THE MARQUE OF FRIENDSHIP
January 2018 Volume 62 Number 01 £3.95
THE
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ABINGDON-ON-THAMES FO U N D E D 193 0
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JULY 2016 SAFETY FAST! 3
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JANUARY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 3
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Inside this issue 7 8 11 12 64 66
Club Matters and Kimber House News News Products Postbag Race Torque MGs on Track
67 68 70 73 85 92 98
Luffield Championship Out and About Overseas Review Centre Updates Register Updates Classifieds Looking Back
Features 14
New Kid on the Grid Tylor Ballard and his first year in the MG Trophy Championship
21
A jewel in the Krown The MGCC ZR Express gets a rust-preventative treatment from Krown
26
Second chance Six? Adam Sloman reports on the all-new MG6 that has arrived in China
31
The Manchester XPAG Tests The next instalment, on Carburation by Paul Ireland
37
Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show Report on this year’s Classic Motor Show held at the NEC
58
MG3 Abroad Sean Round heads to Europe in his MG3
60
The Birkett 2017 Dickon Siddall reports on the team of ZSs that entered this year’s six-hour Birkett Race
14
Newsletters 41
T Type Newsletter The MGCC T Register 2018 calendar of events and T Register history
47
Magnette Newsletter Magnetteer of the Year, Lou Shorten Tribute weekend, Events for 2018 and Technical issues
52
MGC Newsletter Looking ahead to 2018 and guidance and help available for all C Register Members
21
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
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4 SAFETYFAST! JANUARY 2018
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www.mgcc.co.uk
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Welcome
Chris Jones’s much-cherished Island Green, 1956, MG ZA Magnette. Photo: Gez Hughes
52
@mgcarclub
FO U N D E D 193 0
www.mgcc.co.uk
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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 2018
Happy New Year to you all I hope you managed to get out and about in your MGs over the festive period and are suitably fired up for the year ahead. As always, we’ve got lots of events planned, the pinnacle being MGLive! at Silverstone which has a provisional date of June 2-3. The rolling calendar featuring Centre, Register and Branch dates will be published at regular intervals in Safety Fast! If you want to look further ahead the main calendar is published on the MG Car Club website www.mgcc.com or a lot of our Centres distribute their own calendars via Safety Fast! so keep an eye out in future issues. Last month we published an excellent article giving hints and tips on storing your car over the winter months. Don’t forget, as a member of the MG Car Club you can save up to 10% on Hamilton Classic products such as car covers, tyre trainers and battery conditioners. All are listed on the MGCC shop https://shop.mgcc.co.uk This month, for those of you who use their MGs all year round, we visited Krown to have our rare MG ZR Express 160 treated with rust protection. The T40 Krown rust inhibitor creeps deep into crevices and spot welds, and penetrates deep into any existing rust and stops it so this cannot rust any further. The product is designed dielectric, therefore it can be used on electrical plugs and connections, preventing corrosion and loss of connection, ideal to use on vehicles like the MG Express that is pressed into action all year round. You can read more about the Krown treatment and how Robert goes about making sure all nooks and crannies are covered in the T40 product on page 21. Hopefully there is something for everyone in this issue to give you plenty of reading over the New Year break, from the story of 17-year-old Tylor and his first year in the MG Trophy Championship and the launch of the new MG6 in China to the next instalment of The Manchester XPAG Tests, this time on Carburation. Until next month, drive safely.
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CHAIRMANS NOTES BY IAN QUARRINGTON
2
018. First, a Happy New Year to all our Members. I hope you all enjoyed the recent festivities and that you are looking forward to enjoying your MG cars this coming year in every way possible. There are two points so important to the current strength of our Club that we all need to consider ahead of our next Council meeting in March. I feel so strongly about the very long-term future of our Club which, remember, is the oldest single-make Car Club in the world, to ask every one of you to please feed back your views on this first topic to your Centre, Register or Branch committee so that we can all have a sensible and reasoned debate on the matter when we meet at Cowley in the spring. Last autumn, the Midget Register put a motion to Council to review the current five year maximum tenure of officers of CRBs and to ask if this period of office should be extended to six or even seven years. This motion was
KIMBER HOUSE NEWS The MG Car Club hosted the annual MG ex-workers Christmas reunion party on Wednesday December 6, welcoming 70 former Abingdon factory employees to its Kimber House headquarters. The first reunion took place in 2012, and with the exception of 2015 when the construction of the Club’s Bill Wallis wing stopped play, has been a resounding success every year since. Kimber House was adorned with Christmas decorations, with the Club offering complimentary food and drinks throughout. Organised by Vito Orlando, the reunion attracted several big names from the factory’s past, including former
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based on several factors, including, for example, the current age profile of some CRB committee members, the need to draw in more fresh and perhaps younger enthusiasts of the marque and the desire to help those who have stood up and volunteered time after time to take a more advisory rather than a leading role. Additionally, there were other questions, including how many times must a committee meet, why does it have to report to the extent it does on fiscal matters, all of which amount to trying to get a CRB to run without it being an onerous task. Now, some of the questions can be answered very quickly but, like me, I am sure you understand the need to push this forward together. Please talk to your CRB committee members and give them your thoughts so they can come to Council to represent your views. My second question is closely associated with my first point as it concerns our Young Persons group. At the NEC Classic Car show I had the
opportunity to talk to a Club member who has volunteered her extensive and very successful experience of working with younger groups of people by offering to work with our current group of volunteers and help push this important project along. The whole classic car movement is acutely aware that its age profile is getting higher and we all run a danger of our Clubs not getting the younger people involved at this stage and suffering in 10 or 20 years or even less from a declining membership. Our motorsport activity is key to the success of our Club on so many levels and is one area where some concentrated effort has been put in place for some time to encourage young folks to take an active part. Dave Tynan is leading our initiative here, with a group of much younger MGCC members with Jeff Ruggles from Kimber House key to its make-up. Please look out for some press releases on this exciting venture over the coming weeks and months. There is so much to look forward to and to do within your Centre, Register or Branch this coming year, and I hope to get out and meet as many of you as possible in 2018.
BMC Competitions Department and Special Tuning man Bill Price, book author Mike Allison and Jimmy Cox, who was involved with the recordbreaking EX cars and Le Mans MGAs via his role in the Experimental Department. It was great to see so many former employees in one place and fascinating to hear MG-related stories. Many brought photos and regalia with them to share with their former colleagues, while contemporary video footage was shown on the big screen. Each
visitor was presented with a group picture from the day, which was taken alongside Bob Matthews’ stunning classic TF, plus the obligatory sample of Speckled Hen! Events like this show that the MG flame still burns brightly in Abingdon, even 37 years after the factory closed its gates for the final time. The MG Car Club is delighted to be able to play a major role in celebrating the marque’s illustrious history with the people who made it a reality.
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NEWS
An important note on membership costs With effect from January 1 2018, annual membership to the MG Car Club will rise by £5 to £55 a year, or £50 via Direct Debit. Joint membership will cost £54 while rates for MGCC Young Members remain unchanged. Members are welcome to renew at the current rate until December 31 2017 – new prices will take effect online from the Club’s first working day of 2018. MG Car Club General Manager, Adam Sloman, said: “We hope that members will understand that the decision to raise the membership cost has not been taken lightly. We remain committed to delivering genuine value for money for our members and look forward to offering further MGCC member benefits in 2018.”
XPart becomes part of the Leacy Motor Group The last remaining element of the former MG Rover Car Company – the Parts Division, operating as XPart – became part of the Leacy Motor Group on November 1 2017. In August 2004, XPart was sold by MG Rover to the then Caterpillar Logistics organisation. XPart continued as a separate trading division of Caterpillar Logistics (which became Neovia Logistics in 2012), a Global Third Party Logistics Operation. Now, XPart becomes a key element of the Leacy Motor Group – true specialists in the automotive world. XPart will continue to operate from its existing base in Hinckley, Leicestershire, with Neovia providing full logistics support. Leacy Group incorporates the Leacy Classics business, specialists in Mini and Classic MG parts. It also owns the iconic Mini brand – Wood & Pickett. In addition, it includes a specialist sourcing and distribution operation, Howard Roberts Automotive, as well as a French distribution operation – British Car Centre – based south of Paris. This is truly an exciting time for XPart, its employees, and indeed the whole of the Leacy Motor Group.
North West Centre AGM Date: Thursday February 15 Venue: The Ship Inn, Styal Time 8.30pm Agenda Apologies Minutes of the 2016 AGM Matters Arising Chairman’s Report Treasurers Report/Approval of Accounts Election of Centre Officers Election of Centre Committee Any Other Business Nominations for election to the Committee and AOB agenda topics should be submitted by January 14. All communications to Paul Goodman, email paul.goodman7@ntlworld.com Tel 01625 876300
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South West Centre AGM Date: Tuesday March 6 2018 Venue: The Old School Room, Compton Martin Time: 8.30pm Agenda 1 Apologies for absence 2 Minutes of the last AGM March 7 2017 3 Matters Arising 4 Hon. Secretary’s Report 5 Hon. Treasurer’s Report and Explanation of Accounts 6 Competition Secretary’s Report 7 Election of Officers 8 Election of Committee 9 Appointment of MGCC Council Representative 10 Any other business 11 Chairman’s closing remarks
Lincolnshire Centre AGM Date: Thursday March 1 2018 Venue: Abbey Lodge, Kirkstead, Woodhall Spa, LN10 6UQ Time: 8.00pm Agenda 1 Apologies for absence 2 Approval of Minutes from 2017 AGM 3 Matters arising from two 4 Motions for Debate 5 Chairman’s Report 6 Honorary Treasurer’s Report and Approval of Accounts 7 Honorary Secretary’s Report 8 Competition Secretary’s Report 9 Communications Report 10 Election of Officers and General Committee 11 2018/19 Calendar 12 Auditors for 2018/19 13 Any other relevant Lincolnshire Centre business 14 Time and Date of Next AGM Nominations for Committee posts to be received in writing by the Honorary Secretary, Sue Mackenzie, by Wednesday January 31 2018. For more information contact Sue on 01529 497849.
MGB Register AGM Date: Saturday February 17 2018. Venue: The MG Car Club Ltd, Kimber House, 12 Cemetery Road, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 1AS. Time: Starting at 11.00am. Agenda 1.Apologies for absence. 2.Minutes of the last AGM. 3.Chairman’s report. 4.Treasurer’s report and adoption of accounts. 5.Secretary’s report. 6.Treasurer’s report. 7.Election of Committee, Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer. 8. Any other business. Nominations for election to the Committee and AOB Agenda Topics should be submitted to the Secretary by February 3 2018. All communications to Neil Hyett, Secretary MGB Register. Email: secretary@mgb-register.org Tel: 01869 241180.
www.mgcc.co.uk
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MG Car Club members can benefit from discounted entry tickets to Silverstone Classic 2018. The package includes two general admission tickets and one infield vehicle display pass for your allocated Club display area. Super Early Bird Car Club Display Packages are available until midnight on December 31. During this period, pricing is held at the 2017 level. The usual Early Bird period will then be in place until March 31, with Car Club Display Package sales concluding at the end of May. For price, and to book tickets, please visit www. silverstoneclassic.com/buycarclubtickets The MG Car Club discount code is - 18062CCD
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All of his many MG friends will be saddened to learn of the death of Peter Foster, long-time member of TyneTees Centre. As the proud possessor of a new MG Metro Peter joined the Centre in 1983, he and Lynette becoming regular faces at meetings and events and soon being elevated onto the Committee. Peter was always ready with a helping hand, be it working in the background at our major events , running his own tours of Northumberland and the North York Moors , or towing some unfortunate back home when the gremlins struck. He became Centre Treasurer and later Secretary, bringing his usual good humour, modesty and efficiency to bear. Away from the Centre he was one of the founder Committee members of the FWD Register, his experiences with his Metro and later Maestro providing me with many column inches in Safety Fast! He was the second Secretary of the Register, organising and travelling to events around the country to spread the word. On top of that he was a keen photographer and many a Tyne-Tees or Register scribe had cause to be grateful for his abilities with the camera. Away from the then modern MGs, he bought a fine rubber-bumper BV8 and later lighted upon an MGA 1600 Mk 2 coupe which, although in fair as found condition, was subjected to a full rebuild by Steve Hall, returning resplendent. Peter always liked his cars in top condition! Peter was above all a family man and our sympathies go out to Lynette, Francesca and Jonathan. One abiding memory is of Clan Foster attending our Village fete, (Peter always ensuring that I had his cars here for the display) and leaving laden with toys, cakes, goodies and smiling faces. We shall all miss that smile. Anthony Wood
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GROUP TOUR HALF PAGE MG Safety Fast Jan 2017.indd 1
JANUARY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 9 04/12/2017
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NEWS
Re
Triple M Register Statement The Triple-M Register committee has undertaken a detailed review of the basis on which the Register compiles and maintains the Listing of Cars. This has been prompted in part by the vibrant and occasionally challenging discussions on the Forum over the past few months about these and related matters. It is also a response to apparent misconceptions in the broader motoring community about the Register and the relevance of the Listing of Cars. This review, in which each and every committee member has been involved, started three months ago and was the main business at our latest committee meeting on November 26 2017. As a result the committee unanimously approved the following two documents on December 1 2017:1. A public statement which we will be circulating widely as a reminder about the purpose, function and operation of the Register. This statement is displayed as a news item on our website at www.triple-mregister.org/news.asp It will also be published in the Register Bulletin, in the Annual Listing of Cars and in the MGCC’s Safety Fast! magazine. 2. An updated, somewhat simplified and we hope a clearer presentation of the purpose, objectives and operation of the Register, which includes amended Guidelines for the inclusion of cars on the Register. This document, which
replaces the previous Guidelines with immediate effect, can be seen at the following page on our website www.triple-mregister.org/registerlogin.asp The committee is responsible to the MGCC and its members for the proper management of the Register. If any MGCC member would like to discuss any points of principle or detail arising from the statement or the new Guidelines they should contact the Chairman, Dick Morbey, or the Secretary, George Eagle, directly in the first instance. Dick and George’s contact details are on the contacts page of our website. Individual committee members will not be drawn into public discussions on the Forum about these matters. However, in a spirit of openness, members will have many opportunities over the coming months to meet or contact committee members, when we will be happy to discuss these and any other matters, all of which are aimed at advancing the Register for the general benefit of members. And of course any members of the MGCC (the Marque of Friendship) who, as owners, are also members of the Triple-M Register are welcome to attend the Register’s AGM, when we will have the usual open forum after the formal business of the AGM. Thank you for your understanding.
Desi MGA MG
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MG Motor India visit Five members of the recently formed MG Motor India team were guests at Kimber House on November 15, as part of preparation for MG to roll out its first product in India during 2019. Manufacturing will take place at the Halol plant in western India, which is a former General Motors facility. And though it’s effectively a start-up company, MG Motor India is very keen to explore the MG marque’s rich heritage. The team’s trip to the UK would involve a visit to the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at Birmingham’s NEC and a UK MG dealer, saving their trip to Abingdon for their final day. After a tour of Kimber House and the remaining factory buildings, the visitors met with staff and treated themselves to some MG merchandise. They were then given tours of the local area in Club members’ classic MGs – specifically
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AU Mike Parker’s Midget, John Watson’s MGB and Richard Martin’s TF 135. With roofs down in the cold weather, newly purchased woolly hats would immediately be put to good use! The day also involved a visit to the Dog House Pub, near Abingdon, for lunch. The Abingdon MG factory
v v v
employees used to frequent this traditional venue on a regular basis, and the factory test routes used to pass by the front door. All told, it proved to be a fantastic day, and one that we hope will mark the beginning of a fruitful relationship between MG in India and the Club.
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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
RULE BRITANNIA: WHEN BRITISH SPORTS CARS SAVED A NATION BY JOHN NIKAS At the end of the Second World War, Britain emerged on the brink of financial disaster. After the success of being one of the nations that defeated Hitler, it found itself relying of foreign assistance to survive. A call went out from the new Labour government “Export or Die”. This was taken up by general industry, but more so from the automotive manufacturers who responded by producing some of the best sports cars the world had seen, where demand outstripped supply. MG played its part, together with other well-known marques; A.C. Aston Martin, Austin Healey, Jaguar, Mini Morgan and Triumph. John Nikas and his researchers/ contributors tell the in-depth story
of how this was achieved, with much information being gleaned from marque club archives, manufacturers and museums. There is a dedicated chapter on MG, together with other references, to satisfy the MG enthusiast. This is truly a great book, one that I could not put down and found myself reading into the early hours. It’s brilliantly written and the photography by Michael Furman is outstanding, a must-read for those interested in motoring history. Available from the Kimber Stores, go to https://shop.mgcc. co.uk/product-category/books/
Priced at £70 plus £5 UK post and packing. For overseas postage contact Ineke on 01235 849737.
CHIPEX AQUAPHOBIC RAIN-REPELLING SCREENWASH
Our super-concentrated rain-repelling Screenwash will stop you dreading rainy days. It will clean your windscreen superbly, stop rainwater building up, and keep it free from markings and bad visibility. It will reduce glare, stop your wipers squeaking and acts as an anti-freeze to -5°C – it covers all bases! Using biodegradable water repelling technologies, our Aquaphobic Screenwash acts fast to bead together water droplets that then fly straight off your screen – you’ll see what we mean when you see it! It also conditions your windscreen and wiper blades and prevents any debris from sticking, which keeps your windscreen free from distractions, meaning you can drive safely, whatever the weather! Actively repels rain from the screen. Delivers clear vision in any weather, day or night. Anti-freeze to -5°C. Removes smears and other markings. Cost for a 1 litre bottle is £13.95 plus £2.99 p&p. To order go to https:// www.chipex.co.uk or telephone 01295 258308, email info@chipex.co.uk
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MG GS DOOR AND POCKET MATS FROM MG AND AMC PARTS
Set of 10 Interior Door and Pocket Rubber Mats for all models of the GS. Available in Red, White and Diamond Crystal Edge Lining (White are luminous).. Personalise and enhance the interior looks of your GS. Price: Red/White £24.95 Diamond Style £29.95 plus p&p For more information go to: https://www. mgandamcparts.com/ or telephone 02392 220 222, email: enquiries@mgandamcparts.com
www.mgcc.co.uk
13/12/2017 17:03
THE MG CAR CLUB PRESENTS
2 - 3 JUNE 2018 SILVERSTONE CIRCUIT
SPANNING OVER 90 YEARS OF HERITAGE RIGHT UP TO THE PRESENT DAY!
3000 MGS ON SHOW RACING ON THE GP CIRCUIT LIVE ACTION CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIVES LIVE MUSIC CARS FOR SALE SPECIALIST TRADERS PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP CAMPING AND MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!
TICKETS ON SALE MID-JANUARY W WW.MGLIVE.CO.UK MG-SafetyFast_Jan2018_1-50.indd 13
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FEATURE
NEWKIDON THEGRID T By Leanne Fahy
he MG Car Club is well known for its prestige and long-standing members. Throughout its 87-year history, the Club has amassed an impressive collection of dedicated members, but there is an ongoing search to recruit new blood. The motor racing side of the Club is a good way to reach out to the younger generation, as seen with the line-up of drivers we currently have. With that in mind, say hello to Tylor Ballard. At just 17 years old, Tylor became one of the youngest people in the Club’s history to start an MG Trophy Championship race in 2017. Armed with a freshly printed road driving licence, which he acquired shortly before the Brands Hatch race meeting (on April 29-30), Tylor lined up for his first car race. Albeit a daunting experience, Tylor’s first race meeting was thoroughly enjoyable. The telltale beam on his face as he spoke to the commentator post-race said a lot more than young Tylor realised. The MG Trophy Championship was the championship of choice for Tylor,
and the reasons behind it were pretty self-explanatory. Following on from a career in karting, cut short due to budget constraints, Tylor made the switch to cars as soon as he was 17. Motorsport has always been an integral part of the Ballard family. With his father running a garage specialising
in MG Rover products, making the switch to MGs when the time came to race cars was a given. “We decided a long time ago I would race in the
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FEATURE
WHEN IT COMES TO AFFORDABLE, COMPETITIVE MOTOR RACING, LOOK NO FURTHER THAN THE MG CAR CLUB. YOU WON’T BE DISAPPOINTED MG Trophy Championship. My dad decided when I was 17 I would be in a ZR, racing in this championship. With dad running the garage, it means parts and shells are easily accessible,” said Tylor, who agreed it was certainly the obvious choice. The Ballard name has been synonymous with the MG Trophy Championship for other reasons as well, with College Motors, the family’s MG Rover specialist company, sponsoring the championship for a number of rounds. Tylor’s first race meeting was undoubtedly eventful. A dash to get the car finished the week prior to the event gave him a flavour of the motor racing life, and after some late nights in the workshop, teamed with copious amounts of coffee, he arrived at Brands Hatch with a complete MG ZR 160 race car.
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An engine issue after testing on Friday signalled the weekend would be far from plain sailing. A quick phone call to Ballard headquarters from Brands Hatch meant a new engine arrived from Oxford in record time, and by 9.00pm Friday evening the team were hard at work once again. Following a few hours of hard work, and a lot more coffee, his MG ZR was finally started at midnight, ready for his first race the following day. With just a few laps under his belt before his engine woes, Tylor headed into qualifying on Saturday, unsure of what to expect. After setting a respectable lap time, which saw him sneak under the one minute mark, another issue appeared. As part of the engine wiring loom rubbed against the catalytic converter, the car would
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cut out after 15 minutes, making him apprehensive about the 20-minute race in front of him. With just enough time to rectify the issue, Tylor took to his grid slot, and lined up for his very first car race. A good start saw him negotiate Paddock Hill Bend perfectly. As others fell by the wayside, he managed to glue himself to the tarmac, avoiding any incidents. Despite a brief “what have I done” moment as nerves got the better of him, Tylor steered his way through the race, until the same issue from qualifying ended his race after 15 minutes. “It was a bit gutting, but we had to get it sorted out for race two,” said Tylor. Despite an incident at the start of race two, which saw a number of cars
THE MOTOR RACING SIDE OF THE CLUB IS A GOOD WAY TO REACH OUT TO THE YOUNGER GENERATION, AS SEEN WITH THE LINE-UP OF DRIVERS WE CURRENTLY HAVE
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FEATURE
become entangled with one another, Tylor made his way through the melee to come out the other side and race his way to his first car race result, claiming seventh in class. As nerve-wracking and chaotic as it was, Tylor thoroughly enjoyed his first race meeting, describing it as “fantastic, brilliant and fast”. Tylor is swiftly becoming a great ambassador for the championship, and the MG Car Club. More and more new recruits are signing up to our various championships, with drivers of all ages filling the grids. The MG Trophy Championship has been an instrumental part in a number of drivers’ careers. British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) star, Jack Goff, was a frontrunner in his MG ZR back in 2009. Additionally, fellow BTCC ace, Tom Ingram, dipped his toes in the MG Trophy pool at the
infamous MGLive! event in 2013, winning both races outright, as part of the Invitation Class. As a championship, it is an affordable way into motorsport, making it that bit more attractive to younger recruits. Looking back over the build process of his MG ZR 160, Tylor said: “By the time our car was finished it probably owed us nearer £4,000” which is towards the lower end of the spectrum when compared to some junior series. The different classes within the MG Trophy Championship ensure there is a fair level of competition throughout the field. Tylor has settled well in Class C, a class designed for the MG ZR 160 race-prepared road cars. “It’s a good way for young drivers to get the experience they require, learn oversteer and understeer and what the car is trying to do.
“You’re racing at prominent circuits around the UK as well, such as Brands Hatch and Silverstone,” said Tylor. Add to that Oulton Park, Donington Park, Cadwell Park, Snetterton, Mallory Park and Knockhill and you have an eclectic mix of some of the UK’s best circuits. More and more young people are seeking the MG Car Club motorsport realm as a way to get behind the wheel. With a whole host of competitive championships from the MG Trophy Championship to the MG Metro Cup, the MG Midget and Sprite Challenge and beyond, there really is something for everyone, regardless of age. And as Tylor mentioned: “It’s a good way for young drivers to learn.” When it comes to affordable, competitive motor racing, look no further than the MG Car Club. You won’t be disappointed.
THE MG TROPHY CHAMPIONSHIP HAS BEEN AN INSTRUMENTAL PART IN A NUMBER OF DRIVERS’ CAREERS
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MG Tea Towel and Mug Set Price £22.50 This UK-made gi� set contains a tea towel and a fine bone china mug with the Club’s exclusive Martha Mitchell design, featuring iconic images from MG’s Abingdon-onThames heritage. Complete with a gi� tag, they’re only available from the MG Car Club and can also be purchased separately. The mug is dishwasher safe.
Desk Calendar Price: £9.50 Designed and printed in the UK by Martha Mitchell, this 2018 desk calendar is exclusive to the MG Car Club and features a unique design celebra�ng MG’s Abingdon-onThames heritage. It contains 12 separate month cards contained in a CD-sized case, which flips open to become the stand.
MG Mugs Price: £8 A sturdy ceramic mug. Produced in strictly limited quan��es, each features the MG Car Club logo on the base. All of our mugs are dishwasher safe and can be used with ovens and microwaves. The high-quality mugs and ink we use ensure that the picture never fades. Available in a variety of designs.
To order visit Kimber Stores at h�ps://shop.mgcc.co.uk or phone Ineke Sherman on 01235 849737 or email Ineke@mgcc.co.uk All prices quoted above exclude post and packaging.
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KIMBER STORES
MG Headwear Price: From £10 A variety of headwear available from the MG Car Club to suit all seasons. One-size-fits-all MG baseball cap, available in either grey or black (£10.00). Kni�ed beanie hat with fleece headband inside – Thinsulate lining – available in grey, black or ivory white with tone-on-tone MG logo. (£12.00). MG headscarf (MORF) microfibre breathable fabric, seam-free for comfort, machine washable/non-iron, mul�-purpose use (£12.50).
13/12/2017 17:04
THE UK’S LEADING TOUR OPERATOR FOR THE DRIVING ENTHUSIAST HOW OUR TOURS WORK
As Part of the Albatross Group (established for over 30 Years), we have a wealth of experience in organising specialist touring holidays and short breaks throughout the UK, Europe and Worldwide, for both individual travellers, groups and clubs. We take great pride in putting our customers at the very heart of everything we do, providing a diverse and innovative range of tours at competitive prices, whilst offering the highest levels of service.
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.
J
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_Jan2018_1-50.indd 20
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EUROPEAN TOURS
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YPRES & WWI BATTLEFIELDS From £269.00 Per Person
HONFLEUR & THE LOIRE VALLEY From £649.00 Per Person
LONDON TO GIBRALTAR From £1899.00 Per Person
ENCHANTING TUSCANY From £1279.00 Per Person
NORTHERN SPAIN & THE PICOS DE EUROPA From £1479.00 Per Person
NORTH CYPRUS CLASSIC CAR TOUR From £899.00 Per Person
,
DINANT & THE BELGIAN ARDENNES From £279.00 Per Person
NORWEGIAN FJORDLANDS From £2399.00 Per Person
AUSTRIA & THE HIGH ALPINE ROAD From £899.00 Per Person
Mille Miglia
From £999.00
Belgian Classic Car Festival
From £329.00
Monaco Historique Grand Prix
From £899.00
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Grand Prix de l’Arge D’or
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THE ENCHANTING BLACK FOREST From £599.00 Per Person
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Ireland’s Causeway Coast
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Monterey Classic & Pebble Beach From £2295.00 07/12/2017 17:35:37 13/12/2017 17:04
FEATURE
A JEWEL IN THE KROWN C by Colin Grant. Photos by Colin Grant and Andy Knott.
lassic car owners have a battle to fight and that’s with rust. This can be more evident on some cars than others. MGBs, for instance, are well known for their rust issues, whereas MGFs and TFs fared better due to rust protection being added during manufacture. As a young lad in the 1950s, I remember my father using old engine oil to protect the underside and sill areas of his car. This was a cheap and for a while the only method of keeping rust at bay. Later in the 1950s a firm called Zeibart came up with a product to rust proof cars, something which my father had applied to his saloon car in the mid1960s, and I well remember the smell lingering inside the car many months after it had been treated. Other firms joined in, with Waxoyl being one of the better-known products, together with Dynatrol and many others. We were looking to have the Club’s ZR160 Express van treated, as the van is quite rare with only 30 recorded as being taxed or SORN’d, so it seemed obvious to look after it and protect it from the ravages of rust. By coincidence, we were approached at a show by a gentleman called Robert Zvaigzne who represented a rust protection firm called Krown and he offered to rust proof our van and invited us to their workshop in West Midlands. Krown are a Canadian-based firm who have been specialising in rust treatment for many years.
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FEATURE
Rear trim being removed
Water ingress found in spare wheel well
Getting into all the nooks and crannies
Robert shows the fluid like T40
On arrival at Krown’s premises we were greeted by Robert who went through the day’s proceedings with us. He pointed out that Krown rustproofing requires very little preparation, but if needed he will wash off the vehicle’s underside with a hot jet to remove any excess and loose rust. He then showed us the
The underside of the ZR Express gets the Krown treatment www.mgcc.co.uk
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Krown rust protection product called T40. He explained that it is a clear liquid which is fluid-like, as opposed to some products that are wax based. This allows the fluid to get into all the nooks and crannies, being particularly good when used in sills and cavity areas. He explained that underseal products can trap moisture and hide the build-up of rust, whereas the Krown product is clear so you can observe the condition of the metal it’s covering. Being clear is also ideal
Applying T40 to the inside rear door cavities
By using the long probe access can be gained right along the inner panels
for those wanting to keep an original underside look to their car whilst keeping rust at bay. Once our van was placed on the ramp, Robert started on the rear load area by removing the carpeting and spare wheel, which revealed an ingress of water, together with the side trim panels, taking out several small plastic bags containing foam that stop wind noise. This revealed the inner sections where rust was just starting to form. Next, the rear tail gate trim and rear
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FEATURE
T40 being applied to door locks and hinges
The underside of the bonnet being worked on
The fuse box being treated
Crud build up behind wheel arch liner
Robert applies T40 to the rear wheel arch and suspension areas
The long plastic probe being used for to treat the inner sills
lights were removed. These areas were cleaned and he then commenced the treatment using a short nozzle connected to the T40 and an airline to do the surface areas, whereas a long thin applicator nozzle was used for the inner sections. He covered the areas with copious amounts of T40 and then re-located the trim. The cause of water ingress was found to be a seal behind the passenger’s side rear light, which we will rectify later. The underbonnet area came next, where he treated all the ancillary items, except the engine and manifold, to protect them from moisture. He explained that if you’ve noticed a chalky white build-up on your aluminium components then this
The seals are peeled back so the T40 treatment can be applied
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is corrosion which is literally eating away at the metal. Once T40 has been applied, this will stop the corrosion and prevent any further issues. Interestingly, he took off the fuse box cover and sprayed the inside, explaining that T40 is ideal for connectors/contacts protecting them from corrosion that can lead to electrical issues. Next he removed the wheels and wheelarch liners. We were amazed just how much crud had built up behind the liner which was duly cleaned out before applying the T40. The whole area was then given widespread coverage, including the callipers taking care not to cover the discs or pads, disc back plates and suspension. The same was applied to the rear wheel arches and suspension. The sill ends have holes drilled and bungs fitted at the factory to allow treatment to take place. These were removed and the long plastic probe was used to get right inside the sill area. The end of the probe is blanked off and holes made around the tube’s circumference which allows an even spread of T40 inside the sill. Because the side skirts were partially bonded to the bodywork on one edge
Robert unclipped the edge to the sill and sprayed behind them without breaking the bonding. His attention turned to the doors. Here he drilled a small hole, see picture, in each door which allowed the long nozzle to be used, giving full coverage of T40 inside the door. After application he applied grease to the hole and inserted a rubber grommet giving an original factory-like finish. Because of its lubricating properties T40 was also applied to the locks, latches and door hinges. Robert keeps a stock of clips and blanking plugs that can be used when the originals are broken during removal. The underside of the van was next for treatment, with Robert first cleaning off any loose debris with a brush and air gun. Copious amounts of T40 were then applied with the short applicator getting into all the crevices and through the various drain holes. On completion, Robert wiped away any overspray and gave the car a thorough wash and dry. The treatment will take a few days to dry off and the product will then become less liquid, leaving a fine
www.mgcc.co.uk
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FEATURE
Hole being drilled so access can be gained to the inner door area
Long metal probe being used
Greased applied and plastic bung inserted
layer of soft jelly-like finish which is self-healing. A major factor over some other products on the market is that we noticed no smell inside the car after the work had been completed. The time taken to complete the job was around four hours, which gives you an idea of how comprehensive the treatment was. Top-up applications are advised every two years if you use the car every day throughout the year, but this will
The underside of the van is treated taking care not to cover the exhaust
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only be concentrated on the underside and wheel arches of the car. For classic owners who only use their car in the spring and summer this will need to be done less often. And finally, Krown produce a certificate for you confirming the level of rust proofing you have had carried out. This is ideal proof and a plus point when selling your car. The cost for the complete application on our van was £252, but prices may vary according to the size of your car so check first. For the partial application which includes the underbody and wheelarch and suspension areas the cost is £132. For the two-year top-up, where applicable, the cost is £132 – all prices include VAT. Krown are offering a 10% discount to MG Car Club members and can be contacted on 0121 557 3874 or go to their website at www. krown.co.uk. Krown are based at 36 Coneygree Rd, Tipton DY4 8XF.
Who are Krown? Krown are a Canadian firm who were established in 1986, by a small group of automotive experts who came together to change the rust protection industry by creating a company based on customer service, the best product, and a better work environment for each shop owner. This company would operate under a unique business structure called a Dealer Co-op that would allow Canadian small business owners to own a Krown business and have equal say in the direction of their company. Their rust proofing product, T40, is widely used across Canada by the automotive industry and also used by the military to protect their vehicles from the rigours of the Canadian climate. Krown UK was set up 2 years ago and has built up a reputation in offering rust protection on a wide range of vehicles.
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FEATURE
SECOND CHANCE SIX? The all-new MG6 has arrived in China – bringing with it an all-new platform, new styling and the latest in technology. Adam Sloman and Paul Luti headed to Nanjing for an exclusive look.
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I
t’s fair to say that the original MG6 didn’t exactly get a fair crack of the whip when it arrived in the UK back in 2011. As the first all-new MG under SAIC’s ownership of the marque, it was met with huge expectations and, sadly, never lived up to the sales targets MG Motor had set for it. With a single petrol engine and gearbox, plenty of potential customers were ruled out of 6 ownership. Things improved with the arrival of the 1.9 turbo diesel, and further still in 2015 mk2 6, but sadly MG Motor called time on the car shortly after the launch of the MG GS in 2016. Despite its setbacks in the UK, the 6 has enjoyed success – most notably in the BTCC, but also in other markets
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globally, in China, logically, but also in Thailand and across much of South America. Those that have owned a 6 love them, but in order for it to be considered a success, any future car to wear the ‘6’ badge will need to enjoy popularity across a much broader market. As a global carmaker once more, a replacement for the 6 was a logical next-step for MG after its initial SUV programme that brought us the GS and new ZS had concluded. Fast forward to November 2017 and the new 6 was ready to make its debut at a public launch at Jiangsu Wantrack Circuit, close to MG’s Nanjing factory.
The new 6, like its predecessor, shares a common platform with a China-only Roewe vehicle, in this case the VW Passat-like Roewe i6; where the i6 is a somewhat conservativelooking car, the MG is afforded suitably sporting looks, adopting the new family face as seen on the new ZS and the E-Motion coupe concept. In profile there are hints of Porsche Panamera and to the rear, Mercedes E-Class. These looks blend together to create a car that has a much more premium look to it than the outgoing car, while retaining the sleek, fastback style that many found so appealing about the original 6.
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Inside, the move up market continues – the interior is dominated on the top-spec ‘Trophy’ model by a large ten-inch touch screen that’s home to a comprehensive infotainment system that controls everything from the radio, to the satnav, to the heating and ventilation.
A flat-bottomed steering wheel is trimmed in soft, supple leather, with a second display screen located between the speedo and rev counter. It’s reminiscent of the layout in cars such as the Audi A4. This screen can be altered to show the car’s speed, trip computer or the satnav instructions. The dash is clad in leather, with a centre console surround featuring a
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carbon fibre-style finish. The seats on our test car were finished in two-tone, red and black leather. They’re more supportive than in recent MGs – more akin to the kind of thing you might expect to find in a top-spec MG ZT – they add to the sense of sportiness in the new 6. The same two-tone approach extends to the doors, with red leather centres to the doorcards completing the interior. While MG have upped the ante in terms of interior style and quality, the original car’s trump card, its practicality, hasn’t been forgotten. In the cabin, there’s loads of room – I may not be the tallest but I found both the driver’s seat and the rear passenger seats comfortable and spacious. The large boot remains, meaning that the fastback will happily swallow plenty of luggage, shopping and more. The 6 is offered with a 1.5 turbo, as found in the MG GS. It develops around 166bhp, with 185ft lbs of
torque. There are two gearboxes – a six-speed manual and a one auto, complete with F1-style paddle shift. Top speed is limited to 130mph. A push button start stirs the 6 into life, with a suitably hushed engine. Moving off, the 6 responds well to being wound up and quickly reaches the legal speed limit. Thankfully
The Launch MG launches in China are always grand affairs and the 6 launch was no different. China in November is surprisingly chilly, but despite that, a huge crowd turned out for the event. Flanked by an MGC GT and a dozen Victoria’s Secret lingerie models, it was a decidedly showbiz event. Myself and Paul were joined on stage by former MG Car Club racer and World Touring Car Championship Champion, Rob Huff, as part of MG’s ‘Turbo Team’ – a group of drivers, Car Club officials and celebs charged with training drivers and demonstrating the sporting abilities of MG’s cars on the circuits. Paul and Rob had spent the day prior to the launch with one of the models, filming her progress as they helped her refine her technique and improver her lap times. The film was shown to the audience, much to their delight, while an MG6 stunt shown, culminating with the car completing a jump, concluded the evening.
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FEATURE
A racer’s view
MG had arranged private use of the Wantrack Circuit for our test, meaning we’re allowed to explore the car’s abilities more liberally than perhaps we might on a typical A road or motorway. Feeding the car into the bends reveals a well set-up chassis, though the steering is a little soft – something typical of the more relaxed set-up found on China-market cars. That said, it cornered flatly and despite its size is pretty chuckable and on an empty race circuit, the 6 quickly reveals itself to be a fun and engaging companion, much like its predecessor. After a few laps we switched cars into an auto and found much the same results. The auto ‘box worked well and delivered smooth shifts up and down. Despite being limited to just over an hour of track time, the new MG6 has done enough to leave a very
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positive impression. As good as the old car was in terms of its road manners and practicality, the new car is a very clear development of the original, taking much of what was successful about it and adding more to the mix – better components, better build quality – it’s a compelling combination. MG is clearly confident about the car – since our trip to China they’ve unveiled a plug-in hybrid version of the car at the Guangzhou motor show. The hybrid looks likely to boast around 230bhp and an impressive 459 ft lbs of torque – putting it ahead of previous MG sports saloons like the MG ZT 260. Despite reports in the press stating the car will arrive in the UK at some point in 2018, MG Motor UK have yet to confirm if we will see the car on British roads. Would you consider the new MG6? Let us know…
Paul Luti is one of the leading lights in the MG Trophy. Paul’s exploits in his MG ZR are well known to MG motorsport fans – Paul was invited by MG to attend the launch to offer his services as a driver coach and also to give his view on the new 6. Fast forward to November 2017 and I find myself in Nanjing, China, for the launch of the new MG6. Would it be an improvement? The answer is yes! To start with, its better looking and from some angles looks mean and purposeful. It really does make the original MG6 look old. The new-style grille with chrome detail is something that only lately has been seen on new model Mercedes. It seems MG has upped its game. The top spec model we played with had a stunning interior. Leather seats that you would pay extra for should you need to, and a huge touchscreen centre console that looks like something from the new Tesla. MG are certainly up to date with this car. The chassis felt very familiar to the previous MG6, which in my opinion is a great thing. The car was very stable on initial turn in. No matter how hard I tried, lift off oversteer was near enough impossible. Let’s hope we get to see this new MG6 hit the shores of the UK sometime soon!
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FEATURE
CARBURATION THE MANCHESTER XPAG TESTS By Paul Ireland
Introduction Firstly, apologies for the time taken to produce this article. As I looked at the results, questions arose as to the effect on mixture caused by different carburettor configurations which required a more detailed analysis of our data. This is where the time has been spent. However this analysis has highlighted two issues with modern fuel which I will cover in the next article. A previous article talked about how the low temperature volatility of modern petrol causes the hot restart and related problems with classic cars. Suck, squeeze, bang and blow showed how cyclic variability could increase exhaust temperatures, making the problems of low temperature volatility worse. This article looks at how the SU carburettor works and how it can be adjusted to improve the combustion process, helping to reduce underbonnet temperatures.
Reproduced with the author’s permission from the book Skinner’s Union published by The S.U. Carburetter Company. Ltd
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SU Carburettor If you own an unmodified, classic MG it will probably be fitted with one or more SU carburettors. These are a marvel of engineering. Originally designed by George Herbert (Bert) Skinner and made by his younger brother Thomas Carlyle (Carl) Skinner, the SU carburettor was first produced in 1908. Unchanged in the way they operated, SU carburettors were fitted to production cars until 1993. The original SU carburettor had the connection to the inlet manifold at the top with a sloping suction chamber; the carburettors fitted to MGs have the connection on the side with a vertical suction chamber. Apart from this difference, both the suction chamber on the left and the float chamber on the right are clearly recognisable on this original SU carburettor. In operation, the SU measures the volume of air flowing into the engine and mixes this with a metered volume
of finely atomised petrol droplets to give a precise Air to Fuel Ratio (AFR) for all throttle settings and engine revs. With non-ethanol blended petrol the theoretical AFR is 14.7:1 i.e. for every 1 gm of petrol you need 14.7 gm of air for all the hydrogen atoms to burn to produce water (H20) and all the carbon atoms to burn to produce carbon dioxide (CO2). However, maximum power is achieved with an AFR of between 12.5:1 and 13.5:1, having an excess of petrol or a mixture that is richer than the ideal. This is because some of the carbon burns to carbon monoxide (CO) using only one oxygen atom rather than the two needed when it burns to carbon dioxide (CO2). Normally people talk about LAMBDA. This is the ratio of the AFR an engine is producing divided by the theoretical ideal. Numbers less than 1 correspond to a rich mixture and greater than 1 a weak mixture. The SU maintains an accurate Lambda between 0.85 (richer) and 0.95 (maximum power) over a very large range of air flow rates from tick over, when virtually no air is flowing, to full throttle at 5000rpm or more, when some three cubic metres of air are flowing through it every minute. However, an observant reader will note the SU carburettor is a volumetric device: it measures the volume of air and petrol; AFR is defined in terms of mass. The volume of a given mass of petrol or air depends on its density. While the density of petrol changes very little under normal operating conditions, the density of air can vary with ambient temperature, barometric air pressure or altitude. Fortunately, the
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SU is also relatively insensitive to changes in air temperature and air pressure, allowing our cars to work in the winter and hot summers, at sea level and when driving over the top of alpine passes. What is amazing, it achieves all this with only one moving part! Unfortunately, for many, the SU carburettor is something to be left untouched. Once set up, it will continue to work for many miles, but it does benefit from regular maintenance. Also, changes in modern fuel mean that they may now require re-tuning in order to achieve optimum performance. Investigating how modern petrol affected the operation of the SU carburettor was one of the objectives of the Manchester XPAG tests.
The carburettor body can be thought of as consisting of four different areas (P1 to P4, see the diagram) • P1 – where the air flows into the carburettor. This is at atmospheric pressure. • P2 – the area below the suction piston is called the choke. Here the air is at a lower pressure than atmospheric. • P3 – the area beyond the piston and before the throttle. This contains an area called the Vena Contracta, a recovery zone around the rear of the piston where the air pressure returns to atmospheric. • P4 - the area beyond the throttle
butterfly. On small throttle settings the pressure in this area can be a near vacuum, especially at high engine revs, increasing to virtually atmospheric pressure when the throttle is wide open. The bottom of the suction piston partially blocks, or chokes, the airflow into the engine causing the air to travel faster through the choke, reducing its pressure. As a result, the air pressure inside the choke is lower than atmospheric. In practice, this low pressure area extends up and around the rear of this piston in the Vena Contracta. Without any seals that could cause friction, the top of the piston is a close fit inside the suction chamber and is free to move up and down. The bottom of the suction chamber is open to atmospheric pressure and there is a drilling through the suction piston, either at the bottom rear or underneath, connecting the low pressure area of the choke to the top of the suction chamber. When the engine is running, there is a pressure difference between the top and bottom of the piston which causes it to move upwards. As the piston moves up, the choking effect is reduced, allowing air to flow more slowly. This in turn
How does an SU Carburettor work? The main function of the SU, measuring the air flow, is achieved by a piston fitted inside the suction chamber. Sitting on top of the carburettor body, the suction chamber is the most recognisable characteristic of an SU carburettor. The major difference between a modern SU and the original shown above is that the original SUs, used leather bellows instead of a piston. Around 1914, improved engineering allowed the leather bellows to be replaced with a closefitting suction piston.
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reduces the pressure difference between the top and bottom of the suction piston. If the piston moves up too far, the pressure difference cannot support its weight and it falls, increasing the speed of the air flow and the pressure difference. As a result the piston settles at a height where the pressure difference between atmospheric and that in the choke equates to the weight of the piston. A constant pressure difference is maintained regardless of the volume of air flowing into the carburettor, hence the reason the SU carburettor is sometimes called a constant pressure device. In practice, the height of the piston is a direct measure of the volume of air flowing through the carburettor. Strictly, this statement is not true. On early (pre 1950s) carburettors, the piston was made of bronze or brass weighing about 8.5oz; later carburettors (as shown above) had aluminium pistons with a steel insert to give the same weight. In these carburettors the downward force is fixed and independent of the height of the piston. These really are constant pressure devices. In the 1950s, the heavier pistons were replaced with lighter aluminium pistons with a long spring fitted to increase the downward force
to around 8.5oz. As the throttle is opened and the piston rises the spring is compressed increasing the downward force. A greater pressure difference is needed to support this increased downward force which, in turn, reduces the area of the choke relative to a fixed weight piston. The implications of this are discussed in the next article. Connected to the bottom of the piston is a tapered needle that fits into a fixed diameter jet. The jet is filled with petrol to a set level, controlled by a float and needle valve in the float chamber. The float chamber is open to atmospheric pressure via the breather tube and the pressure in the choke is lower than atmospheric, causing the petrol to ‘squirt’ out of the jet into the choke. The volume of petrol is controlled by the pressure difference and the annulus between the tapered needle and jet. The taper on the needle is such that the correct volume of petrol enters the choke for every piston height or volume of air flowing though the carburettor. Petrol leaving the jet enters the high velocity air stream in the choke, breaking into droplets and dispersing as it travels through the carburettor. This is how the SU carburettor delivers an accurately metered volume of finely atomised petrol droplets into the inflowing air to maintain the correct air/ fuel ratio. Damper and Float Chamber The two other auxiliary parts that make up the SU carburettor are the damper and float chamber. The guide rod in the centre
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of the piston is hollow. From about 1947, MGs were fitted with a damper connected to the screw cap at the top of the suction chamber. This served two purposes. Firstly, it slowed the rate the suction piston could rise when the throttle was quickly depressed, temporarily enrichening the mixture to improve acceleration. Secondly, it helped stop the piston vibrating due to rapid pressure c hanges in the manifold when the inlet valve opens. It is important the oil in the hollow piston guide rod is checked and topped up if necessary. The oil should be filled to a level just below the top of the hollow piston rod. A slight excess will overflow the top of the hollow rod and lubricate the guide. However, overfilling the damper will cause the excess oil to be sucked into the suction chamber and onto its walls, which can cause the suction piston to stick. The sole purpose of the float chamber is to keep the petrol level in the jet constant. As the fuel level drops, the float also drops allowing the needle valve to open and more petrol to flow into the float chamber. Tuning SU Carburettors There are a number of adjustments that can be made to an SU carburettor to optimise performance. Traditionally, the aim is to increase power output by delivering the maximum volume of the optimum air/fuel ratio into the engine. Techniques include larger bore carburettors, lighter springs in the suction chamber to reduce the choking effect or removing the air filter. However, the tests at Manchester have shown this approach may not give the best overall road performance. Remember in the Suck, Squeeze, Bang and Blow article how the effects of increased cyclic variability reduced the number of cycles with the optimum power timing? Poor atomisation and vaporisation of the
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FEATURE
petrol during the induction stroke leads to uneven mixtures around the plug during the critical time it fires, increasing the cyclic variability. At Manchester a nebulizer was fitted between the carburettor and inlet manifold. This forced the petrol leaving the carburettor to break up into evenly sized droplets approximately 10-20 micrometres in diameter, similar to those delivered by fuel injection systems. Using a branded forecourt 95 octane petrol running at full throttle gave the following percentage change in power output compared to the engine running on the same fuel without the nebulizer. Below 3000rpm, the nebulizer improved power output by around 1%, demonstrating the benefits of improved fuel atomisation at these engine speeds. Unfortunately, the nebulizer used for these tests also constricted the airflow into the engine, explaining power reduction at higher rpm. Race tuned engines run at full throttle and high rpm. Under these conditions there is a large volume of mixture entering the cylinder with high levels of turbulence and compressive heating. It is likely the degree of fuel atomisation is not such a problem. However, when running under 3000rpm with part throttle settings typically used for normal road driving, the degree of fuel atomisation has an effect. For road use, carburettors should be tuned to maximise turbulence and atomisation even at the expense of a slight reduction in full throttle power. Adjustment There are only four main ways of adjusting an SU carburettor. Two are relatively easy: adjusting the jet height or fuel level in the jet; the other two require changing the suction piston and spring or the tapered needle. Despite this, it is possible to tune the SU to work with a variety of fuels. In addition, if your car is fitted with a damper, it may be worth
34 SAFETY FAST! JANUARY 2018
experimenting with different viscosity oils and using one that gives the best acceleration response and smoothest low rev driving. Changing the Mixture Jet height Adjusting the height of the jet has the effect of changing the mixture over the whole rev/throttle range. On the bottom of the jet assembly of earlier carburettors is the jet stop nut which can be screwed up or down to adjust the jet height. Screwing the nut DOWN increases size of the annulus around the jet and tapered needle, allowing more fuel into the air stream and making the mixture RICHER. Screwing the nut UP makes the mixture WEAKER. On the more modern HIF carburettors there is a mixture-adjusting screw next to the jet assembly that performs the same function. Tolerances on the needle and jet are very tight and when adjusting the jet height using the nut, only make changes by turning the nut 1 flat or 1/6 turn at a time. Incidentally, pulling the choke to allow cold starting dramatically lowers the jet, increasing the size of the annulus and making the mixture much richer. Replacing the tapered needle The other adjustment to the mixture is performed by replacing the tapered needle. While this is a simple operation, with hundreds of available needles with different tapers, retuning the carburettor is not a simple task. This should be left to the experts. Fitting a needle with a different taper changes the mixture at particular rev range and throttle settings. There is a very informative book “SU Carburettor Needle Profile Charts” available from Burlen Fuel Systems. This lists all the needles and their profiles. The charts give the needle diameter in 1/8’’ steps down the needle. A lower diameter gives a richer mixture. Measuring the required needle diameter under various loads and engine speeds with different fuels was one of
the tests performed at Manchester. Sorry to those who race XPAG-engined cars, this data only covers up to 3750 rpm, a typical maximum for road use. This will be covered in the next article. Maintenance Once set up, SU carburettors should be maintained; I suggest the following yearly schedule. For cars with twin SUs service one carburettor at a time and do not interchange the parts. 1) Remove the suction chamber and clean the inside. I use white spirit. There is no need to oil. 2) Clean the suction piston. Be very careful not to bend the needle. 3) Replace the suction chamber in the same orientation as it was originally and check the piston rises and drops easily. If you are VERY careful, you can use the damper to lift the suction piston by unscrewing it and moving it to one side and using it to lift the piston. Let it fall. It should drop back with a ‘clunk’. With twin SUs, both pistons should fall at the same rate. 4) Ensure the ignition is switched OFF (otherwise you will get petrol everywhere). Remove the float chamber lid and float. Clean out any debris or water from the bottom of the float chamber. This is very important if you are using ethanol blended fuel. Watch out for the later articles. 5) Apply a little light oil to the throttle spindles. Conclusion The SU carburettor is a marvel of engineering and, if properly maintained, will give many years of service. The tests at Manchester suggest there are minor tweaks that will improve the way the engine runs on modern petrol and have identified two areas where problems occur. The detailed findings from the tests and suggested tweaks will be covered in the next article.
* a s
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MGB GT for sale in the traders area Black Tulip Midget on the Lancaster stand
LANCASTER INSURANCE
CLASSIC MOTOR SHOW
T
he MG Car Club brought star quality to the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at Birmingham’s NEC over the weekend, hosting a packed display and welcoming Wheeler Dealers star Mike Brewer to discuss the progress of his MGA project in front of hundreds of fans.
This year’s show was the 33rd since the event was founded in 1984. It attracted more than 70,000 people over its three days, with 2,500 vehicles on display amongst five packed halls and 257 clubs present. The MGCC’s display featured seven excellent cars, embracing the show’s ‘Family Ties’ theme with plenty of variety.
The new MG ZS
As well as the birthday pairing of the Y-Type and MGC, which are celebrating their 70th and 50th anniversaries respectively, the stand played host to an MG ZB Magnette and a stunning low-mileage MG TF Spark. A huge number of visitors were excited by the presence of the modified MGB GT built as a SAIC Intern Project, and for many the show offered the first chance to get up close and personal with the latest member of the MG family – the new 2017 ZS compact SUV. Following a vote conducted at last year’s show, Mike Brewer’s MGA is currently undergoing a full nutand-bolt restoration, which is being followed in Safety Fast! Mike is working with the Club, Moss Europe and Rally Preparation Services to bring the A back to its best, and joined show-goers in witnessing the freshly powder-coated rolling chassis for the first time at the event. Mike was excited to see the progress so far, and praised the Club
Mike Brewer talks people through Project MGA www.mgcc.co.uk
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for its involvement in the project. He also discussed the important role that clubs have to play: “The best thing people can do with a car like this is to join a club, become part of the community, get your car out on the road, use it and enjoy it.” The show certainly kept Mike busy, especially when his #ClassicRumble battle with new Wheeler Dealers co-host, Ant Anstead, came to a head. Mike and his team had spent the past eight months restoring a Ford Escort XR3i Convertible, while Ant and his team built a 1950s-inspired single-seater race car from scratch. When Silverstone Auctions put the hammer down on both cars, it was declared a draw, with both cars selling for £22,500 including premium. All the money raised will go to Mike and Ant’s chosen charities – The Marie Crawford Boyd Foundation and Harrison’s Fund. Elsewhere, a number of great MGs were scattered around the show. One of our favourites was the freshly restored MG Metro of FWD Register Chairman, Ben Hatton, which appeared amongst Honest John Classics’ top ten cars of the show. Show Director, Lee Masters, said: “Our thanks go to all of the classic motoring clubs who not only support the event but pull out all of the stops year after year to bring the most amazing vehicles to the show.” Next year’s Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, with Discovery, will be held from November 9-11 2018. Visit www.necclassicmotorshow.com There was plenty for Mini fans to enjoy at the 2017 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, held at Birmingham’s NEC from November 10-12. This year’s spectacular was the 33rd since the event was founded in 1984, and attracted more than 70,000 people over its three days.
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Ben Hatton’s stunning MG Metro
The MG Car Club stand
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‘T’ REGISTER NEWSLET TER John Ward 01621 773606 johnw.ward@yahoo.co.uk
WELCOME TO THE ‘T’ REGISTER NEWSLETTER First, a very happy and prosperous New Year to all T Types, and of course all their owners, family and friends. And so it’s goodbye to 2017 and another interesting and successful year for us T Types. We welcomed Ian Palmer as our new chairman in March and many of you will now have noted his
enthusiasm and dedication to the cause already. We have taken positive steps to resolve some of the problems of the website, the new monthly online Newsletter is now well established and the regalia sales section is at last functioning again. With the end of the publication T Register News, it is now more important than ever that we keep and maintain
contact with you, the members of the T Register. The way forward is now by the Internet in its many guises and for you to receive notification of the monthly Newsletter we do need to keep up to date with all your contact details, particularly an email address, so if you have not done so, please contact David Wardell at djwardell@mac.com to add same to our database.
THE MGCC T REGISTER 2018 CALENDAR OF EVENTS MG International Show & Spares Day Sunday February 11 2018 at the National Agricultural Centre, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, CV8 2LG Once again this opening event of the T Register year tells us that spring is just around the corner. The Register will be there, of course, in the same location as last year – look out for the banners and posters – where there will ample space for the sale of regalia and a vast array of parts and spares for T Types to be traded on a Bring and Buy basis. Should you wish to bring those unwanted but coveted parts, just clearly label ownership, contact details and the price required. There is a form to complete which you can download on our revamped T Register website under 2018 Events, and labels will be available at the stand on the day. This is a commission-free service organised by the T Register for its members; those participating are invited to make a donation to the cost of the stand of 5% of sales over £5.00. See the press details for preentry tickets at a reduced price which also saves you queuing on the day, or access their website at mgandtriumphsparesday.co.uk
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More details or information contact our organiser, Barry Knight, at barglen@ntlworld.com The 38th T Register Rebuild Seminars Saturday April 14 at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwickshire, CV35 0BJ Unbelievably in 2018 it will be the 38th year that the T Register has hosted a rebuild seminar for T Type owners and, as proven last year, it still remains as popular as ever. So here we go again. This year we will be once more holding the event at the British Motor Museum at
Gaydon which has turned out to be a most suitable venue with excellent conference and catering facilities and the added attraction of being able to take a brief wander around the museum at your leisure. As always, this will also be the place to meet old chums, seek out some interesting original spares, or even offload some to make a space in the garage and naturally you will be fed and watered and all for the price of a few pound. Also, being a little later in the year, it may even tempt you to bring the ‘T’ out of hibernation in the spring sunshine.
A couple of T Types at last years rebuild seminar.
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One of the key topics this time will be an update on the latest situation on the research by the Manchester University team looking into the promulgated adverse effect on our cars caused by the addition of ethanol at the petrol pumps and a briefing on certain precautions and remedies that can be taken to avoid or mitigate this. Afterwards, and very importantly, your opportunity to attend the T Register AGM, hear reports from the officers and vote your approval of the election of committee members for next year, and most significantly the chance for you, the members, to air your views. ... so don’t delay, book today, the application form is at the end of these notes. MGLive! Silverstone Saturday June 2 and Sunday June 3 2018 Now confirmed, well nearly, the annual MG extravaganza date at Silverstone is billed as being the first weekend in June on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3. Following on from the success of last year and the revamped layout, the basis will be the same but, in accordance with feedback and forums, there will be further changes in an attempt to continue to make this prestigious event more popular and entertaining than ever. The layout is being reviewed with a possibility of providing separate sites for Centres and Registers with a smaller marquee for the main Club
T Types gather at MGLive! 2017
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stand and shop and overseas centre. As a departure from last year it was agreed that the T Register would seek to return to the paddock and continue the tradition of hosting a Natter, with drinks and nibbles being available to members late afternoon on the Saturday. As usual, the T Register will be there in force during the whole event, manning our stand and with allocated parking on both days, if you get there in time! The T Register T Party 2018 As last year, the date and venue for the T Party is difficult to forecast by the time these words go to press. The problem is that the promoters of events which may be suitable for a gathering like ours are somewhat reluctant to provide details or pricing structures until the New Year. Recently we have been to the hillclimb at Chateau Impney and before that to the wings and wheels event at the Bicester Heritage Centre; both these venues are still an option for 2018, with likely dates of June 24 and July 8 being mooted. Watch this space, as they say. The Autumn Tour Friday September 7 to Monday September 10 2018 This year the Autumn Tour visits leafy Surrey, based at the Manor House Hotel at Newlands Corner, near Guildford, GU4 8SE. The hotel has recently been fully refurbished and boasts spa
facilities, a fully equipped gym, 15-metre swimming pool, jacuzzi, steam room and sauna, and complete with beauty and relaxation treatment services. That is, if you have time to participate in such luxuries after a hard day in the field, carrying out minor servicing works, wrapping up the chariots and, of course, still getting in a beer or two before the dinner indulgence. Geoff and Annie Matthews are the administrators; contact them by completing the entry form available on the website and sending this off to them together with the event entry fee of £45.00. In the year 2000 a volume was commissioned to mark the 70th Anniversary of the MG Car Club,
T Register secretary, Sally Silcock, presents Tony and Dawn Selman with the Secretary’s Trophy which was awarded at last year’s Autumn Tour Gala Dinner. Tony and Dawn set off on the spring tour to the Ardennes after only having got the TD back on the road for a couple of weeks.
You find T Types in such exalted places. On a visit to India a friend of Piers Hubbard chanced upon a 1946 TC belonging to The Thakur of Kimsar. I suspect the sign on the wall behind states “MG Parking Only” because there is one in my garage, a sign that is!
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“The First Seventy Years”. The then long-standing T Register editor, Paddy Wilmer, was asked to pen a history of the formation and progression of the T Register for inclusion in this publication.
Approaching 20 years on and the MG Car Club sought to update this article, and we were requested to bring the words up to date. It occurs that, in the many
years since passed, there are now a considerable number of new T Type owners who have not been regaled with the history of the T Register and it seems prudent to redress this situation.
country, it almost became a necessity to seriously start thinking about a separate register for T Types, if only to put down some ground rules for racing and competitions in the future. So much so that at the MGCC Brands Hatch meeting in October 1962, this amorphous body crystallized and in April 1963 the T Register came into being. The very first committee comprised Alan Beecher as Secretary, Robin Boon as Spares Secretary, John Cooper as the Bulletin Editor, Paddy Willmer was the Historian, Roy Thompson as Photo Registrar and the racing team organiser was Bill Weston. There was also a technical committee comprising Ron Gammons, John Mills, Bill Weston, Stuart Mudge and Roy Whitcher. It was to be noted that there was no appointment of a Chairman or a Secretary in those early days. The first copy of The Bulletin was issued in April 1963 when it was recorded that there were 75 members signed up; by the Brands Hatch meeting in October 1963 this had grown to a couple of hundred. Year-on-year the membership has steadily grown and as a result the T Register now holds details of over 14,000 T Types in the UK and the Rest of the World. The Bulletin continued to be produced in one form or another right up to 1980, when on the demise of the MG Car Company, it was incorporated into the MG Car Club Safety Fast! magazine as a way of cutting costs. The Bulletin re-emerged in January 1999 as an eight page A5 version and this continued to develop and expand until November 2003, when it had become an 18-page magazine. As well as the bulletins, there was
running concurrently a monthly T Type Newsletter, mainly produced for the purpose of advising competitors and marshals to get along to the meetings and events. There were 33 editions of the Newsletter produced, usually with a print run of only 50 copies, and even that sounds copious enough, particularly on the dreaded Gestetner machine. In the Interim, in 1987 the first T Register Yearbook was produced which, although a long time in its gestation, would carry on through to 2004, having become a quality 50-page exclusive glossy magazine. 2004 saw the arrival of a completely new style of publication. This was to combine all the T Register news and reports, technical articles and comment contained in the quarterly bulletin but also in conjunction with the monthly Register notes in Safety Fast! This was published bi-monthly and available to subscribers on an annual donation basis, printed in an A5 format called Totally T Type or TTT. This ran through to November 2010, when time for a change again and the magazine T Register News was inaugurated in an A4 format and available free online and now, to bring things right up to date, there is a new-style monthly Newsletter available online to members. Over the years, as well as maintaining and supporting its racing interests, the Register has extended into many other fields and aspects of T Type ownership. Way back in 1980 it ran the first Rebuild Seminar, later imitated by other Registers. This event is still ongoing and was recently held for the 37th successive time. In 1983 the first T Register T Party was held at the Shuttleworth Vintage
THE T REGISTER
The last MG T Type rolled off the production line in April 1955. The T Types had been the mainstay of MG production since 1936 and in excess of 52,000 cars were made over a period of 19 years, only interrupted by the intervention of World War II. At the end of the 1950s and early ‘60s a generation of war babies reached adulthood and started racing, sprinting and hill climbing these basically rather tired T Types, mainly TCs. Others had them as student runabouts or as their first cars after gaining employment. All the spares were, of course, second hand and being basically of Morris origin many parts were interchangeable and made to fit if the correct bit was not to hand. There was at that time a thriving MG Car Club. This Club, having been formed in 1930, encouraged, as it does today, new members and many of these new boys joined and started frequenting “noggin and natters”, as they became known. These monthly meetings were held in local pubs and hostelries and were where the racers and non-racing enthusiasts regularly met, and with a great deal of cross pollination this resulted in a larger number of owners also taking up racing. Judging by the enthusiasm and activity spawned from the various race meetings at circuits up and down the
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Aeroplane Collection, and in the 50th Anniversary year we saw a return to this iconic venue. One of the most popular events in the Register calendar is the Autumn Tour. Started in 1993 with a trip to the Wye Valley, it has been going strong ever since, with up to 60 T Types gracing various parts of the countryside for a weekend of pure nostalgia. The recording of current owners and tracing previous owners of T Types continues to be an important aspect of membership and many enquiries are received each year in this connection. These records, together with knowledge of the DVLA archives, provide a valuable service to individuals and traders as to the history and provenance of our cars. To date, there is on file details and information on 1,851 TAs out of the 3,003 ever produced, 272 TBs of the 379 produced and 5,586 TCs of the
T Type racing has always been an important part of the register, photo taken at Silverstone 1977. Photo: Piers Hubbard
10,000 which came off the production line. There were 29,664 TDs made, of which we have records on about 4,246, and of the 9,602 TFs, we have knowledge of 2,759. Overall, that is nearly 28% of over 50,000 cars built since 1936. There have been so many anniversaries and celebrations over the years; in 1986 a run from London to Edinburgh to mark 40 years since the first Motor magazine road test of the TC, and in 1996 the Continental Tour which retraced the route of the 1936 tour when the TA first ventured abroad. 2003 was, of course, the year of the 40th anniversary of the T Register, followed by organised forays to the
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continent in 2004 and 2008, and then in 2013 the celebration of the first 50 years of the Register. The T Register was formed initially by characters who were primarily involved in competition and the Register is proud of its record of keeping the racing and competitive spirit alive and of maintaining its integrity with the MG Car Club and will continue to do so for many more years to come. Latterly we have seen a whole new breed of T Type owners who have a genuine interest in these cars, who lovingly prepare, maintain and refurbish them and where it is as much being a part of a social group as it was to be competitive in those early days.
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ebuild 2018
and T Register AGM
Saturday 14th April 2018 British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwickshire CV35 0BJ
Application Form
I wish to apply for ......... place(s) at the T Register Rebuild 2018 Conference: Name: .................................................................................... MGCC membership No: No: ........................... Address: Address: .......................................................................................................Postcode: Postcode: ........................... Phone: Phone: ...................................................................email: email: ........................................................................ ‘Next-Gen’ Relative/Future owner (names): (names): .............................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................................................ Special Requirements: Requirements: ............................................................................................................................. Catering: I will/will not require Bacon Roll breakfast snack on arrival arrival etc.) ................................................................................... ^Dietary preferences/constraints (eg. Veg; Vegan etc.) (^ We will attempt to cater for any special requirements, but availability cannot be guaranteed)
Your T Type Model(s): Model(s): ..................................................................Other MGs?: MGs?: ........................................ Fees (inclusive of VAT) MGCC/T-Register Members: £44.00 *Non Members : £48.00 ‘Next Gen’ Relative/Future Owner (Accompanying a full Member): £34.00* (* This rate also applicable for Authorised Helpers and Administrators.) Administrators.) Fees include all refreshments, lunch, and access to the Heritage Centre displays until 4.30pm Payment I enclose cheque for £ £ ............................. payable to: ‘MG Car Club –T-Register’ Or if you wish to pay by bank transfer, the details are are Lloyds Bank, sort code 30-18-88, account number 00373841 payment reference ’T Register Rebuild’. Please remit, with this signed form, to the Bookings Administrator:Administrator:- Barry Knight, 26 Hilfield, Yateley, Hants. GU46 6XP 6XP Tel: 01252 875740 email: barglen@ntlworld.com 875740 Signed ............................................................................................... Date ...........................................
The information/materials imparted by Presenters at REBUILD is provided in good faith, but without warranty, explicit or implied.. The MG Car Club, T-Register, its Officials, Presenters & Organisers accept no liability for any actions subsequently taken by attendees based on that information or materials Always seek advice from a competent person before undertaking repairs/ modifications which could affect the safety of yourself and your vehicle. The Organisers reserve the right to alter the programme, if necessary, due to unforeseen circumstances.
www.mgcc.co.uk
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MAGNET TE NEWSLET TER Stephen Tickell 01737 760330 stephen.tickell@gmail.com www.magnette.org
WELCOME TO THE MAGNETTE NEWSLETTER Season’s greetings to all. It’s been a mixed year, as we sadly lost David Johnson, who had contributed a great deal of knowledge and time to the Register in the past, and Trevor Jones who is still very much missed and undoubtedly had more to give. But on a happier note we have a new ‘old’ chairman, as Paul Batho returned to the role, and there’s been a very noticeable increase in new owners attending events, even if they’ve only made it to one or two. Anecdotal evidence suggests more cars changing hands, and greater interest from prospective buyers, which must be a good sign for the future.
A few 2017 events didn’t get the Safety Fast! coverage they deserved, so I’ve sneaked in some extra photos here. Magnettes & Steam at Tenterden seems a long time ago now, on a rather chilly Easter Saturday, but it was probably our best-attended event and a great start to the year. The European Magnette weekend in Austria was considerably warmer! Lastly, Neill Hardy’s ZB Varitone was displayed on the MGCC stand for the Lancaster Classic Car Show at the NEC (November 10-12), and attracted admiring comments for its superb preparation – well done, Neill.
Magnettes & Steam at Tenterden
Neill Hardy’s Varitone at the NEC
European Magnette event in Austria
MAGNETTEER OF THE YEAR Gathering for our first proper meeting since Trevor Jones sadly passed away in June, the committee agreed without hesitation that the Magnetteer of the Year trophy for 2017 should be awarded to him posthumously. I think we’ve all been enriched in some way by knowing Trevor, so we were happy to depart from the normal criteria for the award as a small gesture to recognise his huge contribution to the Register committee and to Magnette
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owners in general. It was good that so many were able to gather at Wroxall Abbey for a farewell and to share our appreciation of Trevor. He was immensely practical and could apply his engineering skills to almost any problem, as well as being unfailingly patient and generous with his time to organise events or help other owners (often through web forums), and he was a constant source of anecdotes, always fun to be with.
Peter Martin speaking at Trevor’s memorial
The trophy will be presented to Trevor’s wife Rosie at a suitable occasion in the near future.
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LOU SHORTEN TRIBUTE WEEKEND The Norwich season finale event was started by John and Lou Shorten before anyone can remember and more or less the same format has been maintained ever since: a Saturday social at their home in Lenwade, followed by a barbeque or fish and chip supper. The supper has now become an informal dinner at a nearby hotel, a more convenient arrangement for those who have to travel beyond commuting distance. Originally, Sunday would be a meeting at the Norfolk Police Gala, a family show featuring classic cars and held at the Showground in Costessy. Budget cuts and rising costs resulted in the cancellation of this event and consequently the Register now visits one of the many other Norfolk attractions. This year Sandringham House was the chosen venue. Following tradition, we met on Saturday at John’s house, where he had erected a large marquee in his garden. Tea and coffee plus a selection of sandwiches and cakes were dispensed by Lou’s daughter, Jenny, and her husband, Ed, a superb family team. During the afternoon a raffle was held with prizes donated by John. Most people went away with a prize, and at John’s request the money raised was donated to Register funds. Also during the afternoon John Shorten and Tim Perkins judged the
cars for the concours trophy. After their deliberations a second round of judging was required, and following another nit-picking session the winner was decided but not announced until the prize-giving in the evening. About 4.30pm the attendees started to depart, some with 100-mile drives ahead, but most to prepare for the annual dinner and prize-giving at the Wensum Valley Golf Club Hotel. Whilst devouring the excellent threecourse meal we were kept quiet solving the fiendish car-based quiz provided by Alan and Julia Cleobury. The noise level rose when a vociferous minority disagreed with the quizmaster but his decision was final and the prize was presented to two new members from Blackpool, Duncan and Joanne Hayhurst. Welcome to the Register and good luck with your restoration. In a quieter conference room chairman Paul Batho made a brief speech before presenting Alan and Julie Cleobury with the ‘Magnetteer of the Year’ trophy for 2016 (admittedly somewhat after the event). The largest cup, the NTG Concours Trophy was awarded to Alan
Tim and John take judging seriously
Alan receives the Concours trophy
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Dinner at the Golf Club
Slack who obviously enjoys polishing! A new competition for this year was for the furthest travelled ‘as the crow flies’. The winners were the Hayhursts, who just edged out the Slacks from Portsmouth. Sunday October 1 dawned grey and damp but the weather improved by midday. The Sandringham Estate had asked for a copy of the Magnette logo which they used to waymark the route to our display parking area in front of the visitor centre. Needless to say, the cars attracted a lot of attention from the public and acted as a focal point for local MGCC members whom we were pleased to welcome into our midst. New owners Nigel and Sue Haines brought along their Magnette, while Mark III Farina owners Paul and Janet Bloomfield came in an MG3.
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Receiving our tickets for the gardens and museum (where the MGC once owned by Prince Charles is displayed) we all walked to our destination, shunning the free buggy ride, and were rewarded with an impressive view of Sandringham House which was built in 1870 and has been passed down as a private home through four generations of British monarchs. The gardens, despite the time of year, still looked colourful and tidy. John and Cynthia Harris
TECHNICAL POWER STEERING David Harrison has had an electric power-steering system fitted to his ZA by Easysteer Ltd, who developed it originally for 1970s Ford Escorts. It requires the steering column to be cut so that an electric motor and gearing can be fitted in the middle, with associated bracketry, and a control box and dashboard knob to adjust the amount of assistance. The column is still rigid from end to end, which means that loss of electrical power should only result in the steering reverting to its unassisted state. I believe an alternator rather than dynamo is advisable because of the current requirements. Cost including installation was about £750, and having driven some distance since then, including a continental trip, David is very pleased with the result. He notified his insurance company with details of the installer, but they didn’t impose any additional charges or conditions. He does comment that the horn/indicators are now on separate switches and the stator tube hasn’t been refitted, so the centre boss rotates with the steering wheel, but isn’t yet certain whether it could in fact be restored – you would need to bear that in mind or investigate further if considering a conversion. The map pocket under the dash was also removed (I’m not sure
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Museum at Sandringham
how this would differ with the ZB fullwidth shelf). I’ll post some photos of the installation on the website, although there’s not really much to see under the dashboard, and just a small amount of wiring under the bonnet. Easysteer have produced a short YouTube video of David’s car after fitting, showing the steering wheel being spun with very little effort. More general information about the system is available on easysteer.co.uk although I believe this was the first Magnette they’d fitted, so there’s nothing specific on their website yet.
SPEEDOMETER ILLUMINATION With nights drawing in, Geoff Knight reported that he’s been experimenting to try to improve the illumination of his speedometer, which reminded me that there’s been some interesting discussion of this subject over the years, and it’s always worth revisiting. Probably most new owners have wondered why the dashboard instrument light switch has three positions, only one of which produces any light...The following is just a short summary. As originally fitted, the Magnette speedo has two bulbs for illumination. The upper one uses the same green filter as the other instruments, to light up the odometer and trip counter. For some time there have been LED
12V bulbs available in more or less the correct green colour, which fit straight in without the filter, giving a considerable increase in light output. The lower bulb was intended to produce fluorescence of the speedo digits and needle, and is switched on the first click-pull of the ‘P’ knob, so it can be selected as the only illumination – it was common practice in many models of the period to provide a dimmer or separate switches for instrument lights, for driver comfort on dark roads, although to modern eyes the dashboard hardly appears overly bright in standard form! This bulb is concealed behind the centre part of the speedo and surrounded by a semicircle of ‘Wood’s Glass’ apparently developed in the early 20th Century for covert military signalling, and later used in ‘black light’ UV bulbs. Allowing only invisible ultraviolet (UV) light to pass, the dashboard would appear completely dark, but the fluorescent paint used for the numerals and moving needle would glow. That’s the theory, anyway – it would be nice to find an owner of a Magnette from new who could confirm how well it worked in practice. There are at least a couple of potential problems: • A standard instrument bulb will only radiate a small proportion of UV light, although I’ve seen suggestions that the original might have been mercury-loaded to increase emission.
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EVENTS FOR 2018
Geoff’s replacement for speedo UV filter
• The special paint may have lost its fluorescence over 60 years or so, particularly if exposed to sunlight. On my speedo, with only the UV lighting and complete darkness, you can just about make out a very faint glow from the numerals, but nowhere near enough to read the speed. Because I’ve got a green LED in the top, there’s enough stray light with that on to see the needle, therefore I haven’t got round to improving it further. Geoff has decided to sacrifice some originality for the ability to actually see the speedo dial by manufacturing a filter in red perspex to replace the opaque glass. He notes that this can be done quite easily by heating the perspex to about 160°C. The filter now functions more as a diffuser to give the dial a general warm glow. I believe some other owners have been able to find a suitable paint to restore the numerals and needle to their original fluorescence, but haven’t seen one with the original light source to be able to judge how effective this is. One could also dispense with the filter completely and fit a green LED
so the dial is just illuminated like the other instruments. Perhaps the most attractive option is to take advantage of modern LED technology and replace the bulb with a special UV emitter that produces much more ultraviolet. These LEDs only cost a pound or two; however there don’t appear to be any available with the correct miniature screw base, and in fact experience suggests best results are obtained with several LEDs angled in different directions, retaining the glass filter for better light spread. This also blocks the visible purple light that many UV LEDs produce, Wray Lemke in the USA and Andy Dear in the UK have devoted considerable trial and error to devising a suitable mounting for an array of LEDs, and the results in Wray’s speedo seen below are very impressive – almost certainly better than when the Magnette was new! Note, however, that if you’ve replaced the upper bulb with an LED it may be found that the green illumination is too bright in comparison with the fluorescent glow, so it will need to be dimmed by reducing the current.
As always, most owners will receive the list of planned events and any updates by email or post from John and Cynthia Harris, or you can check on magnette.org for the latest information. Here’s some highlights from the 2018 calendar so you can get them in your diary. Magnettes & Steam, March 31 (Easter Saturday). The venue for the traditional season-opener hadn’t been absolutely fixed as of going to press, but it should be confirmed by the time you read this. Chichester MGOC at Arundel Castle, April 15. Local Magnette owner Mark Bacchus is able to reserve parking for us, providing you contact him in advance if planning to come (01243 814264). Register Weekend, July 14-15. The venue is not yet fixed, but we hope to be in Shropshire, which was originally the plan for 2017. Harrogate MG Show, August 11-12. David Griffiths has again kindly offered to reserve space for Magnettes on the show site at Pateley Bridge. Kop Hill Climb, September 1516. Keep an eye on their website if you hope to do the climb yourself, as applications are always oversubscribed as soon as they open. Lou Shorten Tribute Weekend, October 6-7. As previously mentioned, this will include a Saturday afternoon ‘tech session’ of general interest, at John Shorten’s.
Wray Lemke’s speedo with UV glow
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MGC NEWSLET TER Mike Haughton email: mgc_mike@btinternet.com Memories of warmer months. Paul Mol heading out to Cosford Airfield
WELCOME TO THE MGC NEWSLETTER
Let the merriment begin, the C Register Christmas dinner at Salford Hall
Vic, blending nicely into the decor!
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First things first. On behalf of the C Register committee we would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year. We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas with lots of MG goodies delivered by Santa. At the time of writing we have just held the C Register Christmas dinner at Salford Hall, with many favourable comments on the historical aspect of the building. Vic scooped the prize for the ‘most conservative hat’. Moving into the new year there are a number of events which you may wish to include in your diary. Sunday April 8 – Brooklands MG Era Day. Our AGM will be held on May 4 at the Red Lion Hotel in Salisbury. This is followed by the Downton Engineering Works Show on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6. This coincides with the local ‘Cuckoo Fair’ held on Saturday in Downton and is highly recommended.
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Mike Rowan’s C at the Classic Car Show, NEC
MGLive!, Silverstone – June 2-3 (provisional). MGC Day 2018 – Fawley Hill Museum, Henley-on-Thames, on July 1. Prior to the event on the Sunday we will be holding the C Register summer dinner at the Bear Hotel in Gerrards Cross. Booking forms for the weekend event can be downloaded from www.mgcc.co.uk/mgc-register/ Any of you who were brave enough to face the challenge of attending the Classic Motor Show at
the NEC, Birmingham, in November will have hopefully made it to the MG Car Club stand. Mike Rowan’s roadster had pride of place on the stand and generated a considerable amount of interest. By way of a change this edition, Vic Young has compiled a series of technical notes for maintaining and improving your car. Happy C Motoring. Colin Howes
Rick Parry arriving at Cosford in his UM Special for the 50th Anniversary run
www.mgcc.co.uk
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MGC NEWSLET TER
GUIDANCE AND HELP AVAILABLE FOR ALL C REGISTER MEMBERS Relay controlled overdrive operation – Fitting a relay to control the overdrive operation reduces the load taken by the overdrive switch. The wires can be found in a bunch under the brake box; yellow wires connect to one side of relay coil, other side of relay coil connects to chassis earth. I suggest using one of the relay mounting screws for this connection. Add a new wire ‘white is correct colour’ (ignition switch controlled power), locate the four-way snap connector (found in the bunch under the brake box) and connect to one side of relay switched contacts, other side of relay contact connects back to overdrive feed (where yellow wire was removed). Tachometer problems RVI type – A tacho from an MGB has the same parts inside, it just has a different calibration. Swap over the innards, keeping the six-cylinder dial. There is a sticker on the rear of the case, under this is an adjusting potentiometer (small screwdriver slot). Connect a timing light that reads revs and connect up the tachometer. On the face of the tachometer are calibration marks. These take the form of two white marks on the outer white ring at each 1500, 4000 and 6000 revs positions. Adjust the potentiometer to average out the readings across the three ranges. I can also help with the www. spiyda.com, RVI to RVC conversion and calibrating the tacho afterwards. Two-speed heater – Fit a one-ohm resistor in the power feed to give a slower fan speed. Use a two-position switch with the power going through the one-ohm resistor for slow speed and second position shorts out the resistor for full speed. As fitted to later heaters.
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Fresh air vents from the later MGB – Obtain the grilles and connecting tubes. There are two ways of connecting the fresh air pipes. One: cut the holes for the fresh air tubes in the bulkhead at the correct size. This is not as difficult as it sounds. Through the radio aperture mark out the centre of the holes (I have a template for this if needed). Drill a pilot hole for the cutter, hold the cutter in place and connect the drill through the bulkhead. I place a couple of magnets on top of a cloth to help collect the steel swarf. Job done. Two: Cut two pieces of steel tube which fit smoothly into the connecting tube. Cut two holes in a steel plate and weld in the steel tubes. With the dashboard removed mark the bulkhead in line with the radio slot. As long as the centre line of the connecting tube mounting plate is in line with the dashboard radio slot the connecting tubes will fit. Cut two holes in the bulkhead. I normally fit the bulkhead plate with six self-tappers with a sealant around the edge. C brake servo Mk2 a and b type – Losing fluid is common. This is due to the main seal failure; a set of seals can be purchased to keep costs down and if the neoprene diaphragm is in good condition it can be reused. Just replace the seals on the operating piston and the output piston. I have a clamp for compressing the two halves of the tanks when putting them back together. I also have spare clamping bands from previous rebuilds for reassembly. I have a test rig for servos i.e. vacuum pump, bench-mounted hydraulic cylinder and output pressure gauge.
Replace master cylinders – I fit a remote master cylinder and separate brake fluid reservoir to all my cars. The tank uses a bellows inside, which prevents any air contact as the fluid goes down followed by the bellows. The master cylinder is fully compatible and just needs the operating rod swapping over. A steel or copper pipe is used to link the brake fluid reservoir to the master cylinder using 1/4’’ pipe with a 7/16’’ brake union. MGC heater valves on later cars (mounted on cylinder head) – Obtain a valve from an MGB, BHA 5298 and drill out the pop rivet, thus allowing the top to turn, then remove it. Cut the mounting lugs off with a hacksaw then place the body in a lathe and turn down the body into a round stub suitable for the heater rubber pipe. MGC B V8 Salisbury axles – The original crush washer is re-used. I machine a shim that fits snugly onto the pinion and fits inside the old crush adding a few extra thou. This provides a ledge which the splayed edge of the original crush piece can sit on. This allows the original crush piece to be reused. I keep these at home. Batteries – Replacing twin 6 volt with one 12 volt. I use a 004L battery in all my MGC GTSs. The battery is 8.25’’ wide, 6.75’’ deep, 8’’ high. You will need to obtain slightly longer retaining clamps and make the new top bar wider. Sometimes I need to trim the bottom mounting pad edge slightly, if very thick on the top edge. The battery fits snugly between the hold down clamps. You may well need a longer cable if fitting the battery in the passenger side box. To overcome this, I fit a battery
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Building engines and supplying cylinder heads for the Midget and MGB for over 30 years. All engines are built in our own workshop and come complete with flywheel, clutch, water pump and front pulley and are ready to ‘drop in’. We can also rebuild your existing engine. We supply standard unleaded cylinder heads as well as our renowned Stage 2 fast road heads. Please check website for full cylinder head specs.
Price Guides MIDGET 1275 Std Unleaded Engine £1895 1275 Balanced Engine £2095 1275 Balanced Engine With Cam £2295 1275 Stage 2 Engine £2695 1380cc Stage 2 £2895
MGB Std Unleaded Engine £1895 Balanced Engine £2095 Balanced Engine with Cam £2295 1860 Stage 2 Engine £2695 1950cc Balanced Engine with Cam £2595
Please check website for full engine specs. All the above prices include VAT
Engines and Cylinder heads are sold on an exchange basis. If no exchange unit is available please add £550 to the price of a Midget engine £250 MGB. If you are looking to rebuild your own engine we also stock the full range of parts you will require from pistons to bearing, reconditioned rocker assemblies to genuine Payen Gasket Sets.
We now stock a wide range of road, performance and competition spares PLEASE VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE
www.skiptune.com Email: info@skiptune.com
Summit:Layout 1
24/8/12
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01276 479647/ 07470 215747
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Bagshot, Surrey
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The MG Specialists
X-Part Auto Service Centre Car Car sales sales Free courtesy cars Free courtesy business cars Family owned/run Family owned/runfacilities business Full workshop & repairs FullService workshop facilities Bodyshop • MOT Station Service & repairs Located on the outskirts of Maidenhead town centre, Berkshire, we are second to none when it comes to MG cars. Opening Hours Mon-Fri 8am–6.30pm Sat + Sun Closed – but our Web Site is open! Unit 2, Furze Platt Industrial Estate Off St. Peters Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 7QU Parts +44(0)1628 629707 Workshop +44(0)1628 636001 Website www.summitmg.co.uk Facsimile +44(0)1628 580291 E-mail enquiries@summitmg.co.uk
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W g c “NEW” MGC ROADSTER – HIGH SPEC
w
OR MGC SEBRING – ROAD or RACE TEL: 01442 832019
FAX: 01442 832029
Hempstead Road, Bovingdon, Herts HP3 0HE
PARTS - SERVICE - SALES MGB/C’s BUILT TO ORDER. CALL FOR COMPLETE LIST JANUARY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 55
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MGC NEWSLET TER
cut-out switch in the driver’s side to allow the battery cable to be extended. If you fit the battery in the driver’s side, you will need to move the earth cable across. The good thing about fitting the battery in the nearside battery box is you can re-locate the petrol pump in the driver’s side battery compartment.
from the gearbox switch for 12volt then the break connection and check the current drawn when switched to overdrive. The car does not need to be running for this. If all electrics check out, check the gearbox oil level. Then remove sump from overdrive, six small bolts and clean out magnetic plates in base of sump.
Combination indicator/main/dip/ horn units – MGs running high-power headlamps through combination lights/ dip/main switches. The contacts are not meant to carry current higher than that consumed by the standard bulbs. Fitting higher-wattage bulbs gives better lighting but the contacts can overheat slightly. This causes the contacts to gradually melt into the plastic, resulting in a worse contact which gets hotter due to arcing and eventually you lose headlamps then dipped beam. This only applies to cars without the dip switch on the floor. To prevent this type of switch failure put a relay in the line to carry the extra current for the higher-power head lamps.
Negative displacement front suspension MGC – Kits to achieve this can be made to order. The wheels only go negative when cornering from neutral in normal use.
Distributor test rig available – This will enable the advance to be checked and adjusted as required. Overdrive problems – Check the lead
56 SAFETY FAST! JANUARY 2018
Tyres – Most tyres are date stamped: check yours – lots of tread does not mean they are any good. Hard rubber compound will increase stopping distance and reduce the ability to displace water in rainy conditions. Oil level – The washer at the top of the dip stick is 125 thou or 1/8’’. Have you got one fitted? The oil level should be above the full mark, as when you start the engine the level will drop. Oil pressure – This should be 20psi at tick over and 40psi at 2000rpm when the engine is hot. If you have 15psi at tick over, no problem. If you have 50 to 60 psi at 2000 rpm then you may well have the oil pressure release valve incorrectly assembled. It is detailed wrong in the first workshop manual. Electrical testing – Two bits of test gear, should cost less than £10. For example, Halfords sell an inexpensive a test light.
Other facilities and services available are:Jig work for Cosworth T5 gearbox conversion Jig work for linkages for triple SU conversion Steering column alignment tools Front suspension torsion bar setting height tool Jig work for cross member reinforcement plate when cross member made detachable Jig work for rear telescopic topmounting bracket to convert to vertical mounting of shock absorber Water pump conversion to electric housing Cooling fan bosses drilled and tapped for both steel and plastic fans Jig work for converting Rover 2000 HS8 to quick lift pistons Instructions to convert Jaguar HS8 to manual choke and fixed needle
MODES
MGC water pump repair – Use Land Rover water pump kit RTC 3072 which costs around £7 to £10. 1. Removal: press out shaft from front to back with the pulley flange still attached, then press off the impeller. 2. Modification: face impeller boss to .685/.690 thickness from leading face. 3. Install press bearing into body flush to front of the casting. 4. Then press on pulley flange. 5. Press the seal into place. 6. Press impeller onto shaft to until .015 to .020 clearance is achieved.
Brake Pipes and fluid – When did you last change the flexible brake pipes or for that matter change the brake and clutch fluid? These do not last forever. Replacing them with modern nylon/stainless steel pipes will give a firmer feel to the brake pedal.
A simple light looks like a screwdriver with a bulb in it and a crocodile clip at one end. If looking for a loss of power, connect the crocodile clip to an earth point, place the probe end of the tester where there should be power. If it lights up, then the circuit is good. It is this simple to check if power is getting through. The test light can also be modified to prove an earth is present. Remove the bulb (you now have a spare) and replace with a fuse, 15 amps is about right. This gives you the ability to check for a good earth connection after you have determined that power is present. This test lead can also be used to supply power with fuse protection to check if something is working.
For information and help with any of the above please contact Vic Young at vjyoung@btconnect.com or on 07831 701028.
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
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PER MONTH
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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
MG-SafetyFast_Jan2018_51-100.indd 57
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OVERSEAS NEWS
MG3 ABROAD By Sean Round
A
s popularity of MG3 grows in the UK, we are beginning to see more and more hitting our roads. However, as MG Motor UK hasn’t ventured into Europe, it is rare to see MG3 or MG6 across the Channel. Back in August, Sean Round, BTCC and Events Co-ordinator for the 635 Register, took a holiday abroad in his MG3 to Belgium. Here are his thoughts and feeling on his trip in the car. Having never driven abroad before, it was with some trepidation that I decided to drive when taking a holiday to see family. What could I expect to encounter? What would I need? What are the rules and regulations? How would I get on driving on the righthand side of the road?
When Brits decide to take their cars abroad, there are a number of things that you are obliged to do and to carry and this varies from country to country – before any trip, please take a read of the requirements for any country you are travelling through. For France and Belgium, I took the following: • Premium European Driving Kit – www.rac.co.uk – £34.99 – A handy kit which contained all the various bits and pieces I was obliged to carry, such as high vis vests, fire extinguisher, spare bulbs, first aid kit, etc. • European Breakdown Cover – Although my MG3 is perfectly healthy, I took an extensive policy out just in case, which included repatriation of the car
•
•
•
•
should anything happen. Prices vary depending on where you are going and the level of cover you require. Extended cover on my insurance – Cover for taking the car abroad was standard with my policy but I’d recommend checking, should you be considering a trip abroad. Copies of all my documentation, including originals – V5, Insurance Certificate, MOT, etc. Crit Air Permit – For certain cities in France a Crit Air permit is now required, classifying your car into a category based on emissions – an approximate cost of €5. As a precaution, I also took one litre of oil (Castrol Edge 5w30).
Waiting to board the ferry at Dover
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OVERSEAS NEWS
Heading abroad on the P&O’s Spirit of France Ferry
• Eurolites Headlight Beam Deflectors – A legal requirement, and brilliant they were! A handy little template from MG provided the exact locations on which they needed to be placed! • European mapping updates for the Go Navigate System installed in my car. • Factsheets covering all the speed limits, laws and regulations specific to France and Belgium. Having done all this, cleaned and polished the car, I was ready to go! I’ve always been impressed with how well my MG3 performed on long journeys. At six foot one inch tall, and not a particularly small build, I’ve never suffered with discomfort and this trip was no exception. The seats offer plenty of support and the driving position is great! The ride, even with a boot and back seat full of gear, was perfect, smooth and well damped and took even the roughest of roads (cobbled in some parts of Belgium!) with ease. Not only that, the car returned a very impressive 48.9mpg on the 200mile drive to Dover from Solihull, even with the high load, A/C on, and the odd spate of firm acceleration – can’t ask for better than that. After an overnight stop in Dover, I boarded the ferry to Calais. Having paid for priority boarding, I was first to disembark at the other end. As I eased off of the ferry, the car certainly drew a lot of attention and looks, not just because of the John Woods Motorcaresupplied Cybox Exhaust, either! As I eased through France and into Belgium on the motorways, more and more people took a good look as they drove past. It was clear that not many had been seen over there before
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MG3 alone in a car park in Soignies, Belgium
and the attention it drew certainly put a smile on my face. Throughout my time in Belgium, a number of people commented on the car, impressed with how it looked, the colour, the exhaust system and how it sounded. One guy even said he wanted one! My family live in a village called Lombise in Belgium, some two hours and 120 miles away from Calais. Throughout the route, I drove through a number of country lanes and, boy, was it fun – it was clear the ‘Go 3njoy’ motto was true. The handling was just brilliant, as it always had been. Grip is excellent from the Goodyear Efficient Grip Tyres, and the chassis an absolute pleasure. It made the journey to and from, and throughout Belgium, an absolute joy!
One of the most impressive bits about the car was the Go Navigate System. Not once did it let me down, get confused, get me lost. Instructions were always given in good time, and the speed limits displayed in mph not kph, which made sticking to the varying speed limits easy. It has a handy little information pop-up, too, when you cross borders to remind you of the various limits, which is great! Reflecting on the journey, would I have done anything any differently? No, I wouldn’t! The decision to drive and take the MG3 was by far and away the right one and made the holiday all the more enjoyable. Anyone considering a trip abroad in their modern MG should stop thinking about it and just do it!
My MG3 parked up in Lombise, Belgium JANUARY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 59
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THE BIRKET T 2017
THE BIRKETT 2017 T Words and photos by Dickon Siddall
he morning was crisp and bright. It was 7.00am when the MG Cup Peter Best Insurance team assembled in garage 5A at Silverstone to make ready for qualifying for The Birkett, the annual end of season relay race that runs for six hours on the historic Grand Prix circuit. The team, pulled together by Peter Burchill, MG Cup/Cockshoot Cup stalwart, was made up of 5 MG ZS racecars that have been a familiar sight at MGCC race meetings in recent years. Described by one of it’s members as comprising 4 aging racers and 2 whippersnappers, the drivers were the aforementioned Peter Burchill, Howard Hunt, Craig Bayston, Phil Bowden, Jason Simm and guest driver Chris
Warburton who would share Howard’s car. As team manager, John Warburton headed the support crew of mechanics Fred and Tony and the multi-tasking Heather who doubled-up as catering manager and timekeeper. Peter has been a regular at The Birkett for a number of years and has developed a previously successful strategy to enter the team in Class D which caters for Sports Cars and Saloons (on racing tyres) of 2000ccs and over and all bike engined cars over 1000cc. Two years ago it worked extremely well as the team finished 1st in class in the Scratch race and 2nd in class on Handicap in heavy rain. However other teams clearly had the
same idea this year and at signing on in Race Control we realised that we would be competing against Radicals, Seat Leon Cup Cars, BMW M3’s and other more powerful slick shod cars. We knew straight away that it was going to be hard work in Class D this year. Qualifying commenced at 9.00am. All the drivers were due to complete a 15-minute session to get a feel for the track and conditions, the Grid positions being determined by the organisers, not the lap times achieved during qualifying. The first five qualifying sessions went well for us. Then Howard went out on track and came back on the end of a towrope! The clutch had failed
Chris Warburton with a Saker RapX S1 and a Racekits Falcon for company
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THE BIRKET T 2017
Craig Bayston passed the Bentley Turbo-R of Top Gear’s Matt Le Blanc on the run into Brooklands
which caused some consternation during the final team briefing at 11.00. However, spirits rose again when Peter declared that he had been a good Boy Scout and had a spare clutch and release assembly in his van. As Jason prepared to go out on track to start the race John, Fred and Chris started work to change Howard’s clutch. With John otherwise engaged, Heather abandoned the catering and readied herself for the timekeeping duties. As the 11.45 start time approached 70 cars left the assembly area and formed up on the grid. Jason lined up on row 24 in P47. The rolling start behind the safety car gave him time to get some heat in the slicks prior to a good run out of Woodcote being careful not to overtake anyone before the start line. After a few laps Jason had a coming together with another car at Luffield. The impact was hard enough to push him onto the infield but thankfully he was able to continue. When it became clear that the steering and tyres weren’t damaged he was quickly back up to speed and headed off to catch the procession behind the safety car, which had been deployed for another incident. Despite this being his first race in 2017, Jason
Phil Bowden about to be passed by a Mallock MK30 PR
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settled into a good rhythm and got his lap times down to 2m 27s. He took to the grass a couple of times, first to avoid another car that closed the door at Chapel and again when he overcooked it in the Arena complex. Then his pace slowed as his tyres started to go off and he was relieved to see Heather display the ‘IN’ board to bring him into the pits to hand over to Craig. But Jason had one final drama to deal with. As he turned into the left kink between Stowe and Vale halfway round his last lap he completely lost steering and brakes. He managed to take the entrance to the unused Wing pits and slowed the car down in the pit lane. From there it was a slow crawl back to our pits with a cone he inadvertently collected jammed under his front splitter. Later examination of the car revealed the stub axle had sheered off and the only thing holding the wheel on the car was the brake caliper! Despite this, Jason had a great stint on track and did enough to pull the team 21 places up the rankings to 26th overall. Craig’s stint was quite uneventful. He concedes that he spent the majority of the race trying to keep out of the way of some much faster machinery but was delighted that he managed
Chris Warburton’s stint started in bright afternoon light…
…and finished as dusk descended.
to better his previous time around the track in considerably colder conditions and on list tyres rather than the slicks he used at MG live in June! After his first season racing with the MGCC, Craig felt that The Birkett was the perfect way to finish off the year and his commitment to the team would become apparent later in the afternoon. At the two hour point Peter was belted up in his car, engine running, just waiting in garage 5A for his turn to go out on track. As Craig passed the garage Peter swept out behind him and headed down the pit lane for his hour of fun on the track. Well that was the plan! He was quickly up to speed and got a feel for the pace of the other cars. The sheer diversity of the other machinery had him checking and double-checking his mirrors, especially on the lookout for Caterhams as they buzzed around like wasps. On his second lap, with brakes and tyres nicely warmed, Peter started
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Howard Hunt, still with clutch troubles spent most of his time on track in 5th gear.
concentrating on reeling in the cars in front and gaining some places. He was having great sport exchanging places with one of the Toyota GT86s and his times were coming down. However, as he was following two fast cars that had just overtaking him he took an ‘interesting’ line at Aintree and launched the ZS onto the Wellington Straight with the engine on the rev limit and the Rover torsen differential and tyres working hard! Then BANG….! No, not his 115K engine. That still had oil / water pressure and was running but he had lost drive and coasted to the nearest marshals post. The marshals quickly pushed the stricken car off the live track and the race continued without any delay.
When Heather’s stop-watch showed that Peter was overdue, Phil was hastily waved out onto the circuit far sooner than anticipated which highlighted the importance of always having at least one driver strapped in and ready to go. At this point the mechanical problems had dropped the team to 68th position. There was work to be done! John, Fred and Chris were still trying to complete repairs on Howard’s car when Peter was towed back to the garages. Immediately Peter and Tony started to investigate and discovered that the middle drive shaft had sheared. Peter had spare left and right shafts in the van – but no middle shaft. As Craig was not due out on
Peter Burchill enjoying a trouble free qualifying session
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Phil Bowden passing the Silverstone Wing
track again he generously offered the use of his middle shaft but to no avail. After stripping down Craig’s car they discovered that it’s middle shaft was a different size and wouldn’t fit Peter’s preproduction car. So all the intrepid spannermen could do was put Craig’s car back together again and Peter’s ZS was destined to take no further part in the proceedings.. Phil did around 25 minutes with his lap times consistently falling until he was called in so that Howard, whose car was now raceworthy, could go out for his stint. He did a solid hour until his tank was empty though his time on track was frustrating. Despite all the work on the clutch Howard was still having difficulty changing gear, to the point where he used fifth gear for the majority of each lap. He spent most of the time keeping out of the way of other cars simply because he couldn’t carry speed through the corners as he normally would. After Howards stint Phil was back out again. In his second session with tyre pressures suitably adjusted he managed to equal his personal best of 2:33. By the time he came back into the pits to hand over to Chris the team had climbed back up to 50th overall. There was just over and hour of the race left to run when Chris left the pits to start his run to the flag. He completed several laps under the safety car while a spillage around
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THE BIRKET T 2017
About The Birkett.
Relay changeover as Howard Hunt returns to the pits and Phil Bowden leaves the garage
Jason Simm at Becketts
Brooklands and Luffield was cleaned up. When racing resumed dusk was falling and Chris reeled off the final laps to complete the last leg of the race without further incident. The MG Cup Peter Best Insurance team had endured a frustrating race. Despite the mechanical problems and strength of the competition, they put up a good fight and completed 125 laps – equal to 457.6 racing miles – and were placed 40th overall on handicap. More importantly, the team finished 5th out of thirteen runners in Class D, which placed the ZSs ahead of BMWs, Caterhams, Radicals, Sakers and TVRs.
All the drivers thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of the Silverstone GP circuit and team leader, Peter Burchill, vowed to fly the MG flag again in 2018 with the aim of repeating the successes of previous years. A huge thanks to the 750 Motor Club for organising a superb event, to the marshals and the service crew. Without these unsung heroes we couldn’t go racing.
Dating back to 1951, the race was the brainchild of one of the 750 Motor Club’s founder members - Holland “Holly” Birkett. Following his death the race was remaned in his honour. The race is held on the Silverstone GP circuit which can accommodate up to 70 teams of between 4 and 6 drivers and cars competing in a unique relay race format. Each team has to lap the circuit as many times as it can within the six hours, with only one of the team cars running at any one time. As one car comes into the pit lane and passes the team’s garage, the next can be sent out onto the circuit. The race attracts an eclectic mix of sports and saloon cars and in bygone years the entry list has included famous names such as Steve McQueen (who drove a Mini), Vic Elford (Ford Anglia) and Richard Attwood (Triumph TR3).
Craig Bayston defending from an FRS Arrow at Luffield
Jason Simm moved up from 47th on the grid to 26th overall at the end of his stint
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RACE TORQUE
RACE TORQUE
A
By Ron Gammons
new year and another season looms so, although as this is being typed the provisional dates are still just that, provisional, in order to update you the MG Car Club plans are as follows: The season will open at Silverstone on the National Circuit on the April 7. We haven’t been on the National for a few years now, and this seems to have met with almost universal approval. All of the Club’s own Championships will be present, along with our good friends from the Equipe Series. In 2018 their grids are being altered so that not only will we have a pre-66 series which in ‘17 produced some of the largest entries the MGCC have ever seen, but for 2018 they have been augmented by a pre-63 series. This should absorb some of the pre-66 grid as well as opening up the opportunity for the larger engine cars, such as Healeys and E Types, to come out to play. Some exciting racing should be in store. Our regular two-day event at Brands Hatch, albeit not on the Bank Holiday weekend, follows on April 28 and 29. This programme has yet to be finally confirmed; however we have scheduled all bar one of the Club’s Championships, as well as the
two Equipe groups mentioned above, this time with four races for the two groups of the pre-66 and another two for the pre-63. What a feast, when in addition we have two races for the MMM and another race for the Iconic series who put on such a good grid in 2017. It should all be an excellent weekend of classic racing. Following that we have the Club’s premier event at Silverstone, with two days on the Grand Prix Circuit on June 2-3. Our guests this time include our old friends from Porsche. As well as the Sports 2000 the Equipe series will be out in force, again together with all of the Club’s Championships bar one. This should be a terrific weekend of true Club racing. Our next date is the weekend of July 14-15 at Donington, this in conjunction with the Morgan Sportscar Club in a double billing with another club, a first for our Club. We truly welcome the opportunity to have the Morgans sharing the weekend and enhancing the programme. And just what a programme – so much that we are truly having great difficulty in squeezing it all in. All of the Club’s Championships as well as the MMM and the Iconics have requested space, in addition to the Equipe series two series. This, along with as an
innovation the Equipe Three Hour Relay, will run into the early hours of Saturday evening, followed by various BBQs in the paddock including, of course, one for the marshals without whom we couldn’t have any motor racing! We are hoping that there will be facilities for some Register parking in a prominent position as well. This could well be a great weekend out! The penultimate event is at Oulton Park on September 1. Previous visitors to this idyllic track will certainly want to return. With its excellent viewing facilities and wonderful scenery, quite apart from a terrific circuit, a challenge to any driver for sure. The Club’s final meeting of the year, on September 29-30, has our programme at Snetterton for the two days and with the end races of the Club’s Championships finishing there, almost everything will be up for grabs! We have seen some truly titanic battles there over the years and the 2018 programme is sure to have some again. Topping the bill we hope that the British Motor Heritage Relay will once again provide a fitting finale to our Club’s season and end on a high note after all of the endeavours of the year. Again, as before, we will aim to continue the lunchtime tours available to all members in MGs – another added bonus of Club membership. All on the Race subcommittee hope that all members have a Healthy and Prosperous New Year. April 7 Silverstone National April 28-29 Brands Hatch (not the Brands Hatch weekend) June 2-3 Silverstone GP July 14-15 Donington Sept 1 Oulton Sept 29-30 Snetterton
Midgets at Brands Hatch in 2017. Photo: Chris Philips
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www.mgcc.co.uk
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H1 - CLIVE WHEATLEY_H7 - CLIVE WHEATLEY 29/06/2017 15:23 Page 1
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DUNCAN WOOD DUNCANW@MGS-ON-TRACK.CO.UK WWW.MGS-ON-TRACK.COM
MG on track
INTRODUCING..... THE COMMITTEE!
A
s Oscar Wilde remarked to me whilst we waited for the early mist to clear at this year’s Silverstone track day: “To lose one committee member may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose two looks like carelessness.” We did have the misfortune (not carelessness) of the resignation during the year of two key members of the team. Andy Ayriss was instrumental in laying the foundations for a future new website, and Peter Purcell ensured that the documentation and operation manuals were kept current and relevant; many thanks to both for their diligent work over the past years. MGs on Track, as with most sections of the Car Club, relies completely on the efforts of unpaid committee members to function, so I thought it might be useful to present a brief ‘Who’s Who’. Dave Pearce has been the Chairman for several years and balances a very full business life with both his committee duties and his track activities. Most will know Dave and his rapid, red MGB GT... or his Midget...or his MGF...or his SV; is he spoilt for choice or hedging his bets? Deputy Chairman, Nigel Silman, is responsible for the newsletters, tweaks the Twitter and Facebook accounts (no, me neither), and understands all things digital. Nigel drives an MGF that he
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has owned from new, and is rebuilding a Midget with a K-Series engine for eventual track use. Another member with a grasp of the digital world is our Webmaster, Tim Guy, who with the Super Hero powers worthy of his title, cajoles the creaking website onto greater heights (or at least keeps it breathing). Fran Guy is Treasurer without equal as she wrestles a somewhat recalcitrant accounts system, and shares an MGF with Tim. Our Secretary, James Mumford, drives an MGF on track or, when he breaks that, an original MGB GT V8. James’s minutes somehow make sense of our committee meeting ramblings, and he is our communications channel to the wider Car Club. Steve Hill is one of the original founders of MGs on Track, and continues in a pivotal role as Contracts Manager. He is responsible for negotiating prices and dates with the various circuits, and his work starts many months in advance of the new season. I am responsible for the preparation of these monthly articles for Safety Fast! (reliably tardy), and from 2018 for the booking of the instructors and the photographer for our events; this latter duty I have taken over from Martin Holmes, who continues as purchasing officer and quartermaster. Martin has an
MGF for track days, and I drive a Midget. The remaining committee members currently without a specific ‘portfolio’ are John Dignan, Steve Brand, and newcomers Brian Goodban and John Robertson, who all take on individual tasks as they arise. Between them they have a selection of MGs, including V8s, MGAs and MGFs. In addition to any defined roles that committee members may have, all take their turn in the running of a track day, either as an event manager or as day manager. The event manager is responsible for the organisation of the day virtually until the first wheel turns on circuit. They will answer any emailed enquiries, double check that the instructors and photographer are available, split entrants into the most appropriate groups, send out information to everyone who has booked, and probably assist with signing-on. The day manager does not drive at the event, but is constantly on call to be a conduit of information between the circuit staff and members, to sort out any problems that might arise, and generally to be the face of MGs on Track at the circuit. Finally, we have Dave Livingston, our President and last of the (too) late brakers! As with Steve Hill, Dave was also one of those who originally conceived MGs on Track, and we can all be grateful that they gave us a sane alternative to the hurly-burly of an allcomers, commercial event. The Committee members of MGs on Track wish all our members past, present, and future a Happy and Peaceful New Year, and we look forward to seeing you at an event in 2018.
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MGS ON TRACK – 2018 CALENDAR Please visit www.mgs-on-track.com to register, check availability, or to book a track day. Registered members will receive regular newsletters and notification of event opening dates. Snetterton – January 21 Suitable for more experienced members, this is a day shared with Lotus on Track. Goodwood – February 17 Take a step back in time with the first of two visits to this atmospheric venue. Silverstone – March 19 Everyone should drive at the home of the British GP at least once. Cadwell Park – April 16 A twisty and hugely scenic circuit in the Lincolnshire Wolds. Snetterton – May 21 A fast and open track; long straights combined with a challenging infield section. Croft – June 15 A shared day with Lotus on Track on a great circuit, set between the Yorkshire dales and Yorkshire moors! Castle Combe – June 25 The first of two annual visits to this very friendly circuit in Wiltshire. Blyton Park – July 27 Not a traditional racing circuit, but very popular with all who’ve tried it. North Weald – August 10 An introductory activity day for those who have not yet tried a full track-day. A chance to explore the capabilities of driver and car in complete safety. Castle Combe – September 10 A second opportunity to enjoy the thrills of this everpopular track which includes a couple of chicanes and technical corners! Donington – October 1 A flowing, historic circuit in the Midlands, featuring the fantastic Craner Curves and Old Hairpin sequence. Anglesey – October (date to be confirmed) Experience this challenging circuit on a day shared with the Lotus 7 Club. Overlooking the Irish Sea and with views to Snowdonia this track offers something for all.
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
On November 25 the North West Centre held its annual dinner and awards presentation. The awards for the Speed Championship are presented to the recipients who are able to attend and our sister racing series, the Cockshoot Cup, also present their awards. As the Speed Championship draws its entrants from all over the country, it follows that many people find it difficult to make the long journey north. However, our South West Centre has a similar event in March and this allows us to present the awards to our more southern-based competitors. This event is held near Bristol and everyone is made very welcome. The aforementioned Cockshoot cup racers are mostly based in the North and are considerably fewer in number than the speedsters so the majority of them attend the event. The dinner which is held at the Deanwater hotel, near Stockport, is usually a very lively affair with varying degrees of eccentricity from year to year. One of our longest-serving competitors is Terry Pigott and he has made a point of turning up each year accompanied by a bevy of lovely young ladies who have become known, without disrespect, as Terry’s hareem. Their presence is always guaranteed to liven up the proceedings. This year, however, the team surpassed itself in that the young ladies turned up in Al Capone-type outfits and Terry was resplendent in a fulllength evening gown with full make up and a very realistic wig. Fetching to some and downright scary to others. Unbeknown to Terry, however, the committee had awarded him the ‘Chap of the year’ trophy. As you can imagine, his progress to accept the award was hilarious and our sponsor, David Wood, when presenting the cup was in a dilemma as he did not know whether to shake Terry’s hand or give him a peck on the cheek. We were honoured by a visit from Bill Silcock and his good lady. Bill must like the proceedings as we have had the pleasure of his company on previous occasions. Dave Morris received his well-earned Luffield trophy as overall Championship winner. The Norwester trophy for best northern performance went to Ian Howlett and second and third to Nick Walker and Chris England respectively. It was gratifying that the magnificent Luffield Trophy should remain in the North for its last presentation as that’s where it started all those years ago. Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year to all our competitors and I look forward to seeing you all again in 2018.
Goodwood – October 29 A second visit in case you missed the first due to popularity! Brands Hatch ‘Indy’ – December 3 Our last event of 2018. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy this undulating circuit including Paddock Hill Bend!
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Terry Pigott pushing his V8 hard at Prescott in 2009
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OUT&ABOUT
ny Oct ober da y by gra ph ed du rin g a sun rth shi re. Th e Ch arles Hills’ TD ph oto e of Ou lsto n in No Y ork the ph one box in the villalaglib rary (book excha ng e). ph one box act s as a loc Ph oto: Ch arles Hills
g Wallace at Happine ss is two guys in an MG A. Dou k Simp son on Dere river the whee l of his MG A with co-d Ha mpshire in kend Wee mn Autu ister the MG A Reg
ck Charles Alld en, A new addition to the Alld en fa mily, Patri an MG B and owns Dad with his MG teddy bear. Patrick’s en Alld id Dav o: Phot A. MG an his Gran dad owns 68 SAFETY FAST! JANUARY 2018
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Wa lte r Pre chs l’s ga rag Type pee rin g out be low e showin g the woode n M G log o wit h his T
Th e La st MG sta ndi ng. TF of Pat and Gra ha m Stu bb s, photog rap hed at the end MG of the Abing don Wo rks Centre’ s Autu mn Lea ves Ru n
Roge r and Jenn ifer Glover in their RV8 enjoy ing the “Y orks hire Pud ding Run”, with Burn sall Bridge in the back grou nd www.mgcc.co.uk
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CCHL MG Specialists
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13/12/2017 17:03
OVERSEAS REVIEW A MONTHLY LOOK THROUGH A FEW OF THE OVERSEAS MAGAZINES WE RECEIVE AT KIMBER HOUSE REVIEWED BY RICHARD MARTIN
A gathering of Magnettes in Switzerland
Swedish MGs visit an Air Force Museum
A Happy New Year to all our overseas clubs and their members from us all here in the UK! As you might expect, the emphasis in many of the magazines read for this month’s review was AGMs, end-of-year events, prize givings and Christmas dinners. If you were one of the winners of an award, congratulations; if you were one of the volunteers stepping forward for a role at an AGM, well done and, on behalf of the membership, many thanks. Clubtorque from Newcastle, NSW, devotes a number of pages to competitive events, including a successful Motorkhana and Junior Training Day with 19 competitors, nine of whom were juniors. Remaining in NSW, Opposite Lock from Sydney contains an article on a 1955 TF rebuild and a report of their ‘Concours and Show and Shine 2017’ held in Silverwater Park, a suburb of Sydney. The report lists some 111 taking
An impressive T-Type display in Ohio
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part in the Concours, so competition would certainly have been stiff! Well done to those who won. Although in Australia when this event took place, I was unfortunately not in NSW otherwise I would have loved to come along, although it would have been in a hire car! The same magazine lists a 1962 MGB for sale, car number 544. Changing states to Victoria, Wheelspin reports on the Rob Roy Interclub Hill Climb, noting that the venue is the world’s second oldest, permanent built hill climb. Moving across the Tasman Sea, the Bulletin from Wellington, New Zealand, tells the reader how to replace the water pump on an MGB, whilst also carrying an article on restoring an MGB automatic, of which there are only a handful in New Zealand. The same magazine reproduces an interesting article on the MG Cyclemaster Roundsman which, the article says, was used as a factory run-around in the Abingdon factory in the 1950s. The original of the article can be found at www.oldbike.eu/museum/engines/ post-ww2/the-mg-riley-parts-dept-1952raleigh-low-gravity-cyclemaster-carrier/ Signpost, a glossy A4 magazine from Switzerland, is a new one for me. With articles covering various events
MGC Birthday Cake used in Abingdon, Virginia
Sydney’s Show and Shine
Ric Collett competing on Australia’s Phillip Island
both in Switzerland and beyond, plus reports from a number of Registers, a reminder about the 2018 European Event of the Year and a technical article, there’s something for everyone. What immediately strikes about Sweden’s Bulletin is the quantity, Having fun in Denmark quality and variety of the photos it contains. There’s food, scenery, boats, planes, people – including Morris Dancers – and cars, all in glorious colour. I may not understand the text, but can nonetheless enjoy leafing through the 60 A4, glossy pages! The Sacred Octagon from the New England T Register devotes a large portion of their pages to Dick Knudson, their co-founder, who passed away in September.
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Brick Kiln Way, The Levels Industrial Estate, Rugeley, Brereton, Staffordshire, WS15 1RD Tel: 01889 358110 info@prestigemg.co.uk, http://www.prestigemg.co.uk
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CENTRES
ABINGDON WORKS
RICHARD MARTIN sfscribe@mgabingdon.org.uk www.mgabingdon.co.uk A very happy 2018 to everyone and I hope that you all enjoyed a good Christmas. At this time of the year, the opportunities to take the cars for a spin tend to be few, but there are certainly plenty of social events going on with opportunities to chat with like-minded souls. During the past month, I’ve spent time with car (mostly MG, but not solely) enthusiasts from Germany, MG visitors from India, as well as attending a number of seasonal gatherings around the Centre – three different counties and still counting! In fact, I missed two as there were three on the same weekend! It’s a great time of year
for eating, drinking and being merry, IF you can find someone else to drive! On a more sombre note, during November we lost Centre and Car Club member David Luscombe Elliot. David led a very full and enthusiastic life, including serving as High Sheriff of Staffordshire. Motoring was always a passion, particularly MG, and he owned a number of models, competing successfully in some, over the years. When, after retirement, he moved to Abingdon he involved himself in the Car Club and was the instigator of the last Abingdon Works Car Show in 2013. Our
ANGLIA
ROB MUIR 01206 862619 Email: scribe@mgccanglia.com Website: www.mgcc.co.uk/anglia-centre
Restoration Trophy Paul Bloomfield is the worthy winner of this year’s Anglia Centre Restoration Trophy for the splendid restoration of his Mark III Farina Magnette. A delighted Paul was presented with the award at his local Club Meet by William Ball. Paul, with help from his wife, Janet, has put his heart and soul,
Paul standing by his Farina Magnette
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along with a good few pounds, into this restoration over the past six years. Paul and Janet purchased the MG in 2011 for £550. It has had five previous owners, the first one purchasing the car from FW Kerridge Ltd of Alton, Hants, on June 6 1959. The MG had been off the road for 19 years and Paul, who works on the Holkham Hall Estate, has done much of the work himself. The MG has covered 71,400 miles in its life and Paul has history of all previous owners. Some parts and lots of encouragement during the restoration were supplied by Paul’s good friend, Mick Holehouse.
thoughts go out to his wife, Jane, and the rest of the family. As has previously been mentioned, we are sorely in need of fresh blood to get involved in the AWC’s activities so please give that a thought when contemplating New Year Resolutions. The Centre’s AGM is in Kimber House on Saturday March 10 and we’d be delighted to see you there and have a chat. Finally, a warm welcome to all new AWC members and we
Davis Luscombe Elliot and the 2013 AWC Car Show team
look forward to seeing you on an event in the near future.
German MG visitors to Abingdon
Paul and Janet are no strangers to the Anglia Centre, having organised two Riviera Runs and three charity runs in the past. Well done on such a fine restoration of a now-rare MG.
the chance, at a reduced cost, to have your MG power tested on the company’s rollers. For more details and to book a place contact the organiser, Mike Pelling, on 01366 386944 or email him at compsec@mgccanglia.co.uk
Chairman’s Trophy A delighted Tony Batson was presented with the Chairman’s Trophy by Peter Skipper in December for his tremendous efforts in organising the Centre Calendar and Queen Vic Show. Tony does a fantastic job coordinating all our events and is a well-deserved recipient
P and A Wood Andrew Woods is organising a visit to Rolls Royce Restoration experts on April 14. Reservations open on February 1 via email at woodsyaew@gmail.com
Events Planning – Rolling Road Day On Saturday February 10 you can have the opportunity to visit LSD Developments, Mildenhall Road, Fordham, Ely. CB7 5NT.for the Rolling Road Technology Day, with
Club Meet News Two of our Club Meets will be temporarily out of action. They are the West Essex Mole Trap at Stapleford Tawney, whilst a new venue is being found. Also the West Herts Club Meet, held at The Hollybush, Redbourn. I will keep you up to date in these pages of developments of the restarting dates.
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Monday 20th to Friday 24th August 2018
Day 1–130 miles via Forth and Tay Bridges, Brechin, Cairn O’ Mount to Banchory (Tor Na Coille hotel for 2 nights). Day 2–Trip to Alford motor museum or just Deeside. Day 3–130 miles transit to Fort William via Cock Bridge, Tomintoul, Speyside, Aviemore and Glen Spean (Alexandra Hotel for 2 Nights). Day 4–90 miles via Corran Ferry to Morar, Moidart, Mallaig and Glenfinnan or just the Nevis Range and Neptunes staircase. Day 5–90 miles via Glencoe, Glen Ogle and Callander to Gargunnock near Stirling. Included Tea/Coffee and hot roll at start, entry to Alford, 2 evenings wine and lunch at finish.
Visit www.mgcaledonian.com for more information or to book, or contact Tony Smith on 07770 927803 email aa.jsmith@btinternet.com
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CENTRES
CALEDONIAN
BOB MACGILLIVRAY 07870 407111 mgcarsscotland@gmail.com www.mgcaledonian.com
On behalf of your Committee may I wish you all a very Happy and Healthy New Year! We are only a few days away from the annual Film Night on January 18 at Kirkintilloch Golf Club. This is our third such event and we always manage a very varied selection of MG, motoring and motor sport-type films, most of which I hope you have not seen before. Apart from that, the food is good – and not expensive – so do come along. More details are on the website. We are looking for topics for the Technical Day at Dreadnought Garage in February, so if there is a problem relating to MG TFs or ZEDs or even something earlier do
let me know and I’m sure Brian Luti will be able to help. Again, please book through the website. At the time of writing this there are only five places out of 55 available on our May three-day tour, based in the SW of Scotland. If you are lucky there might still be a vacancy; if not there will be a short waiting list. That event was almost filled in just a few days. You will find in this issue an ad for our five-day tour next August, covering Deeside, Speyside, Glencoe and many other locations. It, too, will fill rapidly so I would suggest you book now. Again, check our website. And even further ahead, in September our three-day tour to
DEVON & CORNWALL GRANNY JANNER www.allegropeter@aol.com www.mgcc.co.uk/devon-cornwall-centre/
A Happy New Year to all of you. The annual skittles match took place at the Fox & Hounds, Lydford with three teams taking part. After playing two games, there was a break for food to be served in the restaurant before the third. The teams consisted of South, East Devon and Exeter who scored 313, Plymouth and Tamar scored 280 and Cornwall scored 275; with 41 people attending it was a noisy event. The Paralympics were prevalent, football injury with leg strapped up, slipped disc, broken ribs and injured shoulder. One couple came all the way from Burnham-on-Sea, great to see you. The end result was South and East Devon and Exeter overall winners. Barry Smith presented the Pewter
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Cup to Tony Short as his team won and thanked him for arranging this event. The overall best man was James Mumford and best lady was Annie Moores, and the couple with the lowest scores were John and Sue Hales, although the organiser did get the names mixed up with the two Sue H’s! We seem to come across MG friendship wherever we go in the world and by chance met a member from Yorkshire on our recent holiday in Tenerife, who also had a 1971 red MGB like mine. He had recently moved house and had to sell his MGA and TD but there was just room for the B. I think he is on the lookout for a project car but is not going to tell the wife!
Arran is back by popular demand. That was extremely popular last year, so again check the website. You should all by now have received your Annual Newsletter with a list of events for next year. If you haven’t then please let me know. On the events list you will see how many shows we plan to attend this year. There is a lot of work in setting up and dismantling our show stands, and some people we could rely on previously to help are getting long in the tooth! If you think you can assist at a future show then please get in touch and we will get you involved. Our regalia team had a good end to last year with their new range of goodies. But it’s worth remembering that you can have the Caledonian logo on anything... almost! Contact Tony or Lorraine if you are interested.
And may I add a plea for email addresses? We have no email address for quite a few of our members. We do send out an almost monthly email with updates, etc, so if you have not received this it’s probably because we no current email address for you. If you are in that category then let me know or email Nancy our secretary on mgcalsec@yahoo.com OK, that’s all for now! Any questions or comments let me know and I look forward to a good turnout at the Film Night!
Do not forget Ted Lawrence would like to receive any news for publication in the newsletter. The spring edition is due out on February 21 2018. Torbay Natter has decided to alter the meeting to lunchtime on the third Wednesday as it was so popular. South Ham Natter is looking for a new leader for next year as Graeme will be away for several months. The next meeting in January 3, with a discussion about events you would like to take place in 2018.
Dates for your diary By February 14 – Entries to Wendy Keeling for this year’s Photographic Competition. Two categories: MG People or MGs on the move, awards at the AGM. February 24 – The AGM will be held at the Callington Bowling Club at 7.30 for 8.00pm. Please help us to function by coming to this event and enjoying the camaraderie with free food provided. March 30-31 – MCC Land’s End Trial. More details next month.
The puddings are always good on Arran!
A selection of MGs ready for the 2017 Cornish Riviera Run. Photo: Pete Opie
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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
LINCOLNSHIRE JOHN HEBB 01522 683541 jhebb38@virginmedia.com www.mgcclincolnshire.co.uk
January Natters: Wolds Wednesday 3: Abbey Lodge Monday 8; Wishing Well Wednesday 10; Three Horseshoes Thursday 18; Lincoln Tuesday 23; Red Cow Inn Thursday 25. January Events: New Year’s Day Run and P.O.O. Abbey Lodge (For lunch book direct with Abbey Lodge 01526 352538); Annual Dinner and Presentation Evening Bentley Hotel, Lincoln, Saturday 20 (Robert 01724 764144). Luncheon Club: Wednesday 17. Early February Natter: Wolds Wednesday 7. You will see from the above that the Lincoln Natter has a new day, date and also a new
venue, the Ferry Boat Inn at Washingborough. The Ferry Boat has new owners and has been given a makeover. The Luncheon Club visited recently and enjoyed a fine meal, so all very different to our previous, rather brief, sojourn at the same venue. Friday night also has been difficult as there are many other local events (and is always a very busy evening) so we are now meeting on the fourth Tuesday of the month. Five cars and 10 members of the Wolds Natter crossed the Humber one Tuesday morning to travel to Whitby for a fish and chip lunch, with a detour to Goathland on the return journey.
MIDLANDS
ANDY ROBSON ajcarobson@blueyonder.co.uk
In the words of John Lennon’s perennial Christmas song, that’s another year over and a new one just begun, and it’s been quite notable for the Midland Centre, one way or another. We’ve attended a couple of events possibly for the last time, and another is under threat. On the upside, a new event is currently being planned which may help to fill the void. After some 25 years, one of the groups in our Centre, the Arden MG Club, decided that it could no longer organise its popular Heritage Run, and this year’s would be the last unless new volunteers come forward. Similarly, the Midget Register informed us that this year’s September Road Run would be the last unless volunteers came
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forward to take it on. I think you can see the theme emerging here – if MGCC members want to see their favourite events continue into the future, they need to offer their services as volunteers. All car clubs need volunteers, and ours is no exception. In the end, it’s up to you, dear member – come and help out, or lose your events. The committee can’t do it all. Almost since time immemorial we have held a Production Car Trial at Burton Dassett Country Park, near Gaydon. Earlier in the year, we were informed by Warwickshire Council that, due to the thoughtless and unapproved incursions of some 4x4 off-roaders, all permits to use the park for vehicular activities would cease from 2018. So now we have to try to find an alternative location.
The Luncheon Club made a return visit to the Carpenter’s Arms at Fiskerton where 30 members were made very welcome by the staff and enjoyed a fine meal. It does seem to be more food than cars at this time of the year! These are my final words on this page, as I feel that the
time has come for another to give their slant on the Centre’s doings. I have enjoyed trying to cover events for the last nine (?) years and am looking forward to reading the views of our new scribe, Ian Mackenzie, who has bravely taken over in addition to his role as Centre’s Hon Treasurer.
Some of the diners at Fiskerton
To compensate, we are currently working towards hosting an Autosolo event at Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground in Leicestershire. Plans are still in the early stages, and we have yet to decide where it will fit into our 2018 calendar, so watch this space and our website for further information. If you think you might like to get involved as an entrant and/or a volunteer organiser please drop us a line at midlandcentre@mg-cars.org.uk and we’ll add you to our mailing list. Previous experience of Autosolos would be useful. And then we lost a good friend. Towards the end of June, Centre Chairman Paul Hipkiss sadly succumbed to the cancer which had blighted him for a few years. In spite of it, he had gamely continued with his various activities within and without the Club, notably as a
curator of the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists – art figured strongly throughout his life, as did rugby. Paul was also our official Centre photographer, and attended most of our events for that purpose. He was a really nice guy and is already greatly missed. A total of over £1,700 was donated to the RBSA in Paul’s memory. On a more positive note, entries for the 2018 Welsh Rallye (May 11-13) are already coming in, so that at the time of these notes over half of the 50 places are already booked. With the Rallye base at Aberystwyth in a sea-front hotel, 15 members have indicated that they will be staying over until the Monday. So it promises to be a great MG weekend. If you are considering joining us, don’t delay sending your entry. See details on our website.
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CENTRES
NORTH WEST PAUL GOODMAN 01625 876300
The North West Centre Committee would like to wish all members a very happy and prosperous New Year. We have two social events this month for you to attend. The Old Hall Farm Pub group will be meeting on Tuesday January 9. A week later, the Plough and Flail will be the venue on Tuesday January 16. The regular lunchtime meetings will resume in February. The Annual General Meeting of the Centre will be held on Thursday February 15 at the Ship Inn, Styal, starting at 8.30pm. This is an opportunity to put yourself forward as a potential committee member and to discuss any changes or new events that you
would like to see in the Centre during 2018. Now is the time to get your registration form filled in if you wish to compete this season. The Cockshoot Cup form can be found on the championship website along with regulation changes and other information. After much discussion, it has been decided that any MG Midget racing in the championship can use a non-MG gearbox. This is because of the scarcity of original parts and the variable quality of newer components. The first race of the year will be on April 7 on the Silverstone National Circuit. The Speed Championship will
SOUTH EAST
JO RUFFELS joruffels@gmail.com www.mg-cars.org.uk/mgccse/
Sitting in my hotel room in Joensuu (Eastern Finland) I am under strict instructions to photograph any local MGs. However, possibly due to the inhospitable weather conditions and heavy snow, none are visible. We certainly are lucky with the number of decent driving days we have in the UK, so onto 2018.
Twin, Twin Cams. Photo: William Opie
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We are delighted to welcome Ben Hill who has taken over responsibility for the new web page which will be updated with information regarding all of the events for the next year, including an interactive calendar showing dates, times and prices as well as contact information www.mgccse.co.uk
and Phil Standish the Bent Con Rod for his (and Dan Surridge’s) persistence in turning the MG TF LE500 into a race winner. Lucky Dan was presented with a Le Mans Scalextric (with MGBs) from Ray Collier, as he had to miss the real thing to prepare cars at MGLive!. Chap of the Year in the Luffield Speed Championship was awarded to Terry Piggott.
be visiting most of the popular and high- profile venues that the sport offers this year. Some good news is that the Three Sisters Circuit is being resurfaced so times should be quicker. Entry forms will soon be available for the Centre’s Anglesey Sprint Weekend which will be taking place on May 5-6. This is going to be a great event with many other clubs attending as well as MGs. Put the date in your diary and come along to help with the organisation or to spectate. The 2017 season concluded with a superb awards presentation in November. There were some surprise awards, with Maddy Maguire receiving the SPG Trophy for her charm and friendliness to others, David Coulthard the BAR Exhaust Trophy for supporting the championship
Maddy Maguire in her MG ZR waiting for the race at Anglesey Circuit. Photo: Paul Goodman
Remember, you can also sign up for our South East area newsletter which comes out via email www.mgccse.co.uk/ newsletter/ A number of great events are planned for 2018. A brief summary of these is as follows: March 11 – Spring Naviscat April 8 – Brooklands MG Era Day April 14 – MGCC SE Dinner and Dance April 22 – Spring Run May 4-7 – Isle of Wight Rally (application forms are already available from Derek Edwards. mgmadness@ntlworld.com) May 20 – Tour of the SE windmills and BBQ June 2-3 – MGLive! Silverstone (provisional) July 15 – Summer Gathering at Hollycombe Steam Museum September 23 – Autumn Gathering at Michelham Priory
It is hoped that members will continue to increasingly support the events organised. If you wish to volunteer at any of these please do contact the person running the particular event. Novices are very welcome at naviscats with experienced help at hand, so give it a go. Regular pub meets and local events will continue throughout the year and will be posted on the new web pages. Notable anniversaries this year include the 60th anniversary of the MG Twin Cam with the MGCC holding a re-enactment of the factory launching to the press, and similarly the 60th anniversary of the Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite, originally unveiled at the Monaco Grand Prix in 1958 (manufactured at the MG factory at Abingdon).
JANUARY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 79
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CENTRES
SOUTH WEST
JIM LOTT MOBILE 07773 491953 chairman@mgccsw.com www.mgccsw.com/ Facebook www.facebook.com/MGCCSW Twitter @mgccsw As these are the notes for the January 2018 edition of Safety Fast! I would like to wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year. South West Centre Drivers Championship 2017 The results of all of the SW Centre events have been collated
Dave Coppock and Jim Lott in Dave’s TC competing at the Kimber Car Trial in October 2017. Photo: Simon Lott
and checked and the results are:Overall Champion, Ian Beningfield (MG Midget) 2nd Overall, Neil Lock (MGB GT) 3rd Overall, Jim Lott (MGF, MG Metro Turbo) Class 1 – Vintage, MMM, S, V and W – A four way tie this year so not awarded Class 2 – Y, T, Z, Farina and Magnette – Dave Coppock MG TC Class 3 – Midget, AH Sprite, Arkley – Ian Beningfield MG Midget Class 4 – MG A, B, C, V8, RV8 – Neil Lock MGB Class 5 – MGF, MGTF – Tony Blake MG TF Class 6 – FWD MGs – Andrew Till (MG ZR)
TYNE TEES
TONY WOOD anthony@scrutonvillage.co.uk
Season’s Greetings one and all, may the coming year be good to you and your MG and the sun shine on all our events! Talking of which, lurking within the pages of this publication should be your copy of the Tyne Tees Calendar for 2018. This fascinating document contains your guide to MG life in 2018,
drawn up by that well-known collective of the hapless and hopeful better known as the Tyne Tees Committee. Be amazed at what treasures lie in store, marvel at their cunning schemes, but above all turn up and enjoy because it’s all about YOU. The one major change to remember is that our Southern
Trevor and Kay Leighton on the Lion bridge in their MG RV8 during the October Autumn Leaves Run.
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A full list of the results will be available on the website. The prizes and awards will be presented at our first event of 2018, the Dinner and Awards Evening on February 24 2018. Once again the event will be held at the Limpley Stoke Hotel, near Bath. Details of how to book are on the website. Events for 2018 The committee are putting together the event calendar for 2018 and these are the dates confirmed so far:Saturday February 24 2018 – Annual Dinner and Awards Evening, Limpley Stoke. Tuesday March 6 2018 – South West Centre AGM, Compton Martin. Saturday April 7 2018 – Kimber Classic Trial, Lanes Hotel, West Coker.
Saturday April 28 2018 – MGs On Grass 1, Charmy Down. Sunday May 20 2018 – Wye Valley Social Run. Saturday 16 and Sunday June 17 2018- Bristol Classic Car Show, Shepton Mallet. Sunday July 8 2018 - Summer Picnic, Iford Manor, Wiltshire. Sunday July 15 2018 – MGs On Grass 2, Claverham. Sunday August 27 2018 – Wessex Sprint, RAF Lyneham (provisional). Saturday September 8 2018 – Wiscombe Hill Climb. Sunday September 23 2018 – Autumn Social Run, TBA. Sunday October 14 2018 – Kimber Car Trial, Pagans Hill. Details of these and any further events will be available on the website which will be updated to reflect the changes as they happen.
Natter at Coulby Manor is reverting to our traditional date of the first Thursday in every month beginning on January 4, then February 1, March 1 – you get the picture! Incidentally, March 1 is our AGM and rumour has it that, by way of a bribe/ incentive to attend, free food is going to be available (assuming the Treasurer has recovered from the shock). Now, being conscientious types I’m sure you’re all making a list of New Year’s Resolutions so why not add this one: make 2018 your ‘Be kind to the Event Organiser’ year. You will be aware of this endangered species: they are the ashen-faced individuals you see at the start of the day cheerfully rearranging all the catering arrangements, welcoming all those who thought they would come after all, seeing as the sun was out, whilst
juggling a spare fan belt and a gallon of petrol. Such Fun! Seriously, wherever possible for this year’s events try to remember these poor souls and help bring them into the 21st Century. Use the electronic entry form where provided, pay by Bacs and give us your email address; all this would help those poor creatures keep what’s left of their hair!
Doug Carmichael (MGB) crossing the Ford at Eslington during the Autumn Leaves Run. David Alexander took the photo, avoiding getting soaked!
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CENTRES
YORKSHIRE
DAVID COPEMAN 07920 064585 www.mgccyorkshire.co.uk North – Colin Brear A very Happy New MG Year to you all. Sadly, we send our grateful thanks to Paul Croft, who retires as Natter Leader after 10 years; a very hard act to follow. We look forward to yours and Rosemary’s continued support and advice, Paul, at the North Yorkshire MGCC Natters. 2018 Diary notes include: Christmas Lunch Skipton Golf Club on Sunday January 7. Evening meal at the Tempest Arms mid-February 2018 (Date TBC). February 18 Awards Luncheon, The Bridge Inn, near Wetherby. South – Geoff Norcliffe Happy New Year, everyone.
It was a bit cramped on natter night, having been moved to a different room while redecoration took place in our regular room, but nonetheless much discussion took place on events for 2018. Some are on the European Event of the Year and others are doing our own European trip, while the Centre will have more runs next year that we will be supporting. Throw in neighbouring Centres’ events and we have a busy year coming up! West – David Copeman Happy New MG-ing Year to everyone. To the envy of everyone present at the November Natter Howard and Sara Gray from California, lifelong MG friends of Alan Dakeyne (Yorkshire Centre
ULSTER
CAROL WILLIS (028) 9079 9997 or 07831 345560 www.mgcculstercentre.co.uk carol.mgulster@hotmail.co.uk
It’s January, the last morsels of turkey have been consumed and the aroma of over-cooked Brussels sprouts just a fading memory, time to think of warmer MG days and get the spanners out! The Committee is making plans for the annual Derek Walker Trial on February 3 to shake off the Christmas tinsel at a mix of new and old favourite venues in Co Antrim. It’s the Centre’s 50th Anniversary year, starting with a five-day tour in May, so please keep an eye out for forthcoming events. The Centre held its last 2017 competition on November 4 – an
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AutoSOLO at Delamont. We used the common format – two tests, four times each with a final longer test joining the first two. The weather was fine, the youngsters were out in force showing the parents the way, and we had big entries from families including Johnstons (three generations!) and McNamees. Sinead must
President), announced they were on their way to the F1 in Abu Dhabi. Our December Faith Supper was well attended, a great start to the Christmas festivities. Yorkshire Centre Updates it would appear that many members have changed their email addresses. Please update me on d4ccopeman@aol.com if you wish to continue receiving centre information. Vale of York – Ken Cothliff Happy New Year everyone. A good attendance this month (November) – thanks to all of you who came. We welcomed two newcomers – Graham and Helen Towers from Beckwithshaw in Helen’s little Red Mk2 Midget. We will organise another Canada Run around the Vale of York and the date will be Sunday May 20 2018. It will be under the auspices of the Yorkshire Centre,
have the constitution of a master mariner, spending the day in the passenger seat beside junior driver sons, Redmond and Johnny. We welcomed along new young drivers, including Andrew Tucker and James Doggart who are keen to start autotesting. At the end of the event, Angus Johnston in his Sprite came in a close second to Robert Dickson’s first in his very quick rally Mini with Michael Reid third in his Midget. Kevin McNamee was testing his newly built Midget,
Angus Johnston giving the Sprite some beans!
and I’m hoping we can get as many cars from other Natters and areas in the UK as last time, 2015, which was about 50 cars. Chairman’s Chat Steve Dobson Happy New Year everyone, and thank you for all your support of the Yorkshire Centre Natters and events during 2017. It would be nice to meet you at the Centre’s next main event, the Awards Luncheon, which is to be held on Sunday February 18 2018 at The Bridge Hotel and Spa, Walshford, Near Wetherby, and is a chance to catch up with MG friends before the 2018 season starts. For the Awards Luncheon booking details go to www. mgccyorkshire.co.uk where you can also view the full Yorkshire Centre calendar of events, including all Natter venue dates, locations and contact details.
complete with Mazda engine and transmission and looking ‘the biz’ in its new white paintwork. It went like a scalded cat first time out, showing the instantaneous power increase available from this conversion. Food for thought! Dates for your Diary: January 1: New Year’s Day Treasure Hunt. Meeting at 2pm in the car park at Londonderry Park, Portaferry Road, Newtownards. February 3, Derek Walker Classic Trial based in Co Antrim.
Kevin McNamee in his newly built Mazda-engined Midget
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REGISTERS
VINTAGE
JOHN VENABLES 01865 862573 johnandtriciav@gmail.com
Yet another year gone by and we start a new season of events. The VR will see some changes, a new chairman is forthcoming, and it is someone who has served the VR well in the past. I am personally very grateful to Debbie who stood in for me last year when I
had problems with my eyesight, as I should have done the full three years, however I am in a better state now. You should receive this just before January 1. I hope a number of you are able to get out on New Year’s Day, as there
TRIPLE M
JEREMY HAWKE +44 (0)1225 863934 mgk3007@btinternet.com www.triple-mregister.org
News: First, Happy New Year to you all and I hope you all enjoy a full year of MMM activities. For those of you whose eyes never stray far from this column, if you look at the main Club news section you’ll see that the Register guidelines have been reviewed and updated to clarify a few points that have been generating much debate of late. The ‘full Monty’ can be found on the Register web page here: www.triple-mregister.org/ registerlogin.asp It’s becoming a bit of a tradition: Back in November Mike and Ann Hawke’s eldest granddaughter Lesley-Ann tied the knot with
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fiancé Rees and became Mrs Brown. Not only did she take a chance with the weather, she also requested that she go to the church in “grandad’s car”. This is becoming a habit for J2396 as it’s the third generation of Hawke weddings in which she’s played her part, having taken Mum and Dad away on honeymoon in 1960, me to the church in 1990, and Lel to and from the church in 2017. Now, J2s don’t exactly make ideal wedding limos, nor are they renowned for their compatibility with clothing of a whiter shade. I felt a heavy responsibility and followed Brian Galbraith’s lead by making a lining for the inside of the car which covered everything, then got to work with the polish.
are a number of meets about the country. As I write this we are promised some snow on December 9, so let us hope the weather will be kind on New Year’s Day! These meets are very good and I am hoping to try a different one this year. My diary is filling up fast for 2018. Some are usual events but I always try to find a couple of new ones. There are some very good ones about, and I note MGLive! is the first weekend in June, always a good do. Our own spring event is April 23-27 in Yorkshire. I understand that there are a couple of places left at the moment, so get in if you wish. John Burton tells me he has sold his lovely 14/40. It has gone to America to a large collector who I am sure will be very happy with his purchase. I hope we shall still see John and Marie at events in an alternative car.
All went smoothly on the day, with Marcus driving his daughter to the church and new husband, Rees, taking her to the reception (after a hasty driving lesson the day before). The bride mastered the art of J2 entry and exit, with both drivers avoiding stalls and making smooth gear changes. Then to top it all – no oil on the dress, result! Our two photos
It just remains for me to wish you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year. Another photo from the archive, this time from MGB50 held in 2012. John Day’s 18/80 with a rather mean looking MGB. Vintage Register AGM Venue: Shillingford Bridge Hotel, Shillingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8LZ Date: Sunday March 4 2018Time: 10.30-11.00am Agenda 1. Welcome and apologies for absence 2. To receive the Minutes of the previous AGM 3. Acceptance of AGM minutes 4. Chairman’s Report 5. Treasurer’s Report 6. Stand down/rotation election of officers 7. Any Other Business
show the lining (available for fellow J2 brides) and the happy couple with Grandma Ann and family legend that is “The J2”.
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REGISTERS
SVW
PAUL CAMPBELL svw.safety.fast@gmail.com www.svwregister.co.uk/
When you read this you will perhaps be relaxing in the postChristmas haze and looking forward to the year to come. New Year’s Day has become a traditional time to blow away the cobwebs at some classic event, the biggest of which is probably Brooklands that attracts over 1,500 vehicles. We’ve opted for a drive-in at a local pub, which has grown into a very impressive event. The 2018 SVW Event will take place on July 10–12. Dubbed The Jane Austen Bristol and Bath Rally, it will be based at the historic Tortworth Court Hotel, WottonSIC 18/01/2016 10:43 Page 1 under-Edge, in Gloucestershire. Keep an eye on the website – more news next month.
Electronic Distribution At a recent meeting of the SVW Register Committee, we discussed the possibility of publishing our yearbook, The SVW Review, electronically to our members. The costs of printing and mailing continue to rise and, although they are being met by advertising income, it gets ever harder to make ends meet. Some of us believe there is a continued desire for printed matter that can be considered collectors’ items and a valuable source of reference on the bookshelf. Others may think it best to receive such publications more quickly and reliably and are happy to read them on a PC or
tablet, which may be especially appropriate for our international members. We need to hear your views one way or the other before making any change and ask if you would email us at info@svwregister.co.uk Speaking of email, we currently receive member details from Main Club annually and, if you have not informed them of your current email address, we may not know it. So why not take the opportunity to confirm your email
address and let us know your feelings on the above. Les and Heather Bognuda in NZ have proudly informed us that their VA Tourer restoration is now almost complete and has been used for several trips. Only a new hood is required and this should be completed before Christmas. Welcome to Michael Lees who has recently acquired VA Tourer chassis 1937. Wishing you a very happy 2018.
Les Bognuda’s VA Tourer Chassis 1074
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86 SAFETY FAST! JANUARY 2018
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13/12/2017 17:28
REGISTERS
MGA
EDWARD VANDYK 01488 608810 mgascribe@vandyk.co.uk With the festivities behind us our thoughts doubtless turn to what 2018 has in store for us and our cars. MGA REGISTER EVENT LIST FOR 2018 The event list for 2018 is now largely complete so that you can begin to get the dates in your diaries in good time. We start with MG Era at Brooklands on April 8; this year we had a wonderful parking allocation surrounding their Concorde aircraft exhibit. No need to book – just turn up and you’ll be directed to the MGA parking area. Next up is the Spring Tour of the Yorkshire Dales over the weekend of May 11-14, based in Ilkley and arranged by Ian Wilson
(01430 470719). This Tour is close to fully booked as we go to press but if you contact Ian he can apprise you of the options. The date for MGLive! has still to be firmed up but is probably going to be June 2-3. The Register SW Day, arranged by Alan Whitfield is planned for Sunday, July 8 with the start location just north of Bristol and the finish at Iford Manor, Bradford on Avon; as this year we will be joined by the MGCC SW Centre. MGA Day, arranged as usual by Jonny Pollard, is on August 12 and will be located at Canons Ashby in Northamptonshire, an Elizabethan house and gardens owned by the National Trust. As usual, no booking is necessary.
MGB
DAVID BROADHURST 01209 614704 newsletter-editor@mgb-register.org www.mgb-register.org And a Happy New Year to all our readers! I have been persuaded to take on the management/editing of the website as well as these ramblings so, if you a) have the technology and b) the inclination, why not take a gentle look. It can be found at www.mgb-register. org and is a mine of information with links to the MGB forum (for all your technical and other questions) as well as events being planned, outside information of interest and links back to the MGCC and issues of Safety Fast! going back for many years. Something for everyone, indeed! Looking ahead, I have been asked to draw your attention to the following…
www.mgcc.co.uk
MG-SafetyFast_Jan2018_51-100.indd 87
The first event of the year is the Bicester Scramble on January 7. Tickets for this are on sale via the Bicester Heritage website where you can get a discount by entering the code MGBJAN18 in the appropriate Promotions Box. Go to http:// bicesterheritage.co.uk/whaton/ sunday-scramble-6/ or there is a link from the events page on the MGB Register website. On February 11 the Register will have a presence at the MG/ Triumph Spares Day at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire. The Register AGM is to be held at Kimber House on February 17 at 11.00am. All members are warmly invited to attend.
The Stockfest Car Show and Rare Breeds Tour, neither of which is exclusively MGA let alone MG but reflects the organiser’s (your Scribe) personal preferences, will take place in August, but the date is yet to be finalised. The Autumn Run will be based at a hotel just south of Abingdon over the weekend of September 21-23 and is arranged by Jill and Graham Eke. Final arrangements are being sorted out early in the New Year and the details of how to enter, and further updates on all the events above, will be published on the website and in the February edition of Safety Fast!
even one hiding in the back of the garage? If so, please get in touch. This advert appeared in July 29 1960 issue of Autocar. “Call it MGA” is post free! All orders for “Call it MGA” will be posted free of charge if ordered before January 31 2018. This is an exceptional offer to purchasers from outside Europe, the normal postage is £16.00 on a book priced at £25.00. www.mgcc.co.uk/mgaregister/2017/11/20/specialoffer-call-mga-post-free/
The Nicholls Diagonal Suspension Stabiliser for the MGA Does any MGA owner currently have one of these fitted or
The Technical Day this year will be hosted by Moss (Europe) at their base close to London Heathrow on March 10. The day, briefly, consists of the following and will, regrettably, be restricted to 25 members. 10.00am Meet and greet and refreshments in boardroom. 10.20am Guided tour to include warehouse and retail space. 11.00am Brunch in boardroom. 11.30 Technical
talk *1. 12.30pm Refreshments. 12.45pm Technical talk *2. 1.45pm Open forum. 2:30pm Depart. If there is enough interest Colin will organise a natter in a local pub afterwards, please advise when booking. The charge for this is £25 per person and is limited to the first 25 bookings. To book send an email to colin.goodey@mgb-register. org or phone and leave contact details on 07706 925298.
MGB Register welcomes visitors to Hall 3 at the Classic Car Show
JANUARY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 87
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REGISTERS
MIDGET
Dennis Wharf 01296 714232 dennis@loisweedon.net www.midgetregister.com It’s been a few years since I was last writing these notes, at least five, so firstly thanks to Mike Parker and Neal Thomas for doing such a superb job – hope I can maintain the standards. And secondly may I wish you all a Happy New Year. Let’s hope it’s a good one with lots of motoring in our favourite little cars. I’m sure the increasing number of electric cars on our roads hasn’t escaped your notice, and I guess they are the future of private motoring. A shame that development of hydrogen power hasn’t kept pace, as electric cars simply shift the pollution elsewhere, requiring surely more power stations as demand increases. But why mention
this here? Well, I just wonder where it will leave us classic car owners. Will we eventually be buying petrol from the chemist, as drivers did back at the dawn of motoring? Modern technology moves fast these days, so the demise of fuel stations could be quicker than any of us realise. I’ve not seen it mentioned, but hope all the car clubs, those involved in historic motor sport, and the FBHVC, are keeping a very close eye on things. The hobby is huge, and worldwide, but so too is the anti-car lobby, whose voice seems to be growing. Quiet time of year, this, unless you are a triallist, of course. Midgets were once such a large part of the trials scene,
V8
VICTOR SMITH 0208 392 9434 victorsmith@v8register.net www.v8register.net V8 Curry evening On Saturday February 10 we have a V8 Curry at the Lloyds Indian Restaurant in Knowle, near Solihull, in the West Midlands. It’s close to Stoneleigh where the annual MG Show is
held the following day. Many members who travel to the show enjoy meeting up for supper the evening before, particularly when staying locally overnight. It’s essential you book a place with Nic Houslip as space is limited.
Exceptional low-mileage RV8 sold for just over £26,000 at the CCA auction in December 2017
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so if anyone is trialling a Midget please get in touch and let us know how your season unfolds – a picture, too, would be good. Mention of pictures, this month’s shows our longestserving committee member, Graham Springthourpe, with his wife, Carol, in their well-travelled
FYD 600K, which they’ve owned since 1982. Graham is presently looking for a suitable hotel for the Register summer weekend. It will be in Somerset somewhere, details once we know. So that’s it for this month. Newsletter next time, plus a full report from the Aldon shoot-out last October.
See the booking details at www. v8register.net/more.htm
and Keith Belcher. Last month a six monthly update of the useful MG V8 Price Guide was released, indicating prices for Condition 1 MGB GT V8s and RV8s show signs of slowing after a long period of growth. See our Pricewatch reports and updated price guide via the links on the V8 website homepage or via the ‘More’ web page.
Less information DVLA? Earlier this year David Worthington contributed an article on the useful information a vehicle owner could obtain from the DVLA using their online V888 procedure, but in October 2017 that had changed so far less information is now available. Now Keith Belcher has found an MOT history check on the GOV. UK website reveals less. Is DVLA changing its policies regarding information release? It seems it has; see our note via the ‘More’ web page. Updated Price Guide Our Pricewatch reports on the V8 website list all the MG V8s seen for sale or listed for auction by our volunteers, Andy Goves
V8 Shop opens again Our new online V8 Shop is open again, offering sets of workshop notes on handy Twister memory sticks, MG V8s for sale and wanted adverts, spares for sale or wanted adverts and V8 grille badges, plus a range of books and clothing items. One useful feature is a new workshop notes update service, available as PDF file downloads with our easy-touse V8FileDrop system.
www.mgcc.co.uk
13/12/2017 17:04
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MG-SafetyFast_Jan2018_51-100.indd 89
JANUARY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 89
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REGISTERS
FWD
BEN HATTON ben2692@hotmail.co.uk www.mgcc.co.uk/fwd-register/
With all the research we’ve done in the past two to three years we have found and learned about the existence and whereabouts of many of our cars. Many Metros, Maestros and Montegos are now known to us, showing that they are out there. However, the one model that is proving very difficult to find is the MG variants of the BMC ADO 16, despite it being one of the biggest-selling cars of its day. The ADO16 represents the best-selling car of BMC and British Leyland with global sales of over 2.5 million units in just 14 years and being Britain’s Best Selling Car for eight years during the sixties. The Mini took 41 years to sell 5.4 million units.
The Morris 1100 was introduced in August 1962 as the mid-sized car in a family of three, the Mini and the 1800 being the siblings. The MG 1100 followed in September 1962 but it was a year on before the Austin was released, and then followed the Vanden Plas, Wolseley and Riley, with estate and GT versions following later. One car that is a regular at various car shows is David Rachel’s MG 1300 MK2. 155,526 MGs were built; 21,213 were the MG 1300 Mark II but this car is one of just 6,037 of the MG 1300, produced for the first time with twin carburettors for five months in 1967. It is distinguished primarily by the combination of rectangular speedometer and sloping rear tail
MGF
TIM MORRIS 01932 882467 scribe@mgfregister.org www.mgfregister.org The tinsel has wilted and the needles dropped, the bubble and squeak run its course and we now look up, slightly blearyeyed, into a new year. Hopefully it has been a Fantastic Festive season for you and we now look forward to an MGF year as good as the last, if not better. First, a little apology to the Anglia Centre. I wrongly attributed the St George’s Day Run on April 22 to them. It is in fact organised by the North Norfolk Classic vehicle club in aid of the East Anglia Air Ambulance, but we are still planning to invite members of our Regions to take part in the run from Sheringham to Holkham Hall as one of our multi-regional get-togethers. Details of that will
90 SAFETY FAST! JANUARY 2018
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appear soon on our Facebook page and Internet forum. One event I mentioned last time is available to book now and that is the Annual Dinner and Chairman’s Run on March 24-25. It is based at the Crown & Thistle Hotel in Abingdon, as last year, and the full package including Saturday lunch, evening meal and awards dinner, double room, breakfast and entry to the Sunday Chairman’s Run costs £200 (£150 single). You can just take part in the Sunday charity run at a cost of just £10 (MGCC Members) or stay elsewhere and come to the dinner for £40 – you can book via the online shop. If you want to stay at the hotel then you need to book direct with them quoting “MGF Register Ian Wright”
light fins, and it featured a twincarb 65bhp nine-stud engine, as opposed to the earlier single-carb 58bhp engine or the later twincarb 11-stud 70bhp engine. ‘Harriet’ has been with its second owner since 1992, and although periodically restored, an authentic look has always been kept with the addition of numerous period accessories. This car is no
ornament though. It has covered approaching 250,000 miles and still continues as a daily driver. A fact many find hard to believe, as it is in amazing condition!! Finally, I am pleased to announce that we have been successful in obtaining a stand at the Practical Classics Restoration Show, so if you would like to display your car with us please get in touch.
on 01235 522556. It is booking quickly, so don’t delay. At the end of November we re-activated an end-of-year pre-Xmas ‘do’ at the Cricklade House Hotel in Wiltshire. It was a nice, relaxed weekend with a great Saturday night of good food, good company and good dancing (“good” may be stretching it a bit, but there was definitely some dancing going on!). In the morning, Christmas jumpers were brought out of mothballs for a photo on the steps of the hotel – just as well we were wearing them, as it was blooming cold. I think this will be a definite for our calendar next year. Talking of calendars, the Register’s 2017 Photo Competition took place in the run-up to Christmas with the winning 12 photos appearing in
a 2018 Register Calendar – you might be able to get one online still if you are lucky. The convoluted voting system with judges from Kimber House and Brooklands Museum produced our final 12 and a tough decision was made between four of those to take the final accolade of overall winner. That honour went to Tony Dewey with his great shot of a TF and bridge at sunset. Damien Jennings was an extremely close runner-up with his evocative shot of his TF in the city. Thank you to all those members who submitted pictures and making our judges’ jobs very hard! The other winners appearing in the calendar were :- Ian Wright; David Peterson; Ian Trevena; Tim Morris; Neil Collins; Pete Opie; Chris Shurlock; Angie Wright; Chris Hathway; Tim Rowe. You can see all the winners from a link on our website or Internet forum.
www.mgcc.co.uk
13/12/2017 17:29
REGISTERS
ZR/ZS/ZT
& MG Owners Club for their road run. We are having an Open Day JOHN THOMPSON Tel: 07854 275541 johnt5@btinternet.com www.mgcc.co.uk/zedregister at Kimber House on June 24, and heading north on August 19 to the Lakeland Motor Museum. We are following month with Silverstone Happy New Year! Here we are also pleased to announce that MG hosting the first round on April 7. again at the start of another busy Saloon Day will be returning for We will be present at all the race year. Please find included our 2018. Arrangements are still being meetings again this coming year events calendar for the coming discussed for this event but you – organising the lunchtime parade year. These dates are correct will be notified of the details in due laps. The Pride of Longbridge at the time of writing but any course. We will also be returning event held in Cofton Park on April alterations will be published to Lancing on October 14 for their 14 completes a very busy month. in future updates and on our Motor Show. The year concludes Having tried some new things Facebook group/website. Having with the Classic Motor Show at the last year, we wanted to push the been absent for the last couple of NEC in November. Phew, I think boundaries a little further this year. years, we start 2018 by heading that’s the highlights! Time to get Our ‘MGs in the Weald’ was a very back to Stoneleigh on February those diaries. popular day out, so this year we 11 for the MG & Triumph Spares February 11 MG/Triumph Spares are having ‘MGs in the City’ at the Day. We won’t be at Brooklands Day Stoneleigh Park Coventry Motor Museum in May. this year for their MG Era Day. March 23-25Classic Car & Rest. Our arrangements with the CMM However, we will be returning Show NEC, Birmingham are still being finalised but it should for a second year to the NEC April 7Silverstone Race Round shape up to be another great over the weekend of March Silverstone, Northants family day out – watch this space. 23-25 for the Classic Car and April 14 Pride of Longbridge Later the same month we will be Restoration Show. The 2018 Birmingham joining the Sussex Austin Rover Racing Championships begin the
MG6.3.5
STEVE HAINES Steve-haines@live.co.uk www.facebook.com/groups/MG635Register https://twitter.com/635register Happy New Year to all 6.3.5 owners! We had a great AGM at the MG Motor Conference Centre and Christmas meal at the Guild, Bromsgrove, on December 2. A great turnout of enthusiastic owners was treated to a review of 2017 and an interesting talk from John Newey of Summit Garage on their history, enthusiasm for the marque and being a dealer of the latest MGs. Once again MG Motor were very generous in hosting us, thanks to organisation from Adam at Kimber House. This year, we raised £105 for MIND UK in the charity raffle on the day, with some interesting prizes donated
www.mgcc.co.uk
MG-SafetyFast_Jan2018_51-100.indd 91
by members, Summit MG, and John Woods Motorcare. The formalities of the AGM returned an almost unchanged committee for 2018, with myself continuing as Chairman, Barry Faiers continuing as Treasurer, Andy Littler continuing as Secretary, Sheila Ballard continuing as Registrar and Sean Round continuing as BTCC and Events coordinator. A big thank you to Steve Taylor who stepped down from the role of Technical. We are always looking for enthusiastic owners to help out with various things at events, so please contact us if you wish to get involved. At the end of this year’s charity fundraising for MIND UK,
I am pleased to report that we have raised £425 as I write this. Huge thanks to all that donated to this very worthwhile charity. The Chairman’s charity for 2018 will be CLIC Sargent. For more information about this charity, please visit the web page here: www.clicsargent.org.uk We will have a just giving page and will be raising funds at our events throughout the year. Our target for the year is £635.
April 28-29Brands Hatch Race Round Brands Hatch, Kent May 13 “Zeds in the City” Coventry Motor Museum May 27 Sussex Road Run TBC June 2-3 MG Live! 2018 Silverstone, Northants June 24 Zed Register Open Day Kimber House, Oxon July 14-15 Donington Race Round Donington Park, Leics July TBA MG Saloon Day TBC July 20-22 Silverstone Classic Silverstone, Northants August 19 Lakeland Motor Museum Ulverston, Cumbria September 1 Oulton Park Race Round Oulton Park, Cheshire September 29-30 Snetterton Race Round Snetterton, Norfolk October 14 Lancing Motor Show Lancing, West Sussex November 10-12 Classic Motor Show NEC, Birmingham
We’re looking forward to spring time and our first event at Pride of Longbridge in Cofton Park, Longbridge, on Saturday April 14. Please add your name to the event on the Facebook page so we can organise numbers for parking. Looking forward to seeing everyone at an event this year. Keep your eyes on the Facebook page and our micro web page for more information.
MGCC 6.3.5 members enjoy their Christmas meal at the Guild
JANUARY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 91
13/12/2017 17:05
CL ASSIFIEDS
CARS FOR SALE
www.mgmecca.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 1953 717618 Fax: (0) 1953 717850
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.
B32 - MIKE ROLLS SERVICES_MIKE ROLLS SERVICES 13/12/2012 09:50 Page 1 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.
1978 MGB ROADSTER, BRG, black trim, chrome wire wheels, new good year tyres, moto lita wheel, all new chrome, new paint, superb body, carbon dash, mohair hood, superb car £11,995
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
2016
TRADE MEMBER
SERVICES FOR MGs
1996 MGF
1972 MGB V8 R
Excellent Condi Red/Black leather seats, Mileage 47.3 Searle engine fitted Overdrive, 123 e Hydraulic Power S type wheels with Yo R14 tyres. Extensiv improvements (det Lowering kit fitted bumpers), Alpine C Tel: 01502 722122 Email: roger.moran@
Specialising in all MG’s
TEL/FAX: 01258 820337
1964 RILEY 1.5 Damask Red, red trim. In superb condition and only 39,500 miles from new! Genuine car, even has the BMC smell! Body, chrome and trim is just excellent. This must be the best original example available. A once only chance @ £11,995
MGZR
In immaculate condition. Two owners from new. 62000miles. Always parked in a garage. £500 open to offers. Telephone 02084602354 (Bromley)
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 8am-6pm, Wed: 8am-5pm, Sat: 8am-1pm
TRADE MEMBER
1978 MGBGT
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.Tel; Keith on 01794 517892. Email: k.stone189@btinternet.com (Hampshire)
MIKE ROLLS
1974 MIDGET 1275 RWA Blaze, Autumn Leaf trim. Restored car, totally solid, home restoration. Drives superbly. Weber carb. Great little car £5,995
2016 201 6
1974 MGB GT V8
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
BRG in good condition and no rust with black leather interior. Owned since 2001, always garaged. FSH, new clutch at 57K. Rear window replaced, waxoyled, wind stop, replacement radiator and water pipes. Original MG radio/cassette player. MOT July 2018, new rear tyres.107,000 miles. £750 ono. Contact Graham 01237 479120 (Devon).
MGTF 54 REG
53500 Miles. Just had MOT with no advisories Big brakes with 16inch wheels. £1500 ovno. For details ring 01379 652369 or 07831536890 (NORFOLK)
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.
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.
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
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.
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”
92 SAFETY FAST! JANUARY 2018
MG-SafetyFast_Jan2018_51-100.indd 92
Built to a very hig bodyshell prepared Engine sensibly u exhilarating perfor loss of flexibility. H Uprated brakes shock absorbers. M and half tonneau bootlid with fitted luggage rack, tailorA well sorted and tained car which 22,000 miles sinc £16,900. Phone 012 complete spec & ph (Beds.)
MGRV8 1994
MGBGT
‘LE
50’
Plus.
UNIQUE. Frontline Build. Top spec. Built 2014 with 4,000 miles. Cost new £82,000. (Today +£100k + 3 year wait). RR Midnight Blue with Bentley hide and alcantara headlining. 234bhp Mazda unit with 6 speed gearbox with LSD. PAS, air conditioning, cruise control, Top Alpine navigation, heated front screen, heated seats, central locking, includes bespoke car cover. Highest Frontline specification and much more. Details on request from dealer selling on my behalf. £ P.O.A. Tel: 01844 281700 / 07760 759565. nigelguild@hotmail.com
Woodcote green 22000mls. A major service approx 3000 mls ago. Power steering, excellent windscreen frame and interior, unmarked elm dash, door cappings and matching gear knob and steering wheel. carbon fibre radiator cowl and heater shield. half and full tonneau. pioneer 6 stack radio cd. always garaged. Tel. 07950963939.
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)
1930 MG M TY
Over £20.000 spen months – engine Original engine an bers. VSCC Buff gives its owner Membership of the MMM register 28 engine rebuild Performance En Bicester, new brake cover and carpeting Blockley tyres. T comfortably at 50 viewed at Biceste appointment (I £30.000 o.n.o. Off cover and James tra at diccon.masterma
www.mgcc.co.uk
13/12/2017 17:05
CL ASSIFIEDS
MGBGT ‘LE 50’ Plus. UNIQUE. Frontline Build.
1978 MGBGT Excellent Condition.
Carmine Red/Black leather Club Sports seats, Mileage 47.385, 2 litre Ivor Searle engine fitted at 42,493 miles, Overdrive, 123 electric ignition, Hydraulic Power Steering, Minilite type wheels with Yokohama 175/70 R14 tyres. Extensive restoration & improvements (details on request), Lowering kit fitted (to fit chrome bumpers), Alpine CD/Radio. £7,750.
Top spec. Built 2014 with 4,000 miles. Cost new £82,000. (Today +£100k + 3 year wait). RR Midnight Blue with Bentley hide and alcantara headlining. 234bhp Mazda unit with 6 speed gearbox with LSD. PAS, air conditioning, cruise control, Top Alpine navigation, heated front screen, heated seats, central locking, includes bespoke car cover. Highest Frontline specification and much more. Details on request. £ P.O.A.
Tel: 01502 722122 / 07920 054422. Email: roger.moran@yahoo.com
Tel: 01844 281700 / 07760 759565. nigelguild@hotmail.com
Nigel Guild, Former Glory, Postcombe Service Station A40 London Road, Thame, Oxon. OX9 7ED www.classicmg.co.uk
MARTIN SMITH www.usedmg spares.co.uk
Quality New and Used MGF & MGTF Spares Covering all models from 1995 > 2006 All items Supplied - from body panels, interiors & engines to headlights & wheel nuts
Roger Moran, Openview 4 Godyll Road, Southwold Suffolk IP18 6AJ
enquiries@mgsforsale.com
www.mgsforsale.com
01707 876089
07831 556666
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 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
URGENTLY WANTED ANY MG ANY YEAR, ANY CONDITION Tel: 07722 175473 East Lydford, Somerset Email: smudgemg@yahoo.co.uk www.mgcc.co.uk
MG-SafetyFast_Jan2018_51-100.indd 93
SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF OUR STOCK
www.mgsforsale.com
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.
JANUARY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 93
13/12/2017 17:05
CL ASSIFIEDS
CARS FOR SALE
MGA WANTED.
I am looking to buy a good rhd MGA roadster. Not looking for a project. A tuned or modified example acceptable. Good price paid for a good car. phil 07828424683. Email: philsmith432@hotmail.com
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.
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.Tel; Keith on 01794 517892. Email: k.stone189@btinternet.com (Hampshire)
1978 MGBGT
Excellent Condition. Carmine Red/Black leather Club Sports seats, Mileage 47.385, 2 litre Ivor Searle engine fitted at 42,493 miles, Overdrive, 123 electric ignition, Hydraulic Power Steering, Minilite type wheels with Yokohama 175/70 R14 tyres. Extensive restoration & improvements (details on request), Lowering kit fitted (to fit chrome bumpers), Alpine CD/Radio. £7,750. Tel: 01502 722122 / 07920 054422. Email: roger.moran@yahoo.com
MGZR
In immaculate condition. Two owners from new. 62000miles. Always parked in a garage. £500 open to offers. Telephone 02084602354 (Bromley)
1996 MGF
BRG in good condition and no rust with black leather interior. Owned since 2001, always garaged. FSH, new clutch at 57K. Rear window replaced, waxoyled, wind stop, replacement radiator and water pipes. Original MG radio/cassette player. MOT July 2018, new rear tyres.107,000 miles. £750 ono. Contact Graham 01237 479120 (Devon).
MGTF 54 REG
53500 Miles. Just had MOT with no advisories Big brakes with 16inch wheels. £1500 ovno. For details ring 01379 652369 or 07831536890 (NORFOLK)
1972 MGB V8 Roadster
Built to a very high standard, with bodyshell prepared by Trevor Taylor. Engine sensibly uprated to give exhilarating performance without loss of flexibility. Holley carb etc. Uprated brakes and telescopic shock absorbers. Mohair hood, full and half tonneau covers, spare bootlid with fitted stainless steel luggage rack, tailor-made car cover. A well sorted and carefully maintained car which has done under 22,000 miles since the rebuild. £16,900. Phone 01234 407351 for complete spec & photo file. (Beds.)
MGRV8 1994
MGBGT
‘LE
50’
Plus.
UNIQUE. Frontline Build. Top spec. Built 2014 with 4,000 miles. Cost new £82,000. (Today +£100k + 3 year wait). RR Midnight Blue with Bentley hide and alcantara headlining. 234bhp Mazda unit with 6 speed gearbox with LSD. PAS, air conditioning, cruise control, Top Alpine navigation, heated front screen, heated seats, central locking, includes bespoke car cover. Highest Frontline specification and much more. Details on request from dealer selling on my behalf. £ P.O.A. Tel: 01844 281700 / 07760 759565. nigelguild@hotmail.com
94 SAFETY FAST! JANUARY 2018
MG-SafetyFast_Jan2018_51-100.indd 94
Woodcote green 22000mls. A major service approx 3000 mls ago. Power steering, excellent windscreen frame and interior, unmarked elm dash, door cappings and matching gear knob and steering wheel. carbon fibre radiator cowl and heater shield. half and full tonneau. pioneer 6 stack radio cd. always garaged. Tel. 07950963939.
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)
1969 MGB GT
Rebuilt into Heritage shell, completed 2 years ago, exceedingly low mileage. Virtually everything new or reconditioned. 1860cc engine, new head, 270 cam, o/d 4 synchro box. All new suspension with rear telescopic s/a and coil over front with uprated anti roll bar. 15” 72 spoke chrome wires. Very nice interior slightly eclectic mix of early 70’s styles.This really is a condition 1 car all round £16500. Please call Mark on 01380 850525 for comprehensive details. (North Wilts) How to Advertise Members can advertise their cars free of charge in Safety Fast. 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! All conditions wanted, from barn finds to concours. Complete collections purchased. Cash buyer. Discretion assured. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you are interested in selling your MG and are looking for a prompt hassle free cash buyer! Please feel 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.
CALL DIRECT ON: 07787 528131
1930 MG M TYPE
Over £20.000 spent in the last 15 months – engine still running in. Original engine and chassis numbers. VSCC Buff Form – this car gives its owner full Driving Membership of the VSCC if desired. MMM register 284. Complete engine rebuild by Classic Performance Engineering at Bicester, new brakes, hood, tonneau cover and carpeting and 4 excellent Blockley tyres. This car cruises comfortably at 50 m.p.h. Can be viewed at Bicester Heritage by appointment (I live abroad). £30.000 o.n.o. Offered with fitted cover and James trailer. Contact me at diccon.masterman@gmail.com.
MIDGETS! WANTED
Contact the Midget Specialist MIKE AUTHERS on Abingdon 07703 465 224 CHROME BUMPERED MIDGETS in excellent condition bought up to £8,000. View current stock at
www.mgmidgets.com
www.mgcc.co.uk
13/12/2017 17:05
Telephone 01753 644599
Mobile (07836) 222111
martin@runnymede motorcompany.com
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_Jan2018_51-100.indd 95
13/12/2017 17:05
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.
CL ASSIFIEDS
SPARES FOR SALE HOW TO ADVERTISE HOW TO ADVERTISE
Members Members can can advertise advertise their their spares for sale/wanted free of spares for sale/wanted free of charge for items up to £250. Over charge for items up to £250. Over £250, or for non-members to £250, or for non-members to advertise, there is a charge of £20. advertise, there is a charge of £20. To submit your advertisement To submit advertisement email Colinyour Grant at email Colin Grant at colingrant@mgcc.co.uk. Please colingrant@mgcc.co.uk. remember to include yourPlease remember to number include your membership in all membership number in all should correspondence. All adverts correspondence. adverts should be submitted by theAll10th of the be submitted the 10thmonths of the issue. month for theby following month for the following months issue.
MGBV8 Conversion Kit 3.9 Conversion kit consisiting MGBV8 Conversion Kit of
Pistons, rings and Cylinder 3.9 Conversion kit pins. consisiting of liners. Main and bigpins. endCylinder bearPistons, rings and ings. seals. liners.Sump Main gasket and bigset endincbearOil filter. Core plugs.set Timing ings. Sump gasket inc seals. chain. Cam sprocket. Crank Oil filter. Core plugs. Timing sprocket. Camshaft. follwchain. Cam sprocket.Cam Crank ers. Rocker shafts. Rocker sprocket. Camshaft. Cam follwarms. Gaskets etc £625.00. ers. Rocker shafts. Rocker Holley carb c/w Offenhauser arms. Gaskets etc £625.00. Dual Port Inlet manifold, gasket Holley carb c/w Offenhauser and 2” Deep Chrome air filter. Dual Port Inlet manifold, gasket £525.00 and 2” Deep Chrome air and filter. Bell Housing dust sheild £525.00 bolt kit £30. Second hand parts Bell Housing dust sheild and consisting of Rover 3.5 engine bolt kit £30. Second requiring rebuild, c/whand SD1 parts consisting Rover 3.5 engine heads and of sump £150. Correct requiringstyle rebuild, c/w SD1 MGBV8 dash and radio heads sump £150. Correct centre and console c/w instruments MGBV8 style dash and Email radio £120. Contact Graham gtwilkins@btinternet.com tel: centre console c/w instruments 01424 882700.Graham (East Sussex) £120. Contact Email gtwilkins@btinternet.com tel: 01424 882700.for (East Sussex) MG Models Sale 1/43 scale Dinky/Match box MGBGTV8 Damask red £15. MG Models for Sale MGB scale Teal Blue £10. MGBGTV8 1/43 Dinky/Match box Bright red very hard red to find MGBGTV8 Damask £15. £50. mint and boxed + P&P MGBAll Teal Blue £10. MGBGTV8 at £5. Bright red very hard to find MG 1275 wire wheel £50. Midget All mint and boxed + P&P rear axle complete £150. Other at £5. Midget parts unused. Sills, MG Midget 1275 wire wheel windscreen, heater (Box type), rear axle complete £150. Other doors, hood frame, other parts. Midget parts unused. Sills, Buyer to collect. Tel 01494 windscreen, heater (Box type), 813903 (South Bucks) doors, hood frame, other parts. Bookstoand Magazines Buyer collect. Tel 01494 12 copies of Safety Fast for 813903 (South Bucks) 1969 all in good condition. Books and Magazines Booklet entitled 'The Thrilling 12 copies of Safety Story of GET Eyston'Fast whofor 1969 all raced in in angood MG. condition. A copy of Combat by Thrilling Barré Booklet entitled 'The Lyndon, first edition Story of GET Eyston'1933. who A Maintenance raced in an MG.Voucher service bookoffor a Magnette Mk III A copy Combat by Barré 1962. Offers welcome. email Lyndon, first edition 1933. hardacre@greenbee.net A Maintenance Voucher serv-
ice book for a Magnette Mk III MGTC 1962. Offers welcome. email Dunlop B5 Tyres. 2 No. 450x19 hardacre@greenbee.net Part worn approx.5000 miles
MGBV8 Conversion Kit
3.9 Conversion kit consisiting of MGC MGC Parts Parts Pistons, rings and pins. Cylinder Second hand Sebring wing kit Second hand Sebring wing kit liners. Main and big end bear£100. MGC Five alloy £100.Sump MGC gasket Five polished polished alloy ings. set inc seals. wheels with tube wheels supplied withTiming tube bolts bolts 6j 6j Oil filter.supplied Core plugs. x15; These wheels require chain. Cam sprocket. Crank x15; These wheels require the the steering arms replacing sprocket. Camshaft. Cam(special follwsteering arms replacing (special armsRocker supplied) as the rims are ers. shafts. Rocker arms supplied) as the rims are thick alloy and etc catch the track arms. Gaskets £625.00. thick alloy and catch the track rod ends, chancing these arms Holley carbin c/w Offenhauser rod ends, in chancing these arms you will have slightly higher Dual Port Inlet manifold, gasket you will have slightly higher steering ratio and slightly more and 2” Deep Chrome air filter. steering ratio and slightly sensitivity. Kenlow electric more fan £525.00 sensitivity. electric fan. 12” for mgcKenlow no, Fittings, £35 Bell Housing dust sheild and 12” forStainless mgc no, steel Fittings, £35 . MGC front downbolt kit £30. Second hand parts MGC steel3.5 front downpipes Stainless second hand and new consisting of Rover engine pipes hand new offers.second Please collect carriage requiring rebuild, c/wand SD1 offers. Please collect carriage extra ifand needed. Telelephone; heads sump £150. Correct extra if needed. 01737551141 orTelelephone; mobile MGBV8 style dash and radio 07831701028. (Surrey) 01737551141 mobile centre console or c/w instruments 07831701028. (Surrey)Email £120. Contact Graham gtwilkins@btinternet.com tel: MG RV8 Sales Brochures 01424 882700. (East Sussex) Complete set. Make a great MG RV8 Sales Brochures Xmas present. The Marque Complete set. Make a great has MG Models for returned 15 pages 4441 1992 Xmas present. TheSale Marque has The Marque has returned large 1/43 scale Dinky/Match returned 15 pages 4441box 1992 version 28Damask pages 4405 MGBGTV8 red 1992 £15. The Marque has returned large History of28 the Marque 121992 pages MGB Teal Blue £10. MGBGTV8 version pages 4405 4406 red 1992 Colours Trims. Bright hardand to12 find History of very the Marque pages 4401 1992. All in very good £50. mintColours andare boxed + P&P 4406All1992 and Trims. order and I will throw in a at4401 £5. 1992. All are in veryspare good 4405 which has some staining. MG Midget 1275 wire order and I lot will in awheel spare £75.00 orthrow haggle the rear axlethe complete £150.for Other 4405 which has some staining. individual brochures Midget parts unused. Sills, £75.00 the872607 lot or haggle for the Tel 01943 emial windscreen, heateror(Box type), individual brochures sde@stevedavidellams.co.uk doors, hood frame, other parts.
Tel 01943 872607 or emial Buyer to collect. Tel 01494 sde@stevedavidellams.co.uk Windscreen Assembly
813903 (South Bucks) including frame/glass (from a Books and Magazines Windscreen Assembly Midget 1500, but I believe will fit 12including of Safety Fast forof frame/glass (from a allcopies later midgets). NEW set 1969 all 1500, in good coolant hoses forcondition. 1500will fit Midget but Ithe believe Booklet Thrilling midget -midgets). Kevlar 'The reinforced. all laterentitled NEW set of Story GET Eyston' tatty of Smiths fuel from coolant hoses forgauge the who 1500 raced in -1500. an MG. Midget pair of rubber bonmidget Kevlar reinforced. Anet/boot copySmiths of hooks Combat by Barré aftermarket, tatty fuel- gauge from Lyndon, first other edition still carded. Midget 1500. pair assorted of 1933. rubbersmall bonparts. NEW MGB/Midget ignition Anet/boot Maintenance Voucher servhooks - aftermarket, coil (GCLfor110 Purchased from ice aother Magnette Mk III stillbook carded. assorted small Moss 2013 £11.95) Sale £5 1962. welcome. email parts.Offers NEW at MGB/Midget ignition Open to any offers on these hardacre@greenbee.net coil (GCL 110 Purchased from parts, or free to collect! Email: Moss 2013 at £11.95) Sale £5 MGTC ian.fozzard@gmail.com Open to offers2 on Dunlop B5any Tyres. No.these 450x19 Tel: 01383417815 parts, or free to collect! Part wornScotland) approx.5000 Email: miles (Central ian.fozzard@gmail.com left on each £25.00 each. Tel: 01383417815 1Various No.450x19 newFor (used once) Parts Sale (Central Scotland) due to puncture £50.00. Email Lucas C40 dynamo (no rev barrington.davies@btinternet.com counter drive) suit Midget (?), Various Parts For Sale MGA, collect Early MGB, 1100, Buyer or pay postage. Lucas C40etc. dynamo rev Magnette Lucas(no Starters Tel 01792872615 counter drive)suit suitTD, Midget M35,M418G TF(?)(?), MGA, MGA, 1100, Midget,Early earlyMGB, B, 1100 Magnette etc. Working each. Magnette etc.order. Lucas£40 Starters Windscreen for (?) M35,M418G suitMG1100/1300 TD, TF(?) MGA, £30. Petrol cap T Type, repro, Midget, early B, for 1100 Magnette itetc. fitsWorking £55. Telephone 01344 order. £40 each. 424258. (Berkshire) Windscreen for MG1100/1300 (?)
£30. Petrol cap for T Type, repro, andTelephone TC itMGA fits £55. 01344 Spares for sale. Phone Alan 424258. (Berkshire) for more details on 02084601490 MGA and TC
Spares for sale. Phone Alan MGRV8 for more details on 0208Four wheels, tyres and wheel left on each £25.00 each. 4601490 MGTC nut covers. One wheel dam1 No.450x19 new (used once) Dunlop B5 Tyres. 2 No. 450x19 aged. All tyres have approx due to puncture £50.00. Email MGRV8 Part worn approx.5000 miles 7mm tread. (Cost new approx barrington.davies@btinternet.com Four wheels, and wheel left on collect each £25.00 £1600) £600. tyres Tel: 01926 Buyer or pay each. postage. nut covers. One wheel dam1 No.450x19 new (used once) 854456 Tel 01792872615 aged. All tyres have approx due to puncture £50.00. Email 7mm tread. (Cost new approx barrington.davies@btinternet.com £1600) £600. Tel: 01926 Buyer collect or pay postage. SAFETY FAST! JANUARY 2018 854456 Tel96 01792872615
MG-SafetyFast_Jan2018_51-100.indd 96
sensitivity. Kenlow electric fan 12” for mgc no, Fittings, £35 . MGC Stainless steel front downpipes second hand and new offers. Please collect carriage extra if needed. Telelephone; 01737551141 or mobile 07831701028. (Surrey)
WANTED
MG RV8 Sales Brochures Complete set. Make a great Xmas present. The Marque has WANTED returned 15WANTED pages 4441 1992 Dynamo, Lucas C45YV. Short fat Dynamo, Lucas The Marque has C45YV. returnedShort largefat like TC but no rev counter drive like TC 28 butpages no rev4405 counter version 1992drive or an armature. Telephone: History the Marque Telephone: 12 pages or anof armature. 01344-424258 4406 1992 Colours and Trims. 01344-424258 4401 1992. All are in very good order and I WANTED will throw in a spare WANTED 4405 which hasclock somewith staining. 2” Dia electric chrome 2” electric with chrome £75.00 the lot orclock haggle for the in rimDia and backlight. Must be rim backlight. in individual brochures goodand working order.Must Blackbeface good working order. Black face Tel 01943 872607 or emial only. Tel: 01494 813903 sde@stevedavidellams.co.uk only. Tel: 01494 813903
WANTED Windscreen Assembly Workshop WANTED manual for 1958 MG
rim and backlight. Must be in good working order. Black face only. Tel: 01494 813903
WANTED
Workshop manual for 1958 MG Magnette ZB Tel: 020 8642 7020
WANTED
Photographs / information of a black bumpered citron MGB GT V8, from the Earls Court Motor Show of 1974. Contact Ossie on 07966 279276 or email: jan-g-1961@hotmail.co.uk WANTED Uniroyal '55' 5.60 x 15 crossply tyre in good usable condition. Contact Mike on 01363 772236 (Devon). WANTED 1950’s MGTF 1500 spares. Pair of rear wings, petrol tank, inlet manifold. Contact Mervyn on 07808008700 or 01325 351500
including Workshop manual for(from 1958a7020 MG Magnetteframe/glass ZB Tel: 020 8642 Midget 1500, believe will fit Magnette ZBbut Tel:I 020 8642 7020 all later midgets). NEW set of WANTED coolant hoses/ for the 1500 of a Photographs information WANTED midget - Kevlar reinforced. black bumpered citron MGB Photographs / information of GT a tatty Smiths fuel gauge from V8, from the Earls Court Motor black bumpered MGB GT Midget 1500. paircitron of rubber bonShow of 1974. Contact V8, from the Earls CourtOssie Motoron net/boot hooks - aftermarket, 07966 279276 or email: Show of 1974. Contact Ossie on still carded. other assorted small jan-g-1961@hotmail.co.uk parts. NEW MGB/Midget 07966 279276 or email: ignition coil (GCL 110 Purchased from jan-g-1961@hotmail.co.uk WANTED Moss 2013 at £11.95) Sale £5 Uniroyal '55' 5.60 Open to anyWANTED offers on thesex 15 crossply tyre in good usable parts, or free to collect! Uniroyal '55' 5.60Email: x on 15 condition. Contact Mike ian.fozzard@gmail.com crossply tyre in good usable 01363 772236 (Devon). Tel: 01383417815 condition. Contact Mike on (Central Scotland) 01363 772236 (Devon). WANTED 1950’s MGTF spares. Various Parts 1500 For Sale WANTED Pair of rear wings,(no petrol Lucas C40 dynamo rev tank, 1950’s MGTF 1500 spares. inlet manifold. Contact Mervyn counter drive) suit Midget (?), on 07808008700 orpetrol 01325tank, Pair of rear wings, MGA, Early MGB, 1100, Kimble-SF_Nov-09.qxd:Kimble MGE 1_8 col 3.3 26/10/09 351500 inlet manifold. Contact Mervyn Magnette etc. Lucas Starters on 07808008700 01325 M35,M418G suit TD,orTF(?) MGA, 351500 Midget, early B, 1100 Magnette etc. Working order. £40 each. Windscreen for MG1100/1300 (?) £30. Petrol cap for T Type, repro, it fits £55. Telephone 01344 We manufacture the BROOKLANDS 424258. (Berkshire)Steering Wheel from the original BLUEMEL tooling. It is not
TO ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF
Number 01 £3.95 January 2018 Volume 62
RIENDSHIP THE MARQUE OF F
CAR
THE
LT D
CLUB
ABINGDON-ON
-THAMES
FO U N D E D 193 0
● CARBURATION ● A JEWEL IN THE KROWN NEW KID ON THE GRID
PLEASE CALL NICK ON 01452 730770
The Great British
13:0
Steering Wheel
The Brooklands
a Far Eastern copy and is made using the original methods MGA and TC and traditional materials. The CENTRE BOSS fixing kit, again Spares for sale. Phone from Alan the original tooling, not only fits the MG TC and for more details on 0208pre-war MGs, but the TD, TF and MGA. There are boss 4601490 kits for other makes and kit cars too.
MGRV8
BROOKLANDS AEROSCREENS are Four wheels, madeand usingwheel laminated glass to original Now alsotyres Ww14” 15½ inch ENo Nalso nut covers. wheel damspecification to suit all vintage and sports cars. in W el wheOne NO E BL A ry Ivo AIL AV aged. All tyres havejohn@johnkimble.co.uk approx 7mm tread. (Cost new approx £1600) £600. Tel: 01926 Tel: 01803 835757 854456 Fax: 01803 834567
EST 1969
K KIMBLE
Unit 5, Old Mill Creek, Dartmouth, Devon TQ6 0HN.
URGENTLY WANTED 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
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Call for a quote today
B13 - BARRIE CARTER_CLASSIC MOTORING 12/12/2017 12:04 Page 1
01376 574000
Insurance for all MG’s classic and modern
www.classiccarinsurance.co.uk
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 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.
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
CM01.18/B13/d
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
ADVERTISERS’ INDEX 4Sight Lighting Company....................84 EJW Classic and sports.......................96 Moss Europe Ltd.................................30 Adrian Flux ........................................84 Evans Division of Hydratech.................40 NTG Services................................... OBC Aldon Automotive................................86 Fishers Services..................................84 Oselli Ltd............................................78 Barrie Carter ......................................97 Footman James..................................51 Peter Best............................. 89, 97, IBC Beech Hill Garage...............................94 Frontline ............................................36 Peter James Insurance........................40 British Motor Heritage........................ IFC Get Patina..........................................46 Prestige MG.......................................71 Brown and Gammons..........................11 Halls Garage.......................................84 Rees Bros...........................................83 C.C.H.L .............................................69 Heathrow Transmission.......................89 Car Cover Shop ..................................89 Hoyle Suspension................................83 Retro Sports Cars ...............................80 Carole Nash Insurance........................30 JLH Minor Restoration.........................65 Rimmer Bros Ltd.................................44 Chertsey Minors .................................89 Just Right Autos Ltd............................72 RJJ Car Shipping and Transportation ...89 Chisbon Restorations..........................30 Kimble Engineering Ltd.......................96 Robin Lackford Motor Engineering ......71 Please check this proof carefully for errors in style, content and layout. Classic and Sports Cars Essex.............39 Manor Garage ...................................78 Runnymede........................................95 Although every care is exercised in preparing your advert, we cannot hold Martin Smith MGTFyou Spares ........93 Scenic Car Tours................. 9, 20, 21, 35 Classic Driving Development Ltd .........80 ourselves responsible for any Used inaccuracies may overlook. Mech-Mate Ltd...................................86 Clive Wheatley....................................65 SHOULD YOU REQUIRE ANY ALTERATIONS TO THIS PROOF PLEASE Skiptune ............................................55 Mecca. Colne Classics....................................89 TELEPHONEMG BEFORE _ ._........................................92 _ _ _ _ _ AND QUOTE ADVERT NO. _ _ _ _ _ SMR ..................................................93 Cotswold Car Storage............................6 MG Motorsport ..................................55 Steve McKie Sports Cars.....................89 Country Lane Tours.............................76 MG Sales Centre.................................57 Summit MG........................................55 Crown Classic Cars.............................78 MGBGT ‘LE50’ & MGBT For Sale.........93 David Manners.....................................6 Midland Classic Restoration...................3 Sussex Classic Car Parts.....................71 Dennis Welch......................................89 Mike Authurs Classics.........................94 The Hutson Motor Co Ltd.......................3
URGENT PROOF
We reserve the right to charge for any alteration to this proof which a departure from the original copy Torro Sports Cars Ltd..........................94 MikeisRolls..........................................92
Distributor Doctor................................83 Don Trimming.....................................89
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Mike Satur..........................................55
Vitesse Global Ltd ..............................74
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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 2018 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
T
his photo of Peter Jones raising the dust with his TC only tells us that it was taken on the ‘Spring Trial’. Perhaps someone can give us more details, such as when and where this event took place.
President: John Day Vice Presidents: Ron Gammons, Don Hayter, Peter Best, Bill Silcock.
A couple of nice-looking MGAs lead the way for the following group around the famous Indianapolis banked oval in 1996. These MGs just get everywhere, don’t they? No details on this picture. Looks like an MGC with a bonnet full of Webers. Can you tell us more please?
Chairman: Ian Quarrington Vice Chairman: Dave Tynan Treasurer: Richard Colston Directors: Dave Saunders, Paul Plummer, Andy Green, 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
98 SAFETY FAST! JANUARY 2018
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If visiting The MG Car Club using Sat Nav please use OX14 1AS
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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_Jan2018_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
T190K MGA floorboard set £105 inc VAT
Exchange shock absorbers available for most models
B027
MGA & Magnette oil filter conversion to spin-on type
£31.50 inc 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 Motor Heritage Approved - founded 1966
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S A F E T Y FA S T J A N UA R Y 201 8
T T YPE NEWSLET TER • M AGNET TE NEWSLET TER • MGC NEWSLET TER
MG CAR CLUB
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