Safety Fast! December 2016

THE MARQUE OF FRIENDSHIP

December 2016 Volume 60 Number 12 £3.95

THE

CAR

CLUB

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A B I N G D O N - O N -T H A M E S FO U N D E D 193 0

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MIDLAND

CLASSIC

R E S T O R AT I O N S

Servicing and MOTs, Restorations, Insurance Work, Full Trim Facilities, Full Race Preparation and Performance Modifications Offering a comprehensive range of services for all types of MGs and any classic motor car 5 minutes from Junction 6 of the M5 at Worcester

www.midlandclassicrestorations.co.uk Hutson.qxd:Layout 2

24/3/10

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Call 01905 622166

Page 1

Unit 4, Woodfield Business Units, Kidderminster Road, Ombersley, Droitwich, Worcs, WR9 0JH

THE HUTSON MOTOR CO. LTD. Parts & Panels for TA to TF

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We manufacture a complete range of top quality ash frames and components, complete panelled bodies, individual steel parts. Full restorations undertaken on all classic cars.

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Ash frame skeleton bodies.

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• Dashboards • Quarter Panels • Door Frames • Hood Finishers

T-Series ash frame sections & body panels are hand built in our Bradford factory.

Fully assembled complete panelled bodies for TA to TF.

Fast and efficient mail order • Helpful counter assistance Free Price Lists available Please telephone for your copy PAWSON STREET • BRADFORD • WEST YORKSHIRE • BD4 8DF TEL: 01274 669052 • FAX: 01274 669685 • Email: hutsonmc@talk21.com

www.mgcc.co.uk

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www.mgcc.co.uk

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Inside this issue Regulars 7

Club Matters and Kimber House News

8

News

12

Products

14 Postbag 62

Race Torque

64

MGs on Track

65

Luffield Championship

69

Out and About

70

Overseas Review

72

Centre Updates

84

Register Updates

92

Classifieds

98

Looking Back

Features 16

MGA at Bonneville Salt Flats MGA driver, Dave Chapman, describes his feelings from inside his helmet for his first run at Bonneville

24

Club History part XII The last three Club General Managers bring the 86-year story up-to-date

30

MGF Steptronic Woes Colin Grant takes a look at the Steptronic gearbox

32

Mel Jones, University Motors and MG Part II Edward Vandyk in conversation with Mel Jones

66

50 years of sprinting at Curborough Andy Robson reports on the Midland Centre Sprint

16

Newsletters 41

Y Type Newsletter Y Type Round Britain Relay, improving an aftermarket rear crank seal kit

44

MGA Twin Cam Newsletter Tappet Chatter, Early Twin Cam Advertising

51

V8 Newsletter Sorrento by BGT V8, Understanding the RV8 Engine Management system

56

ZR/ZS/ZT Newsletter 2016 roundup and Fixing a Pektron SCU

32

The MG Car Club, Kimber House, PO Box 251, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 1FF Tel: 01235 555552 Fax: 01235 533755 E-mail: mgcc@mgcc.co.uk www.mgcc.co.uk.

If visiting The MG Car Club using Sat Nav please use OX14 1AS

Membership Type

Direct Debit Rate

Standard Rate Online

Standard Rate Post

Single

£45 £50

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Joint

£49 £54

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Young Members 15-20

£15

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

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Welcome

Front Cover: A festive photo of Nieck Jan Boschman’s MGA taken near Langenboom in The Netherlands. Photo: Nieck Jan Boschman

56

@mgcarclub

FO U N D E D 193 0

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The offi cial 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 2016

The MG Car Club, once again, had a large presence at the annual Classic Car Show at the NEC, with the main Club, MG FWD Register and MGF Register all having stands. It’s always great meeting members old and new and talking MGs with them over the course of the show. This year’s theme of the show was ‘Heroes and Heroines’. To represent those, we had an eclectic collection of cars on the main stand, ranging from an MG K3 (a car which shook the world in 1933, winning its Mille Miglia Class), two MGAs – one representing the Works Cars that ran so successfully in the 1950s, the other a LHD Californian car belonging to ‘Wheeler Dealer’ Mike Brewer. A car that made the rally scene stand up and take notice in the 1980s was the brutal Group B 6R4. We were fortunate to have Michael Kitt’s Computervision car that’s featured in Safety Fast! over the last two months on display. Nic Houslip’s 1990s RV8, a car that bought the MG Roadster back after the last MGB went down the line in 1980, also drew the crowds, as did Louise Allen’s stunning multi award-winning MG ZR. The MGF Register had one of the fi rst MGFs, an original press car, and one of the last MG TFs, an 85th anniversary model, on their stand and the FWD Register had an MG Metro and Maestro representing their Register. There are plenty of photos and a report on the NEC show on our website: www.mgcc.co.uk With Christmas fast approaching, within these pages there are a few last minute present ideas for your loved one. Please bear in mind, though, that Kimber House will be closed from Friday December 23 2016 and the offi ce will reopen at 9.00am on Monday January 9 2017.

Finally let me wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Until next month, drive safely Andy Knott

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CHAIRMANS NOTES

BY IAN QUARRINGTON

A

mandate. Running a meeting to schedule is not always easy, as those who came along to Council in October will testify. I am grateful to everyone who had worked hard to make presentations for bearing with me during the day as, with the good advice of Dave Saunders, we managed to move the agenda around to keep the debate on the future of MGLive! going smoothly, with the aim of achieving a mandate from Council as to the future of our fl agship event.

And we did get that mandate.

In essence, Council members backed the option to stay at Silverstone for 2017 with a combined race meeting and improved central area features and attractions. But the outcome of our meeting did not provide a long-term solution. We now have a consensus view so that we can

proceed with detail that makes up the weekend for 2017, but it was made clear that an event which comprises two major attractions in one location can only carry on with some signifi cant changes. For example, some of the motor racing may need to be on a shorter circuit to give shorter lap times and closer racing to give more spectator appeal...many members see the racing as a key attraction to the weekend. The California Cup and Autosolo events will be coming inside the gates and we hope to offer free entry to the Cali Cup. Now surely there cannot be any excuse not to enter a team! We aim to introduce presentations and workshops in a part of the Club’s Main Marquee, or in another marquee alongside.

These are just some of the many ideas that were presented at Council. The exact detail of the content for 2017 can now be worked on. The MGLive! Committee remains responsible for putting on the weekend, as it has done for some years, but from now on that group of hard-working volunteers has the guidance of a much smaller

committee, who will give direction and authorise signifi cant funding from Club reserves to ensure we have the right publicity and promotion for the event, and to ensure the weekend will be interesting and refreshed and well-worth attending as a classic car event for Club Members, their families and friends and anyone who is an MG enthusiast but not (yet!) a member of our Club.

I am so pleased that we have a mandate for next year, provided by feedback to the Board from Council, who are the representatives of the Members. Our Club and its structure is the envy of many other organisations and it draws its strength from that structure, as was clearly demonstrated on October 15. The last major event of the year was at the NEC Classic Car Show, always a really hectic but enjoyable way to close the season.

Thoughts now turn to a break at the end of the year (you will recall me talking about time fl ying by last month) so after a busy 2016 it only remains for me to be one of the fi rst to wish you a peaceful Christmas with every best wish for 2017.

very popular amongst visitors. Having owned the car for over 20 years, Pete has worked extremely hard in making sure the Midget is in the best possible condition, and we’re proud to have it on display.

Mike Brewer’s MGA came back to Abingdon for the fi rst time since 1959, just before the Classic Motor Show at the beginning of November. It had a lot of interest at the show, where members and classic car enthusiasts were deciding the future of Mike’s car by voting on whether or not he should restore the Californian import.

KIMBER HOUSE NEWS

T

wo new cars have been introduced to Kimber House over the past month. Pete Chaundy’s Ice Blue MG Midget was moved in at the end of October and has proved to be

Pete Chaundy’s MG Midget on display at Kimber House

www.mgcc.co.uk

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Mike Brewer’s 1959 MGA

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NEWS

THE NEW MG SUV MG SAIC presented their new ZS SUV at the recently held Guangzhou Auto Show.

The new SUV will be based on a shortened version of the platform from the MG GS SUV. The ride height has been raised over the smaller MG3 hatch but still features sporty looks, broad shoulders, and roof rails. The ZS features a new generation grille, breaking away from the more familiar looking grille found on the MG3, MG6 and GS, but still looks very impressive, with a large MG logo in the middle.

There will be several engines available for the cars in the Chinese market, including a 1.5 turbo with approx. 150hp and an all-new blue core SGE series 16T engine (1.0 litre three-cylinder turbo), offering excellent fuel consumption and cheap road tax. The blue core SGE 16T engine’s maximum output is similar to a mainstream 1.6 litre engine, offering 175 NM torque and 125bhp, mated with either a manual or seven-speed dual clutch auto gearbox.

The ZS will be launched into the Chinese car market in the first half of 2017.

Sales in the UK are scheduled to start in late 2017. We’re told the small SUV will not be named the ZS in the UK market.

MAKE YOUR CHRISTMAS WISH COME TRUE WITH MG One lucky motorist is set to win £2,500 to make their Christmas wish come true, as MG embarks on a nationwide roadshow, visiting 23 towns and cities across the UK, holding 30 tour events in just 36 days.

Alongside entering the Christmas Wish prize draw, motorists can get into the party spirit with festive photos, which will see the best selfies promoted on social media. If that wasn’t enough fun, every day of the tour will see five daily prize giveaways of shopping vouchers specific to that day’s location.

Drivers keen to see how the new MG range fits into their busy lives will have the chance to be further rewarded, with gifts on offer to everyone who meets the team and then attends their local dealer to test drive either the MG3 or the new MG GS. Each week, the tour’s destinations will be publicised via the MG Motor website and Facebook page. Simply head over to your nearest location and join in the fun with the MG Wish Tour team.

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TUNING INFORMATION MEMORANDA We published an article about Syd Enever’s Tuning Information Memoranda in the July 2015 edition of Safety Fast!. At that time TIM#11 was unavailable but has recently been discovered in papers that Don Hayter has deposited with the Club. The link in the member’s area (http://www.mgcc.co.uk/members/ syd-enevers-tuning-informationmemos/), to what is now believed to be the complete set of TIMs, has now been updated to include TIM#11 which is a draft of the MGA Special Tuning booklet originated in 1957 and published in 1958.

MIDLAND CENTRE AGM

Date: Monday January 16 2017 Venue: Somers Sports and Social Club, Halesowen Time: 8.00pm Welcome guests to meeting.

Apologies Minutes of previous AGM Matters arising from previous AGM minutes Approval of minutes: Chairman’s report Secretary’s report Treasurer’s and trials report Curborough report Any other business Election of centre officers Election of committee Close of meeting All nominations for election to committee and any other communications to the secretary, Paul Hollingworth, 92 Old Birmingham Road, Lickey End, Bromsgrove

B60 1DG by January 4 2017.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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NEWS

MGB REGISTER WEEKEND 2017 Join the MGB Register for a weekend away in Lincolnshire, based at the Kenwick Park Hotel near Louth (www.kenwick-park.com) from September 15-18 and enjoy a weekend of scenic driving, excellent food and socialising.

There will be full-day tours on Saturday and Sunday, set in stunning countryside and closely surrounding areas, including visiting Louth (12th Century Market Town), East Kirkby (World War II Air Museum), Tattershall Castle and Tealby which is an old village going back to the Domesday Book and has the Kings Head (oldest pub in Lincolnshire) and Tealby Tea Room.

To enter, please visit the events section of www.mgb-register.org and complete the online booking form, or look out for a booking form in a future issue of Safety Fast!.

MGB SUCCESS AT THE RAC RALLY OF THE TESTS 2016 The 2016 RAC Rally of the Tests, run in association with the Historic Endurance Rally Organisation (HERO) and the Royal Automobile Club, saw nearly 100 competitors enter the epic three-day drive from Bournemouth to Chester. The Rally is the biggest and toughest competitive event in UK for classic cars and MG Car Club member, John Dignan, and his son, Peter, driving their MGB were third overall. There were many wellknown rally drivers competing from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, including Neil Wilson who won the RAC Rally in 1985 with the late Henri Toivonen. John’s third overall place from the 94 starters, which included six other MGBs, was a tremendous achievement.

The Rally included 35 test venues and over 70 regularity timing points, some of which were on private venues. John set his suspension settings higher, which was essential for the rough tracks, farmers’ fi elds and old airfi elds used throughout the events these days. The event was the biggest in recent times with 94 classic cars. Note that only pre-63 cars are eligible for the trophies for 1st, 2nd and 3rd. But obviously they can win their respective class awards. This is a technicality as the RAC are keen to recreate the old RAC Rally of the Tests fi elds before it became the ‘RAC Rally of the Forests. Nevertheless, over half the fi eld are post-63 cars and without them the event would be too small to be viable. John has tried to get MGBs in the pre-63 section but although the MGB came out at the 1962 Motor Show, the HERO organisers won’t let them in!

This is the second time John has been top post-62 car; last year he was 2nd overall.

MGB REGISTER WEBSITE The MGB Register apologises that our website www.mgb-register.org is not working as it should be. We will hopefully have a new site running on the same address by Christmas. Our MGB Register Forum is not affected by these changes.

SOCIAL MEDIA NEWS PHOTO OF THE YEAR COMPETITION At the end of 2015, the Club used its website and social media to promote its photo of the year competition. After gathering together more than 60 photos of MGs from around the world, the list was down to just eight. The staff at Kimber House then picked their top three, with the winner being the photo with the most overall votes.

This year we thought it was only right that the competition was opened to readers of Safety Fast! that may have missed last year’s online entry.

The eventual winner was Andy Brown, who sent in a picture of his red MGB in the Italian Dolomites from May 2015. As a result, Andy won himself an MGA Haynes Manual, and a model MGB to sit on his desk.

This year we will once again be giving out prizes which will be tailored specifi cally to the winner.

If you’re interested in entering the 2016 competition, simply comment on our Facebook post for the picture of

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Andy Brown’s 2015 photo of the year winning MGB

the year or send your photo to chrisk@mgcc.co.uk. It’s completely free and all MGs are welcome.

Good luck!

www.mgcc.co.uk

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PRODUCTS IF YOU HAVE A NEW PRODUCT THAT WOULD BE OF INTEREST TO OUR MEMBERS, AND WOULD LIKE TO SEE IT IN SAFET Y FAST! WHY NOT CONTACT COLIN GRANT AT COLINGRANT@MGCC.CO.UK

LED LIGHTS FROM BETTER CAR LIGHTS Classic car lighting specialists Better Car Lighting have announced a new high-power LED upgrade kit for the many cars equipped with the Lucas L488 ‘one bulb does all’ feeble rear lights. The kit is quick and easy to fi t and the results are spectacular. It costs £49.99 + VAT (plus p & p) and includes a new ‘LED-friendly’ fl asher relay.

For more information contact: Gil Keane on 0121 773 7000 or 07973 216682

MG GEARBOX FRONT COVER OIL SEAL CONVERSION FROM HEATHROW TRANSMISSIONS For the popular BMC A-Series 803/948 ‘’Smooth Case’’ type gearbox.

These gearboxes never had a front oil seal fi tted and used a scroll-type design which is not oil tight as most owners know. Heathrow Transmissions who specialize in BMC/BL transmission units can now supply a front cover oil seal conversion for 100% oil tight.

Also available: a Front Cover oil seal conversion for the 1098 and 1275 models.

Price – £78 incl VAT plus p&p Contact Heathrow Transmissions on 0208 577 1505 or heathrowtransmissions@gmail.com www.heathrowtransmissions.co.uk

MG GS COMPLETE SET FRONT AND REAR MUDFLAPS FROM MG & AMC PARTS A brand new product release from us for the GS, these mudfl aps are a perfect fi t and include ‘GS’ embossed onto the rear mudfl aps. Full fi ttings are included for all three models.

In stock and available now at £49.95 plus £3.25 p & p.

MG & AMC Parts, The Smithy, High Street, Southwick, Hampshire, PO17 6EB. Tel: +44 (0)2392 220 222 Email: enquiries@mgandamcparts.com

TA/TB/TC STEERING WHEEL CONVERSION Conversion using VW steering box for TA/TB/ TC. Transforms steering with minimal change to original appearance. New inner and outer column to TA or TC pattern to take original steering wheel. Includes new drop arm and ball pin. £1,056 including VAT. For more details contact NTG Motor Services Limited, 282-4 Bramford Road, Ipswich, IP1 4AY. Phone: +44 (0)1473 406031, Email: info@mgbits.com

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www.mgcc.co.uk

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KimberStores

Candles Stocking present; Filled tin scented candle with the Abingdon Admin Block Black Orchid and Vanilla The deeply fragrant aroma of exotic black orchid is combined with creamy sweet vanilla and touches of amber and musk.

With lots of Christmas present ideas in stock , why not pay us a visit at Kimber Stores, Abingdon, OX14 1AS Monday to Friday 9.00 - 16.00, Closed at weekends

White Lily & Silk A light and luxurious accord, with top notes of soft ripe fruits leading onto a heart of white lily, peony and silk flowers, and a base of sandalwood and white musk.

Fig & Wild Pear A fruity fantasy of sun ripened Izmir figs tossed with slices of juicy wild pear and tantalising hints of cool winter mandarin, lychee and saffron.

£7.50 each

MGCC Top Trumps

Ladies and Mens Polo Shirt

Burgundy. Embroidered with MG Logo Available in S, M, L, XL, XXL

Designed by the MG Car Club Age 4 and older An ideal card game for travelling or at home.

This complete collection featuring 30 MGs, from Vintage cars to the latest MG GS, is a must for all MG fans

£22.50

£5.00 Ladies MG Poloshirt

Embroidered with MG logo on chest and Safety Fast! on Sleeve Available in S, M, L, XL, XXL

£25.00

MG Tea

Blend of the finest quality loose Black Tea. Infuser available for additional £3.00

£7.00

Chocolates with a Twist

Keep sake tin

Available in two designs, for all your nuts and bolts. 11cm x 7.5cm x 2cm.

Nut and bolt, weight approx 100g Also available; Adjustable Spanner and Spanner & Nut

£5.00

£13.25

MGCC Document Wallet

MG GS Mug

A binder to keep all of your car documents in one convenient place.

With dividers for items such as Registration Documents, Service History, insurance etc. Supplied with a selection of clear holders in a variety of sizes, for photos, documents etc

White 12cm tall mug featuring a design sketch of the new MG GS, comes with lid .

£11.00

Old English fruity travel sweets

£35.00

a choice of image of Ladies on production line or Abingdon MG Factory Building

Handmade Wooden Car

£4.50

Individually hand crafted by local craftsman Colours; Mint Green, BRG, Tartan Red, Iris Blue, Chartreuse Yellow . Size 45cm x 16cm

£40.00

Pen and Pencil Set

MG Car Club Pen and Pencil Set in gift box

£16.00

MG & VIP Parking only

Metal MG Parking only sign with 2 mounting holes, measuring 30cm x 45cm.

£25.00

MG Parking only

Metal MG Parking only sign with 4 mounting holes, measuring ....x.... Available in red or green.

£22.50

To order, please email ineke@mgcc.co.uk or phone 01235 849731 The MG Car Club 12 Cemetery Road, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 1AS

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POSTBAG

LOOKING BACK A recent ‘Looking Back’ page featured a picture of a red MG 18/80 and you asked for details. The 18/80 has been owned

by Valery and myself for the past 30-plus years, and was rebuilt by us in 1981-2. Its very first trip was travelling to Hausach in the Black Forest, Germany, for the last-ever rally there in 1982, when it had only some 45 miles on the clock from rebuild! Yes, it made it there and back!

As to where the picture was taken, and as to who the people in the car are, I am not sure, but they certainly look as though they are enjoying the experience. If you look closely, hidden behind the 18/80 there is an MG 6R4!

You suggest that the body was by Cecil Kimber. Not so: it was one of a number of cars that were supplied in chassis form to various coachbuilders. This one went to the Carlton Carriage Company and it is their body that the car still carries. A very practical four-seater with a Coupe de Ville hood arrangement which provides either closed car luxury or open car fresh air, and a half way house in between with the hood in the de Ville position.

Ron Gammons

MGC GTS I have just donated the last of my design records, photos and drawing prints to the MGCC Archive. These can go into your records – also two good framed original photo prints of the MGC GT Special.

The first of these was built by Development Department under Alec Hounslow, by Cliff Bray, Henry Stone and Jimmy Cox. This was based on a standard MGC chassis and underframe with alloy external lightweight panels – including a roof panel pressing which was riveted and glued to the steel frame reinforcements with a special glue. The wings, also alloy, were made on new wide wheel opening shapes, pattern drawn

by Eric Carter for Syd Enever and made in Bodies Branch Experimental, Coventry. They were handmade by Midland Sheet Metals and sent to MG for fitting. A tuned version of the MGC engine was assembled by Jimmy Cox and, with the gearbox matched to a 3.07 rear axle, fitted.

Syd got from Dunlop and Transmissions special wheels and tyres.

Once painted, the car was given minimal inside trim and bucket seats and taken to Thruxton for test with Tony Fall and Tom Haig driving to check suspension. Once approved, Syd gave details to Competitions for more prototypes to be built under Stuart Turner. Cliff Humphries in Competitions set up the specification and tuning so it might be possible to enter Le Mans and liaised with Eddie Maher at Engines Branch to get an alloy cast MGC engine to reduce weight. The try-out entry in Targa Floria was made, but not enough homologated cars were going to be available, so an MGB engine version ran in the event.

Don Hayter

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THANK YOU MG GERMANY (THE OLDTIMER GRAND PRIX) I want to register my heartfelt gratitude to the German MG Car Club. It was my first time at the Nürburgring and the first time my 1972 MGB Special (NG bodied BOW 759K) had left the UK, and what an experience it was.

I had heard of this annual event, the Oldtimer Grand Prix, only two months earlier, and with little time to rally any allies to accompany me, I took the decision to go from England alone and set off for the campsite in Altenahr. The morning run to the Nürburgring was just heavenly. On arrival, I discovered the German MG Club was there sharing a stand with the German Triumph and Morgan clubs.

Well, to cut a long story short, the Club invited me to join them. They were so friendly and welcoming, and in particular I wish to thank Markus Ormanin and Kieran Downey, along with many others, for making my stay so memorable.

There were many exciting races over the three days. But the highlight of the time there for me was the invitation to drive vouchered guests around the old circuit. Markus introduced me to Wolfgang Schaltz, who is the organiser of the CHRSN (Club Historischer Rennsport Nürburgring). This annual event offers guests the opportunity to become one lap co-drivers around the famous 22-kilometre Nordschleife circuit in MGs during the Oldtimer Weekend. The money raised from the guest donations goes to support children’s charities, such as the fight against cancer, research into heart diseases and the support of children’s hospices. It is particularly pertinent that MGs should champion this event because when the CHRSN was formed over 40 years ago, some 20 MGs were listed. Wolfgang himself owns, amongst other cars, an MG NA, first registered in the UK in July 1935.

The one-hour open drive allowed me to carry four guests around this 22 kilometre iconic circuit including its famous Karussell, In conclusion, I am so grateful to the members of the German MG Car Club for their friendliness, and helping to make my time at the Oldtimer Grand Prix so memorable.

It is a brilliant event and will form part of my touring diary for next year, at least.

John Watson

www.mgcc.co.uk

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KimberStores

With lots of Christmas present ideas in stock , why not pay us a visit at Kimber Stores, Abingdon, OX14 1AS Monday to Friday 9.00 - 16.00, Closed at weekends

Men and Ladies MG Fleece

Available in grey or Navy, with a subtle embroidered MG logo.

Please specify Men or Ladies when ordering Size M, L, XL, XXL

£35.00

MG Christmas Cards

A selection of Christmas Cards with envelopes available from the MG Car Club L-R - Christmas eve at the station.

Christmas at the Bell. Catching the post. £1.50 each

New MGB 1966 Marathon de la Route

MG Wash Bag A door hanging MG toiletry case with many interior mesh pockets for bottles. £16.00

1/43 scale diecast model of the Abingdon Comps Department 1966 Marathon de la Route outright Winning car.

£35.00

MG Umbrella

MG Mug

£17.50

Keep Calm and Love MG Mug

Union Jack Umbrella, with the slogan Keep Calm and love MG

£11.00

MG Pullover

Mens V-Neck cotton Jumper

Mens Cotton Pullover, Navy or Burgundy, with embroidered MG logo. Available in M, L, XL, XXL

V-Neck cotton knit Forest Green or Red Jumper. With embroidered MGCC logo.

Available in M, L, XL, XXL

MG Cap

MG cap featuring the MG logo. Available in grey or black.

£65.00

£55.00

£10.00

MG Beanie Hat

MG Beanie Hat available in Grey or Black

£12.00

Mr MG Book

MG TF

1/18 scale diecast model of a Trophy Yellow MG TF, licensed by Nanjing Motor Company.

£75.00

A 250 page biography of John Thornley O.B.E., written by his son Peter Thornley

£14.99

Ball Point Pen

Green MG car Club metal ball point pen in gift box

BTCC MG6 – Scalextric – 1:32

£6.50

The Jack Goff 2015 Triple Eight MG Racing.

MG6 Scalextric car

£45.00

Letter Opener

MG Car Club letter opener with a chrome finish handle and a velvet pouch.

£7.50

Mens Polo Shirt MG Doormat

Suitable for outdoor and indoor use

£15.00

Grey. Embroidered with MG logo on chest and Safety Fast! on Sleeve. Available in M, L, XL, XXL

£25.00

MG Parking only

Metal MG Parking only sign with 4 mounting holes, measuring ....x.... Available in red or green.

£22.50

To order, please email ineke@mgcc.co.uk or phone 01235 849731 The MG Car Club 12 Cemetery Road, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 1AS

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MGA AT BONNEVILLE SALT FLATS

By Peter and Anne Tilbury

MGA driver, Dave Chapman, describes his feelings from inside his helmet for his first run at Bonneville.

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www.mgcc.co.uk

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O “

ver three hours in 90 degrees just thinking: ‘Don’t stall it and don’t spin it, and don’t do anything daft!’ After an age inching forwards in the truck, Richard leans in with: ‘It’s about that time’. Suit up? Yeah…Steve straps me in tight (thanks mate). (BTW, you can’t see with a helmet on, and a HANS device stops you looking down at the belts and arm restraints, so you’re best letting someone you trust do it right). Finally get a view down the salt and, even later, get the signal to drop my visor and…

Off...halfway through the mile and the inertia switch killed the motor. I reset and pressed on...then did it again. Rolled through the mile, effin’ and jeffin’ inside my helmet, glad my Mum didn’t hear!

121mph and not happy...”

The salt flats at Bonneville, Utah, has been used for motorsport since 1912, and became popular for land speed record attempts in the 1930s.

Malcolm Campbell, John Cobb, and George Eyston set the world record between 1935 and 1940, each beating the other over the years.

George Eyston joined the Bonneville 300mph Chapter in 1937 when he drove his Thunderbolt to 311.42 miles per hour. He later became

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team manager, and the inspiration, for many MG record attempts: 1939 – Goldie Gardiner drove MG EX-135 to 204.3mph (Achieved on the German Autobahn).

1954 – George Eyston piloted MG EX-179 to 153mph. Two years later, Johnny Lockett and Ken Miles took EX179 to 170.15mph.

1957 – Stirling Moss drove MG EX181 to 245mph, and two years later Phil Hill got EX-181 to go 254.91mph.

1997 – an MGF (EX-253) driven by Terry Kilbourne, achieved 215mph.

2003 – saw the MG ZTT (X-15) driven by Pat Kinne become the fastest station wagon at 225.609mph.

2014 – Chris Conrad got his MG Midget to 122.539mph.

18 SAFETY FAST! DECEMBER 2016

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In 2016, the MGA built by WalkerChapman Engineering in Derbyshire, England, came to Bonneville to have a go. The team comprised Colin Walker, owner, David Chapman, driver, and Stephen Walker (Colin’s cousin), car builder and mechanic. In addition to their on-salt roles, Colin was responsible for the data collection system, Stephen had built the car, and David had fabricated the roll cage. They first brought the car to Wendover, near Bonneville, in 2014, but did not get on to the salt as the surface was deemed unsuitable for racing. However, at that time they met Richard Stuhaan from California, who has raced many times on the salt, and he joined the team to provide local knowledge, and his

experience was invaluable. The team was also greatly helped by Steve Davies of the SCTA for the interpretation of the rules over the two years it took to build the car. They could not run in 2015, also due to lack of suitable salt.

A 1961 MGA was the basis of the car, and the original MGA chassis can be seen in the photos taken during the build. While purists may argue that some of the features of the car are incorrect, the finished body still has the recognisable flowing shape of the MGA. The car was originally intended to have an 1800 MGB engine fitted, but early computer calculations of the body drag coefficient clearly showed that the target speed of 200mph was unattainable with this engine. The

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/11/2016 18:01

www.mgcc.co.uk

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team chose a FORD Coyote V8 five-litre engine, and added a supercharger to it. The result was 640bhp at 6,800rpm, but this was raised to 675bhp and 540lb/ft torque with 11psi, boost by Hennessy Racing in California by fitting a smaller pulley to the supercharger and remapping the computer.

The car weighs 1,700kg (3,740lb), with a 700/1000kg split front to rear.

Some 400kg (880lb) of lead ballast have been added to the chassis, low down and just in front of the rear axle to provide more traction. The rear spoiler has been fitted as per the regulations. It is not for downforce, but causes air turbulence which reduces aerodynamic lift at speed. A

20 SAFETY FAST! DECEMBER 2016

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parachute is fitted to keep the rear stable while slowing down. The car is painted “porcelain green”, a period colour similar to that on EX-181, and touches such as the crossed flags above the grille have been carried over from the MG EX race cars of the past.

(These cars can be seen at the BMIHT Museum at Gaydon.)

The car was run in the D/BFMS class, which is for cars with engines up to 5,014cc, with blowers, running on any fuel, with modified sports body.

The record in this class is 222.9mph.

This was the first time at Bonneville for driver David Chapman, so it was necessary for him to take “rookie training”. This comprised two-

three hours of on-site lectures to familiarise new drivers with the track layout, emergency procedures, fire extinguisher and parachute deployment requirements, etc. He would have to work his way up from Rookie, to an E licence, to a C licence, to a B licence, and eventually to an A licence.

Bonneville Speed Week in 2016 ran from August 13 to August 19. This year Bonneville had three different parallel courses – the Rookie course of three miles length, the Short course of five miles length, and the Long course at eight miles length. The altitude at Bonneville is 4,219ft, with extremely low humidity. Fortunately, a car fitted with fuel injection and an ECU automatically compensates for differing air densities.

The MGA started out on the Rookie course on the Saturday, and got to 121.478 miles per hour. A problem occurred when the bumpy surface of the salt caused the inertia safety cut-out switch to engage, and disconnected the engine. However this speed was enough for the driver to get a C licence.

The following day, after remounting the safety switch, the car had two runs on the Rookie course, achieving 142.095 and 160.138mph.

The car was thoroughly cleaned out, checked over on the Monday, but

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GENERI

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a high crosswind closed the three tracks that afternoon. Two runs on Tuesday got the car to 172.124 and 176.281mph, enough for the driver to get his B licence.

On Wednesday, the car was driven on the long course for the first time, but a fuel delivery problem restricted the car to 181.907mph. The team’s two runs on Thursday got them to 187.961 and 195.679mph over the official timed mile.

The NAMGAR Internet Coordinators were able to get press affiliation, which allowed us to drive or walk to all areas. This was a blessing, because the pit area was about four miles long, and the cars and bikes were three rows deep. There were

22 SAFETY FAST! DECEMBER 2016

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participants from across the US, and from around the world – Isle of Man, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, France, Holland, Sweden, Japan, Italy, and Switzerland, and all were eager to get on the salt again after a three-year break. We could also drive and walk alongside the MGA as it was queuing up for the Rookie or Long courses. Anne was asked to become the umbrella girl providing shade for the driver, and Peter assisted by pushing the car up to the starting line – vehicles have to be pushed or towed from the pits as they are only allowed to run under their own power on the course.

The MGA certainly created a buzz this year at Bonneville, and it attracted

many admirers. Other drivers, crew members, and spectators were drawn to the car. Colin Walker, recently retired from being a consultant to oil companies, confirmed that the cost of building the car, not including transport, hotels or airfare costs, was around £250,000 (US$335,000). He would like to run the car again in 2017 to try to beat the current class record, but will need serious sponsorship to do this. David Chapman would also like to return to try to earn a red hat for breaking the record and bettering 200mph.

NAMGAR member, Tony Cox, drove his 1961 MGA MkII some 2,000 miles from Vancouver, BC, to see the MGA run at Bonneville.

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/11/2016 18:02

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CLUB HISTORY

The final chapter of the serialised 12 part enlarged and updated Club History – the last three Club General Managers bring the 86-year story up-to-date.

U

Into the Millennium

ntil 1997 the office administration of the Club had been carried out by a series of female administrators who handled the day-to-day running of the office and carried out specific work directed by the members of the Board.

The fact that most of them served the Club for many years (for example Lyn Jeffery 1990-1997) is an indication that the arrangement worked efficiently and smoothly. Jean Bryce served as Membership Secretary for over 20 years.

Rob Gammage (left) with Anglia Centre stalwart Roger Latham at the 1998 MGF Cup Test Day, Silverstone. Photo: Eric Metcalfe

24 SAFETY FAST! DECEMBER 2016

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In August 1997, however, the Board decided that the time had come for Kimber House to bring considerably more responsibilities ‘in house’. It was felt that this now required the appointment of a full-time Chief Executive, a position which was filled by Rob Gammage.

The office was soon to handle competitions, an improved membership department, Safety Fast! production, a new computerised accounting system, the appointment of an exhibition organiser and generally improved services to Centres, Branches and Registers. The new Chief Executive was given a fairly free hand to be proactive with new projects, at the same time keeping the Board and the Council upto-date with developments.

Inevitably, the increase in membership and Club activities meant that more office accommodation was soon required at Kimber House (formerly No 12 Cemetery Road). With its small cottage-style rooms, a lot

more space was needed for the new members of staff. The Board negotiated the purchase of the adjoining cottage No 11, which had been the residence of an elderly couple who had lived there for many years. A mutually amicable arrangement was agreed whereby the Club would arrange for them to be rehoused in a bungalow in Cornwall where they planned to retire.

The purchase of the bungalow by the Club was seen as a maturing asset and the financial arrangements were successfully completed.

Under the successive Chairmanship of Mike Hawke, Peter Best and Stephen Cox, the Club was set to enjoy a period of modernisation and consolidation. At Kimber House, competitions were now handled by Peter Browning, John Inness was appointed exhibition manager, and Ian Rendle (Safety Fast! production) handed over to Andy Knott.

The year 1997 produced a trading surplus with increased membership

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CLUB HISTORY

Rob Gammage with the 1998 MGCC Competition department

and the 100,000th member soon to join. In 1999 Classic Car magazine awarded MGCC Silverstone best club event of the year – the second time in three years. In 2000, the Club of the Year Award from Classic & Sports Car magazine celebrated the 75th anniversary, over 300 annual events in the UK and a growing membership worldwide. In 2001, after 16 years, Paddy Willmer retired as editor of Safety Fast! handing over to Peter Browning.

Celebrating anniversaries proved to be good promotion and an opportunity for special events. Safety Fast! in March 2003 recorded 75 years of the M Type, the 40th Anniversary of the T Register, 30 Years of the MGB V8, the 25th Anniversary of the V8 Register, 20 years of the Maestro and the 20th Regency Run (London to Brighton) which attracted over 700 cars. The

year 2003 also saw the formation of the new ZR/ZS/ZT Register.

The growing popularity of Track Days, where enthusiasts could bring their road cars to sample circuit driving, prompted the Club to set up its own MGs on Track operation. Originally inspired

by Dave Livingstone at the start of the 2004 season, the Club’s Track Days soon became regular events enjoyed by a growing number of members.

It was during 2004 that controversial plans were drawn up for the building of a modern purpose-built office to replace Kimber House. This ambitious project caused considerable controversy and was finally shelved on the basis that the cost would involve spending a huge chunk of the Club’s financial assets which were probably

unlikely to have been recovered by increased business.

Towards the end of 2005 the Board discussed a proposal that Safety Fast! should be downsized to include only Club news, while feature material would be incorporated into the longestablished magazine MG Enthusiast which would be mailed to members.

This was not generally popular; there were admin problems and the arrangement was soon terminated and Safety Fast! was reinstated in July 2007.

The Club’s financial position has always been reflected in the strength of membership, particularly new members, and this has always been linked to the availability of new MGs. The closure of MG Rover at Longbridge in 2005 was to see a serious drop in membership income as the production of MGs came to an end. By 2006 the Club’s finances were not strong and a serious reduction in activities like the racing programme had to be made.

The year 2007 was to see many staff changes. Treasurer Peter Buckles stood down and Andy Knott took over as Safety Fast! editor from Peter Browning who retired. Rob Gammage moved on, the Club appointing Richard Jones as the new General Manager.

Richard worked in the area of business development in motorsport and raced an MGF. Steve Carr joined the staff as

The first event held by the MG ZR/ ZS/ZT Register, Duxford 2004 MG Abingdon factory employees at the ground breaking for the John Thornley Suite www.mgcc.co.uk

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CLUB HISTORY

the new Competitions Secretary. John Day took over as Chairman from Peter Best. Richard Jones left after only one year to be replaced by Julian White as the new General Manager in January 2009.

The Chinese Connection Julian White Much to my delight, I was offered the role of General Manager of the MG Car Club and started with the Club in January 2009.

Whilst the Directors had tried their best to brief me beforehand, never in my wildest dreams had I envisaged the complexity of the position and the opportunities that would be presented to me over the course of the coming years.

A lot has changed at the Club in recent years. Most importantly, we pushed ahead with the John Thornley suite which opened in June 2010 funded entirely through membership. This is a fantastic purpose-built meeting room allowing us to hold talks, film shows and other Car Club events.

This heralded a new open-door policy, whereby we invited our members and other interested parties to visit Kimber House, primarily to view our growing archive collection but also feel the real spirit of MG that is Kimber House.

More recently, we got ourselves involved with a new ‘MG garden’

Julian White with Ms Emmy Lin 26 SAFETY FAST! DECEMBER 2016

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Julian welcomes Chinese journalists to Kimber House in the John Thornley suite

here in Abingdon, with the Car Club providing a timeline of MG’s history.

My appointment as GM coincided pretty much with the launch of the first new SAIC MG, the MG6, in China and at the point where SAIC (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation) were beginning to step up their MG presence around the world.

We had, I was told, already had a delegation of press members and senior figures from SAIC from China visiting Kimber House, shortly before I joined. Nobody was more surprised than me when a call came out of the blue inviting me out to Shanghai.

After sorting out the necessary visas, I was invited to go out to Shanghai departing on October 16 2010. This was to be the first of a

number of regular trips I was to make over the next few years.

I arrived in Shanghai in the company of Richard Monk, my opposite number with the MG Owners’ Club. At the time, neither Richard nor I had much idea why we were wanted. I had been told in advance that they would like me to make a short presentation to the press and senior figures from SAIC about the history of MG and the MG Car Club.

This was all to take place in a pavilion at the Shanghai Expo 2010, a huge world trade exhibition.

When the day arrived, I made my speech alongside the then British Consul for Shanghai. Despite my nerves all went well. Shortly after, Richard Monk and I were asked

MG China celebrate the 80th anniversary of MG in Shanghai www.mgcc.co.uk

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CLUB HISTORY

to attend a press conference with about 20 journalists. It soon became apparent that they were particularly interested in the MG Car Club and the history of MG. This made me think that I should seize the opportunity to more closely align ourselves with the brand’s current owners.

The following day I had a meeting with Ms Emmy Lin (MG and Rover Marketing Director) and her colleague Phil Feija. We discussed various ways we could be of benefit to one another going forward; not least, I explained my vision that they should get involved with our international event at Silverstone, MGLive!, helping to align ownership with MG Car Club membership.

In the months that followed, various communications went backwards and forwards between ourselves and MG China, out of which we honed a ‘heritage partnership’.

This would include an agreed scope of work, in exchange for some financial support from them. This was to fund an additional team member at Kimber House and ongoing support with MG Live!. Our consultancy role would in turn help them with translation of brochures and other bits of literature, as well as supporting new car launches and, as importantly, correcting any historical inaccuracies.

This relationship has evolved further over a period of time. Both members of the Kimber House team and I are invited out to China, generally at least once a year, to attend new car launches and strategic meetings concerning MG worldwide.

Back here in the UK, our relationship with MG UK continues to strengthen, with two cars currently available – the MG6 and smaller MG3 – and of course the Club supporting our newest register, the MG635 register.

At Kimber House, in more recent times, we have hosted a number of reunions for the Abingdon MG

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_Dec16_3-50.indd 27

workers, and more recently have held a presentation day for our members who have achieved 50 years’ membership of the Club.

We continue to forge close links with both local and national museums; indeed, as I write this, the Abingdon County Museum has a permanent MG display demonstrating the importance of MG to local commerce, and of course the families whose living was made within the factory.

Finally, I think it worth mentioning that we continue to work closely with a number of MG-related businesses, both locally and nationally, enjoying sponsorship and dedicated support from a number of them.

I was very sorry to have to stand down as General Manager in 2015 through ill health, but will always remember my time at Kimber House.

The future Adam Sloman Over its 86 years, the MG Car Club has seen many changes, from the creation of British Leyland, the closure of Abingdon and, perhaps the biggest change, MG’s move from British to Chinese ownership.

And, while those changes have been huge, the world around us has changed too. The rise of the internet

and social media sites means that the connection between people locally, nationally and globally has changed massively – where people might once have relied upon Safety Fast! dropping through their letterbox to be kept up-to-date with latest news from the Club, today that information is at their fingertips and is instantly available.

And, while it is fantastic to have such easy access to such information, it has created a plethora of alternatives to the MG Car Club, many of which are free of charge.

So, the challenge to the Club during this period is how to remain relevant to our existing members and how do we attract new ones?

The Club has been proactive in engaging in social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, as well as creating video content for the likes of YouTube and audio content via the Club’s fledgling Safety Fast! podcast.

In order to justify our existence as we move forward, the Club needs to be proactive in all areas – most notably in support of MG’s parent company, Shanghai Automotive Industrial Corporation, and with tangible support of each new MG model.

Since Julian’s efforts to establish a relationship with SAIC and assist in the creation of the MG Car Club China,

Adam Sloman, General Manager of the MGCC

DECEMBER 2016 SAFETY FAST! 27

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MG arrives in the Middle East

Kimber House has worked with SAIC tirelessly – supporting model launches across the globe, as well as attending events in China, South America and the Middle East.

The MG Car Club continues to enjoy a strong partnership with SAIC, serving as World Heritage Partner to the company, playing a vital role in protecting the heritage and history for the current generation and future generations.

And it is that sense of protection that led to the Club’s decision to begin a project to construct a new archive facility at Kimber House – a facility that eventually became known as the Bill Wallis Wing. Led by Dave Saunders, the Bill Wallis Wing’s design process began in 2015, with construction starting late that year. The plan was simple: to create an archive facility capable of protecting the Club’s enviable collection for many years to come, as well as adding further display and library space.

The extension was designed by member Maurice Standish, who worked together with Dave to identify an appropriate building fi rm.

Ultimately, Morris and Blunt were

Adam makes a presentation in Dubai

28 SAFETY FAST! DECEMBER 2016

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selected to carry out the project and building work began in October 2015, with the offi cial opening of the wing in May 2016 being presided over by June Wallis and daughter Louise.

The new archive room is equipped with state-of-the-art moving racking, capable of storing up to 23 tonnes of material. With an ever-growing collection, it is vital that the archive is as future-proof as possible. Upstairs, the two single offi ces have been remodelled to create a larger, double offi ce, while the room above the Club’s archive plays host to the Kimber House Library.

The project was completed on time and serves as a testament to the efforts of both Dave and Maurice, providing an outstanding facility to the Club that will be enjoyed by members for decades to come.

Drawing this most recent period of MG and MGCC history to a close is the announcement of the end of MG production at the Longbridge plant in Birmingham, bringing 92 years of MG history to a close – the future will see

all MGs built abroad for the fi rst time in the marque’s history. With MG now very much part of a truly global family, we cannot expect UK production to happen, though we all hoped that one day Longbridge might be producing cars in its 1000s once again.

Despite the changes in MG’s production, we can all take comfort that, as always, the MG Car Club will continue to endure and, with an incredible membership at its heart, long may this continue.

Acknowledgements This Club History series has been based on the late Mike Hawkes’ book The First Seventy Years, published in 2001. This was the fi rst complete history of the Club and was a truly major achievement by Mike. When the Club’s archive copy of the book was lost and the original production discs were found to be damaged, it was decided to feature an updated and enlarged version to run in Safety Fast! – this month brings the story up to date. Thanks are due to those who have contributed new material, to Andy Knott who has led the production team and Peter Neal who has helped gather together the new collection of photos.

Finally, a special thanks to those past members who regularly contributed Club news in the pages of the MG Magazine, The Sports Car and Safety Fast! who recorded the all-important early years of the Club.

Peter Browning (Editor)

June Wallis opens the Bill Wallis wing in 2016

www.mgcc.co.uk

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MGF STEPTRONIC WOES

A

by Colin Grant

couple of years ago I helped a friend of my wife’s, called Sally, to source a lovely low mileage MGF Steptronic.

She had always driven an auto and with her desire to own a sportscar the F Steptronic fi tted the bill perfectly.

After two years’ trouble free motoring she suddenly started to have issues with the Steptronic gearbox. It would intermittently display a fault light and rev as if not in drive. When the fault occurred she could make progress but only at about 15mph. She felt she did not want to bother me, particularly as my knowledge of the Steptronic gearbox was limited, so she took it to her local garage. Within ten minutes of checking the garage diagnosed that a replacement gearbox was required at a cost of around £1,600 plus labour!!

With her not having that sort of money to hand and the car’s worth being low, they suggested having it scrapped and offered her £300 for the car.

She was devastated, as

was concerned about the this was her only condition of the contacts means of transport. A in the switch as they were phone call to my wife in a poor condition. On got me involved and checking the rubber boot I decided to do some around the connector I research. I spoke to a found it was full of crud fellow member of the and loose fi tting and was Club who owns a TF obviously allowing water Stepspeed and he’d Switch part Number. to get onto the contacts. had the same problem.

I sealed this with sealant and This turned out to be the put it all back together. The car then inhibitor switch which, because of its ran like a dream with no issues at all. location on the gearbox, gets the full Result!! Cost to Sally £0. brunt of our adverse weather conditions.

The follow up to this story is that You can if you wish get to the switch a few months later the problem reand its electrical connection without occurred, and so I suggested to her that even jacking up the car, see photo. in view of the poor condition of the It’s a simple matter of removing the contacts in the switch we should replace connector to check its condition. The it with a new one. I contacted Simon one on Sally’s car was badly corroded at College Motors near Burford (tel: so I took some contact cleaner and got 01993 823560) who had one on the to work. After cleaning up the contacts shelf. Simon is an XPart dealer and in the connector as best I could I placed offers a wide range of parts and services copious amounts of Vaseline (this grease to MG owners. I had also decided to is conductive) around the contacts in the change the gearbox oil/fi lter/sump switch and the connector. I have to say I

Old and new gearbox switches

New switch in position

30 SAFETY FAST! DECEMBER 2016

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www.mgcc.co.uk

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Just another two litres of oil required to complete the service kit

gasket and bought this at the same time. The gearbox takes 4.5 litres of oil, although this may be less if you are not removing the gearbox sump to change the filter as some of the old oil may be retained. The Automatic Gearbox CVT oil I purchased is the correct XPart supplied item which is compatible with the recommended specification EZL799. This was not stated on the bottle; only having the number XPT002002OF printed on it, so I checked this with

WHAT IS AN INHIBITOR SWITCH? The inhibitor switch tells the ECU that the (auto) transmission is in park P or neutral N and safe to start the engine so it isn’t in gear. It is also known as the Park/Neutral Switch; it’s located on the transmission. When this item fails the automatic transmission controller cannot ‘see’ where the gear selector is positioned, causing improper shifting or no shifting once Drive is selected.

For more information refer the MGF Workshop manual.

Undoing the gearbox drain plug

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_Dec16_3-50.indd 31

Filling gearbox with the Syringe

PROCEDURE FOR CHANGING THE AUTOMATIC GEARBOX CVT OIL New sticker will show EZL-799

Ian Spencer of XPart who assured me it was compatible. He said they are now placing a label on the bottle stating this.

The switch was a breeze to fit but fitting the gearbox oil filter was not, as it’s very difficult to get to some of the bolts holding on the sump. Anyway after using some words I can’t print here the bolts were removed and the filter and oil changed. The difference in the operation of the gearbox was amazing and instead of spending over £1,600 plus labour on a replacement gearbox or having the car scrapped, the total cost for parts came to around £130. Even if we added on the cost of a garage carrying out this work its still much less than the cost of a replacement gearbox.

a. Jack up the car and place axle stands in position. Place a container under the gearbox to collect the waste oil from the gearbox. b. Remove the drain plug using a 5mm Allen key and discard the sealing washer as a new one will be required. c. After draining the fluid, clean the drain plug and using a new sealing washer replace the plug. d. If you are going to change the filter, now remove the sump and filter. Replace with new filter, clean all surfaces and using a new gasket replace the sump. e. Remove axle stands and lower the car. f. Using a funnel or syringe, see photo, fill the gearbox to the minimum mark on the dipstick. g. Replace dipstick and start the engine and run till normal operating temperature. h. Operate the gearbox through full range of selector positions three times to ensure fluid is in all parts of the system. i. With the car on horizontal ground and the selector lever in N (neutral) position and the engine running, check the oil level and add oil until the level lies between the minimum and maximum marks on the dipstick. j. Take the car for a test run and you should find the drive much smoother than before. k. Remember to dispose of the old oil/ filter etc. at your local Council refuse tip in the designated facilities.

(Please note:-The above instructions were taken from the official MG Rover Workshop Manual)

DECEMBER 2016 SAFETY FAST! 31

23/11/2016 18:03

MEL JONES, UNIVERSITY MOTORS AND MG Part II By Edward Vandyk

I

Mel in an MGA 1600 – Registration 13 AGT

n last month’s Safety Fast! I described how Mel Jones joined University Motors (UM), colloquially known as UM, and how he acquired and raced his first MGs. Mel’s story continues.

Mel was involved with MGCC initially for a short time as the secretary of the then soon-to-be-defunct Quindecimal Register, which catered for any model over 15 years old which did not have register of its own. Readers may recall then MGCC policy was no model could form a register unless it was at least fifteen years mature.

Mel was a co-founder of the Triple M register along with Mike Allison, Mike Harris, Irving Bramson and Mike Hawke, Mel’s navigator. Mel became Technical Adviser to the Register.

Meetings of the Register were held at the Sports Car Club, just off Baker Street.

Mel’s J4 replica project was taking shape (you will recall he was converting

32 SAFETY FAST! DECEMBER 2016

MG_SafetyFast_Dec16_3-50.indd 32

his J2 to a J4). Thanks to Mike Hawke, Mel had found a genuine J4 radiator from car Number four which had a large clip-over filler. He then acquired a 12 gallon fuel tank with a similar filler.

Mel found the ‘Centric’ supercharger in a London taxi garage complete with manifolds. Various engine castings and the high ratio Bishop Cam steering box

with the divided track rod came from Toulmin’s garage at Hounslow.

Mel and Mike had befriended Geoff Coles who raced a special lightweight aerodynamic J4 at BARC’s Goodwood meetings. Mike and Mel learnt the key lesson from Geoff that saving weight was as good as adding power. Geoff had added ‘Alfin’ aluminium brake drums to his car and paid a lot of attention to brake cooling. When Geoff learnt that Mel had not completed the supercharger installation, he showed Mel the four Amal carburettors he had competed with before fitting a supercharger. Mel, thinking this would bridge the gap, bought them.

Mel had already modified the standard J4 racing engine by boring it out from 750cc and, by using the long stroke Laystall crank developed for the J2, increased the capacity to 939cc.

Tuning the four Amal carburettors was a tricky affair and the end result unsatisfactory as, whilst suitable for 750cc, they did not supply enough air charge for the larger capacity.

Mel not only raced with BARC at

Oulton Park, Seaman Trophy meeting

www.mgcc.co.uk

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Chas with the J2/J4

Goodwood, under Appendix ‘J’ Sports car rules, but joined VSCC with a view to adding Oulton Park to Goodwood, Silverstone and Brands as venues. Tim Carson, the VSCC secretary, encouraged Mel to get some success with pre-war MGs, as in VSCC circles the cars had become known as ‘butterflies’ – very fast for short periods but soon expired!

Mel resolved that his car would rectify this slight against MG by not only being fast but also reliable, good-looking and finished to a high standard.

However, at about this time the J4 was at last finished. The crankshaft and rods were polished and balanced and a lightweight flywheel and clutch fitted. Pistons were matched for weight. The doorless body with bucket seats, no floor boards and a full-length under tray saved a lot of weight. The brake back plates and drums were drilled out, saving unsprung weight, and the back plates were fitted with air scoops to assist cooling. Adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers were fitted to the rear, well out of sight of prying eyes, and the front shock absorbers brought up to J4 specification by being double plated. The car had a dummy dynamo and a small battery charged for each race ran the ignition and twin fuel pumps.

Mel’s J4 was very light and even had 39 holes drilled in the throttle pedal, and a lesser number in the brake pedal! The supercharger had its own lubrication supply and gave about 12lbs boost. The compression ratio was 9:1 and the car had sodium-filled exhaust valves and even lighter rockers, something that was said could not be done.

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_Dec16_3-50.indd 33

Mel was delighted with the end product which may not have been entirely to the purists liking. The car was competitive and reliable against both contemporary cars such as Lagonda, Bentley, Frazer Nash, Aston Martin and Bugatti, but was also able to keep up with more modern cars.

Mel had memorable races in the J4, including a VSCC race at Silverstone in a 10-lap handicap where he was sideby-side with a 3.8 Litre Bugatti when a Grand Prix Connaught stalled and blocked the apex at Madgewick. As Mel tells it, the entire grandstand rose to their feet as they thought they could see an impending high-speed crash. At full racing speed somehow the J4 and the Bugatti both squeezed through the gap with inches to spare.

In 1964 Mel tried to enter the VSCC Seaman Trophy race but because the J4 had no prewar racing history the entry was declined, giving Mel a drive in a 10lap scratch race as consolation. In the race Mel diced with the three-litre Bentley which had won the Seaman Trophy in the preceding race, much faster on the straights and much more cumbersome in the corners. Mel came out ahead! After the race, Mel approached the Bentley team in the pits to say how much he had enjoyed the race, closing by saying: “Nice three-litre”. After some feet-shuffling, the response came back: actually it is a four-and-a-half-litre in a three-litre chassis. Mel made a hasty retreat, leaving them wondering how they had been beaten by a 939cc car.

Mel had various other incidents in the J4, but perhaps one of the most telling was when he lost his rev counter

on the grid at Goodwood and, having had a quick look under the bonnet – not something to do when the two-minute siren had gone – decided to carry on using the supercharger boost as the indicator of when to change gear. Mel won the race, the car sounded great and the car went like a rocket. Back in the pits Mel’s mechanic, Chas, an ex-RAF mechanic whom Mel rewarded with beer, asked Mel what he was doing under the bonnet on the grid. Mel explained and said he had taken the maximum boost point of 14lbs as the change-up point. Chas responded with a wry grin: “It’s 12lbs”.

The J2/J4 racing story lasted from 1958 to 1964 and ended when, at a VSCC meeting at Oulton Park, the flywheel had nearly parted company with the crankshaft leaving the whole assembly, including the clutch, hanging on the gearbox input shaft. The rear main bearing flange had failed.

The J2/J4 had competed in some 30 events with MGCC, VSCC, BARC, British Racing and Sports Car Club, Jaguar Drivers’ Club and the Aston Martin Owners Club. Mel had won the ‘Member of the Year’ award from MGCC presented for coming consistently last, as well as the Tatler Cup for the fastest lap at the Silverstone meeting in 1963, which was presented to Mel at the MGCC SE Centre dinner at the Kensington Palace Hotel by Mrs Thornley. Mel recalls

Mrs Thornley and Mel

DECEMBER 2016 SAFETY FAST! 33

23/11/2016 18:03

that at an earlier MGCC prize giving Captain George Easton, holder of several international speed records in MGs before the war, handed out the trophies, including one to Mel At about the time the J2/J4 was finished, Mel also acquired an MG R Type, a pre-war single seater racing car, along with a pre-war Morris furniture van as transporter, from Robert MacArthur, who happened to be Mike Allison’s insurance agent, and whose family ran a car hire business in Kingston. The furniture van was replaced by, a reputedly ex-Sterling Moss Bedford Duplex Coach conversion, after the furniture van’s brakes failed on a downhill road into Crediton.

The R Type, chassis number RA0256, once owned and raced by Malcolm Campbell, was stripped down for a rebuild when Mel was contacted by Mike Ellman-Brown, the owner of the last Twin Cam built, asking if he would like to swap the R Type for a six cylinder K3 single seater racer.

Mel leapt at the chance because he had become aware of the fundamental flaw in the R Type’s independent suspension. The wishbones were of equal length which meant that when cornering the car leant out in an alarming manner. The R Type was the last of the MG racing cars, but lacked development because Lord Nuffield had cut MG’s budget in 1936, forcing the closure of the Competitions Department.

The exchange went ahead and the K3 was duly collected in the Bedford transporter. The K3 was originally a twoseater the same as driven by Nuvolari in the Ulster Tourist Trophy in 1933 when he beat ‘Hammy’ Hamilton’s J4 into second place. It was converted to a single-seater and driven with great success by J H T Smith of Parade Motors, Mitcham – one of Mel’s University Motor dealers. The K3 was a supercharged 1100cc car.

When Mel had left Richardsons and gone to UM, he had found garage space with Bob Hudson on the river Ash estate at Shepperton and subsequently Bob,

34 SAFETY FAST! DECEMBER 2016

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Mel and his prizes

MGB in rally trim

Mel and a UM salesman, David Berridge, formed TeaM G Racing Association, primarily to get sponsorship and financial backing because racing as private owners was becoming quite expensive.

TeaM G could thus field Mel’s J4 replica, his K3, Bob’s C Type Montlhery Midget and David’s 1935 NE Magnette, a single-seater non-supercharged 1100cc racing car. Quite an MG collection!

Mel enjoyed a number of successes in the rally world with Mike Hawke having progressed from the J2 to UM’s MGA Twin Cams demonstrators which proved very competitive. Twin Cam sales had, however, dropped off due to the welldocumented engine problems. Mel’s take on these problems is of interest in that he attributes the lack of problems with the UM demonstrators to careful running-in and the problems themselves to the dual personality of the cars.

Girlfriends required soft plugs to prevent oiling up on West End shopping

expeditions; the owners meanwhile had the benefit of the newly opened and then de-restricted M1.

So a car on soft plugs that had been posing in the Kings Road all week suddenly found itself belting up the motorway at 120mph at the weekend.

Mel’s take on the resultant engine failures was that the centre electrodes of the soft plugs could not stand the heat, burnt out and in so doing burnt a hole in the piston top. Mel ran his demonstrators on hard plugs.

When the Twin Cam engine problems arose, Mel reports a conversation he had with Syd Enever in which Syd explained that had MG been allowed by Nuffield to build their own engine from the crank up with a better bore/stroke ratio, instead of having to use the MGA block, it would have been a different story. Interestingly, successful Twin Cam racing engines which seem to be standing the test of time in

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/11/2016 18:03

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_Dec16_3-50.indd 35

DECEMBER 2016 SAFETY FAST! 35

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J2/J4 at speed

competition have now been developed with longer rods, shorter pistons and a higher gudgeon pin location.

Mike Hawke joined the Navy, so Mel needed a new navigator and Dick Veevers filled the slot. It was with Dick that Mel competed in the MGB. The car Mel used was an early B, Mel thinks the third, home market car in Old English White with special multispoke wire wheels fitted with Dunlop Durabands and overdrive. Mel fitted rally seat belts, larger carburettors and had the centre silencer removed to give better ground clearance.

Twin Lucas Flame Thrower lights were mounted inside the radiator grille and a Raydot spot light fitted on the driver’s side windscreen. Mel designed a new removable centre console to take the Halda Speed Pilot, a clock, map-reading light and a repositioned overdrive switch, with warning light, which could be operated without taking his hands off the gear lever.

The car carried Mel’s 4 UML number plate. The car had considerable success and Mel believes it helped promote the MGB’s image, which had disappointed some after the more streamlined MGA. Mel’s competitive instinct was now fully satiated with the J4 in the summer and the MGB in the winter.

Mel has a number of rallying stories, including an excursion into a ploughed field in Buckinghamshire when the near side rear shock absorber became detached from the spring, causing a straight-on under steer on a high-speed, left-hand bend.

However, things were changing at UM. The Piccadilly showroom had closed, leaving just the BMC Export division just opposite the Ritz. Mel was

36 SAFETY FAST! DECEMBER 2016

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moved to Southgate in North London.

Freddie Green had retired and Mel had been made up to Wholesale Manager.

Stanley Kemball, who had become Mel’s mentor, had also retired. Mel started commuting from Walton-onThames, where he and his new wife, Lyn, had bought a maisonette, to Southgate, albeit in a UM car.

At Southgate Mel acquired a new secretary, Barbara Forth, who lived at Potters Bar with her husband.

Barbara soon came to deal with Mel by writing his letters, having asked him what he wanted to say, rather than by taking dictation. Mel continued doing demonstration which he found preferable to letter-writing!

Mel eventually tackled Ian Tarby about the location and the journey which could take up to three hours in rush hour traffic. Ian’s solution was that Mel should move, something Mel found unacceptable and reinforced Mel’s view of Ian’s somewhat dictatorial ex-army attitude.

Mel’s rally console

Mel was then approached by an ex-Abingdon man who had recently joined Aston Martin and was being promoted to the US. Mel was asked if he wanted the soon-to-be-vacated role at Aston Martin, which included driving the James Bond DB4 to cinemas in the UK in support of the film. The title was Home Sales Manager and was to be based at the new factory at Newport Pagnell.

Mel weighed up the opportunity against his current motor sport success, which he felt was only now waiting for sponsorship, and the downside of eating, sleeping and talking Aston Martins 360 or more days a year. Mel turned down the job.

When Mel told Barbara he had turned down the job of Aston Martin’s Home Sales Manager, he asked her if she thought he was mad, to which she responded “yes”!

Replacement BRG MGB

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DECEMBER 2016 SAFETY FAST! 37

PLEASE NOTE: ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

23/11/2016 18:03

Had Mel known that the J4 was going to fail and that Ian would become even more dictatorial, he says his decision may well have been different.

Ian did however relent on the location front and moved Mel to the UM Commercial branch at Boston Manor where UM had built a new open-plan showroom with a glass office for Ian and his secretary, his wife.

This was the time of the introduction of the MGB GT and MG 1100 and the work load was increasing, but luckily Barbara had moved with Mel even though this now gave her a difficult commute.

Mel had three phones, Barbara had one, and with Ian next door and no PBX to put calls on hold, things got very fraught. Mel acquired a rep, George Ley, who had been a District Commissioner in Kenya, and also now had Mike Reynolds working for him doing the demonstrations. All this left Mel desk- and phone-bound whilst George went out on visits to dealers.

Ian Tarby meantime wanted Mel to give up racing and was becoming more and more challenging without the presence of a Sales Director to keep him in check.

Something had to give but, having progressed to National Events, first came the Welsh Rally which Mel entered under the UM banner in the MGB. Mel’s luck was about to run out!

It was after midnight in the Brecon Beacons and not knowing which way to go at a T junction Mel stopped on the grass triangle which led either way.

Behind him was a humpback bridge which he had just crossed and the next car over, a Mini, was somewhat over-enthusiastic and ended up in the boot of the MGB! Mel extricated the Mini from the boot and did his back in as part of the process but carried on regardless. As if that were not enough, in pressing on to make up time Mel was baulked by an Austin Healey Sprite who would not move over. So on the next long straight, with headlights

38 SAFETY FAST! DECEMBER 2016

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blazing and indicators going, Mel tried to force his way past. As he came level with the rear wheel, the Sprite simply turned right into him. That was the rally over for both of them.

Nevertheless, Mel limped the MGB back home with his back killing him and parked it next to the showroom.

It looked decidedly sorry for itself and about a foot shorter. Ian was not impressed!

Two weeks of lying on the floor, and two manipulated slipped discs later, Mel was back at work and looking forward to the replacement British Racing Green MGB. Having taken a boating holiday in Salcombe to try to help his back, Mel and Lyn came to the conclusion that the commuting life was not for them, and a life afloat establishing a charter business in the Mediterranean seemed an alluring prospect. However, before the holiday ended Mel and Lyn bumped into Wilson McComb, editor of Safety Fast!, of all people, in a bar in the town, he having driven one of the Works Rally MGBs there. A memorable hairy ride around Salcombe ensued.

Work continued to be increasingly stressful, and the final break with UM happened when Ian Tarby instructed Mel to terminate an established dealer in Wanstead’s contract and appoint

an alternative. Mel recalls that the dealer in question had continuously performed well and his sales figures continued to improve. The alternative dealer was someone who had been supplying cars with some success but who had no service facilities. Indeed, the established dealer carried out all the warranty and servicing work for the proposed alternative. Mel was also aware that the proposed alternative dealer had spent time and effort getting close to Ian over a number of lunches.

Mel proposed that if Ian wanted to promote the alternative dealer then it would be more acceptable to all concerned if Ian terminated the current dealer himself. That suggestion was not well-received and the end result was that it was agreed that Mel would leave UM after a hand-over period.

Mel still wonders if he had been set up. Mel’s replacement as manager was George Ley, assisted by Mike Reynolds, both of whom Mel introduced to the factory before leaving.

Mel’s time with his own MGs and with UM was over and Mel and Lyn were off to sea, but what an MG legacy he has left behind and I hope this article gives some insight into his exploits. I am hopeful Mel will write the book!

Fue

Mod appl to b *Co CF1

MG

M

A new life! – Ex-Steam Yacht ‘Volage’ www.mgcc.co.uk

23/11/2016 18:03

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Y T YPE NEWSLET TER Jerry Birkbeck Tel: 01926 258691 Mob: 07855 566325 jerrybirkbeck@btinternet.com • www.mgccyregister.co.uk

WELCOME TO THE Y TYPE NEWSLETTER It always seems strange writing the Christmas Issue of the Newsletter in November! Though if you were recording a Christmas Special for the telly in midsummer then my concerns are minimal. Nonetheless, let me wish all Y Type owners a very Happy Christmas and New Year from the Register!

This month we have fi ve topics of interest for you. First, an introduction to the MG Y Type Round Britain Relay to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Birth of the Y. Second, an article

by YT owner Anton Piller on Improving an Aftermarket Rear Crank Seal Kit. An update on YA Saloon XMY 55 which was referred to in the Summer Newsletter. Then a recollection of two signifi cant Y owners who died earlier this year. Finally, a list of events to celebrate the MG Y Type’s 70th Birthday.

MG Y TYPE ROUND BRITAIN RELAY Over the last couple of years, we have been considering different ways in which the 70th Anniversary of the Y Type might be celebrated. Julian Bosworth wrote initially to me about his idea for a Y Tour of Britain. Such events are not that unusual; however Julian’s idea was perhaps a little wacky – not just a tour but more than that, a relay!

We invited Julian to a committee meeting to elaborate further on his idea.

The concept was accepted and Peter Vielvoye outlines it in more detail.

Y Type Round Britain Relay The Y Register Spring Run is our annual premier event and attracts between 20

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_Dec16_3-50.indd 41

and 30 cars each year. We have found that entries are maximised when it is held in the Cotswolds area, but this of course excludes many cars that fi nd the distance from home just too far. So when one of our members, Julian Bosworth, came up with the idea of a Round Britain Relay for Ys, it offered a solution that would give all Y owners a chance to participate in a Y national event. We asked Julian to put some meat on the bone and he came up with a detailed plan which he describes as follows: “The route around Britain comprises 37 stages. Each owner should choose one (or more) to complete. Each stage is approximately 50 miles but in some areas of the country they are longer. The longest being 66 miles.

The proposed start is at the Lakeside Shopping Centre, east of

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R

Clockwise Lakeside to Hastings Hastings to Littlehampton Littlehampton to Southampton Southampton to Yeovil Yeovil to Exeter Exeter to Plymouth Plymouth to Bude Bude to Barnstaple Barnstaple to Taunton Taunton to Bristol Bristol to Gloucester Gloucester to Caerphilly Caerphilly to Ammanford Ammanford to Llandrindod Wells Llandrindod Wells to Oswestry Oswestry to Kidderminster Kidderminster to Warwick Warwick to Abingdon

London, just north of the Dartford Crossing. The fi nish is at Kimber House, the home of the MGCC, in Abingdon. The total distance is 1,834 miles. To make the challenge more manageable, it is proposed to start two cars from Lakeside, one in a clockwise and the other in an anti-clockwise direction. The route avoids motorways and the checkpoints are located at Tesco, Sainsbury’s or Morrisons store car parks. Wherever possible the stores provide petrol, café and toilets, but there are a few locations where some of these services are not available.

Choose the stage, from those listed below, that you wish to undertake.

Once all stages are allocated we will advise you who your handover partners are and it will be up to you to arrange mutually convenient times and dates to meet at the designated location in

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

Anticlockwise Lakeside to Chelmsford Chelmsford to Bury St Edmunds Bury St Edmunds to Kings Lynn Kings Lynn to Stamford Stamford to Gainsborough Gainsborough to York York to Darlington Darlington to Cramlington Cramlington to Berwick-upon-Tweed Berwick-upon-Tweed to Edinburgh Edinburgh to Wishaw Wishaw to Dumfries Dumfries to Penrith Penrith to Morecambe Morecambe to Leigh Leigh to Sheffi eld Sheffi eld to Nottingham Nottingham to Rugby Rugby to Abingdon

DECEMBER 2016 SAFETY FAST! 41

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Y T YPE NEWSLET TER 70th Anniversary MG Y Type Summer 2017 ROUND BRITAIN RELAY

order to pass on the baton.”

We decided to go with Julian’s plan and back at the beginning of October launched his idea of running a Round Britain Relay in 2017 as part of our celebration of 70 years since the first Y Type rolled off the production line at Abingdon. By the end of the month we had entries from 38 Y owners willing to cover 28 of the 37 legs.

For a small Register with very limited numbers of cars on the road this was a great start. Some owners were willing to cover more than one leg and for some legs we had multiple entries.

As can be seen from the map, we still have nine legs highlighted to cover, so if you live in these areas, or indeed any of the others and think your Y can make the journey, please contact Maggie Grafham who is coordinating the entries. yrelay2017@gmail.com phone 07582 691575. If we can attract multiple entries for all legs, we could ensure a great event with convoys of Ys driving all round Britain. Once we have all the legs covered we will be able to decide on a starting date and run a virtual relay to establish times and dates.

11  Edinburgh  Berwick on Tweed  Wishaw 10 9

12



 Dumfries 13

Cramlington

 Penrith

 Darlington

14

7

 Morcambe

 York

15

6 16

 Sheffield Gainsborough

 Leigh

17

5

 Nottingham

 Oswestry O

2

8

P

 Stamford Kings Lynn 4

18

 Rugby

3

Kidderminster

 Q  Llandrindod Wells  Warwick R

N

 Bury St Edmonds

19

2

 Chelmsford  Gloucester 1  Ammanford L K  Abingdon Dartford  Bristol FINISH M   Caerphilly START J

A I

C  Barnstaple Taunton D  Southampton B  Hastings E  Sherborne  Bude  Littlehampton Exeter  F G H

Exete

 Plymouth  Exeter

r Legs highlighted in yellow are still vacant

IMPROVING AN AFTERMARKET REAR CRANK SEAL KIT It must have been about 20 years back when I first saw an ad and read an article about these kits. Since I liked the idea and appreciated the engineering skill behind it, I bought two of the kits – one for my TD and one for my long-term project, YT 4220.

Both kits were fitted and what struck me at the time was how close the lip of the oil seal was to the edge of the crankshaft’s shoulder and that it was not spring-loaded.

My expectations were running high and the TD was up and running soon, while the YT engine is still waiting to be fired up for the first time. Well, my high expectations were not really met and the engine still ‘lost’ oil at the bottom hole of the bell housing (something that prevents the car from passing the very strict governmentcontrolled Swiss MOT).

By coincidence, I realised that the big spares suppliers nowadays include a round white plastic box with those kits. On enquiring, I found out that the box contains a so-called speedy sleeve that extends the crankshaft’s shoulder.

Apparently, the kit’s manufacturer had found out, over time, that the seal’s lip runs too close to the crank’s edge and in some cases cannot function properly (dependant on how big the shoulder of the chamfer is).

42 SAFETY FAST! DECEMBER 2016

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I decided to take the engine out of the YT, fit such a speedy sleeve and have the crank and flywheel balanced at the same time. Because of limited space in my garage, I asked the owner of my engineering shop if I could strip the engine at his shop, which he agreed to. The man is very knowledgeable and did his own Group two, Sport 2000 and racing Mini Cooper engines. When he saw the ‘in situ’ rear crank seal kit, he nearly had a fit and told me that the kit could not function properly. Here is his reason why: 1. The seal’s lip being too close to the crank’s chamfered edge (which of course will be overcome by fitting a speedy sleeve).

2. The lack of a spring within the sealing lip that would prevent the engine’s internal pressure from blowing out oil past the lip.

3. The nondescript type of seal that looks as if designed for slowmoving shafts of a machine, but not for use in high-revving engines.

The correct seals for car engines are of the Viton (FPM) type. These FPM seals withstand temperatures of up to 220° Celsius, whereas standard oil seals only withstand 100°C, which is the boiling point of water. In addition, FPM seals withstand a circumferential speed of up to 40 metres/second versus the 14m/s of ‘normal’ Nitril (NBR) seals.

Since I could not find out what type oil seal is used with the aftermarket kits, I decided to make sure and use a FPM-type seal together with a speedy sleeve, to hopefully get the results I expected in the first place. Here is what I bought:

Crankshaft and flywheel removed and con rods secured by piece of round wood

To the left, the kit’s seal that lacks a spring-loaded lip.

To the right, the FPM seal with its spring-loaded lip.

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Y T YPE NEWSLET TER

YA SALOON XMY 55 Alan Davis provided us with information about his ownership of XMY 55 during the 1970s. He contacted me recently with not only a photograph of himself and the family at Hausach in 1979, but also of the same car participating in an MG South Western Run in 2016. I apologise for not confirming the present owner. All parties look in good fettle, despite the 37-year time gap!

Two millimetres had to be taken off the raised section in the centre of the flywheel in order to allow for the 2mm wider oil seal

- SKF Speedy Sleeve 95mm, order number CR 99369 - Oil Seal 95-120-12, order number CR 99369 Because the newly acquired seal is two millimetres wider than the kit’s seal, two millimetres were skimmed off the flywheel’s raised front section and the seal was glued into the aluminium clampingring of the kit with black silicon sealant.

In theory, I have done everything right to keep my racing engineer happy and I look forward to testing the upgrade sometime early next year.

Keep your fingers crossed…

Anton Piller, Switzerland

EVENTS TO CELEBRATE THE MG Y TYPE’S 70TH BIRTHDAY 2017 May Annual Spring Weekend Organiser: Chris Callaghan June MG Live! at Silverstone Organiser: MG Car Club June/July Y Type Round Britain Relay Organiser: MGCC Y Register Committee September Isle of Wight Autumn Break Organiser: Peter Sharp

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Alan Davis and family at Hausach in 1979

Alan competing in a run in 2016

TWO SIGNIFICANT Y OWNERS 2016 saw the deaths of two wellloved Y Type owners, each of whom contributed something very special to the Y Type scene.

JACK MURRAY Jack Murray was `Mr Y’ for 25 years from 1991, when he became Registrar until his passing in May 2016. His artistic ability is wellknown, although a number of us Christmas cards designed by Jack Murray who were honoured to be close friends received very special Christmas cards depicting their Y Types in seasonal garb. One such individual is Malcolm Hardy and he kindly forwarded his selection of Christmases with Y as perceived by Jack. These are shown in the Newsletter.

It was very typical of Jack to spend time in creating these wonderful and unique images. Moreover, it reminds one of just what a kind and thoughtful man he was – thank you, Jack. We will all be thinking of Mollie and their daughters Charlotte and Rebecca and the wider family at this difficult time for them all.

ALAN CHICK Alan died in April this year. He had owned his YB since 1959 and it was his everyday car for many years. He eventually bought a more modern vehicle for daily use but kept the YB. He retired around 1983 and had the car restored in 1997. He was a great supporter of the Y Register and attended every Spring Run from the inception in 1997, and most Y Tours in France, Belgium and the UK. We all feel his loss and no-one more so than his long-term friend Mary Jackson. Our thoughts go out to her and to his nephew Alan who was `willed’ the car by his uncle. Alan Jnr continues the good work by using the YB and maintaining it to a high standard.

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TWIN CAM NEWSLET TER Colin Manley manley.colin@talk21.com

WELCOME TO THE TWIN CAM NEWSLETTER Welcome to the sixth Newsletter of the Twin Cam Group. Hopefully you had some fun in your Twin Cam this year.

The April newsletter item ‘The Inception of the Twin Cam Group’ triggered some comments. Many people did not realise that the Twin Cam Group was formed some fourand-a-half years before the MGA Register, or that it exists as a ‘Register’ in its own right.

I have to warn of continued alertness in regard to scam sales of MGAs. Howard Skelton was good enough to get in touch regarding a

scam sale on eBay. It was a familiar story: seller located at one place, the car somewhere else. When pushed for information by Howard on the address of the car, the scammer replied: “Never reply to an email that asks for personal information” and the ad was withdrawn, followed by silence.

Someone else also asked if we knew any history of another MGA for sale that was apparently too cheap to be true. I am reminded of the saying “If it walks like a duck, sounds like a duck and looks like a duck…”. Be warned; do not part with any money without

seeing the car and satisfying yourself that the sale is genuine. Similarly, we suggest a degree of objectivity when considering the potential purchase of what may be termed a “notable car” of some form; we have seen sellers talk up the rarity and uniqueness etc, but in some cases the car can be a bit of a dog’s breakfast with a host of differences that will certainly make the upkeep of the car a problem, as some parts will not be available from the normal supply market and other back-up or support will be non-existent.

TAPPET CHATTER …

A topic was discussed on the Yahoo Twin Cam email group earlier in the year and is worth covering here for those not a member of that group.

It is always important to closely check the condition of an engine’s tappets (cam followers) on a regular basis. Worn tappets or sleeves can cause a rattling noise. Tappets should be examined for cracks.

It is recommended that at longterm intervals they be subjected to professional crack detection methods.

Also, wear to the tappet running surfaces causes premature wear to the expensive camshafts.

It is important to use the latest type tappets produced by the factory, if they can be sourced anywhere.

Due to problems with tappet breakage, the factory made two changes. The original tappets were 1.25 inches long (P/No. AEH401). It was mistakenly believed that they were tilting and jamming in their bores and they were lengthened to 1.5 inches long (P/No. AEH651). The tappet bores

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were also sleeved with cast iron. This was despite many other overhead camshaft engines having no problems with short tappets (The Jaguar XK engine had tappets only 1.00 inch long). The BMC theory of jamming

was not correct; it was always the metal composition. Even the tappet bore sleeves did not reduce purported jamming (which was not happening anyway). However, the sleeves were a good idea to prevent wear.

The 1.5-inch tappets were stronger and reduced the incidence of breakages but did not solve the problem. Late in production it was discovered that the metal used was unsatisfactory and a small amount of molybdenum was added to the metal (see the factory MGA Twin Cam Technical Data Book). This third tappet was 1.5 inches long and had a 45-degree chamfer on the top edge (P/No. AEH677).

The chamfer was only to enable mechanics to determine if the engine had the latest tappets without removing the camshafts. Even if the tappets were removed, you would not be able to tell the difference between the Type 2 and Type 3 if the chamfer was not used to identify them. The change points for the tappets were:

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Type 2 at Engine Number 1087 and Type 3 at Engine Number 2211.

There was a thought that the tappets with chamfered edges caught the oil better, so that the movement of the tappet in the bores was better lubricated. This may be an indirect benefit, but the cam followers do not need the top edge chamfer for lubrication; the oil thrown around from

the camshaft bearings is more than enough. All dealer spare parts stocks were replaced and many cars had the change carried out, as well as cars in late production.

Regarding alternate manufacturers’ parts, the tappet length can vary but the critical measurements are the diameter and the thickness of the metal between the top and the

underside of the tappet (if too great or too little you may have trouble getting the valve clearance). Jaguar XK tappets cannot be used because the boss on the underside has too large a diameter, much greater than the MGA shim and would press down on the valve spring retainer. Just because a tappet has the same dimensions does not ensure that it is satisfactory for MGA Twin Cam use; there are too many other engineering factors that come into play. In any situation when considering alternate parts, it is a case of “Caveat Emptor” – Buyer Beware.

APRIL: MG ERA – BROOKLANDS Yet again the weather fared well for those of us who took advantage of an improving weather forecast as the day got nearer.

Unlike last year, where we had pride of place in front of the Clubhouse to mark the 60th Anniversary of the MGA, this year we were in a different place, but still drew our own little gatherings around the variety of our cars.

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MAY: 50TH ANNIVERSARY LUNCH We held our 50th Anniversary Luncheon in May, the first since the 10th Anniversary took place way back in 1976.

With the sun shining, we had a fantastic gathering at the Half Moon in Windlesham, with 17 Twin Cams and 47 diners attending, some of whom were very early members and Chairmen of the Register. Our members made a real effort to travel to this event, with people coming from as far as Edinburgh and the South West, and even two members visiting from Australia joining us for lunch.

The Half Moon did a fantastic job of looking after us and as well as the event being featured in a local newspaper, quite a few locals were asking about “that group of lovely cars” for some time afterwards.

We were given pride of place parking at the Half Moon, Windlesham. Mark Hester, our Chairman, opened proceedings, whilst

Mike Ellman-Brown, a key player in establishing the Twin Cam Group originally, gave an enlightening speech, including a highly humorous tale of his escape from the force of the law after slightly exceeding the speed limit, j ust once!

It was very pleasing to gather so many Twin Cams, their owners, and so many founding members together at one event. We hope to organise another meeting at this venue at some time in the not-too-distant future.

The host at the Half Moon is very accommodating, and for those who are local, or indeed for those who don’t mind a Sunday drive, I have started a monthly ‘Fourth Sunday of the Month’ Classic Car meet at the Half Moon, Windlesham; from 08.30-11.30 with coffee, bacon and sausage baps available from 09.30.

You are welcome to stop on for lunch if you wish. The location is Church Rd, Windlesham, GU20 6BN.

AUGUST: STOCKCROSS The 21st August saw us again join up with the Rare Breeds Tour that takes place before the afternoon Car Show and music event. At one time I counted, I think, seven Twin Cams. Also in the tour were a variety of Classics, whilst the show itself also played host to a few Magnettes, Y Types and other MG models. A talkingpoint was Graham Smith’s TF powered by a Twin Cam engine which also appears

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TWIN CAM NEWSLET TER

to be Barwell modified (see Safety Fast! Newsletter April 2016) as it has larger valves.See here https://youtu.be/ NdYFN3IH0rI for a short video of a ‘walk round’ of the tour cars.

We also held our AGM at the event.

Frank Burry has resigned after many years in a variety of roles, and his help and support was much appreciated over that time. Whilst we have the

Chairman, Treasurer, Registrar, Scribe and Technical Roles filled, we would be happy to hear from any member who would be happy to take on the Secretary and Merchandise role/ This only requires booking three meetings a year and writing the minutes up.

Two of these meetings are in a pub in Denham, so it can’t be that bad. If you are interested, please get in touch.

EARLY TWIN CAM ADVERTISING

Our last item in this newsletter is courtesy of Dick Gough, who has dug out a sample of ads from Autocar of July 18 1958, all advertising a connection with MGA Twin Cams.

Dick rebuilt the Twin Cam Coupe (pictured above) when it had 53,000 miles on the clock, having been taken off the road in 1999. He was lucky and found little corrosion and managed to refurbish and repaint most parts, for example, the petrol tank straps and the original number plates complete with the Ace decals on the top right corner (Ace produced number plates, wheel trims, etc).

Whilst the following adverts appeared in the July 1958 edition of Autocar, with the third advert, for Smiths instruments, we can bring the story of PMO 326 bang up to date.

Above right we have

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Dunlop extolling the virtues of their Centre Locking Disc Wheels, Disc Brakes and Dunlopillo seating, whilst below we have a variety of different MG parts suppliers.

For this third advert, Pam McCarthy brings us up to date: “PMO 326 is very unique as I am sure most of you TC lovers will appreciate. This was the first car off the production line on May 24 1958.

The car appeared in Autocar and was road tested on July 18 1958 and was pictured in numerous magazines at the time and during the 1960s. Wilson McComb used it as a factory car for the first year and during this

time there were two factory engines.

The original beige logbook gives the previous owners as: 1. The MG Car Club Abingdon from May 24 1958/1959 2. Thomas Armour from Argyllshire from 1960 3. Leonard Clay from Wimbledon from 1963 4. Richard Dent from Godalming from 1964 until 1966 5. There was another owner who has not been noted on the brown logbook who lived in Wimbledon and owned the car from 1966 to 1974.

“The car was only used on the road from 1958 to 1967/8 some 9-10 years.

The fifth owner told Roy he tried to manoeuvre a corner a bit too fast in 1967 and slid into a telegraph pole, damaging the passenger sill and door.

He then parked the car in his garage until he needed some money to get married, so offered it to Roy in 1974.

Roy had owned a bodyshop/restoration repair business since 1968 so took it from him and stored it away – may I say without telling me!! Once Roy found an MG he hadn’t the heart to let it go. When he passed away in 2010 there were 17 of them parked around, here and there!

“Roy eventually repaired it and resprayed it back to its original colour of Ash Green in 1984. He repaired the chassis below the door, kept the door frame and put a skin on it. That was the only damage caused by the telegraph pole. The fourth previous owner, Richard Dent, had given it a

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blow over externally in Jaguar metallic blue. The car is totally original in all other respects, as shown in the original sales brochures and Autotest.

“Richard contacted Roy; filling in some extra information, saying when he purchased the car he experienced problems with the engine/gearbox, so BMC Service fitted an exchange engine, which is the engine now in the car AEH 37R RH1009A. BMC were unsure of the type of gearbox fitted as there were no markings, so asked Richard what he wanted. He chose a close ratio box, which is still in the car. Richard also said BMC had not yet found the reason for the plugs oiling up in twin cam engines.

“He said it was a nightmare to run the new engine in, because it needed high revs to clean the plugs.

He was constantly taking them out and cleaning them until the car was run in, and had to keep the engine

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turning over at traffic lights at a minimum of 4,000 rpm to prevent them oiling up. BMC took it back several times under the guarantee on the new engine, before admitting that they really had no remedy.

“Richard also says that when he purchased the car the mileometer was stuck at 28,212 miles but cannot say how long it had been at this figure. He had travelled for quite a long time with the mileometer stuck, including a European trip, so it could have done up to 45,000 miles in total. The milometer was fitted by Richard before he sold the car in 1966 and still shows 15,000.

“Since Roy put it back to its original spec in 1984 it has mostly stayed in the garage. It has been trailered to Silverstone a couple of times or out for a couple of photo shoots. I can, however, remember going out on a trip in the mid-80s with Roy in front in his red MGA Mk11 OJX 811 with Spencer beside him, and me behind in the Twin Cam with Russell beside me, getting stopped by the police who just really wanted to have a look at the cars. I don’t think I had any road tax on PMO 326 but they just said ‘have a nice trip’ – how times have changed.

“The car is parked away in wonderful condition as Roy had left it. Russell and I took it to Silverstone Live and drove round the GP track a few years back. It was great. Russell is now its carer and has the same soft touch as his Dad.”

Pam is now thinking of selling PMO. In her own words: “It’s such a shame that she sits there when she should be taken by some enthusiast and shown about. We have always only raced cars and both the boys are racing-orientated as well, and we never get the time to do anything else.” So, if you have a big enough cheque book, and are interested in giving this little car a new home, please contact Pam on pam@mccarthymotorsport.co.uk.

Finally, another appeal to anyone who may have a copy of the 1961 Earls Court Motor Show – Price List.

Chairman Mark Hester has tried other media to try to locate one to no avail, so please get in touch with Mark on mgatwincam@yahoogroups.com if you have a copy.

Don’t forget; email me with your own topics for inclusion in future newsletters. In closing, I wish you all a very Happy Christmas.

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V8 NEWSLET TER Victor Smith 0208 392 9434 victorsmith@v8register.net www.v8register.net

WELCOME TO THE V8 NEWSLETTER

SORRENTO BY BGTV8

John Upton enjoyed having his MGB GTV8 in Africa when he lived there for many years before returning home and then moving to France. Here he describes another adventure taking his V8 to Sorrento for his daughter’s wedding. It proved to be a trip of a lifetime.

Last year I had a call from my daughter, Frances, announcing she was getting married in July 2016. I was absolutely delighted and even happier when she asked if my 1974 V8 could be their wedding car, as I have owned the car since she was born and she grew up with it. Of course, I immediately agreed to make the car available, even though the wedding was to take place in Sorrento in Southern Italy – quite a journey, even from southwest France where we live.

I began planning the trip and decided I wanted to avoid driving the length of Italy so I looked at the possibility of travelling by ferry from France via Corsica and Sardinia to Naples. The decision was made to get to Sorrento as directly and simply as

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possible and then ‘tour’ on the way home, in both Sardinia and Corsica.

The first leg of the journey was a short 160km trip from Dordogne to Rodez (Aveyron) where we met up our friends in their MGB and spent the night. The next day was the 400km trip to Toulon when we drove over the impressive Millau Bridge, then turned off the motorway and travelled through the southern part of the Massif Central to Nîmes. We arrived in Toulon in the late afternoon, parking in a car park right next to the ferry which left at midnight.

The following morning, we arrived in the industrial-looking Porto Torres and disembarked quickly and easily into Italy (Sardinia) – no queues. As our next ferry, from Cagliari to Naples didn’t depart until that evening, we decided to refuel and then drive straight there – a distance of 250km. As with all the filling stations we came across in Italy, there was only one grade of ‘benzina’ with no guide as to the octane rating or ethanol content. However the V8 seemed to like it, and, judging by the

speeds obtained by the local motorists, it had plenty of ummmph!

The dual carriageway from Porto Torres to Cagliari was not pleasant – high steel barriers on each side and an uneven surface, but we arrived in Cagliari in time for lunch. We had used Google Earth to obtain the coordinates of a beach at Poetto, near Cagliari, and our GPS took us there. Temperatures were well into the 30Cs but the V8 had no problems. After lunch, a swim and a lie in the shade on the beach we headed for the ferry port where we parked outside the port gates and walked over to the town. The Cagliari waterfront boasted some elegant buildings housing shops, bars and restaurants in arcades.

Arriving in Naples at 08.30 in the rush hour was quite an experience. The port area seemed to be undergoing extensive redevelopment with chaotic diversions and lane closures. Traffic was heavy between Naples and Sorrento and we were glad to arrive at our hotel, the excellent Hotel Continental, which seemed to be in an oasis of calm – it was also close to the wedding venue.

The day before the wedding I took my future son-in-law, Alex, an RAF officer, for a trial run in the BV8 and he handled the narrow, steep roads with impressive care and precision.

The great day came – friend Andy and I polished and cleaned the V8 in the hotel basement car park and later attached the ribbons etc. outside the hotel. The hotel even took a photo which featured on their website. During the ceremony Andy positioned the car outside the venue. After the ceremony the bride, groom and the car received applause from the assembled locals and off the newlyweds went to the reception. The BGTV8 had done its bit!!

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V8 ANNIVERSARIES COMING UP

we are planning events and website features to mark those milestones in 2018. Similarly, the 25th anniversary of the launch of the MG RV8 model is another significant feature in our

planning – the announcement of the model in 1992 and launch in 1993.

Details of the events planned for those anniversaries will follow but we have already launched on the V8 website two series of ‘looking back’ articles and features on the MGB GT V8 and RV8 models, with reflections on many of the memorable moments, news items and photos enjoyed by fellow V8 enthusiasts over the years.

Those webpages are actively growing with interesting items and links to press road tests, motor show reports, memorable adverts and marketing brochures, plus articles on Brian Field, who for many years successfully competed in a rally prepared MGV8, and Robbie Coltrane in a video clip with his captivating case for the love of the sound of a V8 engine.

You can contribute to the series with photos, copies of magazine articles and notes of your recollections of the personalities and memorable events. See the ‘More’ webpage for further details.

upgrade to avoid the rust attack that metal buckets can suffer. His report was illustrated with several photos of how he managed to fit the plastic buckets and the chrome ring. The photo alongside shows one of the two headlamp adjusting screws on the headlamp bucket. Mike notes: “It can be a bit tricky to get the headlamp into

both of these at the same time. Once you have slotted the headlamp into the two adjusting screws, you fit the pivot screw that holds the headlamp in place. This is easy on the left-hand headlamp but not so easy on the righthand headlamp.” See the Rebuild Reports links on the ‘More’ webpage at www.v8register.net/more.htm.

Launch photo for the MGB GT V8

As we approach the 45th anniversary of the launch of the MGB GT V8 model in August 1973 and the 40th anniversary of the formation of the V8 Register five years later in 1978,

REBUILD SERIES REACHING 100 Rebuild and restoration reports have been a popular feature on the V8 website for many years, with the restoration of an MGB GT V8 found behind a garden shed by Barrie Jones and a nut-and-bolt rebuild commissioned

by Dr Chris Ward as two examples. A current rebuild of an MG V8 Roadster Conversion by Mike Macartney has been followed closely by many members, as he has produced regular detailed reports posted to the V8 website. They usually run to eight pages and appear twice a week and sometimes every two days, so it’s no surprise the series is reaching the 100th report.

In Rebuild Report 88 Mike had a detailed note of how he dealt with a problem with fitting the plastic headlamp buckets which he had chosen to use as a replacement

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Fitting the plastic headlamp buckets

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UNDERSTANDING THE RV8 ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Taking the lid off the RV8’s ‘brain’

The RV8 had an early engine management system and in a comprehensive article Dave Morris explored its operation, fault detection and diagnostics. Assisted by John Anthistle, John Hale and Nic Houslip they outlined options for owners upgrading their RV8 by ‘chipping’ or ‘remapping’.

Some basic knowledge is assumed, so anyone unfamiliar with Fuel Injection Systems should first read Nic Houslip’s excellent article introducing the RV8 ECU which is available via the ‘More’ link on the V8 website.

Introducing the 14CUX The 14CUX ‘hot-wire’ was the most sophisticated in a line of Lucas engine management systems (EMS), following on from the ‘flap-valve’ in the Rover SD1 and eventually succeeded by the Bosch-based GEMS. The RV8 ECU is very similar to that used in contemporary Range Rovers and, in modified form, by specialist sports car makers like TVR, Ginetta and Morgan. The 14CUX differs from modern EMS as it only controls engine fuelling and not ignition. Neither does the 14CUX come with what would now be considered standard onboard diagnostics (OBD). Consequently, interrogating an RV8 ECU has until recently been a very specialised task.

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How does it work?

Like all EMS the 14CUX uses signals from engine sensors to control the fuel delivery. During normal running it monitors air flow, throttle opening, road speed and engine revs to adjust fuel injector opening time. The basic fuel requirement is stored in a fuel map which is then moderated according to the sensor inputs. The 14CUX stores several maps and it is possible to change between them by changing the ‘tune resistor’, but that’s another story.

In addition to normal running there are certain conditions where the ECU goes through a special sequence. It is worth knowing about these in order to spot issues early: On start-up the ECU runs the fuel pump for a few seconds to pressurise the fuel pipework. Once started the idle valve stepper motor is adjusted rapidly during warm-up to reduce the air flow and maintain idle.

During warm idle the ECU monitors engine speed, temperature and electrical load and moderates the idle valve to maintain a target rpm. When the engine is turned off the stepper motor is opened fully to be ready for the next start. The base idle must be correctly set and the idle valve must be working, otherwise this idle system will not function properly.

On the overrun the ECU shuts off fuel flow to reduce fuel consumption.

Road speed is monitored to enable a smooth transition either back to driving or idle. If the road speed signal is incorrect, idle control will become erratic and the engine will tend to stall when the car comes to a halt, a problem familiar to many 3.9litre V8 owners!

Troubleshooting & diagnosis Fortunately for RV8 owners the 14CUX system is robust and reliable and can give many years good service. But if problems are experienced it is natural to want to find out what has gone wrong and why. Do not jump to the conclusion that every problem is ECU related – it usually isn’t!

There are a nevertheless some known issues which can give the impression of an ECU or fuel injection fault which are worth mentioning here: • Failure of the fuel pump or starter motor to operate on the key can occur even when they are not faulty. If so, check the wiring and earth connections, the immobiliser has reset and the fuel pump relay is working. The fuel pump relay is hidden under the centre console and can suffer corroded contacts.

• Erratic idle, hunting or stalling on the overrun can have several causes which are difficult to distinguish. Sticking idle air valves are relatively common; cleaning is straightforward. Air leaks downstream of the air flow meter cause similar symptoms. Check vacuum pipes and seals. Check also that the road speed sensor is connected and working.

If the ECU detects an error it will set a fault code and, in some cases, switch to ‘limp-home’ mode. The fault codes give a pretty good indication of the likely cause of the problem as they are specific to particular sensors so we will come back to them later.

Interrogating the ECU A lot of useful information about engine performance can be obtained from the ECU and fortunately for us Colin and Dan Bourassa in the US and Mark Thompson in the UK have pioneered the development of Rovergauge, enabling RV8 owners to see inside the fuel injection system.

Rovergauge is a free, open source software package available on the internet. You will need a laptop (or The Rovergauge plug goes here…

DECEMBER 2016 SAFETY FAST! 53

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V8 NEWSLET TER

similar) on which to run it and a special lead to connect to your car. You can make your own lead or they can be purchased on the internet for a few pounds. Just make sure you buy one designed for the RV8 as the plugs for TVRs and Land Rovers won’t fit! Your lead will look something like this and it plugs into the white data plug in the passenger footwell. The plug can be hard to find and on air conditioned cars it is difficult to get at, but it can be done!

Once you are connected the screen (alongside) will show you some basic data; which ‘tune’ you have and whether any faults have been stored.

The fault screen lists the common fault codes so will give you a good idea of which sensor has caused the problem.

You can clear the fault code to check if it recurs. Just be aware that fault codes do not always tell the whole story as the ECU can be confused if the engine is not running normally.

Pressing the Start Log button will record data onto your hard drive. It is then quite straightforward to analyse the parts you are interested in. As a simple example the graph below shows how the idle bypass position changes during warm up on my car: This is pretty much what is expected and shows that the idle system is working well.

Idle valve control following a cold start

Chipping and remapping A key component of the ECU is the ‘chip’ and it’s ‘firmware’. The firmware used in the RV8 is derived from 1990s Land-Rovers and there is a school of thought that the settings for a large, heavy 4x4 are not ideal for a much lighter MG sports car. This thinking has led to ‘chipping’ or ‘re-maps’ to achieve fuelling more suited to sports car driving.

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Rovergauge dashboard with fault code display

The most popular after-market chips are Optimax and Tornado, developed

by Mark Adams. Of these Optimax has been the most widely adopted for RV8s, being particularly suitable for unmodified engines. The principal claims are improved part-throttle economy, better idle and freer revving. Feedback from owners who have taken this step does suggest that these claims have been fulfilled.

In practice, the benefits of rechipping the RV8 are limited as the closed loop control on these catalystequipped cars forces the fuelling back to an emissions compliant mixture.

Nevertheless some functions, like idle speed, cold starting and rev limit can be altered without affecting the closed loop fuelling. Importantly, too, for performance minded owners, full power fuelling can also be changed as the ECU is open loop above 3,400rpm.

If you decide a ‘chip’ change is for you, the initial approach should be to a reputable tuning supplier such as Tornado Systems or RPi Engineering who market these upgrades. Both companies have many years of experience with these ‘chips’ and will help you get the correct version for your car. Alternatively, it is possible to write your own chips based on updated maps published on the internet.

This is of course a much more serious undertaking and outside the scope of this article; selecting an incorrect fuel map on a catalyst-equipped car like the RV8 can destroy the cats or worse!

Changing a chip requires care but is well within the scope of the home enthusiast. No other work is necessary, though advancing the ignition timing to 8-12 deg. BTDC and resetting the base idle is advised. A re-chip of course will

not solve any underlying electrical or mechanical engine problems.

Any ‘off-the-shelf’ chip can only be a ‘best guess’, so the best way to optimise performance on an individual car is to get it remapped on a rolling road.

Kits and Classics (www.kitsandclassics. co.uk/) in Derbyshire have gained a good reputation for full rolling road 14CUX remaps, although there may be others.

Thanks to the availability of Rovergauge and accurate digital multimeters, there is no reason why fuel injection should be considered a ‘black art’. Indeed with these tools any enthusiastic RV8 owner can diagnose and repair fault and, if they wish, go even further and remap their EMS using readily available software tools and instructions – although I suggest that this is not a task to be undertaken lightly!

For anyone who wants to know more than I have covered in this brief summary, the complete article is available via the ‘More’ page on the V8 website. I would also recommend a look at: • Mark Thompson’s very informative website: www.g33.co.uk/ • Mark Adams’ blog on the ACT Products website: www.actproducts.co.uk/productcategory/tvr-induction-tuning/ecu-chips/ • Steve Sprint’s guide on remapping a 14CUX: www.stevesprint.com/remap14cux • The British V8 web site: www. britishv8.org/Articles/Rover-14CUX-EFI. htm Finally I want to thank Steve Sprint and Steve Heath for their input, Mark Thompson for providing the connector to fit the RV8 and for his helpful comments, and of course Colin and Dan Bourassa for developing Rovergauge.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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23/11/2016 18:10

ZR/ZS/ZT NEWSLET TER John Thompson Tel: 07854 275541 johnt5@btinternet.com • www.mgcc.co.uk/zedregister

WELCOME TO THE ZR/ZS/ZT NEWSLETTER

A good selection of Zeds at MGLive! Photo: Aaron Lupton

Welcome to our December newsletter.

It seems almost unbelievable that we have reached the end of our Zed’s 15th Anniversary year already, but the second half of the year turned out to be as busy with events as the first.

It’s been a busy time for ourselves, too, with some committee changes and some strong additional support.

We have been to some memorable events since our last newsletter in June. We had a very successful MGLive! with a great turnout of

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Zeds on both days. The cool cloudy weather did not deter enthusiasts from attending, and, in a classic example of a certain law, the sun appeared for the second part of Sunday afternoon.

The following month was the highlight of our year, ZED15. We headed to the British Motor Museum at Gaydon to celebrate this historic event. On the day over 250 cars attended, most of which were Zeds! These included a very colourful selection of Mongram examples. With the added attraction of

the revamped museum the day was a roaring success, laying the foundations for similar arrangements for next year’s MG Saloon Day. It’s a similar story with many outdoor events. The rain we endured during the setting-up on the day soon moved on, leaving us with a glorious hot and sunny afternoon – perfect.

Throughout the year we have continued to support the main Club at race days by organising the lunchtime parade laps. These are proving very

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/11/2016 18:10

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ZR/ZS/ZT NEWSLET TER

A line up of ZSs parked at Gaydon for Zed15. Photo: Chris Kynoch

popular and have produced a high number of MG owners all wanting to experience the racing driver’s-eye view. If you have never been to a race meeting, then you are missing a treat.

Not only do you have great views of the racing close up, but you can visit the pits and paddock areas, talk to the drivers and crews and watch the maintenance being carried out. Light refreshments are also available. This really is a benefit of being a member of our Club. Many of you have been present on each occasion supporting the Trophy races and the Zed drivers in the Cockshoot Cup. We hope to see you again next year, too. We enjoyed another exciting year of racing which was brought to a close at Snetterton in October.

Bringing our events up to date, we were extremely pleased to be involved with the Classic Motor Show at the NEC this year. The theme of the show was Heroes and Heroines, and Committee member Louise Allen’s

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stunning ZR certainly proved to be the hero of the weekend for us. We were inundated with visitors interested in our cars, the Register and in the Club, which was great. The Club stand was extremely busy for the whole three days. With hundreds of classic cars to view it was the ideal location to

promote the Zeds and the Register.

Several new members who own Zeds joined the Club over the weekend.

Welcome to you all; we hope to see you at many of our events next year.

Our events calendar for next year is almost complete. A number of the dates have now been confirmed

ZRs were at Gaydon in abundance for Zed15. Photo: Chris Kynoch

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/11/2016 18:10

ZR/ZS/ZT NEWSLET TER

Monogram Zeds at Zed15. Photo: Chris Kynoch

Louise Allen’s ZR on display at the NEC Classic Car Show. Photo: Noel Lindford www.mgcc.co.uk

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but some still need to be finalised. A completed list will be published in next month’s Register update. Look out for any up-to-the-minute information on our Facebook page.

Our Registrar, Paul Money, is in the process of updating our vehicle database. If you have not registered your Zed, then please contact Paul at the following email address: paulmoneymg@gmail.com. If you have changed your car recently then please notify him with the new information.

Paul also has a copy of the Zed build data, so if you’d like to learn more about your car then send Paul either your commission number or VIN. Please include your membership number in your correspondence.

It just remains for us to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. And to thank all of you for supporting your Register during our cars’ 15th Anniversary year. See you all in 2017.

DECEMBER 2016 SAFETY FAST! 59

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ZR/ZS/ZT NEWSLET TER

FIXING A PEKTRON SCU If you have a late model ZR, ZS or a TF with the oval key fob, as in the picture, then some or all of these problems may be familiar: 1) Central locking will lock but not unlock, or the other way around.

2) The driver’s window goes down but not up, or again the other way around.

3) The intermittent wipers or the wash/wipe doesn’t work.

These problems are very often caused by a fault with a box called the Pektron SCU (Security Control Unit).

It is in essence a small computer that handles security and the functions mentioned above. This board contains five relays which have a habit of failing.

If this happens the obvious thing is to replace the SCU, but things aren’t that simple. First, the unit contains all the programming options that were put in when the car was new.

These options include whether you want one click or two to engage super locking, how you want the driver’s window one press open to work, and how many times you want the wipers to sweep after using the washers. All these options would have to be re-entered. But it doesn’t stop there. The SCU is securitycoded to the key fobs, so if you replace the SCU you will almost certainly need new key fobs. The SCU is also securitycoded to the engine management unit.

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To set up this pairing requires specialist equipment. The alternative would be to get a second-hand unit and a complete set of key fobs, SCU and ECU. Fortunately, there is another option: this is to repair the existing SCU. The advantage of this is that it does not affect any of the programming or the security coding. The repair is simply done by replacing the errant relay with a new one. Replacement relays are available via the internet or mail order. I have found at least two companies that can supply them. If you are reasonably handy with a soldering iron the job is straightforward.

If you are not, all is not lost as both these companies will do the work for you for a fee many times cheaper than having a new SCU installed.

To repair the SCU you will first need to extract the unit from the car, this can be fiddly but not too difficult.

One point to note is that the electrical

connectors snap into place and you will need to release the clip by gently squeezing. They should then pull out easily. You now need to decide if you are going to repair it yourself or send it off to be fixed. If you decide to do the job yourself, you first prise off the plastic cover. To do this, gently ease off the tabs surrounding the cover with a flat-headed screwdriver. Once the board is out you can then replace the errant relay(s). The diagram shows the relays and their functions so you can choose which to replace. You will need a small soldering iron, a solder sucker or solder-removing wick to remove the solder from the old joints.

Be careful not to heat damage the board. Once the old solder is removed from the pins, with some gentle persuasion, the old relays can then be prised off the board. The pins on the new relay then push into the holes on the board left by the faulty relay and are then pushed home. Then just solder the new relay in place. All you need to do now is replace the unit into the car.

Below are the details of a couple of companies I have found who can supply the relays or service the board for you: www.technozen-electronics.co.uk/ Email: paul@technozen-electronics.co.uk www.remobilise.co.uk/ Email: info@remobilise.co.uk Ray Kemble

www.mgcc.co.uk

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DECEMBER 2016 SAFETY FAST! 61

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RACE TORQUE

A

By Ron Gammons

s mentioned last month, the Club’s Championships Co-ordinators met up with the Race Sub Committee for the annual meeting where the year’s racing is analysed and discussed, and the Club’s future programmes for 2017 and beyond are considered. Prior to the meeting every race competitor member over recent years, some 370, received an email asking their views specifically on the MG Live! event. This was similar to the request for views by the Club Chairman, Ian Quarrington, via Safety Fast! on the overall event. We had a good response with some pertinent comments from the competitors. There were a number of points raised by competitors and these were discussed with the Co-ordinators and decisions reached.

The Co-ordinators, some of whom had not been present at the Club’s Council meeting the week before, were given a resumé of the presentation on MGLive!, as given to Council. It’s fair to say that there was a far better understanding of the various issues involved in the use of the GP Circuit and the associated costs after the detail was explained. Nevertheless, while there was a majority of the drivers’ responses in favour of the use of the GP Circuit, it was agreed that the Committee should investigate possible alternatives for 2018.

These could include either the National Circuit or the International Circuit at Silverstone or even another circuit elsewhere. On that basis the majority of Championships agreed to give their

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support to the 2017 event staying on the GP circuit.

It’s important to appreciate that the majority of the guest Clubs, Porsche, Lotus etc. only come because of the GP circuit, and in truth the Club needs those extra competitors to balance the books and to enable a two-day meeting to be run. Motor racing is within the DNA of the Club, but it’s to be accepted that it has to wash its face financially, which over many years it has. A different circuit will present many challenges; we will have to see what can be achieved.

A further major gripe of competitors was the congestion in the paddocks and not just at MG Live!. Possible solutions were discussed at length.

The paddocks are finite and cannot be increased! However, after considering the costs and loss of atmosphere that would be caused by having 24/7 marshals and strict controls, it was agreed by the Co-ordinators that they would assist in ensuring that each group was within its own designated area, and wherever possible any unnecessary cars etc. would be removed to outside car parks. A survey taken at Silverstone this year showed many cars parked within the paddock areas, most of which were not used throughout the two days we were there. In effect, a lot of congestion could have been avoided by a little thought.

A major factor in respect of congestion is that, by and large, we have amongst the larger number of competitors at our meetings.

The latter, the number of competitors, has another effect as well, that of enabling our Club to offer amongst the most competitive entry fees around. A survey conducted recently by Andy Green highlighted this and rather debunked the idea, prevalent among competitors, that our entry fees were higher than others. Actually, they get a good deal!

New for 2017 will be the possible use of the Code 60 Flag which effectively replaces the old yellow and black quarter flag, and is in place of the deployment of the safety car.

However, with the Code 60 flag there is one major difference in that cars are required to maintain no more than 60kph and not close up behind the car ahead. Early trials this year indicated that this could well be an issue and it will remain to be seen what results are achieved. We will continue to have the Club’s safety car on standby at all circuits!

Another requirement, but not due until 2018, is that all cars must have two tow hooks at the front and the back. This is to ensure that recovery trucks can reach at least one or the other in order to assist recovery. While there has been some improvement on the sturdiness of the existing tow points, it has to be said that a number of failures have still occurred this year, substantially slowing down recovery and delaying the return to full race speed.

The Co-ordinators’ meeting was conducted in an excellent, goodhumoured atmosphere with a lot of positivity which augers well for the events of 2017. All present are unpaid volunteers, including all of the race officials, and we could not run the six race meetings each year successfully without their ongoing support.

We look forward to seeing all of our competitors and members in 2017, and as you read this it’s only some 18 weeks away to our first event at Donington on April 9 – why not put it into next year’s diary now?

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/11/2016 18:12

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DECEMBER 2016 SAFETY FAST! 63

23/11/2016 18:12

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Mark and Jensine with the MGA

I

MGA ON TRACK AT DONINGTON PARK Words by Jensine Hough, Photo by Colin Hough

had finally made it, and was ready to go to Donington Park for my first ever Track Day! After a very jolly Sunday evening at a nearby chain hotel with many others who were also looking forward to Monday morning, I set off to the circuit with my husband and navigator Colin beside me. At the track I met James, an MGoT committee member, who was to be mentor to me and to two other novices for the day. James had already been in touch with me by email to let me know how things worked as a firsttimer and to answer those pre-track day questions.

But first things first as, driving licence in hand, we went to sign on.

This was followed by the drivers’ briefing where I tried hard to make sure I understood what I should do and the rules of the day. Perhaps one of the most important rules governed where overtaking was allowed and, given that I was undoubtedly driving

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the oldest and slowest car of the day, I was reassured that a strict etiquette of overtaking only by consent and only on the straights would be the order of the day. I also picked up the helmet I had hired and was glad that my choice of medium was correct.

We were put into three groups by the organisers, based on experience and capacity. I was of course with the novices and least experienced drivers, and then came the intermediates who had some experience or were in less powerful cars than those who were in the third group. This was great as it meant novices like me were not going to be spooked out by the ‘big boys’. Each hour was divided into three sessions so each group got out for twenty minutes in the hour.

The first outing onto the track was the sighting session and it was a still a little drizzly and wet underfoot, there having been rain overnight, so in the morning the track was both

wet and also somewhat greasy from the previous day’s racing. This made it just a little tricky for a slightly older first timer in her 1959 MGA with an 1860cc MGB engine under the bonnet, but at least the track was to dry out nicely for the afternoon and the hood would come down.

It was then that I met Mark who was to be my instructor and guardian angel for much of the day. I had decided it would be a good idea to have the very reasonably priced tuition, and this was to be provided during the last three sessions of the day, leaving me to try the track for myself in the morning. Fellow Natter member Doug Bond kindly took me out on his early lap which helped a lot, but it wasn’t easy to remember all of that early guidance and I soon found myself slightly in trouble when I did a big ‘no-no’ and touched my brakes on a still very wet and slippery corner and performed a perfect donut!

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/11/2016 18:12

MGS ON TRACK - 2016 CALENDAR Please visit www.mgs-on-track.com to register, check availability, or to book a track day.

Registered members will receive regular newsletters and notification of event opening dates.

Brands Hatch ‘Indy’ – December 5 2016 Our very last event of 2016; please check on the website for last-minute availability.

Bedford Autodrome – January 21 2017 Suitable for more experienced members, this is a day shared with Lotus on Track.

Fortunately I ended up facing the right way and so was able to make a not-too-disgraceful getaway. I certainly wasn’t the only one who didn’t have perfect rounds, though I don’t recall anyone getting into trouble during the day other than that of the embarrassing kind. But of course the track had plenty of safe run-off areas for those whose judgement wasn’t always quite right.

On my next drive out I managed my second and last donut on what I was later told was the trickiest bend of the circuit. This time it was caused by my over concern about the queue behind me, but again I didn’t hit anyone or anything and was able to drive off with no damage. I’m pleased to say that my third run was much better, having been given good advice back in the garage by James, and there were no more similar incidents for the rest of the day.

After lunch my three sessions were all with my instructor Mark. It is really fantastic to have someone alongside you who knows the track well and can guide you into the right gear, and offer advice on approach and speed as you make your way around the circuit.

He also reassured me that I had the same rights as everyone else on the track and that they would be patient and wait for me to indicate for them to pass at the passing places we had been told about at the drivers’ briefing. This built up my confidence and made me much more relaxed, and so I had a better and more enjoyable drive. I was also very delighted when, after the last session, Mark told me I had achieved a perfect lap. I quickly replied that this was because he told me what to do and when. His riposte was that yes, this was true, but that I did actually listen and carry out his instructions!

Now I am really looking forward to 2017 when my aim is to take advantage of my new insurance which allows me three track days with MGs on Track, so it is just a case of which circuit next!

www.mgcc.co.uk

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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

I

t’s congratulations time. Following the final event at Castle Combe on October 22 we now have the final results of this year’s championship.

Once again, the overall winner and recipient of the magnificent Luffield Trophy is Ian Beningfield in his Group one 1500 MG Midget. In second place is Neil Walmsley in his similar car. Third overall is Ian Howlett in his MGF Trophy. All three of these cars are from our most basic classification and demonstrate that a consistent performance can bring results without necessarily spending big bucks.

In the southern regional championship, we have the welcome return of Andrew Till, winning the Windmill and Lewis trophy for first place in his Group one MG ZR 1400. Second place in his immaculately prepared Group three MGB was Rob Orford and in his similar MGB GT was Richard Withers.

The Norwester Trophy for the first Northern region competitor goes to Andy Walker in his mighty BV8. Not content with third overall, Ian Howlett finished second in the North and in a reversal of fortunes Neil Walmsley took the third place.

It is worth mentioning that the Norwester Trophy was the start of our present championship.

Some 25 years ago, a group of like-minded folk, they know who they are, had the idea of forming a championship based on northern and north Midlands venues. This was an immediate success and eventually evolved into our present format, with an overall championship and regional sections for competitors who did not wish to travel too far. In 2003 we were sponsored

by David Wood of Luffield cars. Luffield cars, at that time, were leading distributers of MG cars and despite the demise of MG Rover they carried on with their support. Subsequently they became dealers for the re-invention of the TF, now defunct.

However, they still maintain a dedicated workshop for the servicing of the brand.

We would do well to remember those pioneers who instigated the beginnings of our championship and those whose continued support made it possible to continue for so long.

Back to this year. Two awards that should be mentioned are the novice trophies In the North this was won by Dave Morris in his MG RV8 and in the South by Ben Rolls in his modified Spridget.

These awards are important because the future of our sport lies in the hands of the recipients.

Well done to all class and Register winners. All that is left for me to do is wish you all a Merry Christmas, and don’t forget to keep an eye on our website for all the latest Luffield Speed Championship news and dates, roll on 2017.

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Charlotte Phelps in the family Megabusa

Dave Morris’s RV8

50 YEARS OF SPRINTING AT CURBOROUGH

A

by Andy Robson

comparatively small field of 36 cars arrived at Curborough on a sunny Sunday morning in August to take part in what was the 50th anniversary of Midland Centre involvement with sprinting at the circuit, together with officials and marshals, expecting to make an early start and take advantage of a pleasant and warm (if a bit windy) day. Unfortunately, the gods had conspired to halt proceedings by arranging for a large tree to fall across the back section of the track overnight, necessitating an ‘all-hands-to-the-pump’ approach to get it clear.

We had one scare early on during the untimed practice runs, when Dave Morris lost control of his MG RV8 after coming over the finishing line. On the David & Barbara Whale’s presentation

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return down the slope to the start area, he appeared either to forget to brake or braked too late, which unbalanced the car and put it into a slide. Yours Truly, who watched it happen, was worried for a moment that the car was going to flip into a roll, but luckily the tyres didn’t dig in and the car ended up going backwards into the adjacent meadow. We were blessed with a handful of newcomers, for some of whom this was their first competitive event. For others, simply their first time out with the MGCC Midland Centre. Paul Cammerer brought along his rare Bond Equipe convertible, Simon Staveley turned up with the ‘factory’ development MG3 , sporting some performance enhancements, and Gordon Hick elected to campaign his automatic Seat Leon Cupra 280 with good effect, winning his class.

One impressive new entrant was a young lady named Charlotte Phelps, who was sharing the drive of a Westfield ‘Megabusa’ with her Dad, John, eventually finishing third in her class which was won by John.

Judging by her calm fingertip control of this very fast little car through Curborough’s tight turns, we would suggest that she has a bright future in motorsport.

This event was the final one at which David Whale and his wife Barbara were acting as, respectively, Clerk of Course and Entry Secretary, so a presentation was organised at lunchtime where they were presented with an engraved cut glass vase, a unique original picture of their rare Rosengart car drawn by Martin Price, and the Centre’s PJ Evans Trophy which is awarded to the person considered by the Centre committee as having made the greatest contribution to the Centre over the year. In David’s case, this would be over the past 45 years!

Additionally, since we were celebrating our 50th anniversary at Curborough, every entrant was presented with a suitably engraved special edition glass tankard.

As for the major awards, the John Arrowsmith Trophy for Fastest Time of the Day went to John Phelps, the Kimber Trophy for Fastest MG was presented to Andy Walker, and the Kjell Kvale Cup for the top pre-55 MG in both this event and our earlier Spring Sprint went to David Butler.

After all this celebration, the Centre is now faced with a dilemma for 2017 and onwards, as we have no volunteers to take on the task of running these events with David and Barbara leaving the field.

Hopefully, someone will step forward before the Spring Sprint falls due in April but, if they don’t, then this anniversary may not only be the 50th anniversary event but also signal the end of Midland Centre sprints at Curborough which, if it happens, would be rather sad.

Andy Walker’s MGBV8

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/11/2016 18:13

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DECEMBER 2016 SAFETY FAST! 67

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23/11/2016 18:13

OUT&ABOUT

Jim Hen ders hot’s MG TD MK II whic he’s owne d for 40 years.

It is only used as a show car at prese nt hand alwa ys attra cts a lot of attention, picki ng up 21 best of show awa rds, concours over the years. Phot o: Jim Hen ders hot inclu ding three

Colin With ers and son ready for the off from g the Wellington Barracks in MG C Type C271,indurin er Octob held s Quee n’s 90th Birthday celebration

South Ea st Re gio n of the F Re gist er on the ir Chi p Ru n to hel d earlier in the yea r. PhMG Ha ylin g Isl and oto: Tim Mo rris

n roun d of the 2016 The MG Mot or stan d at the Snettertocting a lot of attention. attra GS the with , nship BTC C Cha mpio Phot o: Jerry Harrison

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_Dec16_51-98.indd 69

Rally Isle of Man David Mylchreest competing in this year’sco-d , Bruce Craig, his in his 1963 F IA MG B. Toget her with ric sectiriver of the threeon Histo the in ll overa h they finis hed fourt years, and 25 last the for day event. David has rallied this B year, only failin g to finis h each s event x Man e competed in thes s with the occa siona l mech anica l problem three time

Emm a With ers in her 1931 MG Mon y Mid get wait s in the pits duri ng the VSC C Autu mn tlher Sprint at Good wood.

Phot o: Colin Murrell

DECEMBER 2016 SAFETYFAST! 69

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OVERSEAS REVIEW A MONTHLY LOOK THROUGH A FEW OF THE OVERSEAS MAGAZINES WE RECEIVE AT KIMBER HOUSE. REVIEWED BY RICHARD MARTIN.

S

uch is the quality of the overseas magazines received, that you don’t necessarily need to understand the languages to enjoy leafing through them. Two good examples are the glossy A4 offerings from Norway and Sweden, which formed part of this month’s crop. Both contained glorious colour photos of cars and people having fun, often with scenic backgrounds. Norway’s MG Magasinet carries an illustrated article about the Sondressen family where the father and two daughters all drive MGs, two TDs and an MGA. Sweden’s Bulletinen has a buying guide to the BGT with illustrations pointing out areas to inspect and carrying a few graphic examples of what can be found and avoided!

In Australia, a number of the magazines mention events affected by stormy weather, with a few having photos taken through wiper-swept windscreens. Another topic common to some of the magazines was the ‘Xmas in July’ event complete with traditional Christmas dinner. At a time when we’re (hopefully) having BBQs in England, it seems to be a geographic gastronomic reversal! My eye also caught adverts for the wonderfully named ‘MG TYme in Canberra’ which celebrates the T and Y Types over an October weekend in Australia’s capital; I hope it went well.

Tasmania’s MG Monthly Motoring

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News, which can be downloaded from their website, alerts members to its Facebook page and invites postings of events and photos. Victoria’s Wheelspin has an article explaining what to do to put a Mazda-based 5-speed conversion in an MGB. The same magazine contains a four-page pull-out questionnaire, which is also available on their website, for members to make the club’s officials aware of their views. Sydney’s Opposite Lock tells us that the National Meet for the next two years will be in Adelaide (2017) and Tasmania (2018) with that of 2019 being the 50th such meeting.

The first was in Sydney in 1970 and the Sydney Club have accepted an invitation to host the 2019 gathering.

Across the Tasman Sea, the MG Car Cub (Otago Southland Centre) tells us that it now has a Facebook group and welcomes contributions from members. Also in their magazine, we’re told that they’re joining together for a run with the Otago Jaguar Drivers Club in what is hoped will be the first of a regular event. However, a couple of pages later in a separate article we read from a TD owner: “I’ve always found the people in the MG Car Club to be the most friendly bunch. I’ve had a bit to do with the Jaguar Club over time and I really like the Jags, but there’s some toffee-nosed people amongst them”! I wish the alliance well!!

The Octagon from Toronto has a feature on ‘The first-ever production T Series’. Built in March 1936, it’s been with its present owner in British Columbia for 40 years, having been spotted for sale in a British magazine.

Finally, with the festive season fast approaching, here’s wishing a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our overseas clubs and their members from all of us here in the UK.

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/11/2016 18:14

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CENTRES

ABINGDON WORKS

SARAH DAVIES sfscribe@mgabingdon.org.uk www.mgabingdon.co.uk Although being part of the Works Centre has seen us attend some of the events laid on by the Club this year, all which have been written about in Safety Fast!, I would like to take the opportunity to briefly mention one of the places my husband and I have visited with our T Type, as this may give you an idea for visiting next year. In June we attended a historic vehicle event at

Upton House, not far from Banbury, Oxfordshire, where an array of vehicles of several marques was displayed. Trucks, cars, motorcycles and bicycles all came together to produce a delightful display. The event was coupled with an amazing exhibition bringing the house and its family alive through its role in WW2, when the family-owned bank was moved lock stock and barrel

Upton House Classic Car Show

ANGLIA

ROB MUIR 01206 862619 Rob.Muir@hotmail.co.uk www.mgcc.co.uk/anglia

Enthusiasts Trophy It is with great pleasure that I can announce that the 2016 Enthusiasts Trophy has been awarded to Michael and Marion Murkin. Long-standing members of the MG Car Club, both Michael and Marion have done an enormous amount of work over the years for the Anglia Centre. They were involved in a rather nasty accident

Michael being presented with the trophy by Tony Batson

earlier in the year which was not their fault but were both hurt and their beloved MGF came off rather the worse for wear. They were presented with the trophy by good friend Tony Batson at their local Pub Meet and I add Michael’s email that we received below.

“Just a quick email to thank you all for the kind gesture of awarding the Enthusiasts Trophy to me and Marion. It was totally unexpected and a very pleasant surprise. This was one of those uplifting moments at a time when we were both at an all-time low following the accident.

Once again, thank you all.

Regards, Michael” Events Planning Saturday December 3 is the date

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from London to Upton House to protect both its staff and assets.

Wander through the rooms where the bank was reset and find real hands-on exhibits, photographs and documentation – well worth a visit .

During October, the Wanderers visited Oxfordshire’s state-of-the-art recycling centre at Ardley. Beginning operations in 2014, its futuristic building can be seen from the M40 and we learned how some 300,000 tonnes of non-recyclable waste is treated to generate, amongst other products, enough electricity to power around 38,000 homes.

Fascinating stuff.

Please remember Boxing Day, our last run of the year, a day to blow those Christmas cobwebs away. Meet at around 10am in Abingdon Market Place where you will find a friendly welcome.

Browse around the cars and have

of the next Anglia Committee Meeting, to be held at The Limes Hotel, Needham Market. If you would like anything discussed contact your local Pub Meet Host to forward your request or any member of the committee, whose contact details can be found on the Anglia website.

The 2016 Norfolk Riviera Run will take place on Thursday December 29.

Always a popular event, starting this year at The Green Man at Little Snoring and finishing at the Norfolk Lavender fields where lunch can be ordered in advance.

Entry form and more details can be found within the pages of the November edition of Safety Fast! or on the Anglia website page.

Anglia Centre Clothing With Christmas just around the corner, now would be the time to visit the Anglia website and

The Wanderers visit to Ardley recycling centre

a chat before you make your way on the run which always finishes at a suitable venue for that lunchtime hot chocolate. Mike Parker, 01235 525255, has the details.

Looking forward to 2017, watch out for the Works Centre event calendar that will soon be available. We will be having our AGM in March with our first run being April 23, the St George’s Day Run, in conjunction with the FBHVC Drive it Day. All that now remains is to wish everyone a very happy Christmas and a peaceful 2017 with a lot of fun MG activity.

browse through the merchandise that is available from the MG shop. Ordering is very easy; you can personalise the clothing with your details and Anglia badges and see a preview of the prospective purchase with design and chosen colour etc on the screen before you buy. Delivery time is very fast and it is just the place to look for ideas for presents.

Local Club Meets With many of the local Club Meets organising end-of-year Christmas dinners, if it is a while since you made a visit to your local Meet, why not go along and join in the fun. A lot of the Meets organise their presentation dinners for the New Year, too, so it also gives you something to look forward to and raise your spirits in the depths of winter.

Wishing all readers a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/11/2016 18:14

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MG_SafetyFast_Dec16_51-98.indd 73

DECEMBER 2016 SAFETY FAST! 73

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CENTRES

CALEDONIAN

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

Main news item this month is that booking is now open for what will be the Caledonian Centre’s 2017 event of the Year.

The annual May three-day tour based in Peebles and with tours all based in the stunning Borders area. This year we have two starting points, one on either side of the border and as we are celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Caledonian Centre there will be many special items.

Actually, the MGCC has been active in Scotland since the early 1930s and to mark this our Sunday evening will be a 30s night with music supplied by a jazz band, so come prepared.

When the first tour was organised in 1992, there was a

large number of MMMs and T types and we would like to see a return of these cars. Alternative shorter routes will therefore be offered over the weekend, as well as special awards. Actually, to my surprise, although we have been asked for shorter daily drives, I understand the trips on events organised by the Veteran Car Club usually involve drives of at least 100 miles per day, and that at 22-25mph! So, if you are a hardened pre-1955 driver take that as a challenge and you may be rewarded!

The Centre has an enviable reputation for quality tours and if you were planning on joining us next year then the May event is your only option, as

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A Merry Christmas to all and hope you will join your Natters’ Christmas Celebrations.

We say goodbye to Tony Bolt as Natter Leader at The Royal, Horsebridge, who has been holding court over many years. The followers appreciate and thank you for the time, energy and support you have put in and hope to see you around.

Ian Cameron has now taken over the role and can be reached on email cameronj-i4644@hotmail.co.uk or 01566 774426.

The Tamar Trial was held the week before the clocks went back, but the last car in at 5.30pm was still in daylight. 78 cars and bikes took part, but only four MGs were in the line-up.

There was a hold-up at one section

with a motorcycle, so the participants were coming through in dribs and drabs, making the last section stay open for an extra hour. The sections that the MGCC marshalled were dry, but in one section there was a lot of mud. Fred Moores in his highly modified MG J2 won the Doney Cup for the best MG and came second in his class. Bob Slatter thanks all marshals for the smooth running of the day – without you this trial could not happen.

Now on to the subject of emails. After sending off the winter edition of the Newsletter, out of 150-160, there were 25 that were returned with incorrect email addresses so these members have not received the Newsletter.

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These MMMs were on the 1992 May tour. Two are still in long-term Scottish ownership, but where is SM9759?

the August Orkney trip and the September Arran event are both sold out! Book early to avoid a BIG disappointment. See the ad in this month’s SF! or check our website for details.

You can however still book for the first event of 2017, the Chilly Willy on January 1 based at the Highland Hotel in Stirling. This is always a relaxed lunch in a fine setting and in good company. Again, check the website.

And in January our Film Night has been renamed as the ‘Fish ‘n Chips ‘n Film Night’, still based at Kirkintilloch Golf Club on the evening of January 26.

For catering purposes it would help if you could book early for this, so again check our website.

And by the way the films will be a mixture of MG, motorsport and other motoring items.

And for something completely different, on March 10-11 we are attending an Elvis Presley tribute night based at the Scotland’s Hotel in Pitlochry.

This year’s night was sold out very early, so please book early for 2017!

And remember, Barclay has some special regalia offers available!

That’s all folks. Have a Merry Christmas.

Would you please email Bob Slatter (bobslatter@hotmail.com) when you change your email, or better still just send him your email now so he could mark you on the list as correct. It does get frustrating that you are not aware of what is going on – just drop Bob a line, please. There are Newsletters we send to some members who have no computer, so if you require one in the post please drop a line to Bob or mention it to your local Natter leader. The Newsletter contains much more detail that can be put into these notes. Congratulations to Bob who received the Marque of Friendship Award from the MG Car Club recently.

The North Devon Natter put on a Social Run in October, travelling into Somerset for a carvery lunch and afterwards heading home back to North Devon. Thank you Sheila

Ballard for organising it. Another run will be organised in the New Year.

The South Hams Natter put on a horse racing night with a difference: no screens, just good fun.

The winner was Cynthia Hooper.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY March 4 2017 – AGM at Callington Bowling Club. We need your support and input for this night. There is a bar and free food after the meeting. See you there. Time 7.30-8.00pm.

Fred Moores and Alan Ede with the J2. Photo: Pete Opie

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/11/2016 18:27

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DECEMBER 2016 SAFETY FAST! 75

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CENTRES

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

December Natters: Lincolnshire Poacher Friday 2 (Christmas Meal); Wolds Wednesday 7 (Christmas Meal); Abbey Lodge Monday 12 (Christmas Meal); Wishing Well Wednesday 14 (Christmas meal); Three Horseshoes Thursday 15 (Christmas Meal); Admiral Nelson Thursday 22.

Luncheon Club: Christmas Meal Wednesday 21 (Richard/ Vicki 01949 844066).

and Malcolm Clark, closely followed by Paul and Margaret Smith, with Kevin Lilleywhite and Kevin Pateman third.

The Wishing Well Natter hosted a talk by Simon Temple on Healthcare in the 21st Century, something that affects us all at sometime in our lives.

As can be seen from the Natter listings above, lots of choice for a seasonal meal

this month. Contact the Natter leaders for details.

Looking a little further ahead, there is the traditional New Year’s Day Run, starting as usual from the Abbey Lodge and including a Pride of Ownership.

Those wishing to eat should contact the Abbey Lodge direct (01526 352538) to reserve a table. Looking even further ahead, don’t forget the Annual Dinner and Presentation Evening at the Bentley Hotel in Lincoln on January 21. The booking form/ menu can be downloaded from

our website or contact Robert (01724 764144). Rooms are available at the hotel at a special discount rate – please mention MG car Club, and of course you have access to all the hotel’s leisure facilities. When visiting the Centre website you will see that a new Webmaster is required.

Details are on the page, or contact Robert (01724 764144).

Finally, we wish you all a Happy Christmas and fruitful New Year. To get you in the mood, a seasonal photo, and one to remind you of sunnier days!

the case of the Clerk of Course, we may have one or two people who can fill the void. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said of Barbara’s role, a vital part of the whole operation, and without someone to handle the entries, arrange the services (medical, timing, canteen, etc.) organise the classes, and produce all the documentation that is associated with our events then, sadly, the Midland Centre sprints at Curborough will come to an end.

Some of you may wonder why a member of the Midland Centre Committee can’t fulfil the role. Unfortunately, most of us are already tied up with other tasks associated with running the Centre and Centre events (we don’t run just sprints) and additional work such as this would be difficult to fit into already tight schedules, not to mention salaried employment. Added to this, the number of Committee

members is already lower than is ideal, with only nine members where there should be 12, and some of those people simply cannot devote much time to the Centre due to other commitments.

Training will be given to the relevant person(s). We do need to find someone in good time, ahead of what should be our first sprint of 2017 which is usually held in early April. We will also need to allow time in advance of the event for training.

In view of the history surrounding our sprints, it would be a huge disappointment for the Midland Centre, the MG Car Club, the Luffield Championship and our loyal competitors if we were unable to continue with the events, so we will hope that someone will step up to the plate. Any interested parties should contact the Centre via this email address – midlandcentre@mgcars.org.uk

The final competitive event of the year was the Jubilee Trophy Naviscat on October 9, starting at the Wishing Well. The result was a near-run thing, but the winners were David Stonehouse

MIDLANDS

ANDY ROBSON www.mg-cars.org.uk/mgccmidlandcentre midlandcentre@mgcars.org.uk number of volunteers who turn As another lovely year of MGout to help run the events, from ing comes to a close, I want to the marshals, without whom few introduce a note of seriousness motorsport events could take by telling you about some of place, through the scrutineers, the problems we face within the medical team, timing staff and Centre and its Committee. We commentators, to our longwant to put you in the picture standing Clerk of Course, David regarding the future of our twiceWhale, and the various people yearly sprints. We have similarly who have manned the paddock written to many people who have office to provide competitors with entered Midland Centre sprints at timing information throughout the Curborough over the years. day and produce the final results, Some of you may know that latterly David’s wife Barbara. Some the Midland Centre has been of these people have been involved running sprints at Curborough for with our sprints for almost as long some 50 years. as they have been operating.

We think it is fair to say However, both David and that competitors have enjoyed Barbara have decided to step being involved with our sprints, down following our recent event and we have equally enjoyed in August, and we therefore need hosting them. Events such as our to find replacements for them. In sprints are wholly reliant on the

76 SAFETY FAST! DECEMBER 2016

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01255 432693, 07714 675319 DECEMBER 2016 SAFETY FAST! 77

23/11/2016 18:16

CENTRES

NORTH WEST PAUL GOODMAN 01625 876300

As this is the festive edition of Safety Fast! the North West Centre Committee would like to wish all of you a Happy Christmas. Hopefully you will get all the parts for your MGs that you have requested as presents.

Before we get to that day, there are two social events this month.

On Tuesday December 13, the Old Hall Farm Pub regulars will be gathering, and then a week later, on Tuesday December 20, there will be the traditional Christmas Meal at the Plough and Flail. If you wish to attend, please email laurance.kennard@ btinternet.com by December 15.

The year which is coming to an end has surpassed the Committee’s expectations.

The Cockshoot Cup Race Championship and the Luffield Speed Championship have both provided brilliant competition at stunning venues, the Centre has increased the MGCC representation at shows, the annual Plough and Flail Concours set a new attendance record and our social meetings are thriving.

Now it is time to plan for 2017.

Representatives from the Centre Committee attended two vital meetings in Abingdon in October.

The Council Meeting resolved to revitalise MGLive!. Our contribution to that will be two rounds of the Cockshoot Cup on the Grand Prix Circuit and the Stowe Sprint on Sunday June 18.

A week later, the competition

SOUTH EAST

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

Youngsters Yarn!

With few events to brighten the days in December, it seemed a great opportunity to catch up with some of the younger South East members (under 30s) who have been equally enterprising in working on their MGs this year and are rising petrolheads.

Probably the youngest member, Lewis (16) a student, has spent his year helping out at

Anthony (left) and Max at a recent club meet

club events. “My preferred first car would be an MG3, because it is small and cheap on insurance. It appeals to me because it looks very sporty and stylish – preferably in the Cherry Red colour”.

Max, 18, MG Midget “I think it’s really great how easy and rewarding the Midget is to work on. Taking the rubber bumpers off has been a long-term goal for me which has given me most of the motivation for my work on it, including welding the sills and refurbishing the alloy wheels.

Nothing better than blasting around the coast in such a great car!”

Anthony, 21, MGB Roadster “I bought the car four years ago when I was 17, after lusting after one since I was eight. Immediately

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MG_SafetyFast_Dec16_51-98.indd 78

Derbyshire Summer Day in a TC. Photo: Chester Maddox

planning meeting discussed the race programme. The Cockshoot Cup will be supporting the meetings at Donington Park, MGLive!, Cadwell Park and Oulton Park. The return to Cadwell will be welcomed by a lot of our competitors.

The Centre will again be organising a sprint weekend at Anglesey Circuit and a hillclimb at Scammonden Dam. The Plough and Flail regulars are producing a definitive list of outdoor shows and the Centre will be supporting many of them. The list will be added to the Centre website at the beginning of the year with contact details for organisers.

Next is the notice of the Annual General Meeting of the Centre, which will be held on Thursday February 9. Please read on, because this is serious stuff. We have many willing volunteers within the Centre who help organise events, but need some new faces to fill vacancies on the Centre Committee. In particular, we are looking for secretarial and writing skills, trainee event organisers and help with championship organisation. If you would like to get involved please contact Paul Goodman, paul.goodman7@ntlworld.com for (as they say) an informal chat.

I started to modify it, with the removal of the chrome bumpers and playing around with the exhaust. The engine was rebuilt to be re-bored (1840cc) and balanced along with the cylinder head being ported and gas flowed and a fast road cam when I turned 19. Then after some great fun I decided I wanted to turn it into the 60s MGB race car replica. My father and I stripped the car back to a rolling shell then dropped it into the body/paint shop for the sebring rear bumper blend, new sills and full re-spray from satin black to MG Tartan red. We got the car back around my 21st birthday and spent nearly every evening slowly building the car up. A lot of new parts and custom parts were fitted when rebuilding, including a full FIA-spec roll cage, new loom, bucket seats and harnesses along with centre lock minilite wheels, Koni adjustable suspension, works

hardtop (this particular one has been stored since 1960 and never fitted!), a weber 45 DCOE setup and a custom side exit exhaust so that I can be heard within a two-mile radius and drive around with ear plugs! I’ve enjoyed using it since and it keeps up with my father’s modified MGA twin cam pretty well!”

Hannah, 29, “I am an avid fan of motorsport and have a special interest in MGs as they have been in the family. My dream MG would be an MGA which I hope to be able to purchase in the future.”

Younger members can catch up on their own dedicated MGCC Facebook page: https://www. facebook.com groups/10132874 42077012/?fref=ts All December events can be viewed on the webpage: http:// www.mgcc.co.uk/events-calendar/ Happy Christmas to all.

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/11/2016 18:16

CENTRES

SOUTH WEST

ANDREW OWST 01761 221893 andrewowst@hotmail.com www.mgccsw.com South West Centre Anniversary Run This was a social run to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the inaugural meeting of the South West Centre.

There were three separate starting points, Portishead, Togg Hill, or Haynes Motor Museum, so those attending could choose their preferred start venue with each route providing a scenic drive to finish at the picnic area by Chew Lake for lunch. Sue and I decided to start from Portishead on the promenade in the TC and we were blessed with a beautiful sunny morning. We had a very enjoyable drive via Clevedon and the Cheddar Gorge en route to the very popular Chew Lake. Over 30

MGs took part and, as befitting an 80th anniversary, the models ranged from Dave Mothersdill’s 18/80, several MMM and T types, Y type saloon, MGA, MGB, MGC and Midgets. The later cars were also well-represented with several MGF/TF, RV8, and our centre Chairman’s MG Metro Turbo. All in all, an excellent turnout and many thanks to Neil and Oliver Lock for organising a most enjoyable event.

Kimber Car Trial This was held at the usual venue outside Chew Stoke and 15 competitors took part. However there were only five MGs. The weather was fine although there had been rain in the early morning, but the hills gradually dried out.

TYNE TEES

NOEL LINDFORD noel.lindford@btinternet.com

2016 Lakes Tour Organised

by David Alexander, this flexible weekend in the Lakes had 10 intrepid crews make it to the Inn on the Lake (Ullswater), at Glenridding.

Saturday morning dawned bright for the first tour which took us over the Kirkstone Pass to Staveley Old Mill Yard for coffee. Then it was onward to the Lakeland Motor Museum near Windermere, where our cars provided a stunning display in the courtyard. The afternoon route took us alongside Coniston to Lakeland Motor Museum on Lakes Tour

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_Dec16_51-98.indd 79

Ambleside and back over Kirkstone Pass to our hotel. On Sunday, we headed for the heritage railway at Alston via the Hartside Pass and café. A great weekend!

Autumn Leaves Run Organised

by Andrew Kelly, this tour had 40 cars starting from Dobbies Garden Centre, Ponteland. As the run progressed, the rain arrived, but did not detract from the wonderful scenery on this 67-mile route, with a mid-point stop at Otterburn Mill.

John York took the award for the best MG and George Ward with his wife Jo in the passenger seat took the best pre-1955 award in their PA.. Grateful thanks are due to Jim Lott for organising and to all those who helped to set up the hills the day before and marshalled on the day. Without marshals and the work prior to events, these meetings would not take place.

The South West Centre Dinner and Presentation of Awards will be

held on the evening of Saturday February 25 at Limpley Stoke Hotel near Bath. Your committee makes no apology for returning to this venue year after year as the hotel staff always look after us very well.

See our website for details.

Finally, one of our major events, the Kimber Classic Trial, will be held on Saturday May 13 2017.

Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas and New Year.

Kimber Car Trial competitors’ cars, with Frank Vautier’s TA in the foreground.

Photo: John Bird

Then onwards through Rothbury to the finish at the Dyke Neuk Inn at Meldon, near Morpeth, where our 80 hungry diners had an excellent Sunday lunch. David Bolton’s MGB Roadster was chosen for the Autumn Leaves Trophy, with Paul Croft from Yorkshire Centre winning the Spirit of the Event award.

Events Coming Up Saturday December 3: TyneTees Centre Awards Dinner to be held once again at the Gibside Hotel, Whickham. Arrive 7.30pm for 8.00pm.

Thursday February 9 at 8.00pm: Tyne-Tees Centre AGM. The formal AGM Notice (with agenda) will be in the January issue of Safety Fast!

The AGM will take place at Coulby Manor, Coulby Newham, which is west of Middlesbrough, just off the A174 Parkway. Satnav TS8 0RP.

Autumn Leaves start at Dobbies

This is the superb clubhouse of Middlesbrough and District Motor Club. The AGM will be followed by a free buffet and open Natter, so we do need to know numbers. Please contact me by email or call 07432 152095 if you plan to attend.

Finally, I would like to thank all who attended and supported our Events and Natters this year, and to wish all of our Tyne-Tees Centre members and their families a very Merry Christmas, and all good wishes for the New Year.

DECEMBER 2016 SAFETY FAST! 79

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CENTRES

YORKSHIRE

DAVID COPEMAN 07920 064585 www.mgccyorkshire.co.uk North – Paul Croft Our End of Season Run attracted 23 entries, 93 miles of Autumnal scenery, and raised £300 for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Ken Cothliff organized another well-supported trip to his hometown of Liverpool, which included a guided tour of St. George’s Hall and a visit to Speke Hall.

Natter Night was spent racking our brains for the Centre Quiz. The winners were the Jeff Marsden Stephen Coltman team.

No Natter in December South – Geoff Norcliffe It was with shock and sadness that we learned of the sudden passing of Andrew Murfin in October. Andrew was a former

Natter leader and member of the Centre Committee where his superb organisational skills were called upon many times. As the Natter plans our 20th anniversary next year, we remember Andrew’s single-handed organisation of the 10th anniversary which he did with meticulous attention to detail.

Andrew was a kind and generous man and greeted everyone with a smile; he will be sadly missed but we are thankful for all the fond memories of Andrew’s company.

Our condolences are with Hillary and their family.

East – Chris Moore We enjoyed a lovely social run on Saturday October 15 with good

ULSTER

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

The Autotest held at Moore Concrete in Ballymena on October 15 attracted an entry of 21 cars. The weather was absolutely atrocious, rained out of the heavens from start to finish, when the sun finally appeared. It certainly didn’t lessen the enthusiasm – envisage Gordon sitting in his Midget, roof down and umbrella up whilst awaiting his run. The day was won by Paul Lowther, closely followed by Tim Tomalin (both driving Specials) with Richard Earney in his Mini coming third overall.

Next, we had another terrific day for the final PCT of the year at Erwin’s Potato Farm on Cunningburn Road. Having lost our planned site a few days

beforehand, as it had been ploughed, we received a call from Faith Erwin to say their field would be free. Rescued! At late notice 15 competitors met the challenge of a wet and slippery field, amongst whom were Dermot Johnson in his Austin 7, with offspring Patrick and Niamh in their AH Sprite and Will Corry with son Ben to bounce in a Midget. Reuben Erwin was in his element bouncing for Dermot and also Richard McCracken. It was a great fun afternoon with Will Thompson, taking the honours on the day, giving him the overall win in the PCT Championship. The Grass Slalom was won by Robert McGimpsey in his faithful blue Beetle, but Bailie Thompson takes

80 SAFETY FAST! AUGUST DECEMBER 20162016

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weather. Starting from Cranswick Farm Cafe, we travelled 63 miles through the Yorkshire Wolds, then finishing at the Black Swan, Brandesburton. Thank you to Ray Snowley, who organized the run.

West – David Copeman For the October meeting we split into teams to take part in the annual Inter-Natter. Marking took place after a break for pie and peas. The victorious team being aptly named Dead Loss. Thanks to John Milner for organising the centre quiz.

Sunday December 11: Christmas Lunch at Gomersal Park Hotel.

Tuesday December 20 meeting.

Tiger – Pete Welbourn The long-promised October luncheon run has finally taken place. 10 cars departed from

the Grass Championship for this year. Our final event this year was the Autosolo held at Transport Training Services, up at Nutts Corner, on November 5. A massive entry of 52 cars. Everything just fell into place; the day ran particularly smoothly, allowing us to finish before 4.00pm. Autosolos have no reversing and no 360s. They are suitable for all types of cars and no autotest specials are permitted.

A suitable event for those new to driving tests, and we had quite a few who had been at our tutorials over the summer months competing. At the finish, whilst awaiting the results, everybody congregated in the TTS cafeteria chatting over tea and coffee, and there really was a great party atmosphere. The overall winner was John Kelly, closely followed by Noel Cochrane and David Mutch – all in Midgets.

Shiptonthorpe for a 40-mile run through about 15 villages to arrive at the Piebald Inn in Hunmanby for lunch. Thanks to Richard and Jill.

Vale of York – Ken Cothliff At the beginning of the month a few of us went to the Classic Car gathering at the Golden Lion Hotel in Northallerton. According to the hotel manager, Martin, who organized this, the third such event, the show had more cars than ever, and interestingly several pre-war cars.

It was our turn to do the InterNatter quiz entry, but being a new Natter, many of those attending were already members of other groups, and had already entered the quiz, so it was up to Rod and I to have a go.

Next event – our Christmas lunch on December 15. All welcome, just let me know.

As you will all know, 2018 is our 50th Anniversary Year and our Anniversary Committee has been hard at work planning a Tour in the late spring and a Gala Dinner in the autumn, with various Natters thrown in for good measure.

Information for these events will be available shortly and I would recommend you act quickly to book onto the Tour, as places in the past have filled up very quickly.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish all our members a very Happy Christmas and a healthy New Year.

Dates for your diary: Tuesday December 6 Mince Pie Natter – 8.00pm Shandon Park Golf Club Sunday January 1 2017 New Year’s Day Treasure Hunt – 2.00pm B&Q Car Park, Sprucefield

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/11/2016 18:16

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2009 (59 Reg) Manual Petrol Finished in: Scorched Red/black leather These are very high spec models being fitted with Black leather sport seats, air conditioning, heated glass rear screen to Black soft top, soft ride suspension ,sports pack with 16” alloys, chrome pack, engine water level censor, etc etc. Full service history, 5 services including a new cambelt. Immaculate condition very low mileage LE500. £6,695

2010 (10 Reg), Manual, Petrol, Finished in: Silver/ Black leather Style pack ltd edition 2011 year model with folding mirrors. Black leather sport seats, soft ride suspension, heated glass rear screen in soft top, engine water level censor, 16” twisted pepper alloys, silver interior trim. Recent ull service with a new cambelt, brake disc’s and pads alround and moted. Colour coded hardtop available with leather head lining £450. One of the last 130 MG TF’s made. £4,995

2011 model year TF135 Style pack. Ltd edition high spec models. One owner from new full service history services and just 23,000 miles. 2011 model fitted with folding door mirrors. Style pack fitted with a heated glass rear screen, remote boot opening, engine water level censor, soft ride suspension, wind deflector, full leather sport seats, silver interior console and trims plus unmarked 16” Twisted pepper alloys and Red 4 pot brake calipers. Superb. £5,995

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2004 (04 Reg) Manual, Petrol, Finished in: Silver/ Black leather grey inserts High spec ltd edition model. This model looks like a 160vvc. Fitted with sports pack 2, Red 4 pot brake calipers, 16” alloys, front fog lights, chrome packs, smokestone cockpit etc . Headgasket/cambelt/water pump etc replaced recently .Low insurance .Just serviced and moted. Colour coded hardtop available for £350 + vat. Excellent condition. £2,795

1997 (R Reg) Manual Petrol Finished in: Silver/black half leather Just taken in part exchange. Being a VVC model it is fitted with Abs, VVC alloys Unmarked, power steering. Supplied with full service history + bills & including bill of sale from new and old mot’s etc. Recent service/mot and new Radiator and black soft top. Club members car. Outstanding condition would be hard to find better. £1,795

2003 (52 Reg), Manual, Petrol, Finished in: Silver/Black TF115 1600cc just 38,000 miles, low insurance group. Full service history will bills 10 service stamps ,headgasket replaced at 20,000m.

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REGISTERS

VINTAGE

JOHN VENABLES 01865 862573 johnandtriciav@gmail.com

A very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year to all. The years seem to me to pass by very quickly indeed. This is the time of year when the cars seem to hibernate, but I hope to be out with the Abingdon Works Centre on their traditional Boxing Day run, starting from Abingdon. This is also the time of year when those little jobs need doing; this is certainly the case with my cars. I must admit to having the advantage of a heated garage, so

not such a hardship.

Our recent committee meeting discussed events for 2017. We shall of course be at MGLive! on June 17-18, having been provisionally booked, and no doubt we shall have a theme to be followed up.

Our spring event is on April 24-28. This is going to be based in Bury St Edmunds and Stephen Hiner has very kindly agreed to take on the organisation for this. He lives in the area. Local

TRIPLE M

JEREMY HAWKE +44 (0)1225 863934 mgk3007@btinternet.com www.triple-mregister.org Looking Back on 2016 So here we are at the end of another year and, with only a few events left, there are four cars squabbling over COTY within 10 points of each other – C Type, PA, M type and J2. But, the leaders are not ‘mud pluggers’ and a certain green J2 is not that far behind, so he could just sneak it! Alas for K3 lovers, with K3030 safely tucked up in the Brooklands Museum for winter, we won’t have a K3 winner this year – good effort, though, Mr Gillett.

In the Championships Duncan Potter (C Type), Bill Bennett (J2), and Mike Painter (J2) would seem to have things pretty much wrapped up the Sprint Championship, Slade Trophy and Betty Haig Cup respectively. So if you’ve not yet put points claims in to Comp Sec Mike Linward, you’d best get them in quickly.

Everyone will have their own highlight of the year – for me it was not actually driving, but spectating and the occasion was both MMM races at Brands Hatch.

So, just as a reminder, for this month‘s photo I give you ‚Beauty and the Beast’ (make your own minds up) showing Barry Foster (who has done so much to keep the MMM racing flag flying over the years) and Mark Dolton (who has done so much to revive it) having fun at Druids.

84 SAFETY FAST! DECEMBER 2016

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knowledge is very important, and looking at the map, I see many historic sites which I am sure he has in mind. Full details will appear in our bulletin and this column shortly.

Looking ahead to 2017, an event which is growing each year is Pre-war Prescott on July 22. It attracts a lot of interesting cars and is a very laid-back affair with a chance to drive your car up the hill at your own pace. It may be worth considering a Register picnic – worth a thought. Details on the internet – search for Prewar Prescott.

Finally, our renowned AGM

is booked for Sunday March 5 at the Shillingford Bridge Hotel, near Wallingford, Oxon. The event starts at about 10.30am for coffee and we start the AGM at about 11.00am and take lunch at about 12.45pm. We have a very interesting speaker booked who was a pilot in the Falklands war. We then finish with tea about 3.30pm-ish, and also have a raffle for which donations are gratefully accepted. It is hoped that as many as possible will attend in their Vintage cars, for which there will be a prize judged by our speaker.

MMM Ownership – Personal Thoughts For me, this month marks six years of maintaining and repairing MMM cars (as opposed to just having all the fun of driving them, before happily handing back to someone else). So – is it so complicated? Well, no more so than any other car, is my own conclusion. They all have their own idiosyncrasies (setting up heads, for one), but basically it’s all straightforward engineering, only sometimes it takes time to get it right. However, time is the one thing that the amateur does not have to pay for. On my ‘learning curve’ I have applied a

golden rule: if I had a problem l didn’t understand – ask someone with a car that seems to be going well, because if they can’t help, they’ll almost certainly know someone who has experienced the same problem before who can. Some are even brutally honest in their response: “No idea mate. I leave all that stuff to Dad/the mechanic (I should be so lucky)/Joe Bloggs, etc, etc...”

So, as the New Year beckons, to anyone out there considering graduating to MMM ownership for the first time (no offence to 18/80 owners, of course) just do your research and go for it!

Happy Christmas, one and all.

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/11/2016 18:17

REGISTERS

SVW

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

As reported last month, the 2017 SVW Event is open for bookings and full details can be found on our website (see above) – click on ‘Social Events’. We’ve made our own booking and have decided to add a couple of days, arriving on the Monday and

leaving Friday. There’s plenty to do in the area and it will be nice to take it all in and also relax at what looks to be a very nice hotel. I found the hotel staff very helpful. You can always contact the organisers – Robert and Jane Crayston - at robertcrayston@

Big smiles from Jim and Rhoda with BMW 770 at Buckingham Palace

T TYPE

JOHN WARD 01621 773606 johnw.ward@yahoo.co.uk www.tregister.org The October Edition of T Register News The October Edition of our quarterly news magazine is now available for download on our website. Just go onto www. tregister.org and follow the links and instructions to download your free copy. For those of you who wish to subscribe and receive a hard copy by post, you can also print off the 2017 pro forma invoice and upon receipt of your payment you will be on the mailing list for next year.

Competition Notes In the above issue of TRN for October some of you may have read the article on getting started in competition in your T Type. I

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_Dec16_51-98.indd 85

am indebted to Keith Beningfield for updating us on the current situation with regard to regulations, costs and requirements in connection with participating in sprinting and hillclimbing.

“You do need a licence from the MSA to take part. The minimum licence requirements for this sport is a non-race national B which will gain you entry into all the events in the Luffield Speed Championship. This will cost about £50.00.

Currently, helmet, overalls and gloves are all mandatory, and a basic set will cost about £450.00. The basic T Type will need very little work to make it ready for competition. If anyone is interested in taking up the

btconnect.com if you have specific queries.

Also mentioned last month was my spin in CBL 192, the exCecil Kimber VA Saloon. This was a joy indeed and there’s a photo to prove it. Now mechanically recommissioned by Malcolm, it remains otherwise unrestored. We will watch progress with interest.

On October 15 Jim and Rhoda Andrews took up their invitation to visit Buckingham Palace with their VA Tickford. This was a celebration of the Queen’s 90 years and the intention was to have 90 vehicles, one for each of those years, from 1926 to 2016 with BMW 770 representing 1939. Jim is planning a full article in due course, but in the meantime he’s sent in this lovely photo.

My inbox is remarkably quiet at the moment, so please send in your photos or little snippets,

CBL 192 with owner Malcolm (right) and Paul

otherwise you may have to endure more photos of me and my car!

This is of course the Christmas edition, so it’s my opportunity to wish you a very Happy Christmas on behalf of myself and all the SVW Register Committee.

sport, they are welcome to contact me: keithbeningfield @tiscali.co.uk” Seasonal Greetings to all T Types Do not forget that you should get this edition of Safety Fast! just in time for you to order T Register regalia in time for Christmas posting. See the T Register website at www.tregister.org and under the heading ‘Regalia’ you will see: videos, workshop notes, books and brochures, gifts including

mugs and the very popular newstyle enamelled T Register car badge.

DECEMBER 2016 SAFETY FAST! 85

23/11/2016 18:17

REGISTERS

MAGNETTE

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

At the end of October we had a productive committee meeting, held at Wroxall Abbey Hotel, courtesy of Grant Howlett – although the meeting was perhaps slightly less productive after the delicious cooked lunch! The events calendar for next year is still fairly fluid, but we hope to fix most of the dates by January, and

there will be another weekend event in July, similar to our Black Country museum visit. There’s still opportunity for feedback on this year’s events, and suggestions as to what you’d like to be doing in 2017. One area where you can certainly get involved is on the committee itself, which is due for a reshuffle at the next AGM as

David Halliday reaches the end of his term as chairman.

We also discussed at the meeting how to keep track of owners and cars, since our new Registrar Cynthia Harris is very keen to overhaul the database and keep it up to date. An issue that other Registers probably experience as well is where a new UK Magnette owner is already a Car Club member, having owned other models. As they’re not joining the Club we don’t get any notification from Kimber House, so we have to rely on personal contact or via magnette.org to hear about the change of ownership. Of course, it’s not compulsory to have your car on the Register, and you’ll still be entitled to the benefits of membership, but please consider giving us your details if you

Varitone MOT double-booked

MGA

EDWARD VANDYK 01488 608810 mgascribe@vandyk.co.uk With the NEC Classic Car Show behind us, the motoring year is fast drawing to a close and, with the Festive Season still to be negotiated, the promise of 2017 still seems some way off. Remember next years’ events programme is on the Register website at www.mgcc. co.uk/mga-register/events-in-2017/ The Potters Heron, the base for the 2017 Autumn Tour, is now fully booked and the Register website has details for the Premier Inn, Southampton West, located at Ower as an alternative. There is also the 10-bedroom Cromwell Arms in Romsey which has a good reputation.

I thought this month I would ask something from you! As well as being your Scribe I took over as

Historian from Piers Hubbard (an almost impossible act to follow) earlier this year.

Those missing parts of the MGA story need to be recorded now, whilst we are still privileged to have with us some of the people who made it all happen between 1955 and 1962. Whilst much has been written about the MGA, not all of it entirely correct – I am still looking for those De Luxe badges a 2013 book tells me should be on my Coupe – I suspect much still remains to be discovered.

It is of interest to note that even the Club does not have the full story. The first edition of Safety Fast! was in April 1959 but the Club had a journal, The Sports Car, from 1935 which suspended

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publication in 1939. Whilst the Club has access to a compete set of The Sports Car, courtesy of the SVW Register, the gap between January 1946 and March 1959 remains and this, of course, covers much of the MGA era. During that period the Nuffield Organisation published Motoring which was the official journal of the MGCC and the Riley Motor Club. I hope the gap will soon be filled and thereafter give you some snippets about the MGA from the relevant year.

Whilst Safety Fast! started in 1959, somewhat surprisingly the US Safety Fast! preceded it. The summer 1955 edition featured the Le Mans MGA prototype.

So what am I asking of you?

We have no copies of MG-published price lists of options for the MGA. There are a few typed lists which appear to be dealer-orig-

haven’t already, so we can stay in touch.

Practical Classics top 100 Anthony White’s early ZA restoration was featured in the top 100 vote by Practical Classics magazine readers (results in December issue). The Magnette came a creditable 59th, slightly below another Palmer design, the Jowett Javelin, but Anthony enjoyed a great day out at the Millbrook test track for the photoshoot, where all 100 classics were assembled.

This month’s photo was provided

by Rob Moss, who took his Varitone for an MOT test, to find an identical one already there, belonging to Malcolm Bates.

They do both live near Hitchin, but didn’t know beforehand that their tests had been booked together – quite a coincidence.

inated and perhaps MG did not publish such lists. MG published Accessory lists, so why not option lists? Options being essentially factory-fitted, such as wire wheels, whereas Accessories included travel rugs – available in a number of different tartans, incidentally. So please look in the paperwork that came with your car and see if you have such lists or even an invoice for the car listing the options. If you do come across anything relating to options, please contact me – the MGA story needs you!

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/11/2016 18:17

MARTIN SMITH www.usedmg spares.co.uk

Quality New and Used MGF & MGTF Spares Covering all models from 1995 > 2006 All items Supplied - from body panels, interiors & engines to headlights & wheel nuts

Tel: 07722 175473 East Lydford, Somerset Email: usedmgspares@hotmail.co.uk

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

MG MGF Racecar #65 ‘RACING RED

MG TF LE500 A/c + H/top (just 26,000 miles)

MG TF 135 Style pack. (just 48,000 miles)

MG TF 135 Style Pack.1 owner (just 23,000 miles)

1997 (PP Reg)Manual, Petrol, Finished in RED Winner of ‘D’ class MGCC Trophy championship 2010/11/12.

Mems3 kmap ecu, miltek exhaust, 4 way hydrogas adjusters, new Gaz shockers, 16” alloys 3 race old tyres, 85th uprated anti rollbar, front oil cooler, light weight racing hardtop, Raced in the MGCC Cockshoot cup.

Fresh engine, new headgasket etc lightweight clutch.

99% finishing record. Road reg. Road cars taken in part exchange. Set up data, possible race support given. P.O.A.

2009 (59 Reg) Manual Petrol Finished in: Scorched Red/black leather These are very high spec models being fitted with Black leather sport seats, air conditioning, heated glass rear screen to Black soft top, soft ride suspension ,sports pack with 16” alloys, chrome pack, engine water level censor, etc etc. Full service history, 5 services including a new cambelt. Immaculate condition very low mileage LE500. £6,695

2010 (10 Reg), Manual, Petrol, Finished in: Silver/ Black leather Style pack ltd edition 2011 year model with folding mirrors. Black leather sport seats, soft ride suspension, heated glass rear screen in soft top, engine water level censor, 16” twisted pepper alloys, silver interior trim. Recent ull service with a new cambelt, brake disc’s and pads alround and moted. Colour coded hardtop available with leather head lining £450. One of the last 130 MG TF’s made. £4,995

2011 model year TF135 Style pack. Ltd edition high spec models. One owner from new full service history services and just 23,000 miles. 2011 model fitted with folding door mirrors. Style pack fitted with a heated glass rear screen, remote boot opening, engine water level censor, soft ride suspension, wind deflector, full leather sport seats, silver interior console and trims plus unmarked 16” Twisted pepper alloys and Red 4 pot brake calipers. Superb. £5,995

MG TF LE500 PreProduction Press car (just 22,600 miles)

MG TF 115 Sunstorm (just 52,000 miles)

MG MGF VVC Convertible (just 80,000 miles)

MG TF 115 (just 38,000 miles)

2007 (57 Reg) Manual Petrol Finished in: Grey/ black leather 1 owner MG A very early made car chassis # 7D059. One owner NAC MG UK ltd.

This pre production model was used for press days and shows to show what the new TF’s would be like.

Made to a high spec with full leather sport seats, air conditioning, soft ride suspension, glass heated rear screen, Wind deflector. Very low mileage rare 07/57 plate TF in outstanding condition. Fully serviced with a new cambelt etc Moted £6,495

2004 (04 Reg) Manual, Petrol, Finished in: Silver/ Black leather grey inserts High spec ltd edition model. This model looks like a 160vvc. Fitted with sports pack 2, Red 4 pot brake calipers, 16” alloys, front fog lights, chrome packs, smokestone cockpit etc . Headgasket/cambelt/water pump etc replaced recently .Low insurance .Just serviced and moted. Colour coded hardtop available for £350 + vat. Excellent condition. £2,795

1997 (R Reg) Manual Petrol Finished in: Silver/black half leather Just taken in part exchange. Being a VVC model it is fitted with Abs, VVC alloys Unmarked, power steering. Supplied with full service history + bills & including bill of sale from new and old mot’s etc. Recent service/mot and new Radiator and black soft top. Club members car. Outstanding condition would be hard to find better. £1,795

2003 (52 Reg), Manual, Petrol, Finished in: Silver/Black TF115 1600cc just 38,000 miles, low insurance group. Full service history will bills 10 service stamps ,headgasket replaced at 20,000m.

Mud flaps all round, bumper protectors, Colour coded hardtop available for £350 +vat. Excellent condition. £1,795

VIEWING BY APPOINTMENT PLEASE

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MG_SafetyFast_Dec16_51-98.indd 87

This is just a small selection from our stock

FAMILY BUSINESS ESTABLISHED 1981 OUR OFFICE/ SHOWROOM IS AT 62B HIGH STREET SHEPPERTON TW17 9AU

www.churchsquareautos.com DECEMBER 2016 SAFETY FAST! 87

23/11/2016 18:18

REGISTERS

MGB

DAVID BROADHURST 01209 614704 newsletter-editor@mgb-register.org www.mgb-register.org. mgbforum.mgb-register.org So, I expect by now that a lot of MGBs are all wrapped up in the garage, as mine is. I use a three-layer padded, breathable indoor cover over mine and put a 60W tube heater, as used in wardrobes, under the engine. I find that this maintains enough of a temperature difference to keep any condensation and, therefore, mildew at bay in the wet climate that Cornwall endures in the winter.

If you are out and about, whether in your B or everyday, other, car (assuming you have one) the following is a cautionary tale worth noting. When on our way to the excellent B Register event in Yorkshire we stopped for a comfort break at Charnock

Richard Services on the M6. On returning to the B, I had incurred a £100 penalty for inappropriate parking! Apparently I was in a caravan bay, though I saw no caravans, and painted markings on the road were not obvious.

Naturally, I appealed the charge and was told that notices were adequate to inform of terms and conditions of use of the facility.

The information is in small print on a notice on the slip road as you exit the motorway…Be warned.

The consultation period for changes to the nature of MOT tests has now ended. My insurers, Heritage, seem to think that the most likely outcome will be changes to requirements when vehicles are 40 years old. If

MIDGET

NEIL THOMAS 07891 684435 ns.tenby@hotmail.com www.midgetregister.com There is no doubt that this autumn has been fantastic, enabling a lot of us to keep using our cars in dry and sunny weather, which certainly shortens the winter.

Our Track Day on Anglesey was a great event and the views on that track are outstanding (see pic). The Midgets taking part drew lots of attention from other participants and the organisers were very complimentary about the driving standards on track of our group. Thank you guys.

I’m informed that the Aldon shoot out, run by Dennis Wharf and James Thacker, was once again a successful event (see pics of some of the reprobates taking part). Anthony Cutler provided a sterling service to those Spridgeteers with Emerald and Omex ECUs, eking out extra bhp and torque where he could. Dave Hunt lost a screw out of the throttle body on his Zetec-powered Midget, but thankfully avoided disaster

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MOT testing is no longer required at that age the insurers will still, probably, want some form of certificate of roadworthiness from a competent motor engineer. That, at least, is how I understand it at present.

Clive Wilday has sent an email to all participants in the just-passed B Register Yorkshire event inviting them to next year’s equivalent in Lincolnshire. This will be open to all members and will be publicised soon John Watson has sent me advanced notice of the Flywheel event at Bicester Airfield in Oxfordshire, July 1-2; more details available soon.

Mike Garton sent me the following message and picture of Jean Denton’s MGB. “Have found this photo of UMD outside the garage in Scarperia that we used as a base for the Mugello race which started there. I like the BMC Service signs, bearing in mind the village was in the hills above Florence! The little guy in the middle is the owner. The MGB GT was a press car I had writing an article for Safety Fast! on the trip.”

That’s all for this year. Enjoy your MG if you drive it in the winter and, as they say down here in the far west of Cornwall, Nadelek Lowen!

when the errant item was found languishing in the plenum. Once recovered and replaced, all was well again. Phew!

I’ve been contacted by John Clark, a former Midget Register committee member, who currently owns a 1958 Frogeye. John was invited to participate in the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations at Buckingham Palace on October 15, and he and his wife had the pleasure of meeting HRH Prince Michael of Kent, an avid motoring fan himself. John’s Frog represented the year 1958 in the line-up of 90 cars (see pic). The total value of cars in the line-up was calculated at £19 million!

Thanks for sharing this with us, John.

On behalf of the MR committee I would like to wish you all a very happy Xmas and a prosperous New Year.

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/11/2016 18:18

B11 - Barrie Carter_CLASSIC MOTORING 23/11/2016 14:15 Page 1

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

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 incredible 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 racing. At 75, I am about to say enough. It cost a fortune. Your gain is my loss at £27,950. I may part exchange.

Vauxhall Victor DeLuxe 1962

MG TC 1949. I bought this remarkable TC 2 years ago. It has had a body off rebuild by a very gifted Australian engineer who wrote a full documentary of all work. Its engine has steel rods and special crank, cam, and head. !/12 SUs and dry decked head.. KN 16inch wheels, superb uprated steering and brakes and diff to match.

Standard excellent gearbox New hood and tonneau, excellent panels, and chrome . Used by me for two years, it is a fast tourer not a race car, nor concours,just lovely and the best TC I’ve ever had. Sequioa cream and green leather. Unrepeatable at £27,500

This seldom seen lovely spacious saloon appears to have covered a scant 60000 miles. Its colour is as offered by the factory and is very attractive. The DeLuxe has the added extras of four speed all synchro floor change, leather seats and a heater! Its engine bay is detailed. Excellent interior and exterior. All the tools are with it and it drives superbly and sprightly. I love it. A pic in the 1962 Motor Show catalogue depicts it as it is now. What a wedding car lots of room. Be different. £6,500

1936/7 Ashley Cleave Brooklands/ Shelsey Special As previously said my Ashley Cleave special, as raced at Brooklands in 37, is still for sale. It can be bought as is or I can complete it. It is a recognised Brooklands competitor.

Shelsey Special, dominant in trials, circuits sprints, h/c and with over 500 awards. Reviewed by Bill Boddy in Motor Sport. It is eligible for many varied and coveted races and events, and a possible Goodwood entry. It starts at 35k as is with the rolling chassis restored and the rest negotiable. I’ve had it for 23 years. Or you could be a real anorak and buy an ineligible for anything pointy tail pub car for 50k. Price according to spec when finished, starting at £26k but make me an offer.

Summit:Layout 1

Manor Garage & Sons!

Tel: 01235 767751

MG TA/B. This lovely 1939 TA has been converted to TB spec of which there were only 372 built. It has the correct XPAG engine with correct rare cast/brass piston SUs. It has had a body off restoration in the past and still is in great condition. Recent unleaded head with new valves. Excellent chrome and with new brakes and a Thiomkins steering conversion it steers and stops precisely, New hood and tonneau complete this lovely, rare and true vintage MG. A delight to drive. In my toy cupboard at home I have recommisioned it personally and it is ready to use. Very attractive in maroon and red leather, Charming. Forget silly TB prices, £24,950

XPAG flow competition exhaust manifold New. £525 Wade Supercharger R10 Complete with pulleys. £1,400

XPAG engines built to any specification – supplied or exchange

24/8/12

17:51

CM01.17/B11/rr

Austin A40 Somerset historic rally car. This car has had 1 owner for at least 30 years and only for sale due to his age. It has covered many Rallies, Rusticana, Le Jog etc. It is in lovely original condition inside and has upgraded brakes and a modified 1800 MGB engine, suspension, and wider wheels. A lovely conditioned useful historic rally car, whose preparation would cost more than the price of the car. £8,750

Page 1

Summit

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DECEMBER 2016 SAFETY FAST! 89

23/11/2016 18:18

REGISTERS

MGC

GINNY CARTMELL 01208 821552 ginnycartmell@btinternet.com

Buyer Beware We are all aware that the values of the MGC have risen a great deal over the past year. This unfortunately brings out the rogues and offers that seem either to be tremendous value or too good to be true!

Two events have come to our attention, both the same car, a Primrose GT being offered as a restoration project, for sale in Wales for around £5,000.

The potential purchasers have requested more information and detailed photos have been sent.

They are obviously attractive enough and one purchaser has sent funds, in good faith, to cover the cost and arranged a trailer for collection. The purchaser has duly

arrived to find the householder has no knowledge of either the car or sale. Two days later another purchaser arrives at the same property after paying a deposit and has exactly the same outcome.

There was a neighbour a few doors away, who was a classic car owner, who related to our Register member that this was the second such incident that week.

We have run checks through our database from information given, ie chassis number, and found that it was indeed a C GT of a different colour. The registration that was given was checked and there were no details on the DVLA or other like sites. This really is a case of buyer beware.

We, as the C Register, have

FWD

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

I manned the stand on Saturday and Sunday at the Classic Motor Show and have received this report from Tanya. It was a great weekend for the FWD Register: The Classic Motor Show at the NEC is traditionally the closing show of the season and aims to be the biggest and best. This year’s show was certainly that and there

was a constant flow of people on the stand over the three days. The majority of those whom we spoke to had fond memories of MG FWD Register cars, most of them either having owned them or had them in their family back in the day.

This is the second year that we have had a stand at this show, although last year we shared

Ian and Matty on the Register stand.

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an ever-growing database and we would be pleased to research any such vehicle, chassis number, registration etc. This may be of help should we know the car in question but also we do try to check online sites for cars for sale on a regular basis and record accordingly.

A remarkable achievement...

At the tender age of 21 Andrew Young received ‘8 GBP’ from his father, a certain Vic Young. This was a pale primrose MGC GT. Andrew and car have become well-known on lots of racing circuits. Vic was present in his CGT at the first BCV8 race at Brands Hatch in 1977 and was quite a strong

with the Maestro and Montego Owners Club, which allowed us to represent each model in the FWD Register. However, as we only obtained our stand at the eleventh hour, unfortunately sharing wasn’t a possibility this year. On this year’s stand we had Ian Kimpton’s beautiful white MG Maestro EFi which was a finalist in the Meguires Club Showcase at the NEC last year.

This was joined by Jamie Field’s lovely Stone Grey MG Metro. Many thanks to Ian and Matty Bee who set up the stand.

It was lovely to talk to so many Club members who had come up to see us and shows like the NEC are great for putting names to faces. We also signed up a few more members and Ian recorded the details of several more cars for the Register. We were very lucky to be visited by Russ Swift and Geof Morson

competitor. He was joined by son Iain on obtaining his race licence in 1990 and Andrew in 1996, and then father and sons enjoyed many years racing in their MGC GTs. Andrew, at the beginning of October at Snetterton, won the MG Car Club BCV8 championship outright in his 21st birthday present and we congratulate him. Andrew not only races but has become a sponsor of the BCV8 championship through his company wattselectricalservices ltd.co.uk.

Finally Iain’s CGT, also a 21st present, mineral blue 9588K, is nearing completion being recommissioned ready for MGC 50.

Geof Morson and Russ Swift with Ian and Matty.

who were part of the MG Driving Display Team.

Next year’s Classic Motor Show at the NEC is on from November 10-12 and the MG FWD Register is always looking for both fresh cars and members who haven’t shown their car at the NEC before to join us on the Club stand. Likewise, we are still looking for cars for the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show at the NEC which is on from March 31 to April 2. If you would like to bring your car or find out what is involved with exhibiting at either show, please do get in touch.

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/11/2016 18:18

REGISTERS

MGF

TIM MORRIS 01932 882467 scribe@mgfregister.org www.mgfregister.org Merry MGF Xmas to all Members With our network of regions around the country we have put on or attended around 150 events. These range from regular pub meets, both in the evenings and weekends, through to European trips and weekends away. Then there are the car shows and we have seen some good multiregional shows this year, notably Uxbridge, where four regions got together, and Brooklands where we had representatives from half a dozen regions all with flags flying. Our philanthropic side has been successful with over £2,000 raised for Guide Dogs largely through two charity events – the

Hard-Top Relay and the Thames Bridges and Tunnels event.

2017 Events We now look to 2017 and we have two new Events people in place to lead us into the New Year; thanks to Ian “Worzel” Wright and Phil Hayward for stepping up. We can expect more of the same and some new national and international events, too. Multi-region car shows will be encouraged and we already have a new international(ish) event to Jersey on June 1-5 which is almost (but not quite) full. We are holding rooms until Christmas, so if you would like to join the Club on this trip to the International Motoring Festival then please check the announcements section on our

MG6.3.5

Steve Haines Steve-haines@live.co.uk www.facebook.com/groups/MG635Register https://twitter.com/635register It was very sad to hear that Longbridge has ceased production, with many owners, myself included, having purchased MG6 and MG3 vehicles that had been completed on the production line there. Our thoughts go out to the excellent staff affected by the closure.

It has once again been a busy year for the Register, with

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MG_SafetyFast_Dec16_51-98.indd 91

continued excellent sales of the MG3 and the surprise announcement in the summer that the MG6 is to be discontinued and join the ranks of historic MGs. We have attended several very successful events, with huge numbers of vehicles on display and lots of new owners joining the Register, Car Club and Facebook page. The

for 2017 takes place in Essex on September 9-10 and will have an International flavour to it. Put the dates in your diary now and booking will open in early 2017

Internet forum now – www.mgfregister.org/forum We have also announced our first Charity event of the year which will be based at the Crown and Thistle Hotel in Abingdon on March 11-12. The weekend incorporates a buffet lunch, our AGM, the annual awards dinner and a scenic run through the Chilterns taking in the Hellfire Caves. As usual, you can take the whole package or pick and choose. To book contact the hotel direct on 01235 552556 and quote MGF Register. £190 per double room or £155 single including buffet lunch and evening meal on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday plus the Sunday run. Non-residential rate for the dinner and buffet is £35 and there will be a small charge for the Sunday run if you are not on the full package.

Another big event planned

Region Changes Finally, we have some changes – a new Region has been started in Lancashire, thanks to Register stalwarts and past Members of the Year Neil and Barbara Rushton.

Take a look at the new Lancashire board on our Internet Forum and get in touch with them.

The South Wales Region has a new Rep in the shape of Rob Hoblyn. He takes over from Jan Carter and Andy Partridge who did a great job with the area but can’t dedicate so much time to it now. Thanks to you both and good luck to Rob, and Neil and Barbara, too.

Register continues to support the MG GS and we look forward to helping it to get its own Register and Committee formed to support this newest of the MG marque.

The following and enthusiasm of owners is something that is growing daily, particularly around the personalisation and modification of owners’ vehicles.

There are now more options for performance improvement and visual enhancement from China, Thailand and here at home from the likes of John Woods Motorcare and MG and AMC parts.

Internationally, we have seen a massive increase in social media posts from our new friends in Thailand, who have a very exciting and thriving group based in Bangkok. The same can be said of enthusiasts in Iran. It’s always interesting to see what they’ve all been up to! With the

announcement of a new factory in Thailand, this can only mean that this market and ownership with grow significantly for the marque in the future.

The Committee will be formulating the events list for 2017, so if you have any local events that you wish to promote and include on the Register’s list, please get in touch so we can promote them and support them. These will be published on the Facebook page, in Safety Fast! and on our web page on the MGCC website.

Have a fantastic Christmas and looking forward to a prosperous 2017!

DECEMBER 2016 SAFETY FAST! 91

23/11/2016 18:18

CL ASSIFIEDS

County Classics Gloucestershire Reducing private collection

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 Colin Grant at 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

MGB Roadster

membership number. Cost for nonmembers to advertise is £20. All adverts should be submitted by the 5th December for the following

1974 two former keepers, only 54,806 miles, Superb, original, RHD, chrome bumper model Original Rostyle wheels with recent tyres and stainless steel exhaust. Rare Tundra Green, new black vinyl roof, tonneau and hood bag.

4-speed with o/drive, large history file, exceptional condition, very collectable,

months issue.

£14,999

Contact 01452 731289 or 07595 218406 see video and more pictures at www freedom-motorhomes.co.uk

www.mgmecca.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 1953 717618 Fax: (0) 1953 717850

MG J2 1933

Still has its rare swept wings. Black with green wheels and upholstery as original, but enhanced with green sides (like N Types) Fitted with the hydraulic brakes it should have had when new so stopping isnt heart stopping! £30,000. Would consider cheaper car or preferably project car in part payment.. Tel: 01344 424258 (Bracknell Berkshire)

1933 L Type

Currently the car is fitted with an N-type engine. (Original engine available). Major restoration carried out ten years ago by Andy King’s workshops. Although not completely original I have tried to modify in a way similar to that which may have been carried out in the thirties. Non standard parts are Ntype side lights fitted with twin filament bulbs and a MGB overdrive unit which operates on all 4 gears and also an electric fan. Currently the steering box is being overhauled by Mike Dowley. The car is fitted with a new hood and side screens. I have a photograph showing the car being used in a hill climb in the 1930’s. The car cannot be regarded as concours as I have tried to use it as much as possible. The best one can say is that it is well used although it still manages to be given the odd award or two. Price £85,000 GBP or very near offer. For more information please Email: jrsmgl2.inbr@icloud.com or telephone 01476 573163

MG Midget 1500 1980

1964 MGB Roadster British Racing Green, black/ white trim, chrome wires. Superb condition. 12v conv.

Recent sills and body restoration. Drives superbly.

Last owner for many years. S/S sports exhaust.

Maintained regardless of cost. Very rare early MGB. £14,995.00

1967 MGB ROADSTER Nightfire Red, w/w, o/drive, leather trim, full wood dash. Excellent restored car, s/s boot rack, boot carpets, tonneau. Getting rarer by the year. £11,995.00

MG TF STEPSPEED 2002

1980 MGB GT LE Pewter. Rare last of production special spec. LE, alloys, webasto roof. Has had total body renovation 7 years ago.

One lady owner for many years. £5,495.00

2004 MG TF Yellow, black cloth trim. 32,000 miles from new. Grey alloys. Superb car in superb condition. Interior as new. Maintained regardless of cost. Would be hard to find a better one. £3,795.00

Average mileage. Silver with black hood, black cloth interior. 1796cc First registered 27.08.2002. Sports Auto Speed Sequential Gear change allowing manual operation using either gear selector or steering wheel mounted toggles. Radio/CD 6 stack multiplayer. Head gasket replaced. Quarter tonneau cover, wind break. Very tidy. £1995.00 Tel: 07860 300230 (Lincolnshire)

WANTED

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. Paint has a few knocks and pimples as expected. Great value. £8,995.00

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! £23,995.00

92 SAFETY FAST! DECEMBER 2016

MG_SafetyFast_Dec16_51-98.indd 92

Roadgoing Sprint/ Hillclimb Midget.

Some work not objected to as long as car is complete. Please send pics, info & price to Bob at mgcarsscotland@gmail.com or call on 07870 407111

White. Owned since 2005 following comprehensive professional restoration (mechanical, bodywork and interior). MOT expires March 2017, no advisories. Garaged and dry use only. Maintained and serviced by MG specialist garage (extensive records available). £3750.

Tel 01904 491857 (York).

1933 MG J2

Rebuilt in the 19 tured in Practical than 2000 miles garaged in dry h this is a very well pristine condition near offer. Inform from birdpj@btin Car is garaged in

MG TF 1500

Circa 1955,(Impo 1990) Curren Number: 7155 M period Shorrock an MGA Differen legs) Extras inc Stoneguards, Boo & Fog Lamps, M Modern Halogen Bar. Good hood Tonneau Cover, Although Fully R years ago, the mi been less than 10 dition is pretty pe in the rain! Huge ownership of so somewhere an Taylor was pub Accept around George on Mobile 02380404153 (c South Coast, Ham

MG3 Form Sp 1967 MGB GT Mk 1

This very original mineral blue Mk 1 MGB GT has webasto roof, chrome wire wheels and one lady owner since 1984. Head rules heart – it has been off the road for a couple of years and would make an excellent restoration project for an MG enthusiast. Hence realistic offers of £650 ono. Contact Jo Ward at jo@ese-assoc.demon.co.uk 01252 876783 (Yateley, Hants)

Change in circu reluctant sale (th MG3 I have own (longer service stop/start) purch Brown and Gam this year, so warra 2019. Approximat in very good cond Tel 07912 072372 Email: davegibson (North Bucks)

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/11/2016 18:18

BARRY WALKER British Motor Heritage approved

SOMETHING FOR EVERYBODY THIS MONTH

r is fitted with an (Original engine restoration carried go by Andy King’s hough not comhave tried to modlar to that which carried out in the ndard parts are Ntted with twin filaa MGB overdrive tes on all 4 gears tric fan. Currently x is being overDowley. The car is w hood and side photograph showused in a hill climb he car cannot be ours as I have tried h as possible. The y is that it is well still manages to be ward or two. Price very near offer. For on please Email: oud.com 76 573163

500 1980

since 2005 followsive professional hanical, bodywork OT expires March ries. Garaged and intained and servalist garage (extenable). £3750.

7 (York).

T Mk 1

.....for the very best in vintage MGs.....Estd.1968

1933 MG J2

Rebuilt in the 1980s when it featured in Practical Classics but less than 2000 miles since. Properly garaged in dry heated conditions, this is a very well turned out car in pristine condition. £30,000 or very near offer. Information and photos from birdpj@btinternet.com Car is garaged in Newmarket area.

MGF 120 Steptronic CVT

Built 16th September 1999, Registered to MG/Rover, the personal car of a young BMW lawyer based at Gaydon. This is one of the earliest production Steptronic's with only 19 registered in 1999.

Nightfire Red, with full leather, air conditioning, new hood with HRW. Fastidiously maintenance by Just Right Autos Witney, rebuilt everything, 4 new tires and only 73000miles. £2650 (a fraction of the bills on file) 01993 775945 Email: gethin.now@gmail.com (Witney)

SOLD

1933 MG K3 “LE MANS” rep. A proper specification car on factory original K chassis, genuine 1100cc K engine, correct axles, pre-select g’box, ‘Le Mans’ body & Marshall s/charger. Full details of this accurate specification on request. Prepared for all events; nearest you’ll get to a factory built K3.........offered way below cost................... £185,000

THE UNIQUE 1932 OLYMPIA MOTORSHOW “R.E.A.L.” BODIED MG J2 The only one to exist of the 2 known to have been produced. (Ring for more history). An opportunity to acquire one of the most handsome & rarest MG’s ever made. Total nut & bolt restoration of the highest quality. A collectors dream or an enthusiasts’ wish come true? Do not apply if over 6’ tall. It’s too good an investment to miss at ................................... £75,0000......................Surely better value then an ‘Airline Coupe’?

MAGNIFICENT 2-SEAT 6 CYL ‘F’ MAGNA. Surely the best looking of all the 6 cyl. MG road cars. The reliable Wolseley based engine & superb ENV gate-change g’box, cycle wings, handsome body, coupled to a superb restoration, make this a genuine bargain at................................................................................................................................. £69,500

UNDER OFFER

1935 MG PA SPORTS DE-LUXE. A beautifully restored PA without being overdone.

A truly usable MG with no spares worries that you’ll be proud to own. Fully serviced engine, rebuilt steering, de-luxe gauges, aeroscreens, storieguards and superb leather interior. All new weather equipment just fitted. One of the best I’ve had................ £45,000

1934 MG K3/N SPORTS RACING CAR. Built to full K3 specificaition but on N chassis, this is a really stunning K3 rebuild certified by the MGCC & VSCC. Fantastic value .................................................................................................................................. £139,950

1946 MG TC SPORTS. A very, very original example of this reliable, easy to drive & maintain MG. Fully rebuilt approx 5000 miles ago. All matching No’s. Burgundy with beige hide.................................................................................................................. £34,950

1935 MG PB SPORTS. A magnificent example of this rare model. Excellent steering, brakes & engine. Lovely bodywork in 2-tone blue; black roof etc........................ £46,500

1938 MG SA SALOON. Unusual car from us, but all I can say is ... it is concours.

Fit for royalty. Duo-red, burgundy hide; fabulous for that trip to Paris or M.Carlo .................................................................................................................................... £67,500

MG TF 1500

Circa 1955,(Imported from Canada 1990) Current Registration Number: 7155 MG. The MG, has a period Shorrock Supercharger and an MGA Differential, (giving longer legs) Extras include: Headlamp Stoneguards, Bootrack, Lucas Spot & Fog Lamps, Multiple Airhorns, Modern Halogen Lighting, Badge Bar. Good hood and Sidescreens, Tonneau Cover, Unleaded head.

Although Fully Restored some 20 years ago, the mileage covered has been less than 1000 miles, and condition is pretty perfect, never been in the rain! Huge History File in my ownership of some 20 years, and somewhere an article by Mike Taylor was published in 2009.

Accept around 40K. Contact George on Mobile: 07714767714 or 02380404153 (can be seen on South Coast, Hampshire)

MGA 1956 PROJECT

USA Oregon Inport all taxes paid and V5 issued. Chassis bead blasted/primed A1.

LHD with engine/gearbox/diff/axle. Needs new boot floor/£800 other repair panels included. See other 'spares ad' for new 1800 unit/5 speed box etc. Telephone: 07789757150 for extra photos/details. ONLY £3750

COMMISSION SALES: Our highly regarded service is always available to you.

Tel: 01789 400 181. Fax: 01789 400230. Mob: 07836 244103 Email: barry@barrywalker.com Web: www.barrywalker.com

WANTED

MGTF120 Must have aircon. Best possible condition preferred.

Generous cash waiting or a possible swap for my 5 speed RWA Midget, cash either way. Thanks!

Contact 01227 637813 or johnbennett698@yahoo.com.

FOR SALE MGTF 1.8litre First registered July 2003.

55,000 miles. 5-speed. MOT 6/5/17 X-Power Grey with black mohair hood. Black interior with green piping.

MG ZTT+ 190 MG3 Form Sport 2016

mineral blue Mk 1 basto roof, chrome one lady owner d rules heart – it road for a couple uld make an excelproject for an MG e realistic offers of tact Jo Ward at mon.co.uk 01252 Hants)

Change in circumstances forces reluctant sale (this is the second MG3 I have owned). 2015 model (longer service intervals, but no stop/start) purchased new from Brown and Gammons in January this year, so warranty to end of Jan 2019. Approximately 10,000 miles, in very good condition. £6000 ono.

Tel 07912 072372 or 01908 271068 Email: davegibson103@gmail.com (North Bucks)

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_Dec16_51-98.indd 93

Le Mans Green, MOT Oct17, recent cambelt big service, good tyres and exhaust, brand new rear shock absorbers, FSH, MG Rover history docs, 98k miles, 2 keys, usual spec +xenon lights with wash, roof rails, parking sensors, refurbished Mk2 wheels, runs on petrol + LPG for economy, MG Rover LPG evaluation car built 06/03, registered 03/07. - £2,200 o.n.o. Call 01502 731141 or 07445 93232. Email chairman@mgccanglia.com (East Suffolk)

Extras include: Chrome twin exhausts. Chrome door sills. Alloy gear knob. Wind deflector.

Tonneau cover.

Very good condition paintwork. Unmarked boot & interior with overmats.

Electric windows and mirrors. Sony CD/ radio & AUX with removeable front.

6-spoke alloys with locking wheel nuts. Good tyres. Full sized spare wheel with new tyre.

Owner going to work overseas, hence sale.

£1,895. 07860 906032

DECEMBER 2016 SAFETY FAST! 93

24/11/2016 13:14

CL ASSIFIEDS

1978 MGB Roadster

Unmarked midnight blue, cream trim, full chrome pack, mohair hood. Expert MG restoration in 2002 costing £17,000. Impeccable shut lines. Many recent new parts; Koni gas shocks, leaf springs, 4-pot caliper disc brakes, fuel pump, sump, water pump, fan belt, thermostat housing, engine mounts, wipers and stainless steel exhaust. Big history file. Previous owner cherished car for 27 years. Priced at £10,100. james.thornborough@gmail.com.

I cannot offer my UK mobile as I work abroad in the UAE (next home December). My location is Ripon, North Yorkshire. I will follow up with any calls to my account.

1980 MG Midget 1500

Excellent condition, with only some very minor blemishes. Hood in as new condition with excellent cover, brand new unused full tonneau cover. Chrome wires (incl spare), with almost new tyres. Chrome luggage rack, front bib spoiler. Black leather interior with white piping, walnut dash cover. MoT'd until Aug 17. An ideal Christmas present. £3750 ono. Contact 07746108583 or iancampbell4444@gmail.com (Co Down, Ulster)

WANTED

MGB GT or MGC GT. 1966-1973.

Must have tax and MOT and be fitted with wire wheels or knock-on alloys. Will consider car on disc or rostyle wheels if reasonably priced.

Would prefer seller to be located within 40 miles radius of Stourbridge please. Telephone 01384 422178

MG Midget 1500 1977 MG ZS MK2 180 2004 54

Pristine example, the car has a mere 17,400 miles, only 2 previous owners (dealer & private), myself since Oct 13. MOT May 17, pearl black metallic paint, original factory upgrades in line with the age of the vehicle (with invoices): Xpower Janspeed duplex s/s exhaust and itg maxogen induction kit (only 2 alterations which are genuine upgrades).

Cambelts (3) changed and 4 services. For a full description please see www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C807 738 Contact Stevie 07595415640 (Norfolk)

MGB Roadster 1971

Very reliable and regularly used over past 20 years. Garaged, and maintained by MGCC member of 50 years. Delightful to drive and in good, original condition.Tonneau, Black leather seats, standard 1800cc engine with overdrive, alloy wheels with almost new tyres and luggage rack. MOT to July 2017. Reluctant to sell but need the garage space.

Price £4000. ono. 01438 723807 or a.bentley321@btinternet.com (North Hertfordshire)

94 SAFETY FAST! DECEMBER 2016

MG_SafetyFast_Dec16_51-98.indd 94

Rebuilt a few years ago into a Heritage Shell. White, black interior & fitted wire wheels. New MOT with no advisories.

IDEAL CHRISTMAS PRESENT & I CAN KEEP & DELIVER ! Price £4350 ono. For pics and info contact Bob on 07870 407111 or Email; mgcarsscotland@gmail.com

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

1933 L Type

Currently the ca N-type engine. advert or for additional insertions available). Major r email Colin Grant at out ten years ag colingrant@mgcc.co.uk with details workshops. Alt of your car, around 60 words, togethpletely original I h your picture, er with an attached ify in a way sim may have been c contact information, price of your thirties. Non stan car, the area where you live, and type side lights fi membership number. Cost for nonment bulbs and members to advertise is £20. All unit which opera adverts should be submitted by the and also an elec the steering bo 5th December for the following hauled by Mike D months issue. fitted with a ne screens. I have a ing the car being www.mgcc.co.uk in the 1930’s. Th regarded as conc to use it as muc 23/11/2016 18:19 best one can say

Telephone 01753 644599 martin@runnymede motorcompany.com

Mobile (07836) 222111 www.runnymedemotor company.com

1978 MGB Race Car, This cracking little MGB race car in Daffodil yellow and affectionately known as “Juicy Lucy” was owned by my wife from 2002 until 2009 during which time she and I regularly competed in various sprints and hill climbs and some MG Car Club race meetings. Prior to her ownership in 1995 the car was the subject of a complete rebuild, photographic evidence of which is contained within the considerable history file. Also within that file are photographs of the internals of the engine showing the upgrades carried out to the cylinder head during the rebuild.

Since then “Lucy’s” competitive life has continued by way of various track days and more sprints and hill climbs during which time she has always been regularly maintained. Her specification includes fuelling through a 45DCOE side draught Weber carburettor and Facet race fuel pump, 4 speed all synchro gearbox, Aeroquip oil and brake lines and large oil cooler, alloy rocker cover, electric cooling fan, oil catch tank, 800lb competition front springs with competition shock absorbers and stiffer front anti-roll bar, brake cooling ducts, headlamp cowls, “Works” hard top, OMP race seats with 5 point race harness seat belts, “Safety Devices” roll cage, “Lifeline” fire eater system, aluminium race fuel tank, alloy bonnet, Fibreglass boot lid (originals also with the car) and “Minilite” alloy wheels. Lucy has always been a good reliable car for club events and will no doubt give hours of pleasure to the next lucky owner. Huge fun for little money at £12,950 MGB Roadster, first registered 27-11-1972. (Road tax exempt) finished in Bronze yellow with attractive and contrasting dark blue interior. This is a 3 owner motor car with an impressive specification, presented in condition consistent with light use and great care. The specification includes electronic ignition, a full stainless steel exhaust system with tubular exhaust manifold, unmarked Minilite style wheels, 4 speed all synchromesh gearbox with overdrive, Motolita steering wheel, virtually new hood,, excellent chrome and an odometer reading showing a correct mileage of 79,000. This is a car that we were delighted to take into stock and we consider it to be a credit to its previous owners. The interior is in really excellent condition for a 38 year old open car and is always an excellent barometer by which to judge just how a car has been used. It has equally impressive coachwork and chrome and from conversations with one of the previous owners we have deduced that it was the subject of a restoration some 12 years ago by MG specialists Mechspec of Doncaster. Mechspec were also responsible for a full rebuild of the engine and drive train which included the engine being over-bored by 40 thou and the fitting of a Peter Burgess eco tuned unleaded cylinder head with an uprated Piper 270 mild road camshaft. The gearbox, overdrive and rear axle were also rebuilt about 3000 miles ago and the car has been used sparingly since. Further works have included upgrading the electrical system to take a 12 volt battery instead of the twin 6 volt batteries fitted as standard equipment. This car is particularly nice to drive and the suspension gives a feeling of confidence on the road. It has a current Mot certificate until February 2017 and the car needs no further preparation before enjoying the rest of the summer sun. Realistically priced for one in this condition at £9,950 Please call Edward 07767 414249 when enquiring about this car MGB Roadster This is a beautiful example of this iconic British Sports Car which was the successor to the MGA. Introduced in 1962, it immediately became a popular replacement of the much loved MGA as it offered more power from the “B” series British Leyland engine, greatly improved road holding and a far greater degree of comfort. This particular example has covered a mere 56,000 miles from new with sufficient documentation to back up the odometer reading. In fact the car has spent a huge proportion of the past 40 years in a dormant state as it has covered only 6,000 miles since 1976.

It has been the subject of a comprehensive restoration and now presents as a beautiful car and is very original in appearance. As far as we can tell the only deviation from the specification when the car was delivered is the addition of a period style Motolita wood rimmed steering wheel. Fitted with the optional wire wheels, overdrive, a “Fold-away” hood and a tonneau cover, the car is fully serviced and ready to be enjoyed. Very realistically priced for one in this condition at £13,950

Please view our website at www.runnymedemotorcompany.com for further information or contact Martin Brewer on 01753 644 599

MG_SafetyFast_Dec16_51-98.indd 95

23/11/2016 18:19

TRADE MEMBER

Specialising in all MG’s

TEL/FAX: 01258 820337

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 8am-6pm, Wed: 8am-5pm, Sat: 8am-1pm 2016 201 6

TRADE MEMBER

MIKE ROLLS

SPARES FOR SALE

SERVICES FOR MGs

HOW TO ADVERTISE

Specialising in all MG’s

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 5th December for the following months issue.

TEL/FAX: 01258 820337

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 8am-6pm, Wed: 8am-5pm, Sat: 8am-1pm MG PA, 1934, finished in black with red leather seats & matching trim. Completely restored, to a superb condition, with documented history from Peter Monkton of Monza Engineering and mechanical restoration by Baynton Jones, then finished off with new weather gear and red carpet, carried out by LA & RW Piper.

Invoices and photos showing that much money has been spent on this restoration. £47,500

Various Items for sale

Tows car with back wheels still on road. Folds up so takes up less space than a trailer £150ono MGA front bumper (repro) 3 pieces £30. Also original (F&R) for rechrome.

Spinners, set, for rechrome in good unbashed condition £20 (J,T,A etc) MGBGT tailgate, no rust, £50 Tel:- 01344-424258 (Berks)

MG TF 135 - 2003, FINISHED IN TROPHY BLUE MG TF 135, 2003 in Trophy Blue, 40,000mls from new, recent new headgasket and cambelt, Black cloth interior and black hood, four new tyres, MOT’d to April 2017. £2,950.

We would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year.

From all @ Mike Rolls Services for MGs.

XPAG Engine

Newly Built, 1350cc lightened and balanced fast road engine for sale on an exchange basis. Phone for complete spec.Tel: Ron Ward on 01422 823649, collection only. (W.Yorkshire)

Units 9/10 Fifehead Business Park, Manor Farm, Fifehead Magdalen, near Gillingham, Dorset SP8 5RR

E-mail: mikerolls4mgs@compuserve.com • www.mikerolls.co.uk Mail Order “Friendly Quality Service”

MG TA WIDE BODY

MGB

Pair of striped grey cloth seats from a 1979 roadster in fair condition £60.00. Please call Graham on 07836 721369 or email: biggra15@gmail.com (Collection from Chepstow)

FROM EARLY CAR FOR SALE

MG Showroom Sign

It is double sided, non illuminated and fixes to a ceiling or beam with its fitted brackets. Approx size 20in X 20in, 3in deep plus two brackets fitted to top. They are 31/2in high. Still in very clean and tidy condition £295.

Collected or plus P&P. Phone Phill on 01792587337

MG TType

Two sets of door armrests in chrome, A1 condition. See item 70 reference no. 229-655 in the Moss TType catalogue. These have not been available from Moss or other suppliers for over 10 years and are very rare items. my price for these are £75 per pair,plus £6 p&p. Telephone jack 01280 848529 (Buckingham)

MG TA wide body from early car in structurally very sound condition needing refurbishment, essentially paint. Timbers and panels are good as is scuttle.

Includes doors. (Transport frame not included) All reasonable offers considered.

Located North Buckinghamshire Tel 07767 830913

Units 9/10 Fifehead Business Park, Manor Farm, Fifehead Magdalen, near Gil ingham, Dorset SP8 5RR

E-mail: mikerolls4mgs@compuserve.com • www.mikerolls.co.uk Mail Order “Friendly Quality Service”

96 SAFETY FAST! DECEMBER 2016

MG_SafetyFast_Dec16_51-98.indd 96

CM02.13/B32/d

MG ZA ZB Engine

With rocker box cover and exhaust manifold good for parts or to rebuild £150.00 buyer collects or can deliver at cost?

Also reproduction MG Midget mascot in excellent order £95.00 plus postage. Phone 01621 829799

MGTD Spares

Front windscreen complete with side and bulkhead mounting brackets. Chrome is not new but very presetable. £565.

Original, remarkabley solid front wings N/S and O/S. These have been sand blasted and any repairs required professionally carried out. Have not been painted so you see exactly what you get (No filler). £465 each. Moss charge £1240 each Orignal hood frame complete with wooden header rail and remains of original hood as pattern £150 Side screen box. This is a very rare original part to come for sale. Has been sand blasted and in primer £135 Rear valance, fits under fuel tank. Remarkably solid original part £120 RHD steering rack and pinion.

Clean and does not seem to be worn £150 Grille surround. Not in the best of condition, but far easier to repair than to try and make one from scratch. £95 All the above can be collected from Swansea or plus P&P. Contact Phill on 01792 587337 MGC WORKSHOP MANUAL AKD 7133, un-marked as new, £20.00 incl postage and packed to UK. phone 07709535235

MGB

Stainless steel heat shield. New and unused. Manufactured by "Stainless for classics". £25 collected or can arrange postage.

Phone 07816326364.

(Cheshire area)

MGF/TF

Hardtop in black with grey headliner. £120 ono. In generally good condition, but has signs of a repair to one corner. Heated glass screen although not tested. Please call Tel 07484330054. or Email: keithringsell@btinternet.com (Oxfordshire)

WAN

WAN MGB Tonneau c

model, full length mohair or fabric i small headrest po condition. Contac 621097. Email to peter.ace@hotma

WAN

ZA Magnette 4.8 Either CWP or co bly. CWP must b tion. Please conta Tel: 07721 00340 brucemchambers

WAN

LUCAS SFT462 LIGHT. Must be tion, complete, priced. Do you h ing dust in the garage? Tel: Ste 1020 (Essex)

WAN MGA VDP Allum

any condition W. not resale. Tel.01

WAN

MGA TWIN CAM Engine parts, Blo Cylinder head et Also wanted, com restoration, or W Please call Jim o 9792516.

WAN

MGF wheel cap w Trophy - one wou would be great . me on 0771 445

The Observers Book of

Automobiles' 1966 Edition.

Forward by Sir Stirling Moss.

20.00 GBP. including P&P. Telephone 01384 422178.

MGA 5-SPEED CONVERSION PACKAGE

New Type 9 Recon Gearbox from First Motion. New Hi-Gear Conversion Kit / Backplate /Clutch & New Ivor Searle mgb 1800 Engine / Flywheel.

Individual Price total £4206 - for sale at cash price £3200 (when purchased together as one package & collected from Welwyn, Hertfordshire,UK ) Pallet Delivery can be arranged at cost to anywhere? Enquiries Anytime : Laurie 07789 757150

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/11/2016 18:19

PETER BEST www.classicinsurance.co.uk

es

en complete with ead mounting me is not new but e. £565. kabley solid front O/S. These have sted and any d professionally ve not been paintexactly what you £465 each. Moss each ame complete eader rail and inal hood as pat-

ox. This is a very art to come for n sand blasted and

fits under fuel bly solid original

ack and pinion. s not seem to be

. Not in the best of ar easier to repair make one from

an be collected or plus P&P. n 01792 587337

SHOP MANUAL -marked as new, stage and packed 07709535235

heat shield. New anufactured by lassics". £25 colrrange postage.

26364. )

ck with grey heado. In generally n, but has signs of e corner. Heated although not testl Tel or Email: btinternet.com

ers Book of 1966 Edition. r Stirling Moss. cluding P&P. 384 422178.

ED CONVERAGE

econ Gearbox from ew Hi-Gear / Backplate Ivor Searle mgb Flywheel. e total £4206 - for ice £3200 (when ether as one packd from Welwyn, UK ) Pallet e arranged at cost Enquiries Anytime : 757150

WANTED WANTED

MGB Tonneau cover for 1972

model, full length preferably mohair or fabric in black with small headrest pockets in good condition. Contact Peter 07970 621097. Email to: peter.ace@hotmail.co.uk

WANTED

The best policies for either classic or modern MGs

MIDGETS! WANTED

Contact the Midget Specialist MIKE AUTHERS on Abingdon 07703 465 224 CHROME BUMPERED MIDGETS in excellent condition bought up to £8,000. View current stock at

WANTED

WANTED

MGA VDP Alluminium hard top any condition W.H.Y.for my use not resale. Tel.01424 892479 WANTED

MGA TWIN CAM Engine parts, Block, Crankshaft, Cylinder head etc, wanted.

Also wanted, complete car for restoration, or WHY? Please call Jim on 0789 9792516.

WANTED

MGF wheel cap wanted for my Trophy - one would be good, two would be great . Please contact me on 0771 445 8602

Brass 2nd & 3rd/4th £59.95+VAT Steel 4 synchro £49.95+VAT

DONHOODS-SFAug07.QXD:Layout 1 23/9/09 16:22 Page 1 DENIS WELCH MOTORSPORT, YOXALL, BURTON ON TRENT, STAFFS DE13 8NA, UK M.G. in North Herts

DON HOODS

MGOC Recommended Workshop and Power Steering Installer MoT & Failures Repaired Servicing, Welding, Restoration

UNBEATABLE QUALITY – UNBEATABLE VALUE! DIRECT FROM THE MAKERS – WITH OVER 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE

M.G.A. – B – C – V8, Midget Rear of Langley Garage London Road, Langley, Nr Hitchin, Herts SG4 7PJ

01438 729288 07860 473298

SPARES FOR SALE

www.mg-repairs-hertfordshire.com

HOW TO ADVERTISE

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 5th December for the following months issue.

on road. Folds up so takes up less space than a trailer Luffi eld Cars Limited................................................IFC £150ono Manor Garage .........................................................89 MGA front bumper (repro) 3 Martin Smith Used MGTF Spares ...........................87 pieces Also original (F&R) MG and AMC£30.

Parts ..................................................35 forMecca rechrome.

MG ................................................................92 Spinners, set, for rechrome in MG Motorsport ........................................................61 good unbashed condition £20 MG Sales Centre ......................................................39 (J,T,A etc) MGTA body...............................................................96 Midland Classic Restoration .......................................3 MGBGT tailgate, no rust, £50 Mike Authurs Classics ..............................................97 Tel:01344-424258 Mike Rolls .................................................................96 (Berks) Mike Satur ................................................................29 Motor Wheel Services ..............................................75 XPAG Engine NTG Services .........................................................OBC Newly Built, 1350cc lightened and Oselli Ltd...................................................................67 balanced fast road engine for sale on an Paul Depper MGs.....................................................81 exchange basis. Phone for complete Peter Best ..........................................................IBC, 77 spec. el:..............................................................37 Ron Ward on 01422 823649, PrestigeTMG collection only. (W.Yorkshire) Rees Bros .................................................................87 Retro Sports Cars ....................................................67 Rimmer Bros Ltd ......................................................47 RJJ Car Shipping and Transportation ......................77 MGB Robin Motor Engineering PairLackford of striped grey ........................661 cloth seats Runnymede Company ...................................95 from a Motor 1979 roadster in fair conScenic Car Tours .................................................21, 29 dition £60.00. Please call Skiptune....................................................................29 Graham on 07836 721369 or SMR ..........................................................................97 email: biggra15@gmail.com South Coast MG Rover ............................................73 (Collection from Chepstow) Steve McKie Sports Cars..........................................77 Summit MG..............................................................89 MG Showroom Sign Sussex Classic Car Parts............................................6 It is double sided, non illuminated Sussex Sports Cars ..................................................77 and fixes or beam The Hutson Motorto Coa Ltdceiling ...........................................3 with fittedCompany brackets.

Approx The MGits Automobile ...................................6 size 20in..........................................................35 X 20in, 3in deep plus Vitesse Global two brackets fitted to top. They are 31/2in high. Still in very clean and tidy condition £295.

Collected or plus P&P. Phone Phill on 01792587337

MG TType MG_SafetyFast_Dec16_51-98.indd 97

www.bighealey.co.uk

CNC Machined in the UK to our specification

For the ‘best’ in MG high-performance

Various Items for sale

www.mgcc.co.uk

NEW MGB Baulk Rings

Parts Hotline: +44(0)1543 472244 E-mail: sales@bighealey.co.uk

Tows car with back wheels still ADVERTISERS’ INDEX 4Sight Lighting Company.........................................81 Adrian Flux ...............................................................71 Airflow ......................................................................71 Aldon Automotive .....................................................37 Barrie Carter ............................................................89 Barry Walker ............................................................93 Beech Hill Garage.....................................................94 Brian Brown Classics................................................97 British Motor Heritage...............................................23 Brown and Gammons..............................................11 Car Cover Shop .......................................................77 Carole Nash Insurance .............................................63 Chertsey Minors ......................................................77 Chisbon Restorations................................................81 Church Square Autos ...............................................87 Classic and Retro......................................................47 Clive Wheatley ..........................................................75 Colin Groom Vehicle Storage ...................................71 College Motors Burford ............................................61 Colne Classics ..........................................................77 County Classics ........................................................92 Crown Classic Cars ..................................................73 Dennis Welch............................................................97 Distributor Doctor......................................................73 Don Trimming ...........................................................97 Fishers Services........................................................81 Footman James .......................................................57 Frontline ...................................................................50 Get Patina .................................................................40 Halls Garage .............................................................61 Heathrow Transmission ............................................77 Hoyle Suspension.....................................................63 JLH Minor Restoration..............................................37 Just Right Autos Ltd..................................................55 Kimble Engineering Ltd ............................................77

01621 840400

www.mgmidgets.com

ZA Magnette 4.875:1 Final Drive Either CWP or complete assembly. CWP must be in good condition. Please contact Bruce: Tel: 07721 003402 Email: brucemchambers@hotmail.com

LUCAS SFT462 chrome SPOTLIGHT. Must be in good condition, complete, and sensibly priced. Do you have one gathering dust in the back of your garage? Tel: Steve on 0208 504 1020 (Essex)

Call for a quote today

Two sets of door armrests in chrome, A1 condition. See item 70 reference no. 229-655 in the

•BETTER THAN ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT QUALITY •STITCHED AND WELDED FOR MAXIMUM LIFE •WIDEST CHOICE OF COLOURS AVAILABLE •ALL FASTENERS & FITTINGS INCLUDED D PRICE FOR LEAFLET AN LIST CONTACT Ltd Don Trimming Co. 7JJ am B23

pton Road, Birmingh HamSpares MGTD

13 373 13with Tel: 0121 Front windscreen complete OFFICE

Choice of heavy duty PVC, ICI Vynide, Everflex, Duc k and Mohair AL MAKES & L incl: MG, MODELS Tr Escort, Giumph, olf etc.

WANTED

SALES UTHERN mounting side and SO bulkhead WANTED 2200 74new brackets.Te Chrome is2not but CARPET SETS FOR MOST MODELS l: 0120 MGB Tonneau cover for 1972 very presetable. £565. model, full length preferably Original, remarkabley solid front mohair or fabric in black with wings N/S and O/S. These have small headrest pockets in good been sand blasted and any condition. Contact Peter 07970 repairs required professionally 621097. Email to: carried out. Have not been paintpeter.ace@hotmail.co.uk ed so you see exactly what you enquiries@mgsforsale.com www.mgsforsale.com get (No filler). £465 each. Moss WANTED charge £1240 each ZA Magnette 4.875:1 Final Drive Orignal hood frame complete Either CWP or complete assemwith wooden header rail and bly. CWP must be in good condiremains of original hood as pattion.

Bruce:Green £10k tern £150 MGCPlease GT 1968contact British Racing Tel: 07721 003402 Email: Side screen box. This is a very Restoration (UYK439F) MGC GT 1968, brucemchambers@hotmail.com rare original part to come for manual, overdrive, wire wheels, black leather sale. Has been sand blasted and interior trim, mid 2000’s rebuild at a cost of WANTED in primer £135 circa £10k, British Racing Green coachwork Rear valance, fits under fuel LUCAS chrome SPOTstill in niceSFT462 condition, with excellent underside tank. Remarkably solid original LIGHT. be incompartment good condistructure,Must clean engine and de part £120 tion, sensibly seamedcomplete, rear quarters,and nice history file with RHD steering rack and pinion. priced.

Dodocuments you haveand one gatherrestoration invoices going Clean and does not seem to be ing in the back of your back dust to the 70’s, current V5C states number worn £150 garage?

Tel: Steve onJuly 0208 504 of former keepers 2, mot 2017, drives Grille surround. Not in the best of 1020 (Essex) very nicely, just arrived, £17,950.00 condition, but far easier to repair than to try and make one from MGB Roadster 1968 One Family Owner WANTED scratch. £95 From New (SBU822G) one family owner from MGA VDP Alluminium hard top All the above can be collected new condition with a genuine 64,285 miles, chrome any W.H.Y.for my use from Swansea or plus P&P. bumpers, overdrive, wire 892479 wheels, Black not resale.

Tel.01424 Contact Phill on 01792 587337 Leather trim, older late 70’s rebuild, British

www.donhoods.com

01707 876089

MGC WORKSHOP MANUAL AKD 7133, un-marked as new, £20.00 incl postage and packed to UK. phone 07709535235

MGB

Stainless steel heat shield. New and unused. Manufactured by "Stainless for classics". £25 collected or can arrange postage.

Phone 07816326364.

(Cheshire area)

07831 556666

Racing Green coachwork now requiring some WANTED attention, recently re-commissioned after MGA TWIN CAM some hibernation, fascinating heavy history Engine Crankshaft, file, with parts, original Block, bill of sale, passport to Cylinder head etc, wanted. service, original Main Dealer Leyland invoices Also wanted,old complete car for & independents, mot’s, tax discs etc, very restoration, WHY? nice drive, , justor arrived, £8,495.00 Please call Jim on 0789 9792516.

URGENTLY WANTED ANY MG WANTED ANY YEAR, ANY CONDITION MGF wheel cap wanted for my

Trophy - one wouldOF be OUR good,STOCK two SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR A COMPLETE LISTING

www.mgsforsale.com

would be great . Please contact me on 0771 445 8602 Hardtop in black with grey headnot confuse the above vehicles with cheaper inferior quality models offered elsewhere. Part exchange liner.Do£120 ono.

In generally make of Motor Car withhas generous allowances. goodanycondition, but signs of Discounted cash purchases. Viewing by appointment only please (available evenings & weekends) no obligation to purchase. All our vehicles carry a warranty, have an a repair to one corner. Heated MOT and are fully serviced prior to collection/delivery. glass screen although not tested. Please call Tel 07484330054. or Email: keithringsell@btinternet.com DECEMBER 2016 SAFETY FAST! 97 (Oxfordshire)

MGF/TF

The Observers Book of

Automobiles' 1966 Edition.

Forward by Sir Stirling Moss.

20.00 GBP. including P&P.

23/11/2016 18:19

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 2016 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, Colin Grant, Adam Sloman, Steve Clark PR and Communications: Lauran Gallacher 01235 849735, Chris Kynoch 01235 849731 Advertising: Hine Marketing 01452 730770 Published by: Hine Marketing, Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton Glos, GL2 9LN. Tel: 01452 730770 Printed by: Precision Colour Printing. Haldane, Halesfield 1, Telford, Shropshire TF7 4QQ Tel: 01952 585585 Distributed by: Air Business. Merlin Centre, 4 The, Acrewood Way, St Albans AL4 0JY Tel: 01727 890600

T

his photograph by Andrew Roberts, featuring these beautifully turned-out T-Types, sums up everything we hold dear about MGLive!. A great location, MGs as far as the eye can see, a wonderful atmosphere and (sometimes) good weather! Long may it continue.

Another of our uncaptioned photos.

We’re sure you will be able to tell us who the subject of the picture is and what the award was. Oh yes, and the year and location, please.

Is this your Club Natter pictured below?

If you recognise yourself or the location, please let us know the where and when, thank you.

We think this shot of the superb John Milne version of the three special racing Midgets, prepared at Abingdon back in the early sixties, was taken at Goodwood in 1999. The car is certainly looking in tip-top condition after all these years.

President: John Day Vice Presidents: Ron Gammons, Don Hayter, Peter Best.

Chairman: Ian Quarrington Vice Chairman: George Wilder Treasurer: Richard Colston Directors: Dave Saunders, Paul Plummer, William Ball, George Wilder, Dave Tynan and Peter Cook Company Secretary: Colin Grant Staff Members: Adam Sloman (General Manager 01235 849732), John Hutchison (Competitions Secretary 01235 849738), Andy Knott (01235 849730), Liz Allsworth (Membership Secretary 01235 849734), Colin Grant (01235 849733), Lauran Gallacher (01235 849735), Cherina Scarrott (Finance Officer 01235 849736), Chris Kynoch (01235 849731) 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! DECEMBER 2016

MG_SafetyFast_Dec16_51-98.indd 98

If visiting The MG Car Club using Sat Nav please use OX14 1AS

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/11/2016 18:19

y r r e M stmas i r h C Fr o m

A

ff a t S r ll O u

- Peter Best Insurance Proudly supporting the MGCC and its members since 1985

TEL: 01621 840400 Approved

The Farriers, Bull Lane, Maldon, Essex CM9 4QB

WWW.PETERBESTINSURANCE.CO.UK Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

MG_SafetyFast_Dec16_covers.indd 3

Photograph courtesy of MG Car Club

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