Safety Fast! October 2017

THE MARQUE OF FRIENDSHIP

October 2017 Volume 61 Number 10 £3.95

THE

CAR

CLUB

LT D

ABINGDON-ON-THAMES FO U N D E D 193 0

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JULY 2016 SAFETY FAST! 3

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OCTOBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 3

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Inside this issue 7 8 12 14 50 52

Club Matters and Kimber House News News Products Postbag Race Torque MGs on Track

53 58 59 70 82 92 98

Luffield Championship Calendar of events Out and About Centre Updates Register Updates Classifieds Looking Back

Features 16

A Wolf in Sheep’s clothing The story of James Wooster’s unique MGB GT V8

23

Project MGA Part II The assessment of Wheeler Dealer Mike Brewer’s MGA

29

The Car is the Star Colin Grant’s TF becomes the star of a magazine photo shoot

42

British Touring Car Championship All the action from Rockingham and Silverstone

46

Action-packed Oulton Leanne Fahy reports on the penultimate MGCC Race meeting of the year

54

Watching the Sprinters Ken Banfield recounts his experiences of marshalling for the first time

60

MGs in California Part II Brian Woodhams reports on the NAMGBR Annual Gathering

66

European Event of the Year 2017 Report on this year’s European Event of the Year held in Porto, Portugal

90

Collectors Corner Rediscovered, renewed & restored after over 20 years’ hibernation

23

Newsletters 34

Vintage Newsletter The trials and tribulations of Peter Jones’s 18/80

38

Triple M Newsletter Summer Comings and Goings, All A Bit Far-Fetched – But It Actually Happened and Wet Wiscombe

34

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

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Published by: Hine Marketing, Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton Glos, GL2 9LN. Tel: 01452 730770

4 SAFETYFAST! OCTOBER 2017

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Welcome

James Wooster’s stunning, bespoke MGB GT V8 pictured in rural Oxfordshire

46

@mgcarclub

FO U N D E D 193 0

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The official publication of The MG Car Club Incorporating ‘The M.G. Magazine’, ‘The Sports Car’ and ‘Brooklands Track and Air’, Safety Fast!

Copyright MG Car Club 2017

I’m sure that it hasn’t escaped your notice that the Government has announced plans to introduce a rolling 40-year MoT exemption for classic car owners which will bring it in line with the current VED exemption. This has happened despite a majority of respondents to the Government’s proposal – 56% to be precise – opposing the idea. Octane Magazine’s John Simister summed up many people’s concerns by saying: “Some classics are driven with vigour and tackle long trips, so components will wear and be stressed. This era of car, too, is very likely to be susceptible to corrosion and regular checks for structural weakness are vital. Some owners will address this but we suspect a number will not”. The rolling MOT is due to happen from May next year; we’ll bring you updates as they happen.

In my editorial last month, I mentioned that I see fewer MG Rover Cars on the road and they seem to be used more as second, or even third, cars. In the past month I’ve been contacted by a number of members telling me that they still use their MGF, TF or Zed car all year round. It’s great to hear from members and great to see that MGR cars are still being used as they were intended. I, too, use my ZS all year round but I’ve heard of a few that are now starting to rust, so I hope to get mine up on a ramp soon and protect the underside. For those of you who don’t have access to a ramp, there are companies, such as Krown (www. krown.com) who specialise in rust protection.

It’s worth doing before it’s too late.

If you’re heading to the Motor Show at the NEC, held November 10-12, don’t forget to order your tickets using the Club code as there’s quite a substantial saving. Tickets are on sale now from www.necclassicmotorshow. com or the official ticket hotline 0871 230 1088. A single ticket is £21.50 (quote code CSCMS17) and a family ticket is priced at £48.00 (quote code CFCMS17).

Until next month, drive safely.

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CHAIRMANS NOTES

BY IAN QUARRINGTON

A

nniversaries. Should they be celebrated in the MG world?

Definitely! And the MG Car Club, its Centres, Registers and Branches are very good at putting on a celebration. In fact, I would go so far as to say we are the leading group in this respect and others use us as a benchmark to which to work when planning their own events. But whilst we must sometimes shout from the roof tops about our current and previous successes here and with all the other aspects of our activities (National Car Club of the Year 2017, Y Register 70th Anniversary Round Britain Tour, MGC50, Caledonian 25th, SVW Register birthday and huge success in our motor racing and motor sport activities again this year, as just a few examples) we must not lose sight of what is coming up, not just next year but in the years to come.

It won’t have escaped your notice that the MG world is already talking about the centenary of the Marque and how and

KIMBER HOUSE NEWS

O

n Monday September 10, the Kimber House staff alongside the team at Peter Best Insurance (PBIS) surprised Peter Best for his 80th birthday with a celebration that featured his closest MGCC friends.

Former MG apprentices enjoy a special day

www.mgcc.co.uk

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when to celebrate it. There have already been lots of letters written, emails sent and articles published in many forms of media, and as the oldest and largest MG Club in the World it falls to us to lead the way in planning this celebration. Our antipodean friends began writing to us last year to ask Kimber House and the Car Club to think about this anniversary and I am pleased to tell you that Peter Cook and Paul Plummer will be inviting a group of MG enthusiasts from as many parts of the MG World to help us plan for this. We will be extending the Marque of Friendship to all the other organisations to join in the planning, and of course our friends at SAIC in China will be key players in this, too. There will be lots of opinions on how, what, where, and so forth for MG100 and I know Peter and Paul will value everyone’s input. Remember that it took John Watson and his committee four years to plan for MGB50 in 2012 and Ginny and Barrie with their group a similar time for MGC50 this year,

Peter was told he would be attending a serious meeting involving the directors.

However, as he opened the door and turned around the corner into the John Thornley Suite, he was shocked when his MG friends, family and PBIS staff all appeared and started applauding.

Club President, John Day, was on hand to give a great speech on

proving that success comes from proper prior preparation. And what a success these all were, so watch this space for news in the coming weeks and months.

I have not yet used this column for any personal news, but in line with my chosen theme for this month I am going to break with that tradition and tell you I have just bought an MGB LE. This model as you may know was designed to help the MG factory celebrate 50 years of manufacturing at Abingdon. Sadly, history tells us that immediately the run out of 1,000 examples of the LE roadsters and MGBGTs were launched the axe fell very suddenly on the organisation. I felt it the right option when looking for another MG to have an anniversary model to drive which is also a celebration of the MG Marque.

Whichever model of MG you drive, whether it was produced at around the time the MG Marque was launched or if it was, as mine is, one of the last MGBs: drive it often, and when you are either driving your MG or doing some maintenance, remember its heritage and if it has an anniversary coming up make a note to celebrate that date.

Peter, as were Bob MacGillivray from the Caledonian Centre and Adele Rand from PBIS, before Peter added some words of his own. He was then presented with an MG cake by general manager, Adam Sloman.

Also during the month, we had a group of 16 Canadians visit Kimber House, and former MG apprentices were invited to a special reunion organised by archivist Peter Neal.

Peter Best celebrates his 80th birthday in Abingdon

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NEWS

Classic cars over 40 to be exempt from MOT testing

Dick Knudson (middle) with Pete Neal (left) and Julian White taken whilst on a visit to Kimber House.

Dick Knudson June 4 1930 - September 1 2017 A legend in the MG world, the Reverend Dr. Richard (Dick) L. Knudson passed away on September 1. He leaves behind a legacy of caring, fostering, honouring, challenging and leading MG enthusiasts around the world. He will be dearly missed and remembered for his many contributions to fostering the love for the MG automobile and among MG enthusiasts.

I was privileged to have known Dick for the past 40 years and am proud to say he was my mentor, colleague and friend. I first met Dick at his home in Oneonta, NY, where he generously mentored me for the better part of a day on how to fulfill my dream of writing a book on the MGA. I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor.

Dick held a doctorate in English, was an English professor at Oneonta State University and has written over 30 books and hundreds of articles on the MG, including “MG: The Sportscar America Loved First”.

Dick immersed himself in all things MG, including a sabbatical spent in Abingdon, the home of MG, where Dick met and really got know the men and women that were MG. Dick passed that enthusiasm and learning on to thousands of MG enthusiasts around the world. With Frank Churchill, in 1964 he co-founded the New England MG T Register (NEMGTR) and led that group on so many MG adventures. The T Register’s annual national and regional ‘Gatherings of the Faithful’ were legendary. Dick used his connections with MG greats by hosting them as honoured guests at these

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gatherings, thus enabling others to meet and share MG experiences with them first-hand. Dick and Frank challenged the T Register to get out and drive their cars. It’s hard to imagine that in 1976 the NEMGTR held a rally that ran from the US east coast to the west coast and back again! What a way to celebrate our bicentennial. Teams competed from as far away as South Africa. That was followed by a rally to Alaska, starting in Michigan.

Some T owners even pushed on to travel above the Arctic Circle! Dick was an enthusiastic supporter of the MG Vintage Racers, sponsoring races and helping his son Erik get into vintage racing with their MG TD. Ever the scholar, in 1988 Dick established a series of seminars called ‘Kimber Festivals’ that featured scholarly presentations on subjects related to MGs. These continue to this day.

Dick retired from teaching in 1991 and in 2004 he began a new life path when he was ordained as an Anglican priest. Dick served as vicar at the Church of the Holy Spirit in Schenevus, New York. Most recently, on June 2, Dick was inducted into the British Sports Car Hall of Fame along with other greats such as Donald Healey, Cecil Kimber, Sir William Lyons, John Thornley and Sir Stirling Moss. I was delighted to be in attendance to see Dick, and others, receive this distinction.

In lieu of flowers, his loving family requests donations be sent to the Knudson Churchill Scholarship Trust, 8 Woodston Lane, Palm Coast, FL 32164 or to the Church of the Holy Spirit, Arch Street, Schenevus, New York 12155.

Bob Vitrikas

Currently, only vehicles built or first registered before 1960 are exempt from the MOT test – accounting for almost 200,000 cars in use today, but from May 2018 the government will introduce a rolling MOT-test exemption for cars 40 years and older.

The Department for Transport estimates that it will mean an additional 293,000 UK cars and motorcycles will no longer need to have the mechanical examination every year under the rule change.

With almost half a million cars now qualifying to be legally driven without an MOT certificate, fears will grow that many older vehicles on the road may be dangerous.

This was the verdict of those questioned as part of the Government consultation on the changes held earlier this year.

In response to concerns around safety the DfT said cars more than 40 years old are often kept in good condition by owners, and not used regularly enough to warrant an MOT. The department added that the test is also no longer relevant to cars that were built more than 40 years ago, making it almost impossible for testing centres to pass them.

Enthusiasts who wish to get their cars MOT tested, if only for their own peace of mind, will still be able to do so, but the test will no longer be a legal requirement.

We’ll bring you more news and the FBHVC’s take on the DfT’s decision next month.

www.mgcc.co.uk

25/09/2017 17:29

NEWS

®

SOCIAL MEDIA

WATERLESS ENGINE COOLANTS

MAXIMISE

ENGINE PERFORMANCE MGCC General Manager Adam Sloman welcomes Chris Barrie to the Club

Mike Brewer’s second video at Rally Preparation Services (RPS) was uploaded during September, and once again proved to be popular. Mike got to see his car for the first time since it was passed on to RPS at MGLive! back in June, and there was also a Moss unboxing, as many of the parts Mike ordered up had arrived.

The BBC Archive social media accounts posted a video from 1980 of T Types being driven and worked on by members in retro MGCC sweatshirts – if you haven’t seen it yet, go and check it out.

We had a surprise visitor to Kimber House who arrived in his MGB GT to join the Club, Chris Barrie, probably most famous for playing Rimmer in Red Dwarf, and Gordon Brittas in The Brittas Empire. He’s owned his MGB GT for 16 years, uses it regularly and is a big advocate of the Classic Car movement, what a guy. We had lots of comments and likes on the photo of Chris outside Kimber House.

We’ve also been receiving a high number of event pictures from across the country from different Centres and Registers, which has been great. If you’re running an account, please tag us in photos and posts – it’s great to see what’s going on up and down the UK. Retro MGCC sweaters were a

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NEWS

M

MG on Display at the RAC The Royal Automobile Club was founded in 1897 by Frederick Richard Simms with the primary purpose of promoting the motor car and its place in society. The Club introduced the 1000 Mile Trial in 1900 and, following the success of this, the Tourist Trophy was first held by the Club in 1905, which remains the oldest continuous competitive motor sports event. In 1907, King Edward VII awarded the Club the royal title, which is held to this day, sealing the Club’s status as Britain’s longest-standing and most influential motoring organisation.

In 1927, the Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall were very much exercised by the record breaking exploits of Henry de Hane Segrave in the 1000hp Sunbeam, powered by two Sunbeam Matabele aero engines, claiming the World Land Speed record at 203mph. Meanwhile, in Oxford, Cecil Kimber was perfecting a special rolling chassis for his next offering from the MG works: the MG Sports Six. Though it used many Morris components, it was further refined in 1929 and called the 18/80.

As you entered the Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall during the week beginning Monday 18, an MG 18/80 would have greeted you, Displayed in the stunning Rotunda, the period MG and beauty and elegance of the Rotunda echo through all the halls, with gold chandeliers and stunning paintings, every inch of the club has been carefully crafted.

During the RAC building’s illustrious history, this is only the second time an MG has been displayed in the Rotunda.

The MG displayed was a 1930 18/80, fitted with ‘Speed

NR

M

Model’ coachwork by Carbodies of Coventry. One of its earliest owners was the famous racing motorcyclist, Geoff Monty, who, in the 1950s and ‘60s, formed a racing partnership with Dudley Ward. During the years 1945 to 1987, owner Morgan Marshall of Imperial Motors in Bristol had several sporting successes with the car in events such as the Land End Trial. It is said that he covered some 300,000 miles during this time. Today, this car is in regular use with its present owner.

Being only the second MG ever displayed in the RAC building, it was a very special occasion. The MG Car Club President, John Day, said: “It’s a tremendous honour to have an MG in the RAC building. It’s the seat of British Motoring as we know it. As soon as the MG Car Club were asked to organise this, we jumped at the chance, as the RAC have always championed the cause of the motor car right from its inception. Kimber got it right when designing the 18/80.

It has presence on the road and it has presence here in the RAC building.”

The Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club, Tom Purves, who is a big advocate of the MG Marque, said: “It means a great deal to have an MG on display. MG is a wonderful and very important brand in British industry. It made lot of people very happy and employed a lot of people, and to have one here in the Rotunda of the Royal Automobile Club seems entirely appropriate. I can’t imagine over the years how many of our members have been MG owners, I myself have owned MGs and The MG Car Club was the very first Car Club I joined when I was 17, so MG has always been close to my heart.”

G

C

MG

M

M

ML

MG

Pr

AH

The New MG6 Photos of a new Chinese-specification MG6 have recently emerged; looking very modern, it’s clearly benefiting from design elements that MG previously applied to the E-Motion Concept, shown at the Shanghai show, and featured in Safety Fast! earlier this year.

The new MG6 measures 4.7 metres in length, is 1.85 metres wide and 1.46 metres high, which makes it four centimetres longer and one point six centimetres lower than its predecessor. The wheelbase is 2.72 metres, two centimetres longer than the previous version.

The Chinese-specification MG6 will be available with a 1.5-litre turbo engine that generates about 160bhp, available in both a manual sixspeed and an automatic transmission, probably similar to the current UK MG GS power unit.

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1954 MG TF 1250

Genuine RHD UK Car, 1 previous owner, stored for nearly 30 years, matching numbers, number of new major timber body parts, original wings in fine order £10,995

MG TD 1952

US car, total frame off restoration 200 miles ago, engine, g/box and diff rebuilt, lovely car, stored in dry desert climate. Can convert to RHD £28,995 for extra £1000.

For up-to-date listings on our cars for sale visit www.ukmgparts.com

STOCKISTS OF:

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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

MGF/TF DOOR HINGE PINS

MG LAPTOP BAG FROM KIMBER STORES

A classic, slim MG laptop bag, with lots of room to store a laptop up to 15” or a tablet and all your gadgets, folders, papers and other essentials you need during a day. The bag contains one large main compartment and one front pocket with a large organiser and key hook inside. TPU zippers and reflective zip pullers. Introductory offer only in October £30 plus p&p at £5.00 UK and £7.50 Overseas. To order go to Kimber Stores at https://shop.mgcc.co.uk/ product/mg-laptop-bag/ or phone Ineke Sherman on 01235 849737.

RECON CARBURETTORS FROM T TYPES AND MGA

Reconditioned exchange twin carburettor sets for all T-Types and MGA from £795 incl VAT. (TF carbs shown). For more information contact NTG Motor Services Limited, 282-284 Bramford Road, Ipswich, IP1 4AY. Email: info@mgbits.com Phone +44 (0)1473 406031 www.mgbits.com

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Does your MGF or TF suffer with sagging doors? You can now rebuild your door hinges in just a few minutes with these stainless steel heavy duty bushes and pins available from Mike Satur.

The standard MGF/TF hinge has soft coated bushes that wear and cause the door to sag.

By replacing the bushes with Mike’s new design you can restore door alignment. (Four bushes and two new pins per door per kit, to repair both doors order two kits). Now supplied complete with circlips. Order directly from Mike Satur on www.mikesatur.co.uk or 01782 373547.

VERSATILE LONG-REACH PLIERS SET FROM LASER TOOLS

This new set of long-reach pliers from Laser Tools (part number 6684) is suitable for both the professional technician, and the dedicated enthusiast who prefers high quality tools. Their slim design and 400mm (16 inch) length makes them ideal for reaching into the depths of the engine bay, or anywhere access is difficult. The narrow jaw profile provides a positive, non-slip grip.

Three sets of pliers are included, with a choice of jaw angle: straight, 90º and 45º, and the handles are plastic-dipped for comfort and grip.

Available now from your Laser Tools stockist, typically priced at £68.42 (price includes VAT) – but remember to check for the best price and special offers.

ROVER 75 / MG ZT REAR NUMBER PLATE LAMP ASSEMBLY

For those of you with issues with your rear number plate lights, Discount MG Rover Spares now have two main options to help you get them working – a PCB kit which just includes the circuit board with connectors (and the option to add two of the original Osram lamps) and the full retail Rear Number Plate Lamp Assembly.

The PCB is ideal for owners who want to perform the repair on a budget – starting at £16.49, they’re a cost-effective way to restore normal operation. Fitting is simple. The original PCB is removed from the housing, and the replacement placed in the same position. A small amount of hot glue/contact adhesive is recommended to hold it in place.

The full retail assembly is a little more expensive at £44.99; however it is supplied complete and ready to fit to the vehicle.

For more details or to order please visit www.dmgrs.co.uk

www.mgcc.co.uk

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POSTBAG

FEATURED IN SAFETY FAST! I was thrilled when my amazing partner, Jeff, bought me membership to the MGCC as a Christmas present last year, despite the fact that he had just been through spinal surgery at short notice in December, but you can imagine my delight when there, in my very first copy of Safety Fast! which came with my membership documents, was my beloved MG ZR. I bought her for £1,100 in September 2014 after selling my beloved Rover 25, which I’d had for about eight years. I loved the 25 but had always promised myself an MG ZR since they first came out. We’d trawled Lancashire looking for the right one until we found one. Despite having a few flaws, cylinder head that the seller claimed had been done but clearly hadn’t, faulty sunroof, little bits of bodywork, they were all things that could be put right. The pros

outweighed the cons, low mileage, lady owner etc, I got the feeling – this was the right car. A year later my ZR was parked in a car park, minding her own business at my partner’s place of work, waiting patiently for him to finish, when a coach rudely reversed into her. Luckily, my partner’s employer had CCTV which supported out case, and with research and a well-put together ‘report’ on why my ZR was a special car (both to us and in her own right) we convinced the insurance company that no, they would not get anywhere suggesting this was a write-off case. She was saved.

She played a role in our wedding this year – after 14 years together, no less, and rest assured that a shared love of British/classic cars has played a part in our happiness!

Incidentally, one of our other ‘loves’, another shared interest that is part of our story I suppose, is that we love to travel.

As well as visiting famous sights and sites when on trips abroad or around the UK, we play ‘spot the MG or Rover’ and have recently spotted MGs in Lisbon, Poland and Santorini. We even give each other reports on how many MGs or Rovers we’ve seen each day when not on holiday!

Very many thanks, Lorayne Wall

LONG-LIFE PAINT

THE MARQUE OF FRIENDSHIP

Early in 1963 I successfully persuaded my boss that an appropriate vehicle as my new company car would be the then new MGB Roadster. Quite why he agreed to my request was always beyond me, but he did. It was painted Iris Blue, and I bought a small screw-top tin of BMC paint to deal with any minor damage this splendid machine might suffer.

I have recently acquired an MGA 1600 – coincidentally, painted in Iris Blue. For some unfathomable reason the part-used tin of BMC Iris Blue paint has followed me through some six or so house moves. Grubbing around in the workshop I unearthed the ancient tin, and with the help of a vice removed the screw lid. Certain components of its contents had separated, but it seemed it might be a worthwhile 10 minutes spent in giving them a severe stirring.

Amazingly, the separated liquids came together and are an extraordinarily good match for the new MGA’s bodywork – just a little ‘domestic appliance white’ stirred in and perfection has been achieved.

I believe BMC used three different paint suppliers in the 60s, and they’re doubtless long since gone, so it’s a shame the maker can’t now be congratulated on the longevity of its product. I mean to say, 54 years on would be a touch beyond the use-by date, wouldn’t it?

Whilst on a recent holiday to Holland and Belgium in our MGB GT, my partner Linda and I had first-hand experience of friendship that exists in the world of MGs. On Sunday July 23, we were invited by the Zeeland/West Brabant Region of the MG Car Club Netherlands to join in their Jubilee 25th Anniversary event.

The day started with coffee and delicious home-made cake – a welcome change from the usual bacon rolls! This was followed by a 60-mile road-run for approximately 30 MGs – mostly MGBs and modern TFs, but including a TD, MGA and a Midget – through the Dutch countryside on minor roads, finishing with what I can only describe as a six-course gourmet barbecue. The first course was champagne and oysters!

It was a wonderful day spent with fellow MG enthusiasts who could not have been more friendly and shown more hospitality. Not only did they assist us with the road-run directions (all in Dutch, of course!) but the couple who owned the Midget insisted on ferrying us to and from the England football match in Breda that evening.

Just before we left the barbecue, Carlo van Gilse, Regional Co-ordinator, presented me with an engraved 25th Anniversary glass candle holder for MGCC HQ, Abingdon, which I will ensure reaches Kimber House in one piece.

Kind regards, David De Saxe

Kind regards, Reg Dixie

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www.mgcc.co.uk

25/09/2017 16:35

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WOLFIN SHEEP’S CLOTHING A

Photos and text by Andy Knott and Colin Grant

A ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing’ is an idiom of Biblical origin used to describe those playing a role contrary to their real character with whom contact is dangerous. This describes the MGB GT V8 owned by Club member James Wooster perfectly. Outwardly it looks like a nicely restored MGB GT, but under the skin there is a beast waiting to be unleashed.

J

ames’s love affair with MG all started whilst working in Australia for a year in 2015.

He takes up the story: “I visited the well-known Classic Throttle Shop in Sydney looking for a

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car. Amongst the rows of exotic cars was an MGB Roadster in blue; being the only car there that was in my budget I bought it! I found it lovely to drive and used it for around five to six months. The family and I had to come

back to the UK early so I had the car shipped back with us as I just couldn’t part with it. Once back in the UK I found that I had too many cars and I needed something fun I could commute into London in every day. I have an Audi RS4 which, although powerful, just wasn’t as much fun as the B. I decided my MGB Roadster I shipped back just wouldn’t be practical as an everyday commuter so I started to look out for an MGB GT V8. This was inspired by memories of occasionally being driven to school in one when I was a young lad. The looks, noise, and sheer power of the car still sends shivers down my

www.mgcc.co.uk

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FEATURE

spine. I spent time looking through classified adverts for one, but I couldn’t find one to the standard I was looking for. I then searched the internet and came across a firm called CCHL Classic and Sportscars Specialist. They specialise in building bespoke V8 MGB GTs, so I travelled north to visit them in Hull.

I was very impressed with their work and liked the idea that I could have a car built to my own specification, so I ended up spec’ing a car and I placed an order with them in March 2016. I took delivery of the finished V8 in April this year.”

One nice thing when you are having a car built to your own spec is to follow its progress. James commented: “I was able to do this whilst it was being built, having seen the Heritage bodyshell in primer and the engine still in its crate having just been delivered from an engine specialist in Ireland. I was impressed with the attention to detail that CCHL are well-known for, and found the whole experience very enjoyable. I created a spreadsheet of my spec which was quite complex. Having this meant we could keep a tally of the things I wanted fitted to my MG. My main request was to have a car that looked like a standard circa 1967 BGT, as I liked the chrome bumpers from this era.”

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We asked James to list just a few of the other items from his long spec list. “I felt although I wanted a classic looking car, I also wanted my modern comforts so I asked for a heated windscreen, power steering, heated seats, and Bluetooth connection, plus a comfy, classic-inspired, luxurious interior with leather seats and thick carpet etc. One item I overlooked, and which I will fit myself, was a red LED in the dash to indicate when I am low on fuel, as I have nearly been caught out a couple of times. To keep the road and wind levels to a minimum inside

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the car I had £350 worth of Dynamat installed instead of the £80 worth that CCHL would normally fit. The stereo system was installed by Unique Intergrations in High Wycombe. I was able to work closely with them on the cable runs and specification of the cable used. The power amp and sub-woofer are located in the boot, together with high quality speakers fitted all round. All the suspension was to my spec as well. The engine gives out 186bhp, and although happy with this, I may have it tweaked. I’m looking at altering the exhaust as well, as it’s

chunky and too low so I will probably have it replaced with a bespoke one from a specialist. My idea was to have a car I could use every day as I do around 1,000 miles per month.”

We asked James for his comments on the handling and other things that impressed him about the car. He replied: “The handling is incredible and the car is a complete joy to drive with the engine perfectly tuned for coping with London traffic, or equally at home along country lanes or blasting down the motorway.

As I spend a lot of time in the car, it has to be fun. The B is very predictable in the corners and not spoilt by having modern electronics intervene, meaning it had none of the twitchiness that some modern high-performance cars can have.

Another thing I like about the car is the way you can tinker around with it and not get yourself into too much trouble. For instance, because of my stop-start driving in London I thought it might be a good idea to fit a fan override switch, which was so easy to do, something you could never contemplate on a modern car.”

www.mgcc.co.uk

25/09/2017 16:36

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OCTOBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 19

25/09/2017 17:29

FEATURE

The big question: how much did it all cost and has anyone ever offered to buy it? James smiled and said: “Total cost of the car was around £45,000, which when you consider you have a bespoke car is very reasonable.

I actually had an offer whilst at MGLive! this year. I spoke to a chap who had put his business card on my windscreen and on the back had written ‘call me’. He said that mine was the only car he had placed his

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business card on and he wanted to make me an offer to buy it. I said I would think about it. So during a walk around MGLive! I discussed it with my son. We agreed that we would not sell the car unless he offered me £85,000, in which case I would order two more! So, I politely declined his offer. This is the first time I have had this happen to me and I have owned some rare exotic cars in the past

including a Maserati Granturismo S. My current car, an Audi RS4, is being sold and my next car to share the garage with my MGBGT V8 is going to be a Tesla S 75D, but I can’t ever see myself selling my MG.” Having completed our interview and followed James to our photoshoot location along some of the lovely lanes that surround his country home, we could see that he really has tamed the beast!!

www.mgcc.co.uk

25/09/2017 16:36

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25/09/2017 16:36

SUPPORTED BY

FEATURE

PROJECT MGA PART II

B

With Mike Brewer’s MGA safely residing at the RPS premises at Witney, Ben Harris and his colleagues from RPS set to work assessing the MG.

en’s an old hand at MGA restoration, having restored plenty in his time. Although he’s worked on plenty of other British exotica, he hasn’t had an MGA to fettle for a while, so after starting the initial strip down at MGLive! he was itching to get stuck in again.

As more parts started being unbolted and lifted off, everything was going to plan with no nasty hidden surprises. It wasn’t long before Ben was ready to lift off the body. With Body off, time for a full assessment

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25/09/2017 16:36

FEATURE

SUPPORTED BY

Auxiliary items removed from the MGA, boxed and labeled ready for the rebuild

the body off and moved to a solid jig, constructed by RPS to make sure the body didn’t flex and bend, it was time to properly inspect the body and chassis. As we looked at the bodyshell Ben pointed out all the places where he witnessed the dreaded tin worm take hold in previous MGAs he’d worked on, such as the top of the bulkhead under the bonnet. “You see where all the wires and cables feed through to the interior, just above that

The MGA is currently left hand drive, but will be converted to right hand drive.

Engine and front suspension ready for strip down

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Wings removed, solid metal underneath

Rippled and dented panel behind the grille

Battery boxes in situ with the rear axle and diff ready to be removed from the A.

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25/09/2017 16:36

SUPPORTED BY

FEATURE

Ben Harris working on Mike Brewer’s MGA.

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25/09/2017 16:36

FEATURE

SUPPORTED BY

Water pools in this area and can rust MGAs, Mike’s car was solid

Totally solid under the bonnet

Jig in place to stop the body flexing

ledge,” Ben said, whilst pointing under the bonnet, “water pools around the ancillary items and rust starts to eat away.

Other notorious areas for rust are around the A post and B post behind the wings.”

As we look around the body it all looks very solid, with only light surface rust visible. Ben pointed out the panel located behind the grille. It was slightly rippled and dented but looked as if it had been worked on at one stage in the car’s life.

“When we get to work on the body we’ll take a look at that,” Ben said. “We’re using a new reproduction grille from Moss. Normally they take a bit of fettling to fit so we’ll work the body around the grille to get a perfect fit.”

Moving on to the chassis, bearing in mind the MGA is 58 years old and would have had very little rust

protection, it looked in remarkably good condition as well. The dry Californian climate had really preserved the MGA. Even after stripping the car down Ben still reckoned that Mike’s MGA was one of the best he’s seen.

down the line in Abingdon they could intersperse right- and left-hand drive cars easily. I’ve still got to find a few parts for the conversion but it shouldn’t cause any headaches.” Ben carried on: “I’ve still got to remove the ply floor from the MGA. From previous experience, I know the screws that hold it down won’t be easy to underdo, and also I’m expecting some rot on the chassis under the floor, but I’ll deal with that when the ply comes up. Mike’s got a few upgrades planned, such as an MGB engine, five-speed gearbox, MGB V8 bushes, and a 12v battery conversion, all of which may cause a few issues but nothing that fazes me.

I’m really looking forward to seeing Mike Brewer’s MGA come together over the coming months.”

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Potential Problems With the body and visible parts of the chassis being sound we asked Ben if he could foresee any potential problems as the rebuild gets underway. “As the MGA isn’t original, Mike’s decided to put his own mark on the car. We’re going to convert it to right-hand drive, which isn’t as difficult as it sounds with the A, as all cars have left-hand and right-hand drive mounting points and holes through the bulkhead. This kept the cost down, and as they came

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25/09/2017 16:36

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The Car is the Star. Photo: Matt Wood

THE CAR IS THE STAR T

by Colin Grant

hese days we are spoilt for choice when it comes to monthly magazines and weekly papers dedicated to our favourite pastime.

This means our cars are in demand for articles and there is a small army of motoring journalists searching out cars to fill the pages of their respective publications. So it came as

no surprise when I was contacted at the Club by freelance journalist Nigel Clark and asked if I knew anyone who would be willing to supply a modern MGTF for an article he was

K

Y Taking the detail shots.

Photo: Mick Edwards

r e

, .

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25/09/2017 16:36

A great location. Photo: Mick Edwards

Taking the moving shots. Photo: Mick Edwards

writing for Classic Car Mart. It just so happened I had recently purchased a low mileage, 9,000miles, 2005 TF Spark in Sonic Blue which was in mint condition. I suggested he might like my car which he immediately agreed to.

I personally have never been asked to supply a car of mine for a photoshoot although through my work at the Club, as Deputy Editor of Safety Fast! have

carried out many photoshoots in the past and arranged members’ cars for various publications. So this was going to be of particular interest.

It was agreed that the Midland Air Museum at Coventry would be the location and that my car would be compared to a Toyota MR2 Mk3. Apart from giving my car a good wash and polish there was no need to carry out

Watching proceedings. Photo: Mick Edwards

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www.mgcc.co.uk

25/09/2017 16:36

FEATURE

Final clean. Photo: Mick Edwards

any other preparation because of its low mileage condition.

I kept a close eye on the weather and as luck had it the day of the photoshoot dawned in blazing sunshine. On arrival I was greeted

by Nigel Clark who went through what he had in mind for the shoot, and was then introduced to the photographer, Matt Wood, and the owner of the MR2, Simon McMurray.

I had taken a relative of mine along,

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MG-SafetyFast_Oct2017_1-50.indd 31

Mick Edwards, who does some photography for Safety Fast! and had asked him to take some photos of the proceedings.

We all hit it off well and soon entered into some banter as to which was the better car. Matt had Simon and I move our cars around until he found the ideal location for taking his pictures. Although it was a glorious sunny day this is not always ideal for photography, but after some test shots using his flash units he eventually

found the ideal settings and the shoot began. Whilst this was happening Nigel kept us supplied with copious amounts of coffee from the Midland Air Museum cafĂŠ.

If you go on a photoshoot you must be prepared for some hanging around, but it is interesting seeing the photographer carrying out his skills.

Simon and I were then asked to take down the soft tops and open the cars up for detail shots. This gave us a chance to show the plus points of each car.

OCTOBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 31

25/09/2017 16:36

Getting the right angle. Photo: Mick Edwards

Things to note before submitting your car Make sure your car is suitable for the shoot being in a clean and presentable condition.

Be sure to take cleaning materials along with you particularly if the weather is poor so your car can look its best.

Not all magazines will cover your costs, so check this with the journalist before agreeing to submit your car.

Be knowledgeable about your car as many questions will be asked for the article.

Food and drinks are not always included, so if your photo location is somewhere remote you will have to take your own packed lunch.

After this was done, Nigel interviewed us and recorded it on his phone. Many questions were asked, such as why you chose this model of car, what is the colour name and specifications of your car, what you love most The cars on the Fro about driving your of Cl assic Car Martnt Cover car and so on.

There then followed the on-road photography. Now some magazine journalists like to drive your car and will arrange insurance, with your permission, to cover them. But Nigel was happy as a passenger and took us on a country road route that gave him an idea of their cornering and handling capabilities. He then guided us onto a straight piece

of road where he could experience the acceleration of the cars.

Whilst this was being done the photographer had found himself a suitable location for taking his shots.

The day ended back at the Midland Air Museum, which if you are interested in aviation is a great place to visit, where we exchanged email addresses so Matt could send some photos of the day’s proceedings. Overall we all had an enjoyable day and is something I would be happy to do again. The article, which I was very impressed with, appeared in the August issue of Classic Car Mart of which I now have a copy included in my cars history file.

Some journalist like to drive your car, with your permission, so make sure they will arrange insurance cover and check this on the day of the shoot.

Check if the photographer will send you photos from the day’s shoot.

Ask to be informed when the article will appear in print and get a commitment from the journalist that he will send you a free copy.

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From L to R: Colin, Matt, Nigel and Simon. Photo: Mick Edwards

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25/09/2017 16:36

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25/09/2017 16:36

VINTAGE NEWSLET TER Peter Jones peterjones1880@me.com

WELCOME TO THE VINTAGE NEWSLETTER NO FOOL LIKE AN OLD FOOL

The MGCC’s Babdown Point to Point Gymkhana in 1970. Babdown was a WW2 aerodrome near Tetbury and was used for many years. You can see the non-standard dashboard, twin spare wheels and battery repositioned on the running board as it kept getting ‘knocked off’ on the rougher trials when fitted in the cage under the driver’s seat

I have come to the conclusion that it is not just me that doesn’t like weddings – it’s my car, too! Yes, the third daughter of a friend of ours was getting married and since I ferried the first two, how about the last?

Well now, just after finishing the Kimber Classic Trial we were off on holiday, then a few other things came up and eventually I had just three weeks to repair the odd failing part and prepare the car. One issue on the trial,

and this cost me a ‘fail’ on a ‘restart’, (that’s when they get you to stop astride a line on one of the steepest parts of a hill and then tell you to get going again within a certain time without running back or stopping) was a complete lack of power at low revs. This was also rather problematic when popping out quickly at junctions in traffic. Also, the handbrake ratchet lock had decided to part company with the rest of the mechanism, the

An earlier snap of Morgan, Norah and his father in the rear seat. The battery looks even larger and, alas, there doesn’t seem to be a tax disc in the holder so I can’t tell the date. I think that this may have been a BMC&LCC Gymkhana

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diff’s new-found knack of ‘clonking’ and both front bearings were making rather too much noise to be ignored.

Then, of course, there was the sloppy king pin…

Well, I set to with gusto, pulling the back axle out and finding that the pinion trust bearings had worn and were allowing the shaft to move ‘fore and aft’ a bit. I tightened them on the prop shaft and re-assembled (guessing the mesh – it seems reasonably quiet).

On checking the front wheel bearings I found quite a bit of wear and some pitting – they had obviously got wet at some time (possibly on Alham’s Splash over the years).

Replacements were sourced and waited for.

Luckily I found, in stock, an oversized king pin which mated with the existing phosphor-bronze bearings rather nicely so re-assembled that whilst the front was awaiting new taper roller wheel bearings. Then, turning my attention to the handbrake, found the bolts that secure ‘dog’ on the lever that engages the ratchet quadrant had both sheared and were lost for ever. As these are shouldered and of particularly insufficient diameter

Lulsgate Airport and a BMC&LCC race meeting, in this case 500cc race device being towed in after breakdown. Note the bed iron badge bar (there fitted with a diminutive lamp) and the crowds watching at a safe distance.

These meetings ran many classes from the early ‘go-karts’ (below) through sports cars and saloons. On one results sheet I saw one “S. Moss” entered in every race and came first in each

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This iconic shot, taken by Edward Kirkland, shows Morgan and Norah resting after lunch on an MGCC event – note the hood bag looks a little worse for wear

Hustyn Hill on the MCC’s Land’s End Trial – large battery on the running board, twin spares and quick-release petrol filler cap. However the almost unique thing is that the hood is up!

Judging by the clothes, I would guess pre-war

for the job, I had to improvise. So, with two slender set screws, a couple of bits of suitable tubing to bulk them out a bit and washers to hold it all together I fabricated something that would seem to hold things in the right place and that has worked marvellously thus far.

Miraculously, the front bearings arrived the next day so these were fitted when time permitted and I had even managed to wash off the worst of the mud left over from the trial.

Then came problems with the engine. It missed, popped, banged and generally speaking was not its creamy smooth self. I tried replacing almost everything on the ‘sparks’ side to little avail so I turned to the fuel side cleaning all filters, blowing through the fuel lines, cleaning the carburettors, trying the ‘dash tank’ (an emergency two gallons that lives in a tank behind the dash and is gravity fed to the carburettors at the turn of a two-way tap). All to little avail.

“Perhaps it just needs a run,” I said to myself in a disbelieving manner, as I set off to the petrol station a few miles away in Bath. I got there with little grace and filled up both tanks. As I pulled out into traffic the engine stopped dead.

Then it started to rain – serious rain.

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Giving up efforts under the bonnet, I called home for help and put the hood up and waited, wringing wet. Soon Victoria arrived in the 1.2 ’Hi-and-dry’ i10 to tow me up the famed Ralph Allen Drive to home; a journey that was accomplished remarkably effectively.

Then, having stuffed the thing into the garage, under the power of the starter motor, I went in for a change of clothes and a cup of tea.

The next day I did battle with the motor all morning and just couldn’t get it to fire at all. Eventually, in utter desperation and with the wedding day approaching fast, I called Fred Body. He was busy all week but could come next Friday, only days before the Happy Day. That Friday he and I worked ceaselessly until 4.00pm. We changed the points, rotor arm, distributor cap, coil, condenser, HT leads, LT connection and spark plugs.

We re-timed the cam and the distributor, checked the rocker gaps among many other checks and adjustments and still

couldn’t get it to fire at all. Defeated, Fred went home. In the end Pat, Fred’s wife, sorted the issue out.

As he walked though the door Pat told him to take all his clothes off. Now Fred has been married a long time and doesn’t get invitations like this often, so he enthusiastically started to oblige as Pat spoke the memorable words: “you stink of diesel”.

Now all the clues were there. Fred asked if this was fresh petrol, as it felt a bit oily. I had ‘warmed’ the plugs with a blow lamp to encourage ignition but the ‘petrol’ on them didn’t seem to burn.

Diesel used to smell awful and you had to use plastic gloves at the pumps, but these days that doesn’t seem to be a problem – maybe refiners have made it less offensive to sniff…

I drained it all out of both tanks and rinsed them with new petrol, blew the fuel lines out, stripped the carburettors again and it started! Not going spectacularly well, but enough to get

The interior of GU when it arrived in my garage in 1989. Bit of fettling needed! Note nearly everything painted black, including the dashboard and windscreen – he said he got tired of polishing the nickel. The bodywork was all black and the interior trim had been painted red!

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VINTAGE NEWSLET TER

Then, of course, the water manifold started to leak so a quick emergency repair ensued – “nothing more permanent than a temporary job”. I don’t suppose the manufacturer expected it to last for 88 years!

the bride to the church and then to the reception. It was spitting back through the carburettors up Widcombe Hill, but I richened up the mixture a bit and that improved things for a while. It does seem to be a bit ‘hesitant’ over about 50mph so there is still a problem or two to sort out, but at least it is on the road again.

The things that make me think that the machine is somewhat averse to when on duty at other nuptials. On one occasion, when pulling in to the reception venue we went down a long drive and, as we went over one of the rather vicious ‘speed bumps’ the engine stopped dead and wouldn’t restart. Eventually the bride, in full meringue, and the groom in morning suit got out and pushed it to the front door! There was even a picture in their ‘photo album to prove it.

Then on another occasion, stopping off for yet more photos on the way to the reception, for no particular reason one of the steering arms sheared and one end of the drag link fell to the floor.

I pushed the bride and groom into the photographer’s van and by that means they were delivered to the reception and I was left on a country lane. What to do, bearing in mind that I was wearing my only suit? Well, I tied the trailing end of the drag link to the running board with a handy bit of fence wire I found and set off. This worked surprisingly well as

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The Austin 7 ‘tractor’. Throughout the war Morgan commuted from Bristol to West Sussex each weekend to attend to the farm machinery. The car he used was GU and it still had remnants of the white paint on the running boards and front wings when I got it

the unsteered front wheel followed its counterpart with surprising accuracy, it was quite drivable and the self-centring of the caster angle of the king pin brought it to the straight-ahead position when its opposite was pointing that way.

The only snag was that when I tried to reverse when doing a ‘three point turn’ the untethered wheel stubbornly went to full left- or right-hand lock, which meant I had to get out and heave it round manually at each of the numerous back and forth manoeuvres involved in a 180-degree turn in a narrow lane. Apart from that, it was an easy drive home.

Then there was my step-daughter’s wedding in Devon. Here the engine spat, boiled, lost power and thoroughly disgraced itself all weekend. When I got home, I changed everything but without making any discernible difference.

Eventually I gave up and some weeks later, having struggled with the temptation to put it on eBay, I went for a drive and it worked beautifully.

One other thing I managed to look at was the brakes. Now some of you may recall that, from the first run in 1990 as I was finishing the year-long reassembly of the boxes of bits that came with the almost-complete car, the rear offside brake would ‘grab’ and

lock. Now, try as I might, I have never got any of the other brakes to lock the wheel. This troublesome brake exhibited this disturbingly noisy habit despite my swapping the brake drums and then the brake shoes, and the axle, the brake rods and eventually buying new drums.

It still locked up. Now, however, after my re-balancing everything yet again, it works in more or less in unison with its counterparts on the other three corners.

Interesting things, these old cars.

Fred Body doing his best to get the wretched thing to work – if only Pat had come too

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25/09/2017 16:36

One thing you may be able to help me with that I have never understood is capacitors. The original ones were about the same size as your thumb and the newer variety are as big as your thumb nail. Do the modern improved materials mean that they are as ‘powerful’ as the old ones, or do they have different values? My car presently has one of Fred’s ‘old stock’ examples, but do they deteriorate over the years? None of them seem to have any markings or values on, so how do you find the right one for your car? I would appreciate the wisdom of those who understand these things. As an aside, one of Morgan Marshall’s old books suggests making a circuit up with a light bulb, two prods and plugging it into the mains. Then touch one prod to the outer metal case and the other to the terminal. If the light illuminated then it is faulty. I have never had the courage to do this.

I was amused to hear that the RAC are having KX 6135 on display at their Pall Mall headquarters. You may recall that KX was Morgan Marshall’s favourite 18/80 and was a Mk1 narrow-bodied speed model – arguably the prettiest car in the range. I remember he was often working on it in the triangle of tarmac outside his triple garage on Hazel Lane in Redland, Bristol, when, as an impoverished young man with a somewhat less-than-reliable TC, I used to pop round on a quiet day to chat with him. He told me epic tales of the events he had been on and the trials he was to embark on that very evening if he could get KX ready in time. I often helped by holding something or finding the spanner he had dropped earlier. It was then that I got caught by the bug of ‘easy to enter’ motorsport and soon started setting off with him to trials in my TC. KX was extraordinarily lively and suffered much abuse in the soft hands of the owner. Often Morgan used to take a few days off with Norah (his longsuffering navigatrix) after the Land’s End Trial at Easter.

Now KX had the ‘new-fangled’ cable brakes, the cable bit of which was prone

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Changed everything – still no joy

to snapping. Morgan used to make up his own cables, sweating the ends on the carefully measured length of cable. Some were more successful than others. One year he had snapped three of the four cables during the trial but, undaunted by this minor inconvenience, continued his holiday tour round the West Country, including a descent of Countisbury Hill on the A39. Back in Bristol he repaired the cables – once more.

Then again, when he got KX it had a ‘non-standard’ dashboard that he rather liked so he left it. Over many years his was possibly the only 18/80 that many people would see. He used it as daily transport, for holidays, in long-distance competition especially with the MCC, VSCC, BM&LCC, Stroud and District MC and, of course, MGCC. At these events many a ‘photograph would be taken, especially the interior including dashboard. Presumably an awful lot of people thought that all 18/80s should have the same and this rather amused him.

Another modification was a piece of bed iron that was bolted on by the headlight fittings. This was once the support for a massive spot light that was to help him on the night sections of the MCC’s hills. It was, apparently, very effective and the only downside was that it flattened the battery with consummate ease, and so the light was discontinued whereas the support remained for years and, again, many thought it was an original fitting!

When others apart from Morgan

began to take an interest in owning an 18/80, Morgan would encourage them, even to the extent of parting with a few of his collection (his original ambition was to have one of each Mk and body style – with another of each for spares!). At its height he was just short of double figures and was happy to show everyone round ‘The Collection’, which included a few MMMs, a Morris Colonial, an Austin 7 (with twin gearboxes and a P type rear axle fitted with ‘knobbly’ tyres that he made up for a tractor to use on the farm his father bought in West Sussex.

The lowest gear was double reverse which apparently equated to 2½ mph at 4,000 revs power, enough to pull a trailer full of hay).

As these various enthusiasts restored their cars Morgan noticed, with a wry smile, that most had TC radiator caps – the originals were slightly larger and more rounded. He never mentioned this but confided to me his merriment.

Many years later, I mentioned this to a fellow owner and the end result was that a new batch of original-sized caps was made. Opinion is divided about petrol tank filler caps – some photos show some rather ‘bling’ castellated contraptions and others radiator caps.

I suppose it all depended on what they had to hand at the time.

Well, I hope you enjoyed your summer and would encourage you to keep the car on the road all winter and enjoy the delights of 52 weeks’ driving.

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TRIPLE M NEWSLET TER Jeremy Hawke Tel: +44 (0)1225 863934 mgk3007@btinternet.com • www.triple-mregister.org

WELCOME TO THE TRIPLE M NEWSLETTER Well, here we are with autumn approaching and the world suddenly seems a lot wetter! Hopefully, you’ve all had a good summer out and about with your cars, and those midrebuild are just that little bit closer to completion thanks to Beaulieu.

WET WISCOMBE Whilst others were ‘doing Goodwood’, a few die-hard MMMs braved the weather on September 9 down in Devon for the Wiscombe Hillclimb organised by the MGCC SW Centre.

In the past, this event has attracted well over a dozen MMM entries, but this year we could only muster three brave souls: Brian Galbraith with his faithful J2, Andrew Morland (L1 as his P type was bust) and Ian Goddard PA/B. For the competition; they had a smattering of Austin 7s, Alvis, Rileys and T Types. Your scribe was there to marshal and other MMM owners were there prowling around the

SUMMER COMINGS AND GOINGS A few months back I asked you all to drop me a line detailing any enjoyable MGCC events you attend with your cars that you think would be of interest to others. Ray Masters responded to the call – there is plenty going on North of Watford! Amongst a variety of events organised by various Classic Car Clubs, our very own North West Centre organise a concours evening each year at their monthly meeting venue, the Plough

paddock. Basically, the day started wet and became wetter, with just the occasional bit of sunshine to lull everybody into a bit of false hope.

Still, the conditions were very kind to Andrew’s borrowed diff in his car (which meant that Ollie Richardson will get it back in one piece). Such were the conditions in the paddock, that competitors only managed one

Andrew Morland and his L1 enter The Esses. Photo: Colin Murrell

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& Flail at Mobberley in Cheshire.

They invite other clubs also and there can be as many as 100 cars present.

This year it was attended by the late Howard Braithwaite NA, Peter Twist in his superb PA, Ray in his PA and Malcolm Bailey ND. Howard won the Lookers Shield for the best MG, of all ages present. So, the moral is; don’t just read these and your own Centre notes, look further afield from time to time.

practice run before starting the serious stuff. With a number of ‘offs’ (none of our illustrious MMM bunch – they all managed to keep to the black stuff and Ian must have been thankful in that he has yet to fit his blower) contributing to delays and a lot of oil on the course, the Secretary reluctantly had to call things to a halt midway through the second timed runs. I have

Brian Galbraith (J2) at the The Esses. Photo: Colin Murrell

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TRIPLE M NEWSLET TER

yet to see the results, but (with apologies if I’ve got it wrong) I think Andrew managed to sneak the fastest MMM in the remarkably standard looking MG L1. However, just for braving the conditions, all three get their photos here (all from Colin Murrell). Strangely, the weather doesn’t seem too bad for the MMM runs!

Ian Goddard (PA/B) breaking for The Gate.

Photo: Colin Murrell

It’s always nice when a ‘new’ car turns up out of the blue and this month word has reached me of another J2 that’s fallen out of the woodwork. This one however is of particular interest, for it is a very early car and long term ‘sleeper’ (chassis No 004). As our photo shows; it is pretty much complete and comes with the almost obligatory F**d engine. It’s sometimes difficult to remember that 60 years ago you could just about count the cars running with ohc engines on the fingers of one hand. Though in the same ownership since the mid-60s, it has remained out of sight way up in the far North of Scotland and was spotted by David Ironsides (a Butler-Lacey guru, whom my Father met and got to know when up in Scotland with J2396 in the early 80s). The J2 must have left a good impression for him to remember over three decades later!

ALL A BIT FAR-FETCHED – BUT IT ACTUALLY HAPPENED If you were in a pub listening to a bunch of petrol-heads talking about a bunch of amateur enthusiasts in cars that were all well over 50 years old (along with most of the drivers), getting together over nearly a decade and in the process setting or breaking over 60 National and International Class speed records, you would think that they’d all had a bit too much beer. Well, it all seems a very long time ago now, but remarkable though it may seem, a bunch of MG Car Club members and their MMM cars went and did just that!

First, a little bit of history: The first MG speed records were established by George Eyston in EX120 at Montlhéry way back in December 1930, a ‘factory’ effort if you like. This established a long line of achievements by MG at National and International level, in cars of which the most famous (and versatile) is probably EX135 (aka K3023), up until the last works-organised attempts at

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Bonneville in 1959 with Phil Hill and EX181 (not a hint of MMM in that one). In 1960, writing in Motor Sport, Bill Boddy reviewed the lesser classes for International records, noting that the Class H (750cc) seven-day mark was set at a paltry 47mph, a figure he considered well within the reach of an Austin 7. Formed the following year, buoyed on with youthful enthusiasm and with seemingly suitable cars somewhere out there to be found (C Types, J4s and R Types) the seed was sown and plans began to form. Now, nothing much came of this, as things like families and careers came in the way, members lost interest etc, though Bob Milton probably got furthest down the road with preparation of an R Type (still in the 60s).

Fast forward to the 80s and the itch was still waiting to be scratched, given a bit of extra impetus with MMM member Ken Rees ‘on the inside’ at Jaguar, meaning that the MIRA Test Track was

AND STILL THEY TURN UP

J2004 that turned up out of the blue.

Photo: David Ironsides

secured for a weekend in the summer of 1986 (neatly the Register’s 25th year) and after much fretting, even squeezing a bit of support from ‘leading MMM suppliers’ and Shell, cars were entered in: 1100cc (Class G) – Peter Green and team with the venerable K3011; Len Bull and team with his J2.

750cc (Class H) – Barry Foster and team with C0280.

500cc (Class I) – Mike Hawke and team with his J2 ‘stroked’ down to squeeze into the smaller class.

In a largely successful 24 hours, the cars collected 16 British National Class records, but not without incident. Len’s J2 was the hardest-pushed trying for some of the shorter records in his class, unblown and giving away valuable cc’s and suffered from a number of minor problems before a split fuel tank ended his runs. The C Type broke at least one rocker and had to be coaxed out to be classed as running at the end of proceedings, whilst the 500cc car struggled to even make the start, as its special cylinder head was found to be

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TRIPLE M NEWSLET TER

Millbrook 1989; K3011 pounds out the miles with the PB pitted in the background.

Photo: Jeremy Hawke

cracked a week before the off. With no time to prepare another, a bogstandard J head was substituted, giving a laughably low compression ratio and the car was just about to drag itself around the track for the full 24 hours. The K3, meanwhile, was driven to the track, clocked up 24 hours’ faultless running, collected the targeted records and then drove home again afterwards! Running total – 16 National British records.

1989: Fired up by this success, things were now getting serious.

Use of the Millbrook Test Track was granted and the cars assembled. All were now sporting superchargers and ‘small cam’ engines now had ‘big cam’ arrangements for the first time (a development which is now quite a common modification). The cars were: (Class G) – Peter Green and team with K3011; Sean Smedley and team with his PB. (Class H) – Ken Rees and

team with C0261.

(Class I) – Mike Hawke and team with his J2.

Over a fine weekend, the teams bagged a whole new clutch of records, including two Internationals (as well as breaking their own from three years earlier). As the performances increased, none of the cars ran fault-free, broken blower drive, split inlet manifold, thrown tyre treads being among the problems encountered. Only K3 and J2 were running at the end (with the J2 lapping faster than the K3 which, by then, wa minus its blower internals!). Things were getting serious…Running total 32 National British and two International records.

1992 – Pendine Interlude: As part of the 60th Anniversary celebrations of Eyston’s EX120 runs, the opportunity arose to ‘have a go’ at some shorter distance records. Barry Foster (C Type,

Class H) and John Bannell (J2, Class I) using the old ‘stroked’ 500 motor, duly rose to the challenge. On the day of the attempts, the beach was far from perfect which hampered the runs, but one additional class record was bagged by each car. Running total 34 National British and two International records.

1994: Further attempts were planned to both secure new records, upping existing records in the process. A larger group formed: (Class G, long distance) – Peter Green and team with K3011; (short distance) – Mike Hawke and team with K3007.

750cc (Class H, long distance) – John Bannell and team with his J2; (short distance) – Barry Foster and team with C0280.

(Class H) – Ken Rees and team with C0261 (running with 2 pistons removed).

Although the weather was glorious, that was about it. K3011 upped its existing records by a small margin, K3007 could not run smoothly, C0280 let her engine go big time, C0261 went sick after upping a few of the 500cc records and the J2 upped a few of the 750cc ones. As a comic was heard to say: “we broke our own records and our own cars”. But, at least they’re up at a respectable level and it will take a fair bit of effort to break them! Running total still 34 National British and two International records.

Millbrook 1994 towards the end; C0261, C0280 and K3007 all bust, with J3400 buzzing away in the background. Photo: Jeremy Hawke

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BRITISH TOURING CAR CHAMPIONSHIP

ROUND 8 ROCKINGHAM

T

By Paul Goodman. Photos: btcc.net

he Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship is decided over a wide range of different circuits.

The teams left Scotland after the Knockhill races and headed to Rockingham. This is the circuit which was built on the site of an industrial development to provide a circuit for oval racing. Indycars came on several occasions and used the full banked circuit. The current track is a mixture of tight hairpins in the in-field and the fast straight. It is also the only track on which the cars run in an anticlockwise direction. The battle for the championship had closed after Knockhill with Colin Turkington enjoying a slim lead over Ash Sutton and Gordon Shedden.

The 888 MG6 cars have always performed well at Rockingham with good handling and straight-line speed. Árón Taylor-Smith and Josh Cook both love the circuit and were optimistic about the weekend as they would start without any success ballast in their cars. The option tyre for the weekend was the hard (Thruxton) tyre which drivers would have to use for one of

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the three races with the standard tyre employed for the other two.

As usual, the timetable included two sessions of 40 minutes on Saturday morning, which the drivers could use to test their cars before qualifying which would be late in the afternoon. The weather was set fair so there would be no need for wet weather tyres. Very few laps were run by the drivers as the abrasive surface proved to hasten tyre wear and so lose grip after a very small mileage. Both MG6 drivers concentrated on car set-up.

As usual, the Saturday qualifying session was hectic with nearly all the 32 cars setting times within a second of the quickest. During the final 10 minutes Josh and Árón both went out on a brand-new set of tyres and secured eighth and 13th places, the best MG qualifying session of the

season. Pole position was a first – James Cole in his Subaru.

For the first race Árón opted to use the ‘hard’ tyre whilst Josh decided to run on the standard rubber. Josh made a great start, making up places at the first corner and holding on to a fine fourth place to the end of the race. Árón slipped back through the field as his tyres lost grip and finished 16th.

The race was won by James Cole, his first-ever victory in the BTCC. Ash Sutton was second for Subaru, with Jack Goff third in his Honda, making it a great result for MG drivers new and old.

The second race of the day started with great promise for Josh who burst into second place early in the race.

Sadly, contact with Matt Jackson’s Ford Focus and then Matt Neal’s Honda resulted in damage and a nonfinish. Árón managed to make up some places and finished 15th in the midst of some great racing. This time, Ash Sutton’s Subaru took the win, with Matt Jackson second and Colin Turkington’s BMW third.

The final race of the day was won

by Andrew Jordan (another former MG driver) with Adam Morgan’s Mercedes and Jason Plato’s Subaru making up the podium. Josh had to start from the back of the grid and got involved with another driver, leading to retirement.

Unfortunately, Árón went backwards finishing 20th.

Once again, both drivers had shown race-winning pace, but bad luck and incidents meant that the expected results did not materialise. The team would have to raise their game for the penultimate race weekend on the short Silverstone National Circuit.

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BRITISH TOURING CAR CHAMPIONSHIP

T

he Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship always finishes with the two contrasting meetings, these being the short Club Circuit at Silverstone and the long Brands Hatch GP configuration. The teams arrived at Silverstone on September 16 with 32 cars in the paddock vying for success around the triangular track. The drivers miss out much of the Grand Prix Circuit by turning sharp right onto the Wellington Straight rather than heading off towards Hanger Straight.

The 888 MG Team had, once again, had to do work to the cars in the three weeks since Rockingham. Aron TaylorSmith was ready to go, but a suspension for collecting too many penalty points was hanging over Josh Cook. Initially, the Team registered an appeal with the Motor Sports Association, meaning that he would be able to race under protest, but later had a change of mind and decided to accept the penalty.

A perfect car set-up is needed at Silverstone because a good grid slot near the front is a requirement for good race results. As normal, two sessions would be held on Saturday morning for this purpose, with qualifying to follow later in the day.

All the cars took to the track early on Saturday morning with the track still showing signs of damp. Josh was right on the pace finishing 11th, but Aron was in trouble in 31st place. By lunchtime the track was dry for the second session.

Josh did even better by finishing sixth and Aron moved up to 20th.

The track was dry for one of the most incredible qualifying sessions ever seen in the BTCC. All 32 cars finished within one second of pole position. Jack Goff secured pole by one thousandth

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ROUND 9 SILVERSTONE

By Paul Goodman. Photos: btcc.net

of a second from Tom Ingram. The two MG6s were in the mix, but when the flag ended the session, Josh was 18th and Aron 27th, being only point four and point six of a second from pole.

With Josh having to sit out race one, there was only Aron’s MG on the grid.

The track had damp patches around it, but all the drivers decided to use slick dry weather tyres. This proved to be a real problem as rain began to fall after the early laps. Aron was driving well until he got involved in an incident which resulted in several damaged cars, a premature end to the race, and a finishing position of 19th. Tom Ingram took the win from pole sitter Jack Goff with Adam Morgan’s Mercedes third.

The weather was dry for race two and Josh was now able to don his race suit and take part, although he would have to start from the back of the grid, with Aron in 19th spot. Both MG6s fought hard throughout the race, resulting in Aron finishing 14th and Josh 18th. These would be their starting positions for the third race of the day.

At the front, Jack Goff in the Honda secured his second-ever BTCC win, the first having been achieved driving an MG6. Tom Ingram was second and Colin Turkington’s BMW third.

The third, and final, race proved to be difficult for the MG drivers. They both featured well early on, but Josh was involved in a racing incident resulting in retirement to the pits. Aron persevered to finish 17th. Star of this race was Matt Neal in his Honda, who worked his way through the pack to victory. In second place was Rob Huff having a one-off drive for Vauxhall. Rob is a World Touring Car Champion, but has also raced MGBs in MGCC race meetings. Third place went to Dave Newsham, a first podium of the season for the Chevrolet team.

So, at the end of the day, the 888 MG6s were packed away in the transporter to be prepared for the last three races of the season around the stunning Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit.

The Championship would be decided between Colin Turkington and 2016 MG driver Ash Sutton driving his Subaru.

OCTOBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 45

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ACTION PACKED OULTON

Tom Smith (22) leads Mark Ashworth (87) and the Equipe GTS grid in to Old Hall. Photo: Dickon Siddall

ACTION PACKED OULTON

A

By Leanne Fahy

day of action bathed in sunshine awaited us at Oulton Park in September. Despite a superb day of racing from our own championships, along with regular additions from the Porsche Club GB Championship, the day was overshadowed due to a first-lap incident in the opening MG Trophy race. Hopefully those involved are recovering well. Read on for more information about the day.

THE JOHN WOODS MOTORCARE MG TROPHY CHAMPIONSHIP The entire MG Trophy grid was banded with black armbands throughout the day in memory of Andrew Martin who sadly passed away recently, following a battle with leukaemia.

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An incident on the first lap of the MG Trophy race saw the race immediately stopped. As the cars ventured along Lakeside, a collision saw two drivers out of action.

Gianni Picone and Adrian Wray were the drivers involved. Unfortunately, due to unavailable time, the race was not re-started.

Race two took place without drama.

A commanding drive from the word go, Ross Makar was the man to beat, as Colin Robertson, Graham Ross and Doug Cole tried in vein. Unable to unnerve him, the latter trio were forced to battle amongst themselves.

Robertson had looked set to claim second place, after holding the position for a number of laps. However, as remaining laps decreased, an outstanding manoeuvre into Old Hall launched Ross

Kyla Birdseye pushing hard in her MG Metro.

Photo: Martin Price

into second place. A move that deemed him worthy of Driver of the Race.

With just two minutes left on the clock, the chequered flag was waved earlier than expected, crowning Makar victorious, ahead of Ross, Robertson, Cole and Gary Wetton.

Fergus Campbell triumphed in Class B. Paul Luti had looked set to claim second in class; however his chances diminished when he came into the pits unexpectedly. Adam Jackson finished second, ahead of Jack Roberts, Ryan Firth and Tom Butler.

Class C ended with a spectacular battle, with the top three just millimetres apart. Andy Spencer was the man to beat, who won ahead of Matthew Turnbull and Paul Croker.

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ACTION PACKED OULTON

MGCC WES BCV8 CHAMPIONSHIP James Wheeler just managed to steal the victory in the opening BCV8 outing, after a fierce tussle with Russell McCarthy throughout.

Wheeler led the way early on, but he was unable to defend from the determined McCarthy. With McCarthy ahead, the battle was far from over, as the pair grappled lap after lap.

As the duo raced through their final lap, a brief coming together at Lodge Corner on the final tour was enough to upset the rhythm.

Separated by dust, it was Wheeler who had the better exit at Deer Leap to take the win, ahead of McCarthy. Ian Prior had a somewhat solitary race to third place.

The Wheeler-McCarthy battle reignited once again in race two, with the pair each sharing the top spot.

After McCarthy slipped to third place, it looked as though Wheeler would be our first double winner of the day; however an issue on the final lap meant it was Ian Prior who exited Deer Leap ahead, with the chequered flag unfurled in time to catch him.

McCarthy held on for second place, ahead of Ollie Neaves. Simon Tinkler was awarded the Driver of the Race for his seventh place overall, and Class AB victory.

MGCC PETER BEST INSURANCE MG CUP Matthew Simpson caused a stir in the first Peter Best MG Cup outing, taking the race win in something other than an MG. After securing pole position in his Rover Tomcat, Simpson led for much of the outing, but not without a fight.

Simpson claimed the advantage from the off, to lead the way into Old Hall. Behind, Iain Dowler and Peter Burchill battled for second and third places, with Dave Nixon not far behind.

After problems earlier on, championship leader, Alan Brooke, looked set to have a mountain in front of him. However, as he raced

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his way through the field, in true Alan style, he soon found himself leading the way.

Looking as comfortable as ever in the lead of the race, Brooke’s chances for victory were soon eradicated, when an issue with his car forced him to pull onto the grass and into retirement.

As Brooke watched from the sidelines, Simpson reclaimed his lead, to steer his Rover Tomcat to victory.

Peter Burchill finished second in his ZS, despite his ferocious efforts to try to steal the lead. Iain Dowler claimed third place, ahead of Nixon and James Darby.

Although Burchill narrowly missed out on a race win, our commentary team awarded him the Driver of the Race accolade.

Dowler delivered a commanding drive in the second MG Cup outing, to claim victory. Chased by the Rover Tomcat duo of Nixon and Simpson, Dowler was able to fend them off.

As the chequered flag fell, it was Dowler who grasped the win, just 0.1 seconds ahead of Nixon. Burchill again glued himself to the rear of Simpson’s Tomcat, keen to find a way past.

Hopeful of surpassing him this time around, Burchill’s persistence paid off when he passed him for third place on the final tour.

Sadly, Alan Brooke was unable to take part in this second race, after problems befell him during race one.

Helen Waddington in her ZR 160 enjoying the Cockshoot Cup race. Photo: Martin Price

James Wheeler leads Russell McCarthy in the MGCC WES BCV8 Championship. Photo: Martin Price

MGCC DRAYTON MANOR PARK MG METRO CUP Jack Ashton battled brother Andrew profusely throughout the sole MG Metro Cup outing. As the pair rounded Old Hall side by side on the first lap, it was clear it would be a thrilling excursion.

The Ashton battle was made into a three-way scrap, when Mike Williams hoisted himself onto the back of them.

As the trio lapped, the space between them was non-existent. With

Peter Burchill (13) leads the mixed MGCC Peter Best Insurance MG Cup in his MG ZS 180. Photo: Dickon Siddall

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ACTION PACKED OULTON

Williams harassing Andrew Ashton, Jack was eventually able to pull away, stretching to a comfortable four-second gap by the end of the race.

Andrew Ashton’s race was not as straightforward as his brother’s. As Lee Connell found his way to third place, he hounded Ashton lap after lap.

As the pair exited Deer Leap for the final time, he held onto second place, just 0.200 seconds ahead of Connell, with Williams a further one second adrift. Tony Connell and Mark Eales completed the top six.

Jack Ashton’s race-winning performance not only deemed him worthy of the Driver of the Race award, but also the Driver of the Day. EQUIPE GTS A commanding charge saw Tom Smith race to victory in the Equipe GTS race.

Wilf Penrose had led the way from the start, but as the pit window came into play, things began to change.

In what was a shorter race due to earlier delays, Penrose held his ground for much of the first half. Chased by Smith, Penrose was forced to make way for the MGB Roadster driver, after a brief safety car period closed up the field somewhat.

With the pit stops behind them, the race was on to the chequered flag.

Having expectedly dropped back due to the mandatory stops, Smith had a battle on his hands. After chasing the field, he was soon back ahead, to claim victory by over five seconds.

Phil Standish leads the Cockshoot Cup. Photo: Dickon Siddall

Penrose held on for second place, whilst Mark Ashworth held on for third place, despite immense pressure from fourth-placed Simon Cripps.

MGCC COCKSHOOT CUP Philip Standish’s late decision to race at Oulton proved to be a wise move, after a dominant drive saw him steer his MG TF LE500 to victory. Having only decided to race the previous night, he was untouchable in the race, to finish some five seconds ahead of his nearest challenger.

Peter Bramble cemented himself in second place for the duration, defending his position from Mike Peters. His strong performance for second was also enough to deserve the Driver of the Race accolade, as decided by our commentary duo.

After starting down in 12th place, Ashley Woodward had some work to do. A determined drive saw him land in fourth place, with enough time to

pester Peters in third place. Despite his best efforts, Woodward remained in a strong fourth place, to win the battle of the MG ZSs. Fellow MG ZS drivers, Peter Burchill and Philip Bowden, completed the top six, with Burchill crossing the line sheer millimetres ahead. David Coulthard’s birthday weekend ended without celebration, when his early strong performance was met with a retirement after four laps.

The battle of the ladies was won

by Helen Waddington this time. Maddy Maguire was a strong performer early on; however she slipped back after seemingly struggling with an issue.

Oulton Park always delivers excellent racing, and this year was certainly no different. Despite a good day of action, we wish the drivers involved in the MG Trophy incident a speedy recovery. We hope to see you both back out for the final round at Snetterton next month.

Ross Makar leads a wet John Woods Motorcare MG Trophy Race. Photo: Dickon Siddall

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25/09/2017 16:36

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OCTOBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 49

25/09/2017 16:46

RACE TORQUE

RACE TORQUE I

By Ron Gammons Photos by Dickon Siddall

n the last Race Torque, I mentioned the Club’s last-but one-event this season, our one day at that most scenic of circuits, Oulton Park. Well, I can only hope that you heeded my entreaties to be present, for we had some excellent Club racing on a dry day.

I mention that because, perhaps due to the proximity to the coast, Oulton can have some rain on occasion! With the circuit being tree-lined the track can be rather slippery, which has in the past caught out even the best!

However, our visit there had none of that weather, but there were thrills

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and some spills. None was more serious than the events in the first Trophy race, which saw a couple of cars airborne, on the first lap.

One caused some considerable damage to a marshalling post, at Lakeside. With good fortune none of the marshals were seriously hurt and all insisted on continuing their duties into the afternoon after being checked over.

What a great bunch of people they are.

Without them there wouldn’t be any motorsport, let alone racing!

The drivers concerned were both hospitalised, one by air, but both were

later released after checks. One of the marshals subsequently wrote to the Club thanking us for our efforts and sending his best wishes to the two drivers concerned. As I said, what a great bunch of people.

So, we are now down to just one more meeting, the two-day event at Snetterton which includes not only the majority of the Club’s Championships’ final rounds but also the Club’s FourHour Classic Relay sponsored, as it has been from its inception some 10 years ago, by British Motor Heritage.

At the time of writing we are still a few teams short of the ideal number but, regardless, it should be a good race.

It’s an excellent way to end the season with all the Championships complete and it usually is a family and friends day, all helping in the pits; etc. Among those entered is the usual Morgan contingent, who I think mustered some five teams last year. Always a very keenly contested race, with results on both scratch and handicap.

The annual race coordinators meeting will take place in late October. If there is anything that competitors want brought to the attention of the Race Committee please ensure that you brief your coordinator in good time so that it can be put onto the agenda.

The 2018 dates are still rather fluid at this point, so I won’t give them out just yet, for fear of confusion should they change. Hopefully with Liberty now in charge of F1, the F1 schedule should be more controlled enabling the national calendars to be formalised earlier, but as they say, proof is in the eating, so let’s just watch this space!

www.mgcc.co.uk

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19/01/2017 16:27

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D U NC A N W O O D DUNCANW@MGS-ON-TRACK.CO.UK

MG on track

MARK HALES AT BLYTON PARK

A

t MGs on Track events we always ensure that we have a qualified instructor available, and at our recent Blyton Park track day we were very happy to have Mark Hales. Mark is a hugely experienced racer and tester, and many of you will know him from his articles in the magazine Octane and from the book Into the Red about Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason’s collection of fast and very desirable cars. Mark has driven virtually all types of racing cars, including MG Midgets in his early years, and he proved to be both interested in and knowledgeable about the various MG vehicles participating at Blyton.

I had an instruction session with Mark in the morning, and afterwards took the opportunity to ask for a few general guidelines about driving on track. I had originally asked about the most common mistakes, but Mark said he preferred to think of them as areas for improvement. Foremost of these was vision: the ability to look into and through the corner to where you actually want to end up, rather than just at the track immediately in front of the car.

Mark warned that as soon as drivers lost concentration or were distracted by another car, they frequently reverted to looking no further than the end of the bonnet!

Steering technique is another area that Mark linked with vision and the ability to look sufficiently far ahead. To quote him directly: “You wouldn’t aim a bow and arrow if you didn’t have a target. It’s very simple but very hard to make yourself do.” Smooth steering inputs unsettle the car less and mean that the front tyres are ready to take you in the intended direction. It is also important to resist “immediately jumping on the gas the moment you come off the brakes” as this picks up the front of the car and shoves it straight on.

Mark identified braking as being one of the hardest aspects of driving on track when you want to drive really fast and one that had changed a great deal over his career. Even in historic race cars modern materials allow harder and more prolonged braking than was ever

possible when the cars were current, leading to different set-ups and driving techniques. Clearly, he is able to consider aspects such as these in much greater depth than I am, but it was good to have an insight into the improvements that a skilled and highly analytical driver can achieve whatever the car.

Another hindrance to making real progress in track driving is the need to combat established behaviour. If someone has been religiously shuffling the steering wheel as taught by their driving instructor 30 years ago, it may be very hard to shake this habit off on track and turn the wheel whilst keeping their hands on the same portion of the rim. A common consequence of established behaviour is an unwillingness to use all the available track. Obviously in day-to-day driving we are very used to the idea of keeping to ‘our’ side and have a sense that the opposite side is a dangerous place to be.

This is not the case on a circuit where there is nothing coming the other way and the complete width of track is ours to use; the fastest route through a corner will invariably entail the crossing of an imaginary double white line!

Mark Hales at Blyton Park

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www.mgcc.co.uk

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MGS ON TRACK – 2017 CALENDAR Please visit www.mgs-on-track.com to register, check

LUFFIELD CHAMPIONSHIP JOHN WILMAN, BEECHFIELD, FERN BANK, C H A P E L -E N -L E -F R I T H , H I G H P E A K . S K 23 0J J T E L : 07778 165186 W W W . M G S P E E D . N E T

availability, or to book a track day.

Registered members will receive regular newsletters and notification of event opening dates Anglesey – October 13 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.

Goodwood – October 31 Our second visit of the year in case you missed the first due to popularity!

Brands Hatch ‘Indy’ – December 4 Our last event of 2017. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy this undulating circuit including Paddock Hill Bend!

In a sentence that I don’t think was aimed directly at me but could have been, Mark said: “As soon as you consider another aspect of driving inevitably the one you just worked on goes out the window.” He was keen to praise the value of track days like those of MGs on Track as they offer an opportunity to get the best out of your car, and more importantly yourself, in a relatively safe environment. When Mark first started out he says that there was no such thing as a track day, and that the very few racing schools were only interested in producing single-seater drivers. The normal way onto track was to buy or build a car, join a club, and enter a race. Mark’s thoughts about his first race changed from “This will be easy” (before) to “What a wake-up call that was” (after)!

Just because we have a driving licence does not mean we know how to drive on track, and that is why instruction from experienced instructors like Mark is such a valuable resource at an MGoT event. For most of us track days are just for fun, and we have no intention of taking our track activities on to racing or similar, but Mark was insistent that we should still treat our time on circuit as a learning opportunity, on the basis that “same as any activity,-the more you put into it the more you get out”.

I would like to thank Mark for his time, patience and thoughts, and apologise both for any inaccuracies in this account of our conversation and for my driving!

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The Championship is now entering its final quarter and I am happy to report that the support from competitors is as good as ever. In addition to the usual suspects who have been around since Adam was a lad, we are blessed with a constant influx of new blood. As the later models of saloons and mid-engined models become increasingly affordable it has made the entry level very attractive to people who have hesitated to try our sport in the past.

It is always good, however, to see a more traditional model emerge with a young driver who is able to give his more experienced competitors some serious competition.

Young Ben Rolls is a good example. Ben appeared last year in a beautifully prepared frogeye sprite. Very sensibly, he completed the season with a solid but not spectacular performance, securing the Southern region novice award while learning the tracks and honing his skills. He has now acquired a competitive engine and is proving to be very competitive.

On August 6 we paid our second visit of the year to the Curborough sprint course, near Lichfield. It was very gratifying to note that the majority of entrants were from the Luffield MG Championship. Star performer of the day was Nick Walker in his Group two MGB V8. This car has been gradually developed by Nick over the last two seasons and now handles without the frightening lurches that we saw in its early appearances. Many drivers were able to equal the course record for their class. The weather was ideal, which added to everyone’s overall enjoyment. A Curborough report follows over the page.

The bank holiday weekend saw the championship move to Loton Park near Shrewsbury. This is a superb hillclimb venue passing through a delightful deer park and is run in a most efficient manner by Hagley & District Car Club.

The newly surfaced track was enjoyed by 17 of our cars of all ages and stages of modification. The competition secretary of the Hagley club made a point of telling me how much they appreciated our participation over the two-day meeting.

There were many excellent performances. Ian Howlett managed a score of 101.38 which gave him a slender lead in the National Championship at the time of writing. Another fine performance came from Richard Watkinson driving his immaculate racing class Midget. Richard has been with us for many years and his times are always good, so to pick up a score of 100.5 shows how hard he was trying.

Six events to go then and everything to play for, with some very close scores. Watch this space.

OCTOBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 53

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WATCHING THE SPRINTERS

WATCHINGTHE

SPRINTERS

I

waved off an excited Margaret at Wellingborough Station. She was going to the World Athletics Championship at Olympic Park for the weekend. A chance to see great sprinters in action – a certain Mr Bolt was mentioned, amongst other UK favourites. It was going to be great – for her.

So what was I going to do, left all alone? Go off in the opposite direction, of course, to

By Ken Banfield

see some different sprinters. Bessie (the motorhome) had been made ready and a few essentials like toothbrush, razor, beer and cheese had been loaded on board to look after the inner man.

The satnav was set for Curborough which is about 65 miles away, near Lichfield. Bessie seemed pleased to be going somewhere again, so we set off towards the Sprint circuit. This is the venue used twice each year by the MG Car Club’s Midland Centre for its sprints.

I had spotted the event in Safety Fast! and whilst not being up to actually racing (neither the car nor me) I had noticed that volunteer marshals were needed.

An email identifying my total lack of experience was sent and Simon Morris quickly responded, thanking me for volunteering and welcoming me to join the fun. I drove up on the Saturday afternoon and evening, arriving a little later than planned after a satnav malfunction.

I arrived as dusk was approaching.

After a quick bite and a beer, I wandered over to a nearby small tent where I discovered the occupant, Andy, was also a marshal, having travelled directly from Silverstone where he had been busy marshalling. Andy was going to be the experienced marshal

Cars line up for their run up Curborough. Photo: Neil Thomas

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25/09/2017 16:46

Pete Clarke in his Midget. Photo: David Doolan

I was to spend the day learning from but neither of us knew that then.

I retired early, set an alarm and went straight to sleep – until, that is, there was a knocking on Bessie. I realised that it was now light – just. An agitated chap with a northern accent pointed out that my chosen parking spot was across the access to his pit area. How was I to know?

Still wearing my PJs, I fired up Bessie and moved out of the way.

Resettled, I was able to return more gently to the world.

Rob Orford, a long time competitor in his MGB. Photo: David Doolan

By just after 8am there were indeed lots of other people about. The ones wearing the orange suits I deduced were marshals, those busy with cars or chatting enthusiastically to others were not.

I signed on and then had about 20 minutes to kill, so I wandered off to the pit area where all manner of MG deliciousness was displayed. Some were still on trailers, others stood resplendent in their race colours and decals with bonnets and doors open displaying spartan interiors. A closer look revealed lots of clever adaptations to make the whole business of driving ridiculously fast just a little easier and/or safer.

I ambled along and chatted to anyone that crossed my path. Without exception, they were pleased to tell me about their cars and to listen to my ramblings about similar cars that I had once owned in a time and galaxy far, far away. It was quite clear that some of these guys were proper engineers and had applied considerable skill and brain power to making their cars competitive. Some admitted to being older than me, too, but without exception they were good company.

There were a couple of vintage MGs in the mix. Both had been beautifully prepared and I wondered how their owners could bear to risk them on the circuit, but then I realised that was what they had been designed

for, not to be kept as museum pieces.

Here I can’t help mentioning Stuart Gilbert’s MGB GT. It has a muscular stance with its Sebring flared arches just covering minilight wheels shod with huge chunks of treadless rubber.

There was an unmistakable power bulge on the bonnet, too. Stuart was happy to tell me that he had recently been lightening the car. I noted that even the door handles had been drilled and sections of the bonnet had been replaced by wire mesh panels. “What’s under the bonnet?” I asked. 5.3 litres of tuned V8 engine!

By the time I had completed my pit circuit I had almost convinced myself that creating my own competition car could be possible. There was a class for unmodified road cars. I had after all done OK round the Silverstone track just a few weeks ago, hadn’t I? (Hold that thought.)

Returning to the Control Centre, reality reappeared. During the initial briefing I was acquainted with the marshalling posts on the figure-ofeight course which was to be used.

Post two, where I was to be stationed, was right on the crossover – this could be interesting. I was reintroduced to Andy and another equally experienced marshal. I was pleased to hear reference to the lunch voucher exchangeable at the catering trailer, which was a nice touch.

Stuart Gilbert’s MGB GT. Photo: David Doolan

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25/09/2017 16:46

The marshal post Ken was stationed at.

Strapping on a high-viz vest and heavy-duty gloves (in case I was asked to move anything sharp or hot) I walked with my two companions for the day to my post.

The shortwave radio was tested and soon we were tuned into the exchanges between pits and start area.

Competitors were called forward and the sound of cars screeching away from the start line split the still air. The first of the practice runs had started.

We had a clear view of 90% of the circuit and the first car, a road legal red MG ZR saloon, roared into sight, driving from the start along the left-hand side of the eight, through the twists created by the crossover before diving into the top bend, a right-hander. The ZR accelerated out of the bend hard but was quickly on the brakes ready to go across the centre of the eight, heading back up the left of the circuit towards the top bend which was then a left-hander. Hard on the brakes again, then feather the throttle round the curve and foot hard down before braking hard once more to go back over the crossing point toward the top bend for a second time.

On the second lap, as the car came out of the top bend, it was not crossing over so the foot stayed hard down as it revved up through the gears before passing the timing point at the end of the finishing straight flat out. A puff of blue smoke showed he had braked really hard again to slow for the return to the pits. Phew, that was exciting and we hadn’t seen any race-prepared cars yet.

The electronic timing board showed a terminal speed of around 75mph which seemed fast in the short distance covered, but what would

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Stuart and the other V8-powered monsters be capable of?

Cars were in grouped classes moving up from the ‘under two litre’ road cars to progressively bigger engines and then the more specialist racing machinery.

As my first sports car had been one, I was particularly interested to see how the Frogeye Sprites went and was pleasantly surprised at the speeds they achieved. I had previously spoken to one Frogeye owner who explained his car had been imported from the States where it had held course records in its time. It had a moderately powerful bored-out A-series engine, straight cut gears with a largely lightweight glass fibre body, but the secret of its exceptional speed was down to the ultra low ‘Post Office Van’ back axle. This limited top speed to about 75mph but gave a 0-60 time of around 4 seconds which sounded pretty good to me. Sure enough, the competition in this class was very keen.

The V8-powered cars, even the unmodified MG RV8s, went very well and sounded even better. Stuart and his class competitors were terrifyingly quick and the sound coming from the V8s as they worked hard was loud enough to drown out the squeals from their protesting tyres as they belched blue smoke under extreme braking, before more squealing as they were instantly resisting enormous acceleration forces.

The final treat of the morning was to see the Radical. I learnt something new that day: certain race cars use motorcycle engines and chain drive in their space frame chassis. The Radical in a class on its own was one such. It handled well, braked without drama, and was incredibly quick and very much looked the part.

The practice laps passed by quickly, followed by the timed runs which, for some but not all, produced progressively quicker lap times.

A quick break for my courtesy lunch of chicken curry and chips included a chance to chat to drivers and other marshals, again all very sociable. Then we were back on post for the next timed runs. The field was taking about an hour per run, so the second timed run was finishing by early afternoon. It was agreed that a third run would take place but, to my surprise, quite a number of cars were declining the opportunity. My companions explained that this was not uncommon, as most of the true track cars would have only come prepared for two timed runs; prepping the cars again for a third could be difficult.

Our day’s labours were restricted to clearing some grass and debris off the track. All cars that had had a ‘moment’ did so without significant harm, and although those unfortunate runs were not timed under the ‘Four Wheels Off’ rule, they survived to drive another day.

During the day, I had asked a stream of daft questions. My tolerant companions explained things carefully so that I began to understand more clearly the basics of being a marshal. It certainly gets you close to the action and makes you feel more involved with the motor sport than simply being a spectator. It also became clear that the drivers really appreciate you, as without marshals they cannot race. Marshals and all the other people that administer these events enjoy what they do and are appreciated for their efforts by the drivers – a virtuous circle which is not a common thing in my experience!

The beautifully prepared 939cc supercharged MG P Type. Driven by Father and son team Ian And Charles Goddard.

www.mgcc.co.uk

25/09/2017 16:46

IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT

By Neil Thomas

On Sunday August 6, along with a group of friends, I took part in the MGCC Luffield Championship Sprint at Curborough, just outside Lichfield.

The Sprint course itself is run by the Shenstone and District Car Club on a site that was formerly a small part of RAF Lichfield. Construction of the airfield began in 1939. On completion, 51 Maintenance Unit took up residence on August 1 1940. After the war, a local farmer purchased the site from the Air Ministry. The Shenstone and District Car Club then became involved and worked very hard, with an army of enthusiasts, to create the Sprint Course as it is now.

The inaugural sprint meeting took place on June 16 1963. Ian McLaughlin driving a Cooper Jap in 38.7 secs, recorded the fastest time of the day.

This was only my second time at Curborough, having been there first in April this year with the MGCC. On that occasion, I soon discovered I had no idea how to drive around the Figure of Eight course. It was trial and error.

I was hoping that this time I might do better. I was in Class 2A, Roadgoing Specialist Production Cars, as were Pete Adamson, David Hunt and Peter Clark.

As I looked at the list of competitors, I recognised some wellknown names, people who had been competing for years and were very

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experienced. There were also some beautiful and well turned-out cars in the line-up.

For those of you who haven’t been to Curborough, basically when you are called up in your number group, you line up near the main office and are then directed down a narrow track to the start area. You are then called forward for your run. This starts with the initial straight to a left-hander into a sweeping right to the Molehill, left to a small straight into the righthanded hairpin, but just after this you cut across the middle of the track to approach the Molehill in the opposite

direction and then on to the flagpole the ‘wrong’ way, down the straight and cut across again to the Molehill exit and back round the hairpin to the finish line. You then go back down the narrow lane to the paddock. Yes, it can be confusing!

There’s a great camaraderie amongst participants and everyone is very friendly. A fine example was that one of our neighbours’ cars had a noise test issue with a scrutineer, which meant he was effectively barred from continuing the day. The offer of a spare exhaust muffler, held on with some ingenious wizardry, soon had the car re-tested and eligible to enter.

Everyone was happy.

The day went really well, with participants having two practice runs and a timed run before lunch and then a further three timed runs after lunch. My car, FEV, ran well and I was fortunate to have a first in class in my group. I was delighted.

At the prizegiving, everyone was reminded that this day’s event was in memory of my friend Steve’s father, Paul Hipkiss, Chairman of the Midland Centre, who sadly passed away on July 26 2017. Paul had been actively involved with the MGCC and Curborough for many years and will be sadly missed.

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CALENDAR

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

Sunday 1 Abingdon Works Centre Autumn Leaves Run Contact: Richard Martin 01235 529331

Thursday 10 MGCC: Triple-M Register West Cornwall Tour Contact: Derek Edwards – 01737 765891

Friday 10 – Sunday 12 MGCC NEC Classic Motor Show Contact: www.necclassicmotorshow.com/

Monday 2 MGCC: MGs on Track Donington Park Contact: Martin Holmes – martin@mgs-on-track.co.uk

Friday 13 MGCC: MGs on Track Anglesey Contact: Martin Holmes – martin@mgs-on-track.co.uk

Saturday 18 MGCC: South East Centre 2017 AGM Contact: Derek Edwards – 01737 765891

Friday 6 – Sunday 8 MGCC: Tyne Tees Centre Yorkshire Weekend Contact: David Alexander – 01670 861178 or david.alexander2012@btinternet.com

Sunday 15 MGCC: South East Centre Autumn Leaves Run Contact: Derek Edwards – 01737 765891

Sunday 8 MGCC: Caledonian Centre Brunch and High Tea Rail Run Contact: Tony Smith – 07770 927803 Sunday 8 MGCC: Lincolnshire Centre Jubilee Trophy Naviscat Rally Contact: Ian Mackenzie – 01529 497849 or maccav8@aol.com Sunday 8 MGCC: South East Centre Autumn Naviscat Contact: Derek Edwards – 01737 765891

Sunday 22 MGCC: Tyne Tees Centre Autumn Leaves Run Contact: Andrew Kelly – 01670 515077

Sunday 19 MGCC: Caledonian Centre November Lunch Contact: Leslie Duncan – 0141 637 3475 Saturday 25 MGCC: North West Centre Annual Dinner and Dance Contact: Paul Rodman – 0161 439 8990

DECEMBER

Saturday 28 MGCC: MGB Register Technical Day Contact: chairman@mgb-register.org

Saturday 2 MGCC: Anglia Centre Anglia Centre Committee Meeting Contact: Roger Moran – 01502 722122

Tuesday 31 MGCC: MGs on Track Goodwood Contact: Martin Holmes – martin@mgs-on-track.co.uk

Sunday 3 MGCC: South East Centre Black Horse Treasure Hunt Contact: Derek Edwards – 01737 765891

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21/06/2017 14:49

www.mgcc.co.uk

25/09/2017 16:46

OUT&ABOUT

GC i fro m Bra zil, wit h the irinMPo rto d Ve ra an d Ed ua rdo La mbeaias hel r ea Y the of nt n Eve enjoyi ng the 2017 Eu rop

lecot e Park, Line-up of MGs at the National Trust Char Cent re ks Wor gdon Abin the ng enjoy ing the sun duri bone Su mme r Day Out. Phot o: Ma rk Rath

work on his MG B. Who Alice help ing gran dda d Rich ard Martin ring?

Phot o: Gill Martin moto MG enjoy to g says four is too youn

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MG-SafetyFast_Oct2017_51-100.indd 59

It is still 1958 in So me t....

As the sun dip s down be hin tre es, the 1958 1500 MrseGA d the in So me rset by ex-So me rse is passed at Roebuck Gate Cro ssi ng 53809 in 1950s Britis h Ra t an d Do rset Joi nt Ra ilway 7F No. ilway s live ry ha uli ng the 4. fro m Mine hea d to Bi sho 30pm tra in ps Ly deard. Ph oto: Ro bin M oira W hit e

To coi nci de wit h the All MG Da y hel d in the UK in Au gust, the MG Car Clu b of SA Inc,Adec and all oth er clu b cars tha wa ided to hol d a run for MG As nted to att end. We cho se an are of the Ad ela ide Hills not edt for a which ma ke cris p dry whites andits app le orch ard s and vin eya rds excelle nt spa rkli ng win es.

Ph oto: San dra A Cardn ell

New MG5 be progressive adve rt spott ed just outsi de Ban gkok whilst holid ayin g in Thailand. Phot o: Tony Rud dy

OCTOBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 59

25/09/2017 16:46

MGS IN CALIFORNIA I Embarcadero Showfield with San Diego skyline and MGBs everywhere

– Part II By Brian Woodhams

n Part one we left Goleta and Moss Motors to travel south on route 101 down the coast towards Los Angeles (LA). It was around Santa Monica (the end of Route 66) that I became aware of a clunk and some vibration from the 1966 MGB GT ‘Grumpy Grey’ on letting in the clutch. The traffic through LA was horrendous with a seven lane highway moving a car’s length at a time – you cannot leave gaps because someone will charge into it. The vibration was getting worse and I was genuinely concerned over how long the deteriorating universal joint would last. Once past LAX the traffic opened up a bit and at speed Grumpy seemed

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happier, but an overnight stop with an inspection of the UJ seemed sensible with approx 125 miles still to do to San Diego. The inspection showed the front UJ with about a half inch of slop in it, so Alan phoned ahead and ordered a new universal joint, with me sincerely hoping the traffic would be better than LA and keep moving. We did make it to the workshop of Paul Konkle of British Auto Repair in San Diego where we all set to removing the prop shaft. After the repair we had only two miles to do to the event resort. Once the resort registration had been completed I could begin to relax and concentrate on the event which was in a lovely setting on the

Scott Davidson, organiser, with MGCC San Diego logo

www.mgcc.co.uk

25/09/2017 16:46

OVERSEAS NEWS

1937 VA and 1938 VA Tickford of Robert Hanselman of San Diego

waterfront of Mission Bay in individual chalets. It took a while to get the geography of the island and once the event registration was completed we went to the Welcome evening and First Timers reception. Alan Magnuson (NAMGBR Chairman) was hampered by the PA system not working, which left him almost hoarse in trying to make the announcements.

On Monday morning we were

up bright and early for MGs and Coffee (Starbucks) at Ski Beach which is opposite the resort, and we were entertained by a seal. This was a full day with John Twist doing his rolling Tech Session, but I opted for the Coastal Tour to see the sights along the coastline to the north of San Diego. We ended up at an Irish bar for lunch in Encinitas. Once back at the resort there was a traditional

Californian beach party, sponsored by Harloff Automotive. In the evening we were loaded onto double-decker buses for an authentic Mexican dinner and bus tour of San Diego. We were serenaded at dinner by a solo guitarist who impressed me by performing my request of Guantanamera (of Sandpipers fame from 1968) – a favourite song! The bus tour took us along the San Diego waterfront

At least six inches let into the middle – exactly what it says on the tin!

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OVERSEAS NEWS

Oh dear – 5/10 for spelling!!

John Twist and Rolling Tech Session

where we soon became aware of the naval heritage of San Diego. We were shown the aircraft carrier USS Midway and the massive statue to celebrate the end of the Second World War – called the Kiss. As it got dark our female bus driver proceeded to get lost and we were late back to the resort – she was embarrassed!

The NAMGBR official breakfast, at which I said a few words on behalf of the MGCC UK, was early next morning. There were the usual Tech sessions available, but this seemed

like a good day to relax a bit before the Car Show – the travelling and early mornings were beginning to catch up with me. The MGB and the BGT were taken to a car wash for a good clean and check over before the traditional beach party in the evening. We did discover that the passenger side door striker plate had come loose on the BGT, and the screws were duly tightened.

It was another early start for the Car Show which was held on the Embarcadero Marina Park in San

Diego on a gloriously sunny day, and having parked the cars in their correct categories, we set off to find breakfast.

Upon our return the cars were starting to produce public interest in what is a conference/hotel district right on the river bank. There were American naval vessels arriving and being manoeuvred around their base which was almost opposite the Embarcadero. Being English, I was teased about being a foreign spy and having the camera confiscated! I also found it funny that Category 20 in the Car Show was called “Post Abbington” (spelling) on the sign for MGFs and RV8s! Both these cars were from Canada which has a 15-year import restriction, as against the 25-year American restriction – price of 1995 MGFs to go up in 2020? So what with the Car Show judging, the interest in the naval vessels, and of course the Rocker Box racing overseen by Tony Burgess, it was a busy but very pleasant day.

Nice TC – never did find the owner

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OVERSEAS NEWS

Gala Banquet

Rocker Box Racing – always popular

Snap! Gayle Norton, Connie Wykoff and Laura Magnuson at the NAMGBR working breakfast.

Upon our return to the resort, an MG Timeline was produced. This was almost impossible to photograph, but amazingly some cars that had not been in the Car Show appeared out of nowhere and I had no reference as to whom they belonged. There was a lovely black TC at the Show with no number and then an Arnolt appeared in the timeline! My favourite car at the Show was an immaculate 59 Elva Courier in the Other British Class, owned by James Alcorn of California.

There were 180 cars registered for the event and the Don Hayter Award for originality was won by Bryson Pennoyer for his 1980 rubber bumper Russet Brown MGB with 20,000 miles on the clock. Jennifer Orum from British Columbia won the John Thornley Spirit of MG award, and

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the best MG in show – the Abingdon Award – was won by the Pekala family from Arizona with their 1967 Tartan Red MGB which was bought from new and has been passed down from father to son-in-law.

In the evening the Gala Banquet and Awards Dinner was held with speeches by Alan Magnuson and myself. The MGCC San Diego, in particular Scott Davidson and Steve Kirby, were congratulated on a great organisational job in lovely surroundings. I reassured the assembly that the North American Nuffield Trophy was alive and well in Toronto, but could not be present at this gathering. The next NAMGBR event is in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in June 2018. Once again the travel plans meant that we had to be off

The Kiss statue

USS Midway

at 4.30am, so we missed out on the farewell breakfast to drive the 550 miles to Williams, Arizona, some of this on old Route 66, on our way back to Colorado via the Four Corners. This proved uneventful apart from a broken throttle cable at the Weber end on Grumpy Grey going up a pass.

www.mgcc.co.uk

25/09/2017 16:47

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OCTOBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 65

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OVERSEAS NEWS

Sunday morning down by the beach in Porto.

MGs are joined by English car clubs

EUROPEAN EVENT OF THE YEAR 2017

T

By Håkan Sigemark and Lotta Hollström

his year’s European Event of the Year (EEOTY) was a successful weekend in Porto, Portugal.

Check-in started on Thursday morning in a Congress Hall a couple of kilometres from the hotels. It went very smoothly with a steady flow of MG guests arriving from all over Europe. There were tours running every day, so for the first day we followed Marina and Christian in their Vintage

Racing MG TF. We had a very nice tour around the South from Oporto town along the coast until we eventually came to the fine city of Aveiro, which many consider to be the ‘Portuguese Venice’ with its beautiful lagoons and colourful boats. We even went for a nice ride on a canal boat.

In the evening, it was time to review the weekend’s programme in the Congress Hall, with a buffet dinner and a chance to meet new and old MG friends.

On Friday there were two tours to choose from. One was a river cruise up the Douro and the other was a rally

Håkan presenting the European Nuffield Trophy to the Porto MG Club

EEOTY participants enjoy the gala dinner

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that went along the Douro Valley.

We decided on the river cruise, which turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip. At 7.00am, it was time to depart from the hotel by bus down to the wharf in old Porto, where the boat was waiting for us.

There were just over 120 people who chose this tour and we had the boat to ourselves. For those who missed the hotel’s breakfast, a second breakfast was served on board downstairs in the pleasant wood-furnished saloon.

The weather was absolutely brilliant as we glided slowly up the river and past

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25/09/2017 16:47

OVERSEAS NEWS

One of the largest locks in Europe Looking out over Porto

many fine bridges, castles, beautiful valleys with terraced vineyards, green olive groves and medieval mountain villages. We navigated two locks on our way towards the city of Régua. The last lock is one of Europe’s highest, an impressive 37 metres.

Lunch was served on board and it was a good three-course menu with beer, Portuguese wine and water. This tour lasted for many hours, so gave us the opportunity to talk and socialise with many of our MG friends from all over Europe. Régua was our final stop on this nice boat ride. We arrived at 4.00pm and from there we caught the train back to Porto. Unfortunately, there had been a fault on the train so it was a

Inside the stunning monastery

few hours late. A blessing in disguise as it was a free evening so we didn’t have to be back at a certain time.

On Saturday, we had a choice of three different rallies to choose from.

One: Vinho Verde. Two: The Green coast. Three: Heading North.

We had chosen Vinho Verde and it meant that the start was 8.30am from the centre of Porto. It was a beautiful tour of 12 beautiful miles of wonderful paths along the river that we crossed several times. It gave you a great insight in to why cork, olive and wine production are important sources of income for the Portuguese.

We were driving around the landscape through high mountains and deep valleys which are covered with green pine woods, olive groves, almond trees and cork oaks. We also saw that the scenery is subject to many fires with large black burned areas, and in a few places, there had even been burning the previous night as there was still fire smouldering and smoke rising.

Before our lunch break, we visited the Arouca, which was an old nunnery, where we got a fantastic guided tour and tour of cells, dining room, garden,

Scenic sights whilst heading up the river

Aveiro which many consider to be the Portuguese Venice

etc. The monastery, which was built sometime during the 1100s catered for both men and women, and became a nunnery for women in 1254. It is a fantastic and impressive building, which also reflects the wealth that was in the region then. The monastery was closed in 1886 and is today a museum and well worth a visit.

The stunning Portugese forests

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OVERSEAS NEWS

The town of Porto

Informal farewell lunch along the beachfront

MGs rest at the Real Companhia Velha, whilst their owners enjoy the port and wine tasting tour

MGs seek shade during a lunch stop

We then went on with the tour and stopped for lunch at an old Portuguese spa-hotel which served a large buffet and had a huge dessert table.

After lunch we continued around Porto and the southern parts where we had a display and tasting of port wine in one of Portugal’s oldest port makers, Real Companhia Velha, which this year has been in business for 258 years.

After the Vinho Verde tour it was time for a little refreshment, then off by bus to the Convention Centre where the gala dinner was to be served.

We had champagne and canapĂŠs in the garden before it was time to sit down at the table.

This special event even attracted two members from the MG Car Club Brazil, who flew over especially for the EEOTY. The MG Car Club Switzerland had representatives there who were handing out flyers and information about EEOTY 2018 and took over the baton in the form of an

old ski pole.

Before dessert, I presented the European MG Nuffield Trophy to the Porto MG Club. Due to their motivation and enthusiasm this small Club assumed this great responsibility and workload involved with hosting the European Event of the Year and they have done this with great success.

The dinner ended and dancing to live music soon followed, with the dance floor full in no time.

After a few hours of sleep it was time to pack up and go to a big park down by the seafront for a photo of all cars as well as a farewell lunch.

Other English car clubs had been invited, so there were many beautiful cars on display. The lunch consisted of food that was served from three food trucks, and what we ate tasted good and stood us in good stead for the journey back home to Spain.

Thank you Porto and see you next year in Switzerland.

MGs arrive at the Congress Hall for registration

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CENTRES

ABINGDON WORKS

BRIAN BROOM sfscribe@mgabingdon.org.uk www.mgabingdon.co.uk August gave us some very wet, stormy, unfriendly MG days. The AWC Summer Day Out from Millets Farm to Charlecote Park, Wellesbourne, however was an exception with brilliant sunshine.

After signing on, picking up route books and chatting to others in the Millets coffee shop – we all agreed the Midget crew deserved their full English after driving down from Cheshire – the cars set off on the 50-mile rural route north through Oxfordshire into Warwickshire. Unfortunately, some later arrivals had to navigate an unexpected, recently signed road detour. Apologies, we were not informed of the change and it was not a navigational skills test!

We were able to park the cars either side of the tree-lined avenue, pedestrian pathway, our MGs being an added attraction to the many visitors to the National Trust house and gardens.

A further attraction for some, a short walk away, was the Wellesbourne Mountford Airfield, home to Vulcan Bomber XM655, the youngest of the remaining aircraft. Very many thanks to Summit Motors of Maidenhead for their support in sponsoring the impressive Rally Plates.

Before winter fast approaches, when some MGs hibernate, come and enjoy the AWC Autumn Leaves Run on October 1.

ANGLIA

ROB MUIR 01206 862619 scribe@mgccanglia.com www.mgcc.co.uk/anglia-centre

Final Race Weekend With the end of the racing season upon us, it looks like Richard Tinkler will wrap up Class A/B in the MGCC Watt Electrical Services BCV8 Championship at Snetterton this weekend, along with Howard Grundon taking Class B, Russell McCarthy Class D and Ollie Neaves both overall champion and Class C. However, there could be some down-tothe-wire changes, so watch this space. I will put the final results on the website as they arrive.

Winter Event Planning It may not seem close but Christmas is only just around the corner and many of the Club Meets are now well under way

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with their annual dinners. The Burblers are first to contact me with a date this year, theirs being on December 16 at The Bird in Hand, Wreningham, contact Stuart Middlemiss stuart8vr@gmail.com Restoration Trophy The Anglia Centre Restoration Trophy is awarded to an Anglia member who has completed a noteworthy vehicle restoration in the past year. Nominations are invited from Club Meet leaders, with the selection of the winner being by a free vote of the committee. Preference is given to a member’s self-restoration of the vehicle.

Previous winners include Ian Longhurst for the restoration

The finish of this years AWC Summer Day Out, Charlecote Park

For the hardier MGs, or owners, the AWC December 26 Boxing Day Run at Abingdon, suitably clothed, is a date to be noted.

Please remember that Natters are still very active; come and meet like-minded enthusiasts. Details can be found on the AWC website www. mgabingdon.co.uk/events/ events-calendar/

On the track on Monday October 2, MGs are active at Donington Park.

To all members new and old (or not so young) you are welcome to any event and with any spare time on your hands, you may be able to help on future events to continue our MG Marque of Friendship.

of his works replacer MGB Race Car, Richard Tinkler for a fine home-restoration of his MG TC and current holder of the trophy, Roger Martin, with his splendid MG Midget.

So, anyone who is beavering away in the cold winter nights in the garage on that labour of love, why not get your Club Meet to nominate you for the award. It not only gives you motivation to get the job done but also inspires other members to complete their restorations, too, and helps to keep more MGs on the road.

visit www.ehaat.org The helicopter provides lifesaving emergency rescue and could not operate without charitable support.

Photographs this month look back to summer, with memories of the wonderful Anglia stand at MGLive! and a lovely line-up of cars at the Anglia Summer Picnic.

Air Ambulance Andrew Woods, of the Mid-Essex Club Meet, received a nice letter from the fundraising administrator for the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance thanking the Centre for the donation of £166 raised by sale of books at MGLive! A very worthy cause. For the latest news

www.mgcc.co.uk

25/09/2017 16:47

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OCTOBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 71

25/09/2017 16:47

CENTRES

CALEDONIAN

BOB MACGILLIVRAY 07870 407111 mgcarsscotland@gmail.com www.mgcaledonian.com

Well, that’s the final 2017 Show completed, Bo’ness at the weekend. With 35 cars on display and a full range of ages it was, I think, our best this year. The weather was kind and with our usual high standard of catering and a new team on the CarBQ, it was a great way to round off the show year. MG was probably the best-represented marque on the hill, from J2s and a P type to later Midgets and MGBs. Unfortunately a very competitive TC broke a half shaft and had to retire… sorry Keith! Still to see all the results, but Glenn Neilson took third in the driving tests and our friends at Jaguar Drivers Club raised the standard for a club stand and deservedly took first place. Can

anyone supply us with a ride-on grass cutter for next year?

By the time you read this you might be too late to enter our final run, the ‘Tea and Rails’ on October 8, but if you are interested then contact me and I’ll see if we can fit you in.

Details of our final 2017 lunch, the November Nosh, are now on the website. Have a look and book early for this informal get-together.

Also, details of the Chilly Willy on January 1 are available.

Some things we need your help on. The Show group are looking for suggestions for new shows to attend next year.

Usually we cover Thirlestane, Glamis and Bo’ness, this year with the addition of Ignition

Glenn concentrating in the driving tests

and a small show at Dumfries, but if you know of something worthwhile further north then get in touch. We may also next year be at a new event at Inverary Castle, but another oneday show could be fitted into an already busy calendar.

Secondly, we will have our annual Film Night in January on a date to be confirmed. Anyone got any old MG films, preferably on a DVD? Items from the Rest and be Thankful or old Scottish Centre items would be welcome.

Also, the team at Kimber House are trying a brave experiment this year! The Council Meeting is being held on October 21 at the De Vere Staverton Estate in Daventry. In the evening there will be a gala dinner at which various awards will be made.

They have invited all CRBs to take a table at the dinner and your Centre will be there. If you would like to join us then let me know.

Think that’s all for now, but as ever please get in touch if you have any questions.

DEVON & CORNWALL GRANNY JANNER www.allegropeter@aol.com www.mgcc.co.uk/devon-cornwall-centre/

Devon Day arrived with lovely sun, so hoods down as we all assembled at the start for coffee at the Engine House. There were two groups of 10 meandering along country lanes and roads, a very leisurely drive that ended up for a carvery at The Countryman Inn, Langdon Cross. Our table was all set out so we paid up and had a lovely natter and then left to go on our way. A great day out and thank you to Ian Cameron for putting this event on.

Many South Hams members took their cars off to the show at Aveton Gifford for the day. It was a well-supported event, but unfortunately it is the organiser’s

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last event so hopefully they will have another person in his place going forward. The event raised £5,500 for the Playgroup in Aveton Gifford.

The South Ham Natter’s Christmas Meal is at the Furzeleigh Mill Hotel on December 15, price and booking information from Graeme or at the monthly meeting.

The Harrowbeer Airfield Weekend saw a few MGs take part. We were even treated to a Battle of Britain Spitfire fly-past at midday. There were tours for 15 to 18 people in a trailer being towed by a traction engine.

Happy marshals at a previous Tamar Trial. Photo: Jean Quartley

The Torbay Old Wheels event in July on Paignton Green was another popular event with our members, and raised £6,000 for the charity.

Dates For Your Diary October 22 – Tamar Trial Marshals always required.

Colin Bird info@ tamarvalleymotoringcentre.co.uk would be pleased to hear from volunteers. Come and have fun!

November 11 – Inter Natter Skittles Match This is at the Fox & Hounds, Lydford. Contact: antony.short7@tesco.net

www.mgcc.co.uk

25/09/2017 16:47

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OCTOBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 73

25/09/2017 16:47

CENTRES

LINCOLNSHIRE JOHN HEBB 01522 683541 jhebb38@virginmedia.com www.mgcclincolnshire.co.uk

October Natters: Wolds Wednesday 4; Lincolnshire Poacher Friday 6; Abbey Lodge Monday 9; Wishing Well Wednesday 11 (Quiz); Three Horseshoes Thursday 19; Admiral Nelson Thursday 26.

October Event: Sunday 8 Jubilee Trophy Naviscat, Hagworthingham start (David Stonehouse 01790 754774).

Luncheon Club: Wednesday 18.

Early November Natters: Wolds Wednesday 1; Lincolnshire Poacher Friday 3.

The final Landlord’s Choice of the year was the Wolds Natter event, a good turnout of 23 members and 12 cars all polished for the

landlord to make his judgement.

The results being: a tie for fourth place between the TF 85 of Keith Robinson and Andy Rake’s MGB GT V8, third was Hugh Docherty’s ZR, the MGB of Phil Drewery was second, the top spot going to David Stonehouse’s MGB GT V8. We will discover the overall winner on the Annual Dinner and Presentation evening.

The Centre had its usual display at the Revesby Country Fair, 19 cars with V8s to the fore this year, four GT V8s, one MGB V8 roadster and a ZT 260 all proving to be of great interest to our visitors, several of whom took away Club membership forms.

The Luncheon Club made a return visit to the Ferry Boat at

MIDLANDS

TONY LAKE tonylake134@hotmail.co.uk www.mg-cars.org.uk/mgccmidlandcentre

Our Summer Day Out took place on Sunday August 23 at the Shelsley Walsh Nostalgia weekend.

There was a healthy turnout of 21 cars who took advantage of the Midland Auto Club discount and handy parking arrangements for MGs. The hill climbing wasn’t too shabby either; another wellsupported day out.

By the time you read this our next sporting event, the Autumn Trial, will be a distant memory.

Production Car Trials have received a lot of attention this year, not disproportionate we hope; but since they have been such an important part of our calendar since 1938 we owe it to our heritage to keep banging on about the trials (sorry) and tribulations of recent years.

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The latest threat comes from Warwickshire County Council parks department who, from 2018, have decided to withdraw the long-standing permit they issue to the Midland Centre to use about six acres of the 100acre Burton Dassett Hills Country Park. They claim several reasons for this: unauthorised anti-social use by 4x4s, a desire to create a quieter park, plus we believe there is some conflict with a recent change in funding policy. They are seeking Higher Level Stewardship from Natural England. None of this is insurmountable, but at the moment we are being rebuffed in our appeals to continue to run an event there, even though the WCC acknowledge that we are

Washingborough, which has had a change of owners since our last appearance. There were 26 members who came to sample the new menu and enjoyed an excellent meal.

The main event of the month was the Poacher Concours, held again at Doddington Hall, a few miles from Lincoln. A lovely day, and with 93 cars the judges were kept busy, but finally the class awards were: MGA Class: the winning car was owned by Robert Taylor, second by Steve Wilkinson, third by David Smart. MGB GT Class: first Peter Norman, second Robert Knight, third Andy Rake.

Midget Class: first Peter Williams, second Mike Dobbs, third Tony Wilson. MGF: first Pete Lincoln, second Kimm Rake, third Sandra Simpson. TF Class: no entries!

In the Non-MG Pre-1970 Class the winner was Colin Payne

(Triumph TR4), second Ian Underwood (Triumph TR4A), third Mick Ward (Rover P4 100).

Non-MG Post-1970: first Derek Wright (Rover P5), second Dean Beresford (Jaguar XJS), third Tony Lindsey (Mercedes). The Premier Condition winner was Derek Wright with his Rover P5 and the Premier Concours winner was Angela Taylor (MG RV8), finally the Elite Class winner and winner of the Dorothy May Trophy was Vicki Edge (MGB), second was Geoff Edge (MGA).

Winners received a rosette on the day, presented by Mr James Birch, the owner of Doddington Hall, and the Trophies will be presented at the Centre’s Annual Dinner in January. Lots of photos of the cars and presentations are on our web page. Thanks are due to Geoff and Vicki with all their helpers.

“organised and responsible”.

We have used Burton Dassett since before 1971 when WCC purchased the land from the farmer that we dealt with for some years, so we’ve been holding PCTs there for 46 years and more.

We are fortunate that the MSA and LARA, Land Access and Recreational Association for motorsport, have accumulated a lot of experience and an archive of important case histories where established venues have been able to continue to function in spite of threats to the contrary. They are helping us to frame more appeals.

The unauthorised use of the park by 4x4s is clearly anti-social and we don’t condone it, but having been tarred with that brush we shall fight back to show that the MGCC continues to be a responsible organisation. The same goes for noise. Passenger cars used in trials

do what it says on the tin: they have MOTs and are therefore well silenced, quieter than a farm tractor and the M40 which passes about 500m away from the trials site.

At the moment the future looks a bit bleak on the sporting side. We are preparing ourselves for a fight. We expect this topic to crop up several times in the coming months, when we are sure we will be looking for the support of the whole of the MGCC to help us continue to run PCTs at a venue that is baked into our history as an important grass-roots sporting centre of the MGCC. It’s not all doom and gloom on the sporting side. In 2018 we will organise an AutoSolo at Bruntingthorpe, between Leicester and Northampton.

We hope this will attract more newcomers to another form of low-cost motor sport.

www.mgcc.co.uk

25/09/2017 16:47

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CENTRES

NORTH WEST PAUL GOODMAN 01625 876300

October and the autumnal evenings are now with us, but this is not a good excuse to stay at home with your MG. We have three social events this month for you to attend. On Tuesday October 10 we will be open for business at The Old Hall Farm Pub where you will be able to chat to fellow enthusiasts.

Then a week later, the focus will be on the Plough and Flail on Tuesday 17. There is going to be a ‘table top rally’ for some of the evening.

We haven’t attempted one of these for a very long time so it should be great fun. Finally, on Wednesday lunchtime October 25 we have our pub meeting which will be at The Grosvenor Arms, Chester Road, Aldford, Chester, CH3 6HJ. Looking further ahead, it is

time to book your tickets for the Annual Dinner Dance and Awards Presentation to be held on Saturday November 25. This is when the Centre members get together and celebrate the events of the year. We start with a reception in the bar where several MG cars will add to the atmosphere. There will be a three-course meal followed by the presentation of the Cockshoot, Luffield and Centre awards, and then the opportunity to dance the night away or chat in the quiet bar. The room will be arranged with round tables and so there is the opportunity to book a whole table for you and your friends. The venue is the Deanwater Hotel in Woodford,

Cockshoot Cup Racers at Anglesey (Before the rain). Photo: Paul Goodman

south of Stockport. There is also the opportunity to visit the newly refurbished Vulcan bomber at the Avro Heritage Museum which will be open on Saturday and Sunday and is less than a mile away from the hotel. Rooms can be booked by contacting the hotel directly and tickets are available from David Rainsbury, david@rainsbury.com The Centre will reach a turning point at the end of 2017 with several important roles on the Committee up for re-election.

We are seeking members who are interested in training to run motorsport events and we also wish to increase the number of social events and runs that we organise across the region.

If you are interested in any of these roles, then please contact Paul Goodman.

Finally, we would like to thank the Cockshoot Cup drivers who supported their weekend at Anglesey. They had to deal with all four seasons and still provided some great racing.

SOUTH EAST

JO RUFFELS joruffels@gmail.com www.mg-cars.org.uk/mgccse/

One of the last main MGCC SE events of the season is taking place on Sunday October 8 2017, with just a few days left to enter.

The Autumn Naviscat is being organised and run by Chris and Janice Leigh. The entry fee is £10 or £12 on the day.

A copy of the 1:50,000 scale Ordnance Survey map Landranger 188 Maidstone and Royal Tunbridge Wells area is required to take part. The day starts at the Moody Mare Public House, near Mereworth, Kent ME18 5QY with registration between 10.00am-10.45am.

All competitors will hopefully finish at the Rose Revived Pub, near Hadlow TN11 0AN at around 2.30pm. For those

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who are not familiar with this Rally, participants are required to visit a selection of locations defined by the map references and at each place will need to answer a related question. The list of locations is handed out at 11.00am on the day. The Rally has a number of different classes and for details of all of these please see the events web page: www.mg-cars.org.uk/mgccse/ events.html Group meets are continuing to hold local events, with the Fairmile Group organising a visit to the Rodger Dudding classic collection, which promises to be a great day out. This spans over 100 years of motoring, with cars and motorcycles from all decades of

the last century and the collection is vast and varied. As a private collection, this is not open to the public but does offer visits to enthusiasts (car clubs); what a great fantastic opportunity.

For more details contact Jon Glover on 07802 318950MGs on a recent SE Centre Pub Meet. jongloveractor@gmail.com Photos: Jo Ruffels and Anthony Opie The MGCC will once again be having a stand at the Classic Car Show, NEC Birmingham, November 10-12 2017, with tickets already on sale. www. necclassicmotorshow.com/ One of the final events of the year is the MGs on Track being held on Monday December 4 2017 at the Brands Hatch Indy course with three sessions booked. http://www.mgs-on-track.com/

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25/09/2017 16:47

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25/09/2017 16:47

CENTRES

SOUTH WEST

BRUCE WESTON: 01963 440941 bruceweston@tiscali.co.uk www.mgccsw.com www.facebook.com/mgccsw With the end of the competitive year rapidly approaching, your last chance to gain points in the SW Championship will be at the Kimber Car Trial at Pagans Hill, Chew Stoke, on Sunday October 15. This event has been long established on the site and is non-damaging, giving new and experienced drivers alike the opportunity to outwit the course organisers. All the sections are on a single hillside site and, subject to the weather, several attempts at each test should enable most competitors to improve their scores. Ideal for first timers.

If you’re lucky enough to get this Safety Fast! before October 1, there is a social run to Prescott Hillclimb which will attract an

entry fee of £15. Well worth the effort and guarantee of a good spectator day out.

Wiscombe Hillclimb on September 9 once again attracted a full entry of over 130 cars spanning 90years of production; details will appear next month. This event has been the SW flagship for 45 years and continues to be wellsupported by local clubs and several championships.

Certain MSA permit events such as hillclimbs, sprints, race meetings etc need to have licensed officials in order to run the event. Over the years these volunteers have come forward from members who started by marshalling, gained an interest

TYNE TEES

NOEL LINDFORD noel.lindford@btinternet.com

Past Events Croft Nostalgia Weekend: August 5-6 once again more than lived up to expectations, with good weather and excellent racing on the track, some races featuring MGBs and Midgets.

Evoking the cars and fashions of 1950s and ‘60s racing and held on our local track, it had something for everyone, including a flypast by a Lancaster.

We had the largest, most varied club stand of the weekend, including MGs displayed by friends from Yorkshire and Caledonian Centres. Many took their MGs on track for the Circuit Tours. For the second year running, one of our Tyne-Tees ladies won the ‘Best Dressed Woman in Period Costume’

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award, this year presented to Jill Stocks, pictured with her MGA. Hamsterley Hoppings: August 27. Dennis Hope organised our display of 10 MGs as part of the classic car display of 74 cars plus classic tractors, which is a feature of this wonderful village show that raises so much money for local charities.

Events Coming Up Autumn Leaves Run: Sunday October 22 – A Majestic Northumberland Adventure.

Organised by Andrew Kelly (07785 290832) this 82-mile route starting in Ponteland incorporates the diverse and stunning scenery offered by Glorious

A well-known South West MG competitor doing what he loves best: Andrew Morland in this L1 giving it a workout approaching Gate at Wiscombe. Photo: Colin Murrell

in organisation and finally over a set period of tuition became MSA Clerks of Course.

The problem is that our Centre now only has two licensed officials from a membership of around 1,200.

Although any licensed official can run an event for another club, it is sad to reflect that one of the most famous makes with a proud sporting history may very soon need to look elsewhere for its organisers. Very soon there also will be a requirement for marshals to have basic training and without that commitment

all events may finally fade away.

Food for thought, but remember: without officials and marshals you do not have an event and the grey army of support is getting older and smaller.

On a brighter note, make a date for your diary: the Annual SW Centre Dinner on Saturday February 24 at the Limpley Stoke Hotel, near Bath. This event is not just a social gathering but is also to give out awards to competition winners during 2017.

Keep up to date with MG South West matters by going to www.mgccsw.com

Northumberland, and ends at a delightful country pub for Sunday lunch. You need to pre-book. Entry forms with menu options are on our Tyne-Tees website, or contact Andrew. Entry fee of £10 includes a route book and rally plaque.

ceasing the Old Mill Natter with immediate effect. The popular Coulby Manor Natter at Coulby Newham, just south of Middlesbrough, is now the Southern Natter, the next being Thursday October 12, whilst the excellent Ridley Arms at Stannington is of course the Norther Natter, the next being Monday October 9.

Visit to the Classic Motor Show at the NEC: November 10-12. At time of writing this is still in the planning stage, but the thought is to combine a visit to the show, at which MGCC will have a special display, with a shopping trip to Birmingham markets. Please contact David Alexander by email to david. alexander2012@btinternet.com or call him on 01670 861178 for more details on the event and booking tickets.

Natter Update: Due to falling attendances, we are reluctantly

Jill Stocks at Croft Nostalgia.

Photo: Barrie Hope

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25/09/2017 16:47

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He takes up the story: “I visited the well-known Classic Throttle Shop in Sydney looking for a

car. Amongst the rows of exotic cars was an MGB Roadster in blue; being the only car there that was in my budget I bought it! I found it lovely to drive and used it for around five to six months. The family and I had to come

back to the UK early so I had the car shipped back with us as I just couldn’t part with it. Once back in the UK I found that I had too many cars and I needed something fun I could commute into London in every day. I have an Audi RS4 which, although powerful, just wasn’t as much fun as the B. I decided my MGB Roadster I shipped back just wouldn’t be practical as an everyday commuter so I started to look out for an MGB GT V8. This was inspired by memories of occasionally being driven to school in one when I was a young lad. The looks, noise, and sheer power of the car still sends shivers down my

MG-SafetyFast_Oct2017_51-100.indd 79

Simply wash ‘n’ go – leave car to dry in bright sunshine

spine. I spent time looking through classified adverts for one, but I couldn’t find one to the standard I was looking for. I then searched the internet and came across a firm called CCHL Classic and Sportscars Specialist. They specialise in building bespoke V8 MGB GTs, so I travelled north to visit them in Hull.

I was very impressed with their work and liked the idea that I could have a car built to my own specification, so I ended up spec’ing a car and I placed an order with them in March 2016. I took delivery of the finished V8 in April this year.”

One nice thing when you are having a car built to your own spec is to follow its progress. James commented: “I was able to do this whilst it was being built, having seen the Heritage bodyshell in primer and the engine still in its crate having just been delivered from an engine specialist in Ireland. I was impressed with the attention to detail that CCHL are well-known for, and found the whole experience very enjoyable. I created a spreadsheet of my spec which was quite complex. Having this meant we could keep a tally of the things I wanted fitted to my MG. My main request was to have a car that looked like a standard circa 1967 BGT, as I liked the chrome bumpers from this era.”

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OCTOBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 79

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CENTRES

YORKSHIRE

DAVID COPEMAN 07920 064585 www.mgccyorkshire.co.uk North – Colin Brear Another summer of great MG runs and events – where does time go!

After poor weather in August our members enjoyed the Tyne Tees Speckled Hen Run, Vale of York Battle Sights Run, our own Mike Payne’s trip to Menwith Hill and a great End of Season Run arranged by Nick Mann.

The Yorkshire Inter Natter Quiz and our Christmas/New Year Dinners will soon be here.

So a very enjoyable autumn/ winter is planned in North Yorkshire!

South – Geoff Norcliffe Congratulations to Robin and Kim Masters whose white MGA was voted the winner of our Pride of Ownership in July. The

Natter had a run in August to join Lincolnshire Centre’s day at Doddington Hall. The weather was kind to us and the “plot the shortest route” competition was won by Pete and Sharon who will by now have enjoyed the bottle of wine donated by Brian and Val Lewis.

East – Chris Moore We had a very nice summer’s evening run in July. As usual, we started from the Humber Bridge car park and this time finished with a pub meal at the Altisidora at Bishop Burton, near Beverley.

Some Natter members attended Harrogate MG at Pateley Bridge or the BL/BMC Show at Peterborough where

around 50 MG cars were part of the 500 or so entries.

There is a rumour going around that we may be changing our Natter location.

West – David Copeman The August meeting was well attended. A good part of the evening was spent in the car park discussing the selection of MGs, including a very nice Dolomite and a John Cooper S. The evening ended with a car and general knowledge quiz organized by Doug and Liz. We rounded off the month with the Dales Run organised by North Yorkshire members, ably led by Paul and Rosemary Croft.

Tiger – Pete Welbourn Having been several weeks in the planning, Brooke’s route from Shiptonthorpe to Wykeham was

well received by all those who participated, the final section taking in part of Forge Valley and Troutsdale coming in for particular praise.

The next luncheon run will go from Shiptonthorpe to the St. Quinton Arms at Harpham.

The Wednesday Mel and I chose to plan the route, the weather forecast was heavy showers when in reality it should have been a tropical storm. Although we got to our destination, we will have to check the route as we may have incorporated a couple of rivers.

Vale of York – Ken Cothliff Back to fine sunny weather and a good selection of MGs. We welcomed Tim Rowe from the MGF Register, and good to see Bob Ingham back from his annual trip to the other side of the world in Australia.

ULSTER

CAROL WILLIS (028) 9079 9997 or 07831 345560 www.mgcculstercentre.co.uk carol.mgulster@hotmail.co.uk

August in NI was a total washout, but the weather was very kind for our Run and Roast on the 13th. A fantastic entry of nearly 60 folk met in Comber for a short treasure-hunt-style run through the Co Down countryside. Gordon and Ruth Buckley had offered their home and gardens with spectacular views overlooking Strangford Lough as the end point for the hog-roast. Stephen Dawson and Mike Adair set off first, but the aroma of hog was too much so they fudged the last few clues to race to the finish (to do car-parking duties!). MGs, old and more recent, as well as an array of classic machinery were

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permitted on the lawns with any other modern marque cars hidden well off-site. The al fresco meal was delicious among Ruth’s horticultural splendour. Treasure hunt results were worked out while everyone was munching and a dead heat was declared, so a final ‘decider’ pronounced Bryan and Alison Mutch as winners. Despite a few wheelspins on the lawns, we hope we left the Buckley gardens in not too much of a mess!

We held our first Autotest Tutorial this year at TTS Nutt’s Corner. Richard Earney had compiled a superb initial ‘classroom’ video to start the wheels rolling. Oversubscribed,

MGs at the Run and Roast

25 members aged from 14 upwards were treated to expert tuition by Harold Hassard, George McMillan, Ashley Lamont and Eric Paterson. The 25 were split into two groups of FWD and RWD cars. The damp day improved conditions for handbrake turns, nose throws and 360s and the improvement in the abilities of pupils was notable. Thanks to TTS and to the experts for such a professional session.

Good news: we now have a new trailer which is being fitted out by Garth, Gordon and Trevor.

Richard Earney briefs a pupil at the Autotest Tutorial

Our thanks to them. It will soon head off to be ‘wrapped’ with smart new graphics.

Dates for your Diary: October 14 Autotest – Delamon October 21 Trial – venue tba November 4 AutoSOLO – TTS

www.mgcc.co.uk

25/09/2017 16:48

SHEPPERTON, MIDDLESEX TEL: 01932 241843 / 07836 281493 WWW.CHURCHSQUAREAUTOS.COM EMAIL: MGSALES@CHURCHSQUAREAUTOS.COM

B32 - MIKE ROLLS SERVICES_MIKE ROLLS SERVICES 13/12/2012 09:50 Page 1

MG MGF TROPHY 160vvc (just 5,900miles) 2001 (Y Reg) Manual, Petrol, Finished in Trophy Yellow/black Very rare. This is a totally immaculate MGF Trophy ltd edition. Previously supplied by us at just 2,676 miles, now just 5,900 miles. This car is totally original and the only added part being the wind deflector. Full book pack as from new, original bill of sale old mots/bills etc. As seen in MG Enthusiast mag on the front page plus a full 5 page write up inside (Oct 2014 see photos). The very best and lowest mileage Trophy for sale anywhere. £9,695

MIKE ROLLS

2016

MG TF LE500 #138/500 + H/top (just 34,000 miles)

MG TF LE500#298/500+H/top (1 owner just 30,374 miles)

MG MGF 1.8i Convertible+H/Top (just 68,000 miles)

END OF SEASON CLEARANCE SALE

2009 (09 Reg) 34,000 Miles Manual, Petrol, Finished in Crystal White/Black leather A very low mileage LE500 with its colour coded hardtop.

Fitted with a new stainless sports exhaust (not loud) upgraded ECU, vented brake disc’s. One of only 17 made in Crystal White. Air conditioning, soft ride suspension, heated glass rear screen in soft top, engine water level sensor, black leather, Full service history, Immaculate. Can supply with silver alloys if required. £6,895

2009 (59 Reg)30,374 Miles, Manual, Petrol, Finished in Intense Blue/Black leather FSH having had seven service including cambelt service, recent set of Falken tyres and front disc’s. These are full spec models fitted with air con, black leather sport seats, soft ride suspension, 16” alloys, glass heated rear screen in black soft top. Fitted with the later ‘N’ series Immaculate LE. Just serviced and Moted (next mot due 2/10/2018). £6,295

1997 (P Reg) Manual, Petrol, Finished in Flame Red/Black trim This superb early MGF was 20 years old with 2 owners. Fitted with power steering and supplied with a Black soft top and black hardtop.

Just been though our workshop and had a full service plus a new mot. Rare low mileage early MGF in SUPERB CONDITION. These original MGF’s are becoming very collectable. £1,695

Huge selection of Second hand parts for your MGF / TF’s .New and second hand MG TF sport seats new seats £400+ vat, alloy wheels selection of used and refurbed wheels 15” & 16” from £35.

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MG RV8 ROADSTER 1995

Finished in Woodcote Green MG RV8, Manufactured in 1995 but not registered until 1997, Woodcote Green, re-imported from Japan in 2008. Just over 26,000km from new which is approx 15,000mls, it comes with a good services history, a very nice MGR registration number, windstop and matching hood cover. This is a superb example one of the best we have ever seen, it has just had a service and MOT so ready to be enjoyed. £26,000.

MGB GT V8, FACTORY CAR, 1974,

Chrome bumper, Tax exempt, Overdrive. Finished in Harvest Gold with cloth interior. Nice interesting TOY 500M registration number. Just under 92,000mls from new. Comes with extensive history, list of previous owners, most MOT’s and record of parts and work. Heritage certificate. Now fitted with 15 inch Minilite replica wheels and Yokohama tyres, original wheels available with the car, recent new clutch and rolling road set up. Excellent gearbox and overdrive and drives very well. £18,995

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MG-SafetyFast_Oct2017_51-100.indd 81

Rubber bumper, Tax exempt, finished in Black, it comes with Overdrive, Alloy wheels, Tan leather interior, Motolita wood rim steering wheel, Mohair hood with single rear window, Louvered alloy bonnet, Roll hoop, Electric windows, Performance engine with piper camshaft, Stainless performance 3 branch exhaust system, K & N Filters, Electronic ignition, Electric cooling fan, Silicone hoses and some service history. The car is MOT’d to April 2018 and has been de-seamed on the rear wings, the paint has blistered slightly on the offside seam and has been touched in by hand , this is a structurally sound car with good performance and is a great drive. £5,995.

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.

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OCTOBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 81

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REGISTERS

SVW

PAUL CAMPBELL svw.safety.fast@gmail.com www.svwregister.co.uk/

John Scott wrote in telling us of his VA Tourer (chassis 878) that he bought from Nigel Bunting. John took the VA on the Flying Scotsman Rally this year before shipping it to the USA. John lives in Vermont but his VA is at his ‘winter residence’ in Charleston, South Carolina, where the photo was taken. The house was built shortly after the American Civil War. The August total eclipse was at

Bob Hanselman’s VA Tickford in CA

its best in Charleston. What a pity John was in Vermont!

Bob and Donna Hanselman from California took a UK trip in September, taking in Beaulieu and the Goodwood Revival amongst other things. Bob has recently bought a fine VA Tickford (chassis 1352) to complement his ex-Lancashire Police VA Tourer (chassis 807).

I’ve had an ongoing issue with my MG Magnette ZB, which is probably applicable to our SVW cars. It was very hesitant at higher revs and unless you lifted off it could even cut out. This was most evident when under load, going up hills, etc. I had done everything I could think of on both electrics and

John Scott’s VA Tourer in Charleston, SC

fuel supply, but ended up taking it to a local garage where they diagnosed it as electrics and spent some time unsuccessfully trying to fix it. In the end I took it to Market Square Garage in Petworth (MGCC Trade Member) where they initially suspected the manifold gasket, but eventually found the ‘top hat’ float chamber mounting washers were breaking up with fragments ending up in the main jets. This cheap fix fully resolved the problem and it’s now going beautifully. I suspect this is partly the result of

T TYPE

JOHN WARD 01621 773606 johnw.ward@yahoo.co.uk www.tregister.org THE T REGISTER AUTUMN TOUR 2017 The annual spectacle of a cluster of T Types heading to the Autumn Tour descended (or should it be ascended?) upon Kendal in the Lake District, before proceeding northwards for about 12 miles and there in a hidden valley betwixt the A6 and the M6, they came to rest for a few days in The Shap Wells Hotel, a 19th-century establishment built to serve the growing number of affluent visitors coming to take

T Types descend on the Lake District, outside The Shap Wells Hotel

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the waters from the natural spring in the grounds.

The organisers, Grant and Barbara Humphreys, had taken meticulous care to map out for us a two-day itinerary of scenic routes, places of interest and challenging driving roads to ensure an enjoyable time was had by all.

The weather was kind, considering the location and altitude of these climes, with serious rain only being a dampener whilst most of us were in the Lakeland Motor Museum for lunch.

Saturday saw us arriving at Lowther Castle and an association with the motoring explosion in the early 20th century, and next on to Appleby-in-Westmorland with its traditional horse fair held every

T Types at Appleby Castle

June and Appleby Castle, where we parked in the bailey.

Saturday evening and time for the much-regaled Gala Dinner, a drinks reception, a hearty dinner and with just a little inebriation and time for the T Register awards to be announced.

The Malcolm Hogg Trophy for restoration was this year awarded to David and Pauline Reeves for their immaculately restored red TC. The Montague Burton Cup, awarded for ‘exploits in a T Type’, was unanimously won by Peter and Mandy Sprot for their trip to Malta

ethanol in the fuel, so something to bear in mind especially during the winter lay-up. It’s nice to know there’s such an expert and enthusiastic MG specialist so close to home, even giving a discount to MGCC members.

Writing this at the end of August, my VA Tourer will appear for the duration of the Goodwood Revival, most probably on the airfield near the railings adjacent to the WW2 re-enactment group.

If I’m with the car airside I’ll be in RAF uniform!

and back with little or no mishap to car or occupants!

The Secretary’s Trophy, awarded entirely at the discretion of the secretary, went to Tony and Dawn Selman who, having only driven their recent T Type acquisition for a couple of hours, proceeded to set off and join the continental tour to the Ardennes in May this year.

A scenic run on the Sunday through Windermere, Bowness and Newby Bridge to the Lakeland Motor Museum and then on to Ambleside and Grasmere, before most tackled ‘The Struggle’ up to the summit of the Kirkstone Pass.

Heading back now on magnificent mountain roads through Patterdale, Glenridding, around Ullswater to Pooley Bridge, which lost its ‘bridge’ due to Storm Desmond in December 2015. We all had a wonderful time in the Lakes on the Autumn Tour and can’t wait for next years.

www.mgcc.co.uk

25/09/2017 16:48

REGISTERS

Y TYPE

JERRY BIRKBECK jerrybirkbeck@btinternet.com www.mgccyregister.co.uk Tel: 01926 258691 Mob: 07855 566325

What’s been happening?

The celebration of 70 years of the Y Type has been a success, with major events in the UK and Australia. The Round Britain Relay achieved the principal aim of its initiator, Julian Bosworth, to take events out to the members.

The involvement of our sponsors, Stewart Miller and Peter James, their Events Manager, Phil Beck,

and the hard work of MGOCC Brian Rainbow were crucial in enabling our co-ordinator, Maggie Grafham, to pull together the strings and ensure that the event worked for everyone participating.

To all of you a huge thanks and we must look at ways in which we can build upon this in the future.

How might this happen?

The most obvious way is working together with fellow MG Clubs – the Owners and Octagon. This, to an extent, already happens on an informal basis at local Club Natters. Perhaps we should advise Y owners exactly where these are and publish them on our website

and facebook pages. Any ideas that any of you may have will be gratefully received, Events We move towards the end of the season. The final Register event will have taken place – the Isle of Wight Tour, organised by Peter Sharp, and the MGCC have a presence at the Classic Car Show in November at the NEC. I had hoped to be able to book a stand for the Register at this major show. However, there was a twoand-a-half-year waiting list when I inquired in March this year. I am hopeful that MGCC may include a Y on their stand to celebrate our 70th!

Postscript A couple of photos from two very different events. The two Ys at the Severn Valley Railway Classic

Car Gathering in July, on one of the stages of the Round Britain Relay, are a YB, owned by Peter and Suzie Arnell and the YT the owner of which is unknown to me, for which I must apologise – unknown to me.

The photo on the left is of Derek Moore using his YB to rescue an MGB GT following the MGB Register Run on April 9 2017 at Millett’s Farm, near Abingdon.

A straightforward job for Derek, as his YB is powered by an MGB 1800cc engine and a five-speed box! Thanks to Reg Dixie for providing the evidence!

MAGNETTE

STEPHEN TICKELL 01737 760330 stephen.tickell@gmail.com www.magnette.org

You may be reading this before the Lou Shorten Tribute weekend in Norfolk (September 30-October 1) in which case you’ll be very welcome to just turn up to John Shorten’s traditional ‘open house’ in Lenwade on Saturday. But if you were hoping to attend the evening meal at Wensum Valley Golf Club and haven’t booked then please check first with John Harris (01604 642662). Also, please let John know if coming to Sandringham House on the Sunday (meet at 11.00am).

Stockfest August 20 This sounds like it should be a Glastonbury type of event, but is actually a village fete with other

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG-SafetyFast_Oct2017_51-100.indd 83

attractions including a classic car show. We were first invited to it by the MGA Twin-cam group a couple of years ago, and as the village of Stockcross is conveniently located off the M4 near Newbury, it’s been quite a popular day out for Magnette owners. I don’t think any of us were energetic enough this time to join the organised ‘rare breeds’ scenic drive before the show, settling instead for a later arrival at the show site. There were nine Magnettes in all, including a first outing for John and Marion Gill from South Wales in their newly acquired ZB, and also Kim Norris with a ZB painted rather unusually as a blue Varitone. The latter had an interesting history, as it had

Stockfest car show

previously belonged to Kim’s father, and he discovered it for sale quite by chance when looking to purchase another Magnette.

I don’t know if it’ll be restored to its original colours, but in the meantime it certainly makes an interesting talking point.

The weather was pleasantly warm, so the afternoon was passed in relaxed Magnette conversation, admiring the other assembled classics, enjoying live music at the other end of the field, and sampling the home-

made tea and cakes or the ale tent. By the way, those like me in the Surrey area can enjoy a similar experience at Capel classic car show, near Dorking, which this year was on the day before Stockfest. I spotted a couple of other Magnettes there, although the popularity of Capel with classic owners makes it harder than Stockcross to reserve parking (the local MGOC makes a valiant effort). But once you’ve secured your spot, the cars and the cakes are of equal quality!

OCTOBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 83

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REGISTERS

MGA

EDWARD VANDYK 01488 608810 mgascribe@vandyk.co.uk Sunday August 13 2017 was MGA Day at Croome Court, near Malvern, a National Trust property.

The weather, thankfully, was hot and sunny all day.

We had arranged to have our private parking area within the Croome orchard and the usual ‘garden party’ atmosphere of MGA Day ensued, with many opting to take their picnics by their cars. Our hosts provided the usual excellent facilities, with the choice of having lunch and coffee outside or retreating into the cool of the restaurant which formerly served as a wartime RAF building.

Croome boasts a notable Capability Brown landscaped parkland as well as other attractions, all of which were much appreciated.

Around 50 MGAs attended, plus a smattering of guests in vehicles ranging from a very rare Austin Atlantic A90 convertible, to a Frogeye Sprite and E-Type Jaguars.

The award for MGA of the Day was presented to Lindsay and Lynda Sampford, with their beautiful Chariot Red Roadster.

Thanks to all who attended and all who helped, thereby creating another memorable MGA Day, with particular thanks to Jonny Pollard for organising the event. Photos can be seen here:- https://goo.gl/photos/ kBwPxS7pd1XP2naG9

William Brooke Midgley April 15 1935 – September 1 2017 It is with great sadness that we report the loss of one of our most popular members, Brooke Midgley, who passed away on Friday September 1 after a short illness.

Those who knew Brooke will remember him for his endearing sociability and self-deprecating and dry sense of humour, always ready to make a joke at his own expense. Brooke enjoyed a very active and varied life: a budding Olympic swimmer, mountaineer, MG enthusiast, hands-on member of the Thornton-le-Dale Christmas Lights Committee and as a dedicated supporter of the French and Italian wine industries.

As a young lad Brooke was devoted to swimming, with this activity often taking precedence over going to school. He was a member of the York City Baths Club and he trained with the Olympic team, though he only progressed to competing at county level. Brooke was the first person in Yorkshire to compete in the butterfly stroke. Brooke met Arline in 1957 when he was competing in the National Swimming Championships in Blackpool. At this point he was already halfway through his two years National Service in the RAF. Brooke and

Brooke, Arline and their MGA

Arline married in 1960 in Blackpool and their honeymoon consisted of the bus journey back to York. It was whilst serving his country that he met Dave Radmore, who took him climbing in Cheddar Gorge. This set Brooke on the path to a lifelong involvement in mountaineering. In more recent years Brooke served a term as President of the British section of the Swiss Alpine Club.

By profession, Brooke was a consultant engineer in the water industry, designing and building water treatment and sewage plants. He later set up his own successful business and worked on various projects around the country until retirement.

But it is as an enthusiastic MG owner that we will remember him.

His first MG was a TC, bought in 1962. In 1963 he bought an MGA Roadster, one of two MGAs that he was still driving at the end of his life. In 1967 an MGA Coupe was added, as this was deemed a more sensible family car than the roadster and, with the birth of eldest daughter Denise, allowed

the use of a cot which Brooke made to fit behind the seats. The cot was eventually superseded by a caravan towed, naturally, behind the MGA Coupe on holidays to Switzerland. Together, the two MGAs eventually resulted in Brooke racking up a combined 104 years of MGA ownership. In 1982 Brooke and Arline bought their own holiday home In Italy’s Aosta Valley, in the shadow of Mont Blanc, and made many trips there in those two MGAs. In 2012 Brooke used his intimate knowledge of the Alpine passes to organise a wonderful three-day circumnavigation of Mont Blanc for a select group of MGA enthusiasts, amongst whom were Irene and me. Great days.

Brooke leaves Arline and daughters Denise and Gillian and their families, and our thoughts are with them. Brooke’s funeral took place on Friday September 15 at the East Riding Crematorium, Octon Cross Road, Driffield, YO25 3BL, attended by many friends and well-wishers.

A good gathering of MGAs at Croome Court

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www.mgcc.co.uk

25/09/2017 16:48

REGISTERS

MGB

DAVID BROADHURST 01209 614704 newsletter-editor@mgb-register.org www.mgb-register.org Happy birthday to JCP 600F – my MGB GT is 50 years old! Registered on September 1 1967 and supplied to a gentleman who lived in Lawholme Lane, Keighley, West Yorkshire, by Cox of Keighley Ltd whose premises were on Bradford Road. I inherited a box file of receipts and other

bits from its previous owner so I know a great deal about its history. It has had nine previous owners, for instance.

Was originally Sandy beige in colour (not my favourite BMC Colour) but the interior is as it came out of the factory in red leather with red carpets etc.

It lived in the West Riding for

Manor Garage & Sons!

Tel: 01235 767751

manner to which it has become accustomed; a delight to drive which is still capable of holding its own in today’s traffic.

By the time that you are reading this the Register weekend in Lincolnshire will be done and dusted and I shall be awaiting Heather Charlton’s report on the event along with photographs from John Watson and, possibly, Roger Cooper. John has asked me to draw to your attention the Register Spring Run which will be on April 15 2018 and based on the Haynes Motor Museum, with a cream tea into the bargain. More details to follow and a longshot for your, new kitchen calendar is the Register September run for 2018 which is proposed for Shropshire and Ironbridge. I can almost sense your excitement from here!

the first 40 years, a lot of that time in and around Baildon, Bradford and Leeds. So, why is it important? It is to me because I want to know such things, along with what has, or hasn’t, been done to it. That way, my rolling programme of maintenance has a purpose. A car this old, with an, almost, complete history is an environmental asset. It is thought that a car becomes environmentally neutral once it is more than 10 years old as, until then, the negative costs of its build still are being paid off. This presents a strong case for keeping and sustaining good, old cars rather than endlessly building, scrapping and replacing. The paper record in my now-bulging box folder helps that process and JCP 600F can continue, happily, in the

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OCTOBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 85

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REGISTERS

MIDGET

MIKE PARKER mikeparker78@talktalk.net www.midgetregister.com Midget Register Road Run September 2017 Our Road Run this year was a great success. In spite of overcast weather with occasional rain showers over 60 cars took part in the 60-mile run from Toddington Steam Railway Centre, near Cheltenham, to Upton House, near Banbury. About one third of the cars were Midgets and Sprites, and there were many MGBs/GTs and MGFs/TFs, plus several MGAs, T-Types and V8s.

My wife Caroline and I received a friendly welcome as we signed in at the Toddington café and we enjoyed our chats with other participants while we ate our bacon butties. Others made the most of full breakfasts!

At about 10.00am we departed to the huffing and puffing of the steam locomotive next to the car park. We initially followed other MGs while we carefully followed our excellent route book instructions, but before long we found ourselves leading a small group of cars across the Cotswold minor roads, enjoying the beautiful countryside, the lovely stone villages and occasional magnificent large country houses. We didn’t know this part of the country so it was a real treat. After just over two hours we arrived at Upton House where we were welcomed by our Register Chairman, Mike Parker, and we lined up our cars on either side

V8

VICTOR SMITH 0208 392 9434 victorsmith@v8register.net www.v8register.net MGB GT V8 coping with high temperatures on tour When Andrew Collins first started making plans to join the Club’s European Event of the Year in Portugal this year, his planned route added up to about 1,500 miles in Spain and Portugal in July and August. He thought about engine cooling, and decided that, at the least, he needed some way of accurately knowing the temperature of coolant leaving the engine.

To provide this information he bought a small LCD temperature monitor which linked to a remote sensor element attached to the V8 thermostat housing. The LCD monitor was fitted in the centre console inside the car. Using

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the sensor and display quickly established that the thermostat was opening at 82°C, and the Otter switch was putting the cooling fans on at 92°C – in both cases the correct temperatures.

Having temperature readout in the car is an interesting diversion, but the results were reassuring.

Andrew had often heard the assertion that “the V8 cooling system is marginal” but after the run in Spain and Portugal he doesn’t agree. “The cooling system on our car is totally standard, but in good order throughout. The radiator flows well, the coolant pump works properly, the radiator pressure cap holds the correct pressure, the fans work, the thermostat

of the main drive. It was great to see our new Midget Register gazebo in operation, with our Chairman’s wife, Caroline, selling raffle tickets and Register merchandise. Upton House itself was well worth a visit – a fine example of a William and Mary house, with magnificent gardens and grounds and a café for refreshments.

We departed for home around 3.00pm, having enjoyed a really special day meeting old friends, making new friends, and travelling through wonderful scenery facing the challenge of following the route

in our marvellous MGs. Special thanks are due to Mike Parker and Club officers Dennis Wharf, Pete Chaundy, Steve Clark and Rob Thomas for making this event such a success.

Mark Jackson

is correct, the coolant passages in the engine are clear and the coolant is a 50:50 waterantifreeze mix.

“After the experience of a fortnight which included a good deal of “hot and high” driving, I cannot see the need for holes in the bonnet, waterless coolant and baffles around the radiator.”

See the full article via our ‘More’ web page at: www. v8register.net/more.htm

V8 Derbyshire Tour 2018 Ken Clayton has announced that the next V8 Tour in the popular series will be in Derbyshire, from Sunday 2 to Thursday September 6 2018.

The event will include touring beautiful scenic routes around the Derbyshire dales and the Peak District National Park, visiting both Derbyshire White Peak and Dark Peak. Full details are on the ‘More’ web page.

Stuart Mumby’s RV8 has been sold to a US buyer

www.mgcc.co.uk

25/09/2017 16:49

REGISTERS

MGC

MIKE HAUGHTON mike@btinternet.com

Although there was a handful of ‘pre-production’ MGCs, the ‘official’ launch of the C was the first day of the Earls Court Motorshow on October 18 1967 – so this month is the actual 50th Birthday! As production only continued until August 1969, it seems reasonable to continue the celebrations until then. So, if anyone wants any 50th Regalia, please let me know, or check the MGCC – C Register – internet pages.

I recently had the pleasure of meeting one Richard Cox, the original C Register ‘General Secretary’. He helped form the Register in July 1975, and kindly sent me a copy of the minutes of that meeting. Here is the

‘Register Policy’ as agreed at that meeting: 1. To promote more interest within the MG Car Club in the ‘moderns’ in general, and naturally the MGC in particular.

2. To promote the interchange of knowledge on technical matters and spares availability, since already the spares situation for this marque is difficult.

3. To promote social and competitive activities so that the MGC is seen more frequently at the meetings promoted by the MG Car Club and other motor sporting organisations.

4. Finally, to enlighten those less fortunate into the pleasure of MGC motoring and to attempt to eliminate the stigma left by its

poor reception by the motoring press, which, undoubtedly, all MGC owners would agree was totally unjustified.

and despite the extreme heat at times, we were genuinely comfortable in the C. Don’t be afraid to take your C on a Grand Tour – and send in your own stories!

A great start for our Register!

A few intrepid C-ers: Angie and me, Ginny and Barrie, Mike and Sheila Rowan, John Weston and Joan, braved the heat of Porto in August for the European Event of the Year.

Driving in Spain, Portugal, and France on the way home, is a total pleasure. Ours is a GT, and it certainly lived up to the Grand Tourer badge. We covered 2,800+ miles through some fantastic scenery, great empty roads, hills, valleys – just so much fun. OK, we had an annoying squeaky brake, no overdrive, and a broken wiper arm (found a spare in France) but it was a great trip,

Spanish Castle, MaGiC

is one of the smaller registers, we feel it’s important to get the cars out there as much as possible, and not just to our fellow classic car enthusiasts, but also to the general public as a whole. These indoor car shows are an excellent way of doing that and one of the joys of indoor shows is that it can rain all it likes – in fact, sometimes it benefits us if it does rain as it brings more people in! Also at the show were two other MG Metros, one Mk2 and a 6R4, so MG Metros were well represented. If you’re into your everyday British cars from 20, 30

or 40 years ago this is definitely the show for you. It’s good to see, alongside our MG FWD Register cars, their rivals from back in the day such the XR3i and Nova SRi. We’re always looking for MG FWD Register cars for indoor shows, the next being the Restoration Show at the NEC at the end of March, so if you would like to show yours please do get in touch. Please remember that it doesn’t need to be concours – in fact for the Restoration Show it’s good if it’s not!

Tanya Field

FWD

BEN HATTON ben2692@hotmail.co.uk www.mgcc.co.uk/fwd-register/

This was the second year that the MG FWD Register attended the Manchester Classic Car Show, once again partnering with the Maestro & Montego Owners Club. We had two cars on our stand, an MG 1300 and a Mk1 MG Metro. Both cars were in beautiful condition and extremely well received by all who visited the stand. The MG 1300 named Harriet belongs to David Rachel from ado16. info and who has been a great

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG-SafetyFast_Oct2017_51-100.indd 87

help to the MG FWD Register with the ADO16s. Amazingly, Harriet is a daily driver and is such an interesting car that we’ll be covering her separately in another of our notes so we can do her justice. The Mk1 MG Metro belongs to Tim Ashworth.

This is an interesting car as it was originally a Belgium export but was repatriated and converted to right-hand drive early in its life.

Some of you may remember that two or three years ago Classic & Sports Car magazine did a photo shoot covering the MG Montego, MG Maestro and MG Metro; well, this was the MG Metro from that shoot when it was owned by a previous owner.

While the MG FWD Register

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25/09/2017 16:49

REGISTERS

MGF

TIM MORRIS 01932 882467 scribe@mgfregister.org www.mgfregister.org MGFs and TFs from Europe and the UK descended on the Register’s Essex Region in September for the Essex International Autumn Weekender. It certainly looked like a great weekend with 62 cars taking part and seven different locations visited, along with various tasks to be completed.

It was all based at the Holiday Inn in Southend, who provided some fantastic hospitality and kept everyone fed and watered in spectacular fashion. The navigation was by using satnav co-ordinates, so the routes were planned by modern technology rather than the usual tulip diagrams or route books, which made for an unusual event. Two days of driving in the Essex countryside enjoying the

parts of Essex that many people don’t get to see, accompanied by those challenges I mentioned involving apples and spark plugs amongst others – don’t ask!

I haven’t got the full report on the event yet as we go to press but hope to have a better report for you in the next column – meanwhile, here are some great pictures that have been posted on social media by members.

A lot of work has gone into making this a brilliant weekend for those taking part and a very big thank you goes to Adrian Clifford and his superb team of Essex club members for making it all work so flawlessly.

Autumn has arrived and our Regions begin to plan their winter

Seasons. There won’t be so many shows and events as we have seen this summer but most do keep regular meet-ups going throughout the cold season and the odd run out or breakfast meet. Keep an eye out on their Facebook pages or our MGF Register Internet Forum.

We will be having a National get-together on November 25-26 as I mentioned in the last column.

We have booked the Cricklade Hall Country House Hotel in Wiltshire for an end-of-term gathering and it would be great to see you there.

We are keen to meet you and even if you haven’t been to any of our events before then why not make a start here? We are keen to meet as many members as possible and this is a nice and relaxed social event to do just that. The cost is £145 per double room to include a drinks reception and dinner on Saturday evening as well as B

& B. You book by paying on our internet shop at www.mgfregister. org/shop and letting Ian Wright know at events@mgfregister.org . If you have already booked then a reminder that your balance will be due this month – again, pay on the shop.

We hope to be able to announce some main events for next year soon – so keep an eye on our Forum and Facebook pages.

email address at the head of these notes, or Paul Money at paulmoneymg@gmail.com

as soon as possible. There is still time to send one out to you. For further information visit the official Lancing Motor Show page. The 2017 Racing Championships then conclude at Snetterton at the end of the month over the weekend of October 30-November 1.

ZR/ZS/ZT

JOHN THOMPSON Tel: 01702 298833 johnt5@btinternet.com www.mgcc.co.uk/zedregister

EVENTS and SHOWS The penultimate rounds of this year’s Racing Championships continued on September 2 at Oulton Park in Cheshire. A grid of 32 cars in the Trophy race were assembled for the eager spectators, but unfortunately for the second time this year, an accident occurred in the Trophy race, with one of the competitors being airlifted to hospital. A big shunt occurred during the first lap of the race – thankfully the driver involved will be okay. In the Peter Best Insurance Cup, Register Treasurer Peter Burchill achieved second place overall.

First place went to a Rover

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Tomcat, which are now allowed in the class, by a narrow margin of only 0.7 seconds.

UPCOMING EVENTS We are giving a final call for the Lancing Motor Show which takes place on October 8. As previously mentioned, the Register will be going down there in full force with our gazebo, etc, to fly the MG flag and promote the Club, ourselves, and the Zeds in the world of classic cars. We still have a number of stand passes left. If you are local or fancy a day by the sea please contact either myself at the

F M in co

A fr 19 sp as

The packed John Woods Motorcare MG Trophy Grid at Oulton Park. Photo: Dickon Siddall

www.mgcc.co.uk

25/09/2017 16:49

Sales Dept: +44 (0) 7557 389 622 info@fineandclassic.co.uk

www.fineandclassic.co.uk

1973 / MGB GT V8

Fine & Classic is proud to offer for sale this stunning two owner, low mileage, MGB GT V8 which has undergone a meticulous full 'nut and bolt' restoration, including a bare metal repaint in the original colour of Teal Blue and a very complimenting Autumn Leaf reupholstered interior.

Throughout the restoration process every effort has been made to maintain the car's originality, with no non-standard upgrades made to the car. The car is as it left the factory with its four-speed manual gear box, with overdrive in third and fourth gears.

A genuine chrome bumper factory car, which has covered only 44,540 miles from new. The car was purchased by the second owner in May 1980 and in 1993 was put into dry storage, where it remained untouched in its original specification until September 2016 when Fine & Classic purchased the car as a restoration project.

This is a very high quality example of a very rare factory produced MG and is probably one of the best MGB GT V8’s available. The car looks and drives perfectly and is a piece of British motoring history.

Guide Price - ÂŁ37,000

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25/09/2017 16:49

COLLECTORS’ CORNER

REDISCOVERED, RENEWED & RESTORED AFTER OVER 20 YEARS’ HIBERNATION

O

AM 397M is a particularly special car having had just two careful owners from new, who between them, only notched up 44,540 miles from new. With ‘matching numbers’ engine and manual gearbox with overdrive on both 3rd / 4th gears, OAM 397M was first registered in October 1973, passing to its second

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By Nick Hine

owner seven years later for his wife who initially, used the V8 as daily transportation, until impending motherhood rendered the motor car impractical and difficult to drive. So, in 1993 the decision was made to put the V8 into storage where it remained until being rediscovered in autumn 2016, whereupon over the course of almost a year, a full, yet sympathetic restoration ensued.

MGB V8’S IN THIS CONDITION ARE LIKE THE PROVERBIAL HEN’S TEETH With its matching numbers, fabulous provenance, and painstaking restoration, OAM 397M is a rare find and with MGB V8’s in this condition

www.mgcc.co.uk

25/09/2017 16:49

COLLECTORS’ CORNER

WITH ITS MATCHING NUMBERS, FABULOUS PROVENANCE, AND PAINSTAKING RESTORATION, OAM 397M IS A RARE FIND like the proverbial hen’s teeth, its price tag of £37,000 seems on the money too.

In its ‘in period’ Teal Blue with Autumn Leaf interior, and with all of the correct components present, and importantly, no after market upgrades or modifications, OAM 397M will surely not disappoint its new custodian, as it exemplifies Fine and Classics’ pledge of only selling cars that offer “quality and history, low mileage and low ownership”.

Personally, I may be a little biased as my first MG, (a BGT as it happens), was in the same wonderful colour combination. I enjoyed thousands of miles behind the wheel, travelling the length and breadth of the country as my daily driver – and, as with OAM 397M’s second owner, I only parted with my ‘B’ when our first child arrived.

It’s a familiar story for many MG owners, but whether you are looking

The MGBGT V8 was launched in 1973 as a limited edition model for the British market.

Costing back then £2,293, for many, the V8 was something of an enigma – blisteringly quick achieving 0-60mph in under 8 secs with a top speed of 125mph, yet with very similar looks to its £746 cheaper BGT stable-mate.

For the fortunate few who purchased a V8, there were very few British cars around 40 years ago that could match the V8’s performance and price tag, yet in its three year production run, just 2,591 V8’s were made, making any MGBGT V8 a rare sight on today’s roads. to purchase a V8 as an investment or to fulfill your ambition to own the car of your dreams, I would encourage you to take a serious look at OAM 397M. To arrange a viewing, please contact Tony at Fine & Classic on 07557 389622 or 01275 465 336.

Maintaining originality was key to the restoration as can be seen in these before and after pictures

www.mgcc.co.uk

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OCTOBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 91

25/09/2017 16:49

CARS FOR SALE How to Advertise Members can advertise their cars free of charge in Safety Fast. The advert will also be posted on the Club website in due course. This is for one insertion only. To place an advert or for additional insertions email colingrant@mgcc.co.uk with details of your car, around 60 words, together with an attached picture, your contact information, price of your car, the area where you live, and membership number.

Cost for non-members to advertise is £20. All adverts should be submitted by the 10th of the month for the following months issue.

2002 MGZR

Immaculate 5door saloon. 62000 miles. Parked in garage when not in use. Maintained regardless of expense by main agent. Long MOT. Fully modified. It must go hence reduction in price to £500. Tel: 0208602354. (Bromley)

2002 MG ZT-T 190

2.5 litre V6 104,000 miles; FSH from new; leather/alcantara trim; dual zone climate control; driver's intelligence pack; xenon headlamps; SS sports exhaust; sat-nav; premium sound; shark fin aerial; dog guard.

New clutch, discs, inlet manifold, gear change. Workshop manual.

MoT Jan. 2018 no advisories. £1150. Tel 01291 691279 (Severn Bridge area).

MGTF 1250

2003 MG TF 135

In Trophy Blue with part grey leather interior trim, fitted with much sort after 16 inch multi-spoke alloy wheels with red 4 pot racing calipers and larger disks. It also has the ‘Lexus’ style rear lights, which match the front lights. The soft-top is blue, with updated rear window. A black hard-top is also available for purchase separately. Owned since April 2012, whilst employed by the MGCC as Competition Secretary, it has had 3 former keepers and some previous history is available. When purchased the car bore a pair of black self adhesive stripes as seen in the photo. Currently the boot-lid ones are missing. These could easily be replaced, or the front one’s removed, depending on taste!

63,377 Miles. £1,775. Contact Steve on 07779156801. (Bucks)

Good usable car in all round good condition. Older restoration now with a few paint blemishes, which is reflected in the price. Good strong engine. Large history file. Full and half tonneau, side screens and good hood. Call 07955 767674, 01425 402455 or e-mail krg969@sky.com. £20,000. (New Forest, Hampshire)

1982 MG Metro 1300

11 months MoT. 23,000 miles from new. Immaculate, early-spec black interior. Leak-free sunroof. Cassette player. All original. Wonderful example of an increasingly rare MG. Owned by enthusiasts for most of its life. House purchase forces incredibly reluctant sale. £5,000 OVNO. Call Adam on 07530734044. (South Oxon)

1952 MGTD2

In British Racing Green. I have owned the car for the last 20 years and within that time have restored it. Originally exported and returned to the UK by the owner. Black hood and toonal cover. I will supply 12 months M.O.T. with the car. £28,000.00 ono. For more information contact Gill on 07970 105 208 or gillhayward50@hotmail.com (Gloucester)

1974 MG Midget 1275cc

1947 MG TC

Older restoration but still in excellent order all round. Black with red leather trim and full weather equipment, including full tonneau. 5 speed box and teleshocks front and rear.

Receipts file from 2008. £29,000 Tel Brian on 01436 842067 (Argyll, Scotland)

MGF

Low mileage, 44.5k, with 12 months MOT. New brake discs & pads all round, 4 good tyres 2 new. carpets hard surfaces and two tone leather very good, body panels are dent free no corrosion and this includes sills, wheel arches and subframes. good hood, v/good no issue engine & gearbox one of the better ones please email terence111@btinternet.com

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1980 MGB GT

Original orange deck chair seats Four former owners. Bodywork restored in 1993 and still in good order. Engine replaced in July 2000 Car was laid up from 2001 until October 2013. Small history file available. Mileage less than 62000 believed to be genuine. £5495 Contact Bill on 01754 890602 or 07946 155505 (Lincs)

1970 MGB

1976 MGB Roadster

Converted to chrome bumper and has also had the following modifications. 15" Minilites, uprated and lowered front springs, lowered rear suspension with Spax shock absorber conversion, wood steering wheel. 117K Miles. Substantial history file including original MG Passport to Service book, stamped to 1978. Drives nicely and handles very well. MOT June 2018. £4500 07710 327 590 (Reigate Surrey)

chrome bumper round wheel arch model in glacier white with tan interior. Average condition. Same owner since 1978, has been garaged and on sorn for last 3 years. New clutch, radiator and leaf springs.

Stainless exhaust, regularly waxoyled. 107000 miles on original engine. Comes with many spares, s e r vice h is t o r y, m a nu a ls e t c . £3300. Phone 02380730637.

Email: nigel.effemey@yahoo.co.uk (Southampton)

1972 MGB Roadster

Requiring completion of restoration, overdrive, wire wheels and many new parts £2000 ono. Ideal winter project! For more info call Bob on 07870 407111 or email mgcarsscotland@gmail.com

Created between 1998 and 2003 using a rust free 1970 California bodyshell and 1971 RHD mechanics. Full photo record of all works done, Ivor Searle engine 1100 miles ago, hardtop, tonneau, later type hood, stainless rack, roll bar, 3 wipers and rare two part rear bumper. Waxoyled, many new parts, Brooklands Green with correct black trim. £9000. Tel. 01983863210 or 07896261572.

(Isle of Wight)

2005 MGTF 135

Nightfire red with cream leather and walnut interior,61,000miles. 2 owners. Head Gasket changed with all drive belts. Stainless cooling pipes and stainless sports exhaust Good condition, serviced regulary, spare wheel never used, £2750.00.

Tel: 01903 340046. (West Sussex)

www.mgcc.co.uk

25/09/2017 16:49

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1938 MG VA DROP HEAD COUPE. This superbly restored dhc

1948 MG TC SPORTS. Never before on the UK market, this all-

1935 MG nos.

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Total nut & bolt restoration with Phoenix c/balanced crank & rods; gas £32,500 or serious offer secures.

Another MG TC, red, and finished in two-tone greens with sage green leather interior The only one to exist ofeverybody the two known to have been produced.

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Black with beige hide, new roof, leather interior.

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Total nut & &bolt restoration with Phoenix crank & rods; gas offer Another MG TC, red, and in two-tone greens with sage green leather interior of theand most handsome &you of rarest the most MGs handsome ever made. & Total rarest of nut the MGs & most bolt ever handsome restoration made.

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Another MG TC, red, aand nice car..... ........................... £45,000 ..£45,000 (Optional s/charger available at cost) tonneau &an s/screens....................it’s viewing........................... finished ineverybody two-tone greens and with finished sage in green two-tone leather greens interior with sage finished green in two-tone leather interior greens with sage green leather interior have the car everybody wants.

Black with beige hide, new roof, leather interior.

All new weather equipment just fitted, this is really worth dream or enthusiast’s wish come true?

However, if you are over 6ft tall you best surrender it to the wife now (assuming 1933 POST PRODUCTION MG K3 ON CHASSIS K0302. flowed head; forged pistons: rebuilt orig. bodywork, new leather upholstery & weather equipment throughout.

A collector’s you have the car wants. you have Black the with car beige everybody hide, new wants. roof, you Black have with leather the beige car interior. everybody hide, new All new wants. roof, weather Black equipment leather with beige interior. just hide, fitted, All new new this weather roof, is really equipment worth leather just interior. fitted, All this new is weather really worth equipment just fitted, this is really worth equally as good as above £32,500 orupholstery serious offer secures. and beige weather equipment...a rising investment at...£39,500 flowed head; flowed rebuilt head; orig. forged bodywork, pistons: new flowed rebuilt leather head; orig. upholstery bodywork, forged pistons: & new weather leather rebuilt equipment upholstery orig. bodywork, throughout. & weather new A leather collector’s equipment throughout. & weather A collector’s equipment throughout.

A collector’s equally as good as above £32,500 equally or as serious good as offer above secures. £32,500 equally or serious as good offer as above secures. £32,500 or serious offer secures. and beigeforged weatherpistons: equipment...a and beige rising investment weather equipment...a at...£39,500 and rising beige investment weather at...£39,500 equipment...a rising investment at...£39,500 she is shorter)!

I am proud to offer this car, as you will be to own it.....................any test; just ring; never to repeat...£75,000 aifcation nice car..... ........................... £45,000 ..£45,000 (Optional s/charger available at cost) tonneau &to s/screens....................it’s viewing........................... dream an enthusiast’s wish come true?

However, if£45,000 you are over 6ft tall you best surrender it viewing........................... to the wife now (assuming This former K1 has been rebuilt the exacting K3 specifi by its meticulous owner the last 10viewing........................... years with input from leading & body engineers put thisitintos/charger a the classwife almost of its own.

Total aor nice car..... ........................... £45,000 a come nice car..... ........................... ..£45,000 asurrender nice car.....

(Optional ........................... s/charger £45,000 available ..£45,000 (Optional atmechanical cost) s/charger available ..£45,000 attocost) (Optional available at cost) tonneau s/screens....................it’s tonneau &an s/screens....................it’s tonneau &an viewing........................... s/screens....................it’s dream or &an enthusiast’s dream wish come or true? enthusiast’s However, wish dream you are ortrue? over enthusiast’s 6ft However, tall you ifover best wish you are come over true?

6ft it to tall However, the you wife best now if you surrender (assuming are over it to 6ft the tall wife you now best (assuming surrender now (assuming

she is offer shorter)!

I am proud to ‘SPB offer this car, asas you will be tototo own it.....................any test; just ring; never repeat...£75,000 she chassis is shorter)!

I amtoproud she to is shorter)! thisengine car, I am as you proud will to be she offer to isown this shorter)! car, it.....................any I geared am you proud will be test; offer own just this it.....................any ring; car,Roots never as you towill repeat...£75,000 be test; to own ring; it.....................any never to repeat...£75,000 test; just never repeat...£75,000 restoration K3 spec; complete rebuild by Historics’; newly Wilson pre-select box; type s/c with 2just ¼ “ vintage SU.toThe 4.3:1 diff. pulls 21ring; mph per 1000torevs in top! Magnificient

bodywork by Dave Cooksey, incl. proper Brooklands exhaust & dashboard and finished in B. R. Green; K3 piped seating, tonneau cover, aeros and (rare) full screen for touring. Full invoice file, orig. Reg. No & VSCC buff form. This example is probably the closest you’ll get to an Abingdon-built K3 offering the same driving experience, an ever increasing investment and all for a third of the price of its factory-built cousin.

1934 MGPA PA Deluxe.

AA rare nos.PA. PA. 1932 MG F1 MAGNA. I know these aren’t everybody’s ‘cup1934 MG Deluxe. rarechance chancefor for an an all-matching all-matching nos.

Well known MGCC & VSCC (non race) events, this superbly 1946MGMG SPORTS. Achance very, very original example of this you want practicality, very 1938 MGbut SAifISALOON. Unusual car fromlittle us,maintenance, but all I can say 1934 PA TC Deluxe.

Ato rare for an all-matching nos.

PA. 1932 MGof-tea’, F1 MAGNA. know these aren’t everybody’s ‘cup-

Well known to MG MGCC & VSCC (non race) events, this superbly 1934 MG PA Deluxe.

AA rare chance for an all-matching nos.

PA. 1934 MGPA PA Deluxe.

AA rare chance 1934 for MG an PA Deluxe. all-matching rare nos. chance PA. 1934 for an MG all-matching PAMG Deluxe.

A rare nos. chance PA. for all-matching PA. 1932 F1 MAGNA. IPA. know these 1932 MG aren’t F1most MAGNA. everybody’s Inos. know ‘cupthese 1932 aren’t MGand F1everybody’s MAGNA. I know ‘cupthese aren’t everybody’s ‘cuppresented has been fully serviced and prepped by of-tea’, us, 1934 MG Deluxe.

1934 MG PA 1934 MG PA Deluxe. rare chance for aneasy all-matching A rare nos. chance PA. for an all-matching A nos. rare chance for an an all-matching nos.

PA. MG’s reliable early engine abut carall that is clearly reliable, to drive & maintain MG. Fully rebuilt is.........it is concours.

Fit for royalty.

Duo-red & grey, Well known toDeluxe.

MGCC & VSCC (non race) events, this superbly 1946 MG TC SPORTS. A very, very original example of this but ifSA you want practicality, very little maintenance, 1938 MG SA SALOON. Unusual car from us, I can say WellTCknown to TOTALLY MGCC & VSCC Well (non known race) toevents, MGCC this & VSCC superbly (non Well race) known to MGCC this superbly & VSCC (non race) events, this superbly 1946 SPORTS. A& very, 1946 very MG TC original example A of very 1946 this MG original TC SPORTS. example very, of this very original example of this 1946 MGTC MIDGET presented MG has been fully serviced and prepped by us, and of-tea’, but ifA you want practicality, of-tea’, very but ifSALOON. little you maintenance, want practicality, of-tea’, very but little iftrip you maintenance, want practicality, very 1938 MG SA SALOON. Unusual 1938 car MG from us, but Unusual all I can say car 1938 from MG SA us, SALOON. but all Unusual I the can say car fromlittle us,maintenance, but all I can say Well known toSPORTS. MGCC & VSCC (non race) events, this superbly ORIGINAL PA TOURER .been 1954 MG TF MIDGET. and offers pride of ownership, rallying and events or really underpriced, you should give this much consideration. approx.

5000 miles ago.

All matching nos. with burgundy hide.

Fabulous for that to Paris or Monte WellMG known to MG MGCC VSCC Well (non known race) to events, MGCC this &very, superbly (non Well known race) events, toevents, MGCC this &Claret superbly VSCC (non race) events, this superbly Agrey, very TC being car found 1947 MG TC SPORTS. presented MG has fully serviced and prepped by us, MG’s most reliable early and arare car that is clearly reliable, easy to drive &VSCC maintain MG. Fully rebuilt is.........it is concours.

Fit royalty.

Duo-red & grey, presented been fully presented serviced MG and has prepped been fully by us, serviced presented and MG prepped has been by fully us, serviced and prepped by us, MG’s most reliable early engine MG’s and most a reliable car that early isengine clearly engine MG’s and most aAnMG car reliable that is early clearly engine a carbodywork, that is clearly reliable, easy todohas drive reliable, & maintain easy MG. to drive Fully & rebuilt reliable, maintain easy MG. to Fully drive rebuilt & maintain MG. Fully rebuilt is.........it is concours.

Fit is.........it for royalty. is concours.

Duo-red Fit &for for is.........it royalty. is Duo-red concours. & grey, Fitexcellent forand royalty.

Duo-red & grey, enjoyable road use with minimum maintenance.

Beautifully Totally restored, fully proven on the road, loads luggage interesting car with orig. offers pride of ownership, rallying and events or really enjoyable beige hide & new weather equipment...................£34,950 presented MG has been fully serviced and prepped by us, and Carlo..................................................................£67,500 No room here to justice to this incredible time-warp MG. Please Totally restored 1250cc TF with 60 spoke chrome and offers pride of ownership, rallying and events or really underpriced, you should this much consideration. approx.

5000 miles ago.

All matching nos.

Claret with burgundy hide.

Fabulous for that trip to Paris or Monte presented MG miles has been fully presented serviced and MG has prepped been byownership, fully us, serviced and presented and MG prepped has been by us, fully and serviced and prepped by us, and derelict but very original and totally restored for the channel 4 rare TV A give very rare MG TC being theFabulous car found 1947 MG TC SPORTS. and 5000 offers pride of ownership, and rallying offers and pride events of or really and rallying offers and pride events of ownership, or really rallying and events or really underpriced, you should give underpriced, this much you consideration. should give underpriced, this much consideration. you should give this much consideration. approx. ago. approx.

All matching 5000 miles nos. ago.

Claret All approx. with matching 5000 nos. miles Claret ago. with All matching nos.

Claret with burgundy hide.

Fabulous burgundy for that trip hide. to Paris Fabulous or Monte for burgundy that trip to hide.

Paris or Monte for that trip to Paris finished in Raven black with Apple Green Collingburn space, this is a cracking opportunity to snatch a seriously A very rare MG TC being the A car very found rare MG TC being the car A found very MG TC being the or carMonte found 1947 1947 1947 MG TC SPORTS. MG TC SPORTS. MG TC SPORTS. orig. wings, all proven matching Nos, tyres road use with minimum maintenance.

Beautifully finished inequipment...................£34,950 Raven enjoyable road use with minimum maintenance.

Beautifully Totally restored, fully proven on the road, luggage offers pride of ownership, rallying and events or really enjoyable see new&web-site for beige the story of this car.

Suffi ce itweather here tominimum say itenjoyable wires; original RHD home market model.

In pristine hide & new weather equipment...................£34,950 Carlo..................................................................£67,500 enjoyable road use with minimum enjoyable maintenance. road use with Beautifully maintenance. road use Beautifully with minimum maintenance.

Beautifully Totally restored, fully proven Totally on the restored, road, loads fully proven luggage Totally the road, restored, loads fully luggage on the brand road, new loads luggage offers pride ofnew ownership, rallying offers and pride events ofnew ownership, or really enjoyable rallying offers and events pride ofnew or ownership, really enjoyable rallying and events oris really enjoyable programme “For the Love of4on Cars”.

Many original ‘bugs’ have been beige hide weather beige equipment...................£34,950 hide & weather equipment...................£34,950 beige hide & weather Carlo..................................................................£67,500 Carlo..................................................................£67,500 Carlo..................................................................£67,500 derelict but very original and totally restored forloads the channel 4and TV interior and full gear.

Top of the range car....£48,500 USABLE investment...............................................£49,500 finished in Raven black with Apple Green Collingburn derelict but very original and totally derelict restored but very for original the channel and totally TV derelict restored but for very the original channel 4 TV totally restored for the channel 4 TV space, this a cracking opportunity to snatch a seriously and all new &opportunity weather gear (no s/screens). black with Apple green Collingburn interior and full weather gear. use with minimum maintenance.

Beautifully finished inis Raven inminimum Ravenmaintenance. black with finished Apple inminimum Green Raven Collingburn black with finished Apple Green inminimum Raven Collingburn black with Apple Green Collingburn isfinished virtually 2road owners, 53,000 orig. miles, still with its condition throughout and fi nished in deep space, this amaintenance. cracking opportunity space, this toissnatch acherry cracking ared seriously opportunity space, tothis snatch is‘bugs’ apin. cracking ainterior seriously to snatch a seriously road use withUNtouched; road use Beautifully with finished maintenance. in Raven road Beautifully use with finished in Raven Beautifully finished in Raven fully ironed out and the car is now like a new Powder Blue with programme “For the Love of Cars”.

Many original have been interior and fullfull weather gear.

Top of the range car....£48,500 USABLE investment...............................................£49,500 programme “For the£48,500 Lovecorrect of Cars”. programme original “For the‘bugs’ Love have of Cars”. been programme Many Unrestored original “For‘bugs’ the gauges Love haveofbeen Cars”.

Many original ‘bugs’ have been interior and full weather gear. interior Top ofthe and the range weather car....£48,500 gear.

Top interior ofand the and range full car....£48,500 weather gear.

Top of period theMany range car....£48,500 USABLE investment...............................................£49,500 USABLE investment...............................................£49,500 USABLE investment...............................................£49,500 ............................................

Top of range but allfile, original.

Fascinating, black with Apple green Collingburn interior full weather gear. original (alas elapsed) signed by Cecil Kimber himself. with red leather, and accessories. black withguarantee Apple green Collingburn black with interior Apple and green fullcar............................. weather Collingburn gear. black interior with and Apple full green weather Collingburn gear. interior and full weather gear. beige leather, tan roof & s/screens.

Complete documented history fully ironed out and the car is now like a new pin.

Powder Blue with fully ironed out and the car is now fully like ironed a new out pin. and Powder the car Blue is nowwith fully like aironed new pin. out and Powder the car Blue iswith now TC. like a new pin. Powder Blue with original ............................................ £48,500 TopTop of &the range car............................. condition both bodily Simply £48,500 amazing. ............................................ ............................................ £48,500 ............................................ £48,500 TopSuperb of the range car............................. ofmechanically. the range car.............................

Top of thebeige rangeleather, car............................. video, original manual, orig Complete reg.

No., leather, period extras all&history included........my beige leather, tan roofroof & s/screens. documented file,file, Complete documented history file, tan roof & s/screens. beige Complete leather, tan documented & s/screens. history file, Complete beige documented tan roofhistory s/screens. top investment tip.................. ............................................................... £39,500 video, manual, reg.reg.

No., period extras allmanual, included........my original • manual, orig&reg. video, No.,original period original extras manual, allorig included........my orig No., video, period original extras all included........my orig reg.

No., period extras all included........my • ORIGINAL TOOL KITS INvideo, STOCK NOSE SIDEMOUNTED SUPERCHARGERS IN STOCK top top investment tip.................. ............................................................... £39,500 top investmenthighly tip.................. ............................................................... investment tip.................. ............................................................... £39,500 top investment ............................................................... £39,500 £39,500 regarded service is always available totip.................. you We are building this 1933 MG COMMISSION J2 CYCLE WINGSALES: SPORTS.Our carMG from scratch a fullySPORTS. rebuilt engine by Barry Foster WeWe areare building thisand 1933 MG J2 WING Tel: 400 181.

Fax: 01789 400230.

Mob: 07836 244103 Email: barry@barrywalker.com Web: www.barrywalker.com We arewith building this building this you We are building this 193301789 1933 1933 MG J2 CYCLE WING SPORTS. J2CYCLE CYCLE WING SPORTS. MG J2 CYCLE WING SPORTS. have thebywith opportunity to and choose the that youaand would like engine at from scratch a fully rebuilt engine bycolour Barry Foster yourebuilt car from scratch with a fullycar rebuilt car from engine scratch Barry with Foster a fully rebuilt you car engine from by scratch Barry with Foster fully and you

by Barry Foster and you this stage.

Youyou a choice of dark redyou oryou beige have the opportunity tohave choose thethe colour thatopportunity would like at interior * Coming Shortly:have the opportunity to choose have the the colour opportunity that to would choose like have at acolour the that would toleather choose like at the colour1931/32 that you like at MG would ‘F’ MAGNA/WOLSELEY HORNET 6CYL. ENGINE FOR SALE. by Mike Collingburn.

The car will be in mint condition just like the this stage.

You have a choice of a dark red or beige leather interior Pointed tail typeinterior * Coming Shortly:this stage. You have a choice ofthisa stage. dark red Youorhave beigea leather choice interior of a this darkstage. red *orYou beige haveleather a choice interior of a dark red or• totally beige leather Coming Shortly:* Coming Shortly:* Coming Shortly:AMG restored, benchHORNET tested 1271cc MG ‘F’SALE. Magna/W. 1931/32 ‘F’ MAGNA/WOLSELEY 6CYL. FOR ....car ..............The will beMG approx. £42-45,000 PCollingburn. types in this ad. by will Mike TheThe willlike bethe inprice mint condition just like the 1931/32 ‘F’just MAGNA/WOLSELEY 1931/32 HORNET MG ‘F’ 6CYL. MAGNA/WOLSELEY ENGINE FOR SALE. 1931/32 HORNET MG6CYL. ‘F’ENGINE MAGNA/WOLSELEY ENGINE FOR SALE.HORNET • Magnificent J2 • Pointed tail type Hornet engine complete in every detail except carburettors.

Re- 6CYL. ENGINE FOR SALE.

by Mike Collingburn. The car by Mike be inCollingburn. mint condition just car will by be Mike in mint Collingburn. condition The like car the will be in mint condition just like the • totally Pointed restored, tail type benchA Atested • totally Pointed tail type bench • totally Pointed tail type totally restored, MG Magna/W. 1271cc restored, MGbench ‘F’tested Magna/W. tested A 1271cc 1271ccrestored, MG‘F’ ‘F’ bench Magna/W. tested MG ‘F’ Magna/W. ....approx. ..............The price beAinbe approx. £42-45,000 P types in this ad.

• PA. Older rebuild.

• will Magnificent J2 bored, new white metal, new bearings, new pistons, new cam 1271cc & will bead. .... ..............The £42-45,000 price will approx. .... ..............The £42-45,000 price be approx. £42-45,000 P types in this ad. .... ..............The P price types in this Pwill types this ad.

Hornet engine complete in every detail except carburettors.

Re• Magnificent J2 • Magnificent J2 • Magnificent J2 Hornet engine complete in •Hornet every detail engine except complete carburettors. in& every Hornet Redetail engine exceptcomplete carburettors. in every Re-deep detail except carburettors. Rerockers.

Dynamically statically balanced crank.

Improved advertised elsewhere.

1934 MGTRUE PA SPORTS. PA. Older rebuild.

1930 VINTAGEPreviously MG ‘M’ TYPE. Totally rebuilt throughout bored, new white metal, new bearings, new pistons, new cam &bearings, • PA. Older rebuild.

• PA. Older rebuild.

• PA. Older rebuild. bored, new white metal, new bored, bearings, new new white pistons, metal, new bearings, cam bored, & new new white pistons, metal, new new cam & new pistons, new cam & 1934 MG PA SPORTS. A beautifully restored PA without being capacity oil pump; orig. factory alloy clutch cover; dynamo, starter, Recently taken into our own workshops and brought up rockers.

Dynamically & statically balanced crank.

Improved deep 1934 MG SPORTS. Previously advertised elsewhere. toPA impeccable order by leading early MG restorer.

Athroughout proper a rockers.

TRUE VINTAGE MG ‘M’ TYPE. Totally rebuilt throughout rockers.

Dynamically &job;statically balanced Dynamically crank. &Improved statically rockers. deep balanced Dynamically crank.

Improved &than statically deepbalanced crank. Improved deep advertised elsewhere.

Previously advertised elsewhere.

Previously advertised elsewhere.

1934 MGTRUE PA SPORTS. 1934 PA SPORTS. 1934 MG PA properly SPORTS. overdone.

A really usable thing that you’ll beplate. more proud 1930 VINTAGEPreviously MG1930 ‘M’ 1930 TYPE. TRUE Totally VINTAGE rebuilt MG throughout ‘M’ 1930 TYPE. TRUE Totally VINTAGE rebuilt MG ‘M’ TYPE. Totally rebuilt throughout 1936 MG NB TOURER. One of the rarest ohc MGs. This manifolds, fan, and polished r/box with data Head temporarily toMG our standard.

Now aworkshops seriously, restored, all 1934 MG PA SPORTS. Awithout beautifully restored PA without being capacity oilown. pump; orig. alloy clutch cover; dynamo, starter, Recently taken into our own and brought up 1934 MG PA SPORTS. Astraight beautifully 1934 MG restored PA SPORTS. PA Afactory beautifully being 1934 restored MG PA PA SPORTS. without A beautifully being restored PA without being VSCC car eligible for all events, trials, rallies and offered at less to impeccable order by leading early MG restorer.

A proper job; a capacity oil pump; orig. factory capacity alloy clutch oil pump; cover; orig. dynamo, factory starter, alloy capacity clutch oil cover; pump; dynamo, orig. factory starter, alloy clutch cover; dynamo, starter, “MG LIVE” THIS w/end 4/5 June at Silverstone.

Recently taken into our Recently own workshops taken into and our brought own Recently workshops up taken and into brought our own up workshops and brought up to Fully serviced engine, rebuilt steering, deluxe dash, beautifully restored Magnette with its 1300cc matching nos.

P type at ato of over 60k, and underto impeccable order by leading to1936 early impeccable MG restorer. order A byaproper leading job; acost impeccable MG restorer. order ATOURER. proper by leading job; aearlything MG restorer.

Areally proper job; athing removed for photos.

READY TOdata INSTALL, saving time, money & be more than proud overdone.

A really usable thing that you’ll beplate. more than proud MG NB TOURER. One ofearly the rarest ohc MGs. This fan, and polished r/box with Head temporarily our standard.

Now seriously, properly restored, all overdone.

A really usable overdone. that you’ll A be more usable than proud that overdone. you’ll be A more really than usable proud thing that you’ll 1936 MG NB TOURER. of 1936 the MG rarest NB TOURER. ohc MGs. of the 1936 rarest MG NB ohc MGs. One This rarest ohc MGs. This manifolds, fan, polished r/box manifolds, with data fan, plate. and polished Head temporarily r/box manifolds, with data fan, plate. and Head polished temporarily r/box with data plate. Head temporarily to our standard.

Now to aOne to seriously, our standard. properly Now restored, aOne seriously, toThis all our standard. properly restored, Now a seriously, allofmanifolds, properly restored, all aeroscreens, stoneguards and superb leather interior.

All than the restoration cost. fabric body with green hide interior.

6cyl. engine will take you touring both home & abroad VSCC car eligible for alloffered events, trials, rallies and offered atand less priced at...............................................................£46,995 “MG LIVE” THIS w/end 4/5 June at Silverstone. tothe own.

Fully serviced engine, rebuilt steering, deluxe dash, hassle.....£11,500.

Delivery atrebuilt cost, orFully cash on collection. beautifully restored Magnette 1300cc straight VSCC carnos. eligible for allmatching events, VSCC trials, car rallies eligible and for all events, atBlack less VSCC trials, rallies car eligible and offered for all at events, less trials, rallies and offered at less nos.

P type at a cost of&with over 60k, and underremoved for photos.

READY TO INSTALL, saving time, money & rebuilt “MG LIVE” THIS w/end “MG 4/5 LIVE” June at THIS Silverstone. w/end 4/5 “MG June LIVE” at Silverstone.

THIS w/end 4/5 June at Silverstone. toits own.

Fully serviced engine, to own. rebuilt Fully steering, serviced deluxe engine, dash, to own. steering, serviced deluxe engine, dash, steering, deluxe dash, beautifully restored Magnette beautifully with its restored 1300cc Magnette straight beautifully with its 1300cc restored straight Magnette with its 1300cc straight new weather equipment just fitted , this is really worth viewing matching P type at matching a cost of nos. over P 60k, type and at a undercost matching of over nos.

60k, P type and at undera cost of over 60k, and underPlease visit our stand removed for photos.

READY removed TO INSTALL, for photos. saving READY time, money TO removed INSTALL, & for saving photos. time, READY money TO & INSTALL, saving time, money & with reliability, comfort huge luggage space.

Two£29,500 ............................................................................................................. aeroscreens, stoneguards and superb leather interior.

All than the restoration cost.

Black body with green hide interior.

6cyl. engine will take you touring both home & abroad priced at...............................................................£46,995 hassle.....£11,500.

Delivery at cost, or cash onleather collection. aeroscreens, stoneguards and aeroscreens, superb leather stoneguards interior. and All aeroscreens, superb stoneguards interior. and superb interior. All than6cyl. the restoration cost.take Black than fabric the body restoration with green cost. hide Black interior. fabric than body the restoration with green cost. hide Black interior. fabric body with green hide engine will you 6cyl. touring engine both will home take &fabric you abroad touring 6cyl. both engine home will & take abroad you touring both home & interior. abroad ..........£45,000 (Optional s/charger available atAll priced at...............................................................£46,995 priced at...............................................................£46,995 priced at...............................................................£46,995 tone green.

Offers to................................£65,000 hassle.....£11,500.

Delivery atPlease hassle.....£11,500. cost, orthe cash on collection.

Delivery atbe cost, orbest cash on collection.

Delivery atcost) cost, or cash leather on collection. new weather equipment just fitted ,hassle.....£11,500. this is really worth viewing visit our stand 1933 MG J2.

We’re the completion of aspace. chassis-up rebuild in workshop.

Will the you’ll get.

Please inspect. with reliability, comfort &close huge luggage space.

Two(See website fornearing photos) £29,500 ............................................................................................................. new weather equipment just new fitted weather , this is really equipment worth just viewing fitted new , this weather is really equipment worth viewing just fitted , this is really worth viewing Please visit our stand Please visit our stand Please visit our stand with reliability, comfort & with huge reliability, luggage comfort space. & Twohuge with luggage reliability, comfort Two& huge luggage space.

Two£29,500 £29,500 £29,500 ............................................................................................................. ............................................................................................................. ............................................................................................................. ..........£45,000 (Optional s/charger available at cost) tone green.

Offers close to................................£65,000 THEY ARE ALL ONworkshop.

THE WEBSITE ..........£45,000 (Optional ..........£45,000 s/charger available (Optional cost) s/charger ..........£45,000 available (Optional at1. cost) s/charger available at cost) We’re the completion of a chassis-up rebuild the Will beat the best get.

Please inspect.

MG J2.J2. tone Offers 1933 to................................£65,000 tone green.

Offers close to................................£65,000 tone Offers close to................................£65,000 1933 MG J2.

Near concours condition.

Cycle wings with heavy crank.

Beautiful car...£46,500 (See website fornearing photos) 1933 MG J2. green.

We’re the 1933 completion MG We’re of nearing aphotos) chassis-up the completion 1933 rebuild MG J2. ingreen.

We’re of the afor workshop. chassis-up nearing the Will rebuild completion beinthe in the best of workshop. you’ll a chassis-up get.

Will Please rebuild be the inspect. best in you’ll the you’ll workshop. get.

Please Will be inspect. the best you’ll get.

Please inspect.

Condition Later (lower compression) (See website fornearing photos)close (See website for (See website photos)

1959 MGA Twin Cam Roadster *concours *ON* THE *THEY *WEBSITE * *ON*car...£46,500 * *WEBSITE *MGMGJ2.*ARE ARE ALL ON THE WEBSITE Near Cycle crank.

Beautiful THEY THEY ARE ON WEBSITE THEY ARE ALL * *concours *SALES: *is**Cycle * *wings * **THE condition.

J2.

Cycle wings with 1933 heavy MG crank.

J2.

Cycle wings heavy condition. crank. with heavytocrank.

COMMISSION Our highly regarded service always available you. * *1933 * *concours *COMMISSION **Near *ALL ** *condition. *ALL *Near *wings *Beautiful *concours *with *THE *with *heavy *car...£46,500 *Beautiful *car...£46,500 * *Beautiful * rebuild * *car...£46,500 engine, top-end completed by * 1933 MG J2.*Near * 1933 *condition.

SALES: Our highly regarded service is always available to you.

COMMISSION SALES:COMMISSION OurTel: highly regarded SALES: service COMMISSION highly is always regarded SALES: available service Our highly to is you. always regarded available service to you. is always to with you. new specialist earlieravailable this year 01789 400Our 181.

Fax: 01789 400230.

Mob: 07836 244103

Tel: 400 Fax: 01789 400230.

Mob: 07836 244103 ex-Peter Wood07836 camshafts, new cam Tel: 01789 400Email: 181.

Tel:01789 Fax: 01789 01789 400181.

181.

400230.

Tel: Fax: 01789 Mob: 01789 400 07836 400230.

181.Web: 244103 Fax: Mob: 01789 07836 400230.

244103 Mob: 244103 barry@barrywalker.com www.barrywalker.com Email: Web: Email: barry@barrywalker.com Email:barry@barrywalker.com barry@barrywalker.com Email: Web: barry@barrywalker.com www.barrywalker.com Web:www.barrywalker.com www.barrywalker.com Web: www.barrywalker.com chain and oil pump. Meticulously and regularly maintained throughout my ownership with all replacement parts, repairs, maintenance and annual servicing fully recorded in 30mm. thick file. The dossier is complete from 1993 with some invoices dating back to 1968. Recent replacement service items include clutch, front brake calipers/ pads, kingpin seals, dynamo, fuel tank, fuel pump. The car is fitted with the last available Coventry Hood Company hood and matching tonneau cover.

This genuine Twin Cam is in original condition and is unrestored, other than a repaint approx. 40 years ago.

£39,500. Please phone 01672 520975.

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG-SafetyFast_Oct2017_51-100.indd 93

History file includes original buff and follow-on green log books, all MOT certificates and tax discs up to discontinuation. Present owner for 24 years, previously for over 20 years by the then chairman of the MGCC Twin Cam Group. The car has featured in articles and the front cover of «Classic and Sports Car» and in other publications.

Original registration number valued at over £2,000 included.

OCTOBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 93

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1967 MG Midg

1959 MGA 1600 Roadster

2001 MGF Trophy

1945 MG TC

2005 MG ZT 260 4.6 V8 SE

Californian car since new - original owner was in San Jose. It's extremely solid, unmolested, original example. The engine turns freely, its all complete except for its seats. It is supplied with heritage certificate (originally Dove Grey with red interior) All bills, duties and taxes have been paid and NOVA paperwork will be provided. £10,800 ovno Tel: 07970213084. (Tamworth)

Extremely smart older restoration.

Ivory with biscuit trim. New leather, tyres, wiring, brakes etc. Ready for immediate use. All matching numbers, a very original strong car! £25,000. Paul Jaye 01327 811181 Mob 07836 225582 (Northants)

Finished in Trophy Yellow. Only 54000 miles, FSH with history and bills since 2006. As factory build with original radio. Only exception is a Mike Satur exhaust shield. MOT to May 2018. Black hard top included. New Good Year F1s fitted at 50000 miles to refurbished wheels with new centres. Immaculate under bonnet with original tyre foam inflation system. £3995, (Ware)

Saloon MK1 finished in Monogram Typhoon. Rare example of the appreciating ZT 260. Low Mileage, top ‘SE’ Spec and of course the eyecatching Monogram paint. The car is in beautiful, original condition and has covered only 39,000 miles. This car also has the benefit of the optional power pack too. £10,995 Tel: 07535 976756.

In excellent condit body restoration. N both floor pans, rig chassis, steel wing inner middle oute K&N air filters, 3 manifold, stainless Hard-top and t Recently serviced 71000 miles. £59 Email meg.mog71@ Phone: 07968 290 939491. (Somerset)

2001 MGF MK2

Silver. 76,600 Miles all the work done gasket & head bolts sioner, water pum stainless steel coo battery, brake disc round & all suspens inc, rear colour cod breaker, JVC head speaker system an Minilite alloys with caps, power steerin ing wheel. Good d rear screen. Class 07889063339. (Co.

1968 MGC GT Sebring

Fully sorted including uprated poly bushed suspension, hi torque starter, Ridgard seats, tripmeter, Minilite pattern wheels, new batteries. C foibles eliminated. £19,250 For full detailed spec and photos, Tel: 07968 192057. (Warwickshire)

1953 MGTD

Completely rebuilt 2014-2015 Respray BRG. Rebuilt engine with Moss supercharger. 5-speed Sierra gearbox conversion. New Wire Wheels. MGB Discs to front. New Koni shocks all round. New wallnut dash. New hood and all weather equipment in biscuit. Leather MGB seats. New carpets. and much more. £30.000. Tel. 07595493465 (Southport)

1953 MG TD

Full two year resto pleted. Approx 50 to retirement com New seats, hood, t details and mor request. £23,500 o 01798 831541 (W

1997 MGF VVC

MGF Aug 97 with 57,866. Green.

MOT Oct 17. New drive belt at 52k miles. In my ownership its had 2 new tyres, windscreen, Cat in Apr 14 and new battery, rear brakes, clutch master and slave cylinder Oct 16.

Needs new rear screen. Good runner with notable registration plate R12 VVC £800ono.Contact: gje829@gmail.com (Stockbridge, Hants)

94 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2017

MG-SafetyFast_Oct2017_51-100.indd 94

1949 MGTC

UNFINISHED PROJECT. Running £18,000 no offers. For further details & pictures please contact vlea1938@gmail.com or 01452 525079. (Gloucester area)

As a member of t

for free. Just emai

picture to Colin G

www.mgcc.co.uk

25/09/2017 16:49

MG 14/14 MARK IV 1967 MG Midget 1275cc

ophy

ophy Yellow. Only H with history and . As factory build io. Only exception xhaust shield. MOT ck hard top includYear F1s fitted at refurbished wheels ntres. Immaculate with original tyre system. £3995,

In excellent condition – recent full body restoration. New panels/parts: both floor pans, right and left hand chassis, steel wing repair panels, inner middle outer sills, battery, K&N air filters, 3 branch exhaust manifold, stainless steel exhaust.

Hard-top and tonneau cover.

Recently serviced. Long MOT. 71000 miles. £5995.

Email meg.mog71@talktalk.net Phone: 07968 290547 or 01749 939491. (Somerset)

1978 MGB Roadster

White. Two owners from new, mileage of 36888 believed genuine.

All MOTs and bills since purchased by current owner in 1991 at 18,000 miles. Dry weather/summer use over last 20 years. Never needed any restoration work - body and mechanics all completely original.

Fully rust proofed since new.

Drives as you would expect for a car with this mileage. £10,000 Call Mike on: 01344 882643 or email: mkeen@brockhill.plus.com (Bracknell, Berkshire)

260 4.6 V8 SE

shed in Monogram example of the 260. Low Mileage, of course the eyeam paint. The car is inal condition and y 39,000 miles. This he benefit of the pack too. £10,995 56.

MG Maestro Turbo

2001 MGF MK2

Silver. 76,600 Miles. Full MOT with all the work done. Uprated Head gasket & head bolts, cambelt & tensioner, water pump, under floor stainless steel cooling pipes, new battery, brake discs and pads all round & all suspension joints. Extras inc, rear colour coded spoiler, wind breaker, JVC head unit with 6 way speaker system and iPod, 8 spoke Minilite alloys with MGF logo dust caps, power steering and tilt steering wheel. Good dry car & clear rear screen. Classic insurance. Tel 07889063339. (Co.down N/Ireland)

Number 92, one of 49 black cars, complete for restoration. Owned and dry stored past 16 years. Plus a complete new unregistered body shell with panels, and a shed full of new and used spares. Too many projects and not enough time. Near Holmes Chapel, M6 Junction 18 £3500 the lot. Tel: 07808929212 email: pauls.mgs@btinternet.com

1928 MG 14/40 Mark IV with two seats and a dicky seat. One of only five originals known in the world.

This was restored by Cyril Mellor and he enjoyed it for many years. I have owned the car for 14 years and have continually improved it. New Suspension, gear box overhaul, new bearings, new clutch, new radiator, new bonnet, coil ignition modification and partial respray. The back axle has been modified to John Day’s specification and there are many spare parts included.

This is a much loved MG and is in excellent condition. £53,950.

John Burton. 01933 359090 mandjburton@talktalk.net

York MG Spares CARS - DRIVEABLE OR REPAIRABLE - BOUGHT & SOLD

ilt 2014-2015 ebuilt engine with ger. 5-speed Sierra rsion. New Wire iscs to front. New ound. New wallnut d and all weather scuit. Leather MGB arpets. and much Tel. 07595493465

1999 MGF 1.8vvc

1953 MG TD

Full two year restoration just completed. Approx 50,000 miles. Move to retirement complex forces sale.

New seats, hood, tonneau etc. Full details and more photos on request. £23,500 ono. Telephone 01798 831541 (West Sussex )

Very tidy for age. Cream leather seats, Colour match Hardtop, Hood cover, Rear spoiler, Stainless steel grill side vents, Mud flaps, Spotlights, Folding Windstop. Work done:Headgasket, Cambelts, Waterpump, Stainless steel coolant pipes, Radiator, Alternator belt, Battery, Water level sensor kit. MOT April, Old MOTs and bills. Loads of History, 75,000 miles £1100 ono.

Contact Bob 01235 202888 or 07798941181 (Abingdon)

SELLING YOUR CAR?

ROJECT. Running ers. For further es please contact com or 01452 ester area)

As a member of the MG Car Club you can advertise your car in Safety Fast

1968 MGC Mineral Blue Ready now after complete nut and bolt restoration. MGC Roadster, genuine UK right hand drive car.

3 former owners and extensive history file. 62,000 miles from new.

This car has undergone a complete nut & bolt rebuild and a bare metal respray in mineral blue. It also has a complete new interior with leather seats.

This car is ready to go £26,500

MGB GT 1974 Midnight Blue One of the last genuine chrome bumper models, this car has just been completed following an extensive restoration, including new sills, castle rails and complete rear wings. it has had a full bare metal respray and is finished in midnight blue. The restoration included stripping everything and renewing as required. The engine has an unleaded cylinder head.

The car now sits on 4 new tyres and will be sold with a full MOT. £10,950

for free. Just email your car details, max 60 words, together with a JPEG picture to Colin Grant at colingrant@mgcc.co.uk. Non member fee is £20

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG-SafetyFast_Oct2017_51-100.indd 95

For further details York MG 01653 619203 www.yorkmg.co.uk OCTOBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 95

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www.mgmecca.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 1953 717618 Fax: (0) 1953 717850

SPARES FOR SALE HOW TO ADVERTISE

1971 MGB ROADSTER Teal Blue, Autumn Leaf trim. Excellent interior. New seats and carpets.

Moto Lita wheel, s/s sports exhaust, alloy rocker cover, K&N filters, servo. Body trim excellent.

Reliable car looks great. Great value. £8,995

1967 MGB GT V8 BRG, Biscuit/green leather trim. Fully restored last nut & bolt 5 years ago. Professionally converted to V8 spec, no expense spared. Webasto roof. Moto Lita wheel.

15” minilites. Fast touring car. Rare early GT. Superb! £23,995

Members can advertise their spares for sale/wanted free of charge for items up to £250.

Over £250, or for non-members to advertise, there is a charge of £20. To submit your advertisement email Colin Grant at colingrant@mgcc.co.uk. Please remember to include your membership number in all correspondence. All adverts should be submitted by the 10th of the month for the following months issue.

MGF/TF Parts

1978 MGB ROADSTER Black, black/red trim, Osselli 2L u/l fst rd engine, leather seats, Antique red carpets, burgundy mohair hood, Motolita wheel, all new chrome, superb looking car, restored body and paint. Fast classic fun. £11,995

RILEY 1.5 1964 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

MGC ROADSTER Snowberry White, rebuild work by MG Motorsport. MOT; 5000 miles since the body rebuild, 1000 miles since the engine rebuild; five-speed gearbox New speedo-cable, brake servo, dinitrol anti-rust, hoses; fan belt; seals for clutch and brake masters. Two spare wheels and a rain-cover. £34,995

1955 MG TF 1500 Ivory (Old English White), red trim, tan hood/tonneau. Original R/H/D car (not converted). Immaculate restored car. Immaculate underneath. Hard to find a better example. Super door fit. Chrome new or replated. Superb example of most desirable MG TF. £36,995

enquiries@mgsforsale.com

01707 876089

www.mgsforsale.com

07831 556666

MGB Roadster 1971 Older Restoration (WAW197K) 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 £13,995.00 MG BGT 1972 Heritage Shell Rebuild (RJY319K) Chrome rostyle wheels, overdrive, tax exempt, older restoration utilising a fully panelled Heritage Shell, Trophy Blue coachwork, Navy/Black interior trim, some coachwork imperfections but very sound and body coloured underside, clean engine compartment, history file with Heritage Shell invoice dated 2003 and many component rebuild invoices including engine, itemised spreadsheet, old mot’s etc. etc. drives extremely nicely, just arrived £10,995.00

URGENTLY WANTED ANY MG ANY YEAR, ANY CONDITION 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.

96 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2017

MG-SafetyFast_Oct2017_51-100.indd 96

Emerald K3 ECU. New and unused. Comes with disc & instructions. £525.00 Haynes Manual Engine Management. by Dave Walker (rare) Performance tuning manual ignition, carbs and injection £20.00 Piper Vernier Pulleys for K series engine. New and unused4 spoke design in blue. Cost £220 accept £150. Email: liam.mccarthy@tiscali.co.uk or phone 01298 814798 (High Peak, Derbyshire)

MGA

Used - 1500 engine and gearbox. Includes twin carbs. LHD s/rack and dashboard. Four pressed wheels. Prefer one deal. Best £offer. 01684 310674 (Malvern).

MGB

OE new distributor 2-45D £70: new complete front and rear brake overhaul kit - £60: new recliner seat in red hide/white piping (not just new covers) -£250: Nine Royal Mail mint stamps of Mk1 MGB in Iris blue - face value £1.28 each - £15.

Many other spares, books etc. All items plus P&P. Please enquire: rogerlus@btinternet.com

MGB

Vinyl tonneau cover and support rail without headrests, as new, Offers (new £180).

Stormforce luxury car cover, new, unopened, for B or C roadster ‘62 to ‘80, Offers (new £120) Kenlowe fan kit, new in box, 14 inch fan, fits MGs and Triumphs, Offers (new £ 220) Charlie Rich, 01993 868 176 or 07971 270 082 or Email: chas.rich2@btinternet.com

MGB Auto Gearbox Parts

All the parts needed to convert a manual MGB to an Automatic, gearbox started to slip on load so will need to be repaired. £175 collection only Tel. Graham on 01983 863210.

MGB.

BL st MGB rear boot spoiler NOS £20 Console tunnel £20 Tonneau cover no headrests(6271) £35 MGBGT tailgate h.r.w sundym glass £55 Wire wheel 14” 4.5 £25 Tel 07774 756202. (Bristol)

Chrome Wire Wheels

Set of 5 (60 spoke) All in good road ready condition. Not perfect but not bad! £50 each. Also set of 2 eared spinners 12 tpi, similar condition to wheels. £10 each.

Contact Phil Brown on 01242 242545. Mobile 07800 914269 or philandm76@blueyonder.co.uk (Cheltenham)

MGA

Coupe right had and left hand chrome door/window surrounds . with quarter lights glass and fittings could benefit from rechroming contact at william johnson7254@talktalk.net or 07724167457. Price £200 for the pair or will split.

MIDGET DOORS

Pair of unused Heritage Doors BMH 8000/8001 in black primer dry stored no rust £220 carriage extra at cost.

Tel: 0120876163 or Email: n.farnfield47@btinternet.com (Cornwall)

MGA

TONNEAU COVER (black).

This was bespoke made with a covering flap over the central zip, and a "bulge" to accommodate a right-hand steering wheel.There are four very small holes in the corners where the maker initially mispositioned the lift-the-dot fastener overclips. For someone seeking originality or perfection this is not for you, but for someone with an A who needs a nice s/h tonneau cover which does its job perfectly and which is a better rain excluder than the standard cover (because of the central flap), this could be a good option at £45 (or try a near offer). Tel: Dave at 01672 520975 or email: desaxe@btinternet.com.

WANTED WANTED

A genuine MG X Power bucket seat, either in cloth or leather.

A pair of MGF Trophy 160 leather seats. Please send pics and details to Bob at mgcarsscotland@gmail.com or call 07870 407111

www.mgcc.co.uk

25/09/2017 16:49

PETER BEST www.classicinsurance.co.uk

B13 - Barrie Carter_CLASSIC MOTORING 24/07/2017 10:28 Page 1

The best policies for either classic or modern MGs

Call for a quote today

01621 840400

Due to rude anonymous email picture collectors who don’t bother to reply, I will only send details to those who have supplied a telephone number

This is my sort of TC. Mechanically v ery nice, and nice and scruffy so youll always use it, as they were meant to be. I ve not even cleaned it, polish and spoil it. It came from the US and has had many years of mechanical attention. The car has matching numbers with an excellent engine that runs sweetly and pulls hard. Oli pressure a resounding 50/60 lb. The gearbox changes as new, all the synchros are great with no rattles.It is very clean underneath and has had an historic body off restoration. It uses a stainless exhaust system and has the Thomkins steering mod. All the wheels and tyres are recently new, not refurbished. The hood is new also, and it has original side screens. The seats are vinyl , And look at those lovely fish eye head lights that are original.

All the chrome is good and the paint is nice with a few scratches and tiny attractive marks. I like these TCs . You can use them, they are not tarts handbags, but as I use them myself. £23,750

MGA race car 1959 I bought this very well known twice ex championship winning car to use at Angouleme this year. I mechanically rebuilt it with engine being prepared by a leader in race engine building. It is built to FIA 1650 spec .

Lightweight pistons, steel crank and special rods, full race big valve head and weber, special manifolds , spyder steel flywheel and cintred twin plate clutch, all balanced and properly prepared .

Much quicker than my last championship winning A. GRP wings, ally doors boot and bonnet, race seats and cage. ZF LSD and special half shafts, Rebuilt early straight cut close ratio rare early competition box, cage, FIA belts, Three pot incredable brakes, polibushed, Wets and dries. very reliable. Second in class at Angouleme It would take very little to convert to an FIA spec car. It has the potential for many events from club rallies, h.c. and sprints to international raceing. At 76, I am about to say enough. It cost a fortune. Your gain is my loss at £27,950. I may part exchange.

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX 1928 MG 14/40 Mark IV For Sale . 95 4Sight Lighting Company .............. 75 Adrian Flux ................................... 71 Barrie Carter ................................ 97 Barry Walker ................................ 93 Beech Hill Garage ......................... 94 British Motor Heritage ...................IFC Brown and Gammons ................... 11 Bucks Sports and Classic .............. 77 C.C.H.L ....................................... 21 Carole Nash Insurance ................... 6 Chertsey Minors .......................... 77 Chisbon Restorations ...............49, 75 Church Square Autos .................... 81 Classic Driving Development Ltd .. 69 Clive Wheatley .............................. 19 College Motors Burford ................. 85 Colne Classics .............................. 79 Cotswold Car Storage ..................... 6 Crown Classic Cars....................... 73 David Manners ............................. 43 Dennis Welch ............................... 79 Distributor Doctor ......................... 73 Don Trimming ............................... 79 EJW Classic and sports................. 97 Evans Division of Hydratech ............ 9 Fine & Classics ............................ 89 Fishers Services ........................... 75 Footman James............................ 33 Frontline ...................................... 44 Get Patina .................................... 22 Halls Garage................................. 75 Heathrow Transmission ................. 79 Hoyle Suspension ......................... 73 JRV8............................................ 19

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG-SafetyFast_Oct2017_51-100.indd 97

MGTD2 1952 One owner for 25 years. Lovely condition. Just recommissioned. Very rare Derrington inlet and exhaust modification. Drives beautifully.

Excellent hood and side screens. £18,950

And now for people like me who want something different here’s my lovely Jeep lookalike 2 CV6. Built for off road use and sand dunes it’s an eccentric’sdream plus totally practical too. There isnt another one as for as I know. A joy to drive, quick with great chassis and mechanics, perfect weather equipment and heater. Absolutely unique- a go anywhere 2CV. 1 years MOT. £4,950 T-Type restorations and XPAG engine rebuilds and general MG servicing are the mainstay of our business. We welcome your custom.

WANTED

CM08.17/B13/s

CANNON GT 1964 I bought this wonderful sports race car to race at Angouleme. Built by Mike Cannon in 1964 to beat divas. It is fitted with a 1098 Screamer. Superbly presented and prepared. Eligible for many series maybe even Goodwood. Be unique and call for more details £27,950.

MIDGETS! WANTED

Just Right Autos Ltd...................... 62 Kimble Engineering Ltd ................. 77 Manor Garage ............................. 85 Contact the Midget Specialist WANTED ALL MG MODELS! Martin Smith Used MGTF Spares .. 81 All conditions wanted, from barn finds MIKE AUTHERS on Abingdon MG Mecca ................................... 96 to concours. Complete collections 07703 465 224 CHROME purchased. Cash buyer.

MG Sales Centre .......................... 28 BUMPERED MIDGETS in Discretion assured.

MGF Mania .................................. 49 Please do not hesitate to contact me excellent condition bought up to Midland Classic Restoration ............ 3 if you are interested in selling your £8,000. View current stock at Mike Authurs Classics................... 97 MG and are looking for a prompt hassle free cash buyer! Please feel www.mgmidgets.com Mike Rolls .................................... 81 free to contact me for a no obligation Mike Satur ................................... 51 friendly chat.

Mirror Trim ................................... 19 I am especially interested in the following models: MG TC, MGA, MGB, Moss Europe Ltd .......................... 27 MGC, MGB V8, Magnette and Midget.

NTG Services .............................OBC Please check this proof carefully for errors in style, content and layout.

CALL DIRECT ON: Oselli Ltd ...................................... 65 Although every care is exercised in preparing your07787 advert, we cannot hold 528131 Peter Best ........................79, 97, IBC ourselves responsible for any inaccuracies you may overlook.

Peter James Insurance ................. 77 SHOULD REQUIRE ANY71 ALTERATIONS TO THIS PROOF PLEASE Prestige MGYOU .................................

Raceglaze ....................................

TELEPHONE BEFORE _ _ _ _ 79 _ _ _ AND QUOTE ADVERT NO. _ _ _ _ _ Rally Preparation Services ............. 27 Rees Bros .................................... 51 Retro Sports Cars ........................ 69 Rimmer Bros Ltd .......................... 65 RJJ Car Shipping and Transportation77 Robin Lackford Motor Engineering 27 Scenic Car Tours........................... 13 We reserve the right to charge Skiptune.......................................

49 for any alteration to this proof which is a departure SMR ...........................................

96 from the original copy Steve McKie Sports Cars............... 79 or any time on Sussex Classic Car Parts............... 51 The Hutson Motor Co Ltd ................ 3 Email: Torro Sports Cars Ltd .................... 97 Twin Cam For Sale........................ 93 Website: Vitesse Global Ltd ......................... 71 (Northwood, Middlesex) York MG Spares............................ 95

URGENT PROOF

URGENTLY WANTED MGA/MGB/MGC/V8/ MIDGET/SPRITE ETC

Any Condition from non runners to rebuilt cars

Please call Edward 01923 840236 07774 484497 ejwhitescars@aol.com www.mgandporsche.com

OCTOBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 97

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LOOKING BACK IF YOU CAN TELL US MORE ABOUT ANY OF THESE CARS OR THE EVENTS, WE ARE ALWAYS KEEN TO HEAR FROM YOU AT KIMBER HOUSE; CONTACT THE MGCC ARCHIVIST PETE NEAL ON PETERNEAL@MGCC.CO.UK.

The official publication of The MG Car Club Incorporating ‘The M.G. Magazine’, ‘The Sports Car’ and ‘Brooklands Track and Air’, Safety Fast!

Copyright MG Car Club 2017 Editor: Andy Knott 01235 849730 / 01235 555552 andyknott@mgcc.co.uk Deputy Editor: Colin Grant 01235 849733 colingrant@mgcc.co.uk Editorial Committee: William Ball, Dennis Wharf, Andy Knott, Colin Grant, Adam Sloman, Steve Clark PR and Communications: Lauran Gallacher 01235 849735, Advertising: Hine Marketing 01452 730770 Published by: Hine Marketing, Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton Glos, GL2 9LN. Tel: 01452 730770 Distributed by: Air Business. Merlin Centre, 4 The, Acrewood Way, St Albans AL4 0JY Tel: 01727 890600 President: John Day Vice Presidents: Ron Gammons, Don Hayter, Peter Best, Bill Silcock.

Chairman: Ian Quarrington Vice Chairman: Dave Tynan Treasurer: Richard Colston

I

f you had attended MG Car Club Silverstone in the 1980s above is what you may have seen – but not necessarily (from this viewpoint!).

Heading up this bevy of MGAs in this Chris Harvey photograph are Neil Cawthorn, Nick Parrott, Richard Hutton and Colin Jones (Twin Cam).

A nice shot of a Midget on the start line at Wiscombe Hill by Mike Wray. Unusually, Mike hasn’t captioned this photo; perhaps you can fill in the details.

This P Type below is parked on the defunct weighbridge outside the old factory admin block. It is thought that

Directors: Dave Saunders, Paul Plummer, William Ball, George Wilder, Dave Tynan and Peter Cook Company Secretary: Colin Grant

this dated from the days when Pavalova used it to check in truck (or cart) loads of hides for their leather-making activities. In the background can just be seen the MG – Pavalova sign that now resides in the Kimber House car park.

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), 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! OCTOBER 2017

MG-SafetyFast_Oct2017_51-100.indd 98

If visiting The MG Car Club using Sat Nav please use OX14 1AS

www.mgcc.co.uk

25/09/2017 16:49

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25/09/2017 16:49

Parts for TA to TF 1936-55, YA YB YT, MGA & Magnette.

Secure online shopping at: www.mgbits.com or by phone.

Worldwide shipping. Free CD ROM catalogue on request

Mike (with TD) & Paul (with MGA) outside our Ipswich premises

Top quality interior kits available for all models in original colours, also carpets and weather equipment. Colour sample brochure available on request.

Phone us to discuss details and speciďŹ c requirements.

Exchange shock absorbers available for most models

T&Y type or MGA, Z series catalogues email or phone for your copy 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

MG-SafetyFast_Oct2017_51-100.indd 100

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