THE MARQUE OF FRIENDSHIP
February 2017 Volume 61 Number 02 £3.95
THE
CAR
CLUB
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RIP ON TOUR PART II ● MODERN PETROL AND CLASSIC CARS ● MOTORING MAGAZINE MG_SafetyFast_Feb17_Cover.indd 1
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RACE All our shoes feature top-quality suedes and leathers, with contrast stitching and design details that evoke the world of cars. Buy online at
www.motoringclassics.co.uk
Piloti offers performance, comfort and style with every shift and every step.
or place your order by phone on 01993 707200
STYLE
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New Polo shirt and Sweatshirts available from Motoring Classics & MG Car Club! They feature the MG, Heritage & Safety Fast logos. Buy online at
www.motoringclassics.co.uk
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Dress in style with these Classic Polo shirts and Sweatshirts from Motoring Classics & MG Car Club!
or place your order by phone on 01993 707200
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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
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14:38
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
BUY DIRECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER
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. Comprehensive paint shop and trim facilities. Ash frame skeleton bodies. Individual ash frame components and steel panels. • 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
FEBRUARY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 3
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Inside this issue Regulars 7
Club Matters and Kimber House News
65
Luffield Championship
67
Out and About
8 News
70
Overseas Review
12 Products
72
Centre Updates
14
AGM Notices
84
Register Updates
62
Race Torque
92
Classifieds
64
MGs on Track
98
Looking Back
Features 10
MGLive! 2017 Dates now confirmed as June 17-18, tickets available soon
16
RIP on Tour Part II The story of Dave and Laurel Godwin’s epic adventures in RIP, their MGA
24
Modern Petrol and Classic Cars The Manchester XPAG Tests by Paul Ireland
30
Motoring Magazine and its role in MGCC history Motoring magazine styled itself as the official organ of the MG Car Club, from 1950-1959
35 Advertorial Classic Oils, oil – the most useful tool in your toolbox! 69
Overseas News Nuffield Trophy Awarded for continental North America
45
Newsletters 38
Triple M Newsletter 2016 MMM Competition Results, The Trials and Tribulations of Supercharger Fitting (Part I)
45
Midget Newsletter Midget Register September Run 2016, A Return to Competition (sort of)
50
MGB Newsletter MGB Register Technical Day, Marque of Friendship
57
FWD Newsletter MG FWD Register’s Spring Run, The MG Princess – the rarest of all factory models
57
The MG Car Club, Kimber House, PO Box 251, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 1FF Tel: 01235 555552 Fax: 01235 533755 E-mail: mgcc@mgcc.co.uk www.mgcc.co.uk. If visiting The MG Car Club using Sat Nav please use OX14 1AS
Membership Type
Direct Debit Rate
Standard Rate Online
Standard Rate Post
Single
£45 £50
£50
Joint
£49 £54
£54
Young Members 15-20
£15
Available soon
Available soon
Young Members 21-24
£30
Available soon
Available soon
Published by: Hine Marketing, Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton Glos, GL2 9LN. Tel: 01452 730770
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www.mgcc.co.uk
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Welcome
Triple M Car of the Year, the Supercharged C Type belonging to Duncan Potter enjoying the 2016 MGCC Brands Hatch race meeting. The Triple Ms will be out in force again at Brands and Cadwell Park in 2017. Photo: Chris Phillips
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@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
All our Centres, Registers and Branches have been busy fi nalising their events calendars for 2017 to make sure that you, the member, have plenty of opportunities to use your MG, either in anger on something like a hill climb or autotest, or something more sedate like a run or a pub social gathering. All the MGCC events we know of have been published on our website www.mgcc.co.uk Please do keep checking back on the site as new events are being added as and when we get to know about them. For those that don’t have access we will be running a rolling events calendar in Safety Fast! We’ve already been to one show as main Club this year. The Competition Department attended the Autosports Show in January at the NEC. The next show for the main Club is at Stoneleigh on February 24-26 for the Race Retro Show. Although a few of our Centres and Registers will be attending the Stoneleigh MG and Triumph Spares Day the weekend before on February 19, the main Club won’t this year. Our competition department will be out in force again at Race Retro over the three days, talking to like-minded enthusiasts about our six race meetings and various championships that cater for most MG models. If you can’t make Race Retro but would like to know more about our racing championships, you can always visit our comprehensive competition section on www.mgcc.com. One of the new, to the main Club, shows we’re attending this year is the Practical Classics, Classic Car and Restoration Show, held at the NEC over March 31- April 2. This show is offi cially the UK’s fastest-growing classic car event, with over 19,000 enthusiasts attending last year’s show. As a member of the Club, you’re entitled to discounted tickets – see page 29 for all the details. Until next month, drive safely. Andy Knott
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Le Mans 24-Hours 2017- Remaining availability includes:ACO Campsites :-Blue North, Expo, Arnage etc Grandstand Seats:- Dunlop, Sommer, Pits etc General Admission Hotels in Le Mans & Travel Options Off-Circuit Municipal Campsites
FOR IMMEDIATE BOOKING Call: +44 (0)1304 228866 or Fax: + 44(0)1304 242550 Visit our website: www.justticketsandmotoring.co.uk Email: sales@justtickets.co.uk
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CHAIRMANS NOTES BY IAN QUARRINGTON
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ash and activity. Deeds not words. These simple phrases are constantly in my mind as I come into my second year as Chairman of the Club. So let’s start with the first two words. Last autumn, Council gave the Board the green light to continue with MGLive! at Silverstone for 2017, with a mandate to improve and revitalise the event. Now that can’t be done without cash and I committed to releasing funds from our reserves to support this. The activity aligned with it, or to put it another way, the hard work, is now well under way and, as a result of some feedback from a presentation by a professional PR firm to the MGLive! subcommittee that reports to the Board, we are able to push ahead and give the volunteers on the ground their go-ahead to approach the organisers of the events we need and want for the infield. Watch this space, and please give your support to MGLive!
I
KIMBER HOUSE NEWS
n January, the MG Car Club attended the Autosport International: The Racing Car Show, promoting the Club’s seven Championships ahead of the 2017 season that begins on Sunday April 9 at Donington Park. The Club donated £1,500 to the British Motorsport Marshals Club at the show, which will go towards helping with the discounting of overalls and equipment for marshals. On Monday January 23, the Club was visited by 25 members from the MG Car Club of France, most of whom had never been to Kimber House before. After a tour of the museum downstairs,
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2017; it is our big event, our oncea-year opportunity to meet as many like-minded members and MG Marque enthusiasts from all over the world as possible, and watch some spectacular motor racing during the weekend. No other car club has done this, year after year, since 1951 and we mean to keep that tradition alive and progressing. Let me give you a little insight into the work of the Board as I talk about the phrase ‘deeds not words’. It means getting on with the tasks in hand. Setting and monitoring the budget for the year, progressing with the staff at Kimber House the tasks set to them and supporting the staff in these tasks, but equally important is dealing with the issues that arise from the membership. Some we can deal with outside our regular monthly meetings, which enables us to give swift answers to some issues and thus allow more time to concentrate on anything that arises during the year. And some require a great deal of work. Here is a good example. including the new Bill Wallis Wing, the group got together for a picture to commemorate the day in style. If there are any other overseas groups that would like to visit the Club office in Abingdon, please let us know so we can find a suitable date to welcome you. We’ve also had a rearrangement at Kimber House that will benefit all of our future visitors. The trophy cabinets that were once in the Douglas Mickel room have been moved to the old archive room downstairs. A big thank you goes to local member Mike Parker for assisting the team at Kimber House with the changes; we’re sure that everyone who visits Kimber House will enjoy seeing them on show.
As a result of a simple question raised by a member, we have reinstated the Mems and Arts Subcommittee, a group of volunteers whose task is to monitor and progress any requests to update an issue or amend these important documents, subject to approval by Council. This may seem rather dry work to some but it is critical to the continuing strength of the structure of the Club. The question was, now that the Douglas Mickle Trust has been wound up, what measures have we in place to ensure the security and future of our most important asset, Kimber House? After all, that is why the Trust was set up in the first place. We now know that the members at the time who worked on this major task did so with the best interests of the Club at heart, but they were not to know that this set-up would need revisiting many years later, a project started by my predecessor Bill Silcock which it is our intention to complete. This group of volunteers comprises five very long-standing Club Members with excellent credentials and experience to take on the question and to provide the answer. As they met, they also took on some other tasks and we will be reporting to Council about the deeds that will arise from their words in the spring.
Chairman Ian Quarrington presents Nadine Lewis of the BMMC with a £1,500 cheque
The MG Car Club of France enjoyed their Kimber House visit
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NEWS
MIDLAND CENTRE WILL RUN TASTER TRIAL IN APRIL Spring and autumn production car trials have been a strong feature in the calendar for decades. The spring trial has seen a dwindling entry in the last few years, to the point where it is no longer a viable competition and the 2016 event was cancelled. This was quite a big blip in over 80 years of organisation and competition for the MGCC in the Midland Centre, so what to do about it? At the 2016 Autumn Trial we had a good discussion with competitors about the future of the Spring Trial. As a result of that, and another debate that Adrian Tucker-Peake had initiated early in 2015 with Midland Auto Club and the MSA GoMotorsport regional development officer, the framework for a taster trial has emerged. It is clear that with a mature but still enthusiastic entry for the autumn event, it makes sense to plan for the future; something which both the MSA and the MGCC have recognised. On April 30 2017 at East Lodge Farm, near Bromsgrove, the Midland Centre will run a single-venue Taster Trial on private land. The objective is to involve newcomers, youngsters and adults who might have heard about trials but haven’t taken it any further yet. Also, it is an opportunity for experienced drivers to bring their boys and girls and to help on the day. The MSA acknowledges that clubs need to be able to attract new faces and on a oneoff annual basis will issue a permit that allows non-club members, that is members of the public, to take part in a taster event whilst being covered by the MSA public liability insurance. It will be a production car event, which means that standard road cars are both eligible and suitable. We typically see Rover25, MGFs and Citroen Saxo among other small cars competing at the Autumn Trial; all are competent, handy vehicles. The course will be grass and mud, essentially non-damaging. Go to: www.mg-cars.org. uk/mgccmidlandcentre/ The format will include an explanation of the different types of trial, the classes, how to prepare a vehicle, completing paperwork, driving instruction, driving practice and some good takeaways as a reminder of the event, and if you’ve enjoyed the experience we hope you’ll join a club and compete.
MG MOTOR UK RECOGNISES DEALERS FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT MG Motor UK has announced the winners of its 2017 Annual Dealer Awards. The event, which took place on January 12 as part of the company’s national conference, celebrated outstanding achievement from across the network. Nathaniel MG took home the prestigious Dealer of the Year accolade, alongside being named Top MG3 Selling Dealer. Part of the network since 2015, the Bridgend-based business was recognised for delivering exceptional service for customers across South Wales. Elsewhere, the Top MG6 Selling Dealer Award was presented to Cornwall’s Falmouth Garage, while Maidstone MG took home both the Aftersales Accessories Dealer of the Year Award and Top MG GS Selling Dealer accolade. The event’s final two awards recognised the achievements of Dudley-based Summit Garage, which was named Parts and Accessories Aftersales Dealer of the Year and Aftersales Parts Dealer of the Year. Set to celebrate 72 years in business later in 2017, the dealership is hugely prominent in the West Midlands. Matthew Cheyne, Head of Sales and Marketing for MG Motor UK, commented: “2016 has been a historic year for MG. Sales have grown by 33% year-on-year, making us one of the UK’s fastest-growing vehicle manufacturers. Our dedicated dealer network has played an instrumental role in this achievement and we can’t thank them enough for such passion and commitment to the MG brand. 2017 is set to be another exciting year, with more new products coming to the market.”
THE MG CAR CLUB LIMITED (‘THE CLUB’) NOTICE OF COUNCIL MEETING A Council Meeting of The MG Car Club Ltd will be held at the headquarters of MG Motor UK, Lowhill Lane, Longbridge, Birmingham B31 2BQ on Saturday March 11 2017, commencing at 10.45am. Motions for debate at the Council Meeting should arrive at Kimber House by February 6 2017. We need to know if you are able to attend and who will be representing your Centre/Register/Branch. Could you please complete the slip on the form that has been emailed to all Chairmen/Secretaries of CRBs, and return not later than Monday February 27 2017.
Adrian and Andrew Tucker-Peake competing in an MGF at the 2014 Autumn Trial 8 SAFETY FAST! FEBRUARY 2017
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www.mgcc.co.uk
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NEWS
BMH NOW OFFERING 5-SPEED GEARBOX CONVERSION FOR MGB
THE V MG INTERNATIONAL MONTE-CARLO EVENT
Few would argue that the MGB remains Britain’s favourite classic sports car or that it is almost as at home in modern traffi c as it was in that of the 60s/70s. However, it can nevertheless be updated to advantage and British Motor Heritage (BMH) is now stocking the superb Vitesse Global 5-speed manual gearbox conversion for the model. Based on the renowned transmission of the Mazda MX5 MK3, the replacement gearbox comes fully assembled and complete with clutch friction plate, slave cylinder, braided clutch pipe, speedometer cable, prop shaft and fi xing kit. No modifi cations are required to the bodyshell and fi tting is therefore quick and well within the scope of any competent home mechanic. The driving experience is immediately enhanced by the shorter-throw gear lever and the total suitability of the ratios. The gearchange is smooth and effortless, and progress enlivened by the general slickness of the transmission. The torque of the ‘B’ Series engine means it is unnecessary to optimise gear selection, but when the driver wants to press on, the change positively encourages such use. BMH fi tted one to its own Roadster and was so impressed it had no hesitation in granting ‘Heritage Approval’ for the product, which costs £2,940 including VAT (but excluding fi tting) and can be purchased through both BMH (www.bmh-ltd. com) and Vitesse Global (www.vitesse-ltd.com). Conversions are available for the entire MGB range, including V8 and RV8. Commented BMH’s Managing Director John Yea: “We have tested this product in a wide variety of conditions and it performs as though it was made for the MGB; not least because the fi nal drive ratios of the four-cylinder MG and Mazda MX5 are the same. Everyone who has driven our show car since the conversion has agreed what a great match the new transmission is.”
The MG Car Club of Monaco is organising its very exclusive Fifth International MG Monte-Carlo Event which will be held during the fi rst weekend of October 2017. The event started in 2005, and is organised every three years in the small Principality, attracting teams from all over Europe. For 2017 the very exclusive Hotel Hermitage, located in the Carré d’Or area of Monte-Carlo, will be the base of the meeting, together with exclusive dinners in the coolest places and private clubs of Monte-Carlo. The meeting will offi cially start on the Friday afternoon, with all Saturday spent along the Côte d’Azur of the French Riviera, and with the event closing after Sunday lunch. All information and application forms can be found on our website at www.mgccmc.com
SOCIAL MEDIA NEWS
BRITISH LEYLAND SPECIAL TUNING TRANSPORTER Can you help the restorer of this excellent BMC British Leyland Special Tuning transporter in his quest for more information about this vehicle? Maybe a relative worked on this vehicle or was part of the competitions team that used it. If you have any information please email Colin Grant at the Club via email colingrant@mgcc.co.uk who will pass on any information received.
www.mgcc.co.uk
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Congratulations to MG Car Club member Michael Amorsen from Denmark who has won the MGCC Photo of the Year competition for 2016. Michael’s MG TA stood out from the crowd, despite a very good selection of MG pictures that were entered. Thanks to everyone who sent a picture in – the standard was the highest that we’ve seen, so well done. Michael has chosen one of the green wooden MG cars out of Kimber Stores as his prize for winning, and next month we should have a picture of Michael with his cars, including the smaller wooden version! If you’d like to order a wooden MG model yourself, we have plenty in stock and in various different colours: British Racing Green, Iris Blue, Primrose Yellow, Starlight Silver, Riviera Blue, and Almond Green. If you’re interested in purchasing one, please contact the Club offi ce.
Michael Amorsen’s competition-winning MG
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MGLIVE!
MGLIVE! JUNE 17–18 2017 Ticket prices frozen for 2017
We’re very happy to announce that ticket prices have been frozen for MGLive! on June 17-18 2017. With dates now confirmed, the countdown to the largest MG event in the world is now well and truly on. We can’t wait to reveal what we have planned for this year’s event at Silverstone and we’re looking forward to sharing this with you in the coming weeks and months, both in print and online. The event booking form will be enclosed within March’s Safety Fast! and, like previous years, this will show you the different ticket options to choose from, as well as the various
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activities going on over the course of the weekend. Online ticket sales will begin shortly. MG Car Club members can buy a single day ticket from just £18 and £28 for a weekend ticket. MGLive! has always prided itself on being a family-friendly event with free entry for children aged 15 and under. With so many new features planned for MGLive! 2017, arrangements are taking slightly longer to confirm and we hope you can bear with us. So, whilst we can’t reveal too much information about MGLive! 2017 at the moment, we are confident that with a brand new layout, alongside a
focus on interactive demonstrations and live displays, it will be an event you won’t want to miss. Camping We’re also pleased to continue offering camping facilities at MGLive! for 2017. A variety of pitches are available, with a limited number of electric hook-ups also available on a first come, first served basis. Camping is split into two areas, General and Family, with Family camping being the quieter area – more mindful of families and little ones needing their sleep! You can save money by booking your pitch in advance.
www.mgcc.co.uk
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PRODUCTS & BOOKS 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
MGB AND MGBGT PROBLEMS AND HOW TO FIX THEM
All models of MG have their own common faults and problems which are all part of MG ownership, so it’s great to see a book dedicated to them. In this case, it is for the hugely popular MGB and BGT. This book represents the collected knowledge of many MGB experts and helps in identifying problems and how to deal with them. The book is broken down into logical chapters, each one dealing with a different element of the car. The text is written in a humorous and easy-to-follow way and there are a large number of highquality colour photos to assist you in the repair. I wish this book had been available when I owned a ‘B’ as it is such a helpful and well-written manual and in my opinion a must-have for all ‘B’ owners. Published by Veloce Publishing Limited. Written by Roger Williams. This book is available from the Club shop priced at £35.00 plus p&p. To order contact Ineke on 01235 849731.
MGB ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS (UPDATED AND REVISED)
This updated and revised edition carries on from the original and benefi ts the newcomer and the experienced alike, with each system in the car having its own chapter, together with excellent circuit diagrams showing the wires in their real colours. Full explanations are given on how things work, which greatly aids fault fi nding. Excellent tips are given on how to improve the car for reliability and safety, together with advice on the replacements for unavailable or expensive parts. There are also excellent fault-fi nding guides which help in pinpointing that elusive fault. Overall an excellent book, and this revised edition enhances what was already a great addition to an MGB owner’s bookshelf. Priced at £40 it’s not cheap, but in my opinion worth every penny and an essential read for every MGB enthusiast. Published by Veloce Publishing Limited. Written by Rick Astley. This book is available from the Club shop priced at £40 plus £4.95 p&p. To order contact Ineke on 01235-849731.
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NEW EXTENDING AERIAL FOR ALL MODELS OF MGF AND TF MG and AMC parts are now able to offer an extending aerial to fi t all models of MGF and TF. Two options are available: Carbon and Black or Carbon and Alloy fi nishes. Supplied with all fi ttings (Auto Wash Machine Proof) Priced at £15.75 including P&P For more information or to place an order Contact MG & AMC Parts, The Smithy, High Street, Southwick, Hampshire, PO17 6EB. Tel: +44 (0)2392 220 222. Email: enquiries@mgandamcparts.com Web: www.mgandamcparts.com
MG-MAGIC OFFER RECONDITIONED EXCHANGE HEADLAMPS FOR MGTF
New Lamps for old. At a fraction of the cost of new headlamps and reconditioned with factory specifi cation coating to give a permanent brand new look, these replacement headlamp units are supplied on an exchange basis and come with fi tting instructions. £145 a pair plus £40 exchange deposit refunded on the return of your old headlamps, carriage paid. For more information go to www.mgmagic.co.uk or email sales@mgmagic.co.uk Mobile number 07840 683305
www.mgcc.co.uk
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NEWS
ABINGDON WORKS CENTRE AGM
LINCOLNSHIRE CENTRE AGM
MGF REGISTER AGM
Agenda 1 Apologies for absence 2 Approval of Minutes from 2016 AGM 3 Matters arising from two 4 Motions for Debate 5 Chairman’s Report 6 Honorary Treasurer’s Report and Approval of Accounts 7 Honorary Secretary’s Report 8 Competition Secretary’s Report 9 Membership Secretary’s Report 10 Communications Report 11 Natter Co-ordinator’s Report 12 Election of Officers and General Committee 13 2017 Calendar 14 Auditors for 2017/18 15 Any other relevant Lincolnshire Centre business 16 Time and Date of next AGM
Agenda 1. Apologies for absence 2. Approval of the minutes of the last AGM 3. Matters arising 4. Chairman’s report 5. Treasurer’s Report and adoption of accounts for the year ending December 31 2016 6. Other Reports 7. Election of Offi cers 8. Election of Committee 9. Any other business Please confi rm your attendance to Michael Murkin, MGF Register Secretary. Email: secretary@mgfregister.org
Nominations for Committee posts to be received in writing by the Honorary Secretary, Sue Mackenzie, by Wednesday February 1 2017. For more information contact Sue on 01529 497849.
MGS ON TRACK AGM
* Nominations for election to the Committee and/or Officers and topics for AOB should be submitted to the Secretary, Malcolm Bailey, 5 Parkview Mews, Station Road, New Milton, BH25 6NA or by email to secretary@ mgabingdon.org.uk by Tuesday February 28 2017.
MIDGET REGISTER AGM
DEVON AND CORNWALL CENTRE AGM
Agenda 1. Apologies for absence 2. Approval of the minutes of the 2016 AGM 3. Matters arising 4. Chairman’s Report 5. Secretary’s Report 6. Treasurer’s Report and adoption of 2016 accounts 7. Registrar’s Report 8. Election of Officers 9. Election of Committee 10. Any other business 11. Date and time of next AGM
Agenda 1. Apologies for absence 2. Minutes of last AGM 3. Chairman’s report 4. Secretary’s report 5. Treasurer’s report 6. Election of Officers 7. Election of Committee 8. Any Other Business
Venue: John Thornley Suite, Kimber House, 11/12 Cemetery Road, Abingdon, OX14 1AS Date: Saturday March 25 2017 Additionally, there will be a talk by Allan Ashenden, a Programme Manager who was heavily involved with the production of the MGF and TF with MG Rover, before working with Shanghai Automotive in China. Timetable: 1.00pm – Light refreshments available 2.00pm – Talk by Allan Ashenden 2.45pm – Abingdon Works Centre Awards 3.00pm – Abingdon Works Centre AGM Agenda: 1. Apologies 2. Approval of the Minutes of the AGM of March 2016 3. Matters Arising 4. Chairman’s Report 5. Secretary’s Report 6. Treasurer’s Report 7. Election of Officers 8. *Election of Committee 9. Any Other Business 10. Time and Date of next AGM
Venue: Callington Bowling Club, 38 Liskeard Rd, Callington, PL17 7JE Date: Saturday March 4 2017 Time: 7.30pm for 8.00pm Agenda 1. Apologies for absence 2. Approval of the 2016 Minutes 3. Matters arising 4. Chairman’s Report 5. Treasurer’s Report 6. Secretary’s Report 7. Competition Secretary’s Report 8. Election of Officers and Committee 9. Points for discussion This will be followed by a complimentary Buffet and a Fun Quiz.
CALEDONIAN CENTRE AGM Venue: The Royal Hotel, Bridge of Allan, FK9 4HG Date: Tuesday April 4 2017 Time: Starting 7.30pm Tea/Coffee and home baking will be available from 7.00pm Agenda 1. Apologies for absence 2. Approval of the 2016 AGM Minutes 3. Matters arising from previous AGM 4. Chairman’s Report 5. Secretary’s Report 6. Treasurer’s Report 7. Election of Office Bearers and Committee Members 8. Events for 2017 9. Motions for debate 10. Any other Competent Business 11. Date of next Annual General Meeting Nominations for Office Bearers, Committee Members and Motions for debate should be forwarded to the secretary, mgcalsec@yahoo.com no later than March 17 2017.
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Venue: Abbey Lodge, Kirkstead, Woodhall Spa, LN10 6UQ Date: Thursday March 2 2017 Time: 8.00pm
Venue: MG Car Club, Kimber House, Abingdon, OX14 1AS Date: Sunday March 19 2017 Time: The meeting will commence at 10.30am
Several Members of the existing Committee will be standing down at this meeting, so we are looking to recruit some new Members to join us and help run the Midget Register. Nominations for election to the Committee and/or Officers should be submitted to the Secretary, Pete Chaundy, 156 Roman Way, Bicester, Oxon, OX26 6FL or by email to secretary@midgetregister.com by March 1 2017.
MG CAR CLUB T REGISTER AGM
Venue: The British Motor Museum (formerly the Heritage Motor Museum), Banbury Road, Gaydon, CV35 0BJ Date: March 25 2017 Time: Approx 4.00pm Agenda 1. Apologies for absence 2. Minutes of last AGM 3. Chairman’s Report 4. Treasurer’s Report 5. Competition Secretary’s Report 6. Election of Officers 7. Election of Committee members 8. Appointment of Council representative 9. A.O.B. Nominations (forms are available on the T Register website or from the address below) and topics for A.O.B. should be sent in writing by March 13 2017 to: The Secretary, MGCC T Register, 29 Church Street, Ampthill, Bedfordshire MK45 2PL.
Venue: The Crown & Thistle Hotel, Bridge Street, Abingdon, OX14 3HS Date: March 11 2017 Time: 2.00pm
Date: Saturday March 11 2017 Venue: MG Car Club, Kimber House, Abingdon, OX14 1AS Time: 10.00am
SOUTH WEST CENTRE AGM Venue: The Old School Room, Compton Martin, BS40 6JA (next to the church) Date: Tuesday March 7 2017 Time: 8.15pm
Agenda 1. Apologies for Absence 2. Approval of the Minutes of the 2016 AGM 3. Matters Arising 4. Chairman’s Report 5. Secretary’s Report 6. Treasurer’s Report and Adoption of Accounts 7. Election of Officers 8. Election of Committee 9. Any Other Business Communication and nominations to Andrew Owst 01761 221893
YORKSHIRE CENTRE AGM
Venue: The Star, 223 Roberttown Lane, Roberttown, Liversedge, West Yorkshire WF15 7LQ Date: Tuesday March 21 2017 Time: 8.00 pm AGENDA 1. Apologies for Absence 2. Minutes of last AGM 3. Chairman’s Report 4. Treasurer’s Report 5. Secretary’s Report 6. Election of Officers 7. Election of Committee 8. Any Other Business All nominations for candidates for election to the committee and topics for AOB should be sent to: Cliff Hobbs, Cedar Croft, Wood Lane, Whitwood, Castleford WF10 5PJ by March 1 2017.
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W H Y N OT PAY U S A V I S I T AT K IMBER S TORE S, A BINGDON, OX14 1A S M O N D AY T O F R I D AY 9.0 0 - 16.0 0, C LO S E D AT W E E K E N D S
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1 Pen and pencil set featuring the detailed ‘Founded 1930’ MG Car Club logo, presented in a special gift box. £16.00 2 A 100g box of MG Car Club Breakfast Brew Tea blended in Oxfordshire by the Jeeves and Jericho Tea Company £5.00 3 MG Pullover Mens Cotton Pullover, Navy or Burgundy, with embroidered MG logo. Available in M, L, XL, XXL £65.00 4 MG Benji in white overalls with MG Car Club logo on front and back, limited edition of 251 £12.50 each 5 MG Benji the mascot of the MG Car Club, in green hoody and blue trousers £10.00 each 6 MG Wash Bag A door hanging MG toiletry case with many interior mesh pockets for bottles. £16.00 7 Mens Polo Shirt Grey. Embroidered with MG logo on and Safety Fast!. Available in M, L, XL, XXL £25.00 8 Men and Ladies MG Fleece Available in grey or Navy, with an embroidered MG logo. Please specify Men or Ladies when ordering Size M, L, XL, XXL £35.00 9 Mens V-Neck cotton knit Forest Green or Red Jumper. With embroidered MGCC logo. Available in M, L, XL, XXL £55.00 10 MG Beanie Hat available in Grey or Black £12.00 11 Letter Opener MG Car Club letter opener with a chrome finish handle and a velvet pouch. £7.50 12 MG Umbrella Union Jack, with the slogan Keep Calm and love MG £17.50 13 MG Doormat Suitable for outdoor and indoor use £15.00 14 MG Cap featuring the MG logo. Available in grey or black. £10.00 15 MGB 1966 Marathon de la Route 1/43 scale diecast model of the Abingdon Comps Department 1966 outright Winning car. £35.00 16 Candles Filled tin scented candle with the Abingdon Admin Block - Black Orchid and Vanilla - White Lily & Silk - Fig & Wild Pear £5.00 each 17 MGB50 DVD MGB50: A Year To Remember’ on DVD A limited edition film The most professional, exciting and in depth film about the MGB ever made. £14.99 18 MG GS Model Large scale (1:18) adult collectors model of the recently launched MG GS SUV, available in either Arctic White or Sunset Orange. Highly detailed with comprehensive interior and engine bay £75.00
To o r d e r, p l e a s e e m a i l i n e k e @ m g c c . c o . u k o r p h o n e 0 1 2 3 5 8 4 9 7 3 1 T h e M G C a r C l u b 12 C e m e t e r y R o a d , A b i n g d o n , O x o n O X 14 1A S
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RIP ON TOUR Part II by Dave Godwin.
Dave Godwin continues his reminisces of being on the road with his trusty MGA and the issues that arise when having companions to deal with.
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he captain of the container ship in Brisbane, Australia, had ruled that it was too dangerous to load the container storing the last two MGs onto his ship, as there was a storm brewing over the China Sea. Hence, the fi rst four MGs headed off with the English-speaking guide into southern and western China, one week before the next two MGs
were cleared at customs. In addition, another English-speaking guide was required to assist the latter group to visit the MG factory in Shanghai and then catch up with the former group. We all caught up at Xian and the personality problems resurfaced. The fi rst group had gelled and wanted everything to stay the same. The second group had also gelled
but wanted to become part of the fi rst group. I had not bargained on managing this type of thing – all I naively wanted was good company to join Laurel and me to Paris and the UK! Anyway, over time, except for some embarrassing moments, the group gelled as one and the 24,000km trip through Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Turkey, Albania, Slovenia, Croatia, and on through western Europe to the home of MG, Abingdon, and then Longbridge, the UK-based MG factory, was more exciting than I had ever envisaged it could be. We saw the eastern and
Bonneville Salt Flats
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Celebrations - We reach the Equator, Kenya
western ends of the Great Wall of China, drove through the Taklimakan Desert over a 3,850m pass, saw one of the 12 Korans written on deer skin in the 8th century, swam in the Caspian Sea, saw Mt Ararat – without the Ark – and had experiences that would take a volume to tell. On reaching Istanbul, Turkey, the notion of RIP and her “friends” driving iconic trips developed further – over a few drinks, naturally! One of the ladies, who was the most cautious of all to begin with, shocked us with this question – at a weak moment during our Hat Party night! Where to next? Who said there was going to be a “next”? After picking myself up off the floor and dusting myself off, I considered if it was wise to start a series of RIP’s Trips. Besides, our
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children didn’t really NEED our money and we have all worked hard enough and taken enough risks to DESERVE to see the world – in our beloved MGs – so why not make another plan? The notion of Rip’s Trips was born! And our “Cape to Cairo and Beyond to Abingdon and Longbridge” trip in 2012 was germinated. I have always held the philosophy that if you put yourself out there, you may meet someone and you may enjoy your life. But, if you stay home, behind closed doors, nothing much of interest is likely to happen to you. The day I bought RIP, my 1961 Monza Red, Australian-assembled MGA, my life changed. It was love at first sight – warts and all! This time, the Aussie Adventurers – my reference to our MG group – all chipped in and shared the organisational duties of the Africa
trip: someone organised the shipping, another the visas, others organised accommodation in each country that we traversed, yet others organised car insurances, Carnets and the myriad functions that require attention before a trip of this nature can take place. Yes, it was a lot easier on me and my marriage! However, Africa had other ideas! We had been warned that the Road from Hell between Nairobi, Kenya, and the Ethiopian border was a car-breaker and that many an adventure motorcyclist and 4x4 fanatic had given up and returned to their starting point when encountering THAT ROAD. The Road from Hell sure did frighten us! However, our Africa trip started off well enough. The MG family in Johannesburg and Cape Town were extremely generous and hosted the
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A shy but lovely lady
11 couples (there being Ring’ins from Australia, South Africa and the UK this time) all in classic MGs. But the roads were waiting to test our steeds! On entering Namibia, the 2,000km gravel road section began and every nut and bolt that was not tight dropped off – along with the item they were meant to secure! The corrugations were wicked! As was the dust! Especially in northern Kenya, on the Road from Hell. The dust found its way into all our suitcases and clogged our air filters to the extent that the engines stalled due to lack of air. Then there were the speed humps of Tanzania! So high that we learned to take them at a certain speed so that we could skid over them fast enough that the rear wheels did not remain airborne. And the pot holes of northern Zambia! So deep that trucks were littered along the route to Dar es Salaam with broken backs. We learned very early on that driving slowly and sensibly in these conditions was the only way to give ourselves half a chance to get through with
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the least number problems to solve – but not everyone learnt this lesson, unfortunately! With 11 MGs, personality problems were now more numerous. Expectations differed widely as to what was expected of each Adventurer but, to their credit, the problems did not spill over into the nightly gatherings, and decorum and good manners prevailed. With the benefit of hindsight, this is the hardest trip we have ever undertaken, but the experiences were absolutely fantastic and we often relate that bad experiences on the road make for great stories over dinner. This is just so true, isn’t it? On the plus side of the ledger, we all loved the African bush, the African animals and the African culture. There is just nowhere else in the world where one can feel the African heartbeat in one’s chest! Experiences such as viewing the tablecloth “cloud” over Table Mountain in Cape Town, the wild animals found in the game parks we visited, the smells and spices on the
Island of Zanzibar and the 100-strong classic car show in Nairobi are all memorable. In addition, there is no country quite like Ethiopia – absolutely unique, being the first Christian country this world has ever known, with its own calendar, clock and churches underground. Next comes Sudan, the home of the Egyptian Pharaohs, where there are more pyramids than in the whole of Egypt. Lastly, what can I say about Egypt? Absolutely awesome! We travelled the full length of the Nile River from the Aswan Dam to Alexandria and visited numerous historical sites with 4,000+ years of history that will confuse all but the scholars. However, on the negative side of the ledger, Africa can be intimidating. Poverty is prevalent, people and animals use the road as a corridor, making for dangerous driving conditions, temperatures in Sudan are oppressive, roadblocks are commonplace with “payment for passage” requests by Police many times each day, border crossings are complicated and confusing with a new “tax” at every turn. The list goes on… Our biggest disappointment, though, was that our visas to enter Libya – which we worked very hard to get and at great expense – were not honoured and we had to make alternative plans to ship the MGs across the Mediterranean Sea to Turkey and on through western Europe to the UK. In hindsight, I guess the victorious forces were in control of Tripoli and Benghazi but not the roads in between. While in the UK, a few of us decided to leave our MGs in storage and to meet in 2013 to drive through Denmark and Sweden to Northkapp, Norway, the northernmost town in Europe, at latitude 71 degrees N. That’s a long, long way north! We then drove down through Germany and the Czech Republic to Italy and took a ferry to
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GENERI
The Ultimate Road Trip on ‘Main Street USA’ 19 & 20 Day Tours, May & Sept From - £2799.00 Per Person OTHER TOURS FOR 2017/18 INCLUDE
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Cape Agulhas - near Mossel Bay
Sardinia, to join the Italian MG Club once again. (We drove RIP from the UK to Italy in 2011 to join the Italian MG Club on their visit to Greece.) Thereafter, we took another ferry to Sicily, mainly to drive the Mille Miglia
route, and returned to the UK via the length of Italy and France. Another magnificent trip in RIP with her friends – without any breakdowns! Where to next? This was becoming a rhetorical
question – there was only one massive iconic trip left for us to do: the Pan-American Highway, from South America to Alaska! We were becoming predictable! RIP’s Trips were coming to an end. The MGs had all taken a hammering through Africa, and the next 18 months saw eight of them virtually rebuilt. Clutches replaced, leaking seals replaced, shock absorbers replaced, new tyres, exhaust valves reground, cooling systems cleaned – all if only for good measure. Red Car was even repainted! We were expecting around 2,000km of gravel roads in Patagonia and the gravel roads of Namibia were still fresh in our minds. We also knew we were to experience six weeks of high-altitude driving in Ecuador, Bolivia and eastern Peru – all above 3,500m, to a maximum of 4,566m. Would our little MGs have sufficient heart to carry us and our luggage up some of those mountain passes? As it turned out, they were heroes, often beating local cars up the steepest gradients. Organising the Pan-American trip took the same, well-proven format as that of the Africa trip – everyone chipped in and assisted. The team was well-oiled by now, as the Adventurers were now all very good friends. The terms of shipping were agreed upon, the accommodation was booked, the visas were in our passports – it was 2015 and our destination was Santiago, Chile, to be reacquainted with our well-travelled MGs. The Pan-American Highway starts in Ushuaia, Patagonia, Argentina, so the first portion of our trip was to drive down through Chile from Valparaiso, across the islands that make up the archipelago that is southern Chile. And what a beautiful and exciting drive it was – island-hopping and oh, so rural! Think Kathmandu and Patagonia – Adventure Royale!
Augsborg
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Then, after visiting the southernmost city of the world, at 54 degrees S, we headed forever northwards for 30,000 miles, over 110 days, through places such as Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia (where there were excessive police and army road blocks and speed humps), Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Mexico, central USA and Western Canada, on reasonable roads for the most part. Along the way, we visited numerous private car collections and also met members of the MG Club of Buenos Aires, Phoenix, Seattle and Vancouver and members of the Antique Car Clubs of Quito, Ecuador, Bogotá, Colombia and Costa Rica. And received hospitality that we are not used to giving in Australia! Needless to say, we were all overawed! Again, it was the Third World vistas, cultures (Spanish, Maya and Inca) and attractions (Torres del Paine, Machu Picchu, Panama Canal, Grand Canyon) that made this trip a wonderful experience – and the relatively few car problems we had to contend with. (It becomes a worry
12th Century Rock churches in Lalibela, Ethiopia
when a statement like “relatively few problems” includes replacing two head gaskets, a core plug, a water pump and “fi xing” many electrical issues along the way!) Confi dence in the Team to keep our MGs on the road was high indeed – and with good reason. They ensured that we slept in the hotel bed that we had booked
months prior, every night of the 120day trip! Sometime during this trip, the realisation came to us: some of us have almost driven our beloved classic MGs around the World! We only had to traverse Canada from west to east and then ship the MGs to the UK and the circle would be completed!
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So Red Car, Navy Car and RIP were stored in Vancouver, along with Green Car and Blue B, for the winter of 2015 and the crews returned in May 2016 for a two-month jaunt across Canada and northern USA. By now, we were acutely aware that each of RIP’s Trips has its own personality and Trans Canada was no exception. This trip would be the most MG-sociable of them all! We were met by MG clubs and MG lovers along the way and shared our experiences with all who would listen. Presentations to MG clubs became the norm and MG lovers turned out en masse – from Vancouver, BC, to Calgary, to Louisville, to Ottawa, Quebec and Montreal. Other highlights of this trip were numerous, too. The roads were beautiful in comparison with the previous trips, of course. We got to see the Canadian
Rocky Mountain ski fi elds of Jasper and Banff, the Glacier, Black Hills and Badlands National Parks, the stone carvings at Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse, the aircraft museum at Oshkosh, the Harley Davidson museum in Milwaukee, the once-in-fi ve-years massive MG event in Louisville, and the cities of Chicago, Ottawa, Quebec and Montréal. We then took a ferry to Newfoundland (pronounced Newfi n - land) and drove to Seal Rock, the easternmost point of Canada, for a photo session of massive proportions – three of the MGs had driven around the world! Red Car, Navy Car and RIP. What a wonderful experience it was. We considered what other vehicle could have achieved this result, with RIP never missing a pre-booked accommodation in 6 years of tripping and Ken, Sue and I having sat in the car seat the whole way! Approximately 140,000km!
Long may the MG marque be successful and active! My sincere thanks must go my lovely wife, Laurel, who does not have the same passion as I have, but has supported me wholeheartedly and accompanied me most of the way. Massive thanks must also go to occupants of Red Car and Navy Car, who have supported me and driven with me every inch of the way. Many thanks, too, to the other Adventurers – one couple is South African, another is British and the balance are Australian. As a group, you have made the experience of driving my RIP around the world so much more enjoyable than it could ever have been if Laurel and I were to have done so on our own. Many, many thanks indeed. Dave and Laurel Godwin murphgod@hotmail.com
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MODERN PETROL AND CLASSIC CARS - THE MANCHESTER XPAG TESTS By Paul Ireland Even if your classic car runs well on modern fuel, the chances are you know somebody who has problems. The most common issue people suffer from is called the “Hot Restart Problem”. Drive your car any further than 10 miles or so, stop for 10 minutes, for example to fill up with petrol, and when you get back your car it will not start. A related problem occurs if you are driving in slow traffic, especially on a warm day, the engine coughs and splutters to a stop as though it has run out of fuel. These are the most obvious problems with modern fuel. There are others which people have reported, including burned exhaust valves, cracked cylinder heads, not to mention the worries of ethanol blended fuels. I have owned my MG TC since 1967 and, for those who can remember back that far, used to run it on two-star leaded fuel. It ran like a dream. My problems started after the demise of leaded petrol and have resulted in a great deal of time spent in the garage trying to sort them out. Around 15 years ago, I realised my problems were caused by differences in the composition of modern fuel and started testing different concoctions and types of petrol in my TC, writing articles about my findings. These tests culminated in a student engineering project at the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering (MACE) who mounted an XPAG engine similar to the one fitted in my TC in an
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engine test cell aimed at investigating these problems. Unfortunately, the students ran out of time before being able to perform a full investigation. The good news is that with additional support from the MG Car Club and help from MACE, these tests have been completed, providing a fuller understanding of the problems caused by modern fuel, things that can be done to mitigate them and, on the way, debunked a few myths. Thanks must go to Andrew Oust who loaned the engine, David Houghton who came out of retirement to manage the test cell and those who gave up their time to help with running the tests. Thanks must also go to the MG Car Club, Burlen Fuel Systems, Totally T Type 2, Octagon Car Club, Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FHBVC), MG T Register, MG Y Register, Anglo American Oil Company, NTG, Distributor Doctor, 123ignition who have sponsored this project either financially or by supplying parts or fuels. Why an XPAG? Almost the first thing people say is “why test an XPAG, they are an old engine, designed in the late 1930’s and only fitted to MG T Types”. While it would have been ideal to test a range of engines, the high cost of installing the engine in the test cell prevented this. In practice, the XPAG or ‘X’ series engines were used in virtually all Morris and Wolseley cars until 1956, including the many thousands of the
Morris 10/4 Utility cars and vans made during WW2. The XPAG is a good compromise. Its long stroke bottom end shares a great deal with earlier engines, while the cylinder head design is virtually identical to the A and B series engines fitted to later cars. It also demonstrates the problems of running with modern fuels very well. What is wrong with a rolling road? Other people have asked why not use a rolling road? The dynamometer at MACE provides the ultimate test cell for an engine. The engine is fully accessible allowing a range of thermostats, vacuum gauges and exhaust gas monitors etc. to be fitted. In addition, it is easy to change the fuel that is being used. The throttle setting can be fixed and the revs controlled by the dynamometer, enabling part throttle as well as full throttle conditions to be investigated. This setup allowed a very large amount of data to be collected for many different scenarios. The photo labeled “Engine and measuring equipment” shows the engine hiding behind a set of meters, with the air fuel ratio meter on the left-hand side and an array of eight yellow temperature meters connected to thermocouples on the fuel pump and carburettors. At the top right are the temperature readings for the water and exhaust gases. The rectangular blocks on top of the carburettors are to allow the height of the piston to be measured
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Dynamometer
and you can just see one of the vacuum gauges connected to the inlet manifold to the left of the rear carburettor. The photo above shows the water braked dynamometer with its large RPM gauge. This was managed from the control room where the gas analyser and various other readouts were located. As the photos show, there is a lot more you can do with an engine installed in a proper test cell than you can with a rolling road. What is the cause of our problems? Modern fuel is different from classic petrol in two main ways. First, it most probably contains ethanol and second, it is made from of a much wider range of hydrocarbons. Crude oil consists of many different hydrocarbon molecules. When heated, these molecules boil off at different temperatures, lighter ones evaporating first and the heavier ones at higher temperatures. Crude oil is cracked by heating and condensing out the components or distillates over the different temperature ranges. For example, light gases such as propane and butane are condensed at lower temperatures, petrol at higher temperatures, diesel at higher temperatures still and tars at the highest temperatures. With a wide range of distillates modern petrol starts to evaporate
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Engine and measuring equipment.
or boil at lower temperatures than classic petrol and the high boiling point components require higher temperatures to evaporate. Before petrol can burn in the cylinder of a car, it must be a vapour. While the low temperature distillates make starting a cold engine easier, they are the sole cause of the “Hot restart problem�. Some of these evaporate well below the operating temperatures of engines and under some circumstances will boil in the fuel system and carburettors, stopping the engine running properly.
In contrast, there may be insufficient heat generated when a low compression engine is running at a light throttle setting to evaporate the higher temperature components
Components of modern fuel (Source BP)
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during the compression stroke. This can lead to increased Cyclic Variability and, potentially, overheating problems which are outlined later. This subject will be covered in more detail in a future article on engine performance. Ethanol In the UK up to 5% ethanol alcohol is blended with petrol. In France this can be up to 10%, with even higher levels in other countries. Adding ethanol to petrol is not new. Cleveland Discol was introduced in 1928 and sold until 1968, claiming to “contribute to a brilliant performance and better mileage because it keeps the engines cooler and cleaner”, “the perfect cold-weather fuel”. However, it is not known what percentage ethanol Cleveland Discol contained, making it difficult to compare with modern fuels. Were Cleveland’s claims true? An E10 blend of fuel obtained in France was tested in Manchester and the report of how the XPAG ran on this fuel will appear in the engine performance article.
There is a large amount of published information about ethanol blended fuels and their potential damaging effects on fuel hoses, seals, etc. However, probably the most worrying problem is their ability to corrode metals such as steel and aluminium. Hoses are relatively cheap and easy to replace; carburettors, fuel pumps and the like, far more expensive and for older cars, parts may no longer be available. Is corrosion of metal components really a problem? Yes. You can see the corrosion at the bottom of one of the float chambers in my TC. Especially worrying as I have been using premium blend fuels that I thought were ethanol-free fuels for the past six years. There are two different types of corrosion: one where the metal is attacked usually by an acid; the second requires two different, electrically connected, metals in a conducting medium, called an electrolyte. This arrangement forms a battery and as the current flows, the anode corrodes. This is called galvanic corrosion. The FHBVC have tested and recommended additives that protect against acid corrosion; however, ethanol blended fuels also act as an electrolyte. The corrosion in my float chamber was around the steel bolt connected to the aluminium body, suggesting it is galvanic corrosion. There is little information on the protection offered by the additives against galvanic corrosion and is something I will investigate further this winter. Do classic cars run as well on modern fuel? How many times at Natters have you heard statements such as “modern fuel burns more slowly” or “the higher the RON number, the faster the fuel burns” or “modern fuel burns hotter”? While none of these statements are true, they
underlie a feeling that classic cars do not run as well on modern fuel. The way petrol burns in the cylinder is very complex. An overview of this process helps in understanding why classic cars can run hotter and why modern fuel apparently burns more slowly. The graph, from a research paper, shows the burning velocity (flame front speed) of different hydrocarbons plotted against the fuel air equivalence ratio. Air equivalence ratio is defined as one when there are the exact number of oxygen molecules in the mixture to allow each of the hydrogen and carbon atoms in the fuel to oxidise or burn. Optimum power is produced at an air/ fuel ratio of around 0.95 (or 1.05 on the graph as this shows fuel/air ratio). While the flame front speed in different hydrocarbons is small, it is very sensitive to the differences in air/ fuel ratio. What is also interesting to note is the fastest flame front speed in Gasoline (Petrol) is a very sedentary 35cm/sec. The bore of an XPAG engine is 6.67cm. At a speed of 35cm/s, it would take 0.2 seconds for the flame front to cross from the spark plug to the other side of the cylinder. If this were the only factor in burning the fuel, it would limit the engine to a maximum of 50rpm! The only reason spark ignition engines can run at high revs is because turbulence in the gases mixes the flame front in the cylinder allowing the burning to spread out more quickly. The turbulence of the air/ fuel mixture in the engine is a function of the design of the head and inlet manifold and not the type of fuel being used. There are three phases during the combustion cycle. First, when the spark plug fires, a fireball of burning mixture about the size of a pin head is created. This fireball grows as the flame front moves outward at approximately 35cm/sec depending
Corrosion in float chamber
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Three phases of combustion Research paper graph
on the pressure in the cylinder and air/ fuel mixture around the spark plug. This initial phase of the combustion is slow and a significant factor in the time taken to burn the fuel. Once the fireball has grown to approximately the size of a pea, the second phase begins when turbulence starts to take over and spreads these ignition points throughout the volume of the cylinder, rapidly igniting the remaining mixture and raising the pressure in the cylinder. Finally, any fuel which did not initially evaporate or was trapped around the valves or piston burns in the extremely high temperatures created during the second phase. The time it takes from the spark that creates the initial fireball to all the mixture being burned is approximately constant and independent of engine revs. As revs increase it is necessary to advance when the spark plug fires to provide sufficient time for the fuel to burn before the optimum when the piston is approximately 17 degrees after top dead centre. On very early cars this was achieved manually, on later cars, and the majority of MGs, this is done by bob weights in the distributor which fly out as engine revs increase, causing the ignition timing to advance.
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There is also a second effect. The growth of the initial fireball is dependent on the pressure of the mixture in the cylinder which in turn depends on throttle setting. At light throttle settings, cylinder pressure is low and the growth of the flame front slower. This requires the timing of the spark to be further advanced for light throttle settings. On later cars this is achieved using the vacuum advance pod on the distributor which is connected to the inlet manifold. A light throttle setting reduces the pressure in the inlet manifold causing the pod to advance the ignition timing. Earlier cars do not have a vacuum advance. The tests at Manchester have shown how important correct ignition advance is in allowing the engine to run cooler. Cyclic Variability A weak or rich mixture around the spark plug slows the growth of the initial fireball. This can have a significant effect on the timing of combustion cycle. Even if the carburettor is set to deliver the perfect fuel/air mixture, there is no guarantee that, after the compression stroke, the mixture around the spark plug is correct. It is quite possible it will be either too weak or too rich, depending
on how well the fuel is atomised in the carburettor, mixed with the incoming air and vaporised during the compression stroke. A slow growth of the initial fireball leads to retarded combustion of that cycle. The graph above are the results of cylinder pressure measurements in a running engine and show a difference of some 10o difference between the timing of the peak pressure. Cycle by cycle variations in the mixture of the small volume of gases around the plug when it fires and subsequent changes to the speed at which the initial fireball grows, lead to a phenomenon called Cyclic Variability. The timing of each combustion cycle varies every time that cylinder fires. Even with a perfectly tuned engine with the correct centrifugal and vacuum advance, cyclic variability causes a percentage of the combustion cycles to burn too slowly as though the engine is running retarded, increasing the temperature of the hot gases leaving the exhaust. The other effects of cyclic variability are that it causes an engine to run roughly and slightly reduces power output, normally something most people will not notice. However, large cyclic variability will noticeably increase the temperature of the exhaust gases and under-bonnet temperatures. It is
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worth trying different fuel suppliers and blends and noting how smoothly your car runs. Should you fi nd one on which your car runs more smoothly, use that as a preference. Where do we go from here? With the exception of the corrosion caused by ethanol blended fuels, the problems caused by the low boiling point of modern fuels and cyclic variability are related. Cyclic variability
leads to more heat being generated in the cylinder head and exhaust which raises under-bonnet temperatures, which in turn make the problem vaporisation of the low boiling point components of modern fuel worse. Slight differences in tuning, and use of different brands of fuel, etc can reduce cyclic variability, underbonnet temperatures and the impact of the low boiling point components in the fuel. This is probably why the
symptoms of the problems, such as the Hot Restart problem, can vary between seemingly identical cars. Initial tests with my TC using the fi ndings of the Manchester tests are encouraging. The aim is to publish three future articles on: Ethanol corrosion, Fuel volatility, and Engine performance, with recommendations on how the problems caused by modern fuels can be mitigated. Watch this magazine.
Paul Ireland – Personal Profile Paul was born in the early 1950s and bought his fi rst car, a 1949 MG TC, for £60 in 1967. With the help of his father, the body was removed and suspension, wheels, steering and brakes refurbished and he rewired it with a home-made loom. New wood in the sills and a brush coat of paint made the car roadworthy. With no money to rebuild the engine, Paul rattled and burned oil around Manchester University in his TC. In the early 1970s student cars were a rarity and owning a classic MG, no matter what condition, was a real status symbol. With a PhD in experimental Nuclear Physics, Paul is the black sheep of the family; both grandfathers, his father and two sons are proper engineers.
The TC when bought in 1967
However, this experience has allowed him to take a more academic approach to the problems he has running his TC on modern fuel and enabled him to gain a better understanding of the problems for the benefi t of all. After his chassis-up restoration in 2003, Paul has shown his TC and used it for tours and longer trips, and for testing different fuel mixes.
The TC on a recent trip to Passo Del Bernina. 28 SAFETY FAST! FEBRUARY 2017
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www.mgcc.co.uk
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*All bookings are subject to a single transaction fee. All information correct at time of publishing. Calls cost 13p per minute plus network extras. See website for all information. Tickets include a show guide worth £4.00. **Club ticket (adult 16 years+) offer only applies to Saturday and Sunday and only when booked in advance. Club single ticket offer is limited to four tickets per member and the club family ticket offer is limited to one family ticket per member. A family ticket admits 2 adults and up to 3 children (5-15 years). Hand in your ticket stub or print-at-home voucher to your club’s stand and they will benefit from a commission.
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08/11/2016 17:23
25th
Old Speckled Hen Tour Sunday May 28 2017
Mr / Mrs / Ms First Name ………………………..…… Address ……………………………………………………….. Address …………………………………………….................. Town ………………………………………………………….. Phone ………………………….. E-mail ........................................................................................ MG Car Club Membership No. ................................................ MG Car Information: Model:………………………… Year:…………….
Surname ………………...………………...
Post Code …………..…… Mobile …………………………..
Registration No:……………………….. Years Owned:……………
Cheques payable to: MGCC Abingdon Works Centre Entries to Richard Martin, 26 Medlicott Drive, Abingdon, Oxon. OX14 5PS. Tel: 01235 529331 e-mail: r.martin@mgabingdon.org.uk If no e-mail address above, please include a stamped addressed envelope.
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Entries limited to 100 cars Entry Fee: £25 per car To include light refreshment at the start, detailed tulip route book, rally plate and one cream tea per person at the finish. Last date for entries: Monday 22nd May 2017
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MOTORING MAGAZINE AND ITS ROLE IN MGCC HISTORY By Edward Vandyk
I
n 2016 Safety Fast! published an illuminating series of articles about the history of the Club and the people who, over the years, had been instrumental in its success. Since its inception the Club has always sought a method of communicating with its members and, in so doing, thereby created a record of its activities, not only of relevance and interest to members but also capable
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of reaching a wider audience. In the same way that Safety Fast! currently showcases the Club, there were earlier publications that were the offi cial or unoffi cial journal of the Club. It all started with Roy Marsh’s letter to The Light Car and Cyclecar magazine, which appeared in the September 5 1930 edition of the magazine, as a direct result of which the Club was founded. Sometime after this The MG
Magazine fi rst appeared and this in turn became The Sports Car in April 1935. These magazines were, like Safety Fast! today, posted to all Club members. The Sports Car suspended publication, and the Club suspended its activities, for the duration of WWII, with the October 1939 edition containing Cecil Kimber’s letter to Club members entitled ‘Keeping the MG Flag Flying’. After the war, the Club slowly
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picked up the pieces in a difficult domestic environment where 19 out of 20 new MGs went for export, petrol was rationed and spares, particularly tyres, virtually unobtainable. The Sports Car did not resume publication but the Nuffield Organisation, owners of the MG Car Company, had continued publication throughout the war of their house magazine entitled Morris Owner. This had started publication in March 1924 and changed its name to the Morris Owner and Nuffield Mail commencing with the August 1942 edition. The British Library catalogues a further name change to New Outlook on Motoring in January 1946, although the Club now has copies of the magazine under the combined titles from as early as September 1945. Nevertheless, sometime in late 1945 the name changed and was changed again in March 1950 to just plain Motoring. The magazine was published until 1968 with its concluding edition in November of that year. Motoring magazine styled itself as the official organ of the MG Car Club, from August 1950 onwards until the 1959 advent of Safety Fast! although in April 1959 there appears to have notionally been an overlap! The Club has a full set of copies of the MG Magazine and access to The Sports Car, because the SVW Register has a complete set, yet had almost no copies of New Outlook on Motoring or Motoring, which seemed to me, as someone who owns an MGA and Y Type or two, as being an important part of Club history that was missing. With the agreement of the Club, and in the knowledge that funding was potentially available, I set out to try to remedy the situation and see if I could collect as many of the editions of the magazine in the immediate post-war period until 1959, when Safety Fast! appeared on the scene, as possible. I chose these dates because the late 1940s seem a rather opaque period in the history of the Club, with no official magazine.
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MOTORING MAGAZINE STYLED ITSELF AS THE OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE MG CAR CLUB, FROM AUGUST 1950 ONWARDS UNTIL THE 1959 ADVENT OF SAFETY FAST! Russell Lowry, Club Secretary from January 1951 until 1959, now becomes a key part of the story. Much has been written about Russell and, for those interested, the April 2016 edition of Safety Fast! gives a flavour of what this Liverpool-based ex-cotton-brokerturned-car-enthusiast was all about. He published a magazine, absorbed into the Autosport magazine in 1950, called The Motor Club which carried some Club news particularly for the MGCC Northern Centres. There had even been discussion about making The Motor Club the official organ of the Club, but this fell by the wayside when it was incorporated into Autosport, leaving Russell as Autosport’s Northern Editor. The Club has now acquired an almost complete set of New Outlook on Motoring and Motoring from August 1945 until December 1959, which covers the entire period from when Club activities were resumed post war, through Motoring becoming the official organ of the Club (and the Riley Motor Club, incidentally) until Safety Fast! appeared. This purchase has been made possible by using monies from a specific Archive Fund set up as the result of a number of generous donations made by Club Registers and overseas MG Clubs wishing to see the Kimber House archive grow into a world-class resource and facility. The currently missing editions, for which any donations or knowledge of their whereabouts would be welcome by the Club, are November 1945, August and October 1947, February, March and June 1948 as well as February, March and July 1953. The 1951 to 1959 years, with the exception of 1953 which is incomplete, are in bound volumes and the Club hopes to
bind the years where there are complete sets currently, and when complete sets become available, in a like format. So what do these magazines actually tell us about the Club and more generally? Space in these Nuffield Organisation magazines was constrained, and as Russell Lowry himself puts it, he got one page and was told to write on both sides of the paper! The magazines set out to be general interest magazines with motoring relevance and were on retail sale with a cover price ranging from 6d in 1945 to 9d in 1959. Safety Fast! had an opening cover price of 1s/6d. New Outlook on Motoring and then Motoring was distributed free to Club members from September 1949. Michael Allison, who joined the Club in 1959, clearly recalls being told on joining that he would receive Motoring but instead received Safety Fast! The magazines had a number of common features and themes throughout the period and, whilst certainly a mouthpiece for the Nuffield Organisation and latterly BMC, it was far from being just, or substantially, advertorial in outlook or content. That having been said, it is remarkable that the amount of advertising seems to exceed the likely circulation or readership and the advertising is almost exclusively from Nuffield Organisation suppliers. The magazine had a clear ‘motorist’ and ‘free enterprise’ editorial policy and, immediately post war, campaigned actively for the removal of purchase tax and the requirement to have a permit to purchase a motor car, all done under the aegis of promoting exports, although I wonder if enlightened self-interest may not have played a part?
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SOME OF THE MORE INTERESTING CONTRIBUTORS OR SUBJECTS INCLUDE REGULAR FOUR-PAGE SECTIONS FOR CHILDREN, WITH ARTICLES ASCRIBED TO WALT DISNEY HIMSELF. Regular features included numerous accounts of European touring experiences, including sight-seeing opportunities, and resolving ‘foreign’ travel logistic issues. This was of particular interest, given the immediate post-war currency and travel restrictions. There were also numerous accounts of domestic UK journeys and routes, including where to stay and what to see, again relevant because extensive domestic travel by car, in the late 1940s at least, was practically denied to most because of lack of spares and the rationing of petrol. Of more direct relevance were reviews of cars as models were introduced and technical sections on various aspects of cars, such as automatic transmission. In addition, there were model-specific technical articles, often presented as a series over some months. There were readers’ letters and technical queries with answers, general interest articles and always a short story. Some of the more interesting contributors or subjects include regular four-page sections for children, with articles ascribed to Walt Disney himself. There were pieces on individuals such as Manny Shinwell, who just happened to be in charge of petrol rationing, and one William, later Sir Billy, Butlin. These articles contain interesting facts, such as Butlins had two ‘camps’ before WWII, Clacton and Skegness, both of which were requisitioned, yet managed to start work on three new camps during the war at Filey, Pwllheli and Ayr. Indeed, part of Filey was open in the summer of 1945 – quite an achievement.
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The May 1948 edition gives an insight into the somewhat primitive Olympic Village being constructed in Richmond Park, whilst the December edition of the same year features a short story by Enid Blyton in the Family Section, entitled ‘Dick the Detective’ followed by ‘Beware of the Bull’ in January 1949. Fashion articles also appeared in 1949. From the April 1950 edition there was also a monthly price list of all currently available Nuffield Group vehicles. The earliest post-war reference I can find to MG is an advertisement in January 1946’s edition for the MG TC Midget at £375 plus £104 18s 4d purchase tax; by January 1947 the price was £412 10s 0d before tax. In March 1947 a ‘Fuel Cut Emergency Edition’ was a sign of the times, with only two-colour printing rather than four, and half the normal thickness. The first substantive MG article appears in the June 1947 edition with a three-page review of the MG 1 1/4 litre Y class car. MG started to figure more prominently in the 1948 Motor Show issue with two articles by John Thornley, one on the introduction of the MG YT developed as a LHD car aimed at the US market, which somewhat challenges later thinking about why the model was made in predominantly RHD form yet sold only outside the UK. March 1949, the Silver Jubilee issue of the magazine, saw the first MG feature focusing on the MG TC Midget in Hollywood. In May 1949 the unusual occurred; John Thornley wrote an article without once mentioning MG. It concerned interference suppression! It was followed in June by a similar MG-
less article pondering on whether the Television had a future. The conclusion to part one included: The day will come when it [Television] will be as widely used in this country as sound broadcasting is to-day, and, despite its greater technical complexity, will probably take no longer to reach that stage – say, twenty five years. That would take you to 1974! Insightful man, that J Thornley, but wait – there was a part two in July with a highly technical explanation as to how television worked, so both insightful and knowledgeable. Parts three and four in the next two months’ editions followed, the last of which concluded by speculating about colour television, 3D television and even televisions in cars. Luckily, whilst John Thornley became an expert on the television – was the magazine short of contributors? – it started to really get into MG with a Road Test of the MG TC in August 1949. Now comes the first reference I can find to the Club in the September 1949 edition where, in a complicated duet conflating an article by J N Bennett about Sports Events and one by Russell Lowry under the title Riley Owners and MG Club News, two pages of MG Car Club news appears. October 1949’s Motor Show issue features a rerun of the Bennet/Lowry MG and Riley news article formula, as well as descriptions of the MGs at the Motor Show, including the MG YT. It also features the French International Alpine Rally where Betty Haig describes how she won the 1500cc Class in her MG TC. November 1949 repeats the Bennett/Lowry formula and also has a fascinating vignette about folding the MG YT’s hood. However, December’s issue features Russell Lowry alone and pictures John Thornley, MGCC Secretary, imbibing from the Nuffield Gold Cup. This article also confirms that MG Car Club members had been in receipt of Motoring, then still the New Outlook on Motoring, since September 1949 and
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also refers to the Motor Club magazine which I mentioned above. December 1949 also saw the announcement that from March 1950 the magazine would be known as plain Motoring. January and February 1950 continued in the same vein with a conjoined article for the Club and the Riley Club penned by Russell Lowry, although February’s issue contained, for the fi rst time, a single sheet entitled MG News and Notes with unattributed authorship and a letter from General Secretary Thornley. April 1950 saw the formula repeated with MG News and Notes printed in green! This edition contained news from the various Centres as well as a note from the General Secretary. It also contained a review of the new MG TD. May and June and July 1950 repeated the format but with Riley, rather than MG, News and with Russell Lowry’s Riley/ MG article concentrating, as ever, on sporting events. Articles about MG with a touring bias were now beginning to appear, starting with June 1950’s piece about a road trip in the USA. John Thornley’s book ‘Maintaining the Breed’ was published in 1950 and a condensed version was published in the latter half of the year in Motoring in four instalments. Motoring branded itself the offi cial organ of the MG Car Club and the Riley Motor Club from August 1950 and from that edition there was always a monthly MG Sporting News piece with photographs and which never exceeding ‘one page written on both sides’. The piece was invariably written by Russell Lowry and included much more news from overseas Centres, relative to the space available, than Safety Fast! does today. When Russell Lowry was unavailable others stepped in, including Stewart Saegar who was initially Wilson McCombs photographer and deputy editor of Safety Fast! before becoming the editor himself in 1965.
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Even now, things were not settled because there was Russell Lowry’s piece and there also were separate, and not necessarily regular, MG Car Club and Riley Motor Club News pages. In 1951 the format was fi nally set with Russell Lowry becoming Secretary to the MGCC and a two-page MG News appearing in every issue alongside a standalone Riley Motor Club News. This was under the general heading of Club Commentary. In addition there was initially a page with Riley Motor Club News in the left-hand column and MG Car Club Notes in the right-hand column, although on occasion the MG section was missing! Over time, the stand-alone news sections became incorporated into the one page (two-sided) Commentary. On other occasions Russell penned a column entitled MG Overseas News and all of this was intermingled with occasional articles about MGCC events. This somewhat casual format persisted unchanged through to March 1959. Looking at the bigger picture I suspect, as with many things Nuffi eld and later BMC, the formalisation of the position of the MGCC and the Riley Motor Club in the magazine was not part of some grand overarching master plan, but rather just something that happened along the way. In addition to the Club news section there were a number of articles concerning MG models. The post-war period up to the start of Safety Fast! covered the introduction of the TC, TD and TF Midgets, the 1 1/4 litre Y Class, the Magnette and, of course, the MGA including the Twin Cam. The most relevant of these articles appearing in
the magazine when it was the ‘offi cial organ’ of the Club (1950-1959) I list below. 1951 the introduction of the MG YB 1953 the introduction of the MG TF 1250 and the MG Magnette 1954 the upgrade of the MG TF to 1500 1955 The EX182 cars running at Le Mans, the introduction of the MGA and the 100 miles in 1 hour challenge 1958 The introduction of the MGA Twin Cam and its launch event at Chobham Incidentally, I note that in the June 1953 edition alone the table giving the cost of cars following the reduction in purchase tax a price is listed for the MG TD MkII (£585 before tax) as well as the standard MG TD (£530 before tax). All in all, I am sure this acquisition, which fi lls in a gap in the Club’s history, will be a useful research tool and reference source for generations of MG afi cionados to come. If you would like to see any of the copies for yourself please contact the MGCC Archivist, Peter Neal, who is based at Kimber House.
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ADVERTORIAL
OIL–THE MOST USEFUL TOOL IN YOUR TOOLBOX!
C
lassic Oils was established in 2000, and nowadays is one of the largest suppliers of specialist lubricants, coolants and fuel additives for classic vehicles. They are based at Bicester Heritage (in the original RAF Lubricant Store) and have an e-commerce website. The owner, Guy Lachlan, is a confi rmed petrolhead, and has an eclectic collection of vintage and classic cars and motorbikes. We asked him for a few notes addressing the most common issues he gets asked every day: Selecting oils for your classic or vintage vehicle can seem like a nightmare with so many choices of manufacturer, viscosity and chemical formulations now available – and to make it worse, everyone you talk to has a different opinion about what’s best! Don’t worry though, it isn’t as diffi cult as it seems. The most important thing is that you don’t allow
the apparent complexity of the subject to put you off checking and changing your lubricants regularly. We believe that oil is the most important tool in your toolbox, as it can help to address and remedy many issues, at least temporarily, without immediately resorting to heavy maintenance. Before the 1960s, cars and motorbikes specifi ed monograde engine oils, with an oil change between winter and summer to ensure optimum fl ow under the seasonal British weather. Monograde oils are still widely available, and their use in this day and age is still possible – as long as the original maintenance schedules are strictly followed. For example, if your car ran on SAE40 in the summer and SAE30 in the winter, and you intend to use it in the winter months, you must change the oil with the seasons in order to ensure rapid cold-start circulation and respectable oil pressure all year round. Nowadays, there are
also classic multigrade oils available to replace monograde oils – even on cars without full-fl ow oil fi lters – which
Photo by Steve Clark
www.mgcc.co.uk
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ADVERTORIAL
allow for year-round use without biannual changes. If you want to use your car in the winter but don’t want the additional oil changes, using these oils may be a sensible option. The SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) viscosity system has been in use, largely unchanged, since 1926, so you can safely use the manufacturer’s recommendations as a starting point for oil selection. The SAE number actually describes a range of viscosities from cold to hot, with a heavy SAE50 oil being thicker at all temperatures than a light SAE20, but of course both become thinner as they get hotter. An SAE20w50 multigrade, as commonly used in Healey engines, is a multigrade oil designed to flow like an SAE20 monograde oil at about -20C, but like an SAE50 at 100C, as shown below. Bear in mind that an engine is designed to run with its lubricant at a specific viscosity (as opposed to SAE number), so any oil will only offer that viscosity over a certain
36 SAFETY FAST! FEBRUARY 2017
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range of temperatures. It follows that any multigrade will offer a wider temperature range of acceptable viscosity for a given application than any monograde. Many cars with decreasing oil pressure caused by engine wear can improve their oil pressure by running a slightly higher viscosity oil at the hot end of the spectrum, but this should only be done in consultation with your engine (or oil) expert, since there will likely be flow rate ramifications. Gearboxes and axles on very elderly vehicles can be quietened down quite effectively by using a thicker oil, with no detriment to lubrication or performance, and gear changes on ‘crash’ gearboxes can be made friendlier by experimenting with different oil viscosities. Generally, we do not recommend trying to address engine oil leaks with a thicker oil, but leaking steering boxes and veteran gearboxes can be very effectively lubricated with a non-leaking semifluid grease with no ill effects. ZDDP is a zinc and phosphorous compound now almost extinct in modern engine oils, but which is important in older engine designs – especially those with heavily loaded sliding interfaces such as cam lobes and some flat tappet designs. All ‘Classic’ oils contain high ZDDP levels,
but the exact proportion is not widely published and when it is, there is no standardised method of publishing the ZDDP content. To address this information deficit, we publish the ZDDP content of every engine oil we sell, together with other physical statistics, so that customers can become better informed before making a purchase. Many people believe that synthetic oils have no place in an older engine, but this is not always true. Synthetic oils are indeed usually designed for modern engines, which means their ZDDP levels and viscosities are not appropriate for older engines. However, there are now full and semisynthetic oils specifically blended for older engines, and with appropriate chemistry and viscosity for this task. As a result they offer an excellent lubrication solution for the older engine, especially for those who race or rally their pride and joy. Lots of our customers still ask for Duckhams by name. Unfortunately, their owner, BP, closed down the brand about seven years ago, so nowadays we point customers towards Morris or Silkolene Classic 20w/50s, which offer the same technical specification and value as Duckhams did back in the day. If unopened and kept in benign conditions, oil will last up to 10 years in storage. Once opened, keep the lid on and try to use it within 6 to 12 months, simply to reduce the risk of contamination. We recommend oil changes in infrequently-used vehicles should be performed annually regardless of mileage. This may be overkill but, for the small amount of cost involved, we view it as cheap peace of mind! Classic Oils can be contacted on Telephone: 01296 488927 Email: sales@classic-oils.net
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TRIPLE M NEWSLET TER Jeremy Hawke Tel: +44 (0)1225 863934 mgk3007@btinternet.com • www.triple-mregister.org
WELCOME TO THE TRIPLE M NEWSLETTER Welcome to the fi rst of our ‘spreads’ for 2017. This is the diffi cult one to fi ll as it seems that only trialling types are out and about at this time of year. I had expected to be able to enthral you all with an account of the fi nished Power-plus No10 installation on K3007, but as this is proving more timeconsuming than expected, the full tale will have to wait… It is with regret that I have to pass on the sad news that the MMM world lost another two long-standing supporters over the recent period, after suffering from the same illness that taps on the shoulder of far too many of us, our families and our friends. Ron Grant, widely known to many older and newer owners as an enthusiastic and very capable engineer, passed away in December. Always willing to offer advice and share his experiences (which were considerable), many who visited his workshop and various projects found that they stayed
rather longer than expected. Only relatively recently he had acquired the ex-Bob Dickie J3755 (one of several MMMs he had over the years, including a C Type) with the intention of completing its restoration. Last summer I was pleased to provide him with some historical photos of the car from the fi les of MBH. I’m sure that all our thoughts and condolences are with Ron’s family at this time. Sue Hartley, wife of Terry and co-pilot of the NB passed away just before the New Year. Known to many as one of the key organisers of the ‚Flat Cap and Whippet’ runs held over several years. The J2 attended these as its owner eased into retirement from more competitive events. So enjoyable did MMM owners fi nd these gatherings, that the template has evolved into the Tours which we now hold each summer in every corner of these Isles – a worthy legacy. Again, our thoughts and condolences are with Terry and family at this time.
2016 MMM COMPETITION RESULTS Although the lists do not close offi cially until the third week of January, I have prised last year’s overall results from Comp Sec Mike Linward, who informs me: “I am fairly confi dent that the positions at the top of the tables will not change.” So, I’ll go for it and squeeze them in as “subject to confi rmation (and maybe the Exeter Trial)”, so if I’ve got it wrong, blame me:
1st Mike Painter – J2-PA/s 2nd Duncan Potter – C/s 3rd Fred Boothby – J2/s Car of the Year – Our overall award, combining the previous groups plus concours, auto test, Gymkhana, social, etc
1st – C/s – Triple-M 2912 – David Potter, Duncan Potter, Emma Withers – 127 points =2nd – PA – 2591 – Colin McLachlan – 123 points =2nd – J2-PA/s – 909 – Bill Bennett – 123 points 4th – M – 341 – David Rushton, Corinne Davies-Griffi th – 120 points
Slade Trophy – For the Trials enthusiasts 1st Bill Bennett – J2-PA/s – 42 points 2nd David Rushton – M – 27 points 3rd George Ward – PA – 15 points Speed Championship – Sprints and Hillclimbs 1st Duncan Potter – C/s – 51 points 2nd Frank Ashley – M – 37 points 3rd Colin McLachan – PA – 33 points Race Challenge Trophy – No explanation needed Duncan Potter and C0287 leaning into Paddock bend at Brands Hatch during the 2015 MMM race (photo Colin Murrel) 38 SAFETY FAST! FEBRUARY 2017
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Untitled
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TRIPLE M NEWSLET TER
2017 LAND’S END TRIAL (GO ON – YOU KNOW YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED TO) The MCC is introducing a new class R for this year’s Land’s End Trial on April 15. The idea is that pre-war cars can experience the event much as it was in the 30s. The hills they are using are non-damaging and can be safely attempted by any well-prepared MMM car (that’s the line Alan Grassam has given me, anyway). Class R will start at the three main trial starts and then converge on Bridgwater. They will tackle as sections Beggars Roost, Hangman’s Hill, Orange, Linton, Petherwin Old Hill and Old Blue Hills. Their route also takes them up Porlock, Lynton
and Hustyn, not observed this time. The time controls will be at the starts, Bridgwater and roughly every 50 miles thereafter. This sounds like a lot of fun and will give those of you who have never entered a long distance trial the opportunity to find out what it was like for Macdermid, Toulmin, Bastock and co. If you are interested, the man to contact is Bill Rosten at rostendental@gmail.com Regs and further information also on the MCC website at www.themotorcyclingclub. org.uk To whet your appetites, our photo shows a couple of M Types on
AND FOR THE REST OF US: THE 2017 KIMBER CLASSIC TRIAL
THE 2017 MMM TOURING EVENT
As previously reported in November, this event has moved from its Easter slot into May (Saturday 13) based around the same venue, West Coker, near Yeovil in Somerset. (Thank you to those who pointed out that I may have mentioned East Coker before.) Entry forms will be up on the South West Centre web page when published and our photo (Rhys Driver) shows Adrian and Derek Moore in Derek’s P Type on the 2015 event (it kind of rained a lot last year…)
the 1931 Land’s End Trial approaching Blue Hills Mine – and if you’ve ever been there, you’ll know that they were either hard as nails or completely mad, for even attempting it in an M! (photo: pre-war minor group)
The Triple-M touring assembly for 2017 is the Kernow Wheals Tour, taking in the best of Cornwall over three touring days between October 3-7. Organised by Charlie Cartwright, the event is based at St Ives and includes visits from Land’s End to St Austell and from The Lizard Light to the Blue Hills Mine road. Knowing as I do a little of the Cornish lanes, the event will be a challenge for drivers, as well as providing plenty of interest for passengers. Whilst the itinerary is still being developed at the time of writing this, I can quash any expectations that you can promise your Navigators a visit to the set of “Poldark”, so you’ll all have to come up with other persuasive strategies. Entries are now open: www.kernow-wheals. com or contact Ian Goddard (ian.goddard5@btinternet.com. tel +44(0)1568 770251) for details.
IDENTIFICATION TEASER
As it’s the middle of winter, here’s a little car identification problem for you all. The two ‘mystery’ photos show some fairly interesting body features which may give you a few clues, as may the cockpit itself. Taken in the early 1950s (don’t you just love the ‘quick release’ mud guards) you are actually looking at a sizeable chunk of MG history. Anyone care to have a guess? All will be revealed next month.
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THE TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS OF SUPERCHARGER FITTING (PART I) As many of you will know, I’m currently in the process of installing a No10 Power-plus blower on K3007. Now 007 has led a varied and hard life, losing her standard body after only one season of racing, gaining an off-set s/s profile courtesy of Ron Horton and Jenson Motors. Subsequent owner, Goldie Gardner, modified/smoothed the profile further over three seasons (study of period photos shows that most, if not all, of the body received treatment, maybe even replacement) before the car was returned to Abingdon. It was then dismantled (a polite way of saying half the juicy bits were nicked for other K3s). The two photos, from 1934 and 1937 respectively, show the start and end of body development (and also show those nice 34 pattern brakes – by 1939 they’d gone, replaced with 33 pattern). The really eagle-eyed will also notice a standard K Type front axle. I wonder what the story behind that was? When reassembled in 1939 with discarded radiator and other bits from EX135 (which had been developed into the streamliner we all recognise) and exported to Singapore, it gained yet another (locally built) body. This was a rather sexy job that looked a bit like a Mercedes GP car, before being dismantled yet again and hidden during WW2, suffering further insult when the front end was removed for the chassis to be used as a trailer! The story of how the engine was found, ‘trailer’ retrieved and other surviving parts collected and returned to the UK has been detailed in MMM Yearbooks before, so I won’t repeat it here. Suffice to say, back in 1972 K3 bodies and other original pattern parts were not freely available as they are today. Furthermore, wisdom of the time said after so much chopping about there was little historical merit in rebuilding ‘as original’ (how times
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All up in the air, K3007 with the No10 Power Plus blower.
have changed). So, as the original offset radiator had survived in the UK with mounting brackets and was still with the K3 chassis it had been transferred to (though the body had long since been lost, replaced by an enveloping ‘sports’ body, and that last bit is important) a rebuild to a 19341937 spec (the most significant in the car’s history) was suggested and decided upon, as the other K3 was being rebuilt to its original (and own most significant) form. Armed with the offset radiator and mountings, missing front end chassis parts from Richardson’s (oh, happy days) and a clutch of period photos, MBH set about recreating a body for the slowly rebuilding car. The good thing about this is that when you recreate a one-off, which itself was altered several times, nobody can say “that’s not correct, you’ve got it all wrong” when you reveal it to the world. So when the rebuilt car first appeared at MGCC Silverstone, and none other than Dudley Gahagan (who knew the car well from its offset Brooklands days) stated: “you’ve got it
about right”, all was well? Not quite, as you will see. Power-plus blowers are rare, Zollers equally (K3007 was fitted with both) so the car was rebuilt using a Shorrock/ Centric pattern unit all hidden nicely under the front apron. Eventually, a No10 Power-plus was sourced, bigger than originally fitted, but experimented with by Gardner, so that’s fine. Now a No10 would boost at nearly 30psi when driven at engine speed, not good for old metal, so an even rarer reduction drive was required, arrgh! Over many moons, patterns were made from an original (thank you, Peter Green) and yours truly decides to get started. Now, remember those radiator mounting brackets? As I plodded along measuring up and making the mountings for the Power-plus (simple, there’s loads of period photos of early K3s with them fitted to work from, with original bracketry still existing) things looked a bit odd. Try as I might, no matter how much jiggling around I did, the drive coupling and/ or the reduction drive fouled either
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the radiator itself, or cross member to which it should be mounted. In order for things to be satisfactory, the whole lot has to be mounted two to three inches further forward than normal. This, of course, doesn’t bode well for the rear mounts. (The factory used the cast body mounting clamps, turned through 90°and to extend them would perhaps put too much of a twisting load into the whole set-up.) As the issue could be easily solved if the radiator were raised by an inch or so, after much thinking (not to mention frustration) we have come to the conclusion that the radiator mounting brackets, which dictate the whole bonnet/body line, were either changed or altered just a little in its previous life with the other K3 when
1934 September MG Magazine cover
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fi tted under that enveloping sports body. Bother! Much sketching (and wine) over Christmas has left me with three, maybe four, options: 1. Put the Power-plus back on the shelf and reinstall the Shorrock/ Centric. Where’s the fun in that? 2. Raise the radiator and body the inch required. Whilst the extra bit of room in the cockpit would be welcome, this would be a big undertaking, requiring work to the whole body along its length. 3. Fabricate a ‘one-off’ rear blower mounting. Easily done by incorporating new rails into the radiator mountings. It could be done in a tidy manner and would not compromise existing
mounting arrangements for the Shorrock/Centric. 4. Get really radical – remember K3007 lost the front end of its chassis (apparently not required on a trailer…). However, period photos of the car in 1937 (Zoller) form, when examined closely, show that the chassis cross-tube forward of the steering box/engine mounting may have been removed and replaced with a fabricated box section. This does actually make sense, as such an arrangement could be made that gives a very logical support method for both the radiator and blower. Once fi nished, this would simply bolt into existing holes in the chassis. Watch this space, as they say… Jeremy Hawke
1937 July Motor
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MIDGET NEWSLET TER Neil Thomas Tel: 07891 684435 email: ns.tenby@hotmail.com www.midgetregister.com
m
WELCOME TO THE MIDGET NEWSLETTER MIDGET REGISTER SEPTEMBER RUN 2016 The 2016 Midget Register Run took place on Sunday September 4. The start and finish location was Stokesay Castle, just a few miles north of Ludlow, in Shropshire. The Castle itself was a delight and such a piece of time warp history that it is surely quite unique. Indeed, it is one of the best-preserved fortified medieval manor houses in England. It was built at the end of the 13th century by Laurence of Ludlow who, at the time, was one of the richest men in the country. Now run by English Heritage and beautifully looked after, it was in a glorious setting, surrounded by the Shropshire hills. The cost of entry to the Run included free entry to the castle. The little café there also provided delightful refreshments, although there was loads of space to have picnics for those who brought their own vittles. This was a new area for us to hold an event and it certainly went down exceedingly well. It truly is a beautiful area of the country. The portents weren’t good weatherwise, as on the Saturday it was a wet and miserable day. Many had elected to stay in the area for the weekend and thankfully the beautiful border town of Ludlow provided opportunities to get shelter from the rain. It is a foodie’s paradise as well and has a lovely castle with a bustling market place adjacent. Thankfully, Sunday dawned with clear blue skies and it remained so for the rest of the day, providing great Midgeting weather. Hoods down were a must. 60 MGs had booked in and 58 actually turned up. This was a great turnout. What’s more, we had 25 Midgets and Sprites in the line-up, too.
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The youngest Midget driver was Tom Bintcliffe, driving his white ’73 Midget accompanied by his dad, Carl, acting as navigator. Carl has been around the Midget scene for many years and is a stalwart. We had Midgeteers come from as far afield as Yorkshire (John and Debbie), Vale of Glamorgan, (Rob and Suzanne), London (Mark and Caroline) and everywhere else in between. Of course, it is a Run intended for all MGs, but it was great to see so many Midgets in the mix. I felt like Brian Hanrahan, but in less austere circumstances, as the cars set off on their route. I counted them all out and counted them back in again. The varied route included the mandatory narrow lanes with grass up the middle, forestry, hills, fords, steep inclines and declines, stunning distant views, a bit of England and a bit of Wales and everything else in between. Taking into account the beauty of the Stiperstones and the Long Mynd, no one was left in doubt about the appeal of this area, with many pledging to return to the area again in the future. I said how I counted the cars back in. Well, nearly all of them back in. We lost a few. A Midget broke down with an electronic ignition problem and had to be recovered home (always keep
Young Tom Bintcliffe in his white Midget.
MG TF with Tony and Jane Child and Tony’s brother, John, looking on.
Mark and Caroline Jackson in the red Mk2 Midget.
John and Janet Day in their blue Midget.
A view of Stokesay Castle.
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A pair of red MGA’s.
A selection of Midgets participating in the MR Run. The Rubber Bumper made a convenient seat.
your old set of points and condenser handy, I say, just in case) and others returned to base having experienced technical problems over the 60-mile route. There were a number of flat tyres, one being fixed by an aerosol of tyre seal and the other through the help of a friendly farmer, who provided a hammer and some compressed air. Then there was another case of bad misfiring and another with a rear silencer leaving the rest of the system. Then, of course, there was
the moment during the Run when the MGs, whilst descending a long 20% hill, with few passing places and very steep unprotected drops on one side, met an oncoming parade of 30 tractors on a local tractor run. The MSA Route Liaison Officer obviously hadn’t received a touring assembly application off them. Nevertheless, the intrepid MGers overcame this and made it back to base. Despite these little issues, everyone reported that they had a great day out
and thoroughly enjoyed the route, the company, the roads, the views and of course, the town of Bishops Castle, from all directions. From the Midget Register, thanks to all those who took part. We loved putting it on for you all and would encourage you to join us all again this year when the Run will take place on Sunday September 3 2017. Put it in your diary now. Neil Thomas
A RETURN TO COMPETITION (SORT OF)
Graham autotesting his first Midget
As a youngster in my early driving life, I worked with members of a local car club (the Verulam Car Club – now long deceased) who dragged me along to a Natter one night. Regular competitors and organisers of 12 car rallies, sprints, night trials and autotests, the spark ignited and before long I was getting involved. My brother ran a Mk1 Sprite for several years and had several friends with newer Spridgets. The seed was sown and as soon as my working days had amassed enough savings, a 66 Midget was acquired, Tartan Red, in reasonable condition and came with a Bermuda hardtop, quite a fashionable accessory at that time. Verulam ran a couple of ‘Try Autotesting’ evenings each year so I decided to have a bash and see what the fuss was all about. A mate started at the same time with a new 1275 Midget and we became very competitive. His newer Midget
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Discussing tactics at a summer autotest.
was usually a little bit quicker than mine and able to lock its handbrake much harder than my ageing Abingdon escapee, so his handbrake turns were always quicker than mine. Anyway, to cut a long story short, after several clutches and two gearbox rebuilds the Midget was also starting to show signs of the dreaded tin worm and was sold. That was over 40 years ago! Needless to say, another Midget came my way a few years later and FYD600K is still with me today but for various reasons I never got back into autotests. Gently encouraged by fellow MG enthusiasts (“your Midget is just right”) I entered the MGCC grass autotest at Yatton in July. Alongside my friend Ian in his Midget, and Chris Leverett with his special T Type we took on a field of a few other Midgets and earlier MGs.
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The four tests were laid out on a reasonably fl at fi eld, three short with plenty of ins and outs between cones, a bit of reversing and one in-out box. The fourth was long fastish thrash, although not long enough to get out of second gear across the fi eld and down into a dip with some hidden cones at the bottom and a devilish tight turn at the end into the stop astride line. My times got steadily quicker during the day over the fi ve attempts at each test, the worst on each being dropped. The grass was nice and slippery, light throttle starts were the order of the day and with the low torque of the Oselli engine handbrake-assisted turns were not necessary, the rear coming round with the application of a few more revs and steering hard over. The in-out box took some practice, requiring the car to be placed just right to allow
it to swing round on full lock with a blip on the throttle. All in all I was pretty pleased with my times and expected to be mid-placed at the end of the day. When the results were published a week or so later I had to read them twice. I took the Midget class of three cars (and third overall) and my runs totalled only nine seconds adrift of the fastest entrant, a very special MG J2. Chris with his TD Special was second overall. Autotesting or its modern counterpart the Autosolo, especially on grass, is non-car damaging, cheap to enter, teaches a lot about your cars handling on the edge, safely and it’s enormous fun. Give it a go – you know you’ll like it. Graham Springthorpe
EIGHT K AND TWO ZETEC POWERED SPRIDGETS TAKE ON TRAC MON
Special K, three of the K Series Midgets
Whilst the conversion of MG Midgets from A series to a more modern engine choice, such as a Rover K Series or Ford Zetec isn’t formally recognised by the MG Car Club, the number of people undertaking such conversions has grown signifi cantly over recent years. So much so that there are now over 100 such conversions recorded with many more underway. There are also professional companies that undertake these conversions and supply the necessary parts. The reason
K/Z Midgets lined up at Trac Mon, Anglesey www.mgcc.co.uk
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Inspecting engines at Anglesey
I mention this is that those who own such vehicles are real enthusiasts and enjoy all aspects of ownership of their modifi ed cars. A great example of this, as well as the annual K/Z weekend organised by a group of friends, is participation in Track Days around the country. These may be organised by MGs on Track, charitable groups or more commercial bodies. One such event took place on a weekend in October and involved 10 MG Midgets. Eight ran K Series and two ran Zetec
engines. The venue for this track day was Trac Mon. For those unfamiliar with this track, it is the Anglesey Circuit in North Wales. For many of the participants, this event was turned into a weekend trip, with owners travelling from the four corners of the country to participate in the Track Day. Most booked accommodation near the circuit and some took advantage of the Saturday to tour the Snowdonia area. This area in the autumn is simply
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Midget owners at Trac Mon.
beautiful with the vibrant colours of the trees looking magnificent in the autumn sunshine. On the Saturday, our little group headed for the beautiful location of Portmeirion near Porthmadog. We were so lucky to have clear blue skies and sunshine, that it made the visit all the more special. It really is a magical place and I am ashamed to say that, having lived and worked in Wales for some 33 years, I had never visited there before. Leaving Porthmadog we headed for Beddgelert followed by Llanberis Pass and on to Bangor and Menai Bridge. The Midgets lapped up the great roads there and with surprisingly little traffic about, made it all the more fun. As always the cars ran like Swiss clocks, which was just as well, as on the Sunday they would be hurtling around a track. Sunday dawned bright, sunny, dry and slightly cool, but this was perfect for running the cars at speed. It was a great sight seeing the MG Midgets arrive and park up in the pits next to each other. Most people knew each other and the ones who didn’t were soon made to feel welcome. The cars certainly drew a lot of attention throughout the day from other participants. The event was run on an open pit basis, with cars of varying performance on the track at the same time. However this did not prove an issue, as most of us were very familiar with this methodology. The track itself can best be described as stunning. The views were amazing. Picture a circuit on a headland, sea on three sides and the
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Midgets ready to hit the Anglesey Circuit
Snowdonia mountain range off to the south. This was enhanced by a beautiful sunny day. The surface of the track was of a high standard with good facilities and friendly marshals. The morning session involved driving the longer international GP circuit, then after lunch, the short Coastal circuit complete with corkscrew. Both circuits provided hours of enjoyment. Some of us had an instructor to show us the best lines, which really
added to the satisfaction of driving there. The instructor and organisers were extremely complimentary of the engineering involved in our cars and the standards of track driving we used throughout the day. We are already planning our next K/Z Track Day and expect there to be even more cars taking part next time. If you have a K/Z Midget, why not join us? Neil Thomas
REGISTER CHAIRMAN’S NOTES It’s hard to think we are just a few weeks away from our first show of the year, the MG and Triumph Spares show, held at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry, Warwickshire, on Sunday February 19 2017. The Register with some of the Register Committee are in Hall Three with three MG Midgets on display, so please come along and say hello! The next event after Stoneleigh is the Register AGM; the AGM notice is published in this copy of Safety Fast! This year we need help as four committee members are leaving and we do not want to cut back on what the Register does, so if you can inform Peter Chaundy if are able to help in any way on secretary@midgetregister.com he will give you more details. The Register Road Run will again be held on the first weekend in September, as is normal. Details will be in Safety Fast! and the Midget Register website as soon as they are confirmed. This year I will be taking on a new task with the Midget/Sprite Challenge race series as co-ordinator, which I am looking forward to, so come up and say hello at race meetings, as I will be in parts of the country that will be new to me. Talking about racing is a good way to enjoy the day, as is a free members circuit tour in the lunchtime break at all circuits, apart from MGLive!, although a ticket for a tour can be booked when purchasing tickets. It’s well worth the price. The Register will once again be active at MGLive! (June 17-18). We’ll be fielding a team in the California Cup, which this year will be in the Silverstone Circuit inner field, so if you wish to join our team please let me have your info. mikeparker78@talktalk.net If anyone can help the Register or the Main Car Club at MGLive! for a few hours or more you will be most welcome! Hope to see some of you during the year at one of our events. Mike Parker
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MGB NEWSLET TER David Broadhurst • newsletter-editor@mgb-register.org www.mgb-register.org
WELCOME TO THE MGB NEWSLETTER
Michael Bernhard’s 1972 MGB GT
During these wet and windy months my MGB is under its cover in the garage and our trusty old Land Rover and, so far, equally trusty two-year-old MG3 are doing the necessary for us. I have had a couple of interesting bits of correspondence this month. David Cleverdon, a member residing in Silverstone, offered me a framed poster featuring the Last Edition MGBs. Naturally, I accepted and asked a friend of mine, who lives in the area, to please go and get it. Subsequently, Neil Hyett, your Register Vice Chairman, has contacted my go-between and has got the poster to Kimber House where it can be displayed as part of the collection. It is, apparently, fairly big. My second communication came from Michael Bernhard in Switzerland and is a direct response to Graham’s technical thoughts on electronic ignition. Here is what Michael wrote: I own a 1972 MG BGT, B Register number 12461, purchased in August 1999.
The engine as standard when I bought the MGB GT
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Here is my answer to your question in the recent MGB Register news in Safety Fast! about my experiences with electronic ignition. Well, I use the very simple device called IGNITOR which replaces the points and fits directly into the original Lucas distributor to my great satisfaction! It was easy to install, is invisible to all those experts who are far too picky when deciding to grant the next period of six years between MoT for what are officially defined as ‘Veteran’ vehicles here in Switzerland! I also installed a new Lucas coil. All that was required was to readjust the timing somewhat. That’s all done in less than an hour! Then last year I changed all the wire leads to and from the distributor, namely from the coil and to the spark plugs. I used copper leads, not the modern leads one finds today on the market, smartly coloured in green. My, what a difference that made. Since then the engine (revised by Oselli some 20,000 kilometres ago!) runs like clockwork. The idle is stable and regular. Also, the engine pulls far better than before, especially in the lower revs. I can’t ask for more! By the way, the black plastic ‘box’ you may have clearly noticed to the left of the coil against the bulkhead on the ‘before’ photo hides all the electrical wires of the loom that looked so untidy in the engine bay… I found this at a truck trailer store. It is used to connect the trailer wiring leads to the tractor vehicle’s. It is a plastic box with two parts: the base screws onto the car and the lid screws down onto it. After emptying it of its multiple-point wire-connection rack, I just guided all the loose wires in at one end and out at the other! All the best, and enjoy the MGB experience! I use mine all year round, even in winter when the roads are dry. Octagonally yours, Michael A. R. Bernhard, Switzerland
The engine after the modifications, with IGNITOR, new Lucas coil and new copper leads
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Club Director George Wilder (left) present Bernard with his Marque of Friendship award.
MARQUE OF FRIENDSHIP Recently, there was a celebratory lunch and presentation for Bernard Rengger, who has been a Register stalwart for many a long year. Roger Boys was there and sent the following report to me. Roger Cooper supplied the photographs. When I read in Safety Fast! of the recently introduced Marque of Friendship Award, I was very impressed with the concept. A Club like ours is so very dependent on a few people stepping up to the plate and helping others to enjoy their car and make the most of an enjoyable hobby. There are lots of people who have and do work very hard on behalf of the Club for no reward except the gratitude of those who appreciate the effort. One splendid example of this was about to retire from the MGB Register, hence I sent in the following nomination. “Nomination for MARQUE of FRIENDSHIP AWARD – BERNARD RENGGER. Bernard is about to leave the MGB Register after 21 years of loyal service.
He held the position of Secretary for 17 years, combining this with the role of Chairman for seven years, and then assumed the role of Secretary again for the remaining time he served on the committee. The knowledge and enthusiasm that he brought to the committee has been of great benefit. He led the Register into the difficult period of computerisation, despite having very little personal experience of the fastmoving technology that was to envelop all our lives. He was always there to encourage others and appreciated the efforts made. Bernard organised and supported an incredible number of events that were put on by the Register. If he was not the lead, he was always in the background ready and willing to take on any job that was asked of him. Among others, the Register Weekends, Spring Runs, and Technical Seminars come immediately to mind; these events call for a lot of planning and support, without which they would simply not happen. Bernard was always there ready to ‘get stuck in’. I recall when the concept of the MGB Lectures was proposed by me, he
was immediately there with supportive suggestions and encouragement; this despite the fact that due to personal circumstances he was unable to make the journey to attend them. There would always be an email wishing me luck just before the event took place. For many years he was the Parking Guru at Silverstone, wearing his distinctive straw hat. He would be there pre-event, organising the parking areas and erecting the signage, then on the three days of the event he would assume the role of directing all MG Models, which he was uncanny at recognising, to the correct parking area with a cheery welcome. Three mornings from 8.00am through to 12.00 was hard work, as I know only too well, Bernard taught us well, and led by example. He would then disappear to the main tent and be found on the Register stand, chatting to members on all manner of MGrelated subjects. The MGB Register Committee will miss his wisdom and enthusiasm when he steps down this year. Inviting him to accept the MARQUE of FRIENDSHIP AWARD, I believe, would be a fine reward for a job well done.” The recommendation was accepted by the Board of Directors and it was an enjoyable lunchtime when a number of his friends met up in Market Harborough to support George Wilder, MGCC Director, when he made the very well-deserved presentation of the “Marque of Friendship” badge and certificate on behalf of the Club and all of its membership to Bernard and his wife, Judy, who was always in the background supporting him. Roger Boys.
WHEN WAS MY CAR BUILT? Recently, I had a call from a local Natter member asking if the Register would have any idea about when a particular car was built. A pertinent question, to which the answer is “no”. However, the records are held at Gaydon at the British Motor Heritage Trust and, for a fee, they will furnish you with chapter and verse on the origins of your car.
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We’re off to the Lincolnshire Wolds for the 2017 MGB Register Weekend
MGB Register Weekend 15th – 18th September
2017 Kindly supported by Peter Best Insurance And Halls Garage of Bourne, Lincolnshire
Join the MGB Register for a weekend away in Lincolnshire, based at the Kenwick Park Hotel near Louth (www.kenwick-park.com) from 15th – 18th September 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 villlage going back to the Domesday Book and has the Kings Head (oldest pub in Lincolnshire) and Tealby Tea Room. The cost is £390 per double room (incl. VAT) for the 3 nights dinner, bed and breakfast. For a single room it is £300 Event limited to 30 cars - first come first served. There is in addition a £45 administration fee (to cover MSA and police approvals, rally boards and route books etc.) payable to the MGB Register with your entry form. To enter please visit the events section of www.mgb-register.org and complete the online booking form Or send your completed booking form (tear off the bottom of this notice) together with your cheque for £45 made payable to:MG CAR CLUB Ltd, MGB REGISTER,
To :- Clive Wilday, 33 Marriots Gate, Lutton, Spalding, Lincolnshire PE12 9HN. (01406 821588 cfwilday@aol.com if any queries) Your entry will be acknowledged with the MGB booking code, which you will need when you reserve your room directly with the hotel.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Driver’s Name:
Email:
Co-Driver’s name:
Telephone:
Address:
Mobile:
MGCC Member Number:
MG Model & Year: Postcode:
Registration Number:
***MGB REGISTER WEEKEND 2017***
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MGB NEWSLET TER
MGB REGISTER TECHNICAL DAY A very frosty November Saturday morning drive to the British Motor Heritage (BMH) factory at Witney was the prelude to an educational experience for 21 of our intrepid members. There, they were exposed to practical workshops covering panel beating, restoration and welding. Richard Chapman of Manor Garage, Wantage, gave expert advice on restoring MGBs and had a ‘ferrous oxidechallenged’ MGB GT shell to display the weaknesses of our beloved car. He talked through how it can be brought back to life with new panels and a degree of skill. Les from BMH gave a demonstration of panel beating and finishing skills, and finally Graham Dix provided an interactive session on spot welding and MIG welding. This was followed by lunch and a talk by Christian on Mazda gearboxes adapted for use in MGBs of all years. The day was much appreciated by those present: “I really enjoyed it all. I learned a few things and had my interest brought into better focus. The workshops were very good. I enjoyed
the welding opportunity as I had not done MIG before. It was a real pleasure to watch a craftsman at work on panel work and Richard gave a good insight into body rot.” Reg “I thought it was excellent. I think the format of splitting the participants into groups of six or seven, allowing hands-on practice, was ideal. I found the workshops were very interesting and informative. In particular, I have learnt not to take a welding torch anywhere near my MGB.” Charles “Everyone in my group thoroughly enjoyed the day and the location was perfect. I am no longer a virgin welder.” Colin “I thought the day went very well and everybody seemed very interested and people clearly learnt useful things – I know I did.” Geoff “Best use for me was Richard Chapman, explaining how the structural parts of the car were assembled. Your welding was of great interest, never having done it before. Thank you. Panel Work: interesting to see a real professional deal with marks that I could not see... until the paint
were to go on. Fascinating.” Jeremy Our thanks go to Martin and Dave at BMH for all their hard work in hosting the day. Ideas suggested for next year’s Technical Day included talks on suspension, brakes and bearings, as well as basic maintenance.
DOOR CAPPING SCREWS
REGISTER CHAIRMAN’S NOTES
This is an age-old problem of the self-tapping screws fixing the Interior trim door cappings to the door becoming loose. The door panel holes enlarge due to overtightening of the screws. It is possible to fit larger screws but this can mean that the heads look unsightly and foul the door seal. There are probably many solutions, but a quick, easy and effective one I have found is to simply drill the holes out to 4mm and fix a 4mm dia x 10mm long pop rivet. Having fitted it, you can easily knock out the remaining central pin of the rivet using the discarded cut-off piece of the rivet and a hammer. This then leaves a hole that the original capping fixing screws can bite into. The head of the pop rivet stands proud of the door skin by approx. 1mm, but gentle tapping with a hammer will easily depress the rivet to being almost flush. If stripped in the future it can be easily replaced with another pop rivet.
Here we are then, into another year of uncertainty in the world. At least in the MGB Register we have a few things lined up to focus your attention on the important things in life. We kick off with the Practical Classics Show where we will be teaming up with the MGCC, so please come and visit us on the stand. The Spring Run still has a few places available and this year starts at the usual locations of Millets Farm and Hatton Country Park, finishing at Woburn Abbey. Please look at our new website for entry to the Spring Run and for all our events throughout the year. Since Christmas I have had over 100 applications to join our MGB Register Facebook group, these joining the hundreds already regularly using it. Why not take a look and join the group – it is free. If you feel you could help on the MGB Committee, we’re always on the look out for new members. Please do get in touch. Graham Dix
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www.mgcc.co.uk
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email: southcoastmgrover@gmail.com Address: Unit 2f, Sharp Road, Branksome, Poole, Dorset, BH12 4BG 56 SAFETY FAST! FEBRUARY 2017
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www.mgcc.co.uk
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FWD NEWSLET TER Ben Hatton • ben2692@hotmail.co.uk www.mgcc.co.uk/fwd-register/
WELCOME TO THE FWD NEWSLETTER MG FWD REGISTER’S SPRING RUN This is taking place on Saturday April 8, covering the three UK factories which have previously produced MGs, with a stop at the British Motor Museum at
Cars head out on a previous FWD Register Spring Run
Gaydon for lunch. We are very grateful to all the venues we are visiting as none of them are charging, which allows the run to be free of charge to
enter. There will be entirely optional run plaques to buy which need to be ordered in advance at a cost of £5, however you are very welcome to dress your cars with your own flags, etc. In order to manage numbers, please register in advance with Tanya on either tanyafield@supanet.com or 07929 868284. Below are the venues with postcodes and the timings. Kimber House, Abingdon (OX14 1AS) – 9.00am for a 9.30am departure. Cowley (OX4 6NL) – 10.00am for a 10.30am departure. Gaydon (CV35 0BJ) We will depart after lunch at 2.00pm Longbridge (B31 2BQ) We will arrive at approximately 3.15pm, take photos then move on five minutes down the road for tea and cake in St John the Baptist Church Hall.
PRACTICAL CLASSICS CLASSIC CAR AND RESTORATION SHOW AT THE NEC MARCH 31 TO APRIL 2 Would you like to exhibit your MG FWD car at this show? We are always looking for new cars and new members for the stand, and the joy of this show is that any car in any condition is welcome; in fact, cars which need work are ideal. Cars need to be in the hall at the NEC on Thursday March 30 and must remain there until the end of the show on Sunday 2. If you would like any more information about the show or what’s involved in exhibiting a car at this show, please do get in touch with Tanya asap. on either tanyafield@ supanet.com or 07929 868284
www.mgcc.co.uk
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The 2016 FWD Stand at the Practical Classics Restoration Show
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FWD NEWSLET TER
THE MG PRINCESS – THE RAREST OF ALL FACTORY MODELS 1964 and early 1965 saw BMC sell 154 MG Princess models in the USA; the model wasn’t offered to any other markets and it is the rarest of all the official ADO16 variants. Intrigue certainly surrounds the production cars, as none ever seemed to appear with a front grille as suggested by the brochure, a copy of which we bring to you here as it just happened to be lying around the ado16.info desk!
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Soon, we will bring you images of real, known examples but for now allow the brochure to whet your appetite, whilst further reading can be found on our website here: http://www.ado16.info/mg_princess.shtml David Rachel www.ado16.info
www.mgcc.co.uk
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FWD NEWSLET TER
www.mgcc.co.uk
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FWD NEWSLET TER
MY MG MAESTRO EFI
The Maestro at Longbridge
My Maestro, a 1988 MY 2.0efi in Atlantic Blue, has been a regular attendee at MG and BLARG shows for a number of years. But how did I come to have an MG Maestro? Well, my second car was an Austin Montego 1.6HL which I had whilst I was a student. Although I really liked that car, I was always looking at its MG cousins, but sky-high insurance prevented me getting one. Fast forward some 15 years, and I was still looking at MG Maestros and Montegos, but always found an excuse not to buy one. I guess my wife became rather fed up with them clogging up the eBay watch list as, when another came up, she decided to buy it as a birthday present, for the princely sum of £350. It was fairly typical of Maestros – the sills, rear wheel arches and bottoms of the doors were all in poor condition, as well as the ubiquitous sagging headlining! The passenger sill was particularly bad as it was fully caved-in
Having fun in the 2016 California Cup
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under the front door. But mechanically it was sound, other than a faulty alternator (which meant a very nervous drive home!) Only two previous owners – the last, a university professor who, I was told, had emigrated to Canada and attempted to export the Maestro with him, but had been unsuccessful. Over the last seven years, it has had four replacement doors, both full sills replaced, and both rear wheel arches replaced. I recovered the headlining at last year’s Restoration Show. For a number of years, it was known as the ‘half and half’ car, as one side was restored, but the other had to put up with my temporary repairs! It now just needs a replacement tailgate (waiting to be fitted) and a rear-end respray and it will be pretty much done! And even though it’s nearly 30 years old, it still gets up to new tricks – this year entering the California Cup for the first time and winning, with two Maestro stablemates, the Longbridge Trophy. Wayne Bates
THE MG FWD REGISTER’S EVENTS DIARY February 4 – MG FWD Register’s AGM at Abingdon, 1.30pm for a 2.00pm start The MG FWD Register will have stands at the following shows/events: March 31-April 2 – Restoration Show at the NEC April 2# – MG Era Day at Brooklands June 17-18 – MG Live! at Silverstone July 2 – BMC and Leyland Show at Gaydon September 16-17* – Manchester Classic Car Show at EventCity November 10-12* – Classic Motor Show at the NEC *Our stands have yet to be confirmed for these shows. #We need a volunteer for this stand as the committee are at the Restoration Show. Can you help?
RUNS/CONVOYS April 8 – MG FWD Register’s Spring Run taking in Abingdon, Cowley, Gaydon and Longbridge. September 10 – End-of-season run with the Tyne Tees Centre Events the MG FWD Register won’t be having stands at, but many of our members do attend and they’re good for FWD Register cars March 12 – Austin Morris Day at Brooklands April 15 – Pride of Longbridge at Longbridge April 23 – Drive It Day at many various venues. June 4 – MGs in the Park at the Cotswold Wildlife Park August 6 – BL Rally and Spares Day at Peterborough September 24 – BL Autumn Rally at Milton Keynes
The Maestro’s latest outing, Arden MG Club Chilly Willy Run January 1 2017
www.mgcc.co.uk
24/01/2017 19:02
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BRITISH TOURING CAR CHAMPIONSHIP
RACE TORQUE
B
By Ron Gammons
y the time these words are read the Club’s first race meeting of the year will be only a few weeks away, since our opening meeting is at Donington on April 9. A full programme awaits, with our Trophy Championship having two races, the Peter Best Insurance Cup again with two races, the Cockshoot Cup, the Drayton Manor Metro Cup, (lots of Cups here!). In addition, we have the BCV8 Championship, this time running with the Thoroughbred Sportscar Championship, again with a doubleheader. Also joining in will be the Lackford Sprite and Midget Challenge, and of course the Equipe GTS with a 40-minute race opening their season in style, with some beautifully presented and well-driven cars. This should all be Club racing at its very best and well worth a visit, particularly if you haven’t been to Donington before. It’s very convenient to the M1 at junction 23/24, with good accommodation in the immediate area. Qualifying will start just after 9.00am and a packed day’s racing is due to complete at just on 6.30pm. Tickets available on the Donington website or on the gate. Speaking of Donington, at the Autosport Racing Car Show, where the Club had a well-attended stand, came the news that Jonathan Palmer of Motor Sport Vision who own and control the circuits of Brands Hatch, Snetterton, Oulton Park and Cadwell had now taken a 21-year lease on the former prewar circuit of Donington.
62 SAFETY FAST! FEBRUARY 2017
While Christopher Tate and his staff at Donington, who with the unstinting support of Kevin Wheatcroft (the son of Tom Wheatcroft who had first revitalised the circuit after the ravages of the war) had done much in their undertaking of a further revitalisation after the abortive effort to move the F1 GP there in the early part of this century, to bring the circuit back to their former glory, there was still more investment required. This Jonathan Palmer has undertaken to do and if the sparkling results at the other circuits are anything to go by, it will be a major step forward. So what of the other major circuit that features so much in MG’s history over the past 66 years, I speak, of course, of Silverstone. Well, at present, the future is not entirely clear, in that a number of the parties interested in buying the circuit, including Jaguar, have now dropped away, but apparently there is one still interested. In addition, there have been statements in the press that the BRDC may invoke an escape clause in their contract for running of the British GP this year to relieve them of the responsibility from the end of 2018. Their reason is that the costs are too high and the 5% escalation clause is just not affordable. This may be so, but F1 itself is in the process of being bought by Liberty who are media moguls worldwide and, according to reports, want to safeguard the historic western Grands Prix. What this will mean over the next year or so to the MGCC is another
Gianni Picone’s ZR on display at the Autosport Racing Car Show. Photo: Pete Macwaters
question entirely. Clearly, there needs to be a more settled outlook before our modest event of two days can be seen on the radar. Be assured that the questions are very much on our minds, both for the race meeting but also for the Club’s major annual event MGLive! We also have the additional situation that the GP circuit is, for some of our cars and Championships, in truth, too long, but at present there are few other race circuit venues which have the space or facilities to enable the event to take place with anything like its present format. Watch this space! For our competitors, perhaps a reminder that you should be checking your helmet, overalls, gloves and boots to ensure that they are still in date and in a good, clean, useable condition. If not, a visit to Race Retro, where the Club will have its usual stand, may well have some retailers with such items on display. Otherwise, it’s one of the usual online dealers such as Demon Tweeks, Grand Prix Racewear, etc to meet your needs! By the way, on the stand at Race Retro we will have Andrew Young’s MGC on display, in honour of the first time a MGC has won the MG BCV8 Championship in its 38-year history. Well done, Andrew, you had some determined opponents! Also to be congratulated is Ben Rushworth who was voted sixth in the Best Club racers in the year by the prestigious Autosport magazine. Ben joined the Drayton Manor Metro Championship as a novice in 2015, finishing second that year in Class C and third overall. In 2016 he trumped that by winning six times from 10 races and taking the overall crown. Well done, Ben; just shows what can be done on a modest budget.
www.mgcc.co.uk
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THE ANTIDOTE TO WINTER?
ebruary brings the first MGs on Track event of the year to be held at Goodwood, with one session reserved for pre-war cars. Goodwood is a circuit that holds a special place in British motor racing history and yet some of the cars at our event on the 18th will pre-date its inauguration as a sporting venue by more than a decade. If you wish to sample this track for yourself there may be lastminute spaces still available, or you can add your name to the reserve list by emailing the event manager. Please visit our website for further information. One event that you are guaranteed entry to is the MG and Triumph Spares Day at Stoneleigh Park, near Coventry. This takes place on Sunday February 19, and you will find the MGoT stand in Hall Two, close to the main entrance. Several of the committee will be in attendance and we’ll be happy to answer any questions that you may have about track days or the coming year’s events. Perhaps you are already a regular on track, in which case please come to say hello, and maybe collect an MGoT sticker or admire the highly polished (!) vehicles that will feature on our display.
Since the last edition of Safety Fast! we have added an event on October 2 at Donington Park circuit. This is a historic track which is very well-suited to our cars. It has flowing corners, changes of elevation, a chicane to test the brakes to the maximum, and a straight long enough to allow even lower-powered cars to reach maximum speed without it seeming interminable. Aviation enthusiasts may also relish the opportunity to study a mix of aircraft at very close range as they make their final approach into the East Midlands airport! Situated in the centre of the country the circuit is reasonably accessible for most, although many of our members choose to stay in the local Premier Inn on the previous night to share a meal and to discuss the day ahead. Our Contracts Manager, Steve Hill, is the longest-serving MGoT committee member, and he is responsible for the initial negotiations with the various track managements. The relationships that Steve has built over the years mean that even the largest circuits, such as Silverstone, are happy to schedule a day with us, and his negotiating skills keep our costs down and our prices to members modest. Clearly the largest circuits do
charge rather more than some of their smaller counterparts, particularly as their customer base will include large corporations or car companies running promotions, but they do still seem keen to keep contact with ‘grass-roots’ organisations such as ours. It is not the intention that MGs on Track should make a profit, but a sizeable loss would also be very damaging to the future of the Club, which is why we sometimes share our events with compatible makes like Lotus or Triumph in order that the risk is spread. Sometimes events have not sold as well as expected, and it is the committee’s task to assess if this is due to a genuine lack of demand for that track or due to some external factor that we had not previously considered. Often, an absence from the calendar for a year or two will stimulate interest, and certainly many a question on the lines of “When are you going to do XYZ track again?” As always, please take a look at the 2017 calendar of events as there is certain to be something to appeal. Whether you only do a single track day in the year or all of them, everyone is welcome, and if you haven’t tried one yet then please delay no longer, as you will be assured of a safe but exhilarating day in the company of like-minded enthusiasts.
All models of MG are welcome to take part in MGs on Track
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www.mgcc.co.uk
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MGS ON TRACK – 2017 CALENDAR Please visit www.mgs-on-track.com to register, check availability, or to book a track day. Registered members will receive regular newsletters and notification of event opening dates. Goodwood – February 18 The first of two visits this year, with one session for the Pre-War Register. Silverstone – March 27 The home of the British GP is back on our calendar after a short absence. Cadwell Park – provisionally April 17 A twisty circuit in the Lincolnshire Wolds. Final date subject to confirmation. Snetterton – May 22 A fast and open track. Croft – June 23 A shared day with Lotus on Track on a great circuit, set between the Yorkshire Dales and Yorkshire Moors! Castle Combe – June 26 The first visit of two regular, annual visits to this very friendly circuit in Wiltshire. North Weald – July 7 An introductory activity day for those who have not yet tried a full track-day. A chance to explore the capabilities of driver and car in complete safety. Hethel – August 5 Another opportunity to experience the Lotus test track in Norfolk. A great track for all types of MG! Castle Combe – September 11 A second opportunity to enjoy the thrills of this everpopular track which includes a couple of chicanes and technical corners! Donington Park – October 2 A flowing, historic circuit in the Midlands, featuring the super Craner Curves and Old Hairpin sequence. Anglesey – October 13 Experience this challenging circuit on a day shared with the Lotus 7 Club. Overlooking the Irish Sea and with views to Snowdonia this track offers something for all. Goodwood – October 31 A second visit in case you missed the first due to popularity! Brands Hatch ‘Indy’ – December 4 Our last event of 2017. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy this undulating circuit including Paddock Hill Bend!
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
am happy to report that enthusiasm for our Championship is showing no sign of wavering. Early January, I’d already received almost 20 registrations, and among them are several new faces. Some experienced and some competing for the first time. It is interesting to note that a number of the new entrants have told me that they have participated in track days for some time and that, ultimately, they felt that progression to real competition was the way to go. Worthy of mention are our ‘T’ section entrants. For the uninitiated, this means cars prior to the MGA. Apart from being the ancestors of our MG brand, they add a fascinating window into our heritage. There are beautiful examples of pristine models which have obviously been cherished over the years. Additionally, there are many examples of cars with period modifications and competition histories going back to the 1920s. A good example of this is the pre-war TA of Martin Price. Despite looking remarkably standard, Martin’s times when competing are pretty quick and very competitive within his class. I should also mention that Martin drives the car to meetings from his home in the Midlands, sometimes involving considerable distances. All the more remarkable when you consider that, like myself, Martin is not in the first flush of youth. This is the mark of a true enthusiast. In addition to the aforementioned, the T section fields some wonderful examples of specials. Some of these, like the ‘Dargue’ and ‘Lester’, being 1950s creations with streamlined bodywork, not unlike the D type Jaguar. Also, there are the specials which have been created over the years with period-type bodywork. Some of these are older creations, others more recent. They reflect the desire of their creators to have a car of a certain style and the quality of the workmanship is superb. A recent example is the TC special built by Howard Harman. Howard had competed, very successfully, for many years in a very pretty MG PA in which he won the Triple M trophy every year. What better way to progress than to build something that pleases you and adds interest to the class. The Championship would be the poorer without this group and it should be remembered that all these cars are now extremely valuable and the drivers should be admired for continuing to compete. Next month we will publish the definitive calendar for 2017. Martin Price in his MG TA
FEBRUARY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 65
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CALENDAR
FEBRUARY Saturday 4 MGCC: Ulster Centre Derek Walker Trial Contact: www.mgcculstercentre.co.uk Thursday 9 MGCC: North West Centre 2017 AGM Contact: Paul Rodman – 0161 439 8990 Thursday 9 MGCC: Tyne Tees Centre 2017 AGM Contact: David Alexander – 01670 861178 Saturday 18 MGCC: MGs on Track Goodwood Contact: Martin Holmes – martinh@mgs-on-track.co.uk Saturday 18 MGCC: Ulster Centre 2017 Prize Giving Dinner Contact: www.mgcculstercentre.co.uk Saturday 18 MGCC: V8 Register Annual V8 Curry Contact: Nic Houslip – 07768 766315 Sunday 19 MGCC: Caledonian Centre Technical Day Contact: Robert MacGillivray – 07870 407111 Monday 20 MGCC: Ulster Centre MG Film Night Contact: www.mgcculstercentre.co.uk Saturday 25 MGCC: South West Centre Annual Dinner and Awards Evening Contact: Jim Lott – chairman@mgccsw.com Saturday 25 MGCC: MGB Register 2017 AGM Contact: Graham Dix – chairman@mgb-register.org Sunday 26 MGCC: Yorkshire Centre President’s Half Decade Christmas Bash Contact: Alan Dakeyne – alandakeyne@aol.com
MARCH Thursday 2 MGCC: Lincolnshire Centre 2017 AGM Contact: Rob Welch – rjwelchmidget@aol.com Thursday 9 MGCC: South East Centre Tech Talk on Car Electrics Contact: Ian Ailes – 01932 856960 66 SAFETY FAST! FEBRUARY 2017
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Friday 10 – Sunday 12 MGCC: Caledonian Centre Elvis Tribute Weekend Contact: Nancy Crichton – 01236 739758
Saturday 8 MGCC: FWD Register 2017 Spring Run Contact: Ben Hatton – ben2692@hotmail.co.uk
Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 MGCC: MGF Register 2017 AGM and Awards Contact: Philip Hayward – mgf.events@mgfregister.org
Sunday 9 MGCC: Lincolnshire Centre Spring Autotest Contact: David Stonehouse – 01790 754774 or davidstonehouse1@btinternet.com
Saturday 11 MGCC Club Council Contact: Colin Grant – 01235 555552 Sunday 12 MGCC: South East Centre Spring Naviscat Contact: Philip Bayne Powell – 01483 811428 Sunday 19 MGCC: Midget Register 2017 AGM Contact: Mike Parker – 01235 525255 Saturday 25 MGCC: Abingdon Works Centre AGM and Awards Contact: Richard Martin – 01235 529331 Sunday 26 MGCC: Caledonian Centre 25th Anniversary Lunch Contact: Leslie Duncan – 0141 637 3475 Monday 27 MGCC: MGs on Track Silverstone GP Contact: Martin Holmes – martinh@mgs-on-track.co.uk Friday 31 – Sunday April 2 Classic Car and Restoration Show NEC Birmingham Contact: www.thenec.co.uk
APRIL
Sunday 9 MGCC Racing Donington Park Contact: www.donington-park.co.uk/ Sunday 9 MGCC: MGB Register Spring Run Contact: Graham Dix – chairman@mgb-register.org Saturday 15 MGCC: Magnette Register Magnettes and Steam Contact: Stephen Tickell – 01737 760330 or stephen. tickell@gmail.com Saturday 15 MGCC Pride of Longbridge Contact: www.prideoflongbridge.co.uk/ Sunday 16 MGCC: Caledonian Centre One Day Satellite Run Contact: Anne Howitt – 01738 623231 Sunday 16 MGCC: Yorkshire Centre Daffodil Run Contact: Steve Dobson – stephen.dobson.900@gmail.com Monday 17 MGCC: MGs on Track Cadwell Park Contact: Martin Holmes – martinh@mgs-on-track.co.uk
Saturday 1 MGCC: South East Centre Dinner Dance Contact: Terry Giles – 020 8660 0908
Sunday 23 MGCC: Abingdon Works Centre St Georges Day Run Contact: Pete and Sarah Davies – 07877 932284
Sunday 2l MGCC: Midland Centre Spring Sprint Contact: Simon Morris – 07788 168488
Sunday 23 MGCC: South East Centre Spring Run Contact: Derek Edwards – 01737 765891
Sunday 2 MGCC MGA Era Day at Brooklands Contact: www.brooklandsmuseum.com/whats-on/ brooklands-mg-era
Sunday 23 FBHVC National Drive it Day Contact: www.fbhvc.co.uk/heritage-culture-andmuseums/drive-it-day/
Tuesday 4 MGCC: Caledonian Centre 2017 AGM Contact: Nancy Crichton – 01236 739758
Tuesday 25 MGCC: T Register T Register Rebuild Contact: Barry Knight – 01252 875740
www.mgcc.co.uk
24/01/2017 19:02
OUT&ABOUT
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meet in The MGF Reg ister’ s Cent ral Reg ion’s Brea kfast trend ing grow a – er emb Sept www.mgcc.co.uk
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Ferna nd o an d Ed ua rdo La mbias i in the ir M GB in the Ra llye Ca mi nh o do pet ing M ar, Sa o Pa ulo, Bra zil. com La mbias i Ph oto: Ve ra
Fou r-y ear-ol d Frey a, gra ndd aug hte r of MG B Re gist er sta lwa rt Joh n Watso n, at the Abing don M use u m. Ph racing an MG B oto: Joh n Watso n
MG B and two roun d whee l arch Midgets phot ograp hed at the Brackley Classic car meet on Dece mbe r 27. Phot o: Steve Clark FEBRUARY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 67
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OVERSEAS NEWS
John Burrows and the North American Nuffield Trophy
The presentation to John Burrows as President
Peter Mittler and his Honorary Life Membership award
NUFFIELD TROPHY FOR CONTINENTAL NORTH AMERICA
This magnificent Trophy, which is owned by the MG Car Club in England, has been awarded for 2016 to the MG Car Club of Toronto, Canada. John Burrows, the President of this very active and forward-thinking Centre has been very ill in hospital for five months and was unable to attend MG 2016 in Louisville, Kentucky, in June. It is creditable that the Centre has carried on and had a large contingent in Louisville with their major show in September. John was still in hospital when the announcement was made, and it was decided to keep the award a secret from as many of the membership as possible until their annual Awards Banquet on November 25. Our thanks go to Richard Liddick of MGs of Baltimore for personally transporting the Trophy from Baltimore to Niagara Falls on November 11 in time for the Awards Banquet. John
Burrows was expecting to be released from hospital around this time, and requested me to fly to Toronto to be present on the evening. I considered this to be a great honour as I have a considerable association with many of their members. My presence was also kept a secret from the membership, and I was even given an alias for the banquet. As “George Baird” I even gained a Canadian daughter for the night! However, as soon as I walked into the hotel I was recognised, but it was a very welcoming and rewarding evening which was very well received by the membership, who appreciated my efforts to attend. Peter Mittler was made an Honorary Life member of the Toronto Centre in recognition of his contribution to the increase in membership and general enthusiasm before his departure to Perth, Western Australia. The North American MGB
Jim Sweeney collects the NAMGBR editorial award from Johan Peterson
www.mgcc.co.uk
MG_SafetyFast_Feb17_50-98.indd 69
Register made two Awards in Louisville to the Toronto Centre – one to Jim Sweeney as Editor of their magazine, The Octagon, and the other to Greg Moors for a Technical article in The MG Driver magazine. These were re-presented on the night, as was the print that the MG Car Club UK presented to Toronto in Louisville. I then presented the Nuffield Trophy to John Burrows and the Toronto Centre – well-deserved and congratulations. John Burrows is stepping down as President of the Toronto Centre, but will remain on the board as immediate Past President. I had brunch before I left with Bert Berry, who is President elect, and John, Bert and I had a long discussion about the other MG Clubs in the major centres in Canada and how we could get them affiliated. Brian G Woodhams
MGCC print award to MGCC Toronto
FEBRUARY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 69
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OVERSEAS REVIEW A MONTHLY LOOK THROUGH A FEW OF THE OVERSEAS MAGAZINES WE RECEIVE AT KIMBER HOUSE REVIEWED BY PETER STEVENS
I
t’s always good to hear what’s happening in the MG world and On the Marque, from San Diego MG Club, is an impressively lively and informative magazine with many interesting items to delight its readers. I enjoyed the article by T J Moran, entitled “How I caught the MG Bug” in which he tells how, as a small boy, his Grandfather’s MGA caught his attention. Much later, Grandpa agreed to help prepare an MG for him, which turned out to be an 1100 saloon, and not a hoped-for sports model. The 1100 was sold a few years later, but replaced with another many years after that. Then came a BGT and an A called Marilyn, because of her beautiful curves. Clearly a bug for which there is no cure and how fortunate to have such a helpful guide and mentor. Also in the magazine is a picture of singer Petula Clark with her MGA, registration PET 1, and items about fun-sounding social events, including the ‘Drive-in Movie Night’, ‘Coronado 4th of July Parade’ and the ‘Urban Ramble’. The Marque of Friendship is definitely thriving in San Diego. Also reviewed this month is an issue of the MG DRIVERS Magazin from Germany. A large-format, glossy publication, with a wide variety of items. The first that caught my eye was an advertisement for a Rally-Style mileage recorder, which fitted into the fascia radio slot, of what appeared to be an MGB or C. An excellent way of achieving accuracy, without altering the car. The seemingly (I don’t speak German) comprehensive item on the introduction and development of the MGA, had excellent photographs, including one of a fleet of police versions. That would have worried
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Oldtimer Workshop
the owners of typical family saloons of the period! This was followed by a piece on the EX186 MGA, with its independent rear suspension (pity we didn’t get that in production), and then an item on the Twin Cam engine. Beautiful but, for some of us, worryingly complex. Continuing the early enthusiasm theme is an item about a member of the ‘Flying Squirrel Racing Team’, which has been mentioned in a previous review. There are pictures of him as a child standing beside a funfair roundabout with miniature cars, then next to a Messerschmitt Kabinnenroller, and finally racing an MGB. I wonder how many other racers started at a funfair! It was also good to see the ‘YOUNGTIMERS CORNER’ and the article on MGF, TF and Z Series cooling systems, to remind us all that clubs are not just about old guys with even older cars. MG HERITAGE, from the MG Car Club of France, included a wellillustrated article on SU carburettors and an item on their many social activities, including the ‘French Riviera Classic Motor Show’. I also noticed an item on the histories of D, A and RV8 models. Also reviewed this month is MG KURIER from the MG Car Club of Germany, which has a picture of an ‘OLDTIMER WORKSHOP’ apparently being filmed, an item on Girling
dampers, another on three MGAs travelling in the Alps, and one on supercharging a TC. THE CANTERBURY MaG from Christchurch, New Zealand, contains an impressive list of social events which include a visit to a winery (with sampling) and interviews with married-couple members, who told of MG-related adventures throughout their lives. They sound like a very sociable and happy group. Long may their fun continue! Finally this month is Wheel Spin from the MG Car Club of Victoria, Australia. It is written in a typically relaxed Australian style and relates details of many social events, probably enhanced by their usually delightful weather. A useful article on tachometers caught my eye, as did the pre-war MG notes section. It was gratifying to see another younger owners initiative called ‘Youth On Wheels’, echoing the move throughout our Club to enthuse and encourage the next generation of MG owners.
EX186
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FEBRUARY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 71
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CENTRES
ABINGDON WORKS
MALCOLM BAILEY sfscribe@mgabingdon.org.uk www.mgabingdon.co.uk We recently completed our 23rd Boxing Day Run, in cold but sunny weather. We started at our customary location, the Market Square in the centre of Abingdon, packed to capacity with MGs of all ages, plus an Austin saloon and a Morgan. After following a short circular route everyone descended on The Prince of Wales at Shippon, just outside Abingdon, for a warm-up and a welcome drink. We even had a small writeup in the Oxford Mail! Photos from the day can be seen in the Galleries section of our website. Events for 2017 are in the planning stages and we are firming up our calendar of events slowly but surely. Our first event
ANGLIA
is the Abingdon Works Centre’s AGM in the John Thornley Suite at Kimber House in Abingdon on Saturday March 25. We have a need for more Committee members for the coming year, so if you think you can help out in any way, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. It’s not an onerous job; we just need people who can come up with ideas and are prepared to help out with jobs such as marshalling at various events. We are also looking for nominations for the AWC’s Centre Member of The Year award, so if you know someone who you think has done a lot for the Centre over the past 12 months, please let us know as soon as possible.
ROB MUIR 01206 862619 scribe@mgccanglia.com www.mgcc.co.uk/anglia event on Facebook, where you Riviera Run can also see plenty of photos Another successful event took posted by Anglia members. place at the very tail end of Mention of Facebook reminds the year, a very good turnout me of the way that information of members as usual in crisp can be easily found about the conditions. This year the run Centre’s events from many ended up at the Norfolk sources these days. Lavender fields, where we enjoyed stunning winter views Facebook and a welcome lunch. Those of you with a Facebook Mike Pelling has reported the account can join the Anglia Centre page and those who have not yet tried the wonders of Facebook may wish to give it a go. It’s free to register and easy enough to start. No one could be worse on computers than me, yet I managed to register. Once on, you can access the Anglia Centre pages and obtain plenty of upto-date information from the
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A significant event for us in 2017 is the Silver Anniversary of the Old Speckled Hen Run on Sunday May 28, for which you will find an entry form on on page 29. Keep an eye on the event calendar on our website for more information. Talking of calendars, you can find our A4-sized year/month calendars and also our traditional octagonal event calendars to download, both under ’For Our Members’ on our website. While you are eagerly awaiting the start of the event season, don’t forget you can still pop into a local Natter in one of the four counties covered by the Abingdon Works Centre. You will find a warm welcome and plenty of people to talk MGs with during the winter evenings each month! There is a list telling you where
and when they meet and a map showing the Natters on our website. The Committee would like to extend a warm welcome to all our new members whom we look forward to meeting at one of our many events this year. Welcome to the MG family! And finally, drive safely if you’re out in your MG in the cold weather – we want to see you at our events!
Cars assemble in Abingdon for the Boxing Day Run.
many members and Club Meet hosts that post information on an often-daily basis. Anglia Events Tony Batson has compiled our 2017 Events Calendar and Tim Martin, our webmaster, has kindly posted it on the website. Once you are on to the Anglia Centre site, all you have to do is click onto the events section and you are there. Events for February to bear in mind are: The Anglia Centre Committee Meeting on Saturday February 18 with a start time of 10.00am at the Limes Hotel, Needham Market. Contact Roger Moran secretary@ mgccanglia.com
The Lion, Needham Market on Friday February 10. Contact John Cumming 01359 259717 to see if spaces are still available. This month’s photographs show The Old Speckled Hen MGB visiting the open evening at the mid Suffolk Club Meet. The second photo is a paddock scene at Silverstone with Rod Oakenfull from the East Essex Club Meet, alongside his race MGB as we look forward to the new season.
Mid Suffolk Club Meet are holding their annual dinner at
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CENTRES
CALEDONIAN
BOB MACGILLIVRAY 07870 407111 mgcarsscotland@gmail.com www.mgcaledonian.com
In the January Notes I mentioned that there were already 68 entries for the annual May Three Day Tour. I’m pleased to say that before the end of 2016 we had received 82 entries and now have an entry waiting list. This is the highest entry we have seen at least for many years and means that all three of the 2016 Caledonian tours, apart from the one-day ones, are fully booked already. Quite amazing! Our February Technical Day is on the 19th and if you have not already booked but would like to come please book now through the website. It’s always an informative and entertaining afternoon in the capable hands of Brian Luti and if there are points you would like to raise, let me know.
Bookings for the Elvis weekend on March 10-12 have now closed but there is always the chance of a cancellation if you missed out earlier. Contact our Secretary, Nancy Crichton, or myself if you are interested. And don’t forget our 25th Anniversary Lunch at Airth Castle on March 26. Details are on the website and we are looking for lots of pics of any events over the last 25 years. What do you have? The situation with our May Three Day Tour illustrates the importance of early booking and as a committee we would encourage all our members to do so. A lot of preparatory work goes into each event and sometimes entry numbers need to be given to hotels
DEVON & CORNWALL GRANNY JANNER www.allegropeter@aol.com www.mgcc.co.uk/devon-cornwall-centre/
Welcome to the short month of February, and now the festive season is over and the days are getting longer, time to fill up your calendar for 2017. The festive season was very full. The Wadebridge Natter held their Christmas Meal with a Quiz as well. The meal was excellent and the winners of the quiz were Barry and Fee Smith with 33 out of 45, with runners-up Marion and David Crawford with 29 points. Thanks go to the person who set the quiz, last year’s winner Brian Galbraith. The next festive event that was held was the South Hams Natter. They had a leisurely meal at Furzeleigh Mill in
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Buckfastleigh, with several members staying the night. This meal is always a favourite with people, as it always has an extra course as well as a dessert of Christmas pudding, which is set alight! Afterwards, several members adjourned to the bar to try to set the world to rights and also discuss cars. Other festive meals were held by the Torbay Natter, which was well-attended, and the MGF Register held their Christmas Meal at the Dartbridge Inn, organised by Brian Dingsdale. It is sad news that we learnt of Colin Groom who passed away just before
and restaurants well in advance. More and more shows are requiring early entries with fees, so it would help us enormously if you would resolve in 2017 to ENTER EARLY! Here endeth the lesson! Since I have mentioned shows, I can tell you that we expect to be at Thirlestane, Silverstone, Glamis, Ignition and Bo’ness this year, but if there is an event which you are aware of and which we could fit in please let the committee know. We are keen to build our membership and shows are one of the main ways of doing so, therefore any suggestions will be welcome. May I also say that although the theme for MGLive! in June has not yet been announced, we expect to have a stand there. If anyone would like to go for the weekend and help out you would
be most welcome. We expect to be staying at the Green Man which is only minutes away. Contact me if you need accommodation. And finally, we are very pleased to confirm that Peter Best Insurance Services will be our main sponsor for the next three years. Peter Best himself was closely involved in the setting up of the Centre and Adele Rand and Barry Hermon have been regulars at some of our Tours and Shows in recent years. PBIS, although well-known for classic car insurance, can also offer many other types of insurance so, since they are supporting us, please give them an opportunity to quote you for any of your insurance needs, from household to commercial and others in between! See their advert in this magazine!
Christmas after a massive haemorrhage. Condolences to his family; he will be sorely missed, not least for his knowledge of classic cars.
fun in Dorset. There may still be rooms available at Dorset Golf and Country Club, Bere Regis – contact Pete Heath allegropeter@aol.com. April 23 – Drive It Day. May 21 – ACE Run. June 17-18 – MGLive!, Silverstone. July 8-9 – Powderham Car Show. July 23 – Torbay Old Wheels Car Show on Paignton Green. September 9 – MGCC Wiscombe Hill Climb. September 10 – Cornish Riviera Run
Dates for the Diary March 4 – AGM at Callington Bowls Club – 7.30 for 8.00pm. Trophy presentations and a FREE buffet, presentations of awards, everyone welcome. We need new input to the Committee PLEASE. March 15 – MCC Lands End Trial. April 7-9 – Spring Break for
MGCC D&C Centre stand at the Torbay Old Wheels Club English Riviera Classic Car Show 2016. Photos: Bob Slatter
www.mgcc.co.uk
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CENTRES
LINCOLNSHIRE JOHN HEBB 01522 683541 jhebb38@virginmedia.com www.mgcclincolnshire.co.uk
February Natters: Wolds Wednesday 1 (Picture Show); Lincolnshire Poacher Friday 3; Wishing Well Wednesday 8 (Valentine’s Dinner); Abbey Lodge Monday 13; Three Horseshoes Thursday 16; Admiral Nelson Thursday 23. Luncheon Club: Wednesday 15. February Events: Sunday 19 Wolds Natter Social Run to Hodsock Snowdrops (Keith 01472 602949). Early March Natters: Wolds Wednesday 1; Lincolnshire Poacher Friday 3. Early March Event: Thursday 2 Lincolnshire Centre AGM Abbey Lodge.
Not many Club events in December, just lots of Christmas Dinners, including the Luncheon Club’s return visit to the Queens Head at Kirkby la Thorpe a few days before Christmas when 27 members enjoyed a seasonal choice. No snow in Lincolnshire on Christmas Day, instead one of the warmest on record. A little fresher on Boxing Day when we enjoyed an afternoon stroll. Very different on New Year’s Day when we had rain, rain and yet more rain! The weather didn’t seem to put many off our traditional meet at the Abbey Lodge and the pub was soon busy with members eating or just having a drink and a chat with old friends. The Landlord’s son braved the rain to select
MIDLANDS
ROGER KING www.mg-cars.org.uk/mgccmidlandcentre midlandcentre@mgcars.org.uk
December 28 saw some 30 souls attempting to blow away any yuletide excess with the Centre`s traditional post-Christmas country walk. This had been meticulously planned by Centre secretary Paul Hollingworth and featured a 4.2-mile stroll around what is known as the Hanbury Hall circuit. Set in the rural countryside of Worcester, this is a well-signposted route, so nothing could go wrong. Big mistake! We might be good at following 200 miles of Welsh Rallye instructions but a ‘simple’ walk? No way. So, three miles in, we came to a field where a decision had to be made to go left or right. In the best tradition of democracy half
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went one way and the other half, well, the other. Both were wrong because somehow we were all in the wrong field in the first place! Those that went left fared best, since after scrambling over several stiles and cutting along a canal bank the proper route was re-joined. The other lot, led by our redoubtable secretary, found themselves negotiating boggy fields and hedgerows before meeting up with the rest. The point is, the 4.2-mile ‘stroll’ ended up as a route march of over six miles! Still, we had a laugh at the inevitable hostelry, supping the inevitable pint and consuming a very tasty roast lunch.
his favourite cars in the Pride of Ownership, his choice being: in fifth place the B roadster of Kevin Bailey, fourth Jordan Fox (Midget), third John Hebb (MG3), second Tom Ward (Midget) and first Andy Rake (MGB GT V8). All winners received a very smart diary, courtesy of Halls Garage,
and the top three a rosette each (eventually). The following run through the countryside finished back at the Abbey Lodge for coffee and mince pies. Please make a note of the most important date, that of the AGM – your chance to have your say!
Andy Rake being congratulated by Centre Chairman Bob Welch
Next up came Arden MG`s New Year`s Day Chilly Willy run. Around 30 cars turned up at a Bromsgrove garden centre for what was a very wet event. One colleague in particular was ready to premier his newly restored black MGB GT but thought better of it, given the weather. Something about cleaning the chrome wire wheels I believe. (His MG TF had to do). A leisurely 26-mile run that all, unlike the walk, managed to complete without hiccup, this too ended up at a pub, with again a pint and cooked lunch waiting. The Centre AGM took place on January 16 with the existing nine-member committee being returned, with Paul Hipkiss continuing as chairman. Sadly, despite a good attendance, no new recruits were forthcoming.
Nevertheless an active 2017 is planned, with Welsh Rallye entries now hovering around 45, and anticipation growing that on April 30 we will be staging a brand new ‘taster’ production car trial in fields near Bromsgrove. The intention for this is to introduce aspiring trialists to the noble art of negotiating grassy slopes with experienced members right alongside demonstrating the techniques necessary. Should be fun. On top of that, we will be holding our April Sprint at Curborough on April 2, If you think you could help marshal for the day please contact Simon Morris, 07788 168488, spm1977@tiscali. co.uk for entry forms and details on this and everything else we do please check out our website.
www.mgcc.co.uk
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FEBRUARY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 77
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CENTRES
NORTH WEST PAUL GOODMAN 01625 876300
The first event this month is the Annual General Meeting of the Centre which is on Thursday February 9 at the Tatton Arms, Moss Nook, 2 Trenchard Drive, M22 5LZ. The start time is 8.30pm. We will be electing a new committee to serve through 2017 and to help organise our events. Then there are three social events to attend. The Old Hall Farm Pub gathering is on Tuesday February 14 followed a week later by the Plough and Flail meeting on Tuesday February 21. Then on Wednesday February 22 we will be at The Carriers Inn, Delamere Road, Hatchmere, Norley, WA6 6NL for our monthly lunchtime get-together.
The calendars for our competition events have now been finalised. The Cockshoot Cup Race Championship will begin on Sunday April 9 at Donington Park. All the MGCC Championships will be having their first races of the 2017 season, so there will be a fantastic range of MGs on the track. There will be the opportunity to take part in a lunchtime parade and experience the incredible elevation changes of the circuit for yourselves. It is a pleasant drive through Staffordshire to Donington Park, so I hope that lots of you will be able to attend. The Luffield Speed Championship kicks off at Rockingham Motor Speedway on March 26, followed by the Midland
SOUTH EAST
JO RUFFELS joruffels@gmail.com www.mg-cars.org.uk/mgccse/
February is possibly the worst month in the UK MG owner’s calendar, with nothing but muddy roads, wet weather and average temperatures plummeting. Not particularly appealing for any open-top cars and a nightmare in terms of having to constantly wash the revered treasures. However, spring is now on the horizon and there are already a number of events to look forward to. The Stoneleigh MG and Triumph Show is being held on February 19 in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, with the MGF Register hoping to have a stand again this year. The day encompasses an auto-jumble, club displays, cars for sale and a mass of general trade stands; a real must for enthusiasts. Tickets are available
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on the day at £13.00 or can be purchased online at a reduced price of £10.00 per adult. Also in taking place in February: Valentines Treasure hunt (February 12) – run by Derek Edwards (Edwards.mgmadness@ ntlworld.com) Fairmile MG Club (February 9) – film night organised by Ian and Jon (iailes@as-r.co.uk) Club meets are continuing to run as advertised – you can check all of these on the MGCC webpage. With certain groups being particularly active, all welcome new members. The Pinner group, for example hold their regular meets and have participated widely in the 2016 MG events, attending MGLive!, Brooklands Era Day, the Uxbridge
Cockshoot Cup Drivers Wait for Their Race at Anglesey Circuit, August 2016. Photo: Paul Goodman
Centre meeting at Curborough on April 2 and Harewood, near Leeds, on April 9. Looking further ahead, the Centre will be running the Anglesey Sprint weekend on April 29-30. For our competitors, now is the time to get an entry in. We are expecting a lot of entries from invited clubs, so please apply early; we don’t bank cheques until the closing date. We need a lot of helpers to run the meeting. If you are interested in getting involved, then please get in touch. There are on- and off-track jobs that need to be done and you will always be paired with an experienced marshal.
The Centre photo competition will be running again in 2017. Please take a picture of your MG between now and the end of August and enter. The shortlist of potential winners will be displayed on our stand at the EventCity show on September 16-17 where visitors will vote for a winner. Finally, if you are intending to support a local fete or village gathering by displaying your car, then please let us know. We can help with suitable literature and information, so that the MGCC can be promoted. Recruiting new members and raising awareness is our mission for the year.
Classic Car Show, MGs at Arundel, visiting MGCC at Abingdon and the British Motor Museum at Gaydon and even finding time to run their own Pride of Ownerships in the summer months. The lunchtime meets seem to be growing in popularity, with the East Kent Wanderers (johndotbennett@tiscali.co.uk) continuing to meet on the first Wednesday of the month, as do the Ashdown Adventurers (ricky140clark@ntlworld.com), the Kent Nomads (Bernie.russell@ ntlworld.com) on the second Wednesday, and the Sussex Wanderers (dr.gjaazz1@timetalk. co.uk) on the third Wednesday of the month.
But for those of us still having to face the drudgery of work, rather than racing round the lanes there are evening meets and weekend events to enjoy. Finally, I have been asked to remind you all about the dinner and dance being held pre-Brooklands MG Era Day on April 1 2017 at the Reigate Manor Hotel at £34.00 per head – booking forms are available on the website to download. If you are intending to go along to Brooklands you may well want to combine the two events. The 2017 events calendar is now available in Safety Fast! so please keep this to hand as a reference for events scheduled throughout the year.
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CENTRES
SOUTH WEST
ANDREW OWST 01761 221893 andrewowst@hotmail.com www.mgccsw.com School Room, next to the church, where the AGM will be held. Please come and support your committee and let us know your views as, after all, it is your centre. Wye Valley Social Run. Sunday May 7 2017. Start at Symonds Yat in the beautiful Wye Valley. Kimber Classic Trial. Saturday May 13 2017. Start at Lanes Hotel, West Coker, Yeovil. Marshals are always desperately needed on this event for a few hours only, so the rest of the day can be spent socialising or spectating on another hill. This event is great fun in glorious countryside with a very interesting collection of cars.
Recently, 39 members and partners enjoyed a three-course Christmas meal last December at the Chew Valley Natter, Ring O Bells, Compton Martin. This Natter is held in the evening of the first Tuesday of the month and new members would be welcome. On to future events, which are also detailed on our website: South West Centre Dinner and Presentation of Awards will be held on the evening of Saturday February 25 2017 at Limpley Stoke Hotel, near Bath. South West Centre AGM. Tuesday March 7 2017 at 8.15pm. Come along to the Natter at the Ring O Bells, Compton Martin, and it is a few hundred yards’ walk to the Old
TYNE TEES
NOEL LINDFORD noel.lindford@btinternet.com
Our annual Awards Dinner was held once again at the Gibside Hotel, Whickham, from where I can happily report that the 41 people who attended on December 3 enjoyed the evening to the full. Guest speaker was Anthony Wood, past Secretary and Chairman of this Centre. Tony’s often humorous anecdotes about people and events in the Centre from days gone by were a fond recollection to some in the room, and a revelation to others. The Centre has adapted to the winds of change, and Tony cited examples of Tyne-Tees at one time being a serious motor sport club. (The Centre continues to evolve, with some competitive themed events for 2017.)
Main event was the prize presentation, with some of the trophy winners only being announced that evening. It will be no surprise to many that the winner of the Enthusiast Award was the ubiquitous Dennis Hope. The Lady Enthusiast Award winner was Lynda Alexander, and the Marshals Trophy went to Matthew Alexander. The Long Beach Trophy was won by Doug Carmichael for sterling MGB drives on three major rallies, and the Chairman’s Award went to Andrew Kelly, in part for his unique efforts organising the wonderful Nissan factory tour. All 16 award winners are shown on our website. The finale was our grand raffle, which raised £200 for Great North Air Ambulance. The
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For me personally, 2016 will definitely be remembered as the year I restored my wife Sue’s MGB GT. For those readers not familiar with this car, we purchased OGL 863L when it was five years old with 50,000 miles on the clock. It has served as Sue’s everyday car ever since and the mileage now stands at 290,500 miles. The engine is still the original which I reconditioned back in the mid 1980s. By November 2015 the tin worm was at work in several places, particularly the rear wings and wheel arches, and so it was off the road for partial strip down and repairs. As is so often the case, stripping the car down revealed that matters were much worse and it soon became obvious that a total rebuild was required. So, the early part of 2016 was spent as a full-time welder with all the usual panels evening was a night to remember, and it only remained to thank Lyn Ebdon for superbly organising everything. Natter Updates The Northern Natter at the Ridley Arms, Stannington, has moved to the second Monday of each month. The next is Monday February 13. This is to guarantee our continued use of the Ridley Room. From Thursday March 9 2017 we are running a new Southern Natter (Teesside) on the second Thursday of each month, for TyneTees Centre members living in the south of our region. It will be at Coulby Manor, Coulby Manor Way, Coulby Newham, which is just off the A174 Parkway at satnav TS8 0RP. (Note: the Southern Natter (Durham) at the Old Mill, Metal Bridge, continues on the first Thursday as usual.)
being replaced, including the floors. With a job like this, the heritage panels are an absolute godsend, as was the basic rollover from CJ Autos for supporting the car on its side, which kept overhead welding to a minimum. The car was professionally resprayed last April and the time since has been spent overhauling the mechanicals and re-assembly. Hopefully, by the time you read these notes the car should be nearly ready for the road and the next 300,000 miles.
OGL being worked on during 2016
Events Coming Up Thursday February 9 at 8.00pm: Tyne-Tees Centre AGM at Coulby Manor, Coulby Newham, satnav TS8 0RP. The AGM is followed by a complimentary buffet and Natter, so we need to know numbers for the caterers. Please contact Noel Lindford by email or call 07432 152095 if you plan to attend. Sunday March 19: Regularity Production Car Autotest at Seaton Carew. Contact Tony Coates on 07470 377317 or tonycoates2003@ gmail.com for details. Sign on from 9.00am at the old funfair car park on the seafront. Sunday March 26: Luncheon Run to a rather special venue for Sunday Lunch. Further details from Dennis Hope on 07970 115202 or denhope@hotmail. co.uk Please let him know if taking part, as he needs numbers for lunch.
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CENTRES
YORKSHIRE
DAVID COPEMAN 07920 064585 www.mgccyorkshire.co.uk North – Paul Croft With no Natter in December, the highlight of the month was the excellent Christmas Get Together hosted by Nick and Tess Mann. 27 members attended and got into the Christmas spirit in fine style. A great way to end another successful year for the Club. Many thanks to go to Nick and Tess for putting on a great night’s entertainment. We hope to unveil plans for 2017 at the January AGM, and any suggestions will be welcome. South – Geoff Norcliffe Our Christmas celebrations went on for a full day. They centred around Knaresborough and its Christmas market, meeting up in
the morning to wander around the stalls, sampling local produce and seeing the performances of brass bands, carol singers and Morris Dancers, before enjoying our lunch and the secret Santa. The day was rounded off with a spectacular firework display. Many thanks to Sue for organising the day and the dry weather! East – Brian Rylance Boy, and Girl, Racers turned out in force for the Scalextric night. The traditional best track/car ‘lottery’ was made even by the contestant’s failure to remember which were the favourites! Barry Tomlinson won, with Janet Hotchkin the runner up.
ULSTER
CAROL WILLIS (028) 9079 9997 or 07831 345560 www.mgcculstercentre.co.uk carol.mgulster@hotmail.co.uk
The Centre hit New Year’s Day running with its first event, the annual Treasure Hunt. We all congregated at the B&Q car park near Lisburn on a chilly but sunny afternoon, a good day for a drive in the country. 24 car-loads of members and friends turned up to blow away the Christmas glitter and test the little grey cells. Josef Connolly had set this year’s excellent course around the byways between Hillsborough and the finish at O’Reilly’s Pub in Dromara. We had a history lesson on the way, visiting the homestead and memorial for Harry Ferguson, the man of ‘3-point linkage’ and ‘wee grey tractors’ fame. One of the
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Treasure Hunt clues was about Harry Ferguson’s nickname – the ‘Mad’ Engineer – and I can say there are definitely a few around the Club at the moment! Clarkie, our chairman, and I joined forces and I failed miserably (there were definitely three houses at No 51 not two!) and came near the last. Tony McLaughlin et al had brought along a fancy 1990s 7-Series Beemer. He had recently tidied it up and it has electric everything, two layers of window glass and he was trying to sell us the car. Just to be friendly, we gave him the answer to one of the clues and didn’t the blighter only go and win the event, which goes to
The Run and Cave Castle Christmas Lunch was again held in good weather and had a good turnout, Congratulations to Jill and Greg for the organisation and route. The Natters are at the Half Moon, Elloughton, on the second Thursday of the month at 7.30pm. West – David Copeman Not much to report writing these notes on New Year’s Day for the February edition of Safety Fast!, so a list of events to look forward to. February 26 Presidents Half Decade Charity Bash March 12 Awards Luncheon April 16 Daffodil Run May 14 Wolds Way Run Full details of all the above can be found on the website www. mgccyorkshire.co.uk so start preparing your MGs ready for at least one of these events.
show you, never trust a double glazing salesman! Anyway, we had a great afternoon’s fun, a sociable evening meal and a few prizes were given out at O’Reilly’s. Winners jointly with Team McLaughlin were Team Campbell who all claimed the boxes of chocs. Kenneth Irvine with great hilarity accepted the wooden spoon award and Roger Fynn was drawn to set next year’s hunt. Some other news: the Derek Walker Trial on February 4 is our first competitive event of the year. Gordon Buckley has my VHS player (yes, it’s still going!) and has been busy converting past event videos to DVD for our forthcoming Film Night at Tudor Cinema, Comber, on February 20 so please keep that evening free. Moore Concrete, Ballymena, has been secured for the first autotest
Tiger – Pete Welbourn Many thanks to all those who came to the December meeting which has now become the Natter Christmas lunch. It feels like it takes a bit of sorting out but it must be popular, as I think everyone enjoyed themselves. Vale of York – Ken Cothliff December 15 was our Natter party, attended by 20 members including guests from West and South Yorks Natters, and our Area President. Over £20 was raised in the Raffle, so we are now building a ‘kitty’ for future events. January’s meeting will be a week earlier on 12th, due to our hosts at the Masons going on holiday. Happy New Year to all our friends.
of the season on February 25. Also, congratulations must go to Will Corry on winning the UAC ‘It’s Not the Boxing Day Rally’ against a field of 140 cars. Dates for your diary February 4 Derek Walker Trial at TTS Nutts Corner February 18 Annual Dinner & Prize giving – The Ivanhoe February 20 Film Night 7.30pm at Tudor Cinema February 25 Autotest, Moore Concrete, Ballymena
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FEBRUARY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 83
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REGISTERS
VINTAGE
JOHN VENABLES 01865 862573 johnandtriciav@gmail.com
The New Year is upon us, and I am writing these notes from Devon where the sun is shining brightly, a good omen for the year, but it’s very cold. Let us look at what is in store for the next few months. A final mention for our famous AGM, to be held again at the Shillingford Bridge hotel, near Wallingford on the banks of the river Thames. We arrive at about 10.30am for coffee and cakes, AGM at 11.00am and lunch at 12.45. Our speaker this year is Ian Avery, a friend of Patrick’s, who was in the Falklands War and will share his experiences with us, I am sure he will be very interesting. We do hope that many of you will
attend in your old cars – there will be a prize for the one our speaker likes best. Our next important event is our Spring Event, April 24-28, based around Bury St Edmunds and organised by Stephen Hiner, where we shall be visiting East Anglia, and I know Stephen has some interesting routes and visits lined up. We already have sufficient entries to go ahead and room for more, so if you are intending to join in, do it now. Full details are in our bi-monthly journal. Following on from this, the EMGS are organising a tour of Dorset between June 13-16, immediately followed by MGLive!
SVW
PAUL CAMPBELL svw.safety.fast@gmail.com www.svwregister.co.uk
The Sussex Wanderers had their Christmas meal on December 14 at The Red Lion in Ashington, Sussex; a fine meal and atmosphere it was, too. I was planning to go to Brooklands on New Year’s Day, as I have for several years, but having put on a party the night before, an 8.00am start didn’t appeal too much, so the local VSCC venue at The Stag, Balls Cross, setting off at 11.30am seemed preferable. This has grown into a tradition for quite a few classic car owners and it seems to get bigger each year. The wet weather put me off and I decided I didn’t want to subject the VA to the rain and salt. It was still fun in the rain and the VSCC chaps don’t
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mind having ½” of water in their cockpits, including £million Bugattis! I’m anxious to attend to a bodywork issue on my VA Tourer that’s been bugging me for years. It was resprayed professionally in its original Saxe Blue colour back in 1979, but they sprayed over the wing piping. I want to remove the wings and running boards (the latter being the worst area of the car with flaking paint), have them resprayed and refitted with new wing piping. It would be nice to find a one-stop shop locally, although I may end up doing much of this myself. I’ll let you know how I get on. No doubt others are tackling their winter jobs as we ‘speak’.
at Silverstone where we shall have our usual presence in the main marquee. We shall be looking for things to sell on the stand as usual, so start looking through your garage now. You don’t have to give the stuff away – you will receive 80% of the sale price. There are, of course, many other events around the country
which we all attend which are enjoyable. Finally, I shall be standing down as your Register Chairman at the AGM and I would like to thank the Committee for its support over the past two years. Sadly, I have had some health problems and feel it is wise to step aside now from the committee, but I will give support where I can.
Vintage cars gather at the Shillingford Bridge Hotel during a previous AGM.
This may be a timely reminder for those intending to go to Colchester in July to book the hotel. Full details are on the website. Next month we have our four-page spread, so do send
me anything you have as soon as possible, bearing in mind I need to have copy finalised a few days after you receive this edition at the beginning of February.
In festive mood with VA Tourer at Ashington
www.mgcc.co.uk
24/01/2017 19:04
REGISTERS
Y TYPE
JERRY BIRKBECK jerrybirkbeck@btinternet.com www.mgccyregister.co.uk Tel: 01926 258691 Mob: 07855 566325 My Bucket List It’s always pleasing to have contributions from Y owners and in this respect Don Avery has come up with a very touching and lovely story. It began when Mike Leeson wrote to Chris Callaghan, and I have included his letter in full. Hello Chris, I have owned several MGs over the years. The first was a 1952 YB (CTS 219) which I owned for a few years in the early 1970s, which I cherished, but ceased to be practical when I found a girlfriend in London. She was replaced with a modern model and the girlfriend became my wife. Last year I tried to trace this car and found the wife of the person I sold it to, but she doesn’t remember where it went to. The second was an MGB which had to be replaced with a bigger car when our first child was born. The latest has been a 1973 Midget which has been our ‘fun’ car for the last few years,
and which I have recently passed on to my son. Two months ago I was diagnosed with a having a brain tumour so had to surrender my driving licence, and I have drawn up a mini ‘bucket list’ and to experience the feel and sound of a Y Type one last time is high on the list. Do you know any member of the Register who would provide, for a fee, a short journey for myself, wife and son and lives within striking distance of Cambridge? Many thanks in anticipation of your help. Chris and Peter Vielvoye looked through our members list and contacted Don Avery who lives in Huntingdon. He wrote to Mike and his note is set out below: Chris and Peter checked the Y Register and established that I am probably the closest Y Type owner to you in Cambridge. I live near Huntingdon, so not too far away. Firstly, I am sorry to hear your diagnosis. I am sure there are many other more important
Mike Leeson and son Alex with the 1949 YA
STEVE McKIE SPORTSCARS CHESTERFIELD
•
YB, I took Mike and Alex off for about an hour’s drive around the local countryside. Interestingly, Mike’s strongest memory of the car was the suspension and general ride rather than the engine noise; however, both he and his son thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Alex was very impressed by the comfort of the back seat and it was the first time since I have owned the car that I’d actually carried a passenger in the back! On our return, it was Hazel and Tara’s turn to relive or have a first experience of Y Type motoring with a slightly shorter run out. Mike was kind enough to send me a message thanking Lin and I for helping him achieve one of his bucket list items.
things to worry about – but I can totally understand that surrendering your licence must be difficult. My car is a Sun Bronze 1949 YA which I have owned for about six years. I also have a 1994 MG RV8 which is a totally different kettle of fish. My first MG though was a 1967, Mk III Midget which I owned when my wife and I got married 45 years ago. I would be delighted to help you achieve the Y Type Experience in your bucket list if I can. Don and Mike arranged the trip and his letter to Chris noted: I had the pleasure of meeting Mike Leeson, his wife Hazel, son Alex and Alex’s fiancée Tara. After a chat about the Y Type and his memories of his
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FEBRUARY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 85
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REGISTERS
T TYPE
JOHN WARD 01621 773606 johnw.ward@yahoo.co.uk www.tregister.org Congratulations to all who spotted the ‘deliberate’ mistakes in the January T Register notes Calendar of Events 2017 schedule. Stoneleigh is of course Sunday February 19 and Rebuild is Saturday March 25. MG International Show and Spares Day. This is the opening event of the T Register year and as always we will be there in the usual spot where there will be ample space on the stand for the sale of regalia, books and memorabilia and a vast array of T Type spares to be traded on a ‘Bring and Buy’ basis. Should you wish to bring those unwanted spare parts or
what have you, clean them up, clearly label ownership, contact details and the price required. Any further enquiries or information required contact Barry Knight on 01252 875740. Calling all you sporting T Types Alan Grassam from the SW Centre has kindly reminded us of the annual Kimber Classic Trial which will be celebrating its 80th Anniversary this year on Saturday May 13 2017. The SW Centre has cordially invited all T Types to enter this year’s event which, although predominantly having been in the domain of the Triple Ms, was won in 2015 by a TA.
MAGNETTE
STEPHEN TICKELL 01737 760330 stephen.tickell@gmail.com www.magnette.org
Following last month’s account by Colin Goldsworthy of meeting Peter Clarke (who raced Magnettes in the 1950s) I was contacted by Cedric, an MGCC member but not presently a Magnette owner. He had known Peter during his racing days and, courtesy of Colin, we were able to put them back in touch, which was a happy and unexpected result from the original encounter. Hopefully we’ll be able to get Peter along to a Register event this year as I’m sure many others would like to meet him. Just a note about Magnettes and Steam (Tenterden, April 15). The start time will be earlier than usual (about 9.00am), and
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there should be a discount on train tickets available, but it will probably require individuals to book online in advance. A link for booking, and more general information, should be on magnette.org by the time you read this. Grant Howlett at MG2016 A little belatedly, here’s a photo which was missed out of the 2016 roundup, showing Grant Howlett enjoying the experience of sitting in experimental race car EX186, during his US trip to MG2016 as a guest of the Z Magnette Group of North America – who you may remember were jointly awarded the Magnetteer of the Year
You do not need a competition licence to enter, just a current Club membership card. This event is the longestsurviving competition in the MGCC calendar, is the same format created all those years ago and still includes one of the original sections. You will be welcome whether as a competitor, a marshal or a spectator at the base HQ which is at The Lanes Hotel at West Coker, near Yeovil in Somerset, where there will be an informal dinner on the Saturday evening. Entry regulations can be obtained from Andrew Owst at andrewowst@hotmail.com or telephone 01761 221893. Further information can be obtained from Alan Grassam on 01935 863673 or email ag.theoldpoc@hotmail.co.uk
Rebuild: Saturday March 25 at the British Motor Museum at Gaydon, CV35 0BJ A reminder for you to make early application before it is too late to attend the T Register Rebuild conference, now in its 37th year. An opportunity to hear varied and learned speakers give sage advice on the care and maintenance of our cars and this time, from the States, listen to one of the most knowledgeable TC Types in the MG world. Also, do please come along and meet and welcome your new Chairman elect, Ian Palmer, at the AGM which immediately follows the sessions, and hear his views and ideas as to the way forward in order that we may continue to maintain the success story of the T Register of the MG Car Club.
award by the Register. Although you probably know him as a committee member and genial proprietor of Wroxall Abbey, Grant is in fact no stranger to the American MG scene, having lived in Virginia for several years and transported over the totally original ZA he inherited from his grandfather, before returning it to the UK when he moved back. Allen Bachelder has written a highly entertaining account of the visit, which I recommend you read in full on magnette. org. He and Grant made the 900-mile round trip to the MG2016 venue in Louisville in Allen’s Magnette ‘Geraldine’, enjoying the company of Steve and Diane Kirby and other ZMGNA luminaries, and as Allen points out, many US enthusiasts regularly drive even longer distances to national events, without the benefit of
air-conditioning which his car features. The ZMGNA was able to muster 14 cars, a very creditable turnout, considering how widely distributed they are.
Grant Howlett in EX186
www.mgcc.co.uk
24/01/2017 19:04
2017 ebuild Saturday 25 March 2017 Don’t get stuck in fixing your T Type … Held at the British Motor Museum Gaydon CV35 0BJ Entry includes admission to the Museum
Great topics on the agenda We keep you fed and watered while you enjoy the presentations from world-class experts. Presentations include
T Type cooling problems Rebuilding wire wheels Trimming your T Type and MG history, particularly T Types by Tom Wilson, the eminent MG historian from Indiana, USA
Cost
MGCC Members: Non Members : ‘Next Generation’ Relative/Future Owner (Accompanying a full Member):
£40.00 £42.00 £30.00
All the latest info at:
www.tregister.org and http://www.mgcc.co.uk/t-register www.facebook.com/mgtregister email: barglen@ntlworld.com Tel: 01252 875740
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REGISTERS
MGA
EDWARD VANDYK 01488 608810 mgascribe@vandyk.co.uk May heralds the start of the Show and Event season and the MGA Register website has full details of not only the 2017 events www.mgcc.co.uk/mga-register/ events-in-2017/ - but also the 2018 Spring Tour, for which booking is now open http://www. mgcc.co.uk/mga-register/eventsin-2018/. Peter Morgan, the MGA Register Chairman, who is organising the 2017 The Autumn Tour (September 30 to October 2) around the New Forest reports that there are now 43 entries and, with the Potters Heron Hotel now fully booked, the hotels to book are either the Premier Inn Southampton West at Ower, or
the Cromwell Arms in Romsey www.thecromwellarms.com/ The usual arrangements apply – book the hotel then email or ring Peter – contact details on the web site www.mgcc.co.uk/mga-register/ contacts-2/ - and he will send a form (also available on the web site but which cannot be completed on line www.mgcc. co.uk/mga-register/wp-content/ uploads/sites/22/2016/10/ premier-inn-entry-form.pdf) to complete the entry. The 2018 Yorkshire Dales Spring Tour (11 May to 14 May) will explore the southern part of the beautiful National Park. The Tour will be based at The Craiglands Hotel in Ilkley.
53 rooms have been reserved at a special rate of £60.00 per person per night for dinner, bed and breakfast and the traditional Saturday gala dinner. www. craiglands.co.uk/ To reserve your place on the tour please book your accommodation directly with the hotel (01943 430001) quoting booking reference: MGA Register 074316. Then download an entry form www.mgcc. co.uk/mga-register/wp-content/ uploads/sites/22/2017/01/ MGA-2018-Entry-Form-v1.4.pdf (it is not possible to complete the form online) complete it and send it, with your cheque payable to ‘MG Car Club MGA Register’ for the £20.00 Entry Fee, to Ian Wilson, 10 Westgate, North Cave, Brough, HU15 2NJ. The MGA Owners Heritage
Pack has proved to be popular with members around the world and has now been reprinted for a third time. The latest edition includes enhancements to the quality of the Warranty Card, Service Voucher Book and Schedule of Repair Charges. Available at www.mgcc.co.uk/ mga-register/merchandise-shop Finally The MGA Register would like to contact the owner of a red 1600 MGA Roadster GHN87329, registered YXP 853, last known as being sold at auction in 2002. There is a quantity of information on the car available which we would like to get to the current owner. The DVLA shows the car as currently taxed. Please email mga@live. co.uk or contact me if you know where this car is now.
MGC
GINNY CARTMELL 01208 821552 ginnycartmell@btinternet.com
February already, June 7 will be upon us before we know it! Our 50th Anniversary event is progressing nicely, with entries continuing to come in from far and wide. We are delighted to confirm Chateau-Impney is now full for the duration of our event, giving us exclusive use of the hotel from June 7-11 this year. With this in mind, Barrie and I have recently spoken to the Holiday Inn Express, just over a mile away from the Chateau. They have been very happy to block-out a number of rooms for our event, to enable our overflow participants to stay nearby. For those that have not booked as yet and would like to, once you have visited our online entry form
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and have successfully booked the event, the booking reference for the hotel, will be sent to you. To be sure all participants feel totally included in the full event, each evening we will be organising a shuttle bus to bring all participants up to the Chateau for dinner, returning them back to the Holiday Inn Express at the end of each evening. January has been a busy month in terms of booking, finalising and generally organising all events, venues and activities for the 50th Anniversary. Things are really beginning to come together now and we are delighted with the support and commitment we have received from all who
Tom Irons version of his MG Works barn find. A slightly different example of an MGC attending our Register Weekend last July at Wroxall Abbey Hotel
have booked the event to date. At time of writing, we have 140 MGs, with a staggering 134 being MGCs. Please feel free to take a look at our Who’s Coming list on the MG Car Club website. It is updated constantly and not only gives you participant details, it also tells you what part of the world they are travelling from. Back in early November, we hit the top speed of the MGC of 120 and going into the New Year at
140 vehicles, the sky’s the limit. Please continue to spread the word; we want to bring as many MGCs out of the woodwork as we possibly can and make this party one to remember. We are still looking for support and sponsors to further enhance this event and would welcome any offering, in any shape or form! Please feel free to contact me with any ideas relating to the above and we can then have a chat.
www.mgcc.co.uk
24/01/2017 19:05
ROBIN LACKFORD MOTOR ENGINEERS
MARTIN SMITH www.usedmg spares.co.uk
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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. £6,995
MG TF LE500 PreProduction Press car (just 22,600 miles)
MG TF 115 Sunstorm (just 52,000 miles)
MG TF LE500 #354/500 (just 10,500 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
2009 (59 Reg) Manual Petrol Previously supplied by us, a very low mileage LE500 having covered just 10,500 miles. These are very high spec models with air conditioning, Black leather sport seats, soft ride suspension, engine water censor, ‘N’ series engine, Ex MG UK + MG main dealer car plus us until Jan 2016. Sadly Illness forced the sale of this TF. Immaculate condition. £7,495
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
www.mgcc.co.uk
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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 FEBRUARY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 89
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REGISTERS
V8
VICTOR SMITH 0208 392 9434 victorsmith@v8register.net www.v8register.net
Concern with LED bulb upgrades on classic cars In a recent article Classic Car Weekly noted “classic car owners should not replace exterior bulbs with LED items because no LED replacement bulbs on the market in the UK can comply with legally required technical standards. Only LED bulbs in purpose-built housings are legal. Used in original housings some bulbs can dazzle oncoming traffic, while others are too dim”. CCW quoted “Tim Shallcross, head of technical policy at the Institute of Advanced Motorists, saying purchasers of LED bulbs may think they are enhancing their safety by fitting a conversion bulb, but that good intention is misplaced”.
The article also noted “a spokesperson for the Department of Transport says the Government position on LED aftermarket conversions is the same as it is on HID conversions which are only permitted when the entire lamp unit, not just the light source, is replaced by a Type Approved lamp”. Bulbs are one of the few aftermarket replacement parts that have to comply with compulsory technical standards and LED bulbs do not do this. Using an LED conversion bulb might cause you to commit the offence of driving an unroadworthy vehicle leading to a risk of prosecution under the Road Vehicle (Construction
MGF
TIM MORRIS 01932 882467 scribe@mgfregister.org www.mgfregister.org We are bounding into 2017 already and our Regions have now had all their Christmas and post-Christmas celebratory ‘Dos’. Some had their own awards, some had secret Santas and some had Christmas curries! All had a great time and it shows how strong our Regional groups are. If you haven’t been on any of our Regional events then 2017 could well be the year to put that right. You can find them all on our Internet forum at www. mgfregister.org – find the one nearest to you and either introduce yourself there or follow the links to their various individual Facebook pages. It tends to be Facebook these days where most chatter takes place and the Register has its own main page on the social
network – just search for MGF Register. I’m sure our Regional Reps look forward to seeing you soon. The main Register awards and Charity Weekend takes place on March 11-12 based in Abingdon. There are lunches, dinners and road runs involved and a chance to meet the committee and reps. If you have any ideas, want to get involved or want to ask a question at the AGM (which also takes place on the 11th) then get in touch with Mike at secretary@mgfregister. org. Rooms in the Crown and Thistle Hotel have all sold out now but there are other hotels in Abingdon if you would still like to join us. Don’t forget the Jersey
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and Use) Regulations 1986 and the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989. What seems clear is that the regulations have not caught up with the new technology and are still talking about electrical “power” (wattage) of bulbs and not the actual measured light output. Anyone driving around the roads these days can see LEDs are fitted to many modern cars for indicators, side, tail and
brake lights. It’s clear LEDs offer superior visibility to traditional bulb fitments on classic cars. For classic car owners the concern is “relative visibility” – on a comparative lighting basis classic cars tend to be less visible. We understand the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) is “on this case” on our behalf. See our ‘More’ webpage at www. v8register.net/more.htm
weekend and Essex International events which are booking now – details of all events are on our Internet forum. Breakfast Meets seem to have gained popularity during 2016 with several groups joining in general classic breakfasts around the country. Brooklands is a favourite venue and usually attracts a lot of F/TFs, as does the Bicester Scramble. Both of these venues held New Year morning meets and both are premium venues but there are plenty more meets taking place in car parks or cafes around the country for free. Is there a place for a local F/TF breakfast meet or is it better to join in and enjoy the various classics on show at other meetings? So there is plenty to look forward to in 2017, including MGLive! and the series of MGCC race meets – we should be present
at all of these in some form or other. We’ll also be present at the Stoneleigh MG and Triumph show, although I gather the main MGCC and MGOC will not be there this year, so we’ll be flying the flag and hope to see you there.
South East Region at Brooklands NYD meet
Mixing with the MX5s at the Brooklands NYD Pre-Meet in Ockham Woods
www.mgcc.co.uk
24/01/2017 19:05
REGISTERS
MG6.3.5
Steve Haines Steve-haines@live.co.uk www.facebook.com/groups/MG635Register https://twitter.com/635register At this dark time of year, it’s always good to look forward to an exciting spring and summer and start planning events. Sean Round has been working hard behind the scenes to get a list of events for the year together, which will shortly be published on the Facebook page and also the MGCC 635 Register micro webpage. A couple of dates to be aware of for the start of the
season are the BTCC media day at Donington on March 16 and John Woods Motorcare open day on March 19. Our first major get-together (snow permitting!) is the Pride of Longbridge on Saturday April 15. All MG6, 3 and GS owners are very welcome to attend on the stand, but please let us know if you’re
ZR/ZS/ZT
JOHN THOMPSON Tel: 07854 275541 johnt5@btinternet.com www.mgcc.co.uk/zedregister Already it seems 2017 is going to be a busy year for the Register. The events season may not have begun yet but there is plenty to do in the background from the small but enthusiastic committee. Work continues on the arrangements for our ‘MGs in the Weald’ event in May. Three members of the committee visited the K&ESR in January to view the site and meet the railway’s General Manager. Once the details have been finalised we will begin promoting this event fully. We have also made a late application for a stand at the Practical Classics Restoration and Classic Car Show at the NEC in March/April. We are awaiting confirmation at the time
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of writing. We have also built up a relationship with Classic Car Weekly over the past few months. If you are a reader of this publication you will be aware of the ‘£500 Challenge’ they are running. Of particular interest to us, one of the cars bought for the challenge was a ZR which is faring very well against its competitors. Motoring journalists will always have differing viewpoints but most have heaped praise on the car. If our plans come to fruition, we aim to have this car on our stand at the NEC – so watch this space. Although this show does clash with the MG Era Day, we will still be present at Brooklands if you wish to go there. Also in
coming so we can make sure we have enough space. If you have any ideas or wish to promote any events, please contact Sean Round: sean@ seanround.co.uk Scalextric announced in December 2015 a series of new touring car challenge sets and an individual Jack Goff #31 2015 liveried MG6 GT. This January they have just announced a livery change to the model MG6 to that of Josh Cook’s #66 car which is now available for pre-order.
April, we will be booking space at Pride of Longbridge. The space requirement and vehicle numbers will be confirmed with the organisers in due course. Sunday April 2 MG Era Day Brooklands, Surrey Sunday April 9 Donington Race Round Donington Park, Leics Saturday April 15 Pride of Longbridge Birmingham Sat/Sun April 29-30 Brands Hatch Race Round Brands Hatch, Kent Sunday May 14 “MGs in the Weald” K&ESR Tenterden, Kent
The final figure for the 2016 charity fundraising for Crohn’s and Colitis UK is in. I am pleased to report that we raised £390. Massive thanks to everyone who donated and supported this in 2016. The 2017 fundraising is under way for Mind UK. If you have any ideas on fundraising, please get in touch. The Register is currently supporting the MG GS owners as they look to form their own Register in time. If you are a GS owner and have any queries, or need any help, please do get in touch.
Sat/Sun June 17-18 MGLive! Silverstone, Northants Sat/Sun July 8-9 Knockhill Race Round Dunfermline, Fife Saturday July 22 Cadwell Race Round Cadwell Park, Lincs Saturday September 2 Oulton Park Race Round Oulton Park, Cheshire Sat/Sun Oct 30-Nov 1 Snetterton Race Round Snetterton, Norfolk Fri/Sat/Sun November 10-12 Classic Motor Show NEC, Birmingham
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CL ASSIFIEDS
CARS FOR SALE How to Advertise Members can advertise their cars free of charge in Safety Fast. The advert will also be posted on the Club website in due course. This is for one insertion only. To place an advert or for additional insertions email 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 membership number. Cost for non-members to advertise is £20. All adverts should be submitted by the 10th December for the following months issue.
MG Midget 1500 1979
Vermilion. 62,000 miles. Drives well & in excellent condition. MOT to June 2017. Road tax expired in February 1990 and after 23 years of rest and restoration the car was recommissioned on 26 June 2013. New hood, Minator wheels & tyres since. Full & half tonneau. Hardtop available FOC. Tel 07805254202 (Milton Keynes)
1978 MGB Roadster White
78000 miles from new with history and MoTs to support. Major rebuild in 1997/8 – £8,000 spent on bodywork. Paintwork good. Chrome bumper conversion. Rebuilt Engine December 2011 at 72,000 miles. Balanced, Piper 285 cam, large valve unleaded head. 123 electronic ignition. Suspension handling kit fitted, Alloy wheels.Leather seats, Motolita wheel, carpeted boot.MoT to April £5950. Tel 01243 584796 (Bognor Regis West Sussex)
MGCGT AUTO 1969
Tartan Red. 48000 miles believed genuine miles. Guernsey/Jersey car originally, hence low mileage. Rare Automatic. Factory fitted heated rear window and original chrome hubs. Imported by me 2014 and then restored and upgraded inside and out. This car has never been welded apart from some minor panel work. Heritage certificate and loads of bills. MOT till December. Wonderful touring car, twice through France with no issues last year, utterly reliable. Any inspection. £21950-priced to sell! Email: Jongloveractor@gmail.com for more photos. Tel: 07802318950 to chat. (Surrey)
SELLING YOUR CAR?
As a member of the MG Car Club you can advertise your car in Safety Fast for free. Just email your car details, max 60 words, together with a JPEG picture to Colin Grant at colingrant@mgcc.co.uk. Non member fee is £20
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Morris Oxford 1928
Flatnose two seater boat tail tourer with DVLA V5C. Laid up since 1960’s. Body/chassis are in remarkable solid condition for an 88 year old car. Has had some recommissioning carried out and now starts on the button. Further attention is required, ie wiring, hood/seats. As this model was the basis of the MG 14/28 Super Sports(even the grille is the same) one could even recreate an incredibley rare clone. Sadly the decision has been made to sell due to other commitments. First offer of £7750 buys this time worp. Could deliver at cost price if required or collect yourself from South Wales. Contact Phill on 01792587337 home or 07974760536.
MGZR160vvc. 2004
Lovely looking car in unusual Firefrost Red. Only 39k miles. MOT to August. All major work (ie service, head gasket, belts, tensioners, water pump, waxoiled etc) carried out by ZR specialist at 36k miles. £1800 or might do a deal with an Fvvc, Please call John on 01525875001 (Bedfordshire).
1949 MGTC
MG YA 1951
Only 6 owners. Matching numbers. Excellent Blue/Black paintwork. Re upholstered black leather interior. Truly perfect chrome fittings, wood capping, instruments etc. This must be one of or possibly the best YA on the market today. She drives like a dream, light steering, smooth gearbox with good synchromesh and nice straight line brakes. Functioning sunroof and Perspex sun visors. Neat and tidy engine bay with working Smiths jacking system. This car will not disappoint! Reluctant sale. £15,500. For more information contact Andy on Tel 01722 716842 or 07974 082293. Email: andy@bodytechservices.co.uk (Salisbury)
Same family since 1988. Very good condition. Extensive rebuild in 1990s including new ash frame and body. Rebuilt gearbox, unleaded head, steering, new hood, new chrome etc. Good tyres, runs well. £27,000. Tel: David 07884112480. (Bristol area.)
MG ZTT 190 2006
MGJ2 1932 Cycle Wing
This was my father's car and has a long family history. It had a nut-andbolt restoration and re-finished in black during the mid-nineties. The engine had a £10,000 rebuild by a specialist in 2016 with new pistons, Phoenix crank and rods. It has not the original engine number but it is the correct type. New hood and weather equipment plus some period tools and jack. £39,975. Tel: 07775 631832 (Bicester, Oxon)
I have for sale the ex MG Car Club ZTT 190. It’s one of the final models & is finished in almost unmarked Ignition Blue with completely unmarked cloth interior. Now only 4 owners since new with 80,000 plus miles and full service history. Drives like new. Demountable tow bar with single electrics and roof bars fitted MOT to November 2017. With its 2.5 litre V6 engine it offers a superb blend of comfort and performance. It is undoubtedly a future classic. Price £1995 ono. Contact Greg on 01844 351418. (South Oxfordshire)
2005 MG TF
Spark (limited edition) 135 in sonic blue, low 42k miles. Owned since 2009, with extensive service history. For the last 4 years I've used in sprints / hillclimbs with quite a bit of success. I have made some basic modifications and these can easily be removed or left. The modifications are: Race seat, Harness, Roll hoops, Cold air induction. I had the head gasket done 3 years ago and I also had stainless steel coolant pipes fitted as well. Bodywork is very good as is the interior. I am looking for £3,000 but would also be open to sensible offers. Tel: Chris on 07791 274746. chris.warden@btinternet.com (Somerset)
2002 MG ZTT 190 +
1953 MG YB
Complete and seemingly original car but lots of tinworm and probably only suitable for spares or building a special. Non runner. £1,500 malcolm_simmonds@hotmail.com 01903 742580 / 07714 093581 (Storrington, West Sussex)
Finished in Monogram Mirage.(First of only 6 in this colour) with grey alcantara interior, sunroof, xenons, Owned for 4 years and used by the Caledonian Centre as an event support car including a trip to EEOTY Sweden, Serviced mostly by Dreadnought Garage, Good general condition. Can help with delivery £1650 ono. Contact Bob on 07870 407111 or mgcarsscotland@gmail.com
www.mgcc.co.uk
24/01/2017 19:05
CL ASSIFIEDS
ARRY ARRY ALKER ALKER W BWARRY WALKER ARRY BB WBALKER Estd.1968
Estd.1968
Estd.1968
.....for thebest very best .....for in the vintage very MGs..... best .....for in vintage the very MGs..... best in vintage MGs..... Estd.1968 .....for the very in vintage MGs..... Heritage approved Heritage approved BANK’S NO GOOD, SUMMER’S COMING, CARS GOING...come on: FEEL LIKE A ‘P’. THE WAIT IS OVER. DOWNHILL TO A SUMMER NOW........DON’T BE LATE BANK’S GOOD, BANK’S SUMMER’S NO GOOD, COMING, BANK’S SUMMER’S CARS NO GOOD, COMING, GOING...come CARSWAIT on: GOING...come COMING, CARS on: GOING...come FEELNO LIKE ‘P’. FEEL LIKE A ‘P’. FEEL THE LIKE WAIT A ‘P’. ISSUMMER’S OVER. THE IS OVER. THE WAIT IS OVER. on:
British Motor British Motor Heritage approved
British Motor
British Motor
Heritage approved
DOWNHILL TO DOWNHILL SUMMER TO NOW........DON’T DOWNHILL SUMMER NOW........DON’T TOBE SUMMER LATE NOW........DON’T BE LATE BE LATE
BARRY WALKER British Motor Heritage approved
.....for the very best in vintage MGs.....Estd.1968
BANK’S GOOD, SUMMER’S CARSWAIT GOING...come FEELNO LIKE A ‘P’. THE IS DOWNHILL TO SUMMERCOMING, NOW........DON’T BEOVER. LATEon:
1938 MG VA DROP HEAD COUPE. This superbly restored dhc
1935 MGaPA SPORTS is a real fine drivers car,1500cc not concours, offers true touring Here car with comfort, powerbut and
1948 MG TC SPORTS. Never before on the UK market, this all1935 MG nos. PA SPORTS beautifully restored PArestored. without being overdone. matching TC hasA been completely A really
THE OLYMPIA MOTORSHOW ‘R.E.A.L.’ BODIED MGJ2. in UNIQUE excellent overall cond. Aspace. recently very wellfrom rebuilt affords the A really usable that you’ll more than proud to own. Fullycomserviced enjoyable car thing to drive; just be feels ‘right’. Perfect for the a mass1932 of1932 luggage Rebuilt theengine chassis-up, both THE UNIQUE OLYMPIA MOTORSHOW ‘R.E.A.L.’ BODIED MGJ2. The only one exist of the two known toour have been produced. (Ring for in more history). An opportunity to A acquire one of ing summer Old Eng. White with wine leather. great TC. mechanically &reliable bodily, this carto original throughout opportunity fortoto good driving &known coupled own recent work engine, rebuilt steering, deluxe dash, aeroscreens, stoneguards and superb The only one exist of the twolovely toishave been produced. (Ring for more history). An opportunity tocrank acquire one ofgas the of the most handsome & rarest MGs ever made. Total nut & bolt restoration with Phoenix c/balanced & rods; £32,500 or serious offer secures. Another MG TC, red, finished ineverybody two-tone greens with with sage green leather interior youand have the car wants. Black beige hide, new roof, leather interior. Allas new weather equipment just fitted,offer this is really worth flowed head; forged pistons: rebuilt orig. bodywork, new leather upholstery & weather equipment throughout. A collector’s 1948 MG TC SPORTS. Never before on the UK market, this all1938 MG VA DROP HEAD COUPE. This superbly restored dhc equally as good above £32,500 or serious secures. and beige weather equipment...a rising investment at...£39,500 most handsome & rarest MGs ever made. Total nut & bolt restoration with Phoenix c/balanced crank & rods; gas fl owed head; 1948 MG TC SPORTS. Never before 1948 MG on TC theSPORTS. UKrestored market, Neverdhc this before all-1948 on MG theTC UK SPORTS. market, Never this allbefore on the UK market, this all1938 MG VA DROP HEAD COUPE. 1938 This MG VA superbly DROP HEAD restored COUPE. dhc 1938 This MG superbly VA DROP restored HEAD COUPE. dhc This superbly 1935 MG PA SPORTS 1935 MG PA SPORTS Here is a fine drivers car, not concours, but A beautifully restored PA without being overdone. matching nos. TC has been completely restored. A really offers a true touring car with real comfort, 1500cc power and tonneau &an s/screens....................it’s a come nice car..... ........................... £45,000 viewing........................... ..£45,000 (Optional s/charger available at cost) dream or enthusiast’s wish true? However, ifnot youconcours, are over 6ft tall you best surrender itSPORTS to the wife now (assuming 1935 MG PA 1935 MG PAPASPORTS 1935 MGPAnos. PA SPORTS 1935 MG PA SPORTS Here is 1935 a fine MG drivers PA SPORTS car, Here is a but 1935 fine drivers MG PA car, SPORTS not concours, Here but is a A fine beautifully drivers car, not concours, without being Abut beautifully overdone. restored without overdone. beautifully restored PArestored. without being overdone. THE 1932 OLYMPIA MOTORSHOW ‘R.E.A.L.’ BODIED MGJ2. in UNIQUE excellent overall cond. A recently very well rebuilt engine affords the A really usable thing that you’ll be more than proud to own. Fully serviced matching nos. TC has been matching completely nos. restored. TC has A been really completely matching restored. TCbeing has A Areally been completely A really enjoyable car touring to drive; justcar feels ‘right’. Perfect for com- upholstery a mass of luggage space. Rebuilt from the chassis-up, both offers a true withthis offers real comfort, athetrue touring 1500cc car power with real and offers comfort, a test; true 1500cc touring power with and real comfort, power and forged pistons: rebuilt orig. bodywork, new leather & it.....................any weather equipment throughout. Acar collector’s dream orrestored an 1500cc she is shorter)! I am proud to offer car, as you will be to own just ring; never to repeat...£75,000 The only one to exist of the two known to have been produced. (Ring for more history). An opportunity to acquire one of ing summer in Old Eng. White with wine leather. A great TC. mechanically & bodily, this lovely car is original throughout opportunity for good reliable driving & coupled to our own recent work engine, rebuilt steering, deluxeAspace. dash, aeroscreens, stoneguards and superb THE UNIQUE 1932 OLYMPIA MOTORSHOW THE UNIQUE 1932 ‘R.E.A.L.’ OLYMPIA BODIED MOTORSHOW MGJ2. THE ‘R.E.A.L.’ 1932 OLYMPIA BODIED MOTORSHOW MGJ2. ‘R.E.A.L.’ BODIED MGJ2. ininterior excellent overall cond. recently in Another excellent very wellfrom overall rebuilt cond. engine Aspace. recently affords the very in UNIQUE excellent well rebuilt A overall really engine usable cond. thing A recently that the you’ll veryisbe well Amore really rebuilt than usable engine proud thing todrive; own. that you’ll the Fully be serviced more A‘right’. really than proud usable own. that Fullyyou’ll serviced be more than proud to own. Fullycomserviced enjoyable caraffords to drive; just feels enjoyable ‘right’. car Perfect toaffords for the just comfeels enjoyable Perfect cartothing to for drive; the comjust feels ‘right’. Perfect for the a mass of luggage Rebuilt a mass luggage the chassis-up, Rebuilt both a mass from of the luggage chassis-up, space. both Rebuilt from the chassis-up, both of theand most handsome & rarest MGs evergreen made. Total nut & bolt restoration with true? Phoenix c/balanced crank &of rods; gas enthusiast’s wish come However, if you are over 6ft tall you best surrender it to the wife now (assuming she shorter)! I £32,500 or serious offer secures. MG TC, red, finished in two-tone greens with sage leather youand have the car everybody wants. Black withinvestment beige hide,The new roof, leather interior. All new weather equipment just fitted, this is worth flowed head; rebuilt orig. bodywork, new leather upholstery & weather equipment throughout. Areally collector’s only one exist of the The only known one to to exist have of been the two The produced. known only one (Ring to to have exist for been more of the produced. history). two known An (Ring opportunity to for have more been to history). acquire produced. An one opportunity (Ring of for more to acquire history). one An of opportunity to acquire one of equally asto good as above £32,500 ortwo serious offer secures. beigeforged weatherpistons: equipment...a rising at...£39,500 ing summer in Old Eng. White ing with summer wine in leather. Old Eng. A great White TC. with ing summer wine leather. in Old A great Eng. White TC. with wine leather. A great mechanically & bodily, this mechanically lovely car is original & bodily, throughout this lovely mechanically car is original & bodily, throughout this lovely car is original throughout 1931/32 MG ‘F’ MAGNA/WOLSELEY HORNET 6CYL. ENGINE FOR SALE. opportunity for reliable driving opportunity &wife coupled good ourreliable own recent driving opportunity & coupled engine, toforto our good rebuilt ownreliable recent steering, driving work deluxe & coupled dash, engine, aeroscreens, to rebuilt our own steering, stoneguards recentdeluxe workand dash, superb aeroscreens, engine, rebuilt stoneguards steering, deluxe and superb dash, aeroscreens, stoneguards andTC. superb am to6ft offer thisbest car, as(Optional you be to own it.....................any test;work just ring; never repeat...£75,000 tonneau s/screens....................it’s nice car..... ........................... viewing........................... ..£45,000 s/charger available atto cost) dream or &an enthusiast’s wisha come true? However,£45,000 if youproud are over tallgood you surrender itwill to the nowfor (assuming most handsome &of rarest the most MGs handsome ever made. &Total rarest of nut the MGs & most bolt ever handsome restoration made. Total &with rarest nut Phoenix &MGs bolt c/balanced restoration evergreen made. with crank Total Phoenix nut & restored, rods; & bolt c/balanced gas restoration crank with &offer Phoenix rods; gas c/balanced crank & rods; gas £32,500 or serious offer secures. £32,500 or Another serious MG offer TC, secures. red, £32,500 Another orfitted, serious MG TC, red, secures. Another MG TC, red, she is shorter)! I am proud to offer this car, as youof willthe be to own it.....................any test; just ring; never to repeat...£75,000 and finished ineverybody two-tone greens and with finished sage in green two-tone leather greens interior with and sage finished green in two-tone leather interior greens with sage leather interior Athis totally bench tested 1271cc MG ‘F’ Magna/W. Hornet engine complete you have the car wants. you have Black the with car beige everybody hide, new wants. roof, you Black have with leather the beige car interior. everybody hide, new All new wants. roof, weather Black equipment leather with beige interior. just hide, fitted, All new new weather roof, is really equipment worth leather just interior. All this new is weather really worth equipment just fitted, this is really worth flowed head; flowed rebuilt head; orig. forged bodywork, pistons: new flowed rebuilt leather head; orig. upholstery bodywork, forged pistons: & new weather leather rebuilt equipment upholstery orig.investment bodywork, throughout. & as weather new Aleather collector’s equipment upholstery throughout. & weather A collector’s equipment throughout. A collector’s equally as good as above £32,500 equally or asserious good offer above secures. £32,500 equally or serious as good offer as above secures. £32,500 or serious offer secures. and beigeforged weatherpistons: equipment...a and beige rising investment weather equipment...a at...£39,500 and rising beige investment weather at...£39,500 equipment...a rising at...£39,500 in every detail except carburettors. Rebored, new white metal, new bearings, new tonneau s/screens....................it’s tonneau a come nice &an s/screens....................it’s ........................... £45,000 a come nice tonneau car..... &an ........................... viewing........................... s/screens....................it’s £45,000 ..£45,000 asurrender nice over car..... (Optional viewing........................... ........................... s/charger £45,000 available ..£45,000 (Optional at cost) viewing........................... s/charger available ..£45,000 at cost) (Optional s/charger at cost) dream or &an enthusiast’s dream wish orcar..... true? enthusiast’s However, wish if dream you are ortrue? over enthusiast’s 6ft However, tall you ifbest wish you are come true? 6ft it to tall However, the you wife best now if you surrender (assuming are over it to 6ft the tallwife you now best (assuming surrender it to the wifeavailable now (assuming pistons, new camring; & rockers. Dynamically &test; statically crank. to Improved deep she is shorter)! I am proud she to offer is shorter)! this car, I am as you proud will tobe she offer toisown this shorter)! car, it.....................any asI car am you proud will toto test; offer own just this it.....................any ring; car, never as youtowill repeat...£75,000 be test; to just own it.....................any never to repeat...£75,000 justbalanced ring; never repeat...£75,000 1938 MG SA SALOON. Unusual from us,be but all I can capacity oil pump; orig. factory alloy clutch cover; dynamo, starter, manifolds, fan, say is.........it is concours. Fit for royalty. Duo-red & grey, and polished r/box with data plate. Head temporarily removed for photos. READY burgundy hide. Fabulous for that trip to Paris or Monte TO INSTALL, saving time, money & hassle.....£11,500. Delivery at cost, or cash on Carlo..................................................................£67,500 collection, or at Stonleigh.
FOR SALE
1934 MGPA PA Deluxe. AA rare nos.PA. PA. 1934 1932 MAGNA.A I know these aren’t everybody’s ‘cup- nos. MGMG PAF1Deluxe. rare for an nos.PA. PA. 1934 MG Deluxe. rarechance chancefor for an an all-matching all-matching nos. 1934 MG PA Deluxe. A rarechance chance forlittle an all-matching all-matching WellTCknown to MGCC & VSCC (non race) events, this of superbly 1946 SPORTS. A& very, very original example this MG of-tea’, you want practicality, very 1938 MGbut SAifto SALOON. Unusual car(non from us,maintenance, but all I can say Well MGCC & VSCC race) events, this superbly 1946 TCknown SPORTS. A very original example of this WellMG known to MGCC VSCC (non race) events, this superbly to MG MGCC &very, VSCC (non race) events, this superbly presented been serviced and prepped byWell us, known MG’s most reliable early engine and a car Duo-red that is clearly reliable, easy MG to has drive & fully maintain MG. Fully rebuilt is.........it is concours. Fitfully for royalty. & grey, has been serviced and prepped by us, easy to drive & maintain MG. Fully rebuilt presented MG miles has been fullyAllserviced and prepped by us, and and 5000 offers pride of ownership, rallying and orreliable, really presented underpriced, you should this much consideration. approx. ago. matching nos.events Claret with burgundy hide. Fabulous for that trip Paris A give very rare MG TCtobeing the or carMonte foundus, 1947 MG has TC SPORTS. presented MG been fully serviced and prepped by and and offers pride of ownership, and events or with really approx. 5000 miles ago. All nos. Claret enjoyable road use with minimum maintenance. Beautifully Totally restored, fully proven onmatching the rallying road, loads luggage offers pride& ofnew ownership, rallying and events or really enjoyable beige hide weather equipment...................£34,950 Carlo..................................................................£67,500 derelict but very original and totally restored for the channel 4 TV Ravenmaintenance. black with Beautifully Apple Green space, is aweather cracking opportunity toevents snatch aorseriously enjoyable road use with minimum maintenance. Beautifully offers pride ofnew ownership, rallying and really enjoyable beige hide & this equipment...................£34,950 roadfinished use withinminimum finishedCollingburn in Raven programme “For the Love of Cars”. ManyApple original ‘bugs’ have Collingburn been interior and full weather gear. Top of the range car....£48,500 finished USABLE ininvestment...............................................£49,500 Raven black with Green
black with Apple green Collingburn interior and full weather gear. road use minimum finished with in Raven fullywith ironed themaintenance. car isgear. now like aBeautifully new pin. Powder interior and out fulland weather Top of the rangeBlue car....£48,500 Top of the range car............................. ............................................ £48,500 black with green interior and fullhistory weather beigeApple leather, tan roof &Collingburn s/screens. Complete documented file, gear. video, original manual, orig reg. No.,............................................ period extras all included........my Top of the range car............................. £48,500 top investment tip.................. ............................................................... £39,500
1932 MG F1 MAGNA. I know these aren’t everybody’s ‘cupof-tea’, you wantUnusual practicality, 1938 MGbut SAifSALOON. carvery fromlittle us,maintenance, but all I can say MG’s most is reliable early engine a car Duo-red that is clearly is.........it concours. Fit forand royalty. & grey, underpriced, you shouldA give this much consideration. burgundy hide. Fabulous forrare that trip Paris very MG TCtobeing the or carMonte found 1947 MG TC SPORTS. Totally restored, fully proven on the road, loads luggage Carlo..................................................................£67,500 derelict but very original and totally restored for thea channel 4 TV space, this is a cracking opportunity to snatch seriously programme “For the Love of Cars”. Many original ‘bugs’ have been USABLE investment...............................................£49,500
fully ironed out and the car is now like a new pin. Powder Blue with beige leather, tan roof & s/screens. Complete documented history file, video, original manual, orig reg. No., period extras all included........my top investment tip.................. ............................................................... £39,500
1933 MG J2 CYCLE WING SPORTS. We are building this To add to our wonderful MMM MGs why not add A SUPERCHARGER as an under-bonnet car from scratch with a fully rebuilt engine by Barry Foster and you all-matching A rare nos. chance PA.1934 for an all-matching A rare nos. PA. for all-matching PA. 1934 for MG an PA Deluxe. MG PAMG Deluxe. have the opportunity to choose the colour that you would like at1934 MG PA Deluxe. A rare chance 1932 F1 MAGNA. Ichance know these 1932anMG aren’t F1 MAGNA. everybody’s Inos. know these aren’t MG F1everybody’s MAGNA. I know ‘cupthese aren’t everybody’s installation or‘cupas a1932 nose mounted installation. Complete installations cost from £6000‘cupfor 1933 MG J2 Shortly:CYCLE SPORTS. We are building this this stage. You have a choice of a dark red or beige leather interior *known Coming Well to MGCC & VSCC Well (non known race) toevents, MGCC this & VSCC superbly Well race) known events, to MGCC this superbly &want VSCC (non race) events, this superbly 1946 MG TC SPORTS. AWING very, 1946 very MG TC original SPORTS. example A very, of very 1946 this(non MG original TC SPORTS. example very, of this very original example of this of-tea’, but ifA you practicality, of-tea’, but little you maintenance, want practicality, of-tea’, very little ifcan you maintenance, want practicality, 1938 MG SA SALOON. Unusual 1938 car MGvery from SAifSALOON. us, but Unusual all I canyou’ll say car 1938 from MGbut SA us, SALOON. but all Unusual Ifican from us, but all I can say everything need. We arrange tting orsay youcar canvery easilylittle do itmaintenance, yourself. 1931/32 MG ‘F’ with MAGNA/WOLSELEY HORNET 6CYL. ENGINE FOR SALE. by Mike Collingburn. The car will be in mint condition just like the car from scratch a fully rebuilt engine by Barry Foster and you • Pointed tail type A easy totally restored, bench tested MGeasy ‘F’ Magna/W. presented MG been fully presented serviced MG and prepped been fully by us, serviced presented and MG prepped has been by fully us, serviced and prepped by us, MG’s most reliable engine MG’s and most ais reliable car that early is clearly engine MG’s and most a car reliable that isearly clearly a car Duo-red that is clearly reliable, to has drive reliable, &1271cc maintain MG. to has drive Fully &rebuilt reliable, maintain easy MG. to Fully drive rebuilt &early maintain Fully rebuilt is.........it is concours. Fit is.........it forMG. royalty. concours. Duo-red Fit & grey, for is.........it royalty. is Duo-red concours. & engine grey, Fit forand royalty. & grey, P types in this ad. .... ..............The price will be approx. £42-45,000 • Magnificent have the opportunity to choose colour that you would Hornet engineJ2complete in everythedetail except carburettors. Re-like at OR AParis COMPLETE TOOL Factory pattern toolMonte roll housing allmuch original (no repro)or correct andbored, pride of ownership, and rallying offers and pride of ownership, or really and rallying offers and pride events of ownership, or with really rallying and events or with really underpriced, you should give underpriced, much you should underpriced, this much consideration. you should give approx. 5000 miles ago. approx. All red matching 5000 miles nos. ago. Claret All approx. with matching 5000 nos. miles Claret ago. All matching nos. Claret burgundy hide. Fabulous burgundy forthis that trip hide. toconsideration. Fabulous orgive Monte for burgundy thatKIT. trip to hide. Paris Fabulous or forthis that trip toconsideration. Paris Monte •offers PA. Older rebuild. newhave white newof bearings, new pistons, new cam & events this stage. You ametal, choice abalanced dark or beige leather *equipment...................£34,950 Coming Shortly:rockers. Dynamically &Astatically crank. Improved deepinterior 1934 MG PA. gorgeous example inmaintenance. 2-tone Dublin 1935 MG PA inmaintenance. need of refurbishment after longTotally MG tools…on From incl.loads roll. fully ORluggage Aproven MASCOTon (forthe example or 1934 MGTRUE PA SPORTS. advertised road use with minimum enjoyable road use with Beautifully minimum enjoyable road useBeautifully with minimum maintenance. Beautifully 1930 VINTAGEPreviously MG ‘M’ TYPE. Totally rebuiltelsewhere. throughoutenjoyable Totally restored, fully proven on the restored, road,pre-war loads fully proven luggage Totally the£375 road, restored, road,MOTORMETER loads luggage beige hide & oil new weather beige equipment...................£34,950 hide & new weather beige hide & new weather equipment...................£34,950 Carlo..................................................................£67,500 Carlo..................................................................£67,500 Carlo..................................................................£67,500 1931/32 MG ‘F’ MAGNA/WOLSELEY HORNET 6CYL. ENGINE FOR SALE. 1934Collingburn. MG PA SPORTS. A beautifully restored PA without being by Mike The car willalloy be in mint condition like the capacity pump; orig. factory clutch cover; dynamo, starter, Recently taken intobyour ownearly workshops and brought Pointed tailfinished type to impeccable order leading MG rarest restorer. A proper job; up afinished in Raven black with finished Apple injust Green Raven Collingburn black with Apple Green in repair Raven Collingburn black with Apple this Green &in Ulster greens with apple green Collingbarn interior. storage. Requires paint, to leak andspace, space, this is a water cracking opportunity toissnatch aCollingburn cracking a seriously opportunity space,tothis snatch is‘MIDGE’ a cracking a seriously opportunity to snatch a seriously A • totally restored, bench tested 1271cc MG ‘F’ Magna/W. from £100. overdone. A really usable thing that you’ll beplate. more thantemporarily proud 1936 MG NB TOURER. of the properly ohc MGs. This manifolds, fan, and polished r/box with data Head to our standard. Now aOne seriously, restored, all P types this ad. .... ..............The price will be approx. £42-45,000 VSCC car eligible for all events, trials, rallies and offered at less •gear. Magnificent J2complete LIVE” THIS w/end 4/5 June atexcellent Silverstone. to“MG own. Fully serviced engine, steering, deluxe dash, beautifully restored 1300cc straight matching nos. P type atMagnette a cost of with overits60k, and underremoved fordetailed photos. READY TOrebuilt INSTALL, saving time, money & weather Hornet engine in side: every detail except carburettors. Re-range interior and full weather gear. interior Top of and the full range car....£48,500 Top interior of the and range full car....£48,500 weather gear. Top of the car....£48,500 USABLE investment...............................................£49,500 USABLE investment...............................................£49,500 USABLE investment...............................................£49,500 Fully engine trays, steering, general. On the plus extremely original, aeroscreens, stoneguards and superb leather interior. All than6cyl. the restoration cost.take Black fabric body with hide engine will you touring bothgreen home & interior. abroad hassle.....£11,500. Delivery at cost, or cash on collection. priced at...............................................................£46,995 • PA. Older bored, new rebuild. white metal, new bearings, new pistons, new cam & new weather equipment just fitted , this is really worth viewing Please visit our stand with reliability, comfort & huge luggage space. Two1933 MG J2. We’re nearing the completion of a chassis-up rebuild in the workshop. ............................................................................................................. £29,500 fithe tted water pump and new Blockley tyres. Aero correct g’box& brakes dash. Runs & drives (Optional s/charger available at cost) rockers. engine, Dynamically statically& balanced crank. Improved deep tone Offers close to................................£65,000 1934 MG..........£45,000 PA SPORTS. Previously advertised elsewhere. 1930 TRUE VINTAGE MG ‘M’ TYPE. Totally rebuilt throughout 1933 MG J2. green. We’re of a chassis-up rebuild in workshop. Will be the best you’ll get. Please inspect. (See website fornearing photos) the completion Will be the best you’ll get. Please inspect. 1934 MG PA SPORTS. A beautifully restored PA without being
1934 MG PA Deluxe. A rare1934 MGforPA 1934for MG Deluxe. A chance an Deluxe. all-matching A rare nos.chance PA. an PA all-matching nos. rarePA.chance for an all-matching nos. PA. Well known to MGCC & VSCC Well(non known race)to events, MGCC this & VSCC superbly (non Well known race) events, to MGCC this &superbly VSCC (non race) events, this superbly presented MG has been fullypresented serviced and MG has prepped beenbyfully us, serviced and presented and1947 MG prepped has by us, fully andserviced andrare prepped us, the andAcarvery A very MGTCTCby being found rare the car Afound very rare MG TC being the car found MG been TC SPORTS. 1947 MG SPORTS. 1947MG MGTCTCbeing SPORTS. offers pride of ownership, rallying offersand prideevents of ownership, or really enjoyable rallyingoffers and events pride of or ownership, really enjoyable rallying and and totally eventsrestored or really enjoyable derelict but very original derelict but veryfororiginal the channel and totally 4 TV derelict restored but for verytheoriginal channeland4 TV totally restored for the channel 4 TV road use with minimum maintenance. road useBeautifully with minimum finished maintenance. in Raven roadBeautifully use programme with minimum finished“For inmaintenance. Raven Beautifully finished in Raven the Love of Cars”. programme Many original “For the‘bugs’ Love have of Cars”. been programme Many original “For‘bugs’ the Love haveofbeen Cars”. Many original ‘bugs’ have been black with Apple green Collingburn black with interior Apple and green full weather Collingburn gear. black interior withfully and Apple full green weather Collingburn gear. interior and full weather gear. ironed out and the car is now fully like ironed a new out pin. and Powder the car Blue is nowwith fully like aironed new pin. out and Powder the car Blueiswith now like a new pin. Powder Blue with Top of the taken range into car............................. Top ............................................ of the range car............................. £48,500 Top ............................................ of theorig. range car............................. £48,500 ............................................ £48,500 s/guards, deluxe dash andand a nice patinised well. trim, good roof &cover; tonneau… capacity oil Collingbarn pump; factory alloy tan clutch dynamo, starter, Recentlyscreens, our own workshops brought up very beige leather, roof & s/screens. beige Complete leather, tan documented roof & s/screens. history file, Complete beige leather, documented tan roof &history s/screens. file, Complete documented history file,
ARECycle ALL ON THE to impeccable order crank. by*leading MG restorer. A proper job; a condition. wings withWEBSITE heavy * *concours * * THEY *Beautiful * early * *car...£46,500 * 1933 MG J2.*Near
overdone.fan, really usable thing you’ll moreHead thantemporarily proud 1936 MG NB TOURER. of £42,500 the properly rarest ohc MGs. This manifolds, and polished r/box with databeplate. to our standard. Now aOne seriously, restored, all £28,500 appearance. Just right… (ifAnot sold – engine, Buy it atthat Stonleigh) VSCC carservice eligible foralways all at events, trials, rallies and offered at less video, original manual, reg.dash, video, No., period manual, all* included........my reg. video, period original extrasALL manual, all included........my reg. No., period extras LIVE” THIS w/end 4/5 June atorig Silverstone. to“MG own. Fully serviced steering, deluxe *orig ** * No., THEY ARE ONorig THE WEBSITE * *all* included........my ** COMMISSION SALES: Our highly matching regarded is to you. beautifully restored Magnette its 1300cc straight nos. P type a available cost of with over 60k, and underremoved for photos. READY TOrebuilt INSTALL, saving time, money &originalextras aeroscreens, stoneguards interior. All than6cyl. the restoration cost.take Black fabric body with hide engine will you touring bothgreen home & interior. abroad hassle.....£11,500. priced at...............................................................£46,995 Delivery at and cost,superb or cash leather on collection. top investment tip.................. ............................................................... top investment tip.................. ............................................................... £39,500 top investment tip.................. ............................................................... £39,500 £39,500 Tel: 01789 400 181. Fax: 01789 400230. Mob: 07836 244103 new weather equipment just fitted , this is really worth viewing Please visit our stand with reliability, comfort & huge luggage space. Two............................................................................................................. £29,500 ..........£45,000 (Optional s/charger available at cost) tone green. Offers close to................................£65,000 Email: barry@barrywalker.com Web: www.barrywalker.com 1933 MGwebsite J2. We’re the completion of a chassis-up rebuild in the workshop. Will be the best you’ll get. Please inspect. (See fornearing photos) THEY ARE ALLbuilding ON THE WEBSITE 1933 MG J2 1933 CYCLE SPORTS. MG J2 We CYCLE are WING this SPORTS. 1933 We J2Beautiful are CYCLE building WING this SPORTS. We are building this MG J2. WING Near1933 concours condition. Cycle wings with heavyMG crank. car...£46,500
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
car from scratch with a fully SALES: rebuilt car from engine scratch by Barry withregarded Foster a fully and rebuilt you car engine from scratch Barry with Foster a fully and rebuilt youyou. engine by Barry Foster and you COMMISSION Our highly service is by always available to have the opportunity to choose have thethe colour opportunity that youtowould choose likethe have at colour the opportunity that you would to choose like at the colour that you would like at 181.red Fax: 01789 Mob: 07836 244103 this stage. YouTel: have 01789 a choice 400 ofthisa stage. dark You orhave beige a leather choice400230. interior of a this darkstage. red or You beige have leather a choice interior of a dark red or beigeShortly:leather interior * Coming Shortly:* Coming * Coming Shortly:1931/32 MG ‘F’just MAGNA/WOLSELEY 1931/32 HORNET MG ‘F’6CYL. MAGNA/WOLSELEY 1931/32 HORNET MG6CYL. ‘F’ MAGNA/WOLSELEY ENGINE FOR SALE.HORNET 6CYL. ENGINE FOR SALE. barry@barrywalker.com Web: www.barrywalker.com by MikeEmail: Collingburn. The car will by Mike be inCollingburn. mint condition Thejust carlike will the by be Mike in mint Collingburn. condition like car the will be in condition justENGINE like the FOR SALE. Pointed tailThe type •mint Pointed tail type Pointed tail type A • totally restored, bench Atested totally 1271cc restored, MGbench ‘F’ Magna/W. tested A • totally 1271ccrestored, MG ‘F’ bench Magna/W. tested 1271cc MG ‘F’ Magna/W. P types in this ad. .... ..............TheP price types in will thisbead.approx. .... ..............The £42-45,000 price P types willHornet inbe approx. ad.engine .... ..............The £42-45,000 price will be approx. £42-45,000 •this Magnificent J2complete • Magnificent J2 •ReMagnificent J2complete in Hornet every detail engine except complete carburettors. in every Hornet detail engine except carburettors. in every Re- detail except carburettors. Re• PA. Older •bearings, PA. Older • PA. bored, new rebuild. white metal, new bored, new rebuild. new whitepistons, metal, new bearings, cam bored, & Older new newrebuild. white pistons, metal, newnew cambearings, & new pistons, new cam & rockers. Dynamically & statically rockers. balanced Dynamically crank. &Improved staticallyrockers. deep balanced Dynamically crank. Improved & statically deepbalanced crank. Improved deep 1934 MGTRUE PA SPORTS. MG advertised PA Totally SPORTS. Previously 1934 MG advertised PA SPORTS. elsewhere. Previously advertised 1930 VINTAGEPreviously MG1934 ‘M’ 1930 TYPE. TRUE VINTAGE rebuiltelsewhere. MG throughout ‘M’ 1930 TYPE. TRUE Totally VINTAGE rebuilt throughout MG ‘M’ TYPE. Totally rebuiltelsewhere. throughout 1934 MG PA SPORTS. Aup beautifully 1934 MG restored PA SPORTS. PA without Adynamo, beautifully being 1934 restored MG PA PA SPORTS. without A beautifully being restored PA without being capacity oil pump; orig. factory capacity alloy clutch oil pump; cover; orig. factory starter, alloy capacity clutch oil cover; pump; dynamo, orig. factory starter, alloy clutch cover; dynamo, starter, Recently taken into our Recently own workshops taken into and our brought own Recently workshops up taken and into brought our own workshops and brought up to impeccable order by leading toearly impeccable MG restorer. order ohc A by proper leading job; early toa impeccable MG rarest restorer. order ATOURER. proper by leading job; aearly the MG restorer. Areally proper job; athing overdone. A really usable overdone. that you’ll A be more usable than proud overdone. you’ll A more really than usable proud thing you’ll moreHead thantemporarily proud 1936 MG NB TOURER. of 1936 the MGproperly rarest NB TOURER. MGs. of the 1936 MG NBohc MGs. This rarest ohc MGs. This manifolds, fan, and polished r/box manifolds, with data fan, plate. and polished Head temporarily r/boxthat manifolds, with databe fan, plate. and Head polished temporarily r/boxthat with databeplate. to our standard. Now aOne to seriously, our standard. Now restored, aOne seriously, toThis all our standard. properly restored, Now aOne seriously, allofthing properly restored, all VSCC carnos. eligible for all at events, trials, car rallies eligible and for offered all events, at cost less VSCC trials, rallies car eligible and offered for all at at events, less trials, rallies and offered atREADY less LIVE” THIS w/end “MG 4/5 LIVE” June at THIS Silverstone. w/end 4/5 “MG LIVE” atserviced Silverstone. THIS w/end June at deluxe Silverstone. to“MG own. Fully serviced engine, to own. rebuilt Fully steering, serviced deluxe engine, dash, to own. steering, Fully deluxe engine, dash, steering, beautifully restored Magnette beautifully with its restored 1300cc Magnette straight beautifully its 1300cc restored straight Magnette with its 1300cc straight matching P type matching aVSCC cost of nos. over P 60k, type and at aundermatching of with over nos. 60k, P type and underaREADY cost of over 60k, and underremoved for photos. removed TO INSTALL, for photos. saving time, money TOrebuilt removed INSTALL, & June forsaving photos. time, READY money TOrebuilt &4/5 INSTALL, saving time,dash, money & aeroscreens, stoneguards and aeroscreens, superb leather stoneguards interior. All aeroscreens, superb stoneguards interior. All interior. All than6cyl. the restoration cost.take Black than fabric the body restoration with cost.take hide Black interior. fabric than body the restoration with green cost. hide Black interior. fabric body green hide engine will you 6cyl. touring engine bothgreen will home & you abroad touring 6cyl. both engine home will & take abroad you touring both home & interior. abroad priced at...............................................................£46,995 priced at...............................................................£46,995 priced at...............................................................£46,995 hassle.....£11,500. Delivery athassle.....£11,500. cost,with or cash on collection. Delivery at and cost, hassle.....£11,500. or cash leather on collection. Delivery at and cost,superb or cash leather on collection. weather equipment just new fitted weather , this is really equipment worth just viewing fitted new , this weather is really equipment worth viewing just fitted , this is really worth viewing Please visit our stand Please visit our stand Please visit our stand with reliability, comfort............................................................................................................. &with huge reliability, luggagecomfort space. & Twohuge withnew luggage reliability, space. comfort Two& huge luggage space. Two............................................................................................................. £29,500 ............................................................................................................. £29,500 £29,500 ..........£45,000 (Optional ..........£45,000 s/charger available (Optional at cost) s/charger ..........£45,000 available (Optional at cost) s/charger available at cost) tone green. Offers close to................................£65,000 tone green. Offers close to................................£65,000 tone green. Offers close to................................£65,000 1933 MG J2. We’re nearing the 1933 completion MG J2. We’re of nearing a chassis-up the completion 1933 rebuild MG J2. in We’re of the a workshop. chassis-up nearing the Will rebuild completion be the in the best of workshop. you’ll a chassis-up get. Will Please rebuild be the inspect. best in the you’ll workshop. get. Please Will be inspect. the best you’ll get. Please inspect. (See website for photos) (See website for photos) (See website for photos) THEY ON THE THEY WEBSITE ARE ON WEBSITE THEY ARE ALL ON THE condition. MGARE J2. Cycle wings 1933 heavy MG crank. J2. Cycle wings heavy condition. crank. withWEBSITE heavy crank. * *concours * ** 1933 *Near *ALL*concours * * with *ALL *Near **Beautiful *concours **THE *with **car...£46,500 *Cycle *Beautiful *wings * *car...£46,500 * *Beautiful * * *car...£46,500 * 1933 MG J2.*Near *condition.
COMMISSION SALES:COMMISSION Our highly regarded SALES: Our service COMMISSION highly is always regarded SALES: available service Our highly to is you. always regarded available service to you. is always available to you.
Tel: 01789 400 181. Tel:Fax: 01789 01789 400 181. 400230. Tel: Fax: 01789 Mob: 01789 400 07836 400230. 181.244103 Fax: Mob: 01789 07836 400230. 244103 Mob: 07836 244103 Email: barry@barrywalker.com Email: barry@barrywalker.com Email: Web: barry@barrywalker.com www.barrywalker.com Web: www.barrywalker.com Web: www.barrywalker.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. 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 www.mgcc.co.uk
MG_SafetyFast_Feb17_50-98.indd 93
FEBRUARY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 93
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CL ASSIFIEDS
SPARES FOR SALE
www.mgmecca.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 1953 717618 Fax: (0) 1953 717850
HOW TO ADVERTISE
MG ZR Entry Model 1.4 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
1958 MGA TWIN CAM COUPE, Mineral blue, grey leather trim, superb car fully restored, One of the rarest MGs a superb investment, correct knock on Dunlop alloys, new leather trim £37,995
2004 good condition drives very well MOT July 2017 mileage 63,500. £895.00 ono. Contact Clive Wilday on 01406 821588 or 07943 306977
Members can advertise their spares for sale/wanted free of charge for items up to £250. Over £250, or for non-members to advertise, there is a charge of £20. To submit your advertisement email Colin Grant at colingrant@mgcc.co.uk. Please remember to include your membership number in all correspondence. All adverts should be submitted by the 10th December for the following months issue.
MGA winter restoration?
1968 MGB V8 Roadster Nightfire Red, tan/ red trim. 3.9L injected V8, RV8 running gear & crossmember. RV8 dash, Red Maple wood trim, mohair hood. 15” minilites. Totally rebuilt & restored at huge expense a few years ago. Looks & drives superbly. The ultimate touring MG. £26,995
1968 MGC GT Mineral Blue , Black leather trim , blue pipe . Restored car in superb condition , nice engine bay , original steering wheel , minilites, Superb classic sports touring car with the desirable o/drive for long distance . Great investment £18,995
1978 MGB ROADSTER, Black , black/red trim, Osselli 2L u/l fst rd engine, leather seats, Antique red carpets, burgundy mohair hood, moto lita wheel, all new chrome, superb looking car, restored body and paint. Fast classic fun £11,995
1993 MG RV8 Pearl White, Stone trim. Superb example of an RV8, not concours but excellent. Stunning in Mica Pearl White, tan mohair hood and yes, the reg is really MGR 3.9L (MGR 39L), the ultimate RV8 registration. Unique opportunity to own a superb piece of MG history £26,495
Coupe RH door, new bottom and skin, blasted and painted and ready to fit to your car. Also 1600 gearbox and propshaft. Email: davidandpammy@btinternet.com or 01444881866.
1938 MG TA
A sound car, useable but would benefit from some fettling. Fitted Morris derivative of the XPAG engine. Ticks along happily but runs out of puff above 50mph. Intended to mildly uprate it and haven’t, now more focused on other (earlier) projects. Have pootled about covering about 3500 miles in the period I’ve owned it. Choice of 1250cc XPAG engines and other bits available at a reasonable price. For more info email malcolm_simmonds@hotmail.com 01903 742580 / 07714 093581 (Storrington, West Sussex)
Midget Spares
Radio console. New unused. Fits under parcel shelf. £20 + P&P. Wire wheel rear axle from 1275cc Midget. Complete £150. Buyer collects. Phone 01494 813903. (South Bucks)
MG PType
Petrol tank with fancy lever action flip top filler cap. Bare metal and appears to be in very good shape - reproduction. £250 ono. Telephone 01344 424258. (Berkshire)
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)
2005 MG ZS
In Royal Blue metallic. With bodykit and Addendum 17” alloy wheels. Grey alcantara seats with Black Oak dash. 56,300 miles (will increase as currently a daily driver). Headgasket done by Summit Garage Dudley. Recent new exhaust and four new tyres. Will sell with 12 months MOT. Low mileage, good condition for the year. £1500 ono. Contact Adam at the MG Car Club on 07530734044 (Abingdon)
SELLING YOUR CAR?
As a member of the MG Car Club you can advertise your car in Safety Fast for free. Just email your car details, max 60 words, together with a JPEG picture to Colin Grant at colingrant@mgcc.co.uk. Non member fee is £20
94 SAFETY FAST! FEBRUARY 2017
MG_SafetyFast_Feb17_50-98.indd 94
MGB GT 1971
Starter motor, rec complete, rocker with new filters, h radiator, tan carp radiator, manifold belts. £150. 017 roypeterbrown@ (Cornwall)
MGF/TF Hardt
In beautiful cond in light metallic 'W with a pale grey There are no scr ishes. I will inclu made to store it suspended from ing... and also a cover for the low excellent conditio have the original cover used durin ery to the dealer nice condition) th when it's stored mer. Worth in the but I'm asking £3 whole lot. For m Phone 079 446 1 (Tadworth, Surre
MGA 1600
Original steering erally good cond from cracks arou OIRO £75.00 plu Telephone. 0179
MGB Parts
Due to the insertion 1967 Chrome Bum ster I have the follow and invite sensible o Wire wheel banjo a half shafts and brak wheel hubs. 4 knoc ners with hammer. 5 Minilte lookalike k 5.5” X 14”.All in very but minilites have so rioration. Contact G 12780.(Honiton Dev
MG ZA/ZB pa
XPAG spares
Used XPAG pistons in sets, plus 60 4 ring, plus 30 4 ring and plus 10 3 ring. Also camshafts. 1 new TF, 1 Reprofiled, 6 used/reusable Tel: Ron Ward on 01422823649
Headlamps and Seat Belts
A pair of used 7" headlamp units, Wipac plastic bowls with all fittings, unused gaskets and Wagner 55/75W sealed beam headlamp units, with windows for potential pilot lights. In good clean condition and full working order, the lights have seen little use. £30.00 plus p&p A pair of as new and boxed Securon 500/30 auto seat belts, these will fit all Magnette models, 1100/1300 and Metro. Dark grey webbing, almost unused and complete with original instructions and fittings, cost £100 new, offered at £50.00 plus p&p. Tel. 01424-772535
Cylinder head, com and springs. Sump, Oil pump and filter a ter bowl. 2 heater p (minus pulley) Stan shafts, Bonnet and ator hose, £200 the or delivery by arran For more informatio spstuff@btinternet.c 01273 506216
MGA TWIN CAM Alloy head, engine Con rods, Water pu rocker covers new, parts all MGA twin Original steel peg d great condition. Se Genuine original n 6/58 operation (driv condition £39 Inc p Please telephone 0
www.mgcc.co.uk
24/01/2017 19:05
CL ASSIFIEDS
FOR SALE
ADVERTISE
dvertise their wanted free of s up to £250. or non-members ere is a charge of your advertisein Grant at cc.co.uk. Please clude your memin all corresponts should be subth December for nths issue.
restoration?
r, new bottom and nd painted and our car. Also 1600 opshaft. Email: y@btinternet.com 6.
es
New unused. el shelf. £20 +
r axle from Complete £150. Phone 01494 Bucks)
fancy lever ller cap. Bare ears to be in very eproduction. phone 01344 hire)
c lightened and engine for sale on an one for complete d on 01422 823649, W.Yorkshire)
MGB GT 1971
Starter motor, recon.Tow bar complete, rocker box, air filters with new filters, heater fan and radiator, tan carpets, map box, radiator, manifold, reel seat belts. £150. 01726 63414 or roypeterbrown@icloud.com. (Cornwall)
MGF/TF Hardtop
In beautiful condition thoughout in light metallic 'Wegdwood' blue with a pale grey interior lining. There are no scratches or blemishes. I will include a cradle I made to store it in the summer, suspended from a garage ceiling... and also a black 'tonneau' cover for the lowered hood (in excellent condition). Also I have the original polythene dust cover used during original delivery to the dealer (also in very nice condition) that is useful when it's stored during the summer. Worth in the region of £400 but I'm asking £350 for the whole lot. For more information Phone 079 446 15 446 (Tadworth, Surrey)
MGA 1600
Original steering wheel in generally good condition apart from cracks around fillets. OIRO £75.00 plus p&p Telephone. 01798 812745
MGB Parts
Due to the insertion of a V8 into my 1967 Chrome Bumpered MGB roadster I have the following items for sale and invite sensible offers. Wire wheel banjo axle complete with half shafts and brakes. Front wire wheel hubs. 4 knock on chrome spinners with hammer. Rear fill radiator 5 Minilte lookalike knock on wheels – 5.5” X 14”.All in very good condition but minilites have some chrome deterioration. Contact Geoff on 077308 12780.(Honiton Devon)
MG ZA/ZB parts
tons in sets, plus 30 4 ring and plus camshafts. 1 new , 6 used/reusable on 01422823649
nd Seat Belts
headlamp units, wls with all fittings, nd Wagner 55/75W dlamp units, with ential pilot lights. In tion and full workts have seen little p&p and boxed Securon belts, these will fit els, 1100/1300 and webbing, almost lete with original ittings, cost £100 50.00 plus p&p. 5
Cylinder head, complete with valves and springs. Sump, rear engine plate, Oil pump and filter assembly, plus filter bowl. 2 heater pipes. Dynamo (minus pulley) Standard diff 2 halfshafts, Bonnet and hinges, New radiator hose, £200 the lot; buyer collects or delivery by arrangement. For more information & photos, email spstuff@btinternet.com or telephone 01273 506216 MGA TWIN CAM RARE PARTS. Alloy head, engine block, Sump, Con rods, Water pump new, Alloy rocker covers new, Plus a few other parts all MGA twin cam. Offers. Original steel peg drive wheel in great condition. Sensible offers Genuine original nos rare 1st edition 6/58 operation (drivers) manual. Mint condition £39 Inc p&p. Please telephone 07795670881.
www.mgcc.co.uk
MG_SafetyFast_Feb17_50-98.indd 95
MGB 5 Rostyles & Tyres
Set of 5 x 14” Rostyles with tyres. Main set of 4 in very good condition, shod in matching Firestone Multihawks 175/70R14 84T, all purchased at same time (2014) and only used for approx 1,000 miles. 5th spare, slightly scruffy but with brand new, unused Federal 175/70 R14 84 (2014). £230.00 the set. Buyer collects from Leicestershire. Pics available. Selling due to fitting of new 15” Minators. Call Trev on 0116 259 7264 (daytime)
MGB
Steel bonnet. buyer collects. £80. Phone 01494 813903. (South Bucks)
WANTED WANTED
For XPAG engine. Steel spider flywheel with 122 ring gear. Tel:Ron Ward on 01422823649
WANTED XPAG engine parts wanted. Oil
pressure releif valve assembly for early pump. Oil delivery pipe from filter to block and one banjo bolt. Breather pipe, from tappet chest. TC Dynamo and pulley (will TD/F fit?) TC gearbox bell housing complete with operating lever or just the lever (will clutch stop). Telephone 01344 424258
SOLD
WANTED MGB Rear quarter tonneau for
1972 Roadster. Black, must be in excellent or very good condition. Phone 01494 813903.
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
MGB differential 4.2 or 4.55 ratio, banjo axle, 25 spline shafts. Please phone 07906 576516 or email: kennybairdie@aol.com
SOLD
WANTED
MGA 1500/1600 STEEL tubular performance manifold original 50/60s in good condition. MGA steering wheel, must be original and in excellent condition. MGF Xpower exhaust. Telephone 07795670881
FEBRUARY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 95
24/01/2017 19:05
CL ASSIFIEDS
Manor Garage & Sons! Tel: 01235 767751
enquiries@mgsforsale.com
www.mgsforsale.com
01707 876089
07831 556666
MG VA Tickford 1.5 Litre 1938 (CFS898) Older early 90’s body off rebuild with costs circa £22k, achieving winner and 2nd in ‘The Golden Eagle’ in its day, delightful Blue coachwork now requiring some improvement, nice condition Navy Blue leather interior trim, good sound chassis, heavy history box file containing a plethora of invoices many from SVW Services, an original green log book, period workshop manual and service documents, old mot’s and other documentation back to the 90’s, vehicle is running and driving after some light re commissioning following a short hibernation period, ideal opportunity for enthusiast or investor to further improve and realise its full potential with these rare Tickford bodied MG’s, just arrived, £34,995.00 MGB Roadster 1968 One Family Owner From New (SBU822G) one family owner from new with a genuine 64,285 miles, chrome bumpers, overdrive, wire wheels, Black Leather trim, older late 70’s rebuild, British Racing Green coachwork now requiring some attention, recently re-commissioned after some hibernation, fascinating heavy history file, with original bill of sale, passport to service, original Main Dealer Leyland invoices & independents, old mot’s, tax discs etc, very nice drive, , just arrived, £8,495.00
Failing 6v batteries? Fit Manor Garages twin 12v conversion.
Still 12v but with double the capacity. Fits existing battery boxes, with minimal extra wiring. Reliable starting power after your MG has B13 - Barrie Carter_CLASSIC MOTORING 17/01/2017 10:08 Page 1 been parked up. KIT £150 +vat.
Visit our website: www.manorgaragewantage.co.uk
URGENTLY WANTED ANY MG ANY YEAR, ANY CONDITION SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF OUR STOCK
www.mgsforsale.com
Do not confuse the above vehicles with cheaper inferior quality models offered elsewhere. Part exchange any make of Motor Car with generous allowances. Discounted cash purchases. Viewing by appointment only please (available evenings & weekends) no obligation to purchase. All our vehicles carry a warranty, have an MOT and are fully serviced prior to collection/delivery.
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 seaqts and cage. ZF LSD and special half shafts, Rebuilt early straight cut close ratio rare early competition box, cage, FIA belts, Three pot incredable brakes, polibushed, Wets and dries. very reliable. Second in class at Angouleme It would take very little to convert to an FIA spec car. It has the potential for many events from club rallies, h.c. and sprints to international raceing. At 75, I am about to say enough. It cost a fortune. Your gain is my loss at £27,950. I may part exchange.
96 SAFETY FAST! FEBRUARY 2017
MG_SafetyFast_Feb17_50-98.indd 96
Vauxhall Victor DeLuxe 1962
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. Shelley 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 inelligable for anything pointy tail pub car for 50k. Price according to spec when finished, starting at £26k but make me an offer.
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 doccumentry 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 MG TA/B. This lovely 1939 TA has been converted to TB spec of which there were only 372 built. It has the corredct 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 wiuth new brakes and a Thiomkins steerining cionversion 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 marron 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
CM02.17/B13/d
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
www.mgcc.co.uk
24/01/2017 19:05
PETER BEST www.classicinsurance.co.uk M.G. in North Herts
MGOC Recommended Workshop and Power Steering Installer MoT & Failures Repaired Servicing, Welding, Restoration M.G.A. – B – C – V8, Midget
The best policies for either classic or modern MGs
MIDGETS! WANTED
Call for a quote today
01621 840400
MGB, MGC & Midget Competition Parts
Contact the Midget Specialist MIKE AUTHERS on Abingdon 07703 465 224 CHROME BUMPERED MIDGETS in excellent condition bought up to £8,000. View current stock at
www.bighealey.co.uk
Rear of Langley Garage www.mgmidgets.com London Road, Langley, Nr Hitchin, Herts SG4 7PJ MG16 - BUCKS SPORTS CLASSICS_BUCKS SPORTS CLASSICS 26/09/2012 14:24 Page 1
01438 729288
For the ‘best’ in MG high-performance
07860 473298
Parts Hotline: +44(0)1543 472244 E-mail: sales@bighealey.co.uk DENIS WELCH MOTORSPORT, YOXALL, BURTON ON TRENT, STAFFS DE13 8NA, UK
www.mg-repairs-hertfordshire.com
DONHOODS-SFAug07.QXD:Layout 1
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UNBEATABLE QUALITY – UNBEATABLE VALUE!
Specialist in MGA, B, C, V8, RV8, Midgets, and MGF. Also specialists in early Minis
DIRECT FROM THE MAKERS – WITH OVER 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE
•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.
Choice of heavy duty PVC, ICI Vynide, Everflex, Duc k and Mohair AL MAKES & L incl: MG, MODELS Tr Escort, Giumph, olf etc.
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10STREET Rabans Aylesbury. HP19 BUCKS 8RS HP20 1EB UNIT 18, PARK IND Close, ESTATE, OSIER WAY, AYLESBURY,
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Bucks Sports & Classic Car Centre
For friendly advice contact Pete Giles on Tel: 01296 433550 or Mob: 07831 404968 www.mgsonthenet.co.uk www.mgsonthenet.co.uk email: peter.giles@mgsonthenet.co.uk
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CARPET SETS FOR MOST
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www.donhoods.com
ADVERTISERS’ INDEX 4Sight Lighting Company..............................................79 Adrian Flux ....................................................................68 Airflow...........................................................................68 Barrie Carter .................................................................96 Barry Walker .................................................................93 BCC Parts......................................................................73 Beech Hill Garage..........................................................95 Brian Brown Classics.....................................................97 British Motor Heritage................................................... IFC Brooklands Museum.....................................................44 Brown and Gammons...................................................13 Bucks Sports and Classic..............................................97 Carole Nash Insurance..................................................61 Car Cover Shop ............................................................83 Chertsey Minors ...........................................................83 Chisbon Restorations....................................................81 Church Square Autos....................................................89 Classic and Retro...........................................................75 Classic Oils....................................................................37 Clive Wheatley...............................................................71 Colin Groom Vehicle Storage.........................................68 College Motors Burford.................................................77 Colne Classics...............................................................85 www.mgcc.co.uk
Crown Classic Cars.......................................................77 Dennis Welch................................................................97 Distributor Doctor...........................................................77 Don Trimming................................................................97 Fishers Services............................................................77 Footman James............................................................63 Frontline ........................................................................34 Get Patina......................................................................49 Halls Garage..................................................................83 Heathrow Transmission.................................................83 Hoyle Suspension..........................................................75 John Woods Motorcare.................................................37 Just Right Autos Ltd......................................................55 Just Tickets...................................................................... 6 Keith Hodder Race Car..................................................61 Kimble Engineering Ltd.................................................83 Longstone Tyres ...........................................................51 Manor Garage ..............................................................96 Martin Smith Used MGTF Spares ................................89 MG Mecca.....................................................................94 MG Motorsport .............................................................81 MG Sales Centre...........................................................41 Midland Classic Restoration............................................ 3
Mike Authurs Classics...................................................97 MJS Auto and Marine...................................................73 Motor Wheel Services...................................................79 NTG Services..............................................................OBC Oselli Ltd........................................................................56 Peter Best........................................................ 83, 97, IBC Prestige MG...................................................................79 Rees Bros......................................................................94 Retro Sports Cars .........................................................71 Rimmer Bros Ltd...........................................................61 RJJ Car Shipping and Transportation ...........................83 Robin Lackford Motor Engineering ...............................89 Scenic Car Tours ................................................19,23,39 Skiptune .......................................................................37 SMR ..............................................................................96 South Coast MG Rover .................................................56 Steve McKie Sports Cars...............................................85 Sussex Classic Car Parts................................................. 6 Sussex Sports Cars.......................................................83 The Hutson Motor Co Ltd................................................ 3 Vitesse Global Ltd .........................................................81 FEBRUARY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 97
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Please check this proof carefully for errors in style, content and layout.
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LOOKING BACK IF YOU CAN TELL US MORE ABOUT ANY OF THESE CARS OR THE EVENTS, WE ARE ALWAYS KEEN TO HEAR FROM YOU AT KIMBER HOUSE; CONTACT THE MGCC ARCHIVIST PETE NEAL ON PETERNEAL@MGCC.CO.UK.
The official publication of The MG Car Club Incorporating ‘The M.G. Magazine’, ‘The Sports Car’ and ‘Brooklands Track and Air’, Safety Fast! Copyright MG Car Club 2017 Editor: Andy Knott 01235 849730 / 01235 555552 andyknott@mgcc.co.uk Deputy Editor: Colin Grant 01235 849733 colingrant@mgcc.co.uk Editorial Committee: William Ball, Dennis Wharf, Andy Knott, Colin Grant, Adam Sloman, Steve Clark PR and Communications: Lauran Gallacher 01235 849735, 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
D
oes the presence of the flag on the right-hand front wing (and the double front number plates) indicate that this magnificent looking MG SA is domiciled in Norway? We would guess that this photo was taken at the MGCC Silverstone meeting, but have no idea when. Can you help?
Printed by: Precision Colour Printing. Haldane, Halesfield 1, Telford, Shropshire TF7 4QQ Tel: 01952 585585
We think this action shot of an MGB GT (LYT 204D) kicking up the dust, may well have been taken at an MGCC Beaulieu event, but cannot be sure. Perhaps you can throw some light on it. This beautifully prepared PB looks as though it may have some racing history. Can you tell us more? We’d also like to know where and when the photograph was taken.
Distributed by: Air Business. Merlin Centre, 4 The, Acrewood Way, St Albans AL4 0JY Tel: 01727 890600 President: John Day Vice Presidents: Ron Gammons, Don Hayter, Peter Best, Bill Silcock. Chairman: Ian Quarrington Vice Chairman: Dave Tynan Treasurer: Richard Colston Directors: Dave Saunders, Paul Plummer, William Ball, Julian White, 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! FEBRUARY 2017
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If visiting The MG Car Club using Sat Nav please use OX14 1AS
www.mgcc.co.uk
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