THE MARQUE OF FRIENDSHIP
January 2017 Volume 61 Number 01 £3.95
THE
CAR
CLUB
LT D
A B I N G D O N - O N -T H A M E S FO U N D E D 193 0
THE START OF SOMETHING SPECIAL ● RIP ON TOUR ● READY FOR THE NEXT RACE… MG_SafetyFast_Jan17_Cover.indd 1
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33 Years of...
T H E
M G B
S P E C I A L I S T S
CALL 01945 00 0 700500 LIMITED ED
www.mgbhive.co.uk
rome Rubber bumper to ch 25.00 bumper conversion £6 or d tte sla of e oic ch honeycombe grill
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s midget r cover kit Alloy rocke 5 om £31.9 and MGB fr
ear opic MGB R Gaz Telesc 9.50 1 rber kit £1 shock abso 209.95 front kits £
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ALL PRICES INCLUDE VAT AT 20% AND ARE CORRECT AT TIM ME OF GOIN NG TO PRESS DAY Closedd OPENING TIMES - MON - FRI 9am-5pm - SATURDAAY & SUND PLL E A SE SEE WEBSITE FOR LATEST CATALOGUE DOWNLOADS AND SPECIAL OFFERS. ALL STEELCRAFT AND HERITAGE PANELS STOCKED AT GREAT PRICES! FOR EXCELLENT DEALS ON WHEEL AND TYRE PACKAGES SPEAK TO SHANE. MAIL ORDER,, NEXT DAY DELIVERY
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www.mgbhive.co.uk
E-mail: sales@mgbhive.co.uk
Online ordering available
WWW.MGBHIVE.CO.UK CALL 01945 700500 FREE MGB HIVE MUG WHEN ORDERING AND MENTIONING SAFETY FAST! MG_SafetyFast_Jan17_Cover.indd 2
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C
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MIDLAND
CLASSIC
R E S T O R AT I O N S
Servicing and MOTs, Restorations, Insurance Work, Full Trim Facilities, Full Race Preparation and Performance Modifications Offering a comprehensive range of services for all types of MGs and any classic motor car 5 minutes from Junction 6 of the M5 at Worcester
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Call 01905 622166
Page 1
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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
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www.mgcc.co.uk
JULY 2016 SAFETY FAST! 3
www.mgcc.co.uk
JANUARY 2017 SAFETYFAST! 3
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Inside this issue Regulars
65
Luffield Championship
7
Club Matters and Kimber House News
66
Out and About
70
Overseas Review
8
News
72
Centre Updates
12
Products
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, how can you get involved?
14
RIP on Tour Part I The story of Dave and Laurel Godwin’s epic adventures in RIP, their MGA
20
MG Midget Register Aldon Automotive shoot-out Report on the annual Midget Register Rolling Road Day
29
The Start of Something Special Steve Swann and his MGB GT
35
Vantastic Part IV The story of the MGCC ZR Express
56 Advertorial Mirror Trim, established in 2008. Mirror Trim is a family-run business specialising in manufacture and supply of MG Interiors and Trim 59
Ready for the Next Race Pete Macwaters gives a behind-the-scenes view of how the MG Trophy Championship is organised
69
Overseas News MG Car Club Danish Centre, Man of the Future?
20
Newsletters 38
T Type Newsletter The MGCC T Register 2017 Calendar of Events, Where are they now?
45
Magnette Newsletter An unexpected day spent with Magnette racing driver Peter Clarke, 2017 Events
50
MGC Newsletter 50 Years of the MGC Roadster and MGC GT..., MGs – It’s a Way of Life!
29
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
Chris Lewis’s MG ZB Magnette that’s been in the family for 40 years, pictured in an Oxfordshire lane. Photo: Colin Grant
14
@mgcarclub
FO U N D E D 193 0
www.mgcc.co.uk
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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
With the value of the modern MGs still relatively low, I’ve now heard of a couple of nice examples of Zed cars that have sustained very minor damage, ie front wing or door being dented, that have been deemed uneconomical to repair so have been written off by the insurance company. I’ve recently helped a friend keep his MG on the road after some minor damage caused by another car. The assessor who inspected my friend’s car immediately proclaimed that the car was a ‘write-off’ due to the car’s low value. After speaking with the assessor’s company, and supplying the company with examples of three similar cars currently for sale and worth more than the valuation they put on my friend’s car, it was agreed they would fi x the car. If you are ever in the unfortunate situation where you do need to carry out repairs to your car, don’t forget that XPart, suppliers of OEM spares for MG Rover cars, run their Close Call Programme. Close Call was introduced by XPart in an attempt to help reduce the number of MG Rover cars that were being written off by insurers. Aimed at category C and D write-offs, claimants submit a list of replacement parts that are required to repair the vehicle. The list is reviewed by the XPart team and, if possible, a revised price offer is made for the cost of the parts to try and ensure that parts cost is not a factor in the car being written off. Since the programme’s introduction, more than 80 per cent of claims have resulted in the revised offer being accepted and the car being saved. I am pleased to say that the modern MGs do have a loyal following, as is evident at the MGF events and Zed15 this year, and more are being saved and are now in the hands of enthusiasts. I do hope you all had a nice Christmas, and are now looking forward to the MG year ahead. Don’t forget to check on www.mgcc.com for all the events; many Centres have a New Year’s Day run to blow away the cobwebs. Until next month, drive safely. Andy Knott
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www.mgcc.co.uk
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CHAIRMANS NOTES BY IAN QUARRINGTON
A
Happy New Year to everyone. I hope you all enjoyed a restful and peaceful time over the recent holidays. What a year we have in prospect for 2017 with many significant Register and Centre celebrations to look forward to, Y Register, C Register and Caledonian Centre, to mention just three. If you haven’t yet had a chance to see or read about plans for this year, please take a few minutes to look at what is on offer from the Centres, Registers and Branches of the Club. Remember, all the events are open to you all, wherever you live and whichever MG car(s) you may drive. I will take this opportunity to tell you more about the Y Register’s plans for next year, because recently I have been listening to some comments that it is all too easy to forget that MG didn’t always just make two-seater sports cars. The saloon cars are sometimes put into the background by the fame of the T types and Midget, then MGB, MGC and V8s which followed. The anniversary
of the Y Types will be quite a rare event in the MG world as it is a 70th Anniversary, only the second post-1945 production model anniversary following the TC in 2015. The Y Type, though low in numbers compared with the TC and TD, nonetheless provided the innovative breakthrough that enabled the TD, MGA, MGB, Midget, right through to the V8 and MGC, to incorporate independent front suspension and rack and pinion steering. The Register will be attending a number of events next year and the South East Centre has kindly invited them to the Brooklands MG Era Day on April 2, where they will have a key location in the setting of the facility with parking reserved for 20 Ys. There are then a number of specific events commencing with a Spring Weekend in May, which Chris Callaghan is working on to get 70 Y’s present, the Round Britain Relay, MG Live!, MG Europe in Portugal which a number of Register members are attending, and the Autumn Trip to the Isle of Wight. From
KIMBER HOUSE NEWS
It was the first time that most of the visitors had seen the new Bill Wallis Wing archive, which ex-MG employee and current MG Car Club Archivist Peter Neal was only too happy to show his former colleagues. Each visitor that attended was presented with a group picture from the day, a copy of Safety Fast!, Speckled Hen and some other MGrelated goodies. We’d like to give a gentle reminder to members that Kimber House will be closed until Monday January 9 2017.
O
n Wednesday December 7, Kimber House played host to the annual MG ex-workers Christmas reunion party. It was the first time it had been held since 2014, after last year’s event couldn’t be arranged due the Bill Wallis Wing building work. Over 60 MG ex-workers attended the function, organised by Vito Orlando, giving former employees the chance to meet up and reminisce about the time they built cars we all know and love.
www.mgcc.co.uk
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these events a good deal of publicity will be generated to promote interest in the model and the MG Car Club. All in all, a very full year ahead for the Y Register. I know the staff at Kimber House already have a very full diary to work with and please remember that they are there to support you and your MG. If you would like some help in promoting an event in any way, please call the team. This year they will be working in a much easier (and dust- and noise-free!) environment, now that the building works associated with the Bill Wallis Archive Wing are very much complete. This leads me very nicely on to visitors to Kimber House. Visitors are always welcome but please do phone ahead so we can be prepared for you. It is often easy to forget that Kimber House is a working environment, a very busy office (you might be amazed at the number of telephone calls and email enquiries we deal with every day) and it is great to be able to accommodate visitors to our home, provided we have some notice that you would like to come along. Finally from me, another event to promote. The Club will be having a stand at the NEC Autosport Show again this year, on January 12-15. This was a very successful venture for us in 2016 and we would be delighted to see as many of you as we can again this year.
The former MG workers enjoyed their day at Kimber House
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NEWS
MARQUE OF FRIENDSHIP AWARD
MGCC Director George Wilder Presents Bernard with his Marque of Friendship Award
MGB Register stalwart, Bernard Rengger, recently received the converted Marque of Friendship award in front of fellow MGB Register committee members, both past and present. Bernard had this to say at the presentation: “I would like to express my sincere thanks to the MGB Register and the Board of the MGCC for the presentation of the Marque of Friendship award. I feel very honoured. “Over the 21 years I have been involved with the MGB Register and the even longer time with the MGCC, I have become aware that the real heart of the Club is that, whilst we all share an interest in MG, the real bond comes not from the car but from the people who make the Club, be it either as owners/drivers/wives/partners etc. I have come to realise that the more any individual puts in the more they get out. The fact that the committee members present today have all worked together for many years demonstrates how important the Marque of Friendship is to the ongoing success of the MGCC. Thank you all on behalf of Judy and myself.”
MGB REGISTER WEBSITE
The new MGB Register website is now available at www.mgb-register.org
VINTAGE REGISTER AGM
Venue: Shillingford Bridge Hotel, Shillingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8LZ Date: Sunday March 5 2017 Time: 10.30-11.00am Agenda 1. Welcome and apologies for absence
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News and Event information is available, including entry forms for the Spring run on April 9, as well as details of the MGB Register weekend in September. With links to the MGB forum and MGB Shop, you can ask questions as well as order the latest MGB grille badge and lapel badges that are now available. Do we have your MGB on the Register database? If not you can now register your car directly on the website. 2. To receive the Minutes of the previous AGM 3. Acceptance of AGM minutes 4. Chairman’s Report 5. Treasurer’s Report 6. Stand down/rotation election of officers 7. Any Other Business
MG FWD REGISTER’S AGM
Date: Saturday February 4 2017. Time: 1.30pm for refreshments with a 2.00pm start. Venue: Kimber House, 12 Cemetery Road, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 1AS Agenda 1. Welcome and introduction 2. Apologies for absence 3. Approval of the minutes of the 2015 AGM 4. Matters arising 5. Chair’s Report 6. Treasurer’s Report and annual statement of accounts 7 Other Committee Members’ Reports 8. Election of Committee Members 9. Any Other Business All welcome and for further information please contact Ben Hatton at ben2692@ hotmail.co.uk
MGB REGISTER AGM
Venue: The MG Car Club Ltd, Kimber House, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 1AS Date: Saturday February 25 2017 Time: Starting at 10.30am Agenda 1. Apologies for absence 2. Minutes of last AGM 3. Chairman’s report 4. Treasurer’s report & adoption of accounts 5. Secretary’s report 6. Registrar’s report 7. Election of Committee, Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer 8. AOB Chairman’s closing remarks All MGB Register members are able to attend. For more information please contact the secretary Neil Hyett, contact details on the Register website.
TYNE-TEES CENTRE AGM
Venue: Coulby Manor, Coulby Manor Way, Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough, TS8 0RP Date: Thursday February 9 2017 Time: 8.00pm Agenda 1. Apologies for absence 2. Approval of the Minutes of the 2016 AGM 3. Matters arising from the above 4. Chairman’s Report 5. Secretary’s Report 6. Membership Secretary’s Report 7. Treasurer’s Report and adoption of the Accounts 8. Election of Officers 9. Election of the Committee 10. Any Other Business
www.mgcc.co.uk
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NEWS
CALLING YOUNG ENGINEERS Birmingham-based SAIC Motor UK Technical Centre (SMTC UK), the sister company of MG Motor UK, has launched its 2017 internship programme, in a search for the engineering talent of tomorrow. Having selected seven aspiring engineering graduates in September 2016 to the year-long internship programme, the company is now on the hunt for its class of 2017. Commencing in September next year, the course covers a diverse range of topics including electronic engineering, powertrain, advanced engineering, body structures, vehicle performance, chassis engineering and vehicle styling. To fi nd out more about the SAIC UK graduate opportunities, please go to: http://www.saicmotor.co.uk/ careers-graduate.aspx
SOCIAL MEDIA NEWS
The biggest social media news this month is that the MGCC has offi cially joined Drive Tribe – the latest venture from the stars of The Grand Tour, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May. The website/app described as ‘Facebook groups, but much better looking’ has just recently launched, offers users who sign up the chance to join different ‘tribes’ which could range from ‘best driving roads’ to ‘the MG Car Club’. Within each ‘tribe’ is unique content ranging from stunning photos to features and stories. If you have signed up to the new app be sure to follow the Club by searching for us. After last month’s push for the 2016 Photo of the Year competition, we’ve collected various entries via email and social media, so thank you to those who have entered. The winner will be announced in the New Year. Remember to keep tagging us in your photos across all of our social media channels, and if there does happen to be snow during the festive period – be snap-happy and get tagging!
The Club’s Drive Tribe page
www.mgcc.co.uk
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MGLIVE!
MGLIVE!
– VOLUNTEERS MATTER
Vicky Ball, wife of MG Car Club Director William Ball, started volunteering at MGLive! a few years ago. Below she explains how she got involved. Volunteers make a massive difference to MGLive: without them we wouldn’t be able to put the event on.
F
or several years, I would wave my husband goodbye as he headed off for Silverstone, usually with a car full of camping equipment, to go to MGLive! It held no appeal for me, but after a while and with the promise of hotel accommodation (albeit budget) I did eventually take the plunge. Having spent
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a weekend with William at MGLive! I thought I’d done all I could (or wanted to). However, time went by and when the next year came along I wanted to go again, intrigued by new events and stands being advertised, but I felt a whole weekend was perhaps too much. To my delight, I found I could volunteer and ‘do something’. This suited me perfectly, as William’s role
during these weekends meant he had a variety of jobs to do, so at times I would be on my own. As a volunteer I could be of help and meet people as well as having a look round the many stands, events and, of course, cars My volunteer role has been the same each year since – I help on the MGCC stand. My first year I handed out programmes and chatted to people as they waited to speak to the Kimber House team. People want to meet the person they speak to on the phone or they might be signing up as new, or rejoining, members and, of course, they sometimes have questions. The next year I began signing people up too and was hooked on my new ‘role’. The Kimber House team are wonderful and it’s a privilege to help them. They work
www.mgcc.co.uk
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MGLIVE!
so hard and rarely have a lunch break, but at least having volunteers around means they can have 10 minutes’ rest occasionally.
AS A VOLUNTEER I COULD BE OF HELP AND MEET PEOPLE AS WELL AS HAVING A LOOK ROUND THE MANY STANDS, EVENTS AND, OF COURSE, CARS I have been so impressed with what I see – the work I don’t see in the months running up to MGLive! and the work I see during the weekend. There’s so many things to organise and bring the multitude of events together – racing, the Lifestyle tent (my favourite), the traders, refreshment and food tents, entertainment in the Arena, Concours and Pride of Ownership, circuit tours, Register parking and, of course, camping. I may have missed something out in my list as I don’t know all the things that happen, but to see it all come together is amazing. Anyone who has organised a family meal out will know it’s not easy getting everything to come together on the day. MGLive! is just another world in organising. As well as the MGCC stand, all the Registers and Centres have stands and are manned by a whole host of volunteers, some really entering the theme of the weekend by dressing up and certainly everyone by giving their time and enthusiasm. So if, like me, you don’t think you could manage a whole weekend, why not find out what opportunities there might be for volunteering and ‘do something’. You’ll find the weekend takes on a new meaning and becomes really very enjoyable.
www.mgcc.co.uk
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When someone mentions the word volunteering, what do you think of? Spending a few hours coaching sport on the weekend? Helping out at the local Cub Scouts? What if we told you that certain volunteering can be linked to your hobbies and even your chosen career path – would it then appeal to you? MGLive! relies on volunteers every year to put the event together, and some may be surprised to hear this but without their help, the event genuinely would not go ahead. As a Club we are always looking for new volunteers to help in any which way they can. We have a variety of roles on the weekend that range from managing the live arena and working alongside the high-profile acts that perform in there, to co-ordinating the Pride of Ownership and even judging the competition. We also have space on the MGLive! Committee for people that might have some new ideas, and are able to offer
their experience and enthusiasm to improve the event. Roles here can vary from the planning and delivery of the live arena, researching and writing copy for the programme, designing the layout of the main marquee and much more. You might now be asking, well, what’s in it for me? If MGs are your passion, then working with them surely ticks off the enjoyment box. Some of the roles identified above and many others can be a great addition to your CV, especially if you’re a younger MG fan. Each volunteer that commits to a day of volunteering at MGLive! gets a weekend ticket absolutely free, with half a day’s work getting a day ticket. The satisfaction of helping put on the largest MG event in the world is a unique feeling, and if you think you’re able to help the team, however small or large, please contact Adam Sloman (adam@mgcc.co.uk) and Lauran Gallacher (lauran@mgcc.co.uk) at Kimber House. We look forward to hearing from you.
If you, or an organisation you know would like to find out about the sponsorship and partnership opportunities at MGLive! please get in touch with either Adam Sloman or Lauran Gallacher. We have a number of packages available and would be happy discuss in more detail. We’d also be very interested in hearing from any company who would be able to support the event by donating their services at no charge – for example, we’d love to have a big screen at the event but haven’t ever had the budget for it. MGLive! is the MG Car Club’s premier event, attracting visitors from right across the globe. If you would like to get involved, and help to raise the profile of any organisation to a much wider audience, please get in touch!
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PRODUCTS IF YOU HAVE A NEW PRODUCT THAT WOULD BE OF INTEREST TO OUR MEMBERS, AND WOULD LIKE TO SEE IT IN SAFET Y FAST! WHY NOT CONTACT COLIN GRANT AT COLINGRANT@MGCC.CO.UK
MG TD AND TF STEERING BOSS – IMPROVED DESIGN FROM BROWN & GAMMONS MG Brown & Gammons, the MG specialist based in Baldock, have just finished the manufacture of a new steering boss for the MG TD and TF. The new Moto-Lita type boss offers a superior fit and alignment procedure to the steering. This is due to the new boss having 108 fitting options, which is a big improvement on the nine options on the standard boss. The new bosses from Brown & Gammons are manufactured in the UK and come with a polished finish. The part number for the new boss is MLB8BG and it is priced at £89.95 including VAT. To order, of for more details, contact Brown & Gammons on 01462 490049 or visit their website at www.ukmgparts.com
SILVERSTONE RACING DRIVERS SURVIVAL KIT Silverstone Real Ale is proud to announce that we have found a way to make all surrogate Father Christmases happy on December 25-26 and beyond. Our band of Merry Brewers has developed the ‘Racing Drivers Survival Kit’ for drivers who enjoy their motorsport and their beer. Survival Kit Contents: A bottle each of our damned good CAMRA award-winning PitStop and Chequered Flag Beers…together with a couple of Silverstone Real Ale Pint Glasses, a Silverstone Real Ale Raceday Cap, some SRA Beer Mats and our drinkers manual…all presented in a lovely wooden beer box for just £35.00. Order now on: www.silverstonerealale.com For more info, or to be driven round the bend, call us on: 07411 110075 or 07918 031464 or email robert@silverstonerealale.com
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REVISED THERMOSTAT FROM DISCOUNT MG ROVER SPARES Discount MG Rover Spares have a revised version of the M47 thermostat fitted to all MGZT diesels that shouldn’t suffer with the ‘early opening problem’ the original items do. They have had these made up by a thermostat manufacturer with tried-and-tested parts, and offer a two-year warranty on this item. Only a limited number are available in the first production run. This item is designated as the ‘V3’ of the CDTi thermostat – V1 was fitted to early production models and V2 on all subsequent models (and is the OEM version sold everywhere else). They have these fitted to their own fleet – and report that the operating temperature tends to be between 91 and 94 degrees. Ideal for maximum fuel economy. For more information contact: Discount MG Rover Spares, 42 Berry St, Skelmersdale, Lancs WN8 8QZ or email sales@dmgrs.co.uk.
www.mgcc.co.uk
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RIP ON TOUR B Part I by Dave Godwin. Photos by Dave Godwin and Stuart Mumby
Dave Godwin looks back at how amazing our classic MGs can change the direction and substance of our lives... We learn a new language and skills, we acquire a new set of friends, we seek out “MG roads”, we visit places we never thought we ever would, and all this while driving an open classic MG with one’s soul mate in the passenger seat. Can life get any better than this on earth? Read on….
eing a Mechanical Engineer, people often make the assumption that I am a mechanic – which could not be further from the truth! I learnt all about stresses and strains at university but could not replace a head gasket if my life depended on it. And, I had no interest to learn the workings of an engine either, as cars were merely a form of transport for me – adventure was my passion! Fast forward 30 years and three petrol stations later – all with workshops leased to “real” mechanics – and the thought occurred to me one day in 2004: it might be nice to have a little, red E-Type Jag roadster in my garage at home one day!
Dave and Laurel RIP
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www.mgcc.co.uk
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Rimmer A5 LANDSCAPE ad_Layout 1 18/07/2013 16:01 Page 12
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www.mgcc.co.uk
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Early days with the RIP
Casually, I picked up a copy of the latest Just Cars magazine and flipped over to the “Jagyewah” section – and, Holy Ghost, I got a fright! There was this red E-Type roadster sitting there with a price tag of $85,000! The most I had EVER paid for a car was $5,000! I was in shock! Flicking over a few more pages while my brain caught up with my emotions, I came across the “MG” section and there was a red MGA roadster for sale – which looked “exactly” like an E-Type to me – for “only” $30,000. I called and offered $20,000 sight unseen. I figured that there was no point looking at a car when I didn’t know what I was looking at. The answer was a resounding “No”! Having lost all interest in this “classic car caper”, I reverted to running my businesses. Many months later, my father informed me that “the red MGA was back in Just Cars magazine, still at $30,000”. I called again, introduced myself as having offered $20,000 some months before and asked if he would accept $20,000 now. The answer was a hesitant “Yes”! Excited, I was the proud owner of a classic car at last! Little did I know what I was getting myself into!!! It was obviously “perfect” in every way, so I joined the local MG club and entered it into their Concours d’Elegance – she was sure to be a winner – not only in her class, but also overall! She didn’t get a mention. Another disappointment!
The judges in white coats either didn’t know a perfect MGA when they saw one, or I had unrealistic expectations! Around that time, the Queensland Transport Department was looking at additional ways of soliciting funds from the motoring public and decided to offer personalised number plates for sale. As our self-managed superannuation (pension) fund was called RIP Super Fund, it seemed like a good idea to choose RIP as my MGA’s registration number. Why RIP Super Fund? Well, I wouldn’t want to Rest in Hell, so Rest in Peace sounded like an obvious choice for a Super Fund. However, one of my “concerned” sons didn’t like the connotation that RIP represented, so coined the phrase Retire in Paradise. We were now all happy! Except for some of my MG
friends at the Gold Coast MG Car Club! Many a time, an MG would pull in next to RIP, notice the number plate and reverse out again, only to park down the road a little. Soon after joining the Gold Coast MG Car Club, a note appeared in our Club magazine inviting interested parties to share a container to ship MGAs to the UK in 2005 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the MGA. Laurel and I took five seconds to apply! So, in the summer of 2005, RIP spent a wonderful month on the continent travelling through France, Germany, Austria and Switzerland – up and down the numerous mountain passes and back again, just to hear the exhaust note straining up and the over-run crackling down… Like pure music to my ears! I love that car! Even though we found 16 broken spokes on one rear wheel when we returned to the UK. Another month was spent driving around the UK with 74 other MGA couples – MG friends that we hadn’t met yet. The original intention of the organisers was to visit the MG
Australia Day 2008
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MGAs crossing the Seven Bridge
workshops of old, but too few remained, so the two-week trip became known as the “MGA Around Britain Tour”. Laurel and I got to know many lovely MG people and as a result, our International MG Friendship base was cast in cement. Being absolutely truthful, I do have an admitted weakness – or two! And, one of them is that I HAVE to do what I SAY I will do! Stupidly enough, while in the UK, I innocently said to one of our new MG friends that I would like to drive from Peking to Paris one day. It just slips off the tongue, doesn’t it? So easy to say! Well; before I could retract that statement, I was given the details of a Chinese chap who had competed in the fi rst re-enactment of the original Peking to Paris rally held in 1907! One thing led to another and a deal was struck: Pen Yew would lead me along the Silk Road in his MGA if I took him to Africa – a continent he had not visited before.
RIP and Dave at the Imperial Hotel, Fort William
Knowing absolutely nothing about cars and how they tick – and realising how absolutely lucky we were not to have had a breakdown while overseas (except for the 16 spokes that couldn’t handle the mountain passes of Switzerland, of course) a plan had to be made to increase my mechanical knowledge level from zero to 100% in a short time. Enter “Dan, the MGA man”! I decided that a crash course in repairing MGAs was in order, so I fi tted a hoist in my “coke and oil” shed – the excess coke and oil was packed into the shop where it belongs – and Dan gave me detailed advice: undo everything! Just like that! So I bought a set of imperial spanners – including an imperial multi-wrench - and stripped RIP down to the last nut, bolt and washer.
Getting ready for the off from the Imperial Hotel, Fort William
To make a long story short, RIP was off the road for 9 months and I enjoyed the exercise thoroughly, but could only honestly say I now knew no more than 20% of the mechanicals of classic cars… There is just so much to learn, especially when one is coming from such a low base! Now that RIP was rebuilt and looking fabulous, I felt that I needed to test my new-found mechanical confi dence, so Laurel and I decided to do a trip across Australia over the winter of 2007. I bought a wheel chair trailer, fi tted a coffi n body to it and registered it as “Coffi n”. RIP ‘n Coffi n covered 17,500km with only having to repair a stuck carburettor fl oat by tapping the bowl. With a small hammer! We travelled from the Gold Coast to Longreach, up to Karumba, across to
MGAs at Spittal of Glenshee
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MGAs arrive at the picturesque Yorkshire Market town of Malton
Ayres Rock, down to Port Augusta and across the Nullarbor to Perth and surrounds. Then back again across the Nullarbor to Adelaide and home. All with the hood down. What a lovely experience. Travelling the Outback should be part of the school curriculum in Australia, we maintain. Get to understand the soul of the country. What makes it tick! We were now ready to go further afield, although I was acutely aware that I had not been seriously challenged by RIP as yet! RIP ‘n Coffin signed up to tour the length of New Zealand, along with members of the Gold Coast MG Car Club in 2008 and, other than a failed hydraulic brake-light switch, behaved impeccably. Visiting iconic places such as the Milford Sound,
Rotorua and the Bay of Islands in RIP ‘n Coffin and riding the steam train from Christchurch to Greymouth was the makings of a wonderful three-week holiday with like-minded MG friends. Soon after returning home, RIP – without Coffin – was shipped to Durban, South Africa, to join Pen Yew and to fulfil my part of the deal. We met members of the local MG Club, drove in convoy through the Transkei to the local national MG meeting, called an Indaba, in Port Elizabeth and made more lovely MG friends over the long weekend. Later, we joined a group of classic car people from Johannesburg and drove through the mountains of Swaziland, the poorly kept roads of Mozambique, beautiful Malawi, even worse roads in Tanzania and on to Nairobi, Kenya, to a hero’s
Eucla near the West Australia and South Australia border 18 SAFETY FAST! JANUARY 2017
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welcome, organised by the local classic car club. RIP had arrived without one ounce of trouble – and won a prize for being The Best-Prepared MG. My newly acquired mechanical knowledge still had not been tested as RIP was behaving herself too well! Fearing that my mechanical knowledge was still seriously lacking when considering driving RIP from Peking to Paris – and RIP not wanting to test me – something further had to be done to teach me diagnostic and repair skills on MGs. A very good MG friend “advised” me to start up a classic car business so that I would have friendly staff to share their knowledge with me. Yeah, right! How much would THAT cost! However, that is precisely what I did in 2010 and managed to “import” two ex-BMC mechanics from the UK to help set up Classic Car Clinic and get things under way. I’m pleased to say that I now have a thriving classic car restoration business and do, indeed, have access to a lovely bunch of knowledgeable mechanics from different parts of the world to assist with maintaining my now-growing British classic car and motorcycle collection. Back to RIP. Isn’t it interesting that just when everything in life seems to be going well, a curve ball enters from nowhere! After organising the China trip from start to finish – shipping, visas, vehicle requirements, accommodation, guides in countries that demanded we
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use them – Pen Yew emailed me to say that he had hurt his back and could not fulfi l his part of the arrangement. What was I supposed to do now? Remember, I have to do what I say I will do! I know I have a sort of adventurous personality, but not THAT adventurous as to drive through countries I couldn’t even spell, with Laurel and RIP, all on our own! To me, that was just plain foolish. However, if I could only fi nd a few MG Tragics to join me on a long drive… I placed an “Expression of Interest” article in MG magazines in the USA, the UK, France, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia, outlining a proposed route, including a “gentle drive along the Silk Road”. After all, we would be the fi rst MGs to ever drive from the MG factory in China to the MG factory in the UK. Surely that would get a few responses. And it did! I received fi ve responses – all with classic cars but no suitable MGs – and all from Australia! No-one from the UK, USA, South Africa, etc. Why is it that Aussies are such adventurers? That title used to be held by the Portuguese,
RIP being serviced in Nairobi
Spanish, French and the English! The entrants – who were soon to become very good friends – went out and bought MGBs, prepared them to within an inch of their lives and loaded them into containers, destined for Tianjin, the port of Beijing. This was 2010 and the dream was about to become bigger… Driving one’s own car in China is not an easy thing to do. Nor is it cheap. The car has to undergo a roadworthy check and receive a
Chinese number plate. The driver also has to undergo a health check and then pass a driving test – thankfully with the help of a translator. At this stage, one is allowed to drive on Chinese roads, but only with a Government-approved guide in tow. Our MGs, being two-seaters with every seat occupied, we had to pay for a 4x4 to accompany us, with a driver, as the guide was not allowed to be a driver and a guide. How is that for red tape!
Dave and Laurel with RIP in the UK
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As his car is prepared Tom Ward seems unsure what to expect, while Chris Hale looks on with interest
MG MIDGET REGISTER ALDON AUTOMOTIVE SHOOT-OUT
A
n unusually mild, if slightly damp, morning greeted the now normal eclectic collection of cars which had gathered for the Register’s annual shoot-out at Aldon Automotive, this being the ninth such occasion. In addition to seven quite differing Spridgets, we had a very nice Morris Minor Traveller, plus an MG TC which had motored across from Ludlow. As is customary the Spridgets ranged through three A series-engined cars, two of these being slightly modified, two K series conversions, and an alternative engine transplant, this being David Hunt’s Ford Zetec-engined
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car that we had seen last year. In fact, no less than five of the entrants had been along before, with Anthony Cutler also making his usual appearance to see how well the ‘K’ cars were performing. As mentioned before, I really enjoy this day for both the technical interest and the people we meet. It’s a perfect combination of the social with the technical. Most owners drive away with a better-performing car, and for a very modest fee, too, the standard or unmodified cars seeming to gain the most out of the day. Led as always by Roger and Andy who were typically very conscientious and open about the whole process.
This year they were assisted by Dan, Aldon’s new and enthusiastic apprentice. It always surprises how much you can learn, be it from your own car’s session or from another, so huge thanks to them and Alan Goodwin for opening up on an autumnal Saturday for our members. So it’s over to James Thacker for his detailed report of how the cars performed, but please note Saturday October 28 2017 will see us gather for the 10th Aldon – a decade of shoot-outs. Can you afford to miss it…? 01296 714232 or dennis.wharf@ btinternet.com for further details. Dennis Wharf
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Owner’s name: Arthur Plant, who lives near Stoke-on-Trent, is a retired manufacturer of pottery. He has owned the car for five years. Car type//Registration number: 1972 MkIII Midget, Black, XPX 276L. Engine type/capacity: 1275cc. Modifications: (cam, head, carbs, etc) LCB, K&N filters and stub stacks, Kenlowe fan, electronic ignition, single box exhaust. Owner’s expected power output: Power in 2014 was 61bhp. I am expecting about the same as last time, still runs well with suggested needle change from HV2 to H6, (Aldon did not have any of the latter needles in stock at the time), but tick-over uneven.
Actual power output: 62bhp@5550rpm Torque: 69lb/ft @ 3590rpm Owner’s comments: Extremely pleased, it is still in such good shape, will enjoy the drive home. R/R operative’s comments: Rich at tick-over, balanced carbs, adjusted to give full throttle opening. Mixture at full throttle much better now and small increase in power. Writer’s comment: Two years ago Arthur seemed delighted, having invested £5,000 in his Midget and is still very much enjoying owning this very nice car. He has since contacted me and said he was very pleased with how the car was running since being at Aldon.
Owner’s name: Andy Kirk, a retired chartered quantity surveyor and heritage building cost consultant from Corfton in Shropshire. Andy owned an MG TA, TC and TF between 1964 and 1970, then, 40 years later, bought this TC six years ago. Car type/registration number: 1947 MG TC Red, BFK 744. This car was previously owned by well-known Midland MGCC member, Mike Barnett from the mid-1960s up until he very sadly died. Mike used to regularly take part in MGCC sprint events in this car. Engine type/capacity: 1350cc. Modifications: (cam, head, carbs, etc) Balanced crank and rods, gas
flowed head, TF valves and carbs, AEG 122 camshaft (252/252 degrees, standard TC was 247/256 degrees) 10.3 to 1 C/R 1½” carbs and short stub stack ram pipes, Kim Johnson Full Throttle Racing tubular extractor manifold. Owner’s expected power output: 62bhp. Actual power output: 56bhp @ 4830rpm with curve still rising on the power graph. Torque: 61lb/ft @ 4250rpm. Owner’s comments: Relieved it did not blow up! R/R operative’s comments: Main jet cork seal on rear carb needs replacing
Roger at the wheel of Arthur Plant’s very nice Midget
Standard engine of Arthur Plant’s
as there is a very slight leak. Carbs balanced and BP 7ES long reach plugs used by previous owner for sprints (with extra washers) changed for softer standard reach BP 6HS as more suitable for road work. Rich at idle fouled up plug, mixture at load OK all round. Mechanical rev counter reading about 500rpm slow at 3,000rpm. Writer’s comments: The object of putting this 69-year-old car on the
Modified XPAG in Andy’s TC
A pensive Andy Kirk drives into the workshop 22 SAFETY FAST! JANUARY 2017
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Andy Kirk looks unsure about all this impending high-revs stuff. I know just how he feels...!
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18/01/2016 10:43 Page 1
Building engines and supplying cylinder heads for the Midget and MGB for over 30 years. All engines are built in our own workshop and come complete with flywheel, clutch, water pump and front pulley and are ready to ‘drop in’. We can also rebuild your existing engine. We supply standard unleaded cylinder heads as well as our renowned Stage 2 fast road heads. Please check website for full cylinder head specs.
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Please check website for full engine specs. All the above prices include VAT
Engines and Cylinder heads are sold on an exchange basis. If no exchange unit is available please add £550 to the price of a Midget engine £250 MGB. If you are looking to rebuild your own engine we also stock the full range of parts you will require from pistons to bearing, reconditioned rocker assemblies to genuine Payen Gasket Sets.
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rollers was to check the fuelling at mid-range revs and ignition timing etc, more than seeing a max power reading. We can only speculate what the power would have been at say 5,500rpm.rather than 4,830rpm. Looking at the power curve and
contemporary tuning manuals for XPAG engines, I would estimate max power would be in the region of around 64/ 66bhp. It might be worth checking that the dynamo pulley is the correct diameter as the mechanical rev counter is so far out.
Owner’s name: Kim Johnson from Droitwich, Worcestershire, is a retired Austin/ Rover engineer who became Director of MG Sport and Racing. (Safety Fast! interview Feb 2010). Kim has competed in speed events for many years in a black Modsports Midget, MG RV8, and Mallock sports racing car, also owns a 1954 MGTF. Car type/registration number: 1969 Morris Minor Traveller, Almond green, WFH 770H, owned for six years. Engine type/capacity: A series 1293cc Morris Marina engine. Modifications: (cam, head, carbs, etc) Metro HIF 44 single carb, Kent 246 “Sports Torque” cam (252/252 degrees, same duration as the 1960s 1275cc Cooper S cam but with a bit more lift), 9.2 to1 C/R, standard Sprite head and valves, Metro manifold adapted for in-line engine, Aldon rebuilt dizzy on points. Ford type nine fi ve-speed gearbox, tramp bars, RC40 silencer, Minilite wheels. Owner’s expected power output: Low to mediocre; anything around 64bhp would be great. Actual power output 67bhp @ 5,230rpm Torque: 75lb/ft @ 3,160rpm. Owner’s comments: Pleasantly surprised – survival is all...! R/R operative’s comments: 30degrees max advance, all very good. Strange intermittent richness on tick-over at the end of one of the power runs, perhaps needs a carb overhaul sometime. Writer’s comment: It is good to see that the genial, ex-Longbridge, retired engineer has got all his sums right. By the narrowest of margins, ‘Morris’ produced the best torque fi gure of the four A series engines here today, which shows that the Kent 246 cam lived up to its name. Note the max torque is at a useful 3,160rpm.
Lovely Morris Minor of Kim Johnson, with an RC40 sounded nothing like a Minor
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In a subsequent email from Andy, he said the car was going extremely well and had benefi ted in mid-range as a result of the fettling on the carbs and plug change. I understand that by coincidence both Andy and his TC reach a signifi cant age within 11 days of each other in March 2017.
Owner’s name: John Austerfi eld has his own company that manufactures elevated roofs for camper vans and lives in Selby, Yorkshire. Car type//Registration number: 1968 MkIII Midget OKO 455G, Blue Royale, car owned for fi ve years. Engine type/capacity: 1900 K series. Modifications: (cam, head, carbs, etc) Scholar VVC triple cut valve seat head, 285 degree cams, Omex ECU, Quaife LSD, Peter May half shafts, fi ve-speed gearbox. Owner’s expected power output: 200+bhp (From my records this car was on the rollers in 2012 with 1800cc engine and 270 degree cams giving 177bhp @ 7,300rpm and 132lb/ft @6530rpm). Actual power output: 185bhp @ 7,400rpm. Torque: 139@ 6495rpm. Owner’s comments: Ouf; there’s been a horse thief!
John Austerfield’s car being monitored by Anthony while Roger checks his laptop too
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Owner’s name: Steve Clark, who lives near Oxford and is a freelance project engineer. We have seen Steve’s A series speed event Midget twice before on the rollers at Aldon. Car type/registration number: 1972 MkIII Midget, CUJ 626L, White. Rebuilt on Heritage shell, well-known exTamsin (nee Fisher) and James Hebditch car used in racing and speed events. Engine type/capacity: K series 1800cc. Modifications: (cam, head, carbs, etc) Non VVC head, forged pistons, MGF cams, Omex ECU, QED throttle bodies, solid lifters, Frontline suspension, Tran X LSD.
R/R operative’s comments: Comparing the two power graphs of 2012 and today, it has gained in some places, over 4,000rpm, and lost in others, 2-3,500rpm. Writer’s comments: Consistent with John’s trade, he drove down from Yorkshire in a van just wide enough between the internal wheel arches to accommodate the Midget. Despite John’s apparent disappointment, his car would end up producing the highest power output on the day.
John and James talk figures
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Steve Clark trying to convert David Hunt from Ford to a K power
Owner’s expected power output: 160 to 170bhp. Actual power output: 178bhp @ 7,030rpm Torque: 142lb/ft @ 6,145rpm. Owner’s comments: Very good.
Owner’s name: David Hunt who is a vet and lives in Stockport. Car type//Registration number: 1969 MkIII Midget, White, WUC 249G, owned for 18 years. David carried out the engine transplant himself and all other work to the car. Engine type/capacity: Ford Zetec 1998cc. Modifications: (cam, head, carbs, etc) New zero miles engine, standard apart from a programmable Omex 600 ECU, and a different induction plenum from last time (Kitspares – see later), Minilites, roll over bar, Frontline conversion on front and back, 9” and 8” discs, Quaife LSD, Peter May half shafts. At this event in 2013 the old engine capacity was 1796cc when it gave 125bhp @ 6,750rpm and 105lb/ft @ 3,325rpm. Owner’s expected power output: 150bhp and I will be happy. Actual power output: 162bhp @ 6,830rpm Torque: 131lb/ft @ 5,830rpm. Owner’s comments: Ecstatic, and thanks to all the team in bearing with me during my problems. R/R operative’s comments: Good horsepower, fuelling increased in two stages gaining initially 6bhp and then an extra 3bhp; experimented with timing either way with worse results
R/R operative’s comments: All looking good, adding 5% more fuel gave another 5bhp. Writer’s comments: Steve should certainly go well in speed events with this car.
both times. Not 100% sure if the results of the adjustments were entirely representative, due to problems with the throttle spindle moving around (see below). Writer’s comments: Throttle spindle at the entry to the plenum chamber broke on first run. David was very positive and found the throttle spindle screw at the bottom of the plenum chamber and did a temporary repair. Back on the rollers, Andy held the spindle in place. Afterwards David and Andy from Aldon drilled and riveted the spindle. The power improvement from three years ago is very impressive. David wins the award for most practical owner on the day in sorting out this problem.
Ford power in an MG, the Zetec Midget of David Hunt
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Tom Ward’s standard Midget with Kim’s ‘estate’ version behind
Owner’s name: Tom Ward lives in Spalding, Lincs, and is an electrical engineer. Has owned the car for seven years. Car type//Registration number: 1971 MkIII Midget, light blue LEK 974K. Engine type/capacity: A series 1293cc Modifications: (cam, head, carbs, etc) Piper 270 cam, MG Metro head,
Owner’s name: Tim Dalton, who is a technician working for an offi ce equipment company and lives in Bewdley, Worcs. Car type/registration number: 1967 A/H MkIV Sprite, BRG, RMV 44F. Engine type/capacity: 1800cc K series, Modifications: (cam, head, carbs, etc) 285 cams with 2mm more lift (270 degree last time) 10.7 C/R, Vulcan head, DTH throttle bodies, Emerald ECU, 10’’ Willwood discs, 14’’ road wheels, Frontline exhaust, woodrim steering wheel. This is about the fi fth time this very tidy car of Tim’s has been on the rollers at this event with various cams etc. Owner’s expected power output: Better than 185bhp. Actual power output: 181bhp @ 7,145rpm. Torque: 138lb/ft @ 5,930rpm. Owner’s comments: Bit disappointed, a little down on what it should be. I will be rebuilding it over the winter. R/R operative’s comments: 3% less fuel gave more power, 5% less fuel gave more power over 6,000rpm, I feel that something mechanically may be wrong with valves or cam timing as pulsing through exhaust at tick-over.
26 SAFETY FAST! JANUARY 2017
LCB, Aldon yellow dizzy, 10.5 C/R; changed from HIF carb from last time to 40 DCOE carb with 35mm chokes, works style hardtop, Cobra seats, woodrim steering wheel, Minilite wheels. This car was on the Aldon rollers in 2014 showing 70bhp and in 2015 81bhp, but with a huge dip in the power curve at approx two thirds rpm.
Th Th fo ea so Th bu & su & ‘b ve an no in ar m en up m ea ap in br an
Owner’s expected power output: Not going to say as last time it all went wrong. Actual power output: 79bhp @ 6,230rpm Torque: 74lb/ft @ 4,880rpm. Owner’s comments: Nice power curve now, torque curve fl at. R/R operative’s comments: Retarded ignition to 32 max, disconnected vac advance gained 6bhp, needs larger ram pipes. Vast improvement over HIF carb last year. Writer’s comment: Excellent, third time lucky. It is not always straightforward selecting the right combination of tuning components.
Owner’s name: Carl Bintcliffe, lives in Warwick and is employed as a model maker for wind tunnel testing by the Renault F1 team at Enstone, Oxfordshire. Car type//registration number: 1973 MKIII Midget, white, CDE 29M. Bought for £1,000 from Cornwall two years ago and owned by Carl’s son who is at university studying Geography. Engine type/capacity: A series 1275cc. Modifications: (cam, head, carbs, etc) Minilites, Motalita steering wheel, very smart and comfortable seats from an MGF. Owner’s expected power output: About 63bhp as it is running nicely. Actual power output: 52bhp @ 5,230rpm Torque: 61lb/ft @ 3,490rpm. Owner’s comments: Impressed by the amount of effort they have put in. R/R operative’s comments: AAC needles changed to AAU as it was weak at low revs and light throttle. OK there now, but rich on full throttle. Carb spindles worn, plus possibly need new jets. Writer’s comments: One of Renault’s 2016 F1 team drivers is Jolyon Palmer. In the mid-1970s I recall seeing a young medical student, Jonathan Palmer, Jolyon’s father, driving a Modsports Mk 1 Sprite in one of his fi rst events. This was at a late autumn meeting in 1975 at Thruxton, when I was supporting a fellow Modsports colleague, Andrew Bailey, who was arguably the quickest Sprite/ Midget racer of this era in his entirely home-prepared Mk I Sprite.
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An original Midget, and probably the quietest, too, Carl Bintcliffe’s tidy A series
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Simple & Easy to Install Proven Technology
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Petrol & Diesel Engines
FREE Postage & Packing Money Back Guarantee
I am astounded by the lovely performance since using.
Factory Direct special reader offer
Easy to install and safe in any vehicle. Simply drop the FTCs into the neck of the fuel tank. They will sink to the bottom
of the fuel tank and get straight to work. It’s a simple case of fit and forget, or rather fit and enjoy.
Motorcycles & Scooters
Fuel cap
Up to 1000cc - Unit Code: FTC01K - RRP: £34.95 - Our Price: £24.75 Up to 2000cc - Unit Code: FTC02K - RRP: £39.95 - Our Price: £29.75 Up to 3000cc - Unit Code: FTC03K - RRP: £44.95 - Our Price: £34.75
lower emissions, easier starting, lower operating temperature and improved fuel economy. The only claim we make for the all new FTC is that you will be delighted. If you don’t find any improvement we’ll refund you and you can keep the FTC. That’s how confident we are. See our no quibble promise for details.
Modern & Classic Cars
Simple to fit Fuel tank
fuel tank catalysts
(G. Spiers, Sussex)
“
More power, more punch, more MPG... Excellent! (DB, Lanark)
Michael Winner
Handmade in Great Britain
I am so pleased I’d like to order another set for my wife’s car. (M. Allen, Wales)
C FROMT FACTORY
“
The technology: The FTC is a specially formulated mix of rare earth metals cast into solid micro cones. The original formula, but now improved & updated, is more suited to modern petrol & diesel fuels. The ‘best yet’ performance version of this tried and trusted technology now also has an increased SAR (surface area ratio) to give you more noticeable and enhanced results. The updated micro format makes for a much easier and more simple application. Safe to install the FTC will not breakdown or invalidate any warranty.
Improved MPG and much better performance. Brilliant! (D. Redgrave, Suffolk)
Fuel consumption & engine performance improved. It works, its great. (J. Brown, Notts)
Up to 4000cc - Unit Code: FTC04K - RRP: £49.95 - Our Price: £39.75 Up to 5000cc - Unit Code: FTC05K - RRP: £54.95 - Our Price: £44.75 Up to 6000cc - Unit Code: FTC06K - RRP: £59.95 - Our Price: £49.75
QUOTE CODE
MG1216
WHEN ORDERING
Or order at: ftcdirect.com
using offer code MG1216 at checkout to receive this offer
Pay by cheque: Please send a cheque made payable to Hamilton Direct Ltd, Woodview Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 7SR • admin@hamiltondrc.com • Technical: 0345 230 7077 *If after 6 months or 6,000 miles you don’t agree that the product is bringing you results we’ll refund you and you can keep the product.
MG_SafetyFast_Jan17_3-49.indd 27
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KimberStores
Why not pay us a visit at Kimber Stores, Abingdon, OX14 1AS Monday to Friday 9.00 - 16.00, Closed at weekends Men and Ladies MG Fleece
MG Benji
Available in grey or Navy, with a subtle embroidered MG logo. Please specify Men or Ladies when ordering Size M, L, XL, XXL
MG Benji in white overalls with MG Car Club logo on front and back, limited edition of 251 -
£35.00
£12.50 each
MG Benji the mascot of the MG Car Club, in green hoody and blue trousers
£10.00 each
New MGB 1966 Marathon de la Route
MG Mug
1/43 scale diecast model of the Abingdon Comps Department 1966 Marathon de la Route outright Winning car.
Keep Calm and Love MG Mug
£35.00
£11.00 MG Umbrella
Union Jack Umbrella, with the slogan Keep Calm and love MG
£17.50
Mens V-Neck cotton Jumper
V-Neck cotton knit Forest Green or Red Jumper. With embroidered MGCC logo. Available in M, L, XL, XXL
MG Pullover
Mens Cotton Pullover, Navy or Burgundy, with embroidered MG logo. Available in M, L, XL, XXL
£55.00
£65.00
MG Cap
MG cap featuring the MG logo. Available in grey or black.
£10.00
MG Beanie Hat
MG Beanie Hat available in Grey or Black
£12.00
MG Wash Bag
MG TF
1/18 scale diecast model of a Trophy Yellow MG TF, licensed by Nanjing Motor Company.
£75.00
A door hanging MG toiletry case with many interior mesh pockets for bottles. £16.00
Ball Point Pen
Green MG car Club metal ball point pen in gift box
BTCC MG6 – Scalextric – 1:32
£6.50
The Jack Goff 2015 Triple Eight MG Racing. MG6 Scalextric car
£45.00
Letter Opener
MG Car Club letter opener with a chrome finish handle and a velvet pouch.
£7.50
MG Doormat
Suitable for outdoor and indoor use
£15.00
Mens Polo Shirt
Grey. Embroidered with MG logo on chest and Safety Fast! on Sleeve. Available in M, L, XL, XXL
£25.00
MG Parking only
Metal MG Parking only sign with 4 mounting holes, measuring ....x.... Available in red or green.
£22.50
To order, please email ineke@mgcc.co.uk or phone 01235 849731 The MG Car Club 12 Cemetery Road, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 1AS
MG_SafetyFast_Jan17_3-49.indd 28
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ng.
h
THE START OF
Steve working on a gearbox at Colin Groom Vehicle Restorers.
I
SOMETHING SPECIAL
t all began at the age of 12, when my mother decided she wanted another classic car after owning a Ford Capri, Triumph Stags and Heralds. After contemplating for a while she decided she would like an MG. So, we both set off to visit ‘Modern Motoring’ who specialised in buying and selling British sports cars. It was there we met the owner, David, who showed us around the showroom and his large selection of cars, such as MGB roadsters, Series 1 Fixed Head E-Type, MKII Jaguar and a few MGB GTs, one being a 1969 British Racing Green car that we fell in love with. The smell of the black leather seats with the white piping reminded me of
www.mgcc.co.uk
MG_SafetyFast_Jan17_3-49.indd 29
By Steve Swann
the two Stags my Mum and Dad used to have. It was the gleaming paintwork and wire wheels of the Stags which made me fall in love with classic cars. It was at that moment I decided…classic cars were something I knew I could be passionate about, and that it was definitely a career I wanted to be involved in. After hours of admiring and talking about different cars, Mum sealed the deal and bought the MGB GT! David the owner, seeing my enthusiasm, then turned to me and said: “Once you’re 13, come back and I’ll give you a Saturday job.” My 13th birthday soon came round, and my Mum took me in to the shop to see David and ask if he would still be
willing to give me a job. David told me I started the following Saturday. I was overjoyed, excited but extremely nervous! The job I seemed to be very good at was the dreaded cleaning of the chrome wire wheels! One of my favourite jobs to carry out was the compounding of dull paintwork, bringing it back up to showroom condition. For my 15th birthday I knew that I really wanted a project car. After spending endless weekends playing about with mini motorbikes in the garage at home, I decided it was time to start getting my hands dirty on something bigger and better, like a car. I suggested the idea to David on one of my tea
JANUARY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 29
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breaks and he said he had just the thing for me! Later that week my Mum, two sisters, brother and I went round to his house and he showed us his garden. Beneath the overgrown grass at the end of the garden was a primrose yellow 1967 MGB GT, complete but in a very sorry state. I was overjoyed and shouted “that’s the one!” After fi nances where sorted and we had freed the clutch, and got it up the garden and onto the driveway it was fi nally ready for me. On July 11 2007, the local transporter, Ricky from Torquay Motors, pulled up and delivered my car. I was so excited and couldn’t wait to get started. I spent all summer holiday in the garage stripping the car down, which was in pretty good shape for a 40-year-old MG. After brushing off all the mud and dust I found that it still had the original stone guard which had been painted yellow. Once I had stripped the car down to the shell, I decided to take the body shell back to bare metal to see what horrors lurked under the paint. There weren’t any, just some old service rust, phew! I worked every weekend, most evenings and any spare time I had on the ca and fi nally, after a couple of months, I had
completed the sills and fl oors, including the boot, with guidance from David. All that was left was to fi t the door and line up and fi t the lower front wing panels, as the rest of the wings were in a good condition. Also, I wanted to keep it as original as possible. Another month and all the bodywork had been completed. It was now the beginning of June, I had fi nished school and successfully been accepted on to the level two vehicle refi nishing course at South Devon College, which was due to commence in September. In the meantime, I wanted to fi nd a job to earn some more money and to gain some more experience. David had mentioned that he knew of the perfect place where I would fi t in and learn a lot. This was Colin Groom Vehicle Restorers. So David asked Colin and he initially refused, as he didn’t want to employ and train up any more young lads, as he’d had a bad previous experience. David kept pushing Colin to visit my house and to see the work I had carried out on the MGB GT. After a bit of gentle persuasion he came out to have a look. Colin was impressed with what he could see, and also with my enthusiasm for classic cars. He then gave me some helpful pointers,
which of course I took on board, especially knowing his experience and his history working for Donald Healey. Colin invited me to his workshop to see the cars he was working on, and to see the sort of work that was carried out on these cars. I went with my Mum two
Fitting a new sill to the MGB GT
Just starting to strip the MGB GT
The finished interior.
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Steve inspecting the new acquisition
www.mgcc.co.uk
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days later on the Monday morning. As we pulled up in my Mum’s MGB we saw cars everywhere! An MGC roadster with its engine and gearbox removed, which Colin was overhauling, a Bugatti replica, several MGBs having rebuilds, a Triumph Herald and also an Austin Healey 100 on
the ramp, which Colin had rebuilt. You could eat your dinner off the underside! I smiled as I knew I would fi t in, especially with the attention to detail that goes into his work. Colin offered me a job and I started the following day. I worked there fi ve
days a week, and on the Saturday worked for David at Modern Motoring. September soon came, and I then went down to working two days at Colin’s and three days at college. By now I had started to use the skills that I had acquired from Colin and the college to The freshly painted shell in Primrose.
Polishing cars in the Modern Motoring Showroom
Fettling the new rear wing
Where to start! The MGB GT as picked up by Steve.
David (left) and Colin next to a stripped bare Austin Healey
www.mgcc.co.uk
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15/12/2016 11:27
Steve cleaning his pride and joy.
prepare the body on my MG for paint. Colin mentioned that there was a slot available over the Christmas period to get the MGB over to the workshop for painting. I was over the moon and so excited to finally get some colour on it. I decided I was going to keep it the original colour of Primrose yellow. I got the car over using Ricky again (Torquay Motors). I finished a few bits of prep work and primed it. Originally I was going to put the top coat on, but after all the hard work and effort I had put into the car I didn’t want to spoil it, so I got Charlie the painter to do it for me. The car was a bare shell at this point, so now it was all painted, it was time to get it back on its wheels and rolling. The doors, bonnet and tailgate were all bolted back on, and then the catches fitted. The chrome trims were then fitted which really helped set the car off! My MG was now ready to be transported back home. I was rebuilding the engine and gearbox at work with Colin. I decided to put an overdrive gearbox back in as originally it was non-overdrive. The engine block was bored and had new pistons, rings, bearings, shells etc, new timing chain, tensioner, a fast road cam with new cam followers and pushrods were all fitted. The head was also skimmed and converted to unleaded. I sent the carburettors to Burlen fuel systems where they were overhauled. Whilst I waited for the carburettors to come back from Burlen, I painted the engine and gearbox and started fitting some of the auxiliaries. When I opened the box with my refurbished carburettors my eyes lit up; they looked fantastic!
32 SAFETY FAST! JANUARY 2017
MG_SafetyFast_Jan17_3-49.indd 32
The restored MGB GT
They were polished and every screw and spring had been replaced, and new needles and jets fitted. I knew these would make the engine bay stand out. They were bolted on and the engine and gearbox were dropped in together. The car was coming together, with just the front and rear screens to go in and the interior trim left to fit now. I bought new glass with a green tint for the front, back and the sides (doors) which I thought would go well with the yellow. I had the seats retrimmed in black leather with white piping as it was original specification. I also had the rear arch carpet and the tunnel carpet made by Peter Tunley Motor Carriage Trimming. I decided to keep the original rubber floor mats and managed to find a new pair or rubber sill mats. This was to keep it looking original, as if it had just left the factory. Now came the time to fire her up for the first time, so plugs out and turning it over to get oil pressure. It took a while as everything was new and tight. After a couple of minutes we had very good oil pressure, so plugs were put back in, HT leads on, choke out and a little bit of throttle and it fired! I had the biggest smile on my face as I heard the roar coming through its straight-through exhaust. It sounded fantastic! With the car nearing completion and my birthday approaching, I booked the MGB in for its MOT on May 12 2015, only a few days away, so a couple of late nights were spent fitting the last few items like new lap belts and the correct single speed wiper motor.
The 12th approached and I became very excited, but slightly nervous. It was only a three-mile trip up the road to Redpost Garage, but I had never driven the car before and the MG had been off the road since the 90s. I needn’t have worried. It felt so good to drive, tight, comfy, the steering was sharp and the engine had plenty of torque. I left the car with them and waited for the phone call from the MOT tester. I picked the MGB up and went through the failure sheet, which consisted of only a few minor things: handbrake adjustment, headlight adjustment and wiper adjustment; which I was extremely pleased about. The following day I rectified these small issues and had her re-tested. When I drove out of Redpost Garage with the pass certificate I had the biggest smile on my face! I couldn’t believe after all the work and time that had gone into the car I had finished her. Such a great sense of achievement. It was now time to use it and enjoy it!
The finished engine bay of Steve’s well sorted MGB GT
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W
ith the MGCC ZR Express now running like a dream, due to the rebuilt engine, new clutch and slick gear change, attention now turned to the bodywork and other cosmetic bits. The van had a fairly hard life in the hands of a builder – you can imagine the tools being thrown in the back over the years – and the rear load
carpet was pretty damp, which had affected the headlining throughout the Express. With the load carpet out and cleaned, attention turned to the headlining, which we deemed beyond saving so a new one was fi tted, courtesy of College Motors. The van is now as pleasant to be in as it is to drive! Whilst at College Motors we also took the opportunity to code the new Pektron keyfob, supplied by XPart, so
Simon Ballard from College Motors coding the keyfob to the MG ZR Express. Notice the long barcode on the bag that contains the Pektron Keyfob; you need this to be able to code the fob
VANTASTIC –ANOTHERONESAVED,PARTIV THE MG CAR CLUB MG EXPRESS
www.mgcc.co.uk
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JANUARY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 35
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it worked with the central locking and alarm in the van. College Motors carry all the diagnostic equipment, including T4, to be able to communicate with the MG Rover MGs, so coding the new keyfob was quick and easy. The bodywork had also taking a bit of a battering over the years, with the odd scrape on the side panel and across the bumper where tools etc had caught the paintwork whilst being put into the boot. The front bumper also needed work where stones had peppered it, leaving chips and the odd gouge. A local company based in Abingdon came to the van’s rescue. ChipsAway is a family business run by a father and son team, Barry and David Greenaway. David started as mobile body technician for ChipsAway fi ve years ago. Since then, he has pushed the business on leaps and bounds and built a great reputation for high-quality repairs and great service to his customers, to the point where he now owns ChipsAway Abingdon. This is a large Car Care Centre, which is located on what would have been part of the old MG factory site. ChipsAway are the originators of minor automotive
paint repair technology and provide high-quality repairs to minor car paintwork scratches, bumper scuffs, minor dents and kerbed alloy wheels without re-painting the entire panel/ wheel, which means you can now get minor damage to your car paint done – ideal for what our MG Express required. Whilst the van was away in the safe hands of David and his team, our attention turned to sorting some graphics to really make the van stand out. The main graphic we decided on was the MGCC take on the 1930s MG Car Company logo; quite fi tting for our ZR van, as the very fi rst MG van was built in 1930. We also took the opportunity to get the rather kerbed alloy wheels refurbished and get them fi tted with new tyres. The old tyres were mixed makes, with one of them perishing quite badly. The new tyres have transformed the handling and road-holding of the ZR 160 Express. With the engine running well and the interior and exterior looking resplendent after the recent work, it’s now time to take a look at preserving the MG Express for the foreseeable future, so it can be enjoyed and admired at MG events for a long time yet
The MGCC ZR Express sporting new paint, refurbished alloy wheels and the new graphics
36 SAFETY FAST! JANUARY 2017
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Our thanks to… Simon Ballard at College Motors Address: Unit 4, Sturt Farm Industrial Estate, Oxford Rd, Burford, Oxfordshire, OX18 4ET Phone: 01993 823560 Web: www.rovermgspecialist.co.uk/ David Greenaway at ChipsAway Abingdon Address: 27 Blacklands Way, Abingdon Business Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 1DY Phone: 01235 820808 Web: www.chipsawayabingdon.co.uk/ Colin Chung at Scorpion Signs Address: Unit 1a Trident Park, Basil Hill Road, Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 7HJ Phone: 07817 319914 Web: www.scorpionsigns.co.uk/
In good company. The MGCC Express alongside XPARTS Express at ZED15, held at Gaydon
www.mgcc.co.uk
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Bodywork prepped at ChipsAway, with David Greenaway masking the car ready for the paint
Lacquer being applied in the ChipsAway paint booth
www.mgcc.co.uk
MG_SafetyFast_Jan17_3-49.indd 37
Final prep, removing the dust with panel wipes before the paint is applied
Arek applying the water-based top coat
ZR resplendent in its new coat, being baked in the paint booth
Refurbished 17� alloy wheels ready to be shod by the new set of tyres
JANUARY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 37
15/12/2016 11:36
‘T’ REGISTER NEWSLET TER John Ward 01621 773606 johnw.ward@yahoo.co.uk
WELCOME TO THE T TYPE NEWSLETTER Firstly, a very happy and prosperous New Year to all T Types, and of course all their owners, family and friends. What does the New Year have in store for T types? You may have gathered that at the last committee meeting it was agreed that we should to continue to produce T Register News (TRN) in its current format for another year, and in the interim much is happening behind the scenes to completely revamp the T Register website which has become out-of-date and difficult to maintain with technology moving on so dramatically. In March our longstanding Chairman, Geoff Matthews, (and of course Annie) will finally be allowed to stand down as required by the Club rules and conditions. We are pleased to announce that a successor has been proposed, but there is still time to receive further nominations before the AGM in March. What a fitting accolade it was for Geoff to receive the Nuffield Gold Cup on our behalf at the President’s Dinner at Silverstone last year.
Geoff and the Nuffield Gold Cup with the T Register Secretary Sally Silcock
THE MGCC T REGISTER 2017 CALENDAR OF EVENTS MG International Show and Spares Day Sunday February 19 2017 at the National Agricultural Centre, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, CV8 2LG. The Register will be there, of course, in the same location as last year, where there will be ample space for the sale of regalia and you are all encouraged to bring along those unwanted priceless spares and parts for T Types to be traded on a Bring and Buy basis. Should you wish to bring any such items for sale just clearly label ownership, contact details and the price required and deliver them to the stall soon after opening. See the press details later for pre-entry tickets at a reduced price which also saves you queuing on the day. For more details or information contact Barry Knight on 01252 875740. The 37th T Register Rebuild Seminars, Saturday March 25 at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwickshire, CV35 0BJ This year will see another series of lectures which we feel will be rewarding, interesting and reliably informative, and also a
38 SAFETY FAST! JANUARY 2017
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chance to meet and talk T Types, indulge in refreshment and maybe even grab a moment or two to peruse the vast array of motoring memorabilia on display in the Heritage Museum. Topics in the pipeline and provisionally booked, subject to final confirmation, are the XPAG cooling system, rebuilding and maintaining wire wheels, trim and upholstery, fitting a five-speed gearbox, T Type history, and a question and answers forum at the end just prior to the AGM. Finally, and of most importance, your opportunity to attend the T Register AGM, hear reports from the officers and register your approval of the election of committee members for the coming year, and of course the election of the new chairman of the T Register. ...So don’t delay, book today, the application form is at the end of this article. MGLive! Silverstone June 17-18 2017 The annual MGLive! date at Silverstone has been announced as June 17-18 and as usual the T Register will be there
www.mgcc.co.uk
15/12/2016 11:27
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 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
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
MG_SafetyFast_Jan17_3-49.indd 39
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T T YPE NEWSLET TER
in force with our stand in the main marquee, a Specials Display and the Saturday evening Natter in the paddock, and of course designated parking for all T Types on both days. As reported by the MGCC Chairman in Safety Fast! in December, there has been much deliberation on the future of this venue but for the time being in 2017 there will still be a combined race meeting programme, together with improved central area features and attractions, so watch for further details. The T Register T Party, The Flywheel Festival, at the Bicester Heritage Centre, Sunday June 25 2017 Following our first very successful visit to this comparatively new venue at the Bicester Heritage Centre we are in negotiation with the promoters to return again this year on Sunday June 25. This event turned out to be a wonderfully
eclectic mix of cars, planes, celebrities and displays and was well-suited for the T Party picnic and, would you believe it, the sun shone again. 2017 Autumn Tour to Lakes and Dales September 1-4 This year’s Autumn Tour sees us once more heading up north, this time to the Lakes and Dales borders. Organised by Grant and Barbara Humphreys, places have been taken up fast, so if you want to go check out availability and contact The Shap Wells Hotel, Penrith, on 01931 716628. The dates are September 1-4 2017 and mention the MGCC T Register upon booking. Then, when you have secured your place, it is most important that you contact Grant or Barbara and give them your details for receipt of all further correspondence: email grant.chumphreys@btinternet.com or telephone 01253 810288.
THE T REGISTER CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR 2017 EVENT
DATE
CONTACT
DETAILS
MG International Day Stoneleigh Warwicks
Sunday February 21
Barry Knight
01252 875740
37th Annual Rebuild at British Motor Museum Gaydon Warwicks
Saturday March 19
Barry Knight
01252 875740
MGLive! at Silverstone Northants
June 17-18
MG Car Club
01235 555552
The T Party at the Flywheel Festival Bicester Heritage Centre
Sunday June 25
David Wardell
01908 990741
The Autumn Tour Lakes & West Dales
September 1-4
Grant & Barbara Humphreys
01253 810288
IN THE BEGINNING You may remember, or at my age you probably won’t, that at this time last year I rattled on about a new MG Sports car and its place in history, in 1936 80 years ago, and the announcement of the all-new MG Midget which eventually became known as the TA. In my own MG archives I have a volume “50 years of the MG Marque Sports Cars” published by The Autocar and it contains all the road tests penned by them from the 18/80 to the MGB. As I said then, in 1936 the factory loaned TA registration number JB 9446 to a journalist for a continental tour and that JB 9447 was still going strong and being trialled by Andy King. Browsing through the above I note that the same car 9447 was the one used by The Autocar for their road test on September 18 1936, in which there are some interesting comments from the test team which may seem poignant but do bear in mind they were made 80 years ago.
40 SAFETY FAST! JANUARY 2017
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In comparison with the ‘P’ type, “there are many notable changes from its popular forerunners but in character the car remains of the same type. That is, it gives an unusually good performance for its engine size, it handles in a distinctly
www.mgcc.co.uk
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T T YPE NEWSLET TER
Andy King still putting JB 9447 through its paces at the VSCC Cotswold Trial at Prescott in November 2015. Photos: Colin Murrell.
better manner than the ordinary touring vehicle, and possesses those touches in the tout ensemble that endear it to the owner with sporting tendencies”. Who did not want a T Type after reading that! ... and there is more… “General handling is good, for although the springing is a shade softer, and hydraulic shock absorbers are now fitted all round instead of at the back only, the Midget can be put into a fast curve confidently and be swung round an acute turn with a satisfactory feeling of stability.” “The suspension avoids shock to the occupants except in really severe conditions, though on a wavy surface
there is sometimes a good deal of motion apparent.” (hopefully forward!) “Synchromesh is employed for the gear changes to top, third and second and there is a new well-placed rigid remote control gear lever. Some people may disagree with the use of synchromesh on the Midget, there again indirectly paying tribute to the esteem in which the car has been held by enthusiasts, but there is no getting away from the fact that for general purposes this box handles easily, and at the same time satisfactorily to anyone who takes pleasure in using the gears of a sports car.” There you have it – rush out and buy one today.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? A nice PS to finish. Doug Gordon in Australia has requested a car update on TC 7938, based on his knowledge and history of the car which he has owned since 1979. Does anyone out there have any more? Let me know at the above. “This car was lost for many years. It was found in the South Australian bush town of Quorn in the far north, after spending many years thrashing around the dirt roads of the far west coast. It was bought new by Don Cant and raced extensively in three States of Australia. It placed fourth on handicap in the 1950 Australian Grand Prix at Nuriootpa in the wine-growing region of the Barossa Valley. It also raced at Bathurst in New South Wales in 1952. It raced at the Glen Ewin Hill Climb in 1951 and also at Collingrove Hill Climb from 1952 and raced on the beach at Sellicks Beach in 1952. Also, extensively used for sprints and night trials.”
www.mgcc.co.uk
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2017 ebuild and T Register AGM Saturday 25th March 2017 British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwickshire CV35 0BJ
Application Form I wish to apply for ......... place(s) at the T Register Rebuild 2017 Conference:
Name: ................................................................................................................................................... Name: MGCC membership No:........................................................................................................................ No: ........................................................................................................................ Address: ................................................................................................................................................ Address:................................................................................................................................................ Postcode: ...............................Phone: Postcode: Phone: ............................ email: email: ............................................................. ‘Next-Gen’ Relative/Future owner (names):............................................................................................ (names): ............................................................................................ .............................................................................................................................................................. Special Requirements:........................................................................................................................... Requirements: ........................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................. Catering: I will/will not require Bacon Roll breakfast snack on arrival arrival ^Dietary preferences/constraints (eg. Veg; Vegan etc.) etc.) .............................................................................................................................................................. (^ We will attempt to cater for any special requirements, but availability cannot be guaranteed)
Your T Type Model(s): Model(s): ............................................................................................................................ Other MGs?:.......................................................................................................................................... MGs?: .......................................................................................................................................... Fees (inclusive of VAT) MGCC/T-Register Members: £40.00 *Non Members : £42.00 ‘Next Gen’ Relative/Future Owner (Accompanying a full Member): £30.00* (* This rate also applicable for Authorised Helpers and Administrators.) Administrators.) Fees include all refreshments, lunch, and access to the Heritage Centre displays until 4.30pm Payment I enclose cheque for £ £ ...........................payable to: ‘MG Car Club –T-Register’ Please remit, with this signed form, to the Bookings Administrator:Administrator:- Barry Knight, 26 Hilfield, Yateley, Hants. GU46 6XP 6XP Tel: 01252 875740 875740 email: barglen@ntlworld.com Signed ............................................................................................. Date ........................................... More details of the Programme at http://www.mgcc.co.uk/t-register/2017-events/ The information/ materials imparted by Presenters at REBUILD is provided in good faith, but without warranty, explicit or implied.. The MG Car Club, T-Register, its Officials, Presenters & Organisers accept no liability for any actions subsequently taken by attendees based on that information or materials Always seek advice from a competent person before undertaking repairs/ modifications which could affect the safety of yourself and your vehicle. The Organisers reserve the right to alter the programme, if necessary, due to unforeseen circumstances. 42 SAFETYFAST! JANUARY 2017
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MAGNET TE NEWSLET TER Stephen Tickell 01737 760330 stephen.tickell@gmail.com • www.magnette.org
WELCOME TO THE MAGNETTE NEWSLETTER Season’s greetings to all, and if you’re a Magnette enthusiast I hope the selection of photos in this newsletter from 2016 Register events will bring back happy memories. I particularly like the one of Andy and Margo Dear’s two Schnauzers, who will no doubt remember their marathon Magnette trip from Clackmannanshire for the Norwich weekend in October. We certainly had a good dose of history over the year, from Stephen and Mandy Coates with their extensive knowledge of the Peak Railway and Matlock area, to the Black Country museum visit in July, then finally the Neatishead Radar museum. Looking forward to similar broadening of horizons in 2017 at some of the planned events as listed below. If you’re on our mailing list you may already have received a full calendar (at least everything that’s been fixed) from John and Cynthia Harris. Colin Goldsworthy has provided a fascinating account of how he and his wife Ella unexpectedly met Peter Clarke, who raced Magnettes in the 1950s, notably with a team under Dick Jacobs that won the 1956 Silverstone Six-hour
Relay ahead of the TR2 team. It should be said that Peter’s successful racing career after that (till about 1969) was mainly in more exotic cars such as Ferraris and Porsches, but, as related by Colin, he still has fond memories of the Magnette.
Margo and Andy Dear’s Schnauzers enjoying the ride
Magnettes and Steam at Peak Rail, Derbyshire
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New Register gazebo at Kop Hill
2017 EVENTS Magnettes and Steam April 15 Our traditional season-opener is as usual on Easter Saturday, this time at Tenterden Town station on the Kent and East Sussex Railway (kesr.org.uk). It’ll be a nice change for Magnette spares supremo Peter Martin, who quite often is the furthest-travelled for our events, but this time has the railway more or less on his doorstep – also it may be convenient if you should wish to pick up spares on the day. K&ESR winds through the Kent countryside for more than 11 miles from picturesque Tenterden town to Bodiam, where it’s just a short walk to the castle owned by the National Trust. It looks to be a great venue, and as usual you can just turn up on the day, although it would be very helpful if you can contact me in advance, so we have an idea of numbers and can possibly negotiate a discount. Shropshire weekend July 16-17 The summer weekend event will be based around Ludlow, where there are great opportunities for scenic drives around
Stockcross festival - by invitation of Twin-cam group
Shropshire and the Welsh borders, as well as the historic town itself and its castle. We haven’t had an event in this area previously, so Trevor Jones will be putting together a programme to get the most from a weekend visit – more details to follow. The Register AGM will be held during the event. NTG Concours trophy The NTG trophy wasn’t awarded in 2016, but not particularly because of any shortage of concours-standard Magnettes – if anything there’s been a surge of really good restorations being finished recently. I think the main problem is getting a reasonable number of likely contenders together on an occasion when there’s time for judging to be done properly. There’ll never be one occasion that suits everyone, and it’s certainly easier when there’s a big event such as Magnette60, but we hope with sufficient notice that owners will do their best to attend and help put on a good competition. For 2017 we’re planning to run the concours
Magnette in good company at the South-East Centre event, Polesden Lacey
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over the weekend of July 16-17, so if you’re still working on a restoration there’s about six months to get it back on the road and be in with a chance! Kop Hill Climb (September) Just a reminder that if you fancy a go at the hill climb itself you’ll need to keep an eye on their website for application dates, as they’re always oversubscribed and understandably give preference to pre-war cars. On the other hand, it’s easier to book for the Magnette reserved parking and enjoy spectating, getting close-up in the Paddock, or our new gazebo. Those making a weekend of it may also be able to take in a Saturday barbecue at the Halliday’s home nearby. Wroxall Abbey Hotel
AN UNEXPECTED DAY SPENT WITH MAGNETTE RACING DRIVER PETER CLARKE We were staying in Abingdon for the weekend with Ella’s long-time friends, Bob and Elizabeth. We were there because my sister and husband Jonathan (a retired F1 race mechanic) who live in a village up the road from Abingdon, had organised a classic car line-up for their village fete and we found ourselves parked with some interesting cars, including an open top 1928 Lea-Francis whose owners looked as old as the car but had just returned from Spain in it, and were off to Wiltshire for a hill climb event, a 1926 Bullnose Morris and a 1934 open top Australian-built Holden owned and driven by a very glamorous young lady. The next day we went to church with Bob and Elizabeth in central Abingdon and were parking the Magnette in the church car park. I had the window down and was suddenly aware of a stooped man with a white beard, obviously much advanced in years, who popped his head in and with a twinkle in his eye said “I raced one of these in the Magnette team entry at Silverstone in 1956 when we won the six hour relay race. They are great cars and they stopped making them much too soon”. Then he was gone. Anyway, a word with Bob soon elicited that he was a member of their
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church, Peter Clarke OBE by name and he is 95 years of age. He had a distinguished war record and after the war went into motor racing. When we got back from church he phoned Bob and Elizabeth to see if he could speak to me again and the upshot was that Bob invited him over for the afternoon and evening. We duly went and collected him from the other side of town, in the Magnette of course! As we motored back he was stroking the woodwork and looking lovingly at the steering wheel and instruments.
I was thrilled to be in Peter’s company and we conversed all afternoon and evening. During the war he was a pilot with the Glider Regiment of the Army flying three-ton gliders into places like Arnhem to deliver armaments and supplies to our soldiers. He was brought down by the Germans and was not immediately captured but commandeered an empty house in Arnhem (the Dutch had left because the German arrival was imminent) where he cared for four wounded soldiers who were not able to leave. He was told the
Winning Magnette team, Silverstone 1956
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Germans were virtually at the doorstep but he refused to save himself and chose to stay with the wounded men. I don’t have much more of his wartime experiences, except that he had to walk 330 miles across Poland under German guard. We then moved on to post-war, when he went into motor racing, driving HRGs with much success. Into our conversation now steps the person of Dick Jacobs who I think will be known to you. Dick was a famous racing driver and had much involvement with MG and John Thornley, racing many MGs from TAs through to MGAs, including the saloons – YA, YB and Magnettes. He was driving an MGA prototype in the famous ill-fated 1955 race at Le Mans when a Mercedes flew into the crowd and caught fire killing many people. Dick was involved insofar as he was round the other side of the track and, as he came round the bend, his attention was diverted by all the smoke and flames and he crashed seriously injuring himself and wound up unconscious in hospital. In all the confusion the newspapers the following day published his obituary which he got to read for himself when he woke up a few days later!
He was persuaded to give up driving by his family (they had already lost their other son when his Hurricane disappeared over the desert) but, because motor racing was in his blood, he took up managing racing teams and his very first was to put together a team of Magnettes to enter the Seven Fifty Car Club’s six-hour race at Silverstone which had now become a National event (1956). And this is where Peter Clarke comes in. Peter brought a book with him to Bob’s, which he has loaned me, entitled “An MG experience” by Dick Jacobs (still available on Amazon). A quote from the book reads as follows: “I thought back to the many times I had driven in this event. The urge was returning to have a crack at it, as in my opinion it is by far the most interesting circuit used at Silverstone for Club events. Apart from the fact that I knew I should be unpopular with a good many people if I started driving again, I suddenly remembered one or two chaps who had MG Magnettes who might be interested in running. From past experience, I know that many teams had failed in this event through lack of team spirit and proper organisation and I more or less decided there and then to attempt to bring
HUB-NUT TOOL The Register is grateful to former concours Magnette owners Greg and Jill Thornton for passing on a specially made tool for removing the rear axle hub nuts on a Magnette when a bearing or oil seal needs to be replaced. It was made some years ago by John Wilson of Useful hub-nut tool Beverley, East Yorkshire, who is a friend of Greg and Jill’s and is a fabricating engineer by trade. The tool is very well made and saves the nuts having to be removed by the usual method with a hammer and chisel! If you would like to borrow this useful tool from the Register, please contact Peter Martin for further details (01580 763056)
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a Magnette team into being which would work as a complete unit.” Well, he did. The team comprised John Waller, Harold Rumsey, Alan Foster, Mike Edmondson and Peter Clarke. And they won – the first saloon MG team to win the six-hour relay since the series was started. There is a photo in the book of all the team together with Dick Jacobs, all wearing large victory wreaths with a line of Magnettes behind them. Dick Jacobs comments: “Never has a winning team lined up at the finish with all its cars (five) looking so much alike, not a bumper, a lamp or even a number plate out of place”! As I have found from driving eight Magnettes over 45 years, you will meet so many interesting people simply because of the car you are driving. But this must be the best. I have never studied in any detail the Magnette story in respect of its racing/rallying history, but I feel sure that you, like me, would assume that everyone associated with those times are gone. What a surprise, even a shock, to meet someone who is still with us and we felt it a privilege to spend time with this man who is living history. Incidentally, Peter finished his racing days as co-driver with Timo Makinen, driving Minis. Colin Goldsworthy
BADGE BAR There’s been considerable interest in the badge bar developed by Trevor Jones, as it was carefully designed to attach to the overriders using the foglamp mounts (so no drilling of the bonnet or anywhere else), it’s sturdy enough to protect the grille from careless parkers and, being stainless steel, it won’t rust. After the first production batch was sold, Trevor had sufficient parts left in stock for a further 20. Most of these have now been allocated, however, and it’s not expected that any more will be produced. If you’re interested you might still be in time to grab one – contact Trevor (07977 507679)
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MGC NEWSLET TER Ginny Cartmell 01208 821552 ginnycartmell@btinternet.com
WELCOME TO THE MGC NEWSLETTER Happy New Year to you all. Hope all the Turkey and Stuffing is a distant memory and you enjoyed the Christmas festivities and are looking forward to this very important year for the MGC Roadster & GT.
50 YEARS OF THE MGC ROADSTER & MGC GT... 2017 marks 50 years of the MGC and what an amazing 50 years it has been. From out of Abingdon in October 1967, with a very brief production run of only two years, the MGC certainly had its challenges! We all know the damning history attributed to our cherished cars and that makes us enjoy our ownership even more. With 50 years soon to be under our belt, I think we have had the last laugh. Values continue to rise for both the Roadster and the GT, with the special MGC GTSs going ballistic. This is also in conjunction with the prototypes, pre-production and other
such cars as press, original University Specials, Downtons and cars with an interesting history. We have a car now that has risen from being the ugly duckling into a swan – no wonder we see so many happy C owners! With a production run of just 9,002, I don’t think anyone thought then, that we would be enjoying the car half a century on. Long may this continue! Over the many years Barrie and I have been involved with the C Register database, we have seen it grow to over an amazing 1,600 cars. This is a worldwide Register that was started in the 1970s. It now runs alongside many
other databases we have created over the years, with information taken from a wide range of places. Lots of our build information has been recorded from our many visits to the British Motor Museum (Gaydon), studying the factory ledgers. The internet is a great font of information, auction sites, the DVLA and classic car publications, all of which have served us well over the years. All of our databases are only as good as the information we receive and put in, so always remember to update us with any changes you might have. There will be a percentage of vehicles that have been destroyed, scrapped or even used as donor cars over the years; again we may not have been notified of this. We have over this last year seen a surge in the number of enquiries relating to the MGC and, in the vast majority of cases, been able to pass on additional information on their cars and also, where possible, do a vehicle check regarding history etc. We at all times keep to relevant confidentiality rules and will only pass on the like with owner’s written agreement. The register only works because of the people in it, our members and the committees who have over the past years freely given their time. As we stated earlier, it was in the early 1970s when the first MGCC C Register was started. Very few people are still actively involved from those early days, but one of those is Vic Young. Vic is our right-hand man with everything technical; as many of you will know first hand, if he hasn’t got the part you have been searching for, then he normally knows someone that has. His advice has been well received and his enthusiasm for all things MGC remains undiminished.
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C REGISTER END OF YEAR DINNER Wroxall Abbey once again looked after us splendidly at the end of November, as 36 Register members and guests gathered together and had a fun and food-filled evening (and some wine too!) for our early Christmas Dinner. Being a wet and windy November weekend, only three MGCs made it – so well done to John and Anita Dorney,
Virginia and Ginny somehow persuading Roger to buy a raffle ticket!
Ken and Anne Ayers, and Mick and Ruth Richardson. It was great to see some new faces, as well as a goodly number of regulars. A few of the usual
Lots to talk about at the table....
C REGISTER TREASURER My new appointment... Requirements: Must be able to add up …Yes Must be able to talk people into parting with their hard-earned cash …Yes Must be able to write cheques/do BACS transfers …Yes Must be able to listen to, understand and obey the Secretary …Yes (sorry Ginny) And, most important, not to say no when asked to do the job! So, there I was at the 2015 C Register Christmas dinner, chatting with Peter (the treasurer) and somehow we started talking about work, as one does, and I made the fatal error of letting him know that I am a bookkeeper by trade and a world-class racing driver in my spare time (only one of those is true) and he says I’m just the person he has been looking for. At first I was flattered, then I realised it was the former he was interested in, as he told me that, after many years, he was standing down from the committee and I was just the person to take his place. Big shoes to fill.
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stalwarts were unable to make it due to illness – so we hope Vic Young, Mike Wright and one or two others are by now well on the way to recovery. We look forward to seeing them all in the best of health at MGC 50.
So here I am, the new treasurer. My name is Angie Haughton. I have been a co-owner of a MGC GT for 33 years. My chief mechanic-in-shiningarmour and co-owner is husband Mike. We live in a village near Chester. I am a self-employed bookkeeper. I travel all over the Wirral and North Wales to visit clients, in the summer in my Midget and in the winter in my MG3. I am allowed to drive the C to shows sometimes. At one time the C was my main car for ferrying the children and doing the shopping. What exciting times, would we get there and, more importantly, would we get back? I was only rescued by the AA a handful of times, but rescued and helped by other MG owners quite a few times. Like all C owners, many tales to tell. We have been members of the MGCC
and C Register since we first got the car and have attended many events over the years. We were at the 25th, 30th and 40th and we are looking forward to the 50th celebrations for the MGC. If you are coming to the event (I have your names...) please come and introduce yourselves. I will be one of the crew in red, probably the one talking too much! Angie Haughton MGC Register Treasurer
Angie Haughton and her MGC GT
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MY MGC GT After many years of competitive rallying in Europe and the UK our C, and us, decided to ‘retire’ in 2008, and because of this the C did not get so much use. On the journeys after this time we noticed that the speedometer became a little erratic over about 60mph, ‘flicking’ between around 60mph to 80mph. As the speedometer cable drove the sensor for the Brantz rally clocks and had always been ‘spot-on’ I decided to withdraw the inner cable and lubricate it to see if that would improve the reading. This proved successful for a while, until last year when the speedometer went AWOL! Investigation found that the drive in the overdrive had sheared and could not be ‘got at’ to repair, other than by removing the engine and gearbox from the car. No way was I going to go down that route again; last time I ‘blew’ the overdrive on an event it cost over £2,500! The satnav had been very useful, but that could not pass the next MOT without a proper speedo so the research began. Holden of Bromyard in Herefordshire does a wonderful
range of instruments for classic cars, so they became my ‘port of call’. They had just the instrument that would fit in the existing hole in the dashboard and it came with the sensor and all the wiring needed. A great friend who does our MOTs and I fitted the new speedometer in a morning, as the instructions were very easy to follow. The offside rear back plate was drilled and threaded for the sensor and the wiring from the sensor was cable tied to the axle and fed into the battery cradle. The heel board was drilled to take the speedo wires to the dashboard, under the tunnel carpet and centre console, to plug into the new speedo. The brake drum now had four Vs ground into the rim at 90 degrees for the sensor to pick up the rotation. All the wiring was sleeved to protect it from the elements and chafing. With the car back on four wheels, the offside rear tyre was chalked at the bottom and on the floor. Next, the wheel was rotated one complete turn and the floor marked again. The distance between the two floor marks was measured and the figure
MG – IT’S A WAY OF LIFE! I have nearly always had an MG since my first B GT (VOX 614J) which I bought two years after passing my test at the ripe old age of 19. I have had lots of B GTs and a few roadsters as well, all in need of work and all enabling me gradually to learn the skills and collect the tools to maintain, refurbish and rebuild them. I can still remember the circumstances that led to my first MGC in 1990. I was a serving Submarine Engineer Officer appointed to HMS Dolphin in Gosport and Kate, my girlfriend who later became my wife (her mother used to let her borrow a cracking citron B GT), came home from
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a nursing shift at RNH Haslar to tell me about a strange MG she had seen with a bulge in the bonnet. It was parked in the doctors’ car park and of course she had enquired about it and found out it was owned by a Royal Naval surgeon who was about to trade it in for a TVR. It had a few months MOT left, was in need of TLC and it could be mine for the trade-in price. And I could borrow it over the weekend, if I liked, to see if it suited! Needless to say, once parked up on our drive, YRC 345H, a mineral blue CGT, was never going back to the doctor. The usual things had to be done and YRC was treated to new sills, a new clutch (after I had a traffic light
was entered in the computer in the speedometer; now things were set up to try it out (!) The mile meter is a small window digital readout at the base of the instrument and this is used for the setting-up. Ignition on, start engine and all appeared OK, so out onto the road. My friend drove whilst I kept an eye on the satnavs and a mobile to check accuracy at every 10mph increment as the speed built up. We were really pleased; as each increment was ‘spot-on’ between each satnav and the speedo to over the ‘ton’. Some observations:1. If the car is not used for a while the speedo would fluctuate around 60-70mph, and on investigation was found to be caused by corrosion in one or two of the Vs cut into the brake drum rim: good clean and all sorted. 2. Silver paint in Vs should stop corrosion. 3. Great to now have a steady speedo at far less cost and so accurate. It also has kph. 4. Distance window is difficult to see as it is quite small. OK in the dark as it is lit. Tony Jones
duel with a TR6) and was used as my everyday car, often commuting from Portsmouth to Portland or Plymouth. Fast forward 26 years (Kate and I have been married for 23), five house moves, two grown-up sons (Alex 22 and Mike 20), retirement from the Royal Navy and I now have a workshop in North Devon and we live in an old blacksmith’s cottage. The first C GT was sold many years ago to help fund a house move. I rebuilt a Mk1 MGB tartan red roadster (175 EGJ) that I sold with one house, as the house buyers fell in love with it! I refurbished at least another four roadsters that helped fund central heating and rewiring in an old Jacobean Devon longhouse that we only bought after I spotted an old
www.mgcc.co.uk
15/12/2016 11:28
MGC NEWSLET TER
Some of Alex’s handiwork, the next generation
The next project, watch this space...
MGB GT under a tarpaulin in the garden and got chatting MG to the house owner. I even dallied for a while with Jensen Healeys and now have a Jensen GT that we rebuilt a couple of years ago. It keeps the factory MGB GT V8 I took pity on about seven years ago company, but that is another story. So back to the MGCs, and with the help of Alex and my retirement we have, in the last four years or so, put a tartan
red C GT back on the road, refurbished a very rare pistachio University Motors C GT, resurrected a tartan red MGC roadster, full body rebuilt for a snowberry C GT, have just about completed the panel work on a steel C GTS, have just started a sill rebuild (and a whole lot more) on an Earls Court C GT, as well as sorting out a couple of moggie minors, MGBs, Triumph Spitfire, Marina pickup and Maestro van just to keep the
Tim, Kate and Alex plus Healey the dog. Will it be ready for the 50th Anniversary June 7-11 2017...! Only time will tell, but that is the plan, so let’s hope so
variety going. Alex’s paintwork is now at a high standard, as befits his NVQ3 apprenticeship and it is great that some young blood is taking on restoration work; few of his peer group would be let loose on such valuable cars or get to paint such a variety. Of course, it hasn’t been just Alex and I; Kate has done her fair share of stripping (underseal!) prior to shotblasting and is a dab hand at managing the engine hoist when putting in and taking out MGC engines and gearboxes, as well as making tea and chocolate cake to keep the spirits up. Mike, our youngest son, is the postman, so makes sure the spares keep coming and as for Healey, our springer-cross lab rescue dog, he has a bed in the lounge, the kitchen and the workshop and hoovers everything that is edible. So retirement is full-on with the next MGC project in sight, another early production C GT BMC ‘show car’ that needs the ‘full monty’ and will be the subject of another article following Barrie and Ginny’s recent visit and, of course, when they have finished their detective work! Tim Hatcher
In Racing news – Andy Young (son of Vic) won the BCV8 Championship last season in his yellow MGC ‘8GBP’. A great achievement indeed – well done Andy. Here he is in action again at a very wet Oulton Park back in September. Andy Young in his MGC GT at Oulton
www.mgcc.co.uk
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MIRROR TRIM
Established In 2008 Mirror Trim is a family-run business specialising in manufacture and supply of MG Interiors and Trim Since deciding to specialise exclusively in the manufacture of interior trim for MG, Paul Aylett, business owner and trimmer, has gone on to create the only solely dedicated Trim shop purely for classic MGs. My passion for the brand inspired the creation of Mirror Trim, a group of very talented individuals working solely to manufacture original and bespoke
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quality trim components and accessories. Our aim and aspiration is to greatly enhance the quality and feel of these cars, whilst retaining all the natural beauty and appeal. A family-owned and run business, we love what we do, it’s who we are and we feel best placed to offer an alternative on trimming MGs, by producing individually hand-crafted trim exclusively for MGA, MGB/C-GT and Sprite/Midget. Well-situated within converted barns in the beautiful surroundings of Bedfordshire, our workshops are equipped with both modern and traditional equipment and tooling, along with a library of patterns acquired over years for manufacturing interiors from carpet sets and trim panel kits to seat covers and complete seats. Each step of the process is hand-finished and made by our machinists, cutters and trimmers
to produce authentic and creative individual trim which we ship across the world. We source all our leather and vinyl from trusted British suppliers acquired over many years, who are able to offer reliability and consistency in providing quality raw materials. The relationship with our suppliers is hugely important to us and the future of the business. When building an interior we listen closely to our customer to discover exactly what they have, how they came to acquire their cars and, more importantly, what they are looking to achieve. All of these points are vitally important. For example, customers who inherited an MG usually look to fit original interiors and we work to provide original specification parts to preserve the right look and feel, to help evoke memories, or to assist in paying a fitting tribute to the end of a project. In contrast, those in the classic car scene with more social interests look to add some of their own personality to the car. This is where we can offer creative inspiration and ideas and advise on style and colour combinations, along with
www.mgcc.co.uk
15/12/2016 11:29
ADVERTORIAL
new materials, whilst all the time being sympathetic to the original. Empowering enthusiasts and owners to be hands-on in the finish and fit of their interior is the most satisfying part of our job, and each and every interior kit we send out is unique to our customer and their car. Whilst most customers are mad-keen to get stuck into refurbishing their seats, others prefer to hand it over to the experts while they concentrate on other aspects of the restoration. We have seen a huge demand for the seat refurbishment service, as was the case last month when we worked with MG Car Club President, John Day, and his MGB GT. John was looking to enhance a fusty, dated interior, have both front and rear seats refurbished and rebuilt, and change the carpet and door trim panels. Whilst John was busy fitting one of our moulded carpet sets, we stripped and inspected his front and rear seats and sent them back to bare metal before applying several coats of fresh paint. Each seat was rebuilt using new seat and squab foams, rubber supports and internals, before fitting new leather covers made on site to John’s specification. The whole process usually takes several weeks to complete, which gave John enough time to fit his carpets. In fact, this is the second time John had been in to us, as we had previously refurbished the seats on his MG Midget last year. Being dedicated to the MG marque has allowed us to build a wealth of technical knowledge which we use every day when talking to customers about their interiors and when creating new products and ideas. Indeed, manufacturing the trim, seats and
www.mgcc.co.uk
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components gives our customers a huge resource when carrying out any interior work and the confidence that there is always someone on hand at the end of the phone should they need any technical support. Interiors can sometimes be a bit daunting, as our courier drops off two or three huge boxes full of new trim parts. Each kit is based on three key elements, Seats, Carpets and Trim Panel sets, and all come with many options of vinyl and leather, as well as tufted and wool carpets. Currently there are eight kits for the MGB and MGB GT; however we are keen to be flexible enough to create any interior package based on the customer’s needs. Our interiors include new internal seat foams, rubber supports, liners and fixing clips to fully rebuild seats, whilst carpet sets are tailor-cut with fully bound edges and sewn-in protective heel mats, available in a variety of options and colours. Trim Panel sets are hand-finished using traditional methods and techniques and, again, supplied with all fixing clips and produced in a variety of colour options to match with carpets and seats, providing a complete interior. The last 12 months have been very exciting, with a large investment in our premises and machinery as we look to remanufacture some rare parts and accessories. In the next chapter of our venture we will be working hard to expand our offering to supply rare, quality interior parts which are just no longer available. As parts become more difficult to obtain, I believe we have a responsibility to invest in future preservation by remanufacturing to keep these cars out there on the
road for the enjoyment of the next generation of owners and enthusiasts. As remanufactured parts become available, we add them to our website which is regularly updated. The site offers full trim kits and accessories to both UK and European enthusiasts, as well as catering for the USA, Canada and the rest of the world. We constantly export overseas and our website is enhanced with the latest currency converter to allow our customers to view and manage their purchases in their own currency. With a catalogued inventory for each vehicle, there is a dedicated page to view our large range of leathers, vinyls and carpets. You can contact us directly through our website for any technical support and advice, as well as requesting leather and vinyl samples to ensure the right colour before purchasing. We attend all the major national shows and exhibitions up and down the country where we take our MGB roadster ‘Jenny’ which has featured on our stand at the NEC for the past two years. Currently fitted out with one of our Heritage interiors, she always attracts attention wherever she goes. Look out for updates on the website with details and locations. It’s an ideal opportunity to come along and discuss your interior and any technical questions, view our materials and work on display, and meet the team. If you’re also into social media our Facebook page will keep you in touch with workshop projects, photos of bespoke work, and frequent updates and news, so come along and get in touch – we’re always happy to meet owners and share our passion for these great cars. Mirror Trim Unit 2 Redhills Farm Harlington Road Toddington Bedfordshire LU5 6HF Tel: 01525 874858 Email: mirrortrim@btconnect.com www.mirrortrim.co.uk
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Light weight alloy hubs with taper roller bearings, studs and seals. Weight saving
MG Midget Vented Disc Brake Kit 240mm and 260mm kits available
of over 2 kilos a side, £240 plus vat
Lightweight Alloy 4-pot Calipers Bespoke Hub Assemblies
Ford Zetec 2.0L engine with Ford Type 9 conversion kits now available. POA
Taper Roller Bearings, Wheel Studs and Seals Included 4X101.6 and 4X108 PCD with uprated studs available
Bespoke alloy 7 gallon fuel tanks,
Bespoke Alloy Calipers Mounting Brackets
High efficiency radiators, Swirl pots, catch tanks and Alloy radiator shrouds
Available with a range of EBC, FERODO or MINTEX Brake Pads
also available. POA.
Mocal Aeroquip 2807/TFE Braided Hoses Included
£650.00 + VAT
TEL: +44 (0) 1926 817890
EMAIL: info@jlhmorrisminors.co.uk
JLH Minor Restoration Ltd, The Coal Yard, Folly Lane, Napton, Southam, CV47 8NZ
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www.mgcc.co.uk
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Close action racing
READY FOR THE NEXT RACE......... By Pete Macwaters
Pete Macwaters, Race Co-ordinator of the MGCC MG Trophy Championship, gives a behind the scenes view of how the Championship is organised.
P
reparation starts in June for the following seasons racing programme. Dates have to be arranged with approaches made to the various track owners.The MG Car Club’s Racing Sub-Committee (MGRSC) then meet in October to finalise these arrangements before meeting with the various race championship coordinators to agree with them the number of entries they can expect at each meeting. Normally, there are six meetings per race season. At the begining of November the race dates are still provisional until confirmation and signed contracts have been exchanged with the circuit owners. Next the championship regulations have to be filed with the MSA by December 1st with the race dates included. There is a fine if the regs are submitted after this date. As soon as the regs are approved, work for the co-ordinators then begins in earnest. Registration documents are sent out for competitors to sign showing their intention to race the following year. The MG Trophy championship doesn’t have a title
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sponsor, unlike most other MGCC championships, so income is generated by getting individual race sponsors wherever possible. The biggest race weekend for us last year was MGLive! at Silverstone which is the meeting that can achieve the highest sponsorship revenue, due to it being the major race event of the season. A new sponsor for this event was picked up at the Autosport show in January when I was approached by Permagard who were launching their car paint protection product in the UK. The MG Trophy has been televised for the last few years and in 2016 we expanded our TV coverage to five one-hour programmes all being shown on ‘Motors TV’. Work with the film company has to start as soon as confirmed race dates are known in order to get the best possible transmission times. In the immediate run-up to each meeting there are a number of actions that need to be ‘ticked off’ and the first of these is to liaise with the race sponsor to arrange artwork for the race stickers to be sent to the printers. Each race car has two stickers attached
(one on each side) on the sill area which stay in place for the duration of the season. I also ask if the sponsor would like to take out programme advertising, because artwork for this needs to be sent to the programme printers. Other things to check with the sponsor are the number of tickets required, who will be doing the awards presentations and if any of their guests would like to take part in the lunch time track parade. It’s important to give the sponsor as much return for their support as possible. Next up is to ask Mark Baulch, the MGCC trophy supplier, to have a suitably engraved ‘thank you’ award ready to present to the race sponsor. Prior to the closing date I chase up any entries expected but still not
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Ready on the grid Sponsors stickers
received, because an extra point is awarded for ‘entry on time’ and any entries after the closing date don’t get this. In the past the championship has been decided by a single point, so it’s important to get this accurately noted. I then check the race day timetable with the MG Competitions Secretary, John Hutchison, to make sure I have an absolute minimum of two hours between the end of our first race and the start of the second race. This is a ‘must’ to ensure there is enough time for any repairs to be completed. The race programme entry side bar information then needs to be updated and sent off to John and the printers, and any pre-race PR has to be sent out along with social media (Facebook etc) posts. Finally I send my driver notes and current championship points table to the commentators and others. This takes the form of a paragraph on each driver with previous race results and any other points of interest. Race Day The first thing to do on arrival at the circuit on race day is to get a good parking spot! This needs to be close to the race car garages because my car is full of championship stuff that needs to be readily accessible for issue to the drivers. I sign on in race control to satisfy the requirements of the MSA and then issue the sponsor stickers to each driver, making sure they know the correct location on their car. I look after any first-time racers, making sure they know what to do, and where
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to go. Race briefings are usually next which I will attend with all the drivers, adding my own comments after the clerk has finished his briefing. My next task is to liaise with the race sponsor and make sure that they and their guests are looked after and entertained throughout the day. Qualifying is next and I monitor the progress on a TV or laptop, keeping notes for the race bulletin that is sent out following the meeting. After qualifying, I note any relevant issues that might have occurred, again for inclusion in the bulletin. I make a point of checking in with the press who are in attendance reporting for the various magazines, as well as with Leanne Fahy who does the race report for the club. Prior to the first race, each car is judged for appearance against fairly strict criteria and points are awarded which go towards an overall total for the ‘Best Presented Car’ trophy that is awarded at the end of season awards evening. Both races are watched from a suitable vantage point close to a PA speaker, so I can record the commentary to pick up on any out-of-sight incidents, again for the race bulletin. In between races I interview any driver who has a ‘story’ that might explain ‘what
happened’! I do this again after the second race to make sure any ‘incidents’ are correctly reported. We tend to combine both our awards presentations into one after the second race to save time during the day. For this, the race sponsor needs to be located and Dunlop hats and ‘Driver of the Race’ goodies are retrieved from the car in readiness. Following the race weekend there are a lot of post-race actions to attend to before the whole thing starts again in readiness for the next meeting. The MG Trophy Championship are looking for a new race co-ordinator to take over the role from the January 1 2018 . The current co-ordinator would like the new person to shadow him for a whole season to help in the transition process so the successful candidate should be looking to start on the January 1 2017. Please send a basic CV to Pete Macwaters at pmacwaters@gmail.com.
Silverware ready for presentation
www.mgcc.co.uk
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FJ1616
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*All cover is subject to insurers terms and conditions, which is available upon request. **Premium example based on: 1978 MG Midget. Value: £2000. Main policy only and does not include any FJ+ cover options. All premiums assume the vehicle is not the main car and includes Insurance Premium Tax. Driver aged over 25 years old, 2000 annual limited mileage, and full clean driving licence with no claims or convictions. Member of associated club. Postcode OX10, vehicle garaged with no modifications. Includes a £10 arrangement fee. Footman James is a trading name of Towergate Underwriting Group Limited. Registered in England No. 4043759. Registered Address: Towergate House, Eclipse Park, Sittingbourne Road, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3EN. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Telephone calls may be monitored or recorded. Sign up to our newsletter at footmanjames.co.uk to receive updates on all the latest news, events, offers and competitions. FP ADGE691.9.16 FJ16160 - MG Safety Fast FP.indd 1 MG_SafetyFast_Jan17_50-98.indd 61
11/11/2016 16:46 15/12/2016 11:29
RACE TORQUE
S
by John Hutchison
ince the last issue, the main focus has been the organisation of the Club’s Stand at the 2017 Racing Car Show, Autosport International. This will be the Club’s second appearance at this show, and for 2017 we have doubled the size of our stand, allowing us to have two cars on display as well as all the information regarding the 2017 season events and the various championships and series’. The MG Car Club stand is situated in Hall 7, stand number 7434. We intend to have an MG ZR and MG Metro as our display vehicles. Do come and see us if you are attending the show. The 2017 dates are still provisional at this stage but they are: April 9 Donington Park April 29-30 Brands Hatch Indy June 17-18 Silverstone Historic GP Circuit (MGLive!) July 22 Cadwell Park September 2 Oulton Park International September 30-October 1 Snetterton 200 The ever-popular British Motor Heritage Four-Hour Classic Relay Race will once again be taking place at Snetterton, this year on Sunday
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October 1 2017. Places can now be reserved by contacting the MG Car Club’s Race Competitions Secretary, John Hutchison, on johnh@mgcc.co.uk or 01235 849738. Just a few weeks after the Autosport Show is the Race Retro
Show. This will be taking place at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry, on February 24–26. This show is under new ownership, but the MGCC has been able to retain its usual stand in Hall 2 by the main door. The show car will be Andrew Young’s stunning 2016 BCV8 Championship-winning MGC GT. This also nicely coincides with 2017 being the 50th Anniversary of the MGC. From the administration side for 2017, the MG Car Club will be going paperless in 2017 and beyond. All Final Instructions, Timetables, and Paddock/ Garage Plans will be emailed directly to competitors, along with the tickets for the event. Paper tickets will still be issued for Donington and Silverstone, and posted to you, but everything else for that meeting will be emailed. So, if you have changed your email address since the end of the 2016 race season then please let John Hutchison know direct, so we can ensure we have your correct details on file. On behalf of the MGCC Race Sub Committee, we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, in which we hope to see you all soon.
www.mgcc.co.uk
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D U NC A N W O O D DUNCANW@MGS-ON-TRACK.CO.UK
MG on track
SPONSORED BY
OUT WITH THE OLD... IN WITH THE NEW
2
016 was an ‘interesting’ year for so many reasons, but it was also another great year for MGs on Track. Whilst we visited all our favourite circuits, such as Goodwood, Castle Combe and Brands Hatch, there was also the opportunity to try new locations such as Blyton Park and Anglesey, and to revisit Oulton Park and Croft. To those unfamiliar with the ethos of MGs on Track then let me explain that we aim to provide a safe, sociable and fun track-day in the company of other MG owners, without some of the wilder driving sometimes in evidence at commercial events. We have a strict etiquette governing overtaking and other aspects of track driving, so any potential newcomers should have no fear of giving it a try. Every year we hold an event at North Weald aimed directly at those who have never driven a track-day before; participants have the chance to drive up to and often beyond the capabilities of their cars in a completely safe environment, with
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nothing to hit save for a few marker cones, and no other cars on the course at the same time. Even if you do not go on to do a full track-day you are sure to enjoy one of these activity days. In 2017 we are delighted to be able to offer an event at Silverstone once more. We will be using the full GP circuit, and believe that we will be able to offer places at reasonable cost. Registered MGs on Track members will receive prior notice in the Newsletter that booking is to open, but we do expect this day to sell out quickly. If the wide-open spaces and long straights of Silverstone do not appeal, then how about trying Cadwell Park? Those of you who think Lincolnshire to be miles of flat fenland need to visit Cadwell Park which is certainly one of the hilliest and one of the prettiest circuits that we visit, although it has to be said it is narrow in parts! Goodwood and Castle Combe are two ‘airfield’ circuits that have been developed far beyond their origins to offer some fast and challenging
driving, and Hethel combines fast straights with twists and turns designed to test the handling of Lotus cars, so you know it’s going to be fun. We think that this year’s calendar offers variety aplenty, so please take full advantage. The Committee members of MGs on Track wish all our members past, present, and future a Happy and Peaceful New Year and we look forward to seeing you at an event in 2017. In closing, I would like to mention our dear friend Doug Bond who, due to increasing family responsibilities, has resigned his post of committee member. Many of you will have met Doug at one of our track-days, at the wheel of his Maroon MGB V8, and often accompanied by his riding mechanic, Keith ‘Ballast’ Allen. Doug’s calm nature has been much appreciated and we will miss his presence at the committee meetings. Hopefully we will see him back as a participant at a track-day soon, and we offer him our sincerest best wishes for the future.
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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. Bedford Autodrome – January 21 Suitable for more experienced members, this is a day shared with Lotus on Track. 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 ever-popular track which includes a couple of chicanes and technical corners! 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!
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
H
ere we are, the festive indulgences behind us and plenty of time to think about, including next year’s sprinting and hillclimbing. If only it were so for the co-ordinators and event organisers. There is the inevitable juggling act which eventually produces a working calendar of events. Then there is the application for the championship permit, printing, etc, etc. However, it is all worthwhile as long as the competitors get as much enjoyment out of their sport as I have over many years. There will be few changes to the regulations this year and these will be highlighted to the competitors, past, present and, hopefully, future in due course. We have had many representations from owners of MG cars fitted with non-MG engines, with a view to having somewhere to come out and play. There are many interesting and innovative MG cars out there that have had all kinds of engine transplants. Couple that with the fact that we are now able to acquire the Frontline MGB complete with Mazda engine, it seems that we could be missing out on a whole genre of cars that could be swelling our ranks. To that end, we are introducing two new classes for nonMG engined cars, ie up to 2000cc and above. These cars will be restricted to the road-going class and will have to spend their first season establishing target times for future years. It is envisaged that they will have dedicated trophies and existing classes will not be affected at all. If you have such a car and have been champing at the bit to get out there and compete, here’s your chance. Likewise, if you know someone who might be interested, make them aware of this opportunity. Keep an eye on the website www. mgspeed.net for the 2017 registration forms and regulations as they appear. Meanwhile, polish those spanners – the first round will be here sooner than you think.
Brian Galbraith in his 1932 J2 at a wet Wiscombe. Photo: Colin Murrell
www.mgcc.co.uk
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OUT&ABOUT SPECIAL
Thank you to everyone who sent in photos of their MGs in the snow. Below is a selection of the photos we received.
Grah a m Park er’s MGF.
Pau l Upton ’s MG6
John Wat son’s MG TF
Jorn M uller-Ne uh au s’s M GC
Pete Due ll’s MG B GT 66 SAFETY FAST! JANUARY 2017
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GT
Th om as Be ck’ s M GB GT
V8
www.mgcc.co.uk
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OUT&ABOUT SPECIAL
Roge r Sa mb roo k’s M GB
Lan ce Y enik’ s MG TF
Brian La ke’ s M G M etro
M arcus Bru ndler’s MGC GT
Jeff Ma rsde n’s MG TD Jim Hen ders on’s MG RV8
www.mgcc.co.uk
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www.mgcc.co.uk
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OVERSEAS NEWS
D
espite being 35 years younger than his beloved Midget, Nikolaj Mortensen (28) has many years of knowledge and respect for the old MGs. This brings hope to the marque. Not just in the case of younger people to take over from the older segment buying and driving the cars, but also because Nikolaj together with his father, Jens Peter (60), runs an MG Garage in Copenhagen. Mortensen Jr. was brought up with SU carburettors, differentials, etc and knows how to make an MG into a winning race car. In 2015 Nikolaj won the Danish championship in historic racing for cars up to 1965 in his 1963 MG Midget, competing against cars like Ford Lotus Cortinas. In the same year’s Copenhagen Historic Grand Prix (CHGP), held on a temporary track on public roads in Copenhagen, the 1965-class was cancelled because of a
lack of interest from the drivers. Nikolaj contacted the organisers asking if they would include the class if he could raise a starting grid of 35 cars – on one condition: he would approve every participant to secure a race free from dents and crashes. This was the start of the ‘SixtyFivers’. Through his huge network young Mortensen came up with 35 cars from Denmark and neighbouring countries, with an additional waiting list of 20 drivers. ‘SixtyFivers’ at CHGP was an instant success with the class’s own pit area and evening barbecues. 2016 was an even bigger success with more participants and cars on the waiting list. The driving force behind ‘SixtyFivers’, Nikolaj Mortensen, explains: “Racing in classic cars has become quite big in Denmark. This has brought new participants onto the tracks. Some of those are wealthy enough to hire paid mechanics to fix their cars, making the drivers less
careful when racing. If I get a dent I have to fix it myself, which brings another dimension to racing.” In other words, Mortensen wants to go back to the roots where the drivers are amateurs, working on their own cars and having a great time together in the pits before and after the race. ‘SixtyFivers’ has become the scale for the classic car race being reborn and Nikolaj has earned respect and acknowledgement for his work. Why? Because of his passion for MGs and the golden age of the British car industry combined. That he is also able to repair cars more than twice his own age, many members of MGCC Danish Centre appreciate and value.
MG CAR CLUB DANISH CENTRE
MAN OF THE FUTURE?
Not your typical Danish MGCC member. Nikolaj Mortensen is a young man with an unusual hairstyle and a love for rock music.
Nikolaj Mortensen racing in his green 1963 Midget in July 2016 at Copenhagen Historic Grand Prix. He finished third on the podium
www.mgcc.co.uk
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OVERSEAS REVIEW A MONTHLY LOOK THROUGH A FEW OF THE OVERSEAS MAGAZINES WE RECEIVE AT KIMBER HOUSE. REVIEWED BY PAUL PLUMMER.
We start our review with the frontispiece from the Medlemsblad, MG Car Club Danish Centre, with a seasonal view of British cars, in British weather, with British umbrellas – believe it or not it was summer in Denmark!
Opposite Lock, the journal of the MG car Club Sydney NSW, reports on the All British Day, which featured 1500+ British-built vehicles of which over 70 were MGs. Centre stage of the Car Club’s display was a brand new Yellow MG3, alongside a VA. However, our photograph shows four very colourful Morris J series vans from the 1940s.
Members of the MG Car Club of Victoria are obviously into a leisurely lifestyle and long lunches, as evidenced by this photo found in the September issue of Wheel Spin. From the front cover of MG Kurier we see a fine photo of Peter Lange’s well-travelled and well-badged 1938 VA.
Colourful J series vans featured in Opposite Lock Summer in Denmark
An article from the MG Car Club Washington DC magazine, The Spark, poses the question ‘Which side of the road do we drive?’ This fascinating study looks into driving on the left- and right-hand sides of the road around the world and unearths many interesting facts: • Of the world’s population, 66% drive on the right. • Many countries have changed from left to right, but none the other way around. • Sweden changed from left to right overnight on September 3 1967 and the accident rate dropped sharply. • At the road border crossing between Brazil and Guyana the traffic changes sides. Pictured here is a rather confusing sign to keep you on your toes!
From the same journal comes the ‘Law of Cryptic Instruction.’ ‘Any book, manual, pamphlet or text dealing with the maintenance of a British sports car shall be written so that at least every fourth word shall be unknown to the average reader. In the event that any portion of the text is understandable, the information contained therein shall be incorrect.’ Here is an excerpt from page 132 of the MGA workshop manual: ‘Before re-bushing the lower grunion banjos, you must remove the bonnet fascia and undo the A-arm nut with a #3 spanner.’ All attempts to publish an English language version of this manual have failed.
Peter Lange’s 1938 VA
Finally, featured on the inside back cover of The MG Driver, the journal of the North American MGB Register, there is an intriguing advertisement for Hagerty Classic Car Insurance in the USA, which is rather close to home!
Hagerty advert in The MG Driver
Road sign to keep you on your toes The MGCC Victoria Long Lunch 70 SAFETY FAST! JANUARY 2017
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CENTRES
ABINGDON WORKS
RICHARD MARTIN sfscribe@mgabingdon.org.uk www.mgabingdon.co.uk A very happy 2017 to everyone and I hope that you all enjoyed a good Christmas. I know that there were a number of events going on around the Centre over the festive season and I hope you had the opportunity to join in one. These notes are being ‘penned’ after being part of a small group who’ve just returned from a brief trip across the Solent to the Isle of Wight, the first visit of Gill’s GS to the island, where it attracted a few glances and comments, all positive. The prime reason for the trip was to meet up with Centre members who used to live on the mainland, but now live across the water.
Terry and Suzanne Grant will be well known to some members for their tussles in Club autotests within the Centre and Silverstone, whilst Roger and Jill Hicks were mine hosts at former Natter home, Foxcombe Lodge and are also fondly remembered for the spreads they laid on for those who completed the Centre’s Boxing Day Run! It was a fun few days when we all ate too much and drank … a bit! Many thanks for the company and hospitality! If you don’t yet have a 2017 calendar, why not have a look at our website where you can download and print, either one for the entire 12 months
ANGLIA
ROB MUIR 01206 862619 Rob.Muir@hotmail.co.uk www.mgcc.co.uk/anglia
Two famous Anglia Centre trophies were presented by our Chairman, Peter Skipper, just before Christmas. Chairman’s Trophy Mike Pelling, our Competition Secretary, is the worthy recipient of the 2016 Chairman’s Trophy for his success in organising and
Peter Skipper (right) presents Mike Pelling with the Chairman’s Trophy 72 SAFETY FAST! JANUARY 2017
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developing the Anglia Centre stand at MGLive! to what has become consistently one of the main attractions at the international event in the main marquee. This, along with the effort he has put into finding new venues for the Autotest series and his tireless promotion of our Centre. Mike has a long history within the Club. He started his competition career back in the early 1970s in Autocross where he competed with the likes of Graham Hathaway, who went on to become European Rallycross Champion, and Andy Rouse, who became multiple Touring Car champion in the Ford Sierra Cosworth in the 1980s To say that Mike knows his stuff when it comes to
on a single A4 sheet, or one for each individual month www. mgabingdon.co.uk/for-ourmembers/printable-a4-calendars/ Talking of calendars, the Committee have been putting together the 2017 events calendar and by the time you read this, our now familiar octagonal calendar listing these will be available to download from the website. If, however, you’d like one posted to you, we’d be happy to arrange it if you let one of the Committee
know. It’s a pretty full year, so we hope there’s a listing or two (or more!) which whets the appetite. We’re always looking for suggestions, so if you have one please let us know what it is. Even better, why not come along to the Centre’s AGM which will be in Kimber House on Saturday March 25? We’d be delighted to see you there and have a chat. Finally, a warm welcome to all new AWC members and we look forward to seeing you on an event in the near future.
AWC Cars at a summer village fete
competition organisation would be an understatement. The award is well-deserved. Restoration Trophy Our second award winner is long-time MGA enthusiast Roger Martin. Roger, who has written two very successful books on the history of the MGA, obviously does not want to be ‘typecast’ and has shown that he can be just as accomplished
in his knowledge of other MGs by winning the trophy for the complete restoration of an MG Midget. The Midget originally belonged to his sister and Roger did the entire restoration with the help of his son, Nick, at home. Roger has a photographic record of the restoration which is truly inspiring. I will include some of restoration record photographs on the Anglia website.
Peter Skipper Presents Roger Martin with his Trophy
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CENTRES
CALEDONIAN
BOB MACGILLIVRAY 07870 407111 mgcarsscotland@gmail.com www.mgcaledonian.com
Being the first Safety Fast! and the first ‘Notes’ of the new year allow me on behalf of the committee to wish you all a very Happy and Healthy 2017! And welcome to the 25th Anniversary of the Caledonian Centre! Depending on when you receive this you might still be in time to enter the Chilly Willy lunch in Stirling on the 1st. Give me a call if you want to be slotted in. The full programme for 2017 is now on the website and a hard copy will be included with the 2017 annual Newsletter which should be dropping through your letter box anytime now. We have put together a varied programme, most of which will hopefully suit everyone! Hope to see you out and about.
Our annual Film Night is at Kirkintilloch Golf Club on January 26. It’s entitled ‘Fish, Film and Flowers’ as, apart from the films, there will be a choice of fish and other suppers available and for those who don’t want to watch films Nancy Crichton is arranging a flower arranging session! The films themselves will include MG items as well as some rally items and Bo’ness Hillclimb. This was an excellent informal evening in 2016, so book through the website. Our Dreadnought Technical Day is on February 19 … and we need suggestions from you as to what topics you would like considered. Let me know asap please! Lunch beforehand is arranged at the Old Rectory and,
DEVON & CORNWALL GRANNY JANNER www.allegropeter@aol.com www.mgcc.co.uk/devon-cornwall-centre/
The results of the November Skittles Night were: Cornwall 276, Exeter 265, Plymouth 247, so the cup was presented to Cornwall. A playoff resulted in the prizes for the lowestscoring lady and gentleman going to Jean Quartley and Mike Madge. The highest-scoring lady and gentleman were Clare Lawrence and Graham Brokenshire. The car quiz had us all thinking of cars past and present. A very nice evening enjoyed by all. Thanks go to Tony Short for organising this event. Here’s a little ditty I recently read, made me laugh, hope you enjoy it. I have a little Satnav, it sits there in my car – A Satnav is a driver’s friend, it tells you were you are. – I have a little Satnav,
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I’ve had it all my life. – It’s better than the normal ones, my Satnav is my wife. It gives me full instructions, especially how to drive – It’s thirty miles an hour, it says, you’re doing thirty five. – It tells me when to stop and start and when to use the brake – And tells me that it’s never ever safe to overtake. – It tells me when a light is red and when it goes to green. – It seems to know instinctively just when to intervene. – It lists the vehicles just in front and all those to the rear – And taking this into account it specifies my gear. – I’m sure no other driver has so helpful a device, – For when we leave and lock the car it still gives its advice. – It fills me up with
again, book through the website, For those of you who are Elvis fans (and he owned an MGA!) you will enjoy the Elvis Tribute Night in Pitlochry on March 10. Bookings will close in mid-January, so don’t delay! As I mentioned, 2017 is the 25th Anniversary of the Caledonian Centre and to mark this, two special events are being held. An Anniversary lunch is being planned for March 26 at Airth Castle Hotel, but a larger event is our annual three-day Tour. It was based in Peebles in 1992 and we return there from April 29 to May 2. This time we have two start points, one near Hexham and the other in Lanarkshire, and the event itself will feature a special 1930s night on the Sunday evening. At the time of writing we already
counselling, each journey’s pretty fraught. –So why don’t I exchange it and get a quieter sort? – Ah well, you see, it cleans the house, makes sure I’m properly fed. – It washes all my shirts and things and keeps me warm in bed! – Despite all these advantages and my tendency to scoff, – I only wish that now and then I could turn the b****r off. One of our founder members and past chairman, Jack Beare, has passed away aged 95, so most of our members do not remember him. Being employed in the motor trade he always had a demonstrator MG to do the driving tests of which he was very good. Patricia Lyle represented the Club at the funeral; thanks Pat. Our sympathies go out to Helen and family. Do not forget the photographic competition. Entries by February 1 to Wendy Keeling keeling320@
Peter Long’s MGA appeared in ‘Mogtorque’ (The Scottish Morgan Club Magazine). We are returning the compliment with Morgan included
have 68 entries … the highest for a number of years, with at least two cars (and owners) which took part in the first event returning 25 years later. This is the Centre’s Event of the Year, so you are advised to book soon if you want to be sure of a place. Again, it’s on the website.
btinternet.com There are two categories: MG Pride and MG Fun. DATES FOR THE DIARY 2017 March 4 – AGM at Callington Bowling Club – 7.30 for 8.00pm. We DO need your support. Please make yourselves available to see where the Club is going – we need new input PLEASE. This year it is the intention to make it a fun evening with trophy presentations, a quiz and a FREE buffet! March 15 – MCC Lands End Trial – marshals again wanted. Contact Bob www.bobslatter@ hotmail.com April 7-9 – Spring Break in Dorset. There may still be rooms available at the Dorset Golf and Country Club, Bere Regis – contact Pete Heath allegropeter@aol.com April 23 – Drive It Day
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CENTRES
LINCOLNSHIRE JOHN HEBB 01522 683541 jhebb38@virginmedia.com www.mgcclincolnshire.co.uk
January Natters: Wolds Wednesday 4; Lincolnshire Poacher Friday 6; Abbey Lodge Monday 9; Wishing Well Wednesday 11 (Show and Tell, Simon 01406 381303); Three Horseshoes Thursday 19; Admiral Nelson Thursday26. January Events: New Year’s Day Run Abbey Lodge; Annual Dinner and Presentation Evening Saturday 21 Bentley Hotel, Lincoln (Robert 01724 764144). Luncheon Club: Wednesday 18 (Richard/Vicki 01949 844066). Early February Natters: Wolds Wednesday 1; Lincolnshire Poacher Friday 3.
When you are reading this, Christmas will be over but the New Year may be yet to come, so a reminder of our long-established Run and Pride of Ownership on New Year’s Day. Over the years this has proved to be our best-supported event, with the possible exception of our Annual Dinner, also in January. All members should have now received the Winter Newsletter which includes the Calendar for 2017, but please keep an eye on the web page, as things can, and probably will, change. November is usually a quiet month in terms of events, but all our Natters were nattering, and the Luncheon Club had a good turnout of 28 members making a return visit to the Red Lion at Raithby.
MIDLANDS
ROGER KING www.mg-cars.org.uk/mgccmidlandcentre midlandcentre@mgcars.org.uk
Another year completed. The Midlands Centre committee, short as we are of a full committee, nevertheless rose to the challenge of staging and executing a strong calendar of events during 2016. And as we move into 2017 we are as determined as ever to continue in this positive way, always hopeful that we can attract new committee members who share in our desire to enjoy MGs. Why not attend our AGM at the Somers Club, Halesowen, on January 16. I did four years ago, got ‘elected’ onto the committee and have had a lot of fun ever since. In last month`s Safety Fast! you got a flavour of our
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Curborough Sprint programme. We are pressing ahead with the organisation of our next one on April 2, even though we currently lack a full organising team. But we are eternal optimists and anticipate that, by hook or by crook, we`ll get there on the day. Come and join us. The circuit is great fun and all who do compete always leave with a smile on their face, if not a trophy or two. Meanwhile our flagship road event, the Welsh Rallye, is well on the way. Returning to Llandrindod Wells to celebrate the 20th anniversary in its current format, Brian Osborn, a
January is also the month for looking back as well as to the future This last year the Centre held two Autotests, Autosolo, the Jubilee Trophy Naviscat, a trip to Gunby Hall on Drive it Day, a visit to Gainsborough Old Hall and our flagship event, the Poacher Concours at Doddington Hall. There was also the Inter Marque Quiz, a weekend in Settle, our displays at Revesby Country Show, the Rover Day at East Kirkby and also at the W H Brand Carfest. The various Natters were also busy organising quizzes and talks as
well as outside events, including the Wolds week in Scotland and the Admiral Nelson’s long weekend in Derbyshire. At MGLive! there were team and individual successes in the California Cup Autotest, the Concours, the Sprint and the racing. The 2017 Calendar also shows a wide variety of events, so please get the MGs fired up and enjoy what is on offer! And, if you have something in mind that you would like to happen/organise, just contact one of the Committee members – they will be pleased to hear from you.
Three 3s on the last New Year’s Day run
veteran in such things, claims to have planned a route that incorporates all the best bits of previous Central Wales events. Not as much mileage as last year, but it will take as long because the route will be hilly and narrow and spectacular. So that will make it tasty as well! This time we are staying two nights at the Metropole Hotel, so no humping luggage around on the run. At a cost of £340 per couple (£350 for non-MGCC members) the good news is that includes a Friday night dinner to be taken at your convenience, so no scrabbling around looking for a cheap burger bar! And on the Saturday evening the traditional Welsh Rallye après-run, buffetstyle meal and fun. That`s not all. For those that wish it there
will be something to do on Sunday morning, followed by lunch and departure. The date of the Rallye is May 19-21 and entry details can be found on the website. But hurry, we are limited to just 60 and not surprisingly the list is filling up fast. Our regular Spring Trial is suffering from the lack of a venue, since the one we have been using in Hereford has fallen into apparent disuse. We are actively searching for an alternative with the possible intention of staging a ‘taster’ trial. At the same time, the committee are considering a new event on our calendar, namely an Autosolo, possibly to be staged in the eastern area of our region. Watch for further details on both.
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CENTRES
NORTH WEST PAUL GOODMAN 01625 876300
New Year has arrived and so it is time to wish all our members a happy and prosperous 2017. The planning that has been underway for a while should ensure another brilliant year for the Centre. Three events for you to attend this month are the Old Hall Farm Pub on Tuesday January 10, the Plough and Flail on Tuesday January 17 and our lunchtime meeting on Wednesday January 25 at the Bells of Peover, The Cobbles, Lower Peover, Knutsford, WA16 9PZ. Let us hope that we are not buried in snow as certain national newspapers have predicted! We also have the Annual General Meeting of the Centre coming up on Thursday February 9. Details of the venue will
be confirmed in Safety Fast! next month and on the Centre website. We are enhancing our communications with our members. There is already a Facebook Group which you can join, a WhatsApp group has been created by the Plough and Flail regulars and the website will be enlarged to include all the shows and events that we are attending and organising. We hope that our new ags will become a familiar sight during the year and a meeting point for our members. Luffield Cars will again be sponsoring the speed championship this year. There is a superb calendar of events on offer right across the country. You can compete in a standard
SOUTH EAST
JO RUFFELS joruffels@gmail.com www.mg-cars.org.uk/mgccse/
Round up 2016 Last year saw a successful number of events run by the MGCC and South East groups culminating in a very well-supported stand at the NEC Birmingham, Classic Car show in November with a number of our members attending. The Autumn Naviscat was held in November with a good turnout of members, resulting in a win for Phillip Bayne-Powell and his wife Rosemary as navigator in their MG N-Type Magnette. Second place
Autumn Naviscat. Photo: Janice Leigh 78 SAFETY FAST! JANUARY 2017
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went to another husband-and-wife team, Peter and Diana Wallace in a MG YT. All results are available on the web page. The final event of the year was the ever-popular MGs on Track at Brands Hatch driving the Indy course and suitably located in the South East. This offers a fun, sociable day for those keen to take their MG out on the track; no need to modify your car, just register and turn up. Hoping to go for a blast around myself next year. A taster of events in 2017 The South East AGM was held at the end of November 2016 and members have already drafted a comprehensive list of events for 2017. These will be live on the web
road MG with no modifications required. A licence can be bought from the Motor Sports Association (no requirement to do a training course) and then you just need your fireproof clothing and helmet. The scoring system used for the Championship ensures that everybody has an equal chance of winning, regardless of the level of modification of their car. At some of the famous venues, which are usually oversubscribed, the championship is allocated reserved entries. This means that registering gives you a better chance of gaining an entry. The Cockshoot Cup Race Championship is visiting a great range of circuits including Donington, Silverstone GP, Anglesey and Oulton Park, with a welcome return to Cadwell Park and Croft. The MGCC is offering half-price race entry
fees to drivers aged under 25, so we hope to see some more younger drivers joining in. We would like competitors in both championships to fill in their championship registration forms as soon as possible. This helps with making sure that you can get your entries in well in advance of the events. Finally, if you need any advice about your car or using it at any of our events then please get in touch or visit one of our meetings.
page in the New Year. The regular South East Club meets are continuing to run and if you are a new member and interested in going along, do contact the area representative. We are always very happy to welcome MG enthusiasts. The Reigate Group now run a breakfast meet on the third Saturday of each month, which usually draws in around 30 cars (not all MGs) and is proving to be increasingly popular, organised by John Morgan (johnv.morgan@ btinternet.com) Brooklands MG Era Day is scheduled for Sunday April 2 2017. Always a well-supported event offering an eclectic mix of MGs. The spring run is scheduled for April 23 2017. More details will follow. Jersey Rally: a trip to St Helier, Jersey, April 28 to May 1 2017,
with many members having booked places already. There is a ferry surcharge after January 31 2017, so those interested need to contact Derek Edwards for full details. MGLive! will be taking place again this year, and so one to get in your diaries early, with the promise of a bigger and better show than ever taking place on June 17-18 2017. July 23: Summer gathering to be held at the very popular Penshurst Place, a 14th century manor house with lovely gardens, and once the property of Henry VIII. September 24 2017: Autumn gathering at Chiddingstone Castle, an impressive house dating from the 17th century, packed with objets d’art. Looking forward to seeing many of you at these days. Please do contact me if you have other events happening. It would be great to hear from you.
Ross Makar receives the Cockshoot Cup at the Centre dinner
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CENTRES
SOUTH WEST
JIM LOTT 07773 491953 hairman@mgccsw.com, www.mgccsw.com www.facebook.com/MGCCSW @mgccsw Class 3 – Midget, AH Sprite, Arkley – Ian Beningfield MG Midget Class 4 – MGA, B, C, V8, RV8 – Rob Orford MGB Class 5 – MGF, MG TF – Neil Lock MG TF Class 6 – FWD MGs – Joint winners Jim and Simon Lott A full list of the results is available on the website www. mgccsw.com/2016-driverschampionship/ The prizes and awards will be presented at our first event of 2017, the Dinner and Awards Evening on February 25 2017. Once again, the event will be held at the Limpley Stoke Hotel, near Bath. Details of how to book are on the website.
As these are the notes for the January 2017 edition of Safety Fast! I would like to wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year. South West Centre Drivers Championship 2016 The results of all of the SW Centre events have been collated and checked and the results are:Overall Champion, Neil Lock (MG TF, MGB GT) 2nd Overall, Ian Beningfield (MG Midget) 3rd Overall, Jim Lott (MGF MG Metro Turbo) Class 1 – Vintage, MMM, SVW – Jeremy Hawke MG J2 Class 2 – Y, T, Z Farina and Magnette – Frank Vautier MG TC
TYNE TEES
NOEL LINDFORD noel.lindford@btinternet.com
York Social Day Out by Train Organised by David Alexander, this early November day trip worked out well, with 15 people taking part, including ‘our’ Director Paul Plummer and Madeleine, who had come up for the weekend. The weather was kind to us, and all who planned to, made the correct train and arrived safely at York, where we met for coffee in the station café. Some visited the Railway Museum and the Minster, whilst a small group indulged in some retail therapy by hitting the shops. The larger group had a splendid lunch in Browns department store café and met up later for high tea at Piccolinos riverside restaurant. All made the train home, though not necessarily the one we planned!
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Events Coming Up Thursday February 9 at 8.00pm: Tyne-Tees Centre AGM. The formal AGM Notice (with agenda) is in this issue of Safety Fast! and it will take place at Coulby Manor, Coulby Newham, which is west of Middlesbrough, just off the A174 Parkway. Satnav TS8 0RP. This is the superb clubhouse of Middlesbrough & District Motor Club. The AGM will be followed by a complimentary buffet and Natter, so we do need to know numbers for the caterers. Please contact me by email or call 07432 152095 if you plan to attend. We have a vacancy on the Committee, and one position we need to fill is that of Vice-
Events for 2017 The committee are putting together the event calendar for 2017 and these are the dates confirmed so far:Saturday February 25 2017 – Annual Dinner and Awards Evening, Limpley Stoke. Tuesday March 7 2017 – South West Centre AGM, Compton Martin. Sunday May 7 2017 – Wye Valley Social Run, Symonds Yat. Saturday May 13 2017 – Kimber Classic Trial, start at Lanes Hotel, West Coker, near Yeovil. Saturday September 9 2017 – Wiscombe Hill Climb. Sunday October 15 2017 – Kimber Car Trial, Pagans Hill. Details of these and any further events will be available on the website which will be updated to reflect the changes as they happen.
Chairman. The ideal candidate would be someone with previous experience of serving on the Tyne-Tees Centre or other MGCC Committee, as this role includes cover and support for the current Chairman who already wears a number of ‘hats’ and (should he be re-elected!) can only serve for a further two years then has to stand down… Club rules, so we need a succession plan. If you feel that you can offer your talents and enthusiasm to help your Centre provide a varied and
The website is being redesigned and should be going live sometime in January. It was felt that the old site has become dated and needed to be bought up to date, so please take a look and let us know what you think.
Neil Locks MGTF and BGT competing in some SW Centre Events
evolving programme of events for our members, then please contact me (Noel: 0191 587 0753) for a chat and further information. We only have six Committee meetings per year, and it is an enjoyable way of giving something back to your Club. Nominations must be received by David Alexander, the Secretary, by email to david.alexander2012@ btinternet.com or call him on 01670 861178 no later than January 20 2017. Season’s Greetings to you all!
Mervyn Gillespie with MGA EX182 at the NEC
www.mgcc.co.uk
15/12/2016 11:30
CENTRES
YORKSHIRE
DAVID COPEMAN 07920 064585 www.mgccyorkshire.co.uk President’s half-decade charity bash invitation Five years on from my 80th it is time for another Celebration, Sunday February 26 at lunchtime. The usual rules apply – casual MG wear, positively NO presents but envelopes for charitable donations to Red Cross, Cancer Research, Alzheimer’s Association etc will be provided. We will meet from 11.00am for free drinks in the bar and lunch hot buffet-style in the large Hall, around 1.00 pm. Please note the date and inform me at alandakeyne@aol.com or at 57 Church Lane, Garforth, LS25 1NW of your intention to attend. Note the hotel does have a maximum number for the room!
Venue: Monk Fryston Hall Hotel, Monk Fryston, LS25 5DU. North – Ken Cothliff The End of Season Run raised £300 for the Alzheimer’s Society.Ken Cothliff was thanked for the planning of our trip to Liverpool. A group of members went to the new Hobby and Toy Company in Hipperholme for an open evening. Christmas Dinner will be at the Tempest on January 14 2017, replacing the December Natter meeting. South – Geoff Norcliffe The Natter welcomed two new members, TF owner Brian Turner and B owner David Locke. The November Natter meet hosted a photo caption show with images
ULSTER
CAROL WILLIS (028) 9079 9997 or 07831 345560 www.mgcculstercentre.co.uk carol.mgulster@hotmail.co.uk
First, a Happy New Year to all and I hope Santa has been good to you and you now have some new shiny bits to add to your MGs! Mine is awaiting back
Team Carson and McKee win the Chocolates!
www.mgcc.co.uk
MG_SafetyFast_Jan17_50-98.indd 81
axle surgery and is generating and an ever-extending ‘To-do’ list. (Santa’s elves did nothing on it over Christmas, despite my letter to him.) The Centre’s customary pre-Christmas ‘Mince-Pie Night’ on December 6 at Shandon Golf Club turned out to be a Christmas Cracker with 45 members and friends making a party night of it! If drink had been available, we would still be there! Along with the festive eats, came a Christmas Quiz from Carol. Lloyd had painted up a ’B’ cylinder head for a ‘Timed Spark-Plug Change’ competition and Gordon brought along his ‘Fastest Wheel
from past events. 2017 will mark the current SY Natter’s 20th anniversary and as we continue to grow the number of members joining us, we continue enjoying the contribution of ideas that each one brings. East – Chris Moore We have the backing from the Hull City Council to start the Wolds Way Run on May 14 2017 in the city centre. We shall be parking around the Rose Bowl Fountain in Queen’s Gardens next to the BBC Studio. Kingston upon Hull is the 2017 UK City of Culture and the run will feature as one of the special planned events organised by local groups. West – David Copeman Our Christmas lunch and faith supper were enjoyed by all who attended.
Change’ kit for two-man wheelchanging. The times from both events were added to get a final score for each competitor. Wilson Carson and Wallace McKee were twice as fast as everyone else and won the box of chocs. They must have a lot of plug and tyre problems with their cars! We made two presentations to our charities for this year – £1,000 to the Alzheimer’s Society and £750 to Brain Tumour Research, which was raised at our events during the year, so thanks to everyone who made a contribution. While others write about laying up their MGs for the winter, the talk at the Mince-Pie Night was about MG purchases or preparations for our first major competitive event of the year, the Derek Walker Trial on
For our January meeting we require a good turnout as Centre member Bob Ward will be giving a presentation on radiator manufacture over the past 60 years, also on his recent Scandinavian tour in his TD, finishing with pie and pea supper. Tiger – Pete Welbourn Summer luncheon runs. I have an idea to suggest a season opening March run back to the Piebald Inn, and I already have one volunteer looking to do a new route and venue. Vale of York – Ken Cothliff We have decided to plan three ‘day runs’ this coming year, spring, summer and autumn. We are also planning a visit to a new local classic car restoration company in the New Year. Read reports in full on www.mgccyorkshire.co.uk
the first Saturday in February. The event will be based at Nutts Corner and Regulations and Entry forms should be available early in the New Year. Committee member Ian Campbell is also prepping his Mini for the Monte night event from Glasgow to Carlisle, so we wish him all the best for this event. Don’t forget the annual Treasure Hunt on New Year’s Day. We are meeting at 2.00pm in the B&Q car park at Sprucefield and the finish will be at O’Reilly’s in Dromara. Look forward to seeing you there. Dates for your diary January 1 Treasure Hunt February 4 Derek Walker Trial February 18 Annual Dinner and Prizegiving – The Ivanhoe
JANUARY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 81
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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. £5,995
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MG TF LE500 PreProduction Press car (just 22,600 miles)
MG TF 115 Sunstorm (just 52,000 miles)
MG MGF VVC Convertible (just 80,000 miles)
MG TF 115 (just 38,000 miles)
2007 (57 Reg) Manual Petrol Finished in: Grey/ black leather 1 owner MG A very early made car chassis # 7D059. One owner NAC MG UK ltd. This pre production model was used for press days and shows to show what the new TF’s would be like. Made to a high spec with full leather sport seats, air conditioning, soft ride suspension, glass heated rear screen, Wind deflector. Very low mileage rare 07/57 plate TF in outstanding condition. Fully serviced with a new cambelt etc Moted £6,495
2004 (04 Reg) Manual, Petrol, Finished in: Silver/ Black leather grey inserts High spec ltd edition model. This model looks like a 160vvc. Fitted with sports pack 2, Red 4 pot brake calipers, 16” alloys, front fog lights, chrome packs, smokestone cockpit etc . Headgasket/cambelt/water pump etc replaced recently .Low insurance .Just serviced and moted. Colour coded hardtop available for £350 + vat. Excellent condition. £2,795
1997 (R Reg) Manual Petrol Finished in: Silver/black half leather Just taken in part exchange. Being a VVC model it is fitted with Abs, VVC alloys Unmarked, power steering. Supplied with full service history + bills & including bill of sale from new and old mot’s etc. Recent service/mot and new Radiator and black soft top. Club members car. Outstanding condition would be hard to find better. £1,795
2003 (52 Reg), Manual, Petrol, Finished in: Silver/Black TF115 1600cc just 38,000 miles, low insurance group. Full service history will bills 10 service stamps ,headgasket replaced at 20,000m. Mud flaps all round, bumper protectors, Colour coded hardtop available for £350 +vat. Excellent condition. £1,795
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REGISTERS
VINTAGE
JOHN VENABLES 01865 862573 johnandtriciav@gmail.com
A happy and prosperous new year to all members of the Vintage Register and indeed all members of the MGCC. Our next event is our famous AGM on Sunday March 5, 10.45 for 11.15 at the Shillingford Bridge hotel, near Wallingford, Oxford. The hotel is to be found in the village of Shillingford on the side of the River Thames and if any of you wish to stay the night before, they have excellent rooms. We would be glad to see as many of you as possible there. This year there will be changes to the committee, I am standing down as Chairman and there will be some shuffling of the positions. We do hope that as many as possible will attend in Vintage
cars. There will be a prize for the car our speaker likes best. The day starts as usual with coffee, the AGM, a nice lunch, and a speaker. We shall stop for tea and to let those in old cars to get away before dark. We also have a raffle during the day, and any prizes will be gratefully received. This pays for our speaker and puts some funds into the coffers. Our 2017 Spring Week has now been finalised and will be based on the Priory Hotel, Mildenhall Road, Bury St Edmunds, between April 24 to April 28 2017. Stephen Hiner is the organiser and he requests that you book with the hotel on 01284 766181 asap, mentioning you are with the Vintage MG
TRIPLE M
JEREMY HAWKE +44 (0)1225 863934 mgk3007@btinternet.com www.triple-mregister.org Welcome All into 2017 So, the cold snap arrived with a vengeance at the beginning of December and with it the dreaded salt on our roads, sending all but the hardiest of MMMs heading into the garage. Hopefully you all enjoyed your cars for as long as you could, though personally I’ve found that small black J2s using hand signals only, tend (when actually noticed) to elicit rather strange reactions from other road users, who seem to think that the turning left signal is actually Anglo-Saxon for something altogether different! The garage is a much safer place to be, come the winter gloom…
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Changing Times at Your Committee After 9 3/4 years in post as Register Librarian, Peter Hemmings called it a day at the Committee Meeting held just before Christmas. Besides the odd Adrian Mole joke or two and a plate of biscuits, the occasion was marked by presenting Peter with a cartoon of himself “hard” at work! The job of filling Peter’s shoes has been taken by Richard Stott, who was the only member present to brave the cold December weather in an old open-top MG (so far so good… alas it was his MGA). We wish Richard all the best in his new role. Our photo shows Peter with his picture. The rather fine, fur
Peter Jones and John Venables discuss the best way to push an 18/80 at a previous MGLive!
group, and also advise John Day who is sorting out names. The event programme is two shorter driving days, with a longer one in the middle. A number of you have already booked, but there is room for more, and this promises to be a great week. I find my diary for 2017 is filling up fast. I always enjoy the odd agricultural show where Vintage and classic cars are invited. There is a great variety of vehicles there, and strange machinery from the 1930s which I just about remember! I feel
very privileged to have lived in the Second World War as a small boy, and it is great that so much has been preserved for future generations to see. I always find steam vehicles from 100 years ago very fascinating. Finally, during 2016, two significant cars changed hands. Mike Applebee’s BN 14/28 was sold to Barry and Nicky Faiers, and John Cooper’s 18/80 went to Lawrence Humphreys. We welcome them both to the Vintage Register. I am sure we’ll see them out and about in 2017.
driving coat behind is not Peter’s, but I believe once belonged to MG’s founder, Cecil Kimber.
for those looking to acquire or divest themselves of spare parts. Details can be found at: www.mgcaledonian.com (then search event), or through roystonagoodman@gmail.com / dughall@leask.org It’s not often there is a dedicated old MG event north of the border – so you now have plenty of time to finish those odd jobs and get your car back on the road in time.
Final Call for COTY Points By my reckoning you have just over a week to get your outstanding COTY points claims in to Comp Sec Mike Linward, via mike.linward@btinternet.com . You wouldn’t want to miss out, would you? Calling All Scottish MMMs The first event notification for 2017 has arrived in my email! On May 28 2017 it is planned to hold a pre-56 event for MGs based around Montrose, jointly organised by the MGCC and Octagon CC. Details are “developing” as they say, but it is hoped to include visits to an aircraft site, castle, etc, with picnic lunch and ‘Bring and Buy’
www.mgcc.co.uk
15/12/2016 11:31
REGISTERS
SVW
PAUL CAMPBELL svw.safety.fast@gmail.com www.svwregister.co.uk
This edition will reach you in late December, so I hope you all had a fabulous Christmas and I wish you a very happy 2017 and continued enjoyment of your MGs. All being well (mainly on the weather front) I will attend the Brooklands New Year’s Day event as I have done for the past few years. This attracts some 1,500 classic cars, which is an amazing sight in a great location. The Sussex Wanderers November outing, organised by David and Renata Griffiths, took us from Horsham on a 26-mile route ending at The Parrot Inn at Forest Green. The weather was inclement, but I managed to keep my hood down all day and only had to endure a light
shower on the way home. SVW Spares Ltd has featured in many online posts over the past weeks. Most will now know that Peter Ratcliffe has sold the business, but there is no indication at this stage what form the new business will take and responses to enquiries, including my own, have been unreliable. You may recall a few months ago I converted my headlights to LED. A couple of months ago, one of the units failed on main beam. The other LED for dipped beam on the same unit was still fine. The failed one occasionally glimmered, so I suspected something internal
Y TYPE
JERRY BIRKBECK jerrybirkbeck@btinternet.com www.mgccyregister.co.uk Tel: 01926 258691 Mob: 07855 566325 Ys at Seventy – can you attend the MG Era Day at Brooklands April 2 2017? MGs are celebrated annually at Brooklands at their MG Era Day. This will be held on Sunday April 2. We have been invited by John Davies of the MG South East Centre. Below is a copy of the note that he forwarded to me last month. You will no doubt recall, I contacted you a few months ago suggesting as part of your 70th birthday celebrations for the Y type you might like to consider a display at the above event in memory of Jack Murray. Jon Glover and myself have had our first meeting with Brooklands
www.mgcc.co.uk
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regarding setting up for the 50th celebrations for the MGC at this event. Brooklands have suggested a specific location near the main pavilion for up to 20 of your cars. Jon has kindly agreed to organise local overnight accommodation for your members where necessary and as the SE Centre any of your people wishing to join us at our annual dinner dance we can arrange for that as well. This will have been discussed and agreed upon at our Committee Meeting in December. I do feel that it is an excellent opportunity to both remember Jack and also a very useful start for our celebrations. Please let me know asap if you are interested in
to the unit and returned it to Classic Dynamo and Regulator Conversions Ltd. Peter there inspected the unit and said: “It appears that a component on the driver pcb had shorted to the inside of the bulb cap. A rare
occurrence, I can assure you, and only the third such case in well over 2,000 units made and sold”. It was replaced FOC and, once fitted, I undertook another adjustment session – now all seems fine.
VA Tourer and NA on the Sussex Wanderers run on November 9
showing your Y at this event. You can either phone, email or text me and I’ll forward your details to Jon. Attached is a photo of Jack and Mollie’s lovely YA on the Spring Run together with a photo of Jack with that wry smile of his! Y Types in Films I mentioned in recent jottings about Ys in films. I had a response from Mark Leitiger who provided the following link, which is a remarkable database: www.imcdb.org/vehicles_makeMG.html A correction Anton Piller has asked me to include a correction to his article in last month’s Newsletter. For the Oil Seal: 95-120-12, the Correct order number is BAVI 95-120-12
JANUARY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 85
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REGISTERS
MGA
EDWARD VANDYK 01488 608810 mgascribe@vandyk.co.uk The MGA Register Committee extends seasonal greetings to all MGA enthusiasts. I will review the status of the Register events in the February issue of Safety Fast! but before that, a plea. The Register needs a volunteer to take over regalia sales from George Dutton, so if you would like to join the Committee please contact me in the first instance. December is a little-news month, so I thought I would share with you some MGA trivia which I have come across recently. • MG stopped circuit racing in 1955 after the disaster at the 1955 Le Mans race and the deaths at Dundrod the same year. Of course, this was the case on a timeline
basis but were these tragedies the cause of MG’s withdrawal? I suspect the answer was ‘yes’ but I recently came across a footnote in December 9 1955 Autosport which ‘spun’ the position somewhat differently. It confirmed the rumour of the withdrawal, confirmed MG would continue a “measure of support to MG private owners in their motor racing activities’ and attributed the withdrawal to ‘the volume of orders for production MGA … (which) will keep all factory departments fully occupied for many months to come”. • Seeing MGAs in competition both (a) without a grille and (b) with a modified air intake aperture is common nowadays, but in response to a reader’s enquiry I set out to
MGB
DAVID BROADHURST 01209 614704 newsletter-editor@mgb-register.org www.mgb-register.org. mgbforum.mgb-register.org I have just been looking at the newly revamped MGB Register website. It will be live by the time you are perusing these notes. However, let us thrust eagerly into a brave new year and contemplate some of the delights to come which you could attend with your MGB. So, grabbing the new kitchen calendar, perhaps you would care to note down the following dates: February 25, 10.30am Kimber House, MGB AGM. April 2 Brooklands MG Day. April 9 MGB Register Spring Run. June 17-18 MGLive!, Silverstone. June 24-25 Flywheel (note new date). Bicester Heritage, September 15-18 MGB Register weekend, Lincolnshire. October 28 October Technical Day. November 10-12,
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NEC Classic Car Show. Graham sent this technical question over to me for entry in the notes. I have just looked at the technical area of the MGB Register website, but found no reference to electronic ignition. Surprising, since I am sure many MGB owners have converted to electronic ignition. Hence my question to you about what information you may have on the subject. I have seen some advertisements in Safety Fast! but I would be interested to know which is the best alternative, with particular reference to: 1. Ease of installation (my technical knowledge is limited) and whether there are good instructions to describe the installation. 2. Best
find out when this practice, which I named ‘open snout’, first occurred. Unsurprisingly, MG themselves never competed grille-less, the grille was an important part of the brand. MGAs competed in many international rallies and a limited number of FIA International Races at Dundrod, Goodwood, Le Mans, Sebring and the Nurburgring. Both SRX 210, the Le Mans special coupe, and Bob Olthoff’s Twin Cam emerged from the Competitions Department at Abingdon in the spring of 1961 with an open snout configuration and competed at Le Mans and the Nurburgring in 1961. The earliest grille-less, but with a standard air intake aperture, car I can find in club competition is in 1957 when car 55 ran in a handicap race at the MGCC Silverstone event. If anyone has earlier examples please let me know. • The first Disc Brakes All Round MGA was not the Twin Cam
nor, in push rod form, the Deluxe. It was an EX 182 car which competed at Dundrod, and which was entered as an MGA by the Fitzwilliam team in the 1957 Mille Miglia. It had Girling brakes fitted rather than Lockheed or Dunlop. • The domestic retail price, including Purchase Tax, of the Original MGA went up from £844 10d at its launch on September 22 1955 to £893 17s by the time of the Earls Court Motor Show, just a month later in October 1955, thanks to Rab Butler, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, increasing Purchase Tax rate on motor vehicles from 50% to 60% in his October 1955 post-election mini-budget. For reasons I have yet to understand, this meant the effective tax rate based on the ex-works price of an MGA of £595 was raised from 42% to 50%, at which level it remained until 1959.
value for money. 3. Reliability. Do you have personal experience or information on experiences of other MGB owners on this topic? My car is a 1968 Roadster and is fitted with a 25D type distributor. I do not have any first-hand experience of electronic ignition units so cannot really recommend any. I have always relied on points and condensers and much prefer originality. That said, electronic ignition units are very popular. The cheapest and least noticeable under the bonnet are the Hall Type systems which merely fit inside your existing distributor and replace the points and condenser. These are cheap and easy to install. These work even if your distributor is worn and if I were buying electronic ignition then this is the type I would use. The other type is a complete replacement of the distributor with
an electronic one, such as the ‘123’. They look very modern and you can tune the timing via a laptop. Great for racing and fast road use but quite expensive. All units are quite reliable but I have heard lots of stories of people reverting back to points. Why not ask the question about which is best to fit on our forum: www.mgbforum.mgbregister.org/index.php. Alternatively, feel free to place the question on our Facebook group page – free to join, but you will need to send a join request first. As a footnote to this, I have an Aldon Hall effect system in my MK1 MGB with an Aldon Flamethrower Coil. They have been completely reliable over several years. The ignition drifted half a degree over five years which I put down to distributor wear.
www.mgcc.co.uk
15/12/2016 11:31
MGB REGISTER SPRING RUN 2017
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Join the MGB Register on this year’s Spring Run to
WOBURN ABBEY
There are a choice of routes from: 1. Millets Farm Abingdon 2. Hatton Country Park, 3. Your own choice The event limited to 100 cars - first come first served. 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 £26.00* made payable to:MG CAR CLUB Ltd, MGB REGISTER, To :- Graham Dix, 1 Holland Road, Abingdon , Oxfordshire OX14 1PH. (For more information contact 01235 201871 graham.dix@ntlworld.com *Price includes Entry, Route Instructions and Commemorative Plaque
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Driver’s Name:
Email:
Co-Driver’s name:
Telephone:
Address:
Mobile: MGCC Member Number: MG Model & Year:
Postcode: Preferred Start Point:
MG_SafetyFast_Jan17_50-98.indd 87
Registration Number:
***MGB REGISTER SPRING RUN 2017***
15/12/2016 11:31
REGISTERS
MIDGET
NEIL THOMAS 07891 684435 ns.tenby@hotmail.com www.midgetregister.com Christmas has come and gone and the New Year is imminent. If you haven’t celebrated New Year’s Eve yet, have a great one. I was delighted recently to finally be able to put both my offspring on to the insurances of my Frogeye and Mk3 Midget FOC for the forthcoming year. Admittedly, they are 28 and 25 respectively but it means that when they visit in future, with their respective partners, we can all go out together in Spridgets. I’ll be driving the K Midget, of course. This will be fun. At the last meeting three members informed the committee that they wish to step down from their positions at the March at AGM. All have been with us for a number of years,
but have said they are willing help with some duties, but can’t make the committee meetings as the distance to travel is too much. If you think you can help or would like more information on the Midget Committee, please email the Chairman, mikeparker78@talktalk.net for further details. Mike Parker recently attended the Lackford Engineering Midget and Sprite Challenge 2016 AGM and prizegiving, along with 30 other members who travelled some distance to be with us. Andrew McGee had come down from Durham and travelled back after the meeting, so well done to him. If you wish to see the presentation photos from
the AGM they are all on the Midget Register website www. midgetregister.com on the gallery page. The Race Season starts on April 9 at Donington Park, so not too long to wait. The Register will support as many rounds as possible this year, so watch out for details on the website and in Safety Fast! for dates.
The first event for the Midget Register in 2017 will be the MG and Triumph Spares Day on Sunday February 19. We will be in Hall three, so do come and say hello. Finally, a request from our webmaster Pete Chaundy. He needs more applications for ‘Car of the Month’.
James Dunkley, overall Lackford Engineering Midget and Sprite Challenge winner and winner of Class A
V8
VICTOR SMITH 0208 392 9434 victorsmith@v8register.net www.v8register.net
Useful hands-free speakerphone from Jabra The increased crackdown on the use of handheld mobile phones and smartphones whilst driving is overdue and necessary, so a neat hands-free speakerphone is a welcome option. The device is called Jabra Drive and is convenient to use – it’s simply clipped to the sun visor overhead and when ‘paired’ to your mobile phone they link automatically by Bluetooth. The phone can stay safely in your pocket out of sight and touch. To answer a call you simply lift your finger and touch a button on the face of the Jabra Drive – the microphone picks up your reply and the 2-watt speaker conveys the caller’s voice clearly.
88 SAFETY FAST! JANUARY 2017
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Fully charged, the Jabra Drive provides up to 20 hours of talk time and 30 days of standby time. On the side of the device there is an on-off switch for saving the battery over periods of non-use. You can charge the device via a USB lead to a power point or a USB lead to a cigar lighter plug in the car. The kit comes with useful instructions, including how to ‘pair’ with mobile phones. Further details are on the ‘More’ web page at www. v8register.net/more.htm V8 Register review 2016 This review reports that we have 3,881 registered members with MGV8s in the UK, mainland Europe and Overseas and our database has information on
4,581 MGV8s – covering Costellos, Factory V8s, GTV8 Conversions, V8 Roadster Conversions and RV8s. The report is illustrated with charts showing where our members and the MGV8s are in the UK, mainland Europe and Overseas. Almost three quarters (74%) of our registered members are in the UK with 9% in Australia and New Zealand, 3% in Germany, 2% in the Netherlands, 2% in Switzerland and 2% in the USA. The distribution of the MGV8s recorded on the
V8 Database has 60% in the UK and 17% in Japan. The number in Japan is reducing from exports but there is still a substantial number of Japan-spec RV8s there. See our review for 2016 via the link on the ‘More’ web page. V8 Pricewatch Our two volunteers, Andy Goves and Keith Belcher, spot adverts and auction listings with MGV8s for sale for our V8 Pricewatch. Our ‘More’ web page has links.
www.mgcc.co.uk
15/12/2016 11:31
PETER BEST www.classicinsurance.co.uk
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Kimble-SF_Nov-09.qxd:Kimble MGE 1_8 col 3.3
The Great British
26/10/09
Steering Wheel
The Brooklands We manufacture the BROOKLANDS
Steering Wheel from the original BLUEMEL tooling. It is not a Far Eastern copy and is made using the original methods and traditional materials. The CENTRE BOSS fixing kit, again from the original tooling, not only fits the MG TC and pre-war MGs, but the TD, TF and MGA. There are boss kits for other makes and kit cars too.
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BROOKLANDS AEROSCREENS are made using laminated glass to original specification to suit all vintage and sports cars.
john@johnkimble.co.uk
K KIMBLE
EST 1969
Tel: 01803 835757 Fax: 01803 834567
Unit 5, Old Mill Creek, Dartmouth, Devon TQ6 0HN.
Full workshop fitting service
Tel 0208 577 1505
Email heathrowtransmissions@gmail.com Unit 20c Rear of 20/22, Hanworth Road, Hounslow Greater London TW3 1UA 13:0 www.heathrowtransmissions.co.uk
STEVE McKIE SPORTSCARS CHESTERFIELD
•
DERBYSHIRE
Specialists in the repair and restoration of MG cars Suppliers of parts for • MGA • MGB • MGC • Midget • T Type • MGF/TF
www.stevemckiesportscars.co.uk Tel 01246 454527 • Fax 01246 453681 Albert Street North, Chesterfield, S41 8NP
Colne Classics
Steve McKie Sports Cars Hi-Res.indd 1
MG Power Steering and restoration specialists
23/06/2010 13:46
• Soft stretch indoor covers from £99 • Breathable outdoor covers, fleece lined, from £112 • Custom Indoor covers from £145 • Custom Waterproof covers from £275 • Battery conditioners, dehumidifiers
01780 749449 01780 749449 www.mgcc.co.uk
MG_SafetyFast_Jan17_50-98.indd 89
View the website on www.colneclassics.com B1 Seaden Court, Gorse Lane Ind Est, Clacton, Essex. 01255 432693, 07714 675319 JANUARY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 89
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REGISTERS
FWD
BEN HATTON ben2692@hotmail.co.uk www.mgcc.co.uk/fwd-register/
This month’s notes come from me as lucky Ben has jetted off to sunny Orlando. While it’s true that I would rather be in sunny Orlando, it is a real pleasure to be able to look back at the MGCC FWD Register’s progress through 2016. The FWD was brought out of hibernation around three years ago, and has gone from strength to strength with regular attendances at both indoor and outdoor shows, has its own run and a Register to log details of all remaining MG FWD cars. This year we even managed to get a team together for the MGLive! autotest, and what a laugh that was! In 2015 we had a stand at both NEC shows and this year
we added Manchester Classic Car Show to our indoor events list. This was a great success and it is so useful to be able to have a stand next to another club which also looks after some of our models. This year we have continued to strengthen our working relationship with the Maestro and Montego Owners Club and we are hoping to be able to extend that next year to work with other clubs. Ian Kimpton is continuing with the Register for our cars and I know welcomes any opportunity to appeal for cars not yet known to the Register to come forward so that he can add them to the Register. If we don’t yet have the details of your MG FWD car,
MGF
TIM MORRIS 01932 882467 scribe@mgfregister.org www.mgfregister.org Happy New Year to all members. I had a great Christmas present this year. At the last MGCC Council Meeting I was kindly approved as the first President of the MGF Register following a nomination at the last AGM. As we enter 2017 I will be the longest continually serving Committee member, having first taken up the reins to develop the Regions in 2003. It really doesn’t seem like 14 years on the committee and 17 years since I first got my MGF. I’d like to thank the Club and MGF Register committee for the honour and I’ve even brought a new pair of scissors so I can cut some ribbons if anyone wants anything opened. As the original MGF/
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TF community, we do have a responsibility to do the best for our members and to that end our Regional reps and new Events team have been busy getting their programmes together for the forthcoming year. Chairman’s Charity Weekend – Based at the Crown and Thistle Hotel in Abingdon and includes a lunch, AGM and our annual Awards and Dinner in the evening, followed by a day out in the Chilterns on Sunday, including a visit to the Hellfire Caves. A busy weekend that takes place on March 11-12. Rooms at the hotel are booking quickly but there are other hotels nearby if you miss out.
please do get in touch and we will pass them on to Ian. Another feather in our cap this year was heading up MG Saloon Day, working with both the Zed Register and 635 Register to ensure it was a success. Kimber House and Ian Kimpton and his team put countless hours and plenty of blood, sweat and tears into the event and consequently it was a resounding success. The photo is of Chris Morris’s beautiful MG Maestro Turbo which attended the event earlier this year to celebrate 60 years of the pressings factory at Swindon. The factory started as Pressed Steel and pressed panels for all
the MG FWD cars, along with many other MGs, and is now owned by BMW and produces panels for MINI. Whilst we will be publishing a full events list next month, we do already have one date for your diary. This is for our AGM which will be held at Kimber House in Abingdon on Saturday February 4 at 2.00pm. It would be lovely to meet some of our members, so if you can make it, please do come along. Finally, I would like to thank everyone who has supported the FWD Register this year, and wish you all a Happy New Year. Tanya Field
Jersey Weekender – This fournight trip to Jersey takes in the International Motoring Festival and is just about sold out, but you may be able to book in January if you are quick. It’s on June 1-5 – all the details are on the MGFRegister.org/forum.
220 entries in this year’s Photo Competition. Many were of a very high standard indeed, so thank you to all those who took time to enter – we really enjoyed looking at all the pictures and they will remain in our online Flickr album for all to see. There have to be winners and the following have all made the winners’ enclosure and are the top 12 to appear in our 2016 Calendar. The overall winner will be announced at our Chairman’s Weekend in March. Congratulations to the winners who are:- Chris Hathaway, Ian Wright (twice), Liz Morris, Kayleigh Adkins, Tony Dewey, Tim Morris, Mark Galbraith, James Bennett, Jane Parry, Richard Martin and Simon Pollock. Thanks to the staff at Brooklands Museum and Andy Knott who chose the final 12.
Essex International Weekender – we are inviting our friends from Europe to join us in Essex for a fun-filled weekend – navigate by satnav points and solve challenges, enjoy dinner in a top class hotel and basically have a jolly good time. It happens on September 9-10 and you can book from this month – go to our internet forum or Facebook page for all the details. Photo Competition Winners It was hard work for our judges in whittling down a record
www.mgcc.co.uk
15/12/2016 11:31
REGISTERS
are still being discussed but you will be notified in due course. The year concludes with the JOHN THOMPSON Tel: 07854 275541 johnt5@btinternet.com www.mgcc.co.uk/zedregister Classic Motor Show at the NEC in November. After the success and popularity of the Zeds at again this year – organising the Happy New Year! Below you the show last November, we are lunchtime parade laps as usual. will see our events calendar for aiming to share a stand with the The Pride of Longbridge event the coming year. These dates are FWD Register in 2017. held in Cofton Park on 15th correct at the time of writing. completes a very busy month. Any alterations will be published Sun April 2 MG Era Day We’ve kept with our traditional in future Register updates and Brooklands, Surrey events this year, but we’ve also on our Facebook group. As you Sun April 9 Donington Race wanted to try some new things, can see, we have another busy Round , Donington Park, Leics too. Our ‘MGs in the Weald’ season ahead of us. The year Sat April 15 Pride of Longbridge event is new for us and if popular starts in the usual way for MG Birmingham will become a recurring date on enthusiasts at Stoneleigh on Sat/Sun April 29-30 Brands our calendar. Our arrangements February 19 for the MG and with the K&ESR are still being Triumph Spares Day – however finalised but it’s shaping up we have decided not to attend to be a great family day out – the show again this year. We watch this space. There is also return to Brooklands on April 2 the possibility of two additional for the MG Era Day. The racing events this year, the details of championships also begin in April which will be published when with Donington Park hosting the our plans reach fruition. The first round on 9th. We will be arrangements for MG Saloon Day present at all the race meetings
ZR/ZS/ZT
Hatch Race Round Brands Hatch, Kent Sun May 14 “MGs in the Weald” K&ESR Tenterden, Kent Sat/Sun June 17-18 MGLive! Silverstone, Northants Sun July 2 MG Saloon Day TBC Sat/Sun July 8-9 Knockhill Race Round, Dunfermline, Fife Sat July 22 Cadwell Race Round Cadwell Park, Lincs Sat Sept 2 Oulton Park Race Round Oulton Park, Cheshire Sat/Sun Sep 30–Oct 1Snetterton Race Round Snetterton, Norfolk Fri/Sat/Sun Nov 10-12 Classic Motor Show NEC, Birmingham
ZRZSZT Register at the Brooklands MG Era Day 2015
MG6.3.5
Steve Haines Steve-haines@live.co.uk www.facebook.com/groups/MG635Register https://twitter.com/635register Happy New Year to all 635 owners! We had a great AGM at MG Motor Sales Centre and a very lively Christmas meal at the Guild, Bromsgrove, on December 3. A big turnout of enthusiastic owners was treated to a review of 2016 from the committee and a very informative talk from Tim Wright, Senior Manager, Test and
validation for current Engineering at SAIC Motor Technical Centre. Tim’s talk demonstrated very clearly the enthusiasm and dedication of the 300 staff at the Technical centre and proved that the global MG marque has a very exciting future. Once again MG Motor Sales Centre were very generous in
Enjoying the 635 Christmas meal at the Guild, Bromsgrove
www.mgcc.co.uk
MG_SafetyFast_Jan17_50-98.indd 91
hosting us, providing raffle prizes and making us owners extremely welcome. John Woods Motorcare, Roger Briscoe, SAIC and the MGCC were also very generous with raffle prizes. We raised £130 for Crohn’s and Colitis UK on the day! The formalities of the AGM returned a few changes to our committee for 2017, with myself continuing as Chairman, Barry Faiers continuing as Treasurer, Sean Round continuing as Events and BTCC Co-ordinator and Steve Taylor continuing as Technical rep. Mark Cropper resigned as Secretary, with Andy Littler being voted into the role. Sheila Ballard was elected to the post of Registrar and Archivist. Huge thanks to Mark Cropper for his years of service to the Committee. We are looking for your ideas and inspiration for regalia
items, events and things you think we ought to be doing. Please do get in touch. At the end of this year’s charity fundraising for Crohn’s and Colitis UK, I am pleased to report that we have raised £350 as I write this. Huge thanks to all that donated to this very worthwhile charity. The Chairman’s charity for 2017 will be Mind UK. For more information about this charity, please visit the web page here: www.mind.org.uk/ Our target for the year is £635, so please give what you can to help at our events throughout the year. We’re looking forward to spring time and our first event at Pride of Longbridge in Cofton Park, Longbridge on Saturday April 15. Please add your name to the event on the Facebook page so we can organise numbers for parking.
JANUARY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 91
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MARTIN SMITH www.usedmg spares.co.uk
Quality New and Used MGF & MGTF Spares Covering all models from 1995 > 2006 All items Supplied - from body panels, interiors & engines to headlights & wheel nuts
Tel: 07722 175473 East Lydford, Somerset Email: usedmgspares@hotmail.co.uk
SHEPPERTON, MIDDLESEX TEL: 01932 241843 / 07836 281493 WWW.CHURCHSQUAREAUTOS.COM EMAIL: MGSALES@CHURCHSQUAREAUTOS.COM
MG MGF Racecar #65 ‘RACING RED
MG TF LE500 A/c + H/top (just 26,000 miles)
MG TF 135 Style pack. (just 48,000 miles)
MG TF 135 Style Pack.1 owner (just 23,000 miles)
1997 (PP Reg)Manual, Petrol, Finished in RED Winner of ‘D’ class MGCC Trophy championship 2010/11/12. Mems3 kmap ecu, miltek exhaust, 4 way hydrogas adjusters, new Gaz shockers, 16” alloys 3 race old tyres, 85th uprated anti rollbar, front oil cooler, light weight racing hardtop, Raced in the MGCC Cockshoot cup. Fresh engine, new headgasket etc lightweight clutch. 99% finishing record. Road reg. Road cars taken in part exchange. Set up data, possible race support given. P.O.A.
2009 (59 Reg) Manual Petrol Finished in: Scorched Red/black leather These are very high spec models being fitted with Black leather sport seats, air conditioning, heated glass rear screen to Black soft top, soft ride suspension ,sports pack with 16” alloys, chrome pack, engine water level censor, etc etc. Full service history, 5 services including a new cambelt. Immaculate condition very low mileage LE500. £6,695
2010 (10 Reg), Manual, Petrol, Finished in: Silver/ Black leather Style pack ltd edition 2011 year model with folding mirrors. Black leather sport seats, soft ride suspension, heated glass rear screen in soft top, engine water level censor, 16” twisted pepper alloys, silver interior trim. Recent ull service with a new cambelt, brake disc’s and pads alround and moted. Colour coded hardtop available with leather head lining £450. One of the last 130 MG TF’s made. £4,995
2011 model year TF135 Style pack. Ltd edition high spec models. One owner from new full service history services and just 23,000 miles. 2011 model fitted with folding door mirrors. Style pack fitted with a heated glass rear screen, remote boot opening, engine water level censor, soft ride suspension, wind deflector, full leather sport seats, silver interior console and trims plus unmarked 16” Twisted pepper alloys and Red 4 pot brake calipers. Superb. £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
92 SAFETY FAST! JANUARY 2017
MG_SafetyFast_Jan17_50-98.indd 92
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 www.mgcc.co.uk
15/12/2016 11:31
CL ASSIFIEDS
CARS FOR SALE
BARRY WALKER
How to Advertise
Members can advertise their cars free of charge in Safety Fast. The advert will also be posted on the Club website in due course. This is for one insertion only. To place an advert or for additional insertions email colingrant@mgcc.co.uk with details of your car, around 60 words, together with an attached picture, your contact information, price of your car, the area where you live, and membership number. Cost for non-members to advertise is £20. All adverts should be submitted by the 10th of the month for the following months issue.
.....for the very best in vintage MGs.....Estd.1968 BANK’S GOOD, SUMMER’S COMING, CARSWAIT GOING...come FEEL LIKE A ‘P’. THE IS SOON OVER. on: MGsNO ARE STILL UNDERPRICED – GRAB YOURS
British Motor Heritage approved
MG RV8 1995
Woodcote Green. No 1969. Immaculate condition. 20000 miles . Lots of service history, original sales brochures and driver's handbooks. Full and half tonneaus. Original tool roll. Original wheels. 5 new Dunlops in 2015. Recorded onV8 Register. Genuine reason for sale. £18950 ono. For full details and more photographs contact Steven Horne 01872 560303 or email: mail@wildstrawberry.biz (Truro)
1948 MG TC SPORTS. Never before on the UK market, this all1938 MG VA DROP HEAD COUPE. This superbly restored dhc 1935 MGaPA SPORTS is a real fine drivers car,1500cc not concours, 1935 MG nos. PA SPORTS beautifully restored PArestored. without being overdone. matching TC hasA been completely A really offers true touring Here car with comfort, powerbut and 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 of luggage Rebuilt theengine chassis-up, both The only one exist of the two to have produced. (Ring for in more history). An opportunity to A acquire one of ing summer Old Eng. White with wine leather. great mechanically &reliable bodily, this lovely carto isour original throughout opportunity for to good driving & known coupled own been recent work engine, rebuilt steering, deluxe dash, aeroscreens, stoneguards andTC. superb of theand most handsome & rarest MGs evergreen made. Total nut & bolt restoration with offer Phoenix c/balanced crank & rods; gas £32,500 or serious secures. Another MG TC, red, finished in two-tone greens with sage leather interior youand have the car everybody wants. Black withinvestment beige hide,at...£39,500 new roof, leather interior. &Allas new weather equipment just fitted,offer this is worth flowed head; rebuilt orig. bodywork, new leatherequally upholstery weather equipment throughout. Areally collector’s as good above £32,500 or serious secures. beigeforged weatherpistons: equipment...a rising tonneau s/screens....................it’s viewing........................... nice car..... ........................... ..£45,000 (Optional s/charger at cost) dream or &an enthusiast’s wisha come true? However,£45,000 if you are over 6ft tall you best surrender it to the wifeavailable now (assuming she is shorter)! I am proud to offer this car, as you will be to own it.....................any test; just ring; never to repeat...£75,000
1934 MGPA PA Deluxe. rare nos.PA. PA. 1934 MG Deluxe.A A rarechance chancefor for an an all-matching all-matching nos. WellTCknown to MGCC & VSCC (non race) events, this of superbly 1946 SPORTS. A& very, very original example this WellMG known to MGCC VSCC (non race) events, this superbly presented been serviced and prepped by us, reliable, easy MG to has drive & fully maintain MG. Fully rebuilt presented MG miles has been fullyAllserviced and prepped by us, and and 5000 offers pride of ownership, rallying and or with really approx. ago. matching nos.events Claret enjoyable road use with minimum maintenance. Beautifully offers pride& ofnew ownership, rallying and events or really enjoyable beige hide weather equipment...................£34,950 Ravenmaintenance. black with Beautifully Apple Green roadfinished use withinminimum finishedCollingburn in Raven interior and full weather gear. Top of the range car....£48,500
black with Apple green Collingburn interior and full weather gear. Top of the range car............................. ............................................ £48,500
MG TA 1938
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. £21,500 ono. For more info email: malcolm_simmonds@hotmail.com 01903 742580 / 07714 093581 (Storrington,West Sussex)
Rover 2003 75 Club SE 1.8T Copperleaf Red MOT till Aug 2017 Mileage only 38337. 18" Alloy Wheels good tyres ABS Central Locking Tilt Steering Wheel Electric Windows in excellent condition inside and out. I am the second owner of this car acquiring it in 2005 when it had done 9200 miles. £1100 ono. Tel. 07884065509 (Wisbech Cambridgeshire )
WANTED - TF 120 Steptronic
Late model in excellent condition preferred, if possible with aircon. Generous cash waiting or possible swap for 5 speed RWA Midget, with appropriate financial adjustment either way. Tel: 01227 6737813 or email johnbennett698@yahoo.com.
MG Midget 1966 1098cc
First registered January 1966.This car has had 3 previous owners, the second owner for 25 years and the last for 23 years. Restored in 1993, pictures of restoration together with car history from 1968 are available. Recently had a servo fitted, new tonneau cover and also had a complete overhaul including new rear springs and front suspension. MOT valid until June 2017 and is registered as an historic car. A really honest car and open to any inspection. £6900. Call John Huetson on 07979 646478.
1933 MG J2 CYCLE WING SPORTS. We are building this car from scratch with a fully rebuilt engine by Barry Foster and you have the opportunity to choose the colour that you would like at this stage. You have a choice of a dark red or beige leather interior by Mike Collingburn. The car will be in mint condition just like the P types in this ad. .... ..............The price will be approx. £42-45,000
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 USABLE investment...............................................£49,500been
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
* Coming Shortly:• Pointed tail type • Magnificent J2 • PA. Older rebuild.
1935 MG PB SPORTS. There’s something about this car I just 1934 MGTRUE PA SPORTS. advertised 1930 VINTAGEPreviously MG ‘M’ TYPE. Totally rebuiltelsewhere. throughout 1934 PAaSPORTS. beautifullynos. restored PA without love.MG It is rare, allA matching PB. Fully rebuilt being in 2003/4, Recently taken intobyour ownearly workshops and brought to impeccable order leading MG rarest restorer. A proper job; up a overdone. A really usable thing that you’ll be moredetailed than proud 1936 MG NB TOURER. of the properly ohc MGs. This it has a just-worn patina, excellent steering, engine; to our standard. Now aOne seriously, restored, all VSCC carnos. eligible for all at events, trials, rallies and offered at less “MG LIVE” THIS w/end 4/5 June atblue Silverstone. to own. Fully serviced engine, rebuilt steering, deluxe dash, beautifully restored Magnette 1300cc straight de-luxe dash, finished in two-tone blues, hide & navy matching P type a cost of with overits 60k, and underaeroscreens, andclearly superbbe leather All than6cyl. the restoration cost.take Black fabric body with hide engine will you touring bothgreen home & interior. abroad blue weatherstoneguards equip. Should more interior. than..£46,500 priced at...............................................................£46,995 new weather equipment just fitted , this is really worth viewing Please visit our stand with reliability, comfort & huge luggage space. Two............................................................................................................. £29,500 (Optional s/charger available at cost) tone Offers close to................................£65,000 1933 MG J2. green. We’re of a chassis-up rebuild ..........£45,000 in the workshop. Will be the best you’ll get. Please inspect. (See website fornearing photos) the completion ARECycle ALL wings ON THE 1933 MG J2. Near concoursTHEY condition. withWEBSITE heavy crank. Beautiful 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
www.mgmecca.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 1953 717618 Fax: (0) 1953 717850
MGA Coupé 1500
This 1958 model is ready to be assembled. Chassis/engine restored, body in black epoxy. All parts are there. Most body and mechanical parts: engine, wings, doors, boot, hood, etc., all-in very good shape. Lots of new parts: bolts, nuts bodyparts, etc.. RHS. Second body/chassis in poor shape.The vehicle is situated in Kortrijk- Belgium. Has Belgian documents. Price: €22.000. Contact Bart on +32 475.31.56.24 Bartel.kerckhof@telenet.be
1972 MGB ROADSTER, Tartan red, black leather trim, sports seats, 2l fast road u/l engine, magnolia clocks, mohair hood , Moto lita wheel, excellent body, restored car, drives superbly, fast classic motoring £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
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. £26,995.00
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
1971 MGB ROADSTER Teal Blue, Autumn Leaf trim. Excellent interior. New seats and carpets. Moto Lita wheel, s/s sports exhaust, alloy rocker cover, K&N filters, servo. Body trim excellent. Reliable car looks great. Paint has a few knocks and pimples as expected. Great value. £8,995.00
1967 MGB GT V8 BRG, Biscuit/green leather trim. Fully restored last nut & bolt 5 years ago. Professionally converted to V8 spec, no expense spared. Webasto roof. Moto Lita wheel. 15” minilites. Fast touring car. Rare early GT. Superb! £23,995.00
MG Midget 1500 1977
Rebuilt a few years ago into a Heritage Shell,White , black interior & fitted wire wheels. New MOT with no advisories. Price £4350 ono. For pics and info contact Bob on 07870 407111 or mgcarsscotland@gmail.com
Hillclimb Midget
1970 MGB Roadster.
Owned 39 years. Heritage shell. Upgrades include electronic ignition, Weber carbs, power steering, Spax shockers, electric windows. Recent service and MOT. Needs tidying. £9500 Tel: 01425 654641 (Hampshire)
www.mgcc.co.uk
MG_SafetyFast_Jan17_50-98.indd 93
Very fast, reliable and great looking hillclimb Midget. Professionally built on restored 1973 car costing £26,000+. Only 4 events and under 500 miles since. 1460cc Peter May engine, performance components only from established manufacturers. Please email for pictures and details of the huge specification. Sensible offers considered, but serious enquiries only, please. Email: youngs877@yahoo.co.uk or Tel: Rod on 01534 759046.
JANUARY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 93
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CL ASSIFIEDS
Manor Garage & Sons! Tel: 01235 767751
enquiries@mgsforsale.com
www.mgsforsale.com
01707 876089
07831 556666 MGB Roadster 1974 Heritage Shell Rebuild (PYS531M) chrome bumpers, chrome wire wheels, overdrive, Heritage Shell rebuild in late 90’s still maintaining a nice fresh appearance in rare and delightful Black Tulip coachwork, excellent black leather interior trim, quality walnut facia and steering wheel, expensive black mohair hood and cover, heavy history file with a plethora of invoices and images covering the restoration, drives very nicely indeed, just arrived £14,950.00 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 B11 - Barrie 23/11/2016 14:15 Page 1 been Carter_CLASSIC parked up. KIT £150MOTORING +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 seats and cage. ZF LSD and special half shafts, Rebuilt early straight cut close ratio rare early competition box, cage, FIA belts, Three pot incredible brakes, polibushed, Wets and dries. very reliable. Second in class at Angouleme It would take very little to convert to an FIA spec car. It has the potential for many events from club rallies, h.c. and sprints to international racing. At 75, I am about to say enough. It cost a fortune. Your gain is my loss at £27,950. I may part exchange.
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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. Shelsey Special, dominant in trials, circuits sprints, h/c and with over 500 awards. Reviewed by Bill Boddy in Motor Sport. It is eligible for many varied and coveted races and events, and a possible Goodwood entry. It starts at 35k as is with the rolling chassis restored and the rest negotiable. I’ve had it for 23 years. Or you could be a real anorak and buy an ineligible for anything pointy tail pub car for 50k. Price according to spec when finished, starting at £26k but make me an offer.
MG TC 1949. I bought this remarkable TC 2 years ago. It has had a body off rebuild by a very gifted Australian engineer who wrote a full documentary of all work. Its engine has steel rods and special crank, cam, and head. !/12 SUs and dry decked head.. KN 16inch wheels, superb uprated steering and brakes and diff to match. Standard excellent gearbox New hood and tonneau, excellent panels, and chrome . Used by me for two years, it is a fast tourer not a race car, nor concours,just lovely and the best TC I’ve ever had. Sequioa cream and green leather. Unrepeatable at £27,500 MG TA/B. This lovely 1939 TA has been converted to TB spec of which there were only 372 built. It has the correct XPAG engine with correct rare cast/brass piston SUs. It has had a body off restoration in the past and still is in great condition. Recent unleaded head with new valves. Excellent chrome and with new brakes and a Thiomkins steering conversion it steers and stops precisely, New hood and tonneau complete this lovely, rare and true vintage MG. A delight to drive. In my toy cupboard at home I have recommisioned it personally and it is ready to use. Very attractive in maroon and red leather, Charming. Forget silly TB prices, £24,950
XPAG flow competition exhaust manifold New. £525 Wade Supercharger R10 Complete with pulleys. £1,400
XPAG engines built to any specification – supplied or exchange
CM01.17/B11/rr
Austin A40 Somerset historic rally car. This car has had 1 owner for at least 30 years and only for sale due to his age. It has covered many Rallies, Rusticana, Le Jog etc. It is in lovely original condition inside and has upgraded brakes and a modified 1800 MGB engine, suspension, and wider wheels. A lovely conditioned useful historic rally car, whose preparation would cost more than the price of the car. £8,750
www.mgcc.co.uk
15/12/2016 11:31
CL ASSIFIEDS
SPARES FOR SALE HOW TO ADVERTISE
Members can advertise their spares for sale/wanted free of charge for items up to £250. Over £250, or for non-members to advertise, there is a charge of £20. To submit your advertisement email Colin Grant at colingrant@mgcc.co.uk. Please remember to include your membership number in all correspondence. All adverts should be submitted by the 10th December for the following months issue.
Breaking MG Midget,
1275cc engine and gearbox, plus all other mechanical parts. No body panels. Phone 07831536890 or 01379 652369
Ignition Power Amplifier
From RPI Engineering 'POWER AMP II' removed from my MGRV8 as no longer required. This unit has done less than 50 miles and is in perfect condition, comes with fitting instructions. £100. plus £5 postage. Tel: 01454 613561(South Glos.) or Email: berettaso4@gmail.com
MG J2
Set of 4 finned brake drums,very good condition, 2 skimmed .025. Just taken off my car. £200. Tel. 01670 790212 (North -East)
"Safety Fast".
Large box up to the present date. I can provide specific dates if required. "Practical Classics" magazine from 1980 up to 2009. Includes Volume 1, Issue 1. Approximately 300 magazines. "Thoroughbred and Classic Car". Large box, mostly from the 1980's. "Volvo Driver". Large box, up to the present date.For collection only from Fife, Scotland. Contact: Ian Fozzard Tel: 01383417815 or Email: ianfozzard@aol.com
MGB Gearbox
With LH overdrive,complete with remote,wiring and clutch fork.No history but clean and gears look very good. £150. Tel. 01670 790212 (North-East)
MGZR Mk1 Parts Mazda MX5 seats
A pair with runners to fit MGB. Black with blue fleck. Good condition. £80.00p. Tel. 01789 778956 (Warwickshire)
Rare MGCC Diamond Jubilee Issue Ltd Edition Wedgwood plate marking 60 Years of The MG Car Club. No. 23 of only 750 produced worldwide to mark the 60th Anniversary of The MG Car Club. Excellent condition, complete with Ltd Edition Certificate and Display stand. Would make an Excellent Present. Only £50 ono. Buyer collects or Delivery by arrangement. Phone John or Jen on 01865 760716. Tex wing mirrors
Two for sale. Stainless chrome wing mirrors to fit a MGB GT with all fixings. Excellent chrome, £10 per mirror. Buyer collects. Contact Peter on 01752 847467 or email peterforeman4866@gmail.com (Saltash Cornwall)
Parts for 1950's MGTF Bonnet (not dented) Chrome radiator surround Chrome rocker box cover Chrome side lights 4 headlights Starter motor Steering wheel hub Hose pipe connectors Water pump Phone 01959 577575 Or 07923 273 469
www.mgcc.co.uk
MG_SafetyFast_Jan17_50-98.indd 95
One workshop manual £5.00 Spare bulbs (box set) £10 One rear windscreen wiper £3 One pair of headlight protectors with beam deflectors £10 Two interior roof grab handles £4. Phone 01752 846979 for more details.
Midget Parts
FREE TO ANY MEMBER 2 Pairs of front wings* 2 Bonnets* 2 Boot lids* Front Valance Roll Hoop LCB Manifold. All in usable condition, but the steel wings need rear repair panel.*One fibreglass, one steel. Contact David Jeal, Email: mogsjonk@live.co.uk. Buyer collects, (North London)
MGB GT 1978
Complete exhaust, used with plenty life left in it. £45.00 Front & Rear rubber bumpers, as removed from car. £60.00 pr 4 Refurbished Rostyle wheels with brand new wheel nuts, centre caps & goods s/h chrome trims. Wheels not used since refurbishment. £175.00 For more information & photos, email: phil1450@msn.com.
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)
JANUARY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 95
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Telephone 01753 644599 martin@runnymede motorcompany.com
Mobile (07836) 222111 www.runnymedemotor company.com
1978 MGB Race Car, This cracking little MGB race car in Daffodil yellow and affectionately known as “Juicy Lucy” was owned by my wife from 2002 until 2009 during which time she and I regularly competed in various sprints and hill climbs and some MG Car Club race meetings. Prior to her ownership in 1995 the car was the subject of a complete rebuild, photographic evidence of which is contained within the considerable history file. Also within that file are photographs of the internals of the engine showing the upgrades carried out to the cylinder head during the rebuild. Since then “Lucy’s” competitive life has continued by way of various track days and more sprints and hill climbs during which time she has always been regularly maintained. Her specification includes fuelling through a 45DCOE side draught Weber carburettor and Facet race fuel pump, 4 speed all synchro gearbox, Aeroquip oil and brake lines and large oil cooler, alloy rocker cover, electric cooling fan, oil catch tank, 800lb competition front springs with competition shock absorbers and stiffer front anti-roll bar, brake cooling ducts, headlamp cowls, “Works” hard top, OMP race seats with 5 point race harness seat belts, “Safety Devices” roll cage, “Lifeline” fire eater system, aluminium race fuel tank, alloy bonnet, Fibreglass boot lid (originals also with the car) and “Minilite” alloy wheels. Lucy has always been a good reliable car for club events and will no doubt give hours of pleasure to the next lucky owner. Huge fun for little money at £12,950 MGB Roadster This is a beautiful example of this iconic British Sports Car which was the successor to the MGA. Introduced in 1962, it immediately became a popular replacement of the much loved MGA as it offered more power from the “B” series British Leyland engine, greatly improved road holding and a far greater degree of comfort. This particular example has covered a mere 56,000 miles from new with sufficient documentation to back up the odometer reading. In fact the car has spent a huge proportion of the past 40 years in a dormant state as it has covered only 6,000 miles since 1976. It has been the subject of a comprehensive restoration and now presents as a beautiful car and is very original in appearance. As far as we can tell the only deviation from the specification when the car was delivered is the addition of a period style Motolita wood rimmed steering wheel. Fitted with the optional wire wheels, overdrive, a “Fold-away” hood and a tonneau cover, the car is fully serviced and ready to be enjoyed. Very realistically priced for one in this condition at £13,950 MGB Roadster, first registered 27-11-1972. (Road tax exempt) finished in Bronze yellow with attractive and contrasting dark blue interior. This is a 3 owner motor car with an impressive specification, presented in condition consistent with light use and great care. The specification includes electronic ignition, a full stainless steel exhaust system with tubular exhaust manifold, unmarked Minilite style wheels, 4 speed all synchromesh gearbox with overdrive, Motolita steering wheel, virtually new hood,, excellent chrome and an odometer reading showing a correct mileage of 79,000. This is a car that we were delighted to take into stock and we consider it to be a credit to its previous owners. The interior is in really excellent condition for a 38 year old open car and is always an excellent barometer by which to judge just how a car has been used. It has equally impressive coachwork and chrome and from conversations with one of the previous owners we have deduced that it was the subject of a restoration some 12 years ago by MG specialists Mechspec of Doncaster. Mechspec were also responsible for a full rebuild of the engine and drive train which included the engine being over-bored by 40 thou and the fitting of a Peter Burgess eco tuned unleaded cylinder head with an uprated Piper 270 mild road camshaft. The gearbox, overdrive and rear axle were also rebuilt about 3000 miles ago and the car has been used sparingly since. Further works have included upgrading the electrical system to take a 12 volt battery instead of the twin 6 volt batteries fitted as standard equipment. This car is particularly nice to drive and the suspension gives a feeling of confidence on the road. It has a current Mot certificate until February 2017 and the car needs no further preparation before enjoying the rest of the summer sun. Realistically priced for one in this condition at £9,950 Please call Edward 07767 414249 when enquiring about this car
Please view our website at www.runnymedemotorcompany.com for further information or contact Martin Brewer on 01753 644 599
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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
New MG Competition Half Shafts
www.bighealey.co.uk
Not only are these stronger than the original halfshafts - they are also lighter than any other design available
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
• Made from brand new forgings of higher grade steel and surface treated. • A direct replacement for standard.
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
• To suit cars with a Banjo axle and bolt-on wheels
MGB: MCRAX152 Midget: ZCRAX152
07860 473298
£245.00 each + VAT
Parts Hotline: +44(0)1543 472244 E-mail: sales@bighealey.co.uk
www.mg-repairs-hertfordshire.com
DENIS WELCH MOTORSPORT, YOXALL, BURTON ON TRENT, STAFFS DE13 8NA, UK
DONHOODS-SFAug07.QXD:Layout 1
Page 1
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,
16:22
DON HOODS
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
23/9/09
13 Tel: 0121 373 13ICE OFF SOUTHERN SALES
00 Tel: 01202 7422
CARPET SETS FOR MOST
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ADVERTISERS’ INDEX 4Sight Lighting Company.............................................77 Adrian Flux ...................................................................68 Airflow ..........................................................................68 Aldon Automotive .........................................................23 Barrie Carter ................................................................94 Barry Walker .................................................................93 BCC Parts .....................................................................73 Beech Hill Garage.........................................................95 Brian Brown Classics....................................................97 British Motor Heritage...................................................39 Brown and Gammons..................................................13 Bucks Sports and Classic.............................................97 Car Cover Shop ............................................................89 Carole Nash Insurance .................................................49 Chertsey Minors ..........................................................89 Church Square Autos ...................................................92 Classic and Retro..........................................................51 Classic Car Tours International......................................49 Colin Groom Vehicle Storage .......................................68 College Motors Burford ................................................75 Colne Classics ..............................................................89 Crown Classic Cars ......................................................75 Dennis Welch ...............................................................97 Distributor Doctor..........................................................75 www.mgcc.co.uk
MG_SafetyFast_Jan17_50-98.indd 97
Don Trimming ...............................................................97 Evans Division of Hydratech .........................................79 Fishers Services ...........................................................79 Footman James ...........................................................61 Frontline .......................................................................44 Get Patina .....................................................................43 Halls Garage .................................................................75 Hamilton Direct.............................................................27 Heathrow Transmission ................................................89 Hoyle Suspension.........................................................63 JLH Minor Restoration..................................................58 John Woods Motorcare................................................23 Just Right Autos Ltd......................................................53 Kimble Engineering Ltd ................................................89 Lycian Events................................................................58 Manor Garage .............................................................94 Martin Smith Used MGTF Spares ...............................92 MG Mecca....................................................................93 MG Motorsport ............................................................51 MG Sales Centre ..........................................................33 Midland Classic Restoration ........................................... 3 Mike Authurs Classics( MG Midgets) ...........................97 Mike Satur ....................................................................49 Mirror Trim ....................................................................58
MJS Auto and Marine ..................................................73 Motor Wheel Services ..................................................77 NTG Services.............................................................OBC Oselli Ltd.......................................................................71 Peter Best ..............................................................89, IBC Prestige MG..................................................................51 Rees Bros .....................................................................92 Retro Sports Cars ........................................................71 Rimmer Bros Ltd ..........................................................15 RJJ Car Shipping and Transportation ...........................89 Robin Lackford Motor Engineering ..............................79 RPS Ltd.........................................................................77 Runnymede Motor Company.......................................96 Scenic Car Tours.......................................................9, 21 Skiptune........................................................................23 SMR – Car For Sale .....................................................94 Steve McKie Sports Cars..............................................89 Sussex Classic Car Parts................................................ 6 Sussex Sports Cars ......................................................89 The Hutson Motor Co Ltd ............................................... 3 The MG Automobile Company....................................... 6 The MGB Hive Ltd ....................................................... IFC Vitesse Global Ltd .........................................................63 JANUARY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 97
URGENT PROOF Please check this proof carefully for errors in style, content and layout.
15/12/2016 11:32
LOOKING BACK IF YOU CAN TELL US MORE ABOUT ANY OF THESE CARS OR THE EVENTS, WE ARE ALWAYS KEEN TO HEAR FROM YOU AT KIMBER HOUSE; CONTACT THE MGCC ARCHIVIST PETE NEAL ON PETERNEAL@MGCC.CO.UK.
The official publication of The MG Car Club Incorporating ‘The M.G. Magazine’, ‘The Sports Car’ and ‘Brooklands Track and Air’, Safety Fast! Copyright MG Car Club 2016 Editor: Andy Knott 01235 849730 / 01235 555552 andyknott@mgcc.co.uk Deputy Editor: Colin Grant 01235 849733 colingrant@mgcc.co.uk Editorial Committee: William Ball, Dennis Wharf, 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 Printed by: Precision Colour Printing. Haldane, Halesfield 1, Telford, Shropshire TF7 4QQ Tel: 01952 585585 Distributed by: Air Business. Merlin Centre, 4 The, Acrewood Way, St Albans AL4 0JY Tel: 01727 890600
W
e kick off the New Year with this Mike Rushton photo above of what must be one of the most elegant T Types ever. We are told this car has coachwork by Park Ward in the style of Post-War Delahaye. Can you tell us more? Another T Type. This picture dates from 1952 and was taken at the July Silverstone meeting. The car has obviously been prepared for competition – it even carries a racing number on the door. However, part of the preparation seems to be the creation of a mini-bar on the fuel tank. Terry Waite, the Archbishop of Canterbury’s special envoy whose incarceration in Beirut as a political prisoner once gripped the nation, admires his MGB, rebuilt by MG Car
President: John Day Vice Presidents: Ron Gammons, Don Hayter, Peter Best, Bill Silcock.
Club volunteers, at Donington on the occasion of the MGB’s 30th birthday in 1992. Photo by Colin Grant.
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! JANUARY 2017
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If visiting The MG Car Club using Sat Nav please use OX14 1AS
www.mgcc.co.uk
15/12/2016 11:32
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