing the latch the two halves can be separated. Investigation of the circuit diagram and the sensor test in the Lucas manual XXB 825 show that the black wire on the sensor is fed with 12V from the ignition switch, through a white wire into the female part of the connector which then feeds the sensor through a black wire. The colour change occurs at the connector, the output signal to the 14CUX box (pin 6) is yellow all the way. The device is marked “Jaeger France” with a part number 34019501 embossed on one side. Exhaustive searching does not throw up any information on this part. The device has an end cover attached by 4 staked pillars with a small washer on each and then pressed to retain the cover. To remove these, using a 4mm or larger bit drill into the staked part, until the washer is contacted. Then prise the washers off and remove the cover. Slide the cover with printed circuit board attached off and make sure you note which end of the magnet shaft is inserted into the cover. It appears to fit either way, but there is a slight difference in diameter in the sample I had that made it a tight fit if fitted the wrong way. The device is simplicity itself. There is a circular magnet mounted on the shaft that rotates in close proximity to a small printed circuit board that holds just two components, a 120Ω resistor and a glass encapsulated Reed Switch. As the magnet is rotated by the incoming speedometer cable the magnetic poles interact with the reed switch and close the contacts. The action is rather similar to a contact breaker in a distributor. The 12V supplied from the ignition switch is thus alternately connected and disconnected and then fed to the ECU. The ECU can easily count the number of times it sees the voltage rising and falling and make a calculation against
a time base to decide how fast the car is moving. The Lucas manual says the sensor should output 6 pulses for every turn of the LH rear wheel when it is jacked up, but with the other on the ground. Due to the action of the differential we can assume that it will provide 3 pulses per turn of the road wheels when both are on the ground. Using a small low-current test bulb, I supplied 12V to the device and watched the lamp go on and off as it was rotated using a card degree wheel to ensure that the pulses were counted in only one revolution of the shaft. I counted 12 pulses in 360 degrees. The mark space ratio is not accurate, but I assume that it is probably only detected on a rising or falling edge, so the ratio isn’t important. Reassembly is only a matter of carefully drilling down the die-cast corner pillars and inserting small selftapping screws to hold the cover in place. Do so carefully, with a pillar drill not a handheld. Cleanliness is important in reassembly; I rinsed the casing with a degreasing cleaner, blew it dry with an airline and then lubricated the bearings with light oil. It is important to clean the magnet carefully; inevitably it will pick up small particles of magnetic metal. These are easily removed by using a small lump of BluTack. I had experienced erratic idle for several weeks and nothing I tried would stop it, but after dismantling and reassembling the sensor the problem seems to have gone away. Only time will tell. Clive Wheatley has YBE10007 Rover RV8 Speed Transducer in stock. The current price is £59.00 plus VAT and carriage. For more on a Reed Switch and the items in this V8 Newsletter go to: www. v8register.net/more.htm
www.mgcc.co.uk
23/11/2017 15:16
H1 - CLIVE WHEATLEY_H7 - CLIVE WHEATLEY 29/06/2017 15:23 Page 1
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MG-SafetyFast_Dec2017_51-100.indd 51
DECEMBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 51
23/11/2017 15:16
ZR/ZS/ZT NEWSLET TER John Thompson Tel: 07854 275541 johnt5@btinternet.com • www.mgcc.co.uk/zedregister
WELCOME TO THE ZR/ZS/ZT NEWSLETTER
Flying the flag at Penshurst Place
The Classic Motor Show at the NEC brought down the curtain on our events for another year, and what a fantastic year it’s been for the Register. In the background the work continues over the winter months as we plan ahead for the coming year, aided by the continued support of the Kimber House team. It’s been a busy time for the committee with each member undertaking on their own projects to ensure the Register keeps moving forward, and the momentum we’ve gained so far continues. This year has seen some new relationships created within the classic car world. Classic Car Weekly’s use of a ZR in their ‘£500 Challenge’ was a great opportunity for us to forge a link with them. This relationship culminated in having their ZR on our stand at the Classic Car Restoration Show in March. A number of companies agreed to sponsor some of our events, including Peter Best Insurance Services and Rimmer Bros. Our taste for trying new things continued after our last newsletter in June. We had a very successful, and a very hot, MGLive! with a great turnout of Zeds on both days exceeding the space in our parking area. July was a
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John and Paul’s ZRs flank the Zed Register Gazebo at Cadwell.
busy month even without an MG Saloon Day. We headed to Penshurst Place in Kent for the SE Centre’s Summer Gathering at the end of the month – an event the Register has supported on a number of occasions in the past. Our final ‘new’ event of the year was the Lancing Motor Show in October. We were more than happy to jointly represent the MG Rover era at the show together with some local enthusiast groups. With over 800 cars present and a great day out, the show has been included in our events calendar for 2018. We enjoyed another exciting year of racing, too, which was brought to a close at Snetterton in October. Next year we will be present at all the race meetings and will be organising the lunchtime parade laps. A vast number of new members have joined the Club with a Zed this year, or have seen us at a show and
are interested in the Register and what we do. The number of members who have joined our Facebook group is a reflection of this - this is very gratifying to see. Our Zeds are now becoming classic cars in their own right and it’s great to see such enthusiasm amongst the visitors at our events and shows. Our events calendar for next year is almost complete. We are just waiting to confirm a few more dates. Once completed the list will be published in a future Register update. We aim to take the Register out to the members next year with some new venues and exciting locations. Look out for any up-to-theminute information on our Facebook page or website. Finally, we’d like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. And to thank all of you for your continued support throughout the past year. See you all in 2018.
www.mgcc.co.uk Zeds at Lancing Motor Show
23/11/2017 15:16
ZR/ZS/ZT NEWSLET TER
THE LOCH NESS MONSTER REVEALED By Ray Kemble For many years now, people have been subjected to the incongruous sight of the Secretary of the ZR/ZS/ZT Register turning up to events in a white MG TF. There were rumours floating around that he did own a ZS, but no-one had ever actually seen it and its existence was put in the same category as the Loch Ness Monster and flying saucers. Now measures are afoot to reveal this mythical creature in all its glory.
The reason for this is that my five-door ZS 180 in trophy blue was subject to a number of unfortunate events. First, I managed to damage the rear spoiler and tailgate backing into a signpost on a dark, wet night in a Heathrow car park. Then one night, returning home, I was negotiating a flooded road when I was hit by the bow wave of a truck going in the opposite direction. When I got home there was a knocking sound coming from the engine. Next day I tried to investigate the problem, only to find that the cable had come adrift from one of the bonnet locks and the bonnet could not be opened. So the car was put in
The ZS Still in the garage where it’s sat for the last ten years
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the garage and my old, well-used MGF pressed back into service out of semiretirement. It became one of those things that one day you’ll get around to and the ZS languished in the garage for nearly 10 years. During this time the MGF gave up the ghost and I had to spend the money that would have paid for getting the ZS back on the road on a new TF LE500. The battery went flat and I made a couple of attempts to get the bonnet open but there were always more pressing things to do. And so the ZS passed into its mythical status. Getting the ZS, which now resembled a barn find, back into service became a project that I decided I would get around to one day. This year at MGLive! the resolve to do something was stronger than ever. I was aware of Beech Hill Garage; they are reasonably local to me and have a good reputation for restoring MGs of all ages. I made enquires at their stand and, following that, called them on the Monday morning. Despite being very busy, a plan of action was agreed
The dented tailgate and cracked spoiler DECEMBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 53
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ZR/ZS/ZT NEWSLET TER
Out in the daylight for the first time in a longtime
that the car would be collected on the Tuesday and taken to Beech Hill for an assessment. After that it would be returned until it could be taken on as an over-winter project. The car was picked up on the Tuesday and trailered to Beech Hill for assessment. Over the next week they went over the car in detail to see what work was needed. The good news was they had managed to get the bonnet open. The bad news was that they had run up the engine and that the knocking was coming from the bottom end of the engine, and it appeared that
The Trophy Blue ZS emerges from the garage
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a bearing had gone. A new engine would be required. They also came up with a long list of stuff that need to be replaced, including alternator, discs and hubs where they had seized together, rubber suspension bushes, wheels and tyres. Anthony Allen of Beech Hill gave me an estimate for the work expecting me, I think, to say the car was not worth it and to scrap it. However, my reasoning was that I needed a new car and I couldn’t see anything new that particularly inspired me, so I could use the same money to get the ZS restored.
In fact, the car had a number of things it its favour as being a suitable subject. It is an early model five-door 180 which makes it unusual. Added to that, when I bought it the budget was originally for a new MGF, but the ZS was much cheaper and so I had ticked all the optional extras. It has a sunroof, rear head restraints and electric windows all round; all of which adds up to a fairly rare car. It was agreed to go ahead and get the work done. With all these factors, and that the car had great history in that I had owned it since new, Beech Hill became very enthusiastic about the project. They put a plan together to start straight away with the aim of having the car finished by the end of September. One thing to sort out was the broken spoiler and dented tailgate. Trawling the Internet, I found a tailgate in the correct trophy blue colour, complete with large spoiler, on eBay. The only problem was it was on ‘buyer collect’ in Wisbech which is quite a way from where I live in North Hampshire. After discussing with Beech Hill it was decided to purchase the tailgate as the price being asked was reasonable, if only for the
www.mgcc.co.uk
23/11/2017 15:16
ZR/ZS/ZT NEWSLET TER
spoiler. One Saturday I hired a van and leaving very early drove to pick up the tailgate, leaving enough time to get back to Beech Hill before they closed at lunchtime. The seller of the tailgate turned out to be a guy who specialises in breaking MG Rovers. He had a number of Zeds and MGF/TFs that he was working on. I took his contact details as he may be useful to know in the future. They looked at the tailgate and decided it was in better condition than the one on my car and will be swapping it over. The engine was stripped down to basics and shipped off to be exchanged for a refurbished unit. This has been fitted and the car is once more able to move under its own power. When the engine was run up for the first time they also found that the throttle was jammed open, so the engine raced away. The throttle body was corroded so a new one was needed. The garage was expecting another ZS to come in and they were planning on breaking it for spares. The throttle body from that car was earmarked to replace mine. In the event, that ZS proved to be a runner so they decided to save and restore that ZS as well. Finding another replacement proved to be difficult and in the end they got a local engineering company to clean up mine. However, the throttle still sticks when released slowly. This may free up with usage but it still may be necessary to find a replacement. In replacing the engine, one of the oil cooler pipes was found to be corroded. Beech Hill were unable to find a spare but they had a contact would could make the pipes to order and they got one built by them. The bodywork has been looked at and is generally OK, but there are some dents and scratches that will need attention. The garage commented that there were some curious scratches on both C posts that they couldn’t account for. I managed to solve the mystery
www.mgcc.co.uk
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Loaded up for its journey to Beech Gill Garage
by confessing to them that I had been dumping the hardtop from the MG TF on the back of the car in the summer as I had nowhere else to put it. With the garage now unencumbered by the ZS, I took steps to prevent any similar problems in future. Using a set of MG Rover hardtop wall brackets and a pulley system designed for hanging a bike in the roof, I have rigged up a system to keep the hardtop in the ceiling of the garage when off the car, leaving room to put the ZS or the TF underneath. Due to the problems in sourcing some of the parts the end of September target has been and gone and the costs have risen much above the original estimate. This seems par for the course for restorations. I still hope to have the car ready for Christmas, and since the original plan was to have the ZS for MGLive! in 2018, that’s OK. We would also like to have the car on our stand at the MG & Triumph Spares Show in March and the Practical Classics and Restoration Show.
Anthony at Beech Hill tells me that the ZS has already been the subject of a lot of interest. People seeing the car are dismayed at seeing yet another zed “being broken for parts”. Anthony is quite happy to point out that “no, this one is being saved and restored”. To be continued…
In happier times at the SE Centre’s Summer Gathering at Losley Park in 2002
DECEMBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 55
23/11/2017 15:16
MG SV 15TH ANNIVERSARY By Dave Pearce
The MG SV and SV-R are the carbon fibre-bodied ‘supercars’ that were launched by MG Sport and Racing in November 2002 at the NEC Motor Show, making 2017 their 15th anniversary. Discussions started in April 2016 on the MGSV Club website forum about the best way to mark this anniversary, the initial idea being to follow the route taken by XP3, the launch car, that subsequently went on to the Bologna Motor Show in December – via Maranello. Further consideration of driving over the Alps in November with
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over 300bhp and what could not be described as ‘state of the art’ traction control put paid to this idea, and in March of this year Marc Hanson picked up the organisation of the event, to be held in the UK at a suitable venue. After the initial booking at Gaydon was cancelled because they had double booked, Marc arranged for
the event to take place at the Shelsley Walsh hillclimb track on September 24. By the time the day came round we had 11 cars expected plus a couple of ZT 260s, these cars sharing the oily bits with the SV. Harris Mann who worked on the development of the car and Andy Kitson, the engineer in charge of the car’s suspension and handling, would also be coming. Peter Stevens, who was primarily responsible for the styling of the car, was unable to make it in the end. Chris Flanagan, of SV Power Retro Sports & Racing, also stepped in with sponsorship to cover the cost of using the hillclimb course. One slight spanner was thrown in before the event when we discovered that Vélo Birmingham 2017 was taking place on the same day, resulting in multiple road closures in the area around Shelsey Walsh. Powerful V8s and Lycra-clad cyclists do not make the best bedfellows, but with a bit of judicious map reading we managed to find a route that avoided most of the spectator traffic. The weather on the day was perfect. Warm (for autumn!) and blue skies; metallic paint always looks best
www.mgcc.co.uk
23/11/2017 15:16
in the sunshine! By the time everyone had arrived there were 13 cars plus the two ZT260s and a local TF driver who had come to see what was going on. As can be seen from the photos, there were both SVs and SV-Rs in a wide range of colours from eye-searing orange to black; not the full range of colours available but not far off. It was also interesting to look at the variations between the cars, particularly from the pre-production car to the later production models. After an initial cup of coffee and a chat we assembled in the restaurant for a briefing for the drivers who wanted to tackle the hill. It was emphasised that it was not competitive, that the banks in the
www.mgcc.co.uk
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cuttings were solid and very close and that some of the corners were covered in acorns, which does not improve cornering grip! Suitably warned, we lined up to take our turn and it was not long before the light went green, clutch was released and black lines
left on the track. Shelsley is a totally different experience to track driving, the straights being short, corners coming up quickly, and the track is very narrow. It seemed no time before we were at the top on the long straight leading up to the finish line, where the
DECEMBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 57
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V8 was let loose. Lovely sounds from all the cars. Once all the cars had taken their run and congregated at the top of the course we came back down in a ‘snake’, and returned to the start for another go. For those who wanted it we had four runs up the hill, although numbers were substantially reduced for the final run. By that time you feel you are starting to know the course, which is when you maybe try too hard so a good point to finish! Lunch had been pre-booked in the restaurant and after we had finished Harris Mann brought out a number of original drawings and sketches that showed how the styling had developed. The initial sketches looked more like an oversized TF but these were soon superseded by the more aggressive lines that became the production cars. One interesting method used in the styling process was to have a drawing of the base car and then a number of separate ‘stick-on’ options of spoilers, grilles, wheels, etc., to see the effect on the
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overall design. CAD was obviously not an option then! People started to depart early afternoon, as some had long drives back home. All agreed it was an excellent day and great to meet and chat to other owners and compare cars and the problems in maintaining cars when so few were produced. On this topic, Chris and the team at SV Power Retro Sports & Racing have recently purchased a large stock of SV spares and aim to be able to provide, source and even manufacture the parts we need to keep our cars on the road, so it is good to know we have this support. Thanks to Marc for organising the event, the staff at Shelsley Walsh for
use of the hill and the catering and Chris for the sponsorship. Also to Simon Goldsworthy and Bob Parker for the photos.
www.mgcc.co.uk
23/11/2017 15:16
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23/11/2017 15:17
RACE TORQUE
RACE TORQUE
G
By Ron Gammons Photo: Chris Philips
osh, this month seems to come round quicker every year, must be the effect of all the fun! So, to start with, our best wishes to all for the Festive Season. We all hope that next year will be as successful as this year has been and that we shall see all of you and more during 2018. Next year’s race programme, as this is being typed, is still awaiting confirmation of the Silverstone date for our MGLive! meeting. This is the last date that is still in debate, hopefully to be announced shortly. At this time of year with the 2017 season well and truly over, our Championship Co-ordinators are busy having their individual Championship drivers meetings to discuss next year’s programme, and any possible regulation changes or improvements. In addition to this, at the end of October they all attended the annual Co-ordinators meeting with the Race Sub-Committee; held for the second time in the John Thornley Suite at Abingdon. The gathering was a goodhumoured affair, with interchange of ideas between the various groups and a general appreciation that we are all part of one Club. This year, as part of a budgeted element in the 2017 race entry fees, we were able to offer a small return of monies to the various Championships on the basis that they had to provide plans of how to put the monies to best use for their Championship
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and the Club. Some specifics were indicated as essential elements of any utilisation: attracting new drivers, preferably younger ones, raising the profile of each Championship and that of the Club. Encouraging those competitors we have to stay with the Championship is also considered to be important. The proposals are being submitted to the Race Sub-Committee for consideration before any monies, amounting in most cases to a few hundreds, are given. Prior to the Co-ordinators meeting we held our regular Race SubCommittee meeting. The 2018 race programme in its provisional form was agreed, and it was also agreed that we would continue the “under 25 half race entry fee” through to 2018. This is in addition to the 5% return of entry fee at the end of the year for those competitors who have competed in each and every round of their Championship with the Club. In 2017 66 competitors achieved that, and in addition to receiving their rebate, all names were entered into two draws for a £500 and a £250
contribution towards 2018 entry fees with race events with the MG Car Club. The winner this year of the £500 was Gary Wetton of the MG Trophy Championship and the £250 winner was James Darby of the Peter Best Insurance Cup. Mark you, these wins represent credit notes for the drivers concerned to redeem against an entry in next year’s MGCC race events. These are a sample of the successful initiatives being used to get more competitors and to keep those who do currently race with MGCC. MG Trophy under Pete Macwaters as Co-ordinator, has been very successful using these to help build the Trophy grids to record numbers. Well done, Pete. It is, of course, essential that we keep our grid numbers up to enable our Club to maintain the competitive entry fees we currently charge. A final note to end this Race Torque on is to give a vote of thanks to Piers Hubbard who, having served on the Race Sub-Committee from its inception back in 2006 to the present, has asked to stand down, a request that was with much reluctance accepted. Piers, of course, has long been a stalwart of the Club, serving in many posts, South Eastern Centre, MGA Register, as Main Club Director and Treasurer during some very difficult times, Chairman of the Appointments Committee and no doubt some others that I have missed. Thanks, Piers, for all that you have done, it’s all been much appreciated. Our best wishes for the future and the increased opportunities to get out and use your MGA.
www.mgcc.co.uk
23/11/2017 15:17
18/01/2016 10:43 Page 1
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DECEMBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 61
23/11/2017 16:32
D U NC A N W O O D DUNCANW@MGS-ON-TRACK.CO.UK
MG on track
ANGLESEY AND GOODWOOD
F
or many of us the track day held on Friday October 13 at Anglesey was a first visit, and one that I’m sure the majority would love to repeat. MGs on Track took one session per hour on a day primarily organised by the Lotus 7 Club, and we thank them for sharing their event with us. The event effectively started on the previous evening with a meal for nearly 30 Lotus and MG drivers at a local restaurant; a great opportunity to socialise with the ‘other side’. Thursday had been cloudless on Anglesey and, with the luxury of an extra day, I had taken the opportunity of making a walk along the coast including an ascent of Holyhead Mountain. However, on Friday the remnants of Hurricane Ophelia made landfall in North Wales, so fierce winds mixed with some rain were the order of the day. The circuit has benefitted from much recent expenditure
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and even the wet surface afforded considerable grip, but the wind definitely made its presence felt. Church Corner seemed to be particularly afflicted and I believe several spins in this area were caused by the unbalancing effect of the strong gusts at a fast part of the track. The circuit manager at Anglesey is Andrew Critchley; many will have met Andrew at Snetterton or Cadwell Park in the past, so it was especially good to see him again. Andrew gave the MGoT group a warm welcome and a couple of highly informative talks during the day; he clearly knows the track in intimate detail and two of the suggested ‘turn-in’ points were merely minute wobbles in the track edge paint line caused by the painter’s attention briefly wandering! In fact it would be all too easy to allow your attention to divert to the glorious landscape surrounding the circuit, and I did manage a few snatched glimpses towards a very angry sea from the top of the aptly named ‘Corkscrew’ bends. It was the original intention to use the Coastal circuit layout for the morning sessions, and the longer International GP configuration after lunch but, based upon Andrew’s
knowledge and in consideration of the evolving weather conditions, it was decided that a reversal of this order would be wise. Despite, or perhaps because of, the challenging weather conditions it was a thoroughly enjoyable event which will hopefully become a regular on the MGoT calendar. My personal Anglesey trip ended with a drive home on Saturday through Snowdonia in persistent rain and low cloud... I can only imagine that the views would have been stunning! At the end of October MGs on Track held this year’s second event at Goodwood. Despite the immense popularity of our visits to this circuit, which usually sell out within a few days, and despite this being one of the best-known and longest-established motor racing venues in the UK, I must confess that I have never before visited Goodwood; clearly I’ve been missing out! For various external reasons I chose not to drive the track this time, so was able to fully soak in the atmosphere of this historic venue. Obviously, a great deal of time and money goes towards keeping the track and the surroundings in
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MGS ON TRACK – 2017 CALENDAR Please visit www.mgs-on-track.com to register, check
LUFFIELD CHAMPIONSHIP JOHN WILMAN, BEECHFIELD, FERN BANK, CHAPEL-EN-LE-FRITH, HIGH PEAK. SK23 0JJ T E L : 07778 165186 W W W . M G S P E E D . N E T
availability, or to book a track day. Registered members will receive regular newsletters and notification of event opening dates.
Brands Hatch ‘Indy’ – December 4 Dependent upon when this Safety Fast! drops through your letter box there may still be time to give yourself an early Christmas present. Visit the website to check late availability at this entertaining circuit
such good condition, and I don’t know why I was surprised but it does look just like the photos. I took the opportunity for a few passenger rides in the afternoon, both to understand the layout better and because it can be such a lot of fun to be driven fast by someone who really knows their car and the right way around a circuit. Many thanks to Martin, Dave and to Brian for the thrills and entertainment. The ride in Brian’s MGB V8 will remain with me in particular; I believe that I spent most of the session in laughter as we drifted and tyresquealed our way around the flowing track. Clearly, too much power is still not quite enough for Brian! If you have never tried an MGoT event, please do not let the foregoing paragraph dissuade you. You do not need a modified or powerful MG to enjoy one of our track days, nor do you need to be an experienced or particularly fast driver. Our events are geared to all abilities, and sessions are divided on the basis of driver experience and power of the car. Overtaking rules and that certain MG track etiquette are adhered to, with the aim of providing a safe and fun day for all participants. Delay no longer! As demonstrated by the Lotus 7 Club’s invitation to Anglesey, MGoT are not completely unique in offering track days for a specific marque of car, and on several occasions through the year we are pleased to share events with clubs from compatible makes. A frequent partner is Lotus on Track, so it is with great sadness that we report the untimely death of Pete Smith, LoT’s event co-ordinator and chief instructor. Over the years Pete has offered great support and encouragement to MGs on Track, has been a help to many, and he will be hugely missed. We offer our sincere condolences to his wife, to his family, and to all his many friends. .
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Suddenly, like a flash, the season is over. With the last event at Castle Combe Circuit on October 21 our season drew to a close with a good turnout of MG cars. The final recipient of the magnificent Luffield trophy was Dave Morris in his group one MG RV8. A consistent performance throughout the season left him with an impressive score of 803.87 points, a full five points ahead of his nearest rival, Ian Howlett in his MGF Trophy. It must be said that to compete for a number of years in the same class, like Ian, it is much harder to produce a winning score when you are constantly trying to beat your own hard-won records. We all look forward to Dave Morris coming out next year to defend his title. You will have noticed that earlier I referred to the last time that the Luffield trophy was to be awarded. The reason for this is that, regretfully, our long association with Luffield Cars and their Managing Director, David Wood, has run its course. Due to David’s retirement it no longer makes sense for their continued sponsorship. However, all good things have an ending, but be assured that the speed championship will carry on either with a new sponsor or under the MGCC banner alone. A full list of award winners can be viewed on our website www.mgspeed.net In no particular order of excellence, drivers with notable results are: Nick walker in his MGB V8, Christopher England in his MG TF, past winner Ian Beningfield in his Midget, Nick Arnold MG ZR 160, David Butler MG TD special, Rob Orford MGB, and the racing Midget specials of Richard Watkinson and Stephen Luscombe. Whilst speaking to the mother of one of our newer competitors recently, I was very heartened by what she had to say. She was most complimentary about the friendliness, encouragement and the willingness to help and advise by all the participants in the championship. It is this kind of comradeship, so redolent of Club racing years ago, that keeps me committed to our sport.
Keith Beningfield in his 1947 TC 1380cc. Photo: Colin Murrell
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WISHING ALL MG CAR CLUB MEMBERS A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS
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URGENT PROOF
Covering Models 1929 - 1939
Please check this proof carefully for errors in style, content and layout. Although every care is exercised in preparing your advert, we cannot hold ourselves responsible for any inaccuracies you may overlook.
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NEWS FROM MG CAR CLUB DENMARK By Gert Joergensen
The Club First, just the reminder that there are two clubs in Denmark: the MGCC Danish Centre (the oldest covering Island Sealand and Copenhagen) and MG Car Club Denmark (the rest of the country) which is celebrating its 45th anniversary next year. Together the two clubs have close to 2,000 members, which together make us one of the European countries with the most MGCC members, after the UK, Holland and Sweden. This is quite remarkable for such a small country like Denmark. MGCC Denmark is an active club with 1,500 members. We do have a very popular magazine and try to offer members different activities from picnics, rallies, and exhibitions to MG Motorsport.
Over the last few years the MG Car Club Denmark has managed to get a few younger board members, who are second generation MG Car Club members at approximately 30 years of age, including the chairman. The expectation was that this then might have an impact on the activity programme – resulting in an increase of recruitment of younger members, which it actually did have!
MG Sport We have seen that by establishing the MG Sport section we have created a new entry for sporting youngsters running sports cars, which our cars are by name and definition. MG Sport is more than the Autotest style of events, as it is done on a track, using helmets, etc, and you need to have a licence issued by the Danish equivalent to the RAC. Both young and old participate and we now have a group of 30 MG
Having fun in the ALS Weekend Gymkhana
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The young winners at the Als Weekend 2017
German friends from Bremen join the ALS Weekend Camping at the ALS Weekend
Enjoying the Gymkhana Driving test prizes
The ALS BBQ
Sport members, of which typically 20 participate in each event. For us this is a success. If you want to have a look visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIpaxx5Klo It is, however, quite an expense for the Club, using tracks and giving trophies and the budget for this is a bit negative. We have seen that this has created some internal problems in the Club – especially from older members who use the Club more as a social club. We are, of course, talking about how to divide Club money. No doubt MG Sport is the most costly per member, and it is not easy for the board to convince all members that this might be one of the investments in the Club’s future – even if the money is there for all. A bit of a challenge for the young board.
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The MG Sport Paddock
Rallies and social events We hold four to six main events every year which have the character of social rallies – and there will be a winner of each event. Further, there are a lot of social touring events. Our yearly events are planned to rotate around the country. This ensures that most parts of the country are covered – not always easy to achieve, as all events are organised by members outside the board of the Club. We recently held our International 2017 MG Als Weekend in August, which included a competition for children under 12 years old. This weekend is held at a forest scout camp house with camping possibilities and barbecue for three days. Since 1986 this meeting has stuck to this concept,
which is a very popular alternative to the one-day meetings or meetings offering hotel stays. Many participants are now, after 30 years participating, only using their tent once a year for this particular event. The weekend participants arrive on Friday afternoon/evening and bring their own meat to the barbecue, and there is a party which really gets the event going. On Saturday we have the MG Als Rally all day, and again dinner and a party on Saturday evening. Sunday morning starts with the MG Sport part, with typically 30 of the 80100 participants. Come Sunday afternoon, participants and organisers are quite tired and it is time to go home, but we love it.
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The start of the rally
MGCC Denmark magazine cover
The Club Magazine The Club has for many years produced a very well-received magazine, the MG BLADET. It is sent out bi-monthly. It is, as in many other clubs, the biggest economic posting in the budget, and it was discussed whether to make it digital only, but it was quite heavily rejected – and all were happy, as this is the link to all members. This year we have got a young new editor, Jeanett, who will do both the editorial and layout. Her first two magazines have been very well received. She has produced a very good mix of traditional and new designs in the layout. Further, a backup editorial team has been selected to ensure that we also get some interesting contents in the magazine.
Club Shop and Exhibition Our Club has a merchandise range and an exhibition team. The shop is divided into three responsibilities: regalia, books, and clothing. The exhibition guys and the shop team work very well together at car shows and events, which is very important as they typically represent the face of the Club at the events. Archive Here, the focus areas are in priorities: the MGCCDK Club history, the MGCC UK history, technical archive for MG cars, and Danish motor club history in general. An activity this year was to try to make our Safety Fast! magazine collection complete. We were missing most of the first five years from April 1959 (first issue!). An advert in Safety Fast! resulted in quite some feedback and the best came from UK member, David Smith, who donated all the missing issues to us, and even brought them to Denmark during a racing weekend!
Thanks a lot – it says a lot about the camaraderie in the MG Car Club. MG Spring workshop A member who is a garage owner in the south of Denmark offers his garage workshop every year for a spring service workshop. This is very successful, where experienced members help the not-soexperienced with services and smaller repairs of their cars. This has now been replicated in other parts of the country. We are looking forward to March 2018 for the next workshop. Future planning The planning for next year has already started and we’re also planning for further in the future. In 2023 we have our 50th anniversary and the planning started with a kick-off meeting recently. Watch this space for further information about this international event in 2023. It might end up as “The European Event of The Year” 2023.
A good selection of classic cars gather for the ALS Rally 68 SAFETY FAST! DECEMBER 2017
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OVERSEAS REVIEW A MONTHLY LOOK THROUGH A FEW OF THE OVERSEAS MAGAZINES WE RECEIVE AT KIMBER HOUSE REVIEWED BY PAUL PLUMMER
Several of the magazines reported on the new MG offerings from SAIC, with the E-motion concept car causing the most interest. Clubtorque, the official publication of the MG Car Club Newcastle, features the car on its front cover, while The Canterbury MaG, MG Monthly Motoring News and MG Niews all carry articles on the car. Wheel Spin, from Victoria, carried out a road test on the GS SUV, commenting that it is a very capable vehicle keenly priced, but up against some very stiff well-known and highly regarded competition. Another common thread was the sad demise of MG legend, Dick Knudson, who passed away on September 1 aged 87. The Spark, journal of the MG Car Club Washington DC, and several other magazines ran obituaries on his work and life. With Frank Churchill he co-founded the New England T Register in 1964 and within a year they had 120 members, growing to be a worldwide organisation, publishing the very informative Sacred Octagon and running the biannual Gathering of the Faithful. A professor of English, an author of over 30 books and latterly an
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Anglican priest, he epitomised the Marque of Friendship. Magasinet, the journal of the MG Car Club of Norway, runs a report on the recent 50th anniversary of the MGC, with a fine example of the marque pictured at Chateau Impney on the front cover of the magazine, whilst Heritage, the journal of the MG Car Club de France, runs a piece on the prototype MGC. An interesting article in Thumbs Up!!!, the official newsletter of the MG Car Club, Johannesburg Centre, reviews Y Type chassis that were bodied in Switzerland and Italy. There were nine in Switzerland and three in
Italy, all in1948, by a variety of coach builders. The photo shows Y1373, the only one built by Beutler Bros of Thun, which still exists. A rather unusual event is also reported in Thumbs Up!!! of a South African MGA taking part in the 1000mile regularity rally, the Mille Millas, which took place in Uruguay. Four cars were shipped to Montevideo to take part in the rally. Unfortunately the road
books were all in Spanish; however the MGA came 4th in its class. An interesting survey is published in MG Niews, the magazine of the MG Car Club of Antwerp, Belgium, giving statistics on the ‘Oldtimer’ market. There are 244,000 classic cars in Belgium, which is 4.3% of the total market, of which 17% are between 55 -60 years old, with the oldest being an 1897 Panhard. The largest proportion is 37%, between 25 and 35 years old. The typical Oldtimer owner has his own home and has bought his car second hand, it is petrol fuelled and on average has a 1.6 litre engine. The Kobe MG Car Club of Japan publishes Cream Crackers which carries some interesting articles. A report on their main event ‘Meet the MG’ held at the Shin Nishinomiya Yacht Harbour, and a report on the Australian National Meeting in Adelaide which was attended by several members of the Kobe Club. Articles describe the T Register’s Rebuild Seminar at Gaydon in which the Kobe Chairman participated and, amazingly, a narrow boat holiday on the Stratford-upon-Avon canal in Warwickshire for nine members of the Club.
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CENTRES
ABINGDON WORKS
SARAH DAVIES sfscribe@mgabingdon.org.uk www.mgabingdon.co.uk After the last major event of the year, the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the NEC ended, the driving season is virtually over. The shorter daylight hours and more frequent inclement weather don’t entice the use of either the classic or modern steed, but there are still many events over the holiday period that always offer a splendid time. Our own Abingdon Works Centre Boxing Day run. Starting, as always, from the Abingdon market square. A gentle meander through local roads and ending for a natter at a local pub. Contact Mike Parker on 01235 525255 for further information.
New Year’s Day. Why not start the new year with a fine day out. ‘Vintage Stoney’, the Vintage car and motorcycle festival at Stoney Stratford, north west of Milton Keynes (MK11 1BE). You must take a look at the web page www. vintagestony.co.uk and entry is free to both exhibitors and spectators. Looking ahead to 2018, watch out again for the AWC calendar which should be with you in the New Year. I will detail some of these below, but on the calendar you will notice there are fewer runs/events that we are holding next year. The reason for this is that we are struggling as a committee to run the amount we have done. You may have noticed
ANGLIA
ROB MUIR 01206 862619 scribe@mgccanglia.com www.mgcc.co.uk/anglia-centre
New Committee Members Following the Centre AGM we have three new committee members, along with a new webmaster. I would like to introduce them to you. After four very successful years as our webmaster, Tim Martin has decided to stand down leaving us with a very big gap to fill. Kelvin Fagan, who like Tim has a background in the ZR/ ZS/ZT Register, kindly volunteered to take on the role. Tim is working with Kelvin to help make a seamless transition. We can also welcome Nick de Vries along with Alison and Andrew Isaacson to the fold. It is only with the help of members such as these that we have
the successful Club that we are proud to belong to. May I welcome you and hope that you enjoy your role as committee members. Anglia Rivera Run Now into its 15th year, the very popular Norfolk Riviera Run will take place on Thursday December 28. Each year the event has a wonderful Christmas feel to it and is a very relaxing way to spend some of the holiday period. It starts and finishes at the Royal Sandringham Estate Visitor Centre, and entry forms can be downloaded from the website www.mgcc.co.uk/ anglia-centre or, for those of
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that there have been several mentions throughout the past year or two for more volunteers to lighten our load. Unfortunately, this is not happening and it has now come to the point that we feel that we have to curtail some of the events, as it has become too much for a smaller committee, who not only put a great deal into the organisation but have other events to attend, and for some a work life to balance. On top of this, there are numerous events organised by the many Registers and Centres; outside organisations holding car shows, fetes, auto jumbles, and so on. Almost every weekend from the spring onwards there is a choice to be had. Because of this, we are seeing reduced numbers at some events as people are taking the decision to do something different.
The Old Speckled Hen Run, I hear people say. This is one that we will be organising. Well, we have to, don’t we? It goes handin-hand with the AWC. So this will be the first major event of the year, bar the AGM. Moving on from that, there will be a couple of car shows and the Boxing Day run to look forward to and, of course, a presence at Silverstone. So we look forward to seeing many of you at these events. On behalf of the committee I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your valued support this year and hope to see many of you at next year’s events. A very Merry Christmas and hope to see you for the annual Boxing Day Run to blow those Christmas cobwebs away.
us who would rather not use computers, there is an entry form alongside the Anglia notes in the November issue of Safety Fast!.
East Anglian Tour 2018 As detailed in last month’s Centre Notes, the Anglia Centre is going to run a three-day tour from September 21-23 2018. Limited to just 25 cars, if you would like to take part see the entry form in the February issue of Safety Fast! or the Anglia website. Entry will open on March 1.
Anglia Centre History The history of the Anglia Centre can be followed back to its inception in 1982 and a very colourful history it has, too. Founder member, Roger Latham, has documented our rise from an initial meeting at The Kings Arms, Frating, to the present day which now sees our Centre as the fourth largest and one of the most vibrant Centres within the MG Car Club. The story of our history can be read in full on the Anglia Centre website, a very compelling read it is, too. Thanks must go to Roger for his work and attention to detail.
P & A Wood Our own Andrew Woods has again managed to arrange a visit to P & A Wood, the Bentley and Rolls Royce restoration experts. This is always a very popular event and always oversubscribed as the tour of the factory is limited to just 20 people. The visit will be on April 14; however, bookings will open on February 1 by contacting Andrew after this date at woodsyaew@ gmail.com
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CENTRES
CALEDONIAN
BOB MACGILLIVRAY 07870 407111 mgcarsscotland@gmail.com www.mgcaledonian.com
You will see in this issue an advert for our Three Day Tour in May. Based in south west Scotland, in an excellent hotel, this event is extremely popular and sells out rapidly. If you are interested in attending then please book early! This year we had a very large turnout of MMMs and T types and again we would welcome older MGs to take part. All the roads are suitable for all types of MGs and touring this area in an early car is very enjoyable. Check the ad and then our website. You can also now book for the Chilly Willy traditional meet on January 1 in Stirling. Again, this is a popular event so please book early. Moving further into January, we will have our annual Film
Night in Kirkintilloch Golf Club. We have a very varied selection of films available, with good food provided and all at a very reasonable cost! And for non-film watchers, alternative entertainment is available…! Book through the website. I’m looking for suggestions for topics for the annual Technical Day at Dreadnought Garage in February. If you have any suggestions then please let me know. Details of our Five Day Tour in August will be published in Safety Fast! next month. Based in Aberdeenshire, this event also sells quickly so again check Safety Fast! and our website for details.
DEVON & CORNWALL GRANNY JANNER www.allegropeter@aol.com www.mgcc.co.uk/devon-cornwall-centre/
The South Hams Natter had a tour around Plymouth Bus Depot at Milehouse to see the last of the tram sheds and tram lines, before they are torn down to make way for new premises. Most people that live in Plymouth did not know the extent of the overall size of this depot. We also saw the restoration of some buses; we think about the size of our car restoration, this is threefold! One of the new gas buses gave us a ride around the depot – so very quiet but one has to walk uphill to get to the back seats. The pièce de résistance was a trip on the open-top 1950s bus, Sir Francis Drake, around Plymouth, The Hoe and Stonehouse. The young lad of one family that saw
us said: “Look at those oldies enjoying themselves.” It just about summed up the experience! We raised £76 for their Macmillan charity. Once we’d finished at the bus depot we drove to our lunch stop at The Dartmoor Lodge at Ashburton for a carvery, which was excellent and our day came to a very enjoyable end. The Tamar Trial The number of entries was down from last year with 60 participating, cars and bikes, also the marshals were fewer. All did not go smoothly due to the stormy weather and some sections being laid out for really sporty cars. One car was stuck
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I’m also pleased to say that we will return to Arran next year, again in September as we did this year. Look out for info on the website. Full details of our new regalia items are now available on the website, and a flier was emailed to many members in November. If you did not receive it and don’t receive our other monthly emails then please email me your personal email address for future use. My address is at the top of this page. Our Annual Newsletter will be posted later this month to all our members with a list of the proposed programme for next year. It gets more and more difficult to arrange events when bookings, especially for shows, do not come in until the last minute! So over the festive period why not take a half hour and get the event dates into your diary and book
in the run off section and had to be towed out by a tractor. Another section, Angel Steps, was very muddy to get to the start, with water flowing down the section. Many failed the Class 7/8 restart and one car smashed his diff but could get back down the section only to be towed away. Natter News MGF Natter: This venue has been changed to the Dartmoor Lodge at Ashburton, meeting on every fourth Wednesday starting January. The first meeting took place in November. South Hams Natter: Graeme is looking for a new leader for next year as he will be away for several months. Any takers? Horsebridge Natter: A very interesting talk with pictures
Our regalia salespeople are everywhere. Out of a suitcase on the way to Arran!
for them as soon as they appear on our website? It will make the committee’s life so much easier! Thank you! And when you go over the event list, if you can think of a local show or other event which you think might be useful for us to attend then please contact the committee and they will consider it. I think that’s all for now, but get in touch if you have any questions or comments… Oh! And have a very Merry Christmas!
was given by Terry Bolt of his experiences doing the many Cape to Cape Events. A very enjoyable event with driving tests, clues to find and trying to spot the marshals. Terry raised a lot of money for his chosen charity, driving his MG TC. Diary Events South Hams Natter – The Christmas Dinner to be held at The Furzeleigh Mill Hotel. December 15: contact - graeme_ mo@yahoo.co.uk Other Natters are also expected to hold Christmas Dinners. Contact your local Natter for details. MCC Exeter Trial, January 6 2018 Marshals requested for the Land’s End Trial on March 20, contact - bobslatter@yahoo.com
www.mgcc.co.uk
23/11/2017 15:18
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CENTRES
LINCOLNSHIRE JOHN HEBB 01522 683541 jhebb38@virginmedia.com www.mgcclincolnshire.co.uk
December Natters: Lincolnshire Poacher Friday 1; Wolds Wednesday 6 (Christmas Meal); Abbey Lodge Monday 11 (Christmas Meal); Wishing Well Wednesday 13 (Christmas Meal); Red Cow Inn Thursday 21, but check with Geoff/Vicki (01205 871973) for details; Three Horseshoes Thursday 28 (PostChristmas Meal). Luncheon Club: Wednesday 20 (Christmas Meal). Early January Natters: Wolds Wednesday 3. Early January Event: New Year’s Day Run and Pride of Ownership Abbey Lodge. In addition to the above don’t forget the Annual Dinner and Presentation Evening at the Bentley
Hotel, Lincoln, on Saturday January 20; booking forms are available on our web page or from Robert (01724 764144). The final competitive event of the year was the Jubilee Trophy Scatter Rally organised by David Stonehouse and Malcolm Clark, starting at Rachel’s Cafe in Hagworthingham and finishing at the Abbey Lodge for the results and lunch. Eight teams made their choice of plots to visit and set off on their chosen route, each hoping to achieve the least mileage. At the final reckoning Paul and Margaret Smith were declared winners in their MGF, second were Ian Mackenzie and Kevin Pateman (MGB), third Sue Mackenzie and Robert Welch
MIDLANDS
PAUL HOLLINGWORTH paul_irene@btinternet.com
The Centre’s programme of events is drawing to a close after another successful year. Just a few things to remind you about:The Morgan Three Wheeler Club have invited us to their annual Holly run on December 17. This year it starts and finishes at the Old Wagon and Horses pub on the A451 between Stourbridge and Kidderminster (map ref SO 869 801, postcode DY10 3NX). Please assemble around 10.00am for the short run through the Worcestershire countryside. Lunch will be available at the pub afterwards, but advance booking is advisable on 01562 701367. The Centre will be holding its Christmas walk on December 28. Please meet up at Tardebigge
Church, just off the B4096, three miles north west of Redditch, (map reference SO 996 692, postcode B60 3AH) at 10.30am to walk off the excess of the festive season. Contact Paul on 01527 579947. The Arden Group are again organising the Chilly Willy run on New Year’s Day. The start will be at the Golden Cross in Ardens Grafton (between Stratford, Alcester and Bidford-on-Avon) at 11.00am where bacon butties will be available. The end venue is not fixed yet, so keep an eye on their website http://ardenmgclub.co.uk/ or ring Paul on 01789 261815. On January 15 the Centre holds its AGM at the Somers Club in Halesowen. The meeting will start at
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(MG ZT), Chris and Sue Hall were fourth (MGB), followed by Stuart Nell and Jim (MG RV8), Alan and Stephen Wright (appropriately in a BGT Jubilee), Mike and Monica Dabbs (MGTF) and Simon and Pauline Goldsworthy (MGF). Paul and Margaret now have the honour (?) of organising the 2018 event. Around 20 members found their way to the Fortescue Arms at Billingborough for another convivial Luncheon Club meet. The season of Mists and Mellow Fruitfulness has well and truly arrived, thankfully so far without the mists. My TF is now SORNed for the winter and the MG3 is facing its fourth year service. Apart from a small glitch with the wiper motor in the first few months, the car has proved to be fault-free and is a delight to drive. Very different from the
TF, but where they both excel is when presented with a twisty road. Every member should now have received their copy of the Winter Newsletter which contains, among some interesting articles, our events calendar for 2018, but please keep an eye on the web page (or Safety Fast!) for changes and additions. I had a look at the new MG ZS at my local dealers, Charles Warner at Lincoln. The ‘Dynamic Red’ version looked very special, and in top spec seems to offer all that you may need (but still a bit puzzled by the ‘Follow me home’ lights). The seven-year warranty should prove attractive to a lot of buyers. Anyone with an MG3 will instantly feel at home, although the steering wheel seems to contain as many buttons as an F1 car!
8.00pm and normally doesn’t go on for too long, so there’s plenty of chance to have a chat and to avail yourself of the bewildering array of ales the club keeps. Attendances have been on an upward trend of late but it’s always good to see more folk. We generally get representatives from most of our many Natters, but it would be great if the Registers could send someone along, too. We tried a departure last year from our usual programme of events with the Taster Trial and next year we are turning our hand to an AutoSolo, which is a bit like an AutoTest but friendlier, less competitive and with no reversing. So please come along to the AGM and give us your views. New ideas are always welcome. Entries are now open for the 2018 Welsh Rallye which will be held on May 11-13. The package includes two nights’
B&B at the sea front Marine Hotel in Aberystwyth, dinner on the Saturday evening and lunch on both days. The cost to members is £300 per couple. Enquiries please to Roger King rogerking43@gmail. com phone 0121 476 6649. The route is still being finalised, but I can promise you an interesting mix of mountains, valleys and coast. Stage three immediately after lunch is almost entirely in the Pembrokeshire National Park. As always, news and details of Centre activities can be found on our website:-www.mg-cars.org.uk/ mgccmidlandcentre/ Finally, the Centre committee, and I’m sure all competitors from our Curborough sprints, would like to offer their thanks to David Wood for his sponsorship for over 16 years of the Luffield speed championship, which sadly ended this year with David’s retirement.
www.mgcc.co.uk
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nd
2 Targa Sicilia th
th
May 10 – 24 2018
The Country Lane Tours Targa Sicilia last May, tying in with celebrations marking the 100th running of the Targa Florio and the 110th anniversary of its inception, was voted a tremendous success by all participants. The event was oversubscribed so it will run for the second and last time in 2018, with entries restricted as previously to fifty cars. Starting with the overnight ferry from Genoa, the tour begins with two nights in Villa Igiea, a stunning hotel overlooking the bay of Palermo and originally owned by the Florio family. Small car, small engine - no problem! From Palermo the tour follows the coast to halts in Mazara del Vallo, Agrigento (Valley of the Temples), Ragusa (Montalbano country!), Siracusa and Taormina before skirting Mount Etna and calling in at Autodromo di Pegusa on the way back to Cefalu and the ferry. With brilliant driving roads, including the Targa Florio itself, stunning scenery, and numerous amazing attractions, this is a holiday of a lifetime with your vintage or classic car, especially as you can drive the Targa Florio route and Automobile Club Palermo will be opening up the Floriopolis Pits and museum especially for us. To receive a full detailed information pack, including a FREE DVD of last year’s tour, email your postal address to countrylanetours@gmail.com or call Ian on 01824 790280, but hurry as entries have already been received, including one from a participant last time!
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CENTRES
NORTH WEST PAUL GOODMAN 01625 876300
Where did 2017 go? Very quickly for us, with a brilliant year of MG motoring and events. As these are the December notes, then the first thing to do is to wish all our members a Very Merry Christmas. There are two social opportunities this month to meet with fellow MG owners and celebrate the festive season. On December 12 there will be a gathering at The Old Hall Farm Pub and this will be followed by the Christmas meal at the Plough and Flail on Tuesday December 19. If you want to attend, then please let Laurie Kennard know (contact details on the NW Centre website). Looking forward to 2018, there are lots of dates to mark up in your new diary. The speed
championship will have a new sponsor and name in 2018, which will be revealed soon. We do know, however, that the first event will be on March 25 at Rockingham. The Cockshoot Cup is also being re-branded for 2018 although the name will remain. There is a great opportunity to sponsor the championship which will have nine races at six events. Any sponsor would be able to entertain guests at the circuits, mingle with the drivers and be involved with the social media aspects of the championship. Please make contact if you or your company are interested. The first race will be in early April. On the social side of the Centre, our regular pub meetings
Drive it Day 2017 With the Vulcan at Woodford. Photo: Paul Goodman
will continue throughout the year and we will be holding special events including for Drive it Day, and arranging Club displays at Tatton Park, the Oulton Park Gold Cup and a stand at the EventCity classic car show. Your car doesn’t have to be a pristine “concours” car to participate in these events and all ages and types of MG will be made very welcome. We will also be represented at many other shows and this is where we are looking for more members to get involved. If you are attending a local show, then we
SOUTH EAST
JO RUFFELS joruffels@gmail.com www.mg-cars.org.uk/mgccse/
2017 seems to have been a busy year for many of the South East MGCC Groups. The Fairmile Natter arranged a spectacular visit to the Roger Dudding collection, an eclectic mix of MGs and various other cars and motorbikes. The Three Horseshoes Group held an evening talk highlighting the MG trip
Ash Natter visit to the Isle of Wight. Photo: Ian Russell
to Northern Spain/Portugal (European event 2017). Ten MGs from the Ash group made a trip to the Isle of Wight, visiting Osborne House, the Steam Railway and a tour of the inshore lifeboat centre based in Cowes. With not a motorway in sight it makes for perfect driving. The Ashdown Adventurers completed nine lunch-time runs to various resto pubs as well as a visit to a private car museum belonging to one member. The Pinner group attended MGLive! in great numbers, held four mini PoO’s and supported many of the SE events. The Speldhurst group organized a run from
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Autumn Naviscat team hard at work. Photo: Janice Leigh
Crowborough, Barnsgate Manor Vineyard to Bewl Water for some 30 cars. The North Downs group organised and ran the first SE ladies event to the Big Cat Sanctuary, a great day out and a brilliant opportunity to view a number of rare cats. The Leighs ran a challenging autumn Naviscat with Colin Cooke driving from Towcester with his two daughters to participate, the additional person earning him a 10% penalty! Results on the web page. The Canterbury Group partook in a number of the
can supply literature for you to promote the Club and lend you some branded material. The big challenge for 2018 is to increase our membership, which has maintained itself in recent years, but not shown any increase. Finally, if you are clearing out your house or garage over the holiday period and wish to dispose of cars, parts or memorabilia then please contact us and we may be able to help. We know that there have been instances when valuable spares have been thrown into a skip and lost forever.
MGCC SE events supporting the Z Register day and the summer gathering at Penshurst Place. Thanks to those who have arranged and helped out at events this year, which have included a Spring run, Summer and Autumn gatherings. Just remains to wish you all a Happy Christmas.
Y Tourer on display at the extraordinary Roger Dudding collection, Studio 434 in Potters Bar. Photo: Jon Glover
www.mgcc.co.uk
23/11/2017 15:18
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DECEMBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 79
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CENTRES
SOUTH WEST
MIKE ANGWIN m.angwin@tiscali.co.uk www.mgccsw.com; www.facebook.com/mgccsw The MGCC South West 2017 season of sporting events has ended as usual with the Kimber Car Trial held on the slopes of Pagan’s Hill, Chew Stoke, just south of Bristol, on the morning of Sunday October 15. There were 10 entrants from MGCC and from two other local motor clubs, giving an interesting mix of older and more modern standards and specials. Although the weather was fine and dry the four test routes up the grassy hill became increasingly slippery throughout the event. The closest competition was in Class three, where the VW Beetle driven by Paul Dickinson of the Classic and Historic Motor Club narrowly edged out John York in his MG Midget, with
Dave Coppock’s MG TC third and Neil Lock in his MGB GT fourth. The cars in Class four, including specials, were the most successful in the conditions, with the Toyota MR2 Turbo driven by both Richard and Peter Turner achieving the most clean runs and becoming Overall Winner and Best Woolbridge MC respectively. Roger Metters’ Morris Marina special and Chris Leverett in his MG TD special were third and fourth. Full results will be available on the MGCC South West Centre website. Our thanks go again to Tony Baker for permission to use the field, and also to the marshals who helped run the event. 10 marshals were enough to provide two for each hill and limited the amount of
TYNE TEES
NOEL LINDFORD noel.lindford@btinternet.com
Past Events Yorkshire Weekend: October 6-8. Organised by David Alexander, this relaxing weekend attracted 18 cars, with most entrants opting to stay the weekend at the splendid Forest and Vale Hotel in Pickering, which did us proud, with excellent accommodation and food. Pickering (NYMR) Station close by proving an attraction for steam train fans, this was a great base for a weekend which included visiting D.T.Mathewson’s Classic Car Auction and Museum at Thornton-le-Dale, before moving on to Eden Camp, a Second World War-related museum near Malton. After being immersed in the sights and sounds of WW2, and a meal in the NAAFI, we set
off on a very pleasant drive to Helmsley, passing views of Castle Howard and the Howardian Hills. Following an excellent dinner at the hotel, Sunday morning saw us depart for a drive over the Moors, calling at Rosedale Abbey and the Moors National Park Centre, before finishing the event at Strikes Garden Centre, Stokesley, their splendid café having been our meeting point on the Friday lunchtime. Many thanks to David and Matthew Alexander for a great weekend. Autumn Leaves Run: Sunday October 22. Superbly organised by Andrew Kelly, this ‘Magnificent Northumberland Adventure’ did not disappoint the 90 people and 45 cars that made it to Dobbies
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climbing up and down the slope to reach each car at the point where it stopped. This event completed the 2017 South West Drivers Championship, for which the prizes will be awarded at the South West Centre Annual Dinner which will be held at the Limpley Stoke Hotel, near Bath, on Saturday February 24 2018. Further details will be available on the SW Centre website, and there are usually a number of rooms available in the hotel at special rates. Please also join us in marking the end of one season and the start of the next at the South West Centre AGM, which will be held on the evening of Tuesday March 6 2018 in the Old School Room, Compton Martin,
Somerset, followed by the regular first-Tuesday Natter at the Ring o’ Bells pub. All the South West Centre Natters are listed on the Centre’s website. Look out in particular for the very popular monthly Lunchtime Natters. In 2017 these have been alternately at the White Hart, Iron Acton, north of Bristol and at the Burcott Inn in Somerset, providing a great opportunity both to take your MG out for a gentle daylight run and to enjoy a good pub lunch with like-minded MG owners and their partners. This month’s picture was taken by Simon Lott and shows John York and his Midget attempting one of the hills at the Kimber Car Trial.
at Ponteland. Welcomed by Peter and Judith Baglee, who kindly managed event sign-on, most availed themselves of breakfast, before departing on the 80-mile run. Following a drivers briefing by Andrew, young Charlotte Goodson sent the cars away, waving a rather large Northumberland flag! The splendid route showcased Northumberland’s coastline and countryside, including several really stunning castles. The route took the cars and crews through Morpeth, north east to the coast, passing Warkworth Castle and then Alnmouth, before heading west towards Alnwick. Crossing the Lion Bridge, adorned with the Percy Lion standing proud on the east parapet, we passed magnificent Alnwick Castle, then on to a welcome coffee stop in Alnwick Market Place. The route continued westward to Edlingham and Callaly Castles, visiting Glanton, then
south to Rothbury, before finishing at the Dyke Neuk Inn, Meldon. Following a convivial Sunday lunch, Lyn Ebdon presented the Autumn Leaves Trophy to Lloyd Oxley for his 1977 MGB Roadster, which Lyn chose as her ‘Car of the Day’, whilst I’m pleased to report Jack Haig from Yorkshire Centre got the ‘Spirit of the Event’ award. Events Coming Up Saturday December 9: TyneTees Centre Awards Dinner, Gibside Hotel, Whickham. Arrive 7.30pm for 8.00pm. All enquiries to: Lyn Ebdon at lyn.ebdon@ mail.com or 01434 607067. And finally, after four years as your Scribe, I am passing the ‘quill pen’ on to Tony Wood, whom many of you know. Tony has kindly agreed to take on the role, bringing a fresh perspective to reporting our events. Season’s Greetings to you all!
www.mgcc.co.uk
23/11/2017 15:18
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CENTRES
YORKSHIRE
DAVID COPEMAN 07920 064585 www.mgccyorkshire.co.uk North – Colin Brear Rather than fitting the many meals in before Christmas, we have planned two for the New Year, Skipton Golf Club and the Tempest Arms. Our thanks to Steve and Andrea Coltman for arranging a wonderful meal at ‘Sweet Basil’ in November. We must appoint a new ‘Leader’ for the North Yorkshire Natter; after 10-plus exemplary years, thanks to Paul Croft and Rosemary. I have said no, so please volunteer and try it, with help, of course. South – Geoff Norcliffe The Natter ran the Calton section of the Edinburgh Trial again this year, one of the oldest motorsport events in
the UK. An early start, some rain, some mud, lots of cars and motorcycles and a delivery of bacon butties by Marie and Pauline – what more could you want? Shall we put your name down for next year? We heard tales of Norrie and Karen’s adventures in their B roadster during the MGCC of Monaco event; hopefully more later on that one. East – Brian Rylance The Yorkshire Centre Quiz brought out the ‘Brains’ at the October Natter. The Grey matter was severely tested with the Dixon Carey team winning the round. Arrangements were reviewed for the Christmas meal and social run on December 10.
ULSTER
CAROL WILLIS (028) 9079 9997 or 07831 345560 www.mgcculstercentre.co.uk carol.mgulster@hotmail.co.uk
We start December’s Centre news by wishing Safety Fast! readers a Happy Christmas Season and we hope Santa drops in a few MG goodies (hopefully not down the chimney)! For the Ulster Centre, holding an autotest event at Delamont, near Killyleagh, is like coming home. We have had the use of the site for many years and were back again for our October Autotest. Prior to the test, we held a tutorial and, happily, the rain that caught us all by surprise, stopped just as quickly. Groups were divided into FWDs and RWDs and, in no time,
young and not-so-young drivers were practising manoeuvres they had only imagined before – learning curves were practically vertical! Thanks must go to autotest expert, Colin Earney, who stepped in to take the FWD group and to Gordon Buckley and Malcolm McQueen for tutoring the RWDs. The Autotest was the final event in our 2017 Championship Series. Two tests, to be completed four times each, were set up in the large car parks with a final run joining the two tests together to make one long test. They featured fast tail throws and
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West – David Copeman The infamous Inter-Natter quiz. It must have been the October meeting, and numbers were down this month – I wonder why. The results of the quiz were close. The papers of the winning West Yorkshire team of Elizabeth, Martin, Chris and David have been sent off for scrutiny and the winning Natter will be announced at the Awards Lunch. Don’t forget, the December meeting will be our traditional Faith Supper. Carol and myself thank you all for your support throughout the year and wish you all a very Happy Christmas. Tiger – Pete Welbourn Many thanks to all those who have supported the Lunch in the Country runs this year. I don’t think we have had less than 10 MGs and other classics on the day and more often it has been
flowing circling of pylons, but included a few hidden hazards in the form of treacherous kerbs and tight turns which caught out a few. Despite not having driven a Mini Special for two years, Robert Dickson in his usual flawless style romped home to a well-deserved victory. Runner-up was Paul Lowther in his Stryker and third, in a stellar drive, was Richard Earney in his Mini Saloon. Several of the tutorial students entered the main event. Of particular note were drives by Redmond McNamee and a remarkable improvement on Test two by Sam Dougan who took a full 20 seconds off his initial time which earned him most improved driver of the day. Garth Maxwell, our esteemed treasurer and good friend, passed
a good number more. A couple of times that memorable line from “Jaws” has come to mind – we are going to need a bigger pub! We already have a couple of volunteers for runs next year, but I will stick with my usual request: if you have a favourite pub, or know of a good one, let Mel and I know. Vale of York – Ken Cothliff For the first time, it rained on our parade! Still, Bob Walker and Tony Hay rolled up in their pre-war gems. We did our entry for the Inter-Natter quiz – rather difficult in some areas this time. Plans have been made for our Christmas Party this year on December 21. Next year we plan to run the Canada Run again – another opportunity to explore the old Bomber airfields around the Vale of York and northward. This run will be open to all members of the MGCC.
away in late October after a short illness. Ever a man of action, Garth was racing his MGB GT V8 in the historics at Mondello in August and had recently passed his Advanced Motorcycle Test. He will be greatly missed and the Ulster Centre must pass its sincere condolences to all of his family. Dates for your Diary: December 6 – 7.30pm EGM, 8.00pm Mince Pie Natter January 1 – New Year’s Day Treasure Hunt – start venue tba
Robert Dickson in his Mini Special
www.mgcc.co.uk
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www.mgcc.co.uk
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REGISTERS
VINTAGE
JOHN VENABLES 01865 862573 johnandtriciav@gmail.com
As I write these notes we have just put our clocks back and it is now time to wish you all a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year from our Chair, Debbie, and the committee of the Vintage Register. We now enter a quiet time of year as far as our cars are
concerned, but the next main event will be our AGM on Sunday March 4, again held at the Shillingford Bridge Hotel from 10.30 for 11.00am. We do hope the weather will be favourable, to encourage you to attend in your old car. There will as usual be a prize for the car our speaker likes
TRIPLE M
JEREMY HAWKE +44 (0)1225 863934 mgk3007@btinternet.com www.triple-mregister.org
So here we are again, rapidly approaching the end of another year of MMM motoring and competitions (for the lucky ones), whilst others plug away at rebuilds, hopefully with light at the end of the tunnel. Sadly, this month I have a bit of not-so-good news to pass on regarding two long-standing MMM enthusiasts who have passed away recently. Thank you to Ray Masters and Mike Alison for letting me know and putting their thoughts to paper: John Goodacre John died at the end of October after a spell in hospital. Many will remember him as a driver of a quick, single-seater, supercharged
PA in MGCC and VSCC events in the 1960 to 1980 period. He was an enthusiastic member who was always willing to give advice or help out others who needed it. In later years he did a lot of marshalling at many meetings, putting something back into the sport he loved. His son intends to rebuild the singleseater and carry on the tradition of a Goodacre racing. “Jolly John”, as he was often known, will be missed by those who knew him and those who benefitted from his help and knowledge. Opposite is a photo from the ‘old days’, courtesy of Mike. Howard Braithwaite Howard attended many NW Centre events with his immaculate and
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best. The event will be as usual: AGM at 11.00am, retire to the bar at 12.30pm, lunch at 1.00pm prompt and speaker at 2.00pm, to enable us to get away by 3.30pm at the latest. Following on from this is our spring event, April 23-27, based at the White Swan in Pickering, North Yorkshire. This event is well supported as I write, so if you are interested and have not yet registered you should contact Debbie Brading on 07795 227715 quickly.
I have recently heard of several of our cars for sale at present: a very nice 14/40, a couple of 18/80 saloons and a couple of early bullnoses. If you are interested in possibly owning one of these cars, give me a ring on 01865 862573 and I can give you details if they are still available – perhaps a nice Christmas present for you. This month I thought I’d look back and use a couple of photos from our 50th Vintage celebration back in 2010. I hope you enjoy them.
much-admired concours-condition NA. He passed away suddenly in July, just prior to his participation in the Oulton Park Gold Cup meeting concours, as Ray describes him: a perfect gentleman in a perfect car. Both will be missed by the MMM community and our thoughts and condolences are with their families. Ray also sent me a brief note of a couple of events he’s attended up in the North West this summer, including the huge classic car show at Tatton Park in August in his PA. He was the only Triple-M car entered (although there are always a few T, Y
and Z types there). Come on chaps, fly the flag “Oop Narth” next year if you can. The Gold Cup meeting concours was attended by Ray and Bob Pritchard’s PAs. Both cars attracted a lot of attention, Bob’s having been in his family since 1938. I’m sure there are lots of other members out there, many doing things of interest in other areas that we never hear of, I’m sure, and that’s a pity, so please just drop me a line so we can help spread the word. Lastly, Happy Christmas to you all.
John Goodacre and his PA, no overalls and no silencer – Happy Days www.mgcc.co.uk
23/11/2017 15:18
REGISTERS
SVW
PAUL CAMPBELL svw.safety.fast@gmail.com www.svwregister.co.uk/
Writing this at the end of October, Charlie Plain-Jones has recently returned from the Aussie Pre-War MG Register biennial weekend at the Angourie Rainforest Resort of Yamba, on the Gold Coast of
Malcolm Robertson receives the Washbourne Award
Queensland. Charlie found out why they call it rain forest! You may remember that the Washbourne Award for the best article in the SVW Review this year went to Malcolm Robertson for his excellent contributions entitled ‘News from Downunder’ over the years. Well, Charlie had the opportunity to take the award to the Yamba event and present it to Malcolm in person. It was duly returned to Charlie to bring back to the UK in exchange for an octagonal glass trophy for Malcolm to keep. There is apparently a ready market for the SVW Review down under, one of which was auctioned by Malcolm at the
T TYPE
JOHN WARD 01621 773606 johnw.ward@yahoo.co.uk www.tregister.org The October Edition of T Register News At the last T Register committee meeting it was sadly decided to cease production of the quarterly magazine T Register News for all
the reasons previously well documented. So here it is, Issue number 28 the October TRN, available as a free download as usual on the T Register website; details below.
SVW dinner for $55A (about £32) so hang on to these collectors’ items! Charlie had several rides and drives in different cars, but he’s pictured driving Harry Hickling’s Keller–style SA. I think this is the car that Harry and Cathy Hickling took across North Africa and that features in their book ‘Sands of the Desert’. I was pleased to see Charlie is wearing his limited edition 50th anniversary SVW
Register cap, issued at this year’s SVW event near Colchester. There are still a few of these caps available if you get in touch. Finally, to whet your appetite, we’ve been contacted regarding an early VA Tourer that was purchased in the 1960s by a USAF serviceman based at Mildenhall in Suffolk. It’s been dry-stored since the 1980s and will be coming up for sale. I hope to feature this car next month.
Charlie behind the wheel of Harry’s SA with Harry looking quite relaxed!
Seasonal Greetings to all T Types The T Register’s new regalia shop is now up and running and you can see the menu item on the T Register website, so there is still just about time to get your T Types something special for their Xmas stocking. There is a listing of all the shop items on the T Register’s
website and links have been made to the actual items on the main Club’s Kimber Stores, and now all the processing, payment and delivery will be handled by Kimber House. You can find it by going to:- www.mgcc.co.uk/t-register/ tregistershop/
T Types in the shadow of Appleby Castle on the Autumn Tour of the Dales and Lakes in September 2017
www.mgcc.co.uk
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REGISTERS
MAGNETTE
STEPHEN TICKELL 01737 760330 stephen.tickell@gmail.com www.magnette.org
As we approach the end of 2017 our Register events have finished, but there’s continued interest from prospective Magnette owners looking for well-restored examples, and in fact overall this year there seems to have been more activity than usual, judging from the enquiries I’ve received, and cars that we know have changed hands. Do remember to let us know if you’re an existing Club member and have purchased a Magnette recently. I’m pleased to report that the ZA owned by former Register Chairman, David Johnson, (who passed away in April) has found a good home with Peter Martin. He purchased it from David’s partner Jean
and will probably by now have completed recommissioning, after it had been laid up for some time. John Twist at Wroxall Anthony White and David Halliday attended the John Twist MGA/Magnette technical seminar (arranged by MGOC and the Octagon Club) at Wroxall Abbey Hotel on October 21, and David’s ZB (previously owned by Jan Pearce, with a considerable racing/rallying pedigree) was used for a demonstration of tune-up procedures. True to his reputation, John provided some great hands-on advice based on his long experience with MGs in general.
MGA
EDWARD VANDYK 01488 608810 mgascribe@vandyk.co.uk The “Eagle” Poster featured in the last edition of Safety Fast! is now available but there has been a necessary price increase. The current owner of the copyright for the Eagle comic has been located and a licence from The Dan Dare Corporation Limited has now been purchased. As a consequence the poster will now be sold for £11.00 a copy plus £3.60 postage to any UK address. Details of the poster and the purchase arrangements will be found on the News and Merchandise pages of the MGA Register website. www.mgcc.co.uk/ mga-register/2017/10/31/eaglecomic-9th-september-1955/
Don’t forget the MGA Register when asked by your family and friends “what would you like for Christmas?” Something from our catalogue could be on your list this year for that perfect stocking-filler. Books, badges, posters – you choose! Last date for ordering in time for delivery by Royal Mail will be December 10 for the USA and Europe, December 15 for the UK.
Under the seat toolbox
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John Twist with David’s ZB
On the Register committee we’ve been considering the possibility of organising our own tech sessions, as some other Registers already do. With the success of the John Twist visit, we decided at our recent meeting that such an event could be part of the Lou Shorten Tribute weekend in Norwich next year. As we’re just dipping a toe in the water, it seems sensible to keep things ‘in-house’, so it will most likely take place at John Shorten’s as part of the traditional open
day, featuring experts from our own ranks and members with long experience of restoration, modification and maintenance – hopefully including talks and practical demonstrations. There should be at least a confirmed date by the time our preliminary 2018 events calendar appears in the next month or so, but in the meantime if you have particular favourite subjects you’d like to see covered, or are willing to present something yourself, then do please contact me.
For those of you who are lucky enough to have Deluxe (Competition) seats, here is an age-old modification. Fit some wooden wedges raising the front edge about 1.5’’. First mentioned in The Motor January 1 1964, this gives not only a more comfortable driving position but enough room under the seat for a toolbox. Please see the pictures attached. The internal dividers are spotwelded in place and the toolbox was powder coated. The advantage is when you are on a trip with the boot full,
not uncommon, then the tools are at hand if you need them for your car or for others travelling with you. The disadvantage: it only works for Deluxe seats. My thanks to Jeff Barrett for the above. Finally, on behalf of the MGA Register Committee may I wish you all a very merry Christmas and happy New Year. I hope to see some MGAs at Abingdon on Boxing Day! www.mgabingdon.co.uk/ event/awcs-boxing-dayrun/?instance_id=1419
Deluxe (Competition) seats with the wooden wedges
www.mgcc.co.uk
23/11/2017 15:18
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REGISTERS
MGB
DAVID BROADHURST 01209 614704 newsletter-editor@mgb-register.org www.mgb-register.org I trust that you are ensconced in your favourite chair whilst reading these notes, with a glass of your particular favourite beverage, in my case a hot chocolate drink laced with 124 proof Black Pusser’s Rum, and that your MG is suitably either wrapped up for the winter or road ready for those in warmer climes. Either way, Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year to you all. Thinking of winter preparations, I place a 60W tube heater, as used in clothes closets, under the sump and cover the car with a purposemade cover. It just keeps the chill off and the damp out. This year,
though, my insurers, Heritage, kindly offered tracking devices to their customers and so mine is fitted in the car and wired permanently to the battery. When not actually working, my battery is isolated from the car electrics with a simple switch. It protects from any wiring problems and adds a degree of security, so the tracker needs wiring directly to the battery terminals. So, now we have a continuous drain on the battery and the car is, effectively, in storage. To maintain battery condition I use a CTEK charger/ conditioner attached to the battery directly and, as this is what is called a smart meter, this conditions the battery whilst
MIDGET
MIKE PARKER mikeparker78@talktalk.net www.midgetregister.com With the racing season finished, my time is now being spent planning for the 2018 season for the Midget Register. We kick off the season at Stoneleigh on February 11 at the MG Show and Spares Day, always a great show with plenty of Midgets on show and spares available for those finishing their winter restoration. Stoneleigh is then followed a month later by the Register AGM at Kimber House on March 11; more details will appear in February Safety Fast! This will be an important meeting for the Register as we do need help, and some new ideas as some of us have been on the committee for some time and may like a break. So please come along or let
Peter Chaundy, our hard-working Secretary, have details of what you’d like from your Register. At the time of writing we have no confirmed date for MGLive! but once we have the date it will be on the main Club website as well as the Register’s own site, so please keep an eye out. One event that we do have the date for is the Midget Register Road Run, to be held on September 2 2018. This is being put together by a new team with new ideas; again, details will be on the website early in the new year or in Safety Fast! as we get them. If we can get some more help we may add one or two more events. The weekend away may be on, but we’re waiting for the Hotel
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starting handle again at the AGM. We would like to thank Graham for his time, effort and technical advice whilst he was in post.
allowing the tracker to function and all in isolation from the rest of the vehicle electrical systems. George Wilder, Andrew Vigor and John Watson have been having a debate among themselves as to where the plate showing the body number is positioned. Somewhere on the front nearside inner wing with a spot weld seems to be the current thinking. My car goes against their conclusions in that it is riveted on and includes letters as well as numbers. Mine is a later MK1 car, having been built in June of 1967, so the question is: when did the spec for the body number change? George would like to hear from members with Mk1 cars. Graham Dix has resigned from his position as Register Chairman, citing work pressure. Neil Hyett is holding the fort pro tem and John Watson has agreed to take up the
CTEK Charger in place with the quick release connection shown in the bottom photo
to come back to us with prices and confirmation of the date we want. The Register has no more Car of the Month details to publish on the Register website, so if you have not sent your car details through please send them in. Full details on the Register website. Now for the good news! These are my last notes for the time being, as you never know what will happen in the life of the MG Car Club, but a name from the past has come forward and offered to take over and I am very happy to hand over to Dennis Wharf for January 2018 onwards. So if you have any stories or technical information for our notes or four-page Newsletter in February please let Den have them – they will be most welcome. Dennis’s details are on the Register website.
I would like to thank some people who have helped me during this year writing the notes: Andy Knott, Colin Grant and Neil Thomas – without your help there would be no notes! I may have to step down from the role of Chairman of the Register, which I have held for six years, as the Club rules say we can only hold this office for five years. There is a meeting being planned by a committee to discuss this issue.So I have to wait until that meeting is held to find out what the future holds, but I hope to go on for one more year and then maybe a member of our committee will step up and take over. Finally, the Committee and I wish you all a very happy Christmas and New Year and look forward to seeing you and your Midget in 2018.
www.mgcc.co.uk
23/11/2017 15:18
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MG-SafetyFast_Dec2017_51-100.indd 89
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REGISTERS
MGC
MIKE HAUGHTON mike@btinternet.com
Ginny and Barrie basking in the glory – well deserved
Putting the ‘C’ In Celebrations Following the council meeting and AGM in October, it came as a wonderful surprise to us all that Barrie and Ginny were awarded the Club’s prestigious Nuffield Gold Cup in recognition of the incredible amount of hard work and dedication put into the MGC 50th Anniversary event earlier in the year. Being able to pull together and look after so many C owners from across the world is no mean feat and the award is entirely justified. The icing on the cake was for Dave Saunders to be presented with the Kimber Fellowship Award for his dedication and significant
contributions made not only to the C Register but to the MG Car Club overall. I am sure you will join us in wishing Barrie, Ginny and Dave the warmest congratulations on receiving the awards but, equally, without your support none of this would have been possible. Looking forward to the new year, here are some dates you may wish to include in your diary. Sunday April 8 will be Brooklands MG Era Day. The C Register AGM will be held on May 4 in Salisbury. This will be followed by the Downton Engineering Works Show on the Saturday and Sunday. This coincides with the local Cuckoo Fair, held on Saturday in the town of Downton, and is highly recommended as a visitor attraction. More details will be
published early in the new year but suffice to say that we would like to see lots of C owners present with their cars. At the time of writing these notes, we are in the process of finalising details for the MGC Day 2018 which will be held at Fawley Hill Museum, Henley-onThames, on July 1. Anyone with even the remotest interest in steam locomotives will have a wonderful time. Looking back over 2017, it has been a very eventful year for the C Register, which has only gone to promote the car for the recognition that it justly deserves. On behalf of all the C Register committee we would like to wish all C owners across the world a wonderful Christmas and happy and peaceful New Year. Colin Howes
So, to the NEC and set up for the show. Even before the car was on the stand people were stopping commenting and taking photos; even on the drive there a few camera phones came out of car windows with smiles on people’s faces. To say I wasn’t prepared for the next few days is something of an understatement. The car seemed to cause something of a storm with everyone who saw it. I lost count of the endless conversations I had with people who either owned one, learned to drive in one or raced one; the stream of people seemed to be endless. I even met the son of the
owner of the dealership in Surrey where my car was purchased from in 1983, so there is a chance he saw it brand new from Longbridge. A lot of people I spoke to did seem surprised that someone my age had rebuilt one, but the numerous comments about the quality of my work has made the endless hours of toiling in the garage so much more worthwhile. From a lot of the conversations, we learned of the whereabouts of yet more of our cars; so it only goes to show that they are out there, and the interest in our FWD cars is still very strong.
FWD
BEN HATTON ben2692@hotmail.co.uk www.mgcc.co.uk/fwd-register/
So, this month saw the NEC Classic Motor show take place. Unfortunately, the FWD Register was unable to obtain a stand despite previous years being very successful (a problem, I understand, that was faced by other Registers this year). However, this did not mean our cars were not represented. I was finally able to display my 1983 MG Metro along with The Metro Owners Club.
As most will be aware, I have been restoring this car for the last three years, every nut and bolt has been off this car and somehow I’ve got it complete and all back together. I took her for her MOT the Tuesday before the show and she flew with no advisories. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so nervous about anything. Had I missed something? Was it all OK?... Yes!!!
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www.mgcc.co.uk
23/11/2017 15:18
REGISTERS
MGF
TIM MORRIS 01932 882467 scribe@mgfregister.org www.mgfregister.org I mentioned last time about how F/TF prices seem to be on the turn, and to check that theory I took a look through one of the weekly ‘inkies’, Classic Car Weekly, during the month. There was a 13,200-mile 2004 TF for £4,995, a 2002 TF with 75,000 for £1,750, a standard 49,000 TF for £2,150, a 2001 MGF with 63,000 for £2,450, and topping the bunch a Trophy 160 with 43,000 for £6,500. All of them seem to be quite well-priced but I can already hear the sharp intake of breath through teeth from the MGF social media platforms. Our events person “Worzel” has another theory: that we may be our own worst enemies by “talking down” the prices
of our cars. What can be more demoralising for a seller than a bunch of enthusiasts saying their pride and joy is overpriced and not worth the money? It’s time for us to “talk up” the cars instead, so that when one is offered at a low price, let’s say so and therefore get those prices to what the car is really worth. The MGF Register is a very social group and we have just been to our new ‘end of term’ weekend at the Cricklade House Country Hotel. I will let you know what high jinks went on next time! We are looking forward now to 2018 and can confirm that the Chairman’s Weekend will return to the Crown & Thistle Hotel in Abingdon for the AGM, Annual Dinner and Sunday
Charity Run on the weekend of March 24-25. For the last two years we’ve been encouraging more multiregion cross-border meets so that we can all get to know each other a bit better. The Chairman’s weekend is one of these events and we are looking to others in 2018 – MG Day at Brooklands on April 8 hosted by the South East group, Anglia Centre St George’s Day Run hosted by the Anglia group on April 22, a spring barbecue meet at Crickley Hill Country Park, Birdlip in May hosted by the South Wales group, and an over-channel jaunt in September to Saint-Pol-sur-Ternoise to mark the centenary of the end of the Great War. We’ll also be looking to consolidate our presence at the Pride of Longbridge Rally led by our Central region, and no doubt
there will be opportunities for more shared shows and events still to come. It’s the run-up to Christmas and if you are still looking for official Register merchandise then check our online shop where all sorts of clothing can have the logo embroidered, or look out for our small stocking-filler gifts available from our own online shop – go to the mgfregister.org/shop website for your MGF/TF goodies. Our Regions are winding down a little now, with the last autumn/winter runs and meets taking place and they are gearing up for their Christmas or postChristmas ‘Dos’ – check out their regional Facebook pages or mgfregister.org/forum We wish all MGF/TF enthusiasts well for the upcoming festivities and hope to see more of you at our events in 2018.
Facebook page. The Register continues to support the MG GS and the new ZS and we look forward to helping get its own Register and Committee formed to support this newest of the MG marque in the new year. Once again we have been blessed by the generosity and support of the staff at MG Motor and also the MGCC in support of our events, owners and charity for the year. It has been announced that a new MG6 is going into production, with hope that the model will make it to the UK
shores. Besides its good looks, it would make a great BTCC car to replace the five-year-old Mk1 that has done so well over the years. The Committee will be formulating the events list for 2018, so if you have any local events that you wish to promote and include on the Register’s list, please get in touch so we can support them. These will be published on the Facebook page, in Safety Fast! and on our web page on the MGCC website. Have a fantastic Christmas and New Year!
MG6.3.5
STEVE HAINES Steve-haines@live.co.uk www.facebook.com/groups/MG635Register https://twitter.com/635register 2017 has flown by. It’s that time of year again, where we are having our AGM and Christmas meal at Longbridge and in Bromsgrove. All of the details and incriminating photos will be in next month’s Safety Fast!. It has once again been a busy year for the Register with
www.mgcc.co.uk
MG-SafetyFast_Dec2017_51-100.indd 91
continued excellent sales of the MG3, which is up to 10,000 units now and owners enjoying their now-historic MG6s! We have attended several very successful events with huge numbers of vehicles on display and lots of new owners joining the Register, Car Club and
DECEMBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 91
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Kimble-SF_Nov-09.qxd:Kimble MGE 1_8 col 3.3
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Members can advertise their cars free of charge in Safety Fast. The advert will also be posted on the Club website in due course. This is for one insertion only. To place an advert or for additional insertions email colingrant@mgcc.co.uk with details of your car, around 60 words, together BROOKLANDS AEROSCREENS are with an attached picture, your contact made using laminated glass to original Now also MG16 - BUCKS CLASSICS_BUCKS SPORTS CLASSICS 26/09/2012 14:24information, Page 1 price of your car, the area 15½ inch Ww14” SPORTS ENo Nalso specification to suit all vintage and sports cars. in wheel NOW ABLE Ivo AILry AV you live, and membership number. where 1969 john@johnkimble.co.uk Cost for non-members to advertise is Tel: 01803 835757 £20. All adverts should be submitted by Fax: 01803 834567 the 10th of the month for the following Unit 5, Old Mill Creek, Dartmouth, Devon TQ6 0HN. months issue. Steering Wheel from the original BLUEMEL tooling. It is not a Far Eastern copy and is made using the original methods and traditional materials. The CENTRE BOSS fixing kit, again from the original tooling, not only fits the MG TC and pre-war MGs, but the TD, TF and MGA. There are boss kits for other makes and kit cars too.
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1972 MGBGT
White with black roof and chrome Rostyles. Two previous owners and in my ownership for the last 20 years. New(ish) fuel tank, batteries, tyres, SS exhaust, upholstery and carpets. Has a complete history with bills. A very pretty O.D. car. £6000. Tel: 01253 304184. (Lancs)
Very tidy for age. Cream leather seats, Colour match Hardtop, Hood cover, Rear spoiler, Stainless steel grill side vents, Mud flaps, Spotlights, Folding Windstop. Work done:Headgasket, Cambelts, Waterpump, Stainless steel coolant pipes, Radiator, Alternator belt, Battery, Water level sensor kit. MOT April, Old MOTs and bills. Loads of History, 75,000 miles £1050 ono. Contact Bob 01235 202888 or 07798941181 (Abingdon)
1800cc. Overdriv white with black Rostyles. Large hi details of all pre photographic rec restoration in 1 owner 10.5 yea 2018. Used regula in excellent con out regardless hammondmatthew tel: 07986682193
1998 MGF 1.8
Manor Garage & Sons! Tel: 01235 767751
• • • •
• • • •
Servicing and MOT Work Sill Replacement Restoration Professionally Spot Welded Gearbox rebuilds we have a stock of 4 synchro reverse gears that are currently not available Engine rebuilds Wiring looms fitted Very large stock of new parts for mail order 25 Years in Business
FREE 20-50 oil WITH EVERY SERVICE
Failing 6v batteries?
Fit Manor Garages twin 12v conversion.
Still 12v but with double the capacity. Fits existing battery boxes, with minimal extra wiring. Reliable starting power after your MG has been parked up. KIT £150 +vat.
Visit our website: www.manorgaragewantage.co.uk 92 SAFETY FAST! DECEMBER 2017
MG-SafetyFast_Dec2017_51-100.indd 92
1974 MGB GTV8
Factory built car. Registered July 1974 with MOT to May 2018. Professionally restored by Heritage Classics in Teesside less than 3 years ago. Damask red with new interior in black cloth. Engine 100% original with 93K miles. Full stainless exhaust system and original V8 wheels and steering wheel plus lobster claw air filters etc. Full folding sunroof. Condition 1 all round and simply stunning. This car has a documented owner & service history in a large file, including Heritage Certificate and photographs. The 1st owner was a chief test pilot for Concorde! Owned for about two years it is now for sale due to a house move and lack of use. Call Nigel 07967 667010 or email: njhomewood@gmail.com (Located in Redhill).
WANTED MG 1300 mk2. Preferably In
excellent condition. I’m based in Manchester but willing to travel for the correct car. Paul 07905 905486. Email moggy1000@hotmail.co.uk
1957 MGA Coupe
Professionally modified with Honda S2000 engine and gearbox. Hoyle suspension, big brakes, power steering, etc. etc. Body, chassis and paintwork in excellent condition (respray 2013) with excellent fitting doors, bonnet and boot. Originally USA dry state car (Texas) but totally stripped nut and bolt restoration in 2009 with photos. Owned for 17 years. £25000. Ring for full details 07845492549 or email jenrod60@gmail.com. (North Surrey/Kingston)
1932 MG ‘M’ Type Midget
Complete but dismantled for restoration many years ago – marriage and children intervened – until then it had been my daily transport at university. Comes with numerous spares, including spare engine and gearboxes. Sensible offers. Call Mike on: 01344 882643 or email: mkeen@brockhill.plus.com (Bracknell, Berkshire)
In British Racin owner since ne 2018. Full Servi garaged. Owner n getting out of car and Boot luggage good condition, with car or sepa Contact: 01258 8
1974 MGB GT
Factory V8 chrom 474M ) ( GD2D number plates. M 1973. Comprehe 2015. Damask wheels, overdriv sliding sunroof. file. Heritage Cer 2018. No road condition. Drives £29950. Contac 51789. k.stone189 (Hampshire)
URGENT PROOF
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23/11/2017 15:19
CL ASSIFIEDS
ARRY ALKER W ALKER W ARRY ALKER ARRY ALKER BARRYBBBARRY W BW WALKER
.....for the very best in vintage MGs.....Estd.1968 Estd.1968 Estd.1968 Estd.1968 Estd.1968 .....for the very ininvintage MGs..... British Motor .....forBANK’S the very best .....for in the vintage verybest MGs..... best .....for vintage the very MGs..... best in IS vintage MGs..... Heritage approved GOOD, SUMMER’S COMING, CARS GOING...come on: FEELNO LIKE A ‘P’. THE WAIT DOWNHILL TO SUMMER NOW........DON’T BEOVER. LATE BANK’S NO GOOD, SUMMER’S COMING, CARS GOING...come on: FEEL LIKE A ‘P’. THE WAIT IS OVER. DOWNHILL TO SUMMER NOW........DON’T BE LATE LADIES! BANK’S GOOD, BANK’S SUMMER’S NO GOOD, COMING, BANK’S SUMMER’S CARS NO GOOD, COMING, GOING...come SUMMER’S CARS on: GOING...come COMING, CARS on: GOING...come FEELNO LIKE A ‘P’. FEEL LIKE A ‘P’. FEEL THE LIKE WAIT A ‘P’. IS OVER. THE WAIT IS OVER. THE WAIT IS DOWNHILL TO DOWNHILL SUMMER TO NOW........DON’T DOWNHILL SUMMER NOW........DON’T TO BE SUMMER LATE NOW........DON’T BE LATE BEOVER. LATEon:
British Motor Heritage approved
British Motor Heritage approved British Motor British Motor Heritage approved Heritage approved
Thinking of something this Christmas to enhance your mans “pride & joy”? The perfect answer is the TOOL KIT!
1938 MG VA DROP HEAD COUPE. This superbly restored dhc
1948 MG TC SPORTS. Never before on the UK market, this all-
1935 MG nos. PA SPORTS 1935 MGaPA SPORTS Here is a real fine drivers car,1500cc not concours, but beautifully restored PArestored. without being overdone. TCbefore hasA been completely A really offers true touring car with comfort, power and Never on the UK market, this all1948 MGmatching TC TC SPORTS. 1938 VA VA DROP HEAD COUPE. This superbly restored dhc Never before on theSPORTS. UK market, Never this before allon the UK market, Never this allbefore on the UK market, this all1948 MG TC SPORTS. 1948 MG 1948 MG TC SPORTS. THE UNIQUE 1932 OLYMPIA MOTORSHOW ‘R.E.A.L.’ BODIED MGJ2. 1938 MG VA DROP HEAD1935 COUPE. 1938 This MG superbly DROP HEAD restored COUPE. dhc 1938 This MG superbly VA DROP restored HEAD COUPE. dhc This superbly restored dhc inMG excellent overall cond. very well rebuilt engine affords AMG really usable thing you’ll be more than proud tobeing own. Fully serviced enjoyable car toAdrive; just feels ‘right’. Perfect for the com1935 MG PA SPORTS PA SPORTS Here isAspace. aisrecently fine drivers car, not concours, but beautifully restored PA without being overdone. a mass of not luggage Rebuilt from theconcours, chassis-up, both matching nos. TC has been completely restored. really offers a true touring car with real comfort, 1500cc power and 1935 MG PA SPORTS 1935 PA SPORTS 1935 MG PA SPORTS 1935 MGaPA SPORTS is 1935 aMG fine MG drivers SPORTS car, concours, Here abut 1935 fine drivers MG car, SPORTS not Here but isand aAthe fine beautifully drivers restored car, not PA concours, without being Athat but beautifully overdone. restored PA without Areally overdone. beautifully restored without being overdone. matching nos. TC has been matching completely nos. restored. TC has A been really completely matching nos. restored. TCA A been completely A really offers true touring Here carinwith offers real comfort, aPA true touring 1500cc car power real and offers comfort, aPA true 1500cc touring power car with real comfort, 1500cc power and The only one to exist ofwith the two known to have been produced. (Ring for more history). An opportunity tohas acquire one of PArestored. ing summer in Old Eng. White with wine leather. A great TC. mechanically & bodily, this lovely car is original throughout THE UNIQUE 1932 OLYMPIA MOTORSHOW ‘R.E.A.L.’ BODIED MGJ2. opportunity for good reliable driving & coupled to our own recent work engine, rebuilt steering, deluxe dash, aeroscreens, stoneguards and superb excellent overall cond. A recently very well rebuilt engine affords the A really usable thing that you’ll be more than proud to own. Fully serviced enjoyable car to drive; just feels ‘right’. Perfect for the coma mass of luggage space. Rebuilt from the chassis-up, both THE OLYMPIA MOTORSHOW THE UNIQUE 1932 ‘R.E.A.L.’ OLYMPIA BODIED MOTORSHOW MGJ2. THE ‘R.E.A.L.’ OLYMPIA BODIED MOTORSHOW MGJ2. ‘R.E.A.L.’ BODIED MGJ2. in UNIQUE excellent overall cond. recently in excellent well overall rebuilt cond. engine A recently affords the very in UNIQUE excellent well rebuilt A1932 overall really engine usable cond. affords thing A recently that the you’ll very be well Amore really rebuilt than usable engine proud thing affords to own. that you’ll the Fully be serviced more A‘right’. really than proud usable tothing own. that Fully you’ll serviced be more than proud to own. Fullycomserviced enjoyable carMMM/T to drive; just feels enjoyable ‘right’. car Perfect toindividually drive; for the just comfeels enjoyable Perfect car to for drive; the comjust feels ‘right’. Perfect for the a photos mass1932 ofshow luggage Rebuilt avery mass from of luggage the chassis-up, space. Rebuilt both a mass from of the luggage chassis-up, space. both Rebuilt from the chassis-up, both The theAspace. MG TA & VA tool kit and trays and a generic early type kit. Each kit is researched from the factory build sheets and comprises of the most handsome & rarest MGs ever made. Total nut & bolt restoration with Phoenix c/balanced crank & rods; gas £32,500 or serious offer secures. Another MG TC, red, and finished in two-tone greens with sage green leather interior The only one to exist of the two known to have been produced. (Ring for more history). An opportunity to acquire one of ing summer in Old Eng. White with wine leather. A great TC. mechanically &reliable bodily, this lovely car isour original throughout you have the car everybody wants. Black with beige hide, new roof, leather interior. All new weather equipment just fitted, this is really worth The only one to exist of the The two only known one to to exist have of been the two The produced. known only one (Ring to to have exist for been more of the produced. history). two known An (Ring opportunity to for have more been to history). acquire produced. An one opportunity (Ring of for more to acquire history). one An of opportunity to acquire one of opportunity for good driving & coupled to own recent work engine, rebuilt steering, deluxe dash, aeroscreens, stoneguards and superb ing summer in Old Eng. White ing with summer wine in leather. Old Eng. A great White TC. with ing summer wine leather. in Old A great Eng. White TC. with wine leather. A great mechanically & bodily, this mechanically lovely car is original & bodily, throughout this lovely mechanically car is original & bodily, throughout this lovely car is original throughout flowed head; forged pistons: rebuilt orig. bodywork, new leather upholstery & weather equipment throughout. A collector’s opportunity for good reliable driving opportunity &finished coupled for to good our reliable own driving work opportunity &The coupled engine, tofor our good rebuilt own reliable recent steering, driving work deluxe &bolt coupled dash, engine, aeroscreens, toor rebuilt ourserious own stoneguards recent deluxe work and dash, superb aeroscreens, engine, rebuilt stoneguards steering, deluxe and superb dash, aeroscreens, stoneguards andTC. superb equally assteering, good as above £32,500 or serious offer secures. and beige weather equipment...a rising investment at...£39,500 the most handsome & recent rarest MGs ever made. Total nut & restoration with Phoenix crank & rods; gas offer Another MG TC, red, and in two-tone greens with sage green leather interior only ORIGINAL andof&correct tools (no reproductions). trays & tool rolls are new but to exact original specifi cation. sure towith state which model of MG youTC, have. of the most handsome of rarest the most MGs handsome ever made. & Total rarest of nut the MGs & most bolt ever handsome restoration made. Total &with rarest nut Phoenix &£32,500 MGs bolt c/balanced restoration ever made. with crank Total Phoenix nut &secures. rods; &c/balanced bolt c/balanced gas restoration crank & Phoenix rods; gas c/balanced crank & rods; gas £32,500 or serious secures. £32,500 or Another serious MG offer TC, secures. red, £32,500 Another or serious MG TC, offer red, secures. Another MG red, aand nice car..... ........................... £45,000 ..£45,000 (Optional s/charger available at cost) tonneau &an s/screens....................it’s viewing........................... and finished ineverybody two-tone greens and with finished sage in green two-tone leather greens interior with sage finished green in two-tone leather interior greens with sage green leather interior you have the car everybody wants. Black with beige hide, new roof, leather interior. All new weather equipment justBe fitted, this is really worth dream or enthusiast’s wish come true? However, ifoffer you are over 6ft tall you best surrender itjust to the wife now (assuming flowed head; forged pistons: rebuilt orig. bodywork, new leather upholstery & weather equipment throughout. A collector’s you have the car wants. you have Black the with car beige everybody hide, new wants. roof, you Black have with leather the beige car interior. everybody hide, new All new wants. roof, weather Black equipment leather with beige interior. just hide, fitted, All new new this weather roof, is really equipment worth leather interior. fitted, All this new is weather really worth equipment just fitted, this is really worth equally as good as above £32,500 or serious offer secures. and beige weather equipment...a rising investment at...£39,500 flowed head; flowed rebuilt head; orig. forged bodywork, pistons: new flowed rebuilt leather head; orig. upholstery bodywork, forged pistons: & new weather leather rebuilt equipment upholstery orig. bodywork, throughout. & as weather new Aleather collector’s equipment upholstery throughout. & weather Aat collector’s equipment throughout. A collector’s equally asas good as above £32,500 equally or asserious good offer above secures. £32,500 equally orring; serious asnever good offer as above secures. £32,500 or serious offer secures. and beigeforged weatherpistons: equipment...a and beige rising investment weather equipment...a at...£39,500 and rising beige investment weather at...£39,500 equipment...a rising investment at...£39,500 she is shorter)! I am proud to offer this car, you will be to own it.....................any test; just to repeat...£75,000 Available for all pre-war Midgets, Magnas & Magnettes, and TA/B/C/D/F a nice car..... ........................... £45,000 ..£45,000 (Optional s/charger available cost) tonneau & s/screens....................it’s viewing........................... dream an enthusiast’s wish true? However, if£45,000 you are over 6ft........................... tall you best surrender it viewing........................... to the wife now (assuming aor nice car..... ........................... £45,000 a come nice car..... ........................... ..£45,000 asurrender nice car..... (Optional s/charger £45,000 available ..£45,000 (Optional at cost) s/charger available ..£45,000 at cost) (Optional s/charger at cost) tonneau s/screens....................it’s tonneau &an s/screens....................it’s tonneau &an viewing........................... s/screens....................it’s viewing........................... dream or &an enthusiast’s dream wish come or true? enthusiast’s However, wish ifcome dream you are ortrue? over enthusiast’s 6ft However, tall you ifbest wish you are come over true? 6ft it to tall However, the you wife best now if you surrender (assuming are over it to 6ft the tall wife you now best (assuming surrender it to the wifeavailable now (assuming she is offer shorter)! I am proud toAll offer this car, asas you bebe tototo own it.....................any test; just never to to repeat...£75,000 models (except TAwill &will VA)...Tool kit ˚ roll… incl. VAT ˚ carriage she is shorter)! I am proud she to is shorter)! this car, I am as you proud will to be she offer to isown this shorter)! car, it.....................any I am you proud test; offer own just this it.....................any car, never as£475 youtowill repeat...£75,000 be test; to just own ring; it.....................any never repeat...£75,000 test; just ring; never to repeat...£75,000
TA & VA models (tool kit & trays)… £650 incl. VAT & carriage We only have limited supplies – SO DON’T DELAY
(We can also supply the tools OUTSIDE of the tool roll to special order. Grease guns, jacks, stirrup tyre pumps, oil guns, etc. Please enquire.)
AND FOR THE REALLY KEEN WHY PUT OFF FITTING THAT SUPERCHARGER ANY LONGER
AA rare nos.PA. PA. 1934 MGPA PA Deluxe. 1932 MG F1 MAGNA. I know these aren’t everybody’s ‘cup1934 MG Deluxe. rarechance chancefor for an an all-matching all-matching nos. Well known MGCC & VSCC (non race) events, this superbly 1946MGMG SPORTS. Achance very, very original example of this you want practicality, very 1938 MGbut SAifISALOON. Unusual car fromlittle us,maintenance, but all I can say 1934 PA TC Deluxe. Ato rare for an all-matching nos. PA. 1932 MGof-tea’, F1 MAGNA. know these aren’t everybody’s ‘cup-
Well known to MG MGCC & VSCC (non race) events, this superbly 1934 MG PA Deluxe. AA rare chance for an all-matching nos. PA. 1934 MGPA PA Deluxe. AA rare chance 1934 for MG an PA Deluxe. all-matching rare nos. chance PA. 1934 for an MG all-matching PAMG Deluxe. A rare nos. chance PA. for all-matching PA. 1932 F1 MAGNA. IPA. know these 1932 MG aren’t F1most MAGNA. everybody’s Inos. know ‘cupthese 1932 aren’t MGand F1everybody’s MAGNA. I know ‘cupthese aren’t everybody’s ‘cuppresented has been fully serviced and prepped by of-tea’, us, 1934 MG Deluxe. 1934 MG PA 1934 MG PA Deluxe. rare chance for aneasy all-matching A rare nos. chance PA. for an all-matching A nos. rare chance for an an all-matching nos. PA. MG’s reliable early engine abut carall that is clearly reliable, to drive & maintain MG. Fully rebuilt is.........it is concours. Fit for royalty. Duo-red & grey, Well known toDeluxe. MGCC & VSCC (non race) events, this superbly 1946 MG TC SPORTS. A very, very original example of this but ifSA you want practicality, very little maintenance, 1938 MG SA SALOON. Unusual car from us, I can say WellTCknown to MGCC & VSCC Well (non known race) toevents, MGCC this & VSCC superbly (non Well race) known to MGCC this superbly &want VSCC (non race) events, this superbly 1946 SPORTS. A& very, 1946 very MG TC original example A of very 1946 this MG original TC SPORTS. example very, of this very original example of this presented MG has been fully serviced and prepped by us, and of-tea’, but ifA you practicality, of-tea’, very but ifSALOON. little you maintenance, want practicality, of-tea’, very but little iftrip you maintenance, want practicality, 1938 MG SA SALOON. Unusual 1938 car MG from us, but Unusual all I can say car 1938 from MG SA us, SALOON. but all Unusual I the can say carvery fromlittle us,maintenance, but all I can say Well known toSPORTS. MGCC & VSCC (non race) events, this superbly and offers pride of ownership, rallying and events or really underpriced, you should give this much consideration. approx. 5000 miles ago. All matching nos. with burgundy hide. Fabulous for that to Paris or Monte WellMG known to MGCC VSCC Well (non known race) to events, MGCC this &very, superbly (non Well known race) events, toevents, MGCC this &Claret superbly VSCC (non race) events, this superbly Agrey, very TC being car found 1947 MG TC SPORTS. MG has been fully serviced and prepped by us, MG’s most reliable early and arare car that is clearly reliable, easy to drive &VSCC maintain MG. Fully rebuilt is.........it is concours. Fit royalty. Duo-red & grey, presented been fully presented serviced MG and has prepped been fully by us, serviced presented and MG prepped has been by fully us, serviced and prepped by us, MG’s most reliable early engine MG’s and most a reliable car that early isengine clearly engine MG’s and most a MG car reliable that is early clearly engine a car Duo-red that is clearly reliable, easy MG to has drive reliable, & presented maintain easy MG. to drive Fully & rebuilt reliable, maintain easy MG. to Fully drive rebuilt & maintain MG. Fully rebuilt is.........it is concours. Fit is.........it for royalty. is concours. Duo-red Fit &for for is.........it royalty. is Duo-red concours. & grey, Fit forand royalty. & grey, enjoyable road use with minimum maintenance. Beautifully Totally restored, fully proven on the road, loads luggage offers pride of ownership, rallying and events or really enjoyable beige hide & new weather equipment...................£34,950 presented MG has been fully serviced and prepped by us, and Carlo..................................................................£67,500 and offers pride of ownership, rallying and events or really underpriced, you should give this much consideration. approx. 5000 miles ago. All matching nos. Claret with burgundy hide. Fabulous for that to Paris or Monte presented MG miles has been fully presented serviced and MG has prepped been byownership, fully us, serviced and presented and MG prepped has been by us, fully and serviced and prepped by us, and derelict but very original and totally restored for the channel 4 rare TV A very rare MGtrip TC being theFabulous car found 1947 MG TC SPORTS. and 5000 offers pride of ownership, and rallying offers and pride events of or really and rallying offers and pride events of ownership, or really rallying and events or really underpriced, you should give underpriced, this much you consideration. should give underpriced, this much consideration. you should give this much consideration. approx. ago. approx. All matching 5000 miles nos. ago. Claret All approx. with matching 5000 nos. miles Claret ago. with All matching nos. Claret with burgundy hide. Fabulous burgundy for that trip hide. to Paris Fabulous or Monte for burgundy that trip to hide. Paris or Monte for that trip to Paris finished in Raven black with Apple Green Collingburn space, this is a cracking opportunity to snatch a seriously A very rare MG TC being the A car very found rare MG TC being the car A found very MG TC being the or carMonte found 1947 MG TC SPORTS. 1947 MG TC SPORTS. 1947 MG TC SPORTS. road use with minimum maintenance. Beautifully finished inequipment...................£34,950 Raven enjoyable road use with minimum maintenance. Beautifully Totally restored, fully proven on the road, offers pride of ownership, rallying and events orofnew really enjoyable hide & new weather equipment...................£34,950 Carlo..................................................................£67,500 COMPLETE NOSE MOUNTED & SIDE MOUNTED INSTALLATIONS FOR MOST PRE-WAR MG MIDGETS, MAGNAS &luggage MAGNETTES. Prices excellent enjoyable road usebeige with minimum enjoyable maintenance. road use with Beautifully minimum enjoyable maintenance. road use Beautifully with minimum maintenance. Beautifully Totally restored, fully proven Totally on the restored, road, loads fully proven luggage Totally the road, restored, loads fully luggage proven on road, are loads luggage offers pride& ofnew ownership, rallying offers and pride events ofnew ownership, or really enjoyable rallying offers and events pride or ownership, really enjoyable rallying and events oris really enjoyable programme “For the Love of4on Cars”. Many original ‘bugs’ have beenthe beige hide weather beige equipment...................£34,950 hide & weather equipment...................£34,950 beige hide & weather Carlo..................................................................£67,500 Carlo..................................................................£67,500 Carlo..................................................................£67,500 derelict but very original and totally restored forloads the channel 4and TV interior and full weather gear. Top of the range car....£48,500 USABLE investment...............................................£49,500 finished in Raven black with Apple Green Collingburn derelict but very original and totally derelict restored but very for original the channel and totally TV derelict restored but for very the original channel 4 TV totally restored for the channel 4 TV space, this a cracking opportunity to snatch a seriously black with Apple green Collingburn interior and full weather gear. road use with minimum maintenance. Beautifully finished inis Raven Ravenmaintenance. black with finished Apple inminimum Green Raven Collingburn black with finished Apple Green inminimum Raven Collingburn black with Apple Green space, this amaintenance. cracking opportunity space, this toissnatch aCollingburn cracking a seriously opportunity space, tothis snatch is‘bugs’ apin. cracking a seriously opportunity to snatch a seriously value starting at £4350 up to £6750 + VAT roadfinished use withinminimum road use Beautifully with finished maintenance. in Raven road Beautifully use with finished in Raven Beautifully finished in Raven fully ironed out and the car is now like a new Powder Blue with programme “For the Love of Cars”. Many original have been interior and full weather gear. Top of the range car....£48,500 USABLE investment...............................................£49,500 programme “Forgear. the£48,500 Love Top of Cars”. programme original “For the‘bugs’ Love have of Cars”. been programme Many original “For‘bugs’ the Love haveofbeen Cars”. Many original ‘bugs’ have been interior and full weather gear. interior TopApple and the full range weather car....£48,500 gear.interior Top interior ofand the and range fullinvestment...............................................£49,500 car....£48,500 weather gear. of theMany range car....£48,500 USABLE USABLE investment...............................................£49,500 USABLE investment...............................................£49,500 ............................................ Top ofofthe range black with green Collingburn full weather black with Apple green Collingburn black with interior Apple and green fullcar............................. weather Collingburn gear. black interior with and Apple full green weather Collingburn gear. interior and full weather gear. beige leather, tan roof & s/screens. Complete documented history file, fully ironed out and the car is now like a new pin. Powder Blue with SU HV5 & HV8 carburettors are at last available again ex-stock fully ironed out and the car is now fully like ironed a new out pin. and Powder the car Blue is nowwith fully like aironed new pin. out and Powder the car Blueiswith now like a new pin. Powder Blue with ............................................ £48,500 TopTop of the range car............................. ............................................ £48,500 ............................................ £48,500 ............................................ £48,500 Top of the range car............................. of the range car............................. Top of thebeige range car............................. video, original manual, orig Complete reg. No., period extras all&history included........my beige leather, tan roofroof & s/screens. documented file,file, Complete documented history file, COME AND INSPECT AND DISCUSS THE FULL INSTALLATIONS AT OUR SHOP leather, tan roof & s/screens. beige Complete leather, tan documented & s/screens. history file, Complete beige leather, documented tan roofhistory s/screens. top investment tip.................. ............................................................... £39,500 video, original manual, reg. No., period extras allmanual, included........my + MIRRORS, MASCOTS & LUGGAGE RACKS, ETC, FOR TYPE OF CARS WE SELL video, original manual, orig reg. video, No., period original extras manual, allorig included........my orig reg. No., video, period original extras all included........my orig reg. No., period extras all included........my top top investment tip.................. ............................................................... £39,500 top investmentHAPPY tip.................. ............................................................... investment tip.................. ............................................................... £39,500 top investment tip.................. ............................................................... £39,500 £39,500 CHRISTMAS building this 1933 MG J2 CYCLE WING SPORTS. We are carMG from scratch a fullySPORTS. rebuilt engine by Barry Foster WeWe areare building thisand 1933 MG J2 WING Tel: 400 181. Fax: 01789 400230. Mob: 07836 244103 Email: barry@barrywalker.com Web: www.barrywalker.com We arewith building this building this you We are building this 193301789 MG J2 CYCLE WING 1933 SPORTS. J2CYCLE CYCLE WING SPORTS. 1933 MG J2 CYCLE WING SPORTS. have thebywith opportunity to and choose the that youaand would like engine at from scratch a fully rebuilt engine bycolour Barry Foster yourebuilt car from scratch with a fullycar rebuilt car from engine scratch Barry with Foster a fully rebuilt you car engine from by scratch Barry with Foster fully and you by Barry Foster and you this stage. Youyou a choice of dark redyou oryou beige have the opportunity tohave choose thethe colour thatopportunity would like at interior * Coming Shortly:have the opportunity to choose have the the colour opportunity that to would choose like have at acolour the that would toleather choose like at the colour1931/32 that you like at MG would ‘F’ MAGNA/WOLSELEY HORNET 6CYL. ENGINE FOR SALE. by Collingburn. The will bered condition just like the thisofthis stage. You have a choice of interior acar dark red orin*beige leather interior Pointed tail typeinterior * Coming Shortly:this stage. You have a choice a stage. darkMike red You orhave beige a leather choice of a this dark stage. ormint You beige have leather a choice interior of a dark red or• totally beige leather Coming Shortly:* Coming Shortly:* Coming Shortly:AMG restored, benchHORNET tested 1271cc MG ‘F’SALE. Magna/W. 1931/32 ‘F’ MAGNA/WOLSELEY 6CYL. FOR ....car ..............The will beMG approx. PCollingburn. types in this ad. by will Mike TheThe willlike bethe inprice mint condition just like£42-45,000 thethe 1931/32 ‘F’just MAGNA/WOLSELEY 1931/32 HORNET MG ‘F’ 6CYL. MAGNA/WOLSELEY FOR SALE. 1931/32 HORNET MG6CYL. ‘F’ENGINE MAGNA/WOLSELEY ENGINE FOR SALE.HORNET • condition Magnificent J2ENGINE • Pointed tail type Hornet engine complete in every detail except carburettors. Re- 6CYL. ENGINE FOR SALE. by Mike Collingburn. The car by Mike be inCollingburn. mint condition just car will by be Mike in mint Collingburn. condition The like car will be in mint just like the • Pointed tail type • Pointed tail type • Pointed tail type totally restored, bench MG Magna/W. totally £42-45,000 restored, benchA •Atested totally 1271cc restored, MGbench ‘F’tested Magna/W. tested A 1271cc totally 1271ccrestored, MG‘F’ ‘F’ bench Magna/W. tested MG ‘F’ Magna/W. ....approx. ..............The price beAinbe approx. P types in this ad. • PA. Older rebuild. Magnificent J2 bored, new white metal, new bearings, new pistons, new cam 1271cc & will bead. .... ..............The £42-45,000 price will approx. .... ..............The £42-45,000 price will be approx. £42-45,000 P types in this ad. .... ..............The P price types in this Pwill types this ad. Hornet engine complete in every detail except carburettors. Re• Magnificent J2 • Magnificent J2 • Magnificent J2 Hornet engine complete in •Hornet every detail engine except complete carburettors. in& every Hornet Redetail engine exceptcomplete carburettors. in every Re-deep detail except carburettors. Rerockers. Dynamically statically balanced crank. Improved Tel:MG +44 1953 717618 (0) 1953 717850 1934 PA(0)SPORTS. Previously advertised elsewhere. PA. Older rebuild. 1930 TRUE VINTAGE MG ‘M’Fax: TYPE. Totally rebuilt throughout bored, new white metal, new bearings, new pistons, new cam &bearings, • PA. Older rebuild. • PA. Older rebuild. • PA. Older rebuild. bored, new white metal, new bored, bearings, new new white pistons, metal, new bearings, cam bored, & new new white pistons, metal, new new cam & new pistons, new cam & 1934 MG PA SPORTS. A beautifully restored PA without being capacity oil pump; orig. factory alloy clutch cover; dynamo, starter, Recently taken into our own workshops and brought up rockers. Dynamically & statically balanced crank. Improved deep 1934 MG SPORTS. Previously advertised elsewhere. toPA impeccable order by leading early MG restorer. Athroughout proper a rockers. TRUE VINTAGE MG ‘M’ TYPE. Totally rebuilt throughout rockers. Dynamically &job;statically balanced Dynamically crank. &Improved statically rockers. deep balanced Dynamically crank. Improved &than statically deepbalanced crank. Improved deep 1934 MGTRUE PA SPORTS. 1934 advertised PA SPORTS. elsewhere. Previously 1934 MG advertised PA properly SPORTS. elsewhere. Previously advertised elsewhere. overdone. A really usable thing that you’ll beplate. more proud 1930 VINTAGEPreviously MG1930 ‘M’ 1930 TYPE. TRUE Totally VINTAGE rebuilt MG throughout ‘M’ 1930 TYPE. TRUE Totally VINTAGE rebuilt MG ‘M’ TYPE. Totally rebuilt throughout 1936 MG NB TOURER. One of the rarest ohc MGs. This manifolds, fan, and polished r/box with data Head temporarily toMG our standard. Now aworkshops seriously, restored, all 1934 MG PA SPORTS. Awithout beautifully restored PA without being capacity oilown. pump; orig. alloy clutch cover; dynamo, starter, Recently taken into our own and brought up 1934 MG PA SPORTS. Astraight beautifully 1934 MG restored PA SPORTS. PA Afactory beautifully being 1934 restored MG PA PA SPORTS. without A beautifully being restored PA without being VSCC car eligible for all events, trials, rallies and offered at less to impeccable order by leading early MG restorer. A proper job; a capacity oil pump; orig. factory capacity alloy clutch oil pump; cover; orig. dynamo, factory starter, alloy capacity clutch oil cover; pump; dynamo, orig. factory starter, alloy clutch cover; dynamo, starter, “MG LIVE” THIS w/end 4/5 June at Silverstone. Recently taken into our Recently own workshops taken into and our brought own Recently workshops up taken and into brought our own up workshops and brought up to Fully serviced engine, rebuilt steering, deluxe dash, beautifully restored Magnette with its 1300cc matching nos. P type at a cost of over 60k, and underto impeccable order by leading to1936 early impeccable MG restorer. order A byaproper leading job; to a impeccable MG restorer. order ATOURER. proper by leading job; aearlything MG restorer. Areally proper job; athing removed for photos. READY TOdata INSTALL, saving time, money & be more than proud overdone. A really usable thing that you’ll beplate. more than proud MG NB TOURER. One ofearly the rarest ohc MGs. This fan, and polished r/box with Head temporarily our standard. Now seriously, properly restored, all overdone. A really usable overdone. that you’ll A be more usable than proud that overdone. you’ll be A more really than usable proud thing that you’ll 1936 MG NB TOURER. of 1936 the MG rarest NB TOURER. ohc MGs. of the 1936 rarest MG NB ohc MGs. One This rarest ohc MGs. This manifolds, fan, polished r/box manifolds, with data fan, plate. and polished Head temporarily r/box manifolds, with data fan, plate. and Head polished temporarily r/box with data plate. Head temporarily to our standard. Now to aOne to seriously, our standard. properly Now restored, aOne seriously, toThis all our standard. properly restored, Now a seriously, allofmanifolds, properly restored, all aeroscreens, stoneguards and superb leather interior. All than the restoration cost. fabric body with green hide interior. 6cyl. engine will take you touring both home & abroad VSCC car eligible for alloffered events, trials, rallies and offered atand less priced at...............................................................£46,995 “MG LIVE” THIS w/end 4/5 June at Silverstone. tothe own. Fully serviced engine, rebuilt steering, deluxe dash, hassle.....£11,500. Delivery atrebuilt cost, orFully cash on collection. beautifully restored Magnette 1300cc straight VSCC carnos. eligible for allmatching events, trials, car rallies eligible and for all events, atBlack less VSCC trials, rallies car eligible and offered for all at events, less trials, rallies and offered at less nos. P type at a cost of&with over 60k, and underremoved for photos. READY TO INSTALL, saving time, money & rebuilt “MG LIVE” THIS w/end “MG 4/5 LIVE” June at THIS Silverstone. w/end 4/5 “MG June LIVE” at Silverstone. THIS w/end 4/5 June at Silverstone. toits own. Fully serviced engine, to own. rebuilt Fully steering, serviced deluxe engine, dash, to own. steering, serviced deluxe engine, dash, steering, deluxe dash, beautifully restored Magnette beautifully with its restored 1300cc Magnette straight beautifully with its 1300cc restored straight Magnette with its 1300cc straight new weather equipment just fitted , this is really worth viewing matching P type at matching aVSCC cost of nos. over P 60k, type and at a undercost matching of over nos. 60k, P type and at undera cost of over 60k, and underPlease visit our stand removed for photos. READY removed TO INSTALL, for photos. saving READY time, money TO removed INSTALL, & for saving photos. time, READY money TO & INSTALL, saving time, money & with reliability, comfort huge luggage space. Two£29,500 ............................................................................................................. aeroscreens, stoneguards and superb leather interior. All than the restoration cost. Black fabric body with green hide interior. 6cyl. engine will take you touring both home & abroad priced at...............................................................£46,995 hassle.....£11,500. Delivery at cost, or cash onleather collection. aeroscreens, stoneguards and aeroscreens, superb leather stoneguards interior. and All aeroscreens, superb stoneguards interior. and superb interior. All than6cyl. the restoration cost.take Black than fabric the body restoration with green cost. hide Black interior. fabric than body the restoration with green cost. hide Black interior. fabric body with green hide engine will you 6cyl. touring engine both will home take & you abroad touring 6cyl. both engine home will & take abroad you touring both home & interior. abroad ..........£45,000 (Optional s/charger available atAll priced at...............................................................£46,995 priced at...............................................................£46,995 priced at...............................................................£46,995 tone green. Offers to................................£65,000 hassle.....£11,500. Delivery atPlease hassle.....£11,500. cost, orthe cash on collection. Delivery atbe cost, orbest cash on collection. Delivery atcost) cost, or cash leather on collection. new weather equipment just fitted ,hassle.....£11,500. this is really worth viewing visit our stand 1933 MG J2. We’re the completion of aspace. chassis-up rebuild in workshop. Will the you’ll get. Please inspect. with reliability, comfort &close huge luggage space. Two(See website fornearing photos) £29,500 ............................................................................................................. new weather equipment just new fitted weather , this is really equipment worth just viewing fitted new , this weather is really equipment worth viewing just fitted , this is really worth viewing Please visit our stand Please visit our stand Please visit our stand with reliability, comfort & with huge reliability, luggage comfort space. & Twohuge with luggage reliability, comfort Two& huge luggage space. Two£29,500 £29,500 £29,500 ............................................................................................................. ............................................................................................................. ............................................................................................................. ..........£45,000 (Optional s/charger available at cost) tone green. Offers close to................................£65,000 THEY ARE ALL ON THE WEBSITE ..........£45,000 (Optional ..........£45,000 s/charger available (Optional cost) s/charger ..........£45,000 available (Optional at inspect. cost) s/charger available at cost) MG J2.J2. We’re the completion of a chassis-up rebuild the workshop. Will beat the best get. Please tone Offers 1933 to................................£65,000 tone green. Offers close to................................£65,000 tone Offers close to................................£65,000 1933 MG J2. Near concours condition. Cycle wings with heavy crank. Beautiful car...£46,500 (See website fornearing photos) 1933 MG J2. green. We’re the 1933 completion MG We’re of nearing aphotos) chassis-up the completion 1933 rebuild MG J2. ingreen. We’re of the afor workshop. chassis-up nearing the Will rebuild completion beinthe in the best of workshop. you’ll a chassis-up get. Will Please rebuild be the inspect. best in you’ll theyou’ll workshop. get. Please Will be inspect. the best you’ll get. Please inspect. (See website fornearing photos)close (See website for (See website photos)
www.mgmecca.co.uk
MARTIN SMITH
*concours *ON* THE *condition. *WEBSITE * *ON*car...£46,500 * *WEBSITE *MGMGJ2.*ARE ARE ALL ON THE WEBSITE Near Cycle wings with heavy crank. Beautiful THEY ALL THEY ARE ALL ON THE WEBSITE THEY ARE ALL * *concours *SALES: * *THEY *is**Cycle * *wings * **THE condition. J2. Cycle wings with condition. 1933 heavy MG crank. J2. Cycle Near Beautiful wings concours with car...£46,500 heavy condition. crank. Beautiful car...£46,500 with heavytocrank. COMMISSION Our highly regarded service always available you. * *1933 * *concours *COMMISSION **Near * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *Beautiful * * *car...£46,500 * 1933 MG J2.*Near * 1933 * SALES: Our highly regarded service is always available to you.
COMMISSION SALES:COMMISSION OurTel: highly regarded SALES: service COMMISSION highly is always regarded SALES: available service Our highly to is you. always regarded available service to you. is always available to you. 01789 400Our 181. Fax: 01789 400230. Mob: 07836 244103
www.usedmg spares.co.uk Tel: 400 Fax: 01789 400230. Mob: 07836 244103 Tel: 01789 400Email: 181. Tel:01789 Fax: 01789 01789 400181. 181. 400230. Tel: Fax: 01789 Mob: 01789 400 07836 400230. 181.Web: 244103 Fax: Mob: 01789 07836 400230. 244103 Mob: 07836 244103 barry@barrywalker.com www.barrywalker.com Email: barry@barrywalker.com Web: www.barrywalker.com 1978 MGB ROADSTER, BRG, black trim, Email: barry@barrywalker.com Email: barry@barrywalker.com Email: Web: barry@barrywalker.com www.barrywalker.com Web: www.barrywalker.com Web: www.barrywalker.com chrome wire wheels, new good year tyres, moto
1958 MG MAGNETTE ZB. Totally restored car, last nut and bolt rebuild, every item has been restored /replaced/refurbished. No expense has been spared, cost well over 55k. All new trim, re veneered wood, total rechrome (£3k+ alone) chrome wires. This car needs to be seen to be appreciated £34.995 You wont find better.
lita wheel, all new chrome, new paint, superb body, carbon dash, mohair hood, superb car £11,995
Quality New and Used MGF & MGTF Spares Covering all models from 1995 > 2006
1972 MG MIDGET, teal blue, autumn leaf trim, new hood, very original car, drives really well, last owner for many years lovely honest car, £6,295
1960 MGA 1600 COUPE Iris Blue, blue leather trim, arm rest. Fully restored from bare shell. Fully rechromed, new trim, bare shell repaint. New wings. Boot carpets & rack. Unleaded rebuilt engine. 5 speed gearbox conversion for effortless touring. Superb car, last owner since 1973! Would cost in excess of £60k to restore MGA Coupe like this. £32,500
1974 NG TC Old English White, w/w, red trim. 2L Osselli engine, o/drive. All new or refurbed MBG components. Full weather gear. Built with no expense spared. Superb car, fantastic fun. Superb condition, only used in dry weather. £8,795
1967 MGB GT V8 BRG, Biscuit/green leather trim. Fully restored last nut & bolt 5 years ago. Professionally converted to V8 spec, no expense spared. Webasto roof. Moto Lita wheel. 15” minilites. Fast touring car. Rare early GT. Superb! £22,495
www.mgcc.co.uk
MG-SafetyFast_Dec2017_51-100.indd 93
All items Supplied - from body panels, interiors & engines to headlights & wheel nuts
Tel: 07722 175473 East Lydford, Somerset Email: smudgemg@yahoo.co.uk DECEMBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 93
23/11/2017 15:19
CL ASSIFIEDS
CARS FOR SALE How to Advertise Members can advertise their cars free of charge in Safety Fast. The advert will also be posted on the Club website in due course. This is for one insertion only. To place an advert or for additional insertions email colingrant@mgcc.co.uk with details of your car, around 60 words, together with an attached picture, your contact information, price of your car, the area where you live, and membership number. Cost for non-members to advertise is £20. All adverts should be submitted by the 10th of the month for the following months issue.
2010 MGTF LE500
Graphite with Hard top. 42,000 miles. MOT August 2018-no advisories. EBC brakes. Stainless steel sports exhaust. Immaculate inside and out. Tel: 01609 761702.
MGYB
Much loved MG YB for sale, lovely condition for age. Has a large service history and has been well maintained. Tel 01531 822 305. £11750 or offers. (Gloucestershire)
1968 MGC ROADSTER.
Absolutely stunning car rebuilt to concours standard in Riviera Silver Blue Metallic. Drives like a new car not a squeak or rattle anywhere. S/S exhaust, original leather seats, chrome wire wheels. Same condition underbody as exterior (body colour). For sale due to bereavement. £35000 0161 483 5767 or 07721 348538. (Macclesfield area)
1953 MGTD 1971 MGB GT 1999 MGF 1.8vvc
1972 MGBGT
White with black roof and chrome Rostyles. Two previous owners and in my ownership for the last 20 years. New(ish) fuel tank, batteries, tyres, SS exhaust, upholstery and carpets. Has a complete history with bills. A very pretty O.D. car. £6000. Tel: 01253 304184. (Lancs)
Very tidy for age. Cream leather seats, Colour match Hardtop, Hood cover, Rear spoiler, Stainless steel grill side vents, Mud flaps, Spotlights, Folding Windstop. Work done:Headgasket, Cambelts, Waterpump, Stainless steel coolant pipes, Radiator, Alternator belt, Battery, Water level sensor kit. MOT April, Old MOTs and bills. Loads of History, 75,000 miles £1050 ono. Contact Bob 01235 202888 or 07798941181 (Abingdon)
1800cc. Overdrive gearbox. Glacier white with black vinyl upholstery. Rostyles. Large history file including details of all previous owners and photographic record of complete restoration in 1997/98. Current owner 10.5 years. MOT to July 2018. Used regularly and maintained in excellent condition inside and out regardless of cost. £7000. hammondmatthew3@gmail.com or tel: 07986682193 (SW London)
1998 MGF 1.8i 1974 MGB GTV8
Factory built car. Registered July 1974 with MOT to May 2018. Professionally restored by Heritage Classics in Teesside less than 3 years ago. Damask red with new interior in black cloth. Engine 100% original with 93K miles. Full stainless exhaust system and original V8 wheels and steering wheel plus lobster claw air filters etc. Full folding sunroof. Condition 1 all round and simply stunning. This car has a documented owner & service history in a large file, including Heritage Certificate and photographs. The 1st owner was a chief test pilot for Concorde! Owned for about two years it is now for sale due to a house move and lack of use. Call Nigel 07967 667010 or email: njhomewood@gmail.com (Located in Redhill).
WANTED MG 1300 mk2. Preferably In
excellent condition. I’m based in Manchester but willing to travel for the correct car. Paul 07905 905486. Email moggy1000@hotmail.co.uk
1957 MGA Coupe
Professionally modified with Honda S2000 engine and gearbox. Hoyle suspension, big brakes, power steering, etc. etc. Body, chassis and paintwork in excellent condition (respray 2013) with excellent fitting doors, bonnet and boot. Originally USA dry state car (Texas) but totally stripped nut and bolt restoration in 2009 with photos. Owned for 17 years. £25000. Ring for full details 07845492549 or email jenrod60@gmail.com. (North Surrey/Kingston)
1932 MG ‘M’ Type Midget
Complete but dismantled for restoration many years ago – marriage and children intervened – until then it had been my daily transport at university. Comes with numerous spares, including spare engine and gearboxes. Sensible offers. Call Mike on: 01344 882643 or email: mkeen@brockhill.plus.com (Bracknell, Berkshire)
In British Racing Green. One owner since new. MOT March 2018. Full Service history. Been garaged. Owner now having difficulty getting out of car!! Hard top (£400) and Boot luggage rack (£50) both in good condition, available for sale with car or separately. £750 ono. Contact: 01258 857806.
Owned for many years. 5 speed box, high compression head. Black with red upholstry. Phone for details. 01952 614250 (Shropshire)
CARS FOR SALE How to Advertise
Members can advertise their cars free of charge in Safety Fast. The advert will also be posted on the Club website in due course. This is for one insertion only. To place an advert or for additional insertions email colingrant@mgcc.co.uk with details of your car, around 60 words, together with an attached picture, your contact information, price of your car, the area where you live, and membership number. Cost for non-members to advertise is £20. All adverts should be submitted by the 10th of the month for the following months issue.
WANTED WANTED ALL MG MODELS! 1972 MGBGT All conditions wanted, from finds White with black roof andbarn chrome to concours. Complete owners collections Rostyles. Two previous and purchased. Cash in my ownership for buyer. the last 20 Discretion years. New(ish) fuelassured. tank, batteries, PleaseSS do exhaust, not hesitate to contactand me tyres, upholstery if you are interested in selling your carpets. Has a complete history MGbills. and are looking for a O.D. prompt with A very pretty car. hassle free cash 304184. buyer! Please feel £6000. Tel: 01253 (Lancs) free to contact me for a no obligation friendly chat. I am especially interested in the following models: MG TC, MGA, MGB, MGC, MGB V8, Magnette and Midget.
MG-SafetyFast_Dec2017_51-100.indd 94
Graphite with H miles. MOT A advisories. EBC steel sports exha inside and out. Tel:
1999 MGF 1.8v
Very tidy for age seats, Colour matc cover, Rear spoile grill side vents, Mud Folding Windstop Headgasket, Camb Stainless steel Radiator, Alternat Water level sensor Old MOTs and History, 75,000 m Contact Bob 01 07798941181 (Abi
CALL DIRECT ON: 07787 528131
MIDGETS! WANTED
1974 MGB GTV8
1974 MGB GT V8
Factory V8 chrome bumper (SAO 474M ) ( GD2D11088G ) Original number plates. Manufactured Dec 1973. Comprehensive restoration 2015. Damask red Original V8 wheels, overdrive and Westbasto sliding sunroof. Detailed history file. Heritage Certificate. MOT June 2018. No road tax. Exceptional condition. Drives beautifully. £29950. Contact Keith 01794 51789. k.stone189@btinternet.com (Hampshire)
Factory built car. Registered July 1974 with MOT to May 2018. Professionally restored by Heritage Classics in Teesside less than 3 years ago. Damask red with new interior in Contact black cloth. original the Engine Midget100% Specialist with 93K miles. Full stainless MIKE AUTHERS on original Abingdon exhaust system and V8 wheels steering wheel plus 07703and 465 224 CHROME lobster claw air filters etc. Full BUMPERED MIDGETS in folding sunroof. Condition 1 all excellent bought upcar to round and condition simply stunning. This has a documented owner stock & service £8,000. View current at history in a large file, including Heritage Certificate and photographs. The 1st owner was a chief test pilot for Concorde! Owned for about two years it is now for sale due to a house move and lack of use. Call Nigel 07967 667010 or email: njhomewood@gmail.com (Located in Redhill).
www.mgmidgets.com
WANTED
94 SAFETY FAST! DECEMBER 2017
2010 MGTF LE
MG 1300 mk2. Preferably In excellent condition. I’m based in www.mgcc.co.uk Manchester but willing to travel for the correct car. Paul 07905 905486. Email moggy1000@hotmail.co.uk
1957 MGA Co
Professionally mod S2000 engine and suspension, big steering, etc. etc. B paintwork in exc (respray 2013) wit doors, bonnet and USA dry state totally stripped restoration in 20 Owned for 17 yea for full details 07 email jenrod60@g (North Surrey/Kin
1932 MG ‘M’ Ty
Complete but restoration many riage and children i then it had been m at university. Com ous spares, includ and gearboxes. S Call Mike on: 01 email: mkeen@bro (Bracknell, Berkshi
23/11/2017 15:19
Telephone 01753 644599 martin@runnymede motorcompany.com
Mobile (07836) 222111 www.runnymedemotor company.com
1979 MGB Roadster finished in Burnt Orange with contrasting black interior piped in red. Undoubtedly the best rubber bumper MGB we have ever seen. The car has had just 4 owners from new and with the car is a comprehensive history file containing service invoices going back to 1981 and mot certificates since 1989. From what we have gained from reading the file is that the car has never been the subject of a complete restoration but has always been extremely well kept. It has the benefit of a new hood and the seats have been re-trimmed and the car now sits on Minilite alloy wheels. Having only covered 44,000 miles from new, the mechanical aspect of the car is without fault and the overdrive gearbox has perfect synchromesh. Whilst the chrome bumper cars have always been more desirable, this particular late model MGB is in a condition rarely found and is well worth viewing. Realistically priced at £8,995
1978 MGB (Lucy) Largely rebuilt this summer for competition with the MG Car Club and other event organisers. This cracking little MGB race car just repainted in Yellow recently competed at Silverstone with Equipe GTS in their end of season 3 hour relay race as part of a two car team against stiff opposition and was placed 5th in a field of 25 teams. During the summer, the engine was completely rebuilt to a very high standard and whilst the engine was being rebuilt, the engine bay was finished to the same high standard as the rest of the car and all under-bonnet ancillaries were replaced at the time. It comes completely ready to race for next season with new seat belts and new fire eater system and all of the moving parts thoroughly checked and replaced as necessary. This car has a long and colourful racing history and it was regularly competed in sprints and hill climbs and various race meetings since the mid-eighties, photographic evidence of which is contained within the considerable history file. Also within that file are photographs of the internals of the engine showing the upgrades carried out to the cylinder head during the rebuild. The specification includes fuelling through a 45DCOE side draught Weber carburettor and Facet race fuel pump. It is fitted with a 4 speed all synchro gearbox, Aeroquip oil and brake lines and large oil cooler, alloy rocker cover, electric cooling fan, oil catch tank, 800lb competition front springs with competition shock absorbers and stiffer front anti-roll bar. Brake cooling ducts are fitted along with cowls to the headlamps, “Works” hard top, OMP race seats with 4 point race harness seat belts, “Safety Devices” roll cage, “Lifeline” fire eater system and an aluminium race fuel tank. The car has an alloy bonnet and Fibreglass boot lid and the originals are also with the car along with a spare set of “Minilite” alloy wheels. Lucy has always been a good reliable car for club events and will no doubt give hours of pleasure to the next lucky owner. Huge fun for little money and a great way into the world of Motor Sport. £14,950
Please view our website at www.runnymedemotorcompany.com for further information or contact Martin Brewer on 01753 644 599
MG-SafetyFast_Dec2017_51-100.indd 95
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CL ASSIFIEDS
SPARES FOR SALE enquiries@mgsforsale.com
www.mgsforsale.com
HOW TO ADVERTISE
876089 556666 can advertise their B32 - MIK01707 E ROLLS SERVI CES_MIKE ROLLS SERVI07831 CES 13/12/2012 09:50 Page 1 Members spares for sale/wanted free of MGB Roadster 1974 Recent Restoration (JRO439N)MGB Roadster 1975 (registered), last of chrome bumper models built in 1974, delightful Midnight Blue coachwork with new Black leather interior trim, Mota-Lita wood rim steering wheel, new GB Alloys and tyres, rebuilt MGB Hive gearbox, overdrive & steering rack and many other components, large history file with mot’s dating back as far as 1980 making current recorded mileage of only 60k a distinct possibility of being genuine, many invoices both past and present, old tax discs etc. etc., nicely detailed engine compartment having been the subject of full strip down during the 2015/17 refurbishment, drives nicely, just arrived, £15,995.00
charge for items up to £250. Over £250, or for non-members to advertise, there is a charge of £20. To submit your advertisement email Colin Grant at colingrant@mgcc.co.uk. Please remember to include your membership number in all correspondence. All adverts should be submitted by the 10th of the month for the following months issue.
MGB Roadster 1971 Older Restoration (WAW197K) MGB Roadster 1971, wire wheels, overdrive, tax exempt, double duck hood & cover, British Racing Green coachwork, Black leather interior trim, older restoration previously supplied by us, history file with specialist invoices including MGOC workshop, drives nicely, images 24-30 were taken when we sold previously in 2008, still in nice condition, £12,995.00
MGA
2016
MIKE ROLLS SERVICES FOR MGs
URGENTLY WANTED ANY MG ANY YEAR, ANY CONDITION
Specialising in all MG’s
SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF OUR STOCK TRADE MEMBER
www.mgsforsale.com TEL/FAX: 01258 820337
Do not confuse the above vehicles with cheaper inferior quality models offered elsewhere. Part exchange any make of Motor Car with generous allowances. Discounted cash purchases. Viewing by appointment only please (available evenings & weekends) no obligation to purchase. All our vehicles carry a warranty, have an MOT and are fully serviced prior to collection/delivery.
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 8am-6pm, Wed: 8am-5pm, Sat: 8am-1pm 2016 201 6
TRADE MEMBER
MIKE ROLLS SERVICES FOR MGs Specialising in all MG’s
TEL/FAX: 01258 820337
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 8am-6pm, Wed: 8am-5pm, Sat: 8am-1pm
MG RV8 ROADSTER 1995
Finished in Woodcote Green MG RV8, Manufactured in 1995 but not registered until 1997, Woodcote Green, re-imported from Japan in 2008. Just over 26,000km from new which is approx 15,000mls, it comes with a good services history, a very nice MGR registration number, windstop and matching hood cover. This is a superb example one of the best we have ever seen, it has just had a service and MOT so ready to be enjoyed. £26,000.
MGB GT V8, FACTORY CAR, 1974,
Chrome bumper, Tax exempt, Overdrive. Finished in Harvest Gold with cloth interior. Nice interesting TOY 500M registration number. Just under 92,000mls from new. Comes with extensive history, list of previous owners, most MOT’s and record of parts and work. Heritage certificate. Now fitted with 15 inch Minilite replica wheels and Yokohama tyres, original wheels available with the car, recent new clutch and rolling road set up. Excellent gearbox and overdrive and drives very well. £18,995
New pair of chrome overriders £45. MGTD inner steering column. No longer available £80 MGF set of 4 x 16 inch 6 spoke alloy wheels from a MK 2 MGF with 3 good Tyres £160. Stainless steel sports exhaust. to loud for wife. £125 Small size get you home spare wheel, never used so as new £25. MGB. early 3 synchro starter motor as new only used over 3 months. £60 Telephone jack on 01280 848529 (Buckingham)
MG Midget MkIII
1 used gearbox, 2 rear hubs for wire wheels, new. Green stuff brake pads and pins, new. Rear brake shoes, new. Brake servo and pipework, used. Rear axle seals, new. Bonne mini switch panel, unused. Rear hub bearings, new. Steering box ball bearings, new. SU Repair kit, new. Engine mounts, new. Pair seat belts, new. 2 sets knock-on spinners, used. Inlet manifold for webber carb, new. Contact Tony on 01451 824250 (Glos)
MGA
Set of 5 Used MGA chrome wire wheels. 4.5 x 15 60 spoke complete with tubes. All tubes good. All in very recent use, chrome reasonable. All sound and true. £25.00 each or All 5 for £120.Set of 4 2 eared 80tpi spinners. Slightly marked but very nice. Best offer secures. Tel: 01242 242545 Cheltenham Mobile: 07800 914269 Email: philbdad1932@gmail.com
MGA 1600 Mk2
Standard 4-speed gearbox (having been replaced by 5speed box). £150. Set of pvc seat covers and arm rest in excellent condition excepting small tear in one pleat. £50. Dynamo.£20. Radiator £25.
MGBGTV8
Lowered hyperbolic springs very little used. £90. 10 stack oil cooler (interchangeable with other cars). £25. Fisher on 01798 861918 (West Sussex)
MGA
SU carbrettor Choke cable clamp Jet control lever (brass) £20.00 + postage £2.00.Tel: 01993 704032 or hammphil@hotmail.com
MGTF 1955
1500cc Bonnet, in good condition. Offers. Tel: 01439 770698
MG TF MIDGET
1950’s TF Manual. Original, first Edition operation manual £35 + p&p. Tel: 01983 719204 Email: felixh5201@gmail.com SAFTEY FAST! MAGAZINES 1988-2010 most years complete, offers? Contact June on 01480 462102
URGENTLY WANTED MG TD, 1951
Old English White, Originally RH Drive car exported to Switzerland from new, restored over there and then reimported in 2006. Still in first class condition with excellent paint work, beautiful red leather interior and smooth running mechanics. We are re-commissioning this car at the moment with a brake overhaul, battery and full service, it is still carrying some of its original export features, ie semaphore indicators. It comes with a tan hood, side screens and full tonneau cover all in excellent condition, and some history with MOTs and invoices. This TD drives superbly. POA.
MGA ROADSTER 1955
Finished in Old English White it comes with black leather seats with white piping, wire wheels, excellent black vinyl hood and side screens and good service history. It’s an older restoration but still in very good condition, it drives beautifully as do most MGA’s. £26,995.
Please note: We are closed from Sunday the 24th of Dec and open again Tues 2nd Jan 2018. We would like to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Units 9/10 Fifehead Business Park, Manor Farm, Fifehead Magdalen, near Gillingham, Dorset SP8 5RR
E-mail: mikerolls4mgs@compuserve.com • www.mikerolls.co.uk Mail Order “Friendly Quality Service”
96 SAFETY FAST! DECEMBER 2017
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MGA/MGB/MGC/V8/ MIDGET/SPRITE ETC
Any Condition from non runners to rebuilt cars
Please call Edward 01923 840236 or any time on 07774 484497 Email: ejwhitescars@aol.com Website: www.mgandporsche.com (Northwood, Middlesex)
www.mgcc.co.uk
23/11/2017 15:19
B13 - BARRIE CARTER_CLASSIC MOTORING 20/11/2017 16:36 Page 1
Insurance for all MG’s classic and modern
Call for a quote today
01376 574000
www.classiccarinsurance.co.uk
Let’s hope we have warm snow so we can use our cars – Merry Christmas! MG TD 1952. One owner for 25 years. Always cherished and in lovely usable condition. Smashing colour and chrome and fitted with the rare and desirable Derrington exhaust and inlet manifold conversion with a new unleaded head. 60lb oil pressure. Lovely gearbox and weather equipment. £18,950
MARLIN PROTOTYPE. This is the pre production Marlin as built by its designer Paul Moorhouse who built two prototypes. Built on a Triumph GT6 base with a 2 ltr 6 and ally bodied instead of grp, it is soundly constructed. It performs very well. Owned for ten years by the chairman of the Marlin Owners' Club. It represents a significant part of the history of this successful marque. Very sensibly priced at £5,250
CM01.18/B13/d
I love 2CVs. They are quick … really! Reliable, comfy, quirky and you can get a bike in the back. This one is a Dolly. Lovely condition, plum and custard, nice chassis, smashing hood and interior. Nice history. Prise it from me and smile. £6,950
This my own Mk1 MX5. A very early car restored by a Westland Helicopter engineer. It must be the only MX with unscuffed leather seats. It has a twin stainless exhaust, uprated brakes, adjustable shocks, new hood et al. It handles and drives superbly. Alloy wheels propel it. These cars embody the ultimate 60s sports experience without the problems. It also has £1000 worth of stereo/cd player. Yesterday's classic panache with today's reliability. I love it…a quickly appreciating exhilarating bolide…and only £5,250. Put a Lotus badge on…then its 40k.
ADVERTISERS’ INDEX 4Sight Lighting Company...................... 87 Distributor Doctor................................. 83 Mike Satur........................................... 79 Adrian Flux........................................... 87 Don Trimming....................................... 89 Mirror Trim........................................... 61 Aldon Automotive................................. 61 EJW Classic and sports........................ 96 Moss Europe Ltd.................................. 27 Barrie Carter ....................................... 97 Fishers Services................................... 87 Motor Wheel Services........................... 69 Barry Walker ....................................... 93 Footman James.................................... 46 NTG Services.....................................OBC Beech Hill Garage................................. 94 Frontline............................................... 40 Oselli Ltd.............................................. 79 British Motor Heritage.......................... IFC Get Patina............................................ 37 Paul Depper MGs................................. 59 Brown and Gammons........................... 13 Halls Garage......................................... 87 Peter Best............................... 89, 97, IBC Bucks Sports and Classic...................... 92 Heathrow Transmission......................... 89 Prestige MG......................................... 73 C.C.H.L ............................................... 71 Howard Wise........................................ 45 Rees Bros............................................ 83 Car Cover Shop ................................... 89 Hoyle Suspension................................. 83 Retro Sports Cars ................................ 81 Carole Nash Insurance.......................... 27 JLH Minor Restoration.......................... 69 Rimmer Bros Ltd.................................. 59 Chertsey Minors .................................. 89 Just Right Autos Ltd.............................. 64 RJJ Car Shipping and Transportation ... 89 Please this proof carefully for Ltd......................... errors in style, content 92 and layout. Robin Lackford Motor Engineering ........ 59 Engineering Chisbon Restorations............................ 27checkKimble Although every care is exercised in preparing your advert, we cannot hold Runnymede.......................................... 95 Manor Garage ..................................... 92 Classic Driving Development Ltd .......... 71 ourselves responsible for any inaccuracies you may overlook. Scenic Car Tours........................ 9, 14, 15 Martin Smith Used MGTF Spares . . ........ 93 Classic Oils.......................................... 61 SHOULD YOU REQUIRE ANY ALTERATIONS TO THIS PROOF PLEASE Clive Wheatley...................................... 51 Mech-Mate TELEPHONE BEFORE _ _Ltd.................................... _ _ _ _ _ AND QUOTE ADVERT61 NO. _Skiptune _ _ _ _ - note re position ................... 73 Colne Classics...................................... 89 MG Mecca........................................... 93 SMR ................................................... 96 Cotswold Car Storage............................. 6 MG Sales Centre.................................. 21 Steve McKie Sports Cars....................... 89 Country Lane Tours............................... 77 MGF Mania.......................................... 75 Sussex Classic Car Parts...................... 73 Crown Classic Cars............................... 79 Midland Classic Restoration.................... 3 The Hutson Motor Co Ltd........................ 3 David Manners....................................... 6 Mike Authurs Classics .......................... 94 Torro Sports Cars Ltd............................ 94 We reserve the right to charge for any alteration to this proof which Vitesse Global Ltd ................................ 51 Dennis Welch....................................... 89 MikeisRolls............................................ a departure from the original copy 96
URGENT PROOF
www.mgcc.co.uk
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LOOKING BACK IF YOU CAN TELL US MORE ABOUT ANY OF THESE CARS OR THE EVENTS, WE ARE ALWAYS KEEN TO HEAR FROM YOU AT KIMBER HOUSE; CONTACT THE MGCC ARCHIVIST PETE NEAL ON PETERNEAL@MGCC.CO.UK.
The official publication of The MG Car Club Incorporating ‘The M.G. Magazine’, ‘The Sports Car’ and ‘Brooklands Track and Air’, Safety Fast! Copyright MG Car Club 2017 Editor: Andy Knott 01235 849730 / 01235 555552 andyknott@mgcc.co.uk Deputy Editor: Colin Grant 01235 849733 colingrant@mgcc.co.uk Editorial Committee: William Ball, Dennis Wharf, Andy Knott, Colin Grant, Adam Sloman, Steve Clark PR and Communications: Lauran Gallacher 01235 849735, Jeff Ruggles 01235 849731 Advertising: Hine Marketing 01452 730770 Published by: Hine Marketing, Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton Glos, GL2 9LN. Tel: 01452 730770 Distributed by: Air Business. Merlin Centre, 4 The, Acrewood Way, St Albans AL4 0JY Tel: 01727 890600 President: John Day Vice Presidents: Ron Gammons, Don Hayter, Peter Best, Bill Silcock. Chairman: Ian Quarrington Vice Chairman: Dave Tynan Treasurer: Richard Colston
W
hat is it about MGs? They do seem to like getting their feet wet – the cars, that is, not the drivers (we hope!). The MGB GT, driven by John Hale, was photographed by Claire Fry on the Welsh Rallye held in May 1998. Alexandra Holt and Carol Ottoway were driving this the MGA Coupe below on the Penrite Border Rally in July 1995, finishing in 16th place overall. The black and white photo was received by the MG Car Co., on Valentine’s Day 1939 and carries the inscription ‘This MG Magnette successfully reached the other side.’
Directors: Dave Saunders, Paul Plummer, William Ball, Peter Opie, George Wilder, Dave Tynan and Peter Cook Company Secretary: Colin Grant Staff Members: Adam Sloman (General Manager 01235 849732), John Hutchison (Competitions Secretary 01235 849738), Andy Knott (01235 849730), Liz Allsworth (Membership Secretary 01235 849734), Colin Grant (01235 849733), Lauran Gallacher (01235 849735), Jeff Ruggles (01235 849731), Cherina Scarrott (Finance Officer 01235 849736) and Ineke Sherman (Merchandise 01235 849731) Honorary Members: Michael Allison, Ron Gammons, Peter Best, Don Hayter, John Quenby, Sir Stirling Moss, Paddy Hopkirk, Norman Ewing, Rob Oldaker, Steve Hanegan, Gerry McGovern, June Wallis, Ann Hawke, John Dutton, John Day, Julian White, Bill Silcock. Company limited by guarantee The Club, as a corporate body established as the MG Car Club Limited, is a company limited by guarantee. Every member of the Club undertakes to contribute to the assets of the Club in the event of its being wound up while he is a member, or within one year after he ceases to be a member, for payment of the debts and liabilities of the Club contracted before he ceases to be a member, and the costs, charges and expenses of winding up, and for the adjustment of the rights of the contributors among themselves, such amount as may be required, not exceeding one pound. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information at the time of going to press, neither The Publisher (herein referred to as Hine Marketing), the Editor, nor the MG Car Club can accept any responsibility or loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any material in the publication. The opinions of authors are their own and Hine Marketing, the Editor and the MG Car Club are not bound to agree with opinions expressed herein. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Safety Fast! and The MG Car Club badge are protected through trademark registration in the UK and in the foreign countries where Safety Fast! circulates. Readers are warned that if they attempt any mechanical or other modifications or methods referred to herein, they do so at their own risk and no liability will attach to the MG Car Club, the Editor nor Hine Marketing. Neither shall the MG Car Club, the Editor nor Hine Marketing have any responsibility for the accuracy of the content of the editorial, neither the content of any advertisement published in Safety Fast! It should be noted that neither Hine Marketing, the Editor, nor the MG Car Club make any recommendation in respect of any goods and/ or services advertised or featured in this issue. It is the responsibility of readers to satisfy themselves that the goods or services offered or referred to are bona fide and in no instance shall Hine Marketing, the Editor or the MG Car Club be held responsible for the quality or suitability of any such items.
The MG Car Club, Kimber House, PO Box 251, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 1FF Tel: 01235 555552 Fax: 01235 533755 E-mail: mgcc@mgcc.co.uk www.mgcc.co.uk
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If visiting The MG Car Club using Sat Nav please use OX14 1AS
www.mgcc.co.uk
23/11/2017 15:19
0328 PB
classic car insurance PBIS specialises in classic car insurance, as well as insurance for other collectable classic vehicles. We have been supporting the MG Car Club, its Centres & Registers, for over 30 years so we know what is important to you. Our ‘Abingdon’ policy covers classic use for MG’s 3 years and older. The policy includes free agreed value, roadside assistance and recovery within UK/EU, limited mileage options and discounts for multiple car ownership. ASK US TODAY ABOUT OUR CLASSIC MG COVER call now for an instant quote
01376 574000 visit: www.classiccarinsurance.co.uk email: info@classiccarinsurance.co.uk
Approved Insurance Provider
Peter Best Insurance Services Ltd Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registration No. 307045 Registered in England No. 2210270 | Peter Best Insurance Services Limited, 180 High Street, Kelvedon, Essex CO5 9JD
0328 PBIS MG Car Club Advert 297x210mm_ART3.indd 1 MG-SafetyFast_Dec2017_51-100.indd 99
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Parts for TA to TF 1936-55, YA YB YT, MGA & Magnette. Secure online shopping at: www.mgbits.com or by phone. Worldwide shipping.
T&Y Type or MGA & Z series catalogues- email or phone for your copy
S106B Fine adjustment control-steering box for TA/B/C £86.40 incl VAT
Exchange shock absorbers available for most models
L059X Exchange Lucas wiper motor for TA/B/C/D/YT £225.60 incl VAT
B023XT Exchange TA water pump - revised internals £165.00 incl VAT
NTG Motor Services Ltd 282-284 Bramford Road Ipswich IP1 4AY Tel: +44(0)1473 406031/2 Fax: +44(0)1473 742087 sales@mgbits.com British 100 SAFETY FAST! DECEMBER 2017
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Motor Heritage Approved - founded 1966
www.mgcc.co.uk
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S A F E T Y FA S T D E C E M B E R 2017
Y TYPE NEWSLETTER • MGA TWIN CAM NEWSLETTER • V8 NEWSLETTER • ZR / ZS/ ZT NEWSLETTER
MG CAR CLUB
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