Safety Fast! June 2016

THE MARQUE OF FRIENDSHIP

June 2016 Volume 60 Number 06

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GREEN ENVY

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Visit us at MGLIVE! Stand number A13-A16

21st Century Technology for the Classic Motorist Startmonkey 400 is a revolutionary new alternative to the heavy battery jump pack. Weighing in at only 1100g and measuring just 210x65x64mm, it will start the 12 volt battery of any 4x4, van, car, boat or motorcycle between 15 and 20 times without requiring a recharge. It will retain 75% of its charge for at least a year. The roadside model connects to your battery with conventional crocodile clips while the motorsport model is fitted with a standard Anderson plug. £199.95 incl UK delivery and VAT. Zircotec has appointed British Motor Heritage as distributor and technical support for their incredible heat management products. Significant reduction in under-bonnet temperatures is possible by coating an exhaust manifold with Zircotec ThermoHold Coating. A range of 14 different coloured ceramic coatings provide the ultimate in thermal barrier performance whilst they are also an attractive durable finish that is easy to maintain. Please call for more information and a quotation to coat your exhaust components.

The Motoring Classic’s Powermonkey Discovery measures only 46x13x114mm yet can recharge an iPhone twice, standard mobile phones 3-4 times, or give iPods / MP3 players up to an additional 120 hours playtime. Simply recharge the unit from your computer USB or a mains charger (not supplied). £45.00 incl UK delivery and VAT.

buy online at www.motoringclassics.co.uk or call 01993 707200

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MIDLAND

CLASSIC

R E S T O R AT I O N S

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

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Call 01905 622166

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

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

BUY DIRECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER

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

Comprehensive paint shop and trim facilities.

Ash frame skeleton bodies.

Individual ash frame components and steel panels.

• Dashboards • Quarter Panels • Door Frames • Hood Finishers

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

Fully assembled complete panelled bodies for TA to TF.

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

www.mgcc.co.uk

JUNE 2016 SAFETY FAST! 3

Inside this issue Regulars 7

Chairmans notes and Kimber House News

63

Luffield Championship

8

News

64

Event Report – Regency Run 2016

10

Products

68

Overseas Review

54

Race Torque

72

Centre Updates

61

BTCC 2016 – Thruxton Report

84

Register Updates

92

Classifieds

MGs on Track

98

Looking Back

62

Features 11

GS in GB The launch of the all new MG SUV at the London Motorshow

12

MGLive! 2016 An A – Z of how to make the most of this year’s MGLive!

16

Green Envy Mark Tossell’s 1959 MGA Twin Cam

23

My old NAN Jon Crocker’s 1966 MGB GT, NAN 577D

26

MJS Auto and Marine The south coast MG specialists and their TF Turbos

30

Club History Part VI The Club’s independence, 1969 onwards

56

Sun Shines on a Brilliant Brands Leanne Fahy reports on the MGCC Brands Hatch action

70

Australian Natmeet 2016 Peter Cook Report on the Australian 2016 National Meeting held at Perth’s Ascot Racecourse

64

Newsletters 39

MMM Newsletter The Kimber Classic Trial, Brands Hatch and upcoming events

44

Y Type Newsletter Whatever happened to? and Y Type 70th Anniversary in 2017

48

ZR/ZS/ZT Newsletter Events and shows and One Man and his MGs

30

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

4 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2016

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Welcome

16 Front Cover: The unique belt driven 1959 MGA Twin Cam of Mark Tossell.

Photo: Gez Hughes

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@mgcarclub

FO U N D E D 193 0

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

Copyright MG Car Club 2016

Welcome to the June issue of Safety Fast!.

We hope you like the new look, don’t fear though as there is just as much content as there has been. We’ve taken on board all of the comments, good and bad, about Safety Fast! over the past nine years that we’ve been working with our publishers, Hine Marketing, and incorporated many; hopefully you enjoy the new look Safety Fast!.

You’ve probably also noticed that this magazine has arrived on your doormats about ten days earlier than normal. This is to give those of you who are contemplating going to MGLive! a few days to book your tickets at a very preferential advance rate of £18 for a members day ticket, a saving of £12 per ticket on the gate price. And the members weekend tickets can be purchased for £28 in advance, a saving of £17 per ticket on the gate price.

With everything on offer over the weekend, from the antics of stunt driver Russ Swift in the arena through to the fantastic racing on the GP circuit, and from the Traders to the lifestyle and social marquees, there’s hopefully something for everyone. Why not make a weekend of it and camp at Silverstone, right in the heart of all the action? All details are on the booking form enclosed with this issue, or visit the MGLive! dedicated website www. mglive.com – be quick though, as UK advance ticket orders close on May 26!

Thursday May 5 saw the unveiling of the highly anticipated all-new SUV, the MG GS, at the London Motor Show. From the comments I’ve seen, the SUV seems to have gone down well with those who visited the show, including our General Manager Adam Sloman.

You can read his first thoughts on the right hand drive UK specification GS in this issue.

Safety Fast! hopes to bring you a road test on the SUV in the July issue, and for those who haven’t seen it in the metal yet, head along to MGLive! on June 4-5 at Silverstone, where MG Motor will have at least one MG GS on display.

A couple of months ago we announced that the MGCC shop was temporarily closing to allow us to review the stock, well I’m pleased to say that the shop at Kimber House, and also on the main Club website www. mgcc.com will reopen on May 28 with an exciting array of new products, with more being added on a regular basis.

Until next month, drive safely

JUNE 2016 SAFETY FAST! 5

Sussex Classic MG Car Parts Huge range of MGB parts!

We stock MG Midget and MGB GT Roadster Parts and accessories including: bumpers, tuning, body, engine, seats, brakes, clutches, hardtops, windscreen, headlamps, mats, exhausts, chrome wheels, gearboxes, suspension, calipers and catalytic parts.

We sell online and from our premises at Partridge Green, and are always pleased to see visitors even if only for a chat about their cars.

Order your parts online or in store

Phone for our FREE exclusive parts catalogues OPENING TIMES: Mon - Fri: 8.30am – 5pm Sat: Closed

Sussex Classic Car Parts, Unit 28, Huffwood Trading Estate, Partridge Green, West Sussex, RH13 8AU +44 (0)1403 711551 www.sussexclassiccar.co.uk

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CHAIRMANS NOTES

BY IAN QUARRINGTON

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inally, sunshine and warmth in the air! But I imagine the recent cold weather hasn’t stopped the majority of Car Club Members being out in their MGs several times already this year, some of you with the hoods down on your cars. There is such a lot to do all year around of course, but in late Spring the dates you had pencilled in the diary for this year are now right upon us and there are times when I am sure that, like me, you wish there were more weekends in the year. The big weekend of 2016 is very close and all the work of the vast army of volunteers who support Kimber House in making MGLive! happen will come to fruition on June 4 and 5. There will be more on this elsewhere in the magazine, and I know there is something for everyone at this year’s event. I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible over the weekend.

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Looking back just for a moment now, it has been a hectic few months for the Club, the Board and especially for the staff at Kimber House. There have been a lot of very positive changes, all of which are designed to improve the services we offer you, the members. For me, it continues to be a steep but enjoyable learning curve. And over the summer months, the Board will be looking again to its own future, and I want to take the opportunity here to remind you all that our esteemed Treasurer, Richard Colston, announced at our Spring Council meeting that he will be thinking about stepping down from his role and thus we will be inviting suitably experienced members to apply for this important position on the Board.

If you would like more information or a formal chat about the role, please do get in touch with Richard via Kimber House.

Kimber House has a new member of staff. Ineke has joined us and will be

heading up our new look merchandise and Kimber Stores operation. This is one area of our work where we have taken the long overdue opportunity to revisit our offering to our members and you will find a whole new and exciting range of merchandise now being made available to you. Please join me in welcoming Ineke to the team, come and meet her and the new look shop at MGLive! in the main marquee.

On my theme of looking forward to looking back, the new Bill Wallis Archive Wing has now been formally opened.

We encourage you to please visit this latest addition to the Club’s buildings which is an added benefit to your membership. I imagine this is going to be a very popular attraction so please do call and let us know when you would like to come along, we assure you of a very warm welcome. Lastly for this month, anyone who came to Brands Hatch to our race meeting at the end of April will have been thrilled to see such a huge number of cars racing, and I want to take this opportunity to thank the Racing Committee and all those who took part, whether competing or organising the event, for their hard work. The sight of 23 Triple M cars on the circuit is one I shall always remember. Fabulous stuff!

KIMBER HOUSE NEWS

e are delighted to announce that the MG Car Club shop will be relaunching at the Kimber House Open Day on May 28. As mentioned in last month’s news, the Open Day will be available for all members to attend, as we show off the Club’s HQ just a week before MGLive! 2016.

An entire new collection of merchandise will be available to buy online, at shows and at Kimber Stores, and we’ve got more information on this on over the page (and we’ll be revealing

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more on what we have in next month’s Safety Fast!).

We’re also very pleased to welcome Ineke Sherman to Kimber House as the Club’s new Shop Manager. Ineke, who is originally from Holland, has previously worked for the Aston Martin Owners Club as their Shop Manager, and brings a great amount of experience to the role. The picture below is Ineke taking her first ride in an MG thanks to some

kind members who visited Kimber House a few weeks ago.

Here at Kimber House we get a huge amount of deliveries every week that range from copies of Safety Fast! to mugs, but the best one we’ve had in a long time arrived last week. It took around 30 minutes to unload from the lorry and consisted of 200 boxes. Our MG Car Club Top Trumps had arrived!

These will be available to purchase at MGLive!, but if you’re unable to make it don’t worry, they will also be for sale at Kimber House, at shows and on our website.

JUNE 2016 SAFETY FAST! 7

NEWS

MG SECURES CLASS WIN ON FLYING SCOTSMAN RALLY 2016 The MG TB Supercharged of Paul Crosby and Ali Proctor brought home the glassware from this year’s 700-mile Flying Scotsman rally. The 1939 model won the class for all cars up to 1500cc engine.

Six crews opted for MGs out of the 110 competitors in what was the toughest Flying Scotsman rally in the event’s eight-year history. Crews faced rain, hail, sleet and snow as they journeyed from the starting line at Leicestershire’s Belvoir Castle, driving around 700 miles through Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, Northumberland, and into Scotland for the Gleneagles finale.

Martin Neal and Richard Dix performed well in the 1936 MG TA Sports, finishing fifth in class, with Clint Smith and Trevor Finn on their heels in the 1933 K3 in eighth.

Experienced rally competitors Peter Zernial and Udo Fink opted for the 1948 MG TC to take on the gruelling event, while newcomers Kate and Sophie Wickham were met at the finish line by cheering friends and family in their 1934 TC. The ninth Flying Scotsman Rally will take place from Friday March 31 to Sunday April 2 2017, starting from Slaley Hall, in Hexham, Northumberland, in order for the crews to experience more of the Scottish terrain. Entries are now open.

For more details including all the results and the latest updates on the forthcoming Peking to Paris Rally, visit www.endurorally.com

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MG CAR CLUB SHOP RELAUNCH Following an extensive review, the MG Car Club’s merchandise operation is due to relaunch at the end of May. Since its closure in January, the team at Kimber House have worked hard to look at the entire range of merchandise previously offered by the shop as well as looking to identify new items.

The new range includes mugs, T-shirts, wall art and much more. The new merchandise will be available exclusively from Kimber House as well as a brand-new, bespoke MGCC webshop that will offer Club Members an exclusive discount across the entire range.

Keep an eye on www.mgcc.co.uk and the Club’s social media feeds as the relaunch draws near.

MG HISTORY FOR AUCTION AT FESTIVAL OF SPEED One of the most fascinating ‘what ifs’ in MG history is coming up for auction at Bonham’s Goodwood Festival of Speed auction on June 24.

Carrying an estimate of £35,000 – £45,000, EX234 was designed in Abingdon and built by Italian styling house Pininfarina. It was intended to replace both the B and the Midget. While there was a will within Abingdon to keep the MG range fresh with new models, the management at BMC had a product that was selling well globally, so senior management at Longbridge ruled out any further development of EX234 and the project was quietly shelved.

Power comes from the venerable 1275cc A-series, with BMC’s revolutionary hydrolastic suspension and a rear axle borrowed from the Austin Champ.

The car was registered for road use in 1977 and even participated in the parade through Abingdon in 1979 that celebrated 50 years of MG production in the town. When the MG works closed in 1980, John Thornley passed the car to Syd Beer to save it for future generations of MG enthusiasts. It is now being offered for auction by the Beer Trust and is sure to attract plenty of interest when it crosses the block in June.

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NEWS

ZR/ZS/ZT REGISTER AGM Date: Saturday June 4 2016 Time: 5.00pm Venue: MGLive!, Silverstone.

Location on site: TBC Agenda:

MG CAR CLUB LOOKS TO THE NEXT GENERATION Following successful research and the launch of the MG Car Club’s Young Members Group, the Club is pleased to announce a new revised membership rate for under-25s.

Car clubs understand their future lies in the hands of the next generation, something that cannot be overlooked when discussing membership.

For the past five months the MG Car Club has been researching what younger members want, and working actively to put together a plan to encourage more participation.

Therefore the Club is happy to announce a new membership structure for under-25s. The old price saw under-

25s pay £43 per year; however the new rates are split into two groups.

15-20 year olds will now enjoy all of the benefits of joining the MG Car Club for just £15, with 21-24 year olds priced at £30.

This includes the Club’s awardwinning monthly magazine Safety Fast!, technical knowledge, events such as MG Live!, and discounts for parts and insurance as well as the unique events and offers tailored to younger members.

This is just the beginning of the MG Car Club Young Members Group (under-30), which was put together to attract young MG fans at the beginning of February. With the Club’s youngest Register Chairman at 23, progression has been consistent.

1.

Apologies for Absence

2. Agreement of Minutes of Previous AGM 3. Chairman’s Report 4. Secretary’s Report 5. Treasurer’s Report & Adoption of Accounts 6. Regalia Report 7. Events Review 8. Election of Officers 9. Election of Other Committee Members 10. Members’ Resolutions 11. AOB Any resolution to be discussed or nominations for officers or committee members should be forwarded to the Secretary (rayk@mg-fan.freeserve. co.uk) no later than May 28.

SOCIAL MEDIA NEWS This month’s Social Media Round Up is focused on a campaign that we have been running across social media and the website recently, and involves volunteers for MGLive! 2016. We’ve had a brilliant response so far, with a number of people coming forward and offering their services, however we’re still on the lookout for more. Without an incredible team of willing volunteers each year, MGLive! would be difficult to run. That’s why the MG Car Club needs YOU! Whatever your skill-set is, the Club would like to utilise it.

The Sprint competition, held on the Stowe Circuit, and California Cup Autotest, are both looking for marshals.

Motorsport experience isn’t required – just enthusiasm! The Sprint takes place on

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Sunday June 5 and the California Cup on Saturday June 4 between 9am and 12 noon.

Other areas that require volunteers include traffic management on both the Saturday and Sunday morning, and in the Arena over the weekend, where Mike Brewer and Ant Anstead will be entertaining a packed audience.

Anyone who does volunteer at MGLive! will qualify for a free entry ticket depending on the length of time they are volunteering for.

MGLive! is your event, and in order for the annual celebration to continue making progress, the Club requires more volunteers.

If cars are your passion, and you’re willing to help out, the Club would love to hear from you. Please contact Lauran Gallacher on lauran@mgcc.co.uk or 01235 849735.

JUNE 2016 SAFETY FAST! 9

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

DYNOLITE CLASSIC ENGINE AND GEAR OILS FROM MOSS

Moss does a complete range of Classic and Gear oils to suit all types of MG. Their range includes: The Classic range are oils formulated for engines produced from the early 1950s to the mid-1980s.

Classic 10W-60 is a synthetic multigrade engine oil specifically developed for modern multi-valve, twin cam, turbo and all highperformance engines.

Dynolite Prewar Engine Oil. The prewar range of motor oils are non-dispersant and micro detergent engine oils specially designed for vintage and classic cars produced up

NEW FROM NTG – JUST ARRIVED

to 1950s, prior to the introduction of multigrades, where a non-detergent formulation is required.

Dynolite Running In Oil. Running-in oil is essential for a newly rebuilt engine to maintain its performance and long service life.

Dynolite Gearbox Oil. (Gear 30 and Gear 40) These two multigrade oils replace the SAE30 & 40 as well as the EP80 & EP90 commonly used in gearboxes. l For more information on their full range of oils go to:www.moss-europe.co.uk/dynoliteoils/dynolite-engine-oils or phone 020 8867 2020.

TA-TB-TC Wing stays, left or right hand. Specially produced locally for us to original specification and excellent quality. £48.75 each inc VAT. State side when ordering – left-hand shown. l Contact NTG Motor Services Ltd, 282-284 Bramford Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 4AY. Tel: 01473 406031 or 01473 406032.

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HARLY WAX

Harly Wax, the original pure no.1 yellow carnauba wax from Long Beach, California, USA. Outshining the competition since 1956.

Harly Wax will embellish your car with the deepest shine known to man.

The ultra-glossy finish will make the rain bead and the paint sparkle. Ideal for modern and classic paint finishes, Harly Wax is suitable for absolutely all paint types, from pre-war nitrocellulose to the latest water-based metallic finishes found on new cars. Harly Wax is also suitable for fibreglass, gel coat and carbon fibre finishes. Harly Wax glides over the panel like butter and effortlessly buffs off with no dust or powder. Each time you wax, the carnauba builds on the surface, increasing the depth of shine until it glows.

Harly Wax is suitable for: cars, bikes, boats, aircraft, trucks and motorhomes; fibreglass, plastics and carbon fibre. It also protects chrome.

If you care about it, Harly Wax it! l Priced at £19.99 plus post and packing for a 400ml tin. For more information contact Mark on 07795 670881 or email: harlywax@btinternet.com

www.mgcc.co.uk

FEATURE

GS IN GB

By Adam Sloman

A

fter a series of successful global launches the wraps come off the all-new MG GS at the London Motor Show.

The first SUV to ever wear the Octagon was the headline feature at the show, with MG Motor being the lead manufacturer on show.

MG’s stand drew plenty of attention, with a bold MG Octagon projected onto a black background, giving the MG’s stand a strong visual appeal. Flanked by a 6 and 3, the focus was rightly on the GS, and media from across the UK motoring spectrum were on hand as Matthew Cheyne, MG Motor’s head of Sales and Marketing, pulled the sheets off of the car.

While plenty of GSs have been seen around the world and online, the London show marked the first appearance of a right hand drive, UKspec car. Finished in white, the car boasted an impressive fit and finish – the year or so that has passed since the GS’s Chinese debut has done little to

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dull its good looks – in the metal the GS is well proportioned and there’s some neat design details to draw the eye.

There appeared to be little difference between this GS and those already seen, though Richard Batho, Chief Vehicle Engineer for MG Motor UK, explained to Safety Fast! that considerable work has gone into the car’s chassis development to tune it to UK roads and ensure it delivers the kind of performance, handling and sheer drivability afforded to those cars that make up the MG family.

“It’s very different to the GS in other parts of the world – we’ve worked really hard to make sure it drives as it needs to.”

GS’s power in the UK is restricted to a single engine, a 1.5 turbo petrol engine, mated to a manual, or, for the first time since the demise of MG Rover, an automatic option.

Other than that, details were scant with MG keeping their cards close to their chest. MG’s Marketing Manager Louise Mitchell said: “We’re not confirming price or spec options today – we’ll be doing that nearer the launch in June,” adding: “GS’s pricing will be in keeping with the rest of the MG family, so expect great value.”

Inside, the good impressions continue – soft leather seats,

electrically adjusted, are welcoming and comfortable, with a piano black dash joined by a leather-clad centre console with white stitching adding a neat contrast. The dash is dominated by a large touch screen that’s home to DAB, sat nav as well as the likes of mirror link. Gadget fans will not be disappointed.

The proof in the GS pudding will be the way in which it drives, and MG enthusiasts have very little time to wait before they’ll be able to judge the car for themselves.

That said, on this basis the MG GS could prove to be a real winner for MG Motor and the MG community as a whole.

The GS will be available to order from June 2016 and you’ll be able to experience MG’s new SUV at MGLive! this year.

JUNE 2016 SAFETY FAST! 11

MGLIVE!

2016 ATO Z

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GLive!, the MG Car Club’s Silverstone Celebration, is the world’s largest MG event and returns to the home of British Motorsport on June 4-5.

2016 boasts a wonderful selection of events taking place over the MGLive! weekend. A big draw of the celebration is the family entertainment, with TV stars Mike Brewer and Ant Anstead in the Live Arena, as well as the launch of MG Car Club Top Trumps. Alongside that are displays of the very best driving skills and a jam-packed race programme.

We don’t want to give it all away though; check out our A-Z article to find out everything that’s going on, and how to make the most of your MGLive! weekend.

CLOSING DATE FOR ADVANCE SALES For members outside of the UK, advance ticket sales closed on Friday May 20 2016 whilst within the UK the closing date is Thursday May 26 2016. There is a significant saving for booking in advance and orders can be placed securely online at www.mglive.co.uk or by calling Kimber House on 01235 55 55 52.

Tickets cannot be booked after this date; however, tickets will be available to purchase on the gate during the event.

12 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2016

The gate will accept credit cards and cash for payment of tickets.

MGLIVE! 2016 OPENING TIMES Camping Access – Friday 3pm Saturday 9am Sunday 9am

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ANT ANSTEAD When: Saturday and Sunday Where: Live Arena TV star Ant Anstead, famous for presenting Channel 4’s hit programme ‘For the Love of Cars’, will be presenting all of the action in the Live Arena across both days at MGLive!

2016. The cake-loving petrol head will be familiar to those that attended the NEC Classic Motor Show in November last year, helping us celebrate our 85th Birthday with, you guessed it, CAKE.

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BREWER BOUNCING BACK When: Saturday Where: Live Arena After making his first appearance at MGLive! in 2015, Mike Brewer is returning to the biggest MG event at the home of British Motorsport, and will be hosting the Live Arena alongside Ant Anstead on the Saturday. Like last year, they will be looking for fans to take part

in a variety of events – so go and polish your MG knowledge, and get ready for more interaction than ever before.

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CALIFORNIA CUP AUTOTEST When: Saturday morning Where: Car Park 49 – Access

by Classic Bus The California Cup is one of the Club’s oldest and most prestigious trophies. It is awarded to the winning team of the Club’s premier autotest at Silverstone that attracts competitors from all over the world. Don’t forget that all models of MG are welcome.

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DISPLAYS When: All weekend Where: Register parking One of the most memorable features of MGLive! is the Register Parking. All MGs, all models – parked in separate groups ready for thousands of photos to be taken. This is your chance to get up close and personal with cars you may or may not have seen before.

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EVENING ENTERTAINMENT When: Saturday Evening Where: Social marquee Also known as the ‘After Hours Party’, evening entertainment at MGLive! is organised by the MGF Register, and this

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MGLIVE!

Our named charity for MGLive! 2016, Headway Oxfordshire will be located in the Headway Marquee where they shall be demonstrating the link between themselves and the MG Car Club through the iconic phrase ‘Safety Fast!’.

year will feature cover-band ‘Not the Hoople’ and DJ Adam Denton. It all kicks off at 7pm, but don’t forget the BBQ beforehand!

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FIVA When: All weekend Where: Main Marquee FIVA (Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens) celebrate World Motor Heritage Year in 2016, and MGLive! is one of only three official events on their unique calendar for this special year.

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GRANDSTANDS When: Open all weekend Where: Three grandstands – Woodcote B, BRDC and Silverstone Six will be open over the weekend for you to comfortably enjoy all of the racing. In addition to this, the Live Arena will have a grandstand in place all weekend.

General Parking: General parking for non MGs will be inside the circuit. This means a much shorter walk to the centre of MGLive!.

GLO CAR COMPETITION When: Saturday night Where: Social Marquee With two classes, pro glo and impro glo, the flashing lights and neons of the MG Glo Car competition will once again illuminate the Silverstone night sky – and best of all, it’s free entry!

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HEADWAY OXFORDSHIRE When: All weekend Where: Headway Oxfordshire Marquee

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HERITAGE When: All weekend Where: Everywhere The theme for this year’s MGLive! is Heritage, which links in nicely with the event being one of only three FIVA events, as mentioned in the ‘F’ category.

All of the Centre and Register displays in the Main Marquee will be linked with Heritage, with each being unique, offering a different representation.

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INVITED CLUBS When: All weekend Where: Invited Club Stand The MG Car Club is delighted that Lotus Club Europe, the Naylor Car Club and Gentry Register will be joining us at MGLive! 2016, and they will have various cars on show in the invited clubs area.

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Hamilton and Paul di Resta, you could be watching the F1 Champion of the future.

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LIFESTYLE MARQUEE When: All weekend Where: Adjacent to the main Club marquee This popular feature continues for 2016, and will showcase an even bigger an array of stands selling everything from jewellery and vintage clothing to home-made jams.

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MAIN MARQUEE When: All weekend Where: Located in the centre of the event, this is where the main Club shop will be located as well as membership for those wishing to sign up. If you’re coming along to MGLive! 2016, please come and say hello to us in the main marquee, and meet the faces behind the various Centres and Registers.

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NEW MG When: All weekend Where: MG Motor stand Across the weekend, MG Motor will be showcasing their brand new MG GS that MG fans will be able to get up close and personal with before the official launch of the stylish SUV a week after MGLive! 2016.

JOIN US FOR THE WHOLE WEEKEND When: All weekend Where: Camping areas Why not join us for the whole weekend at MGLive! 2016 and camp on the grounds of Silverstone! With camping plots available for families as well as those who wish to enjoy the evening entertainment. There is also space for motorhomes, meaning even more options for you to enjoy the entire weekend.

OVERSEAS VISITORS When: All weekend Hundreds of overseas visitors from 15 different nations will be turning through the gates at Silverstone across the weekend, showing the true power of the MG marque and MG family worldwide.

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KARTING STARS! When: All weekend Where: Live Arena We are delighted to welcome the Formula Kart Stars to MGLive! for the first time in 2016. Adding a new dimension to the event, the F1 stars of the future will be performing in the Live Arena across both days at Silverstone, and with former graduates like Lewis

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PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP/ CONCOURS When: Sunday morning, 9.30am Where: On Copse Runway Do you love your car? Do you think the judges will love it too? Why not enter into the Pride of Ownership? For concours, originality and attention to detail take centre stage – and even more it’s free to enter!

JUNE 2016 SAFETY FAST! 13

MGLIVE!

PRESIDENT’S INTERNATIONAL DINNER When: Saturday evening 7pm Where: Silverstone Golf Club Simply put, there is no better way than to end your Saturday at MGLive! than attending the President’s International Dinner. Hosted by Club President John Day, a three-course meal is followed by a charity fundraiser and much more. Not to be missed!

classic bus service we run stops at The Stowe Circuit!

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QUESTIONS OVER THE WEEKEND When: All weekend Where: Copse Runway Event Control on Copse Runway is the place to head if you have any questions during the MGLive! weekend. Any queries in the lead up to the event can be answered by calling Kimber House on 01235 55 55 52.

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RACING When: Saturday & Sunday Where: Silverstone’s Full F1 circuit MGLive! is the jewel in the crown of the Club’s racing calendar and a full programme of action is taking place over the weekend. Also taking to the track this year we have championships from the Lotus Cup Europe, Porsche Club GB and the Morgan Sports Car Club.

RUSS SWIFT When: Saturday & Sunday Where: Live Arena Iconic stuntman Russ Swift will be returning once again to the Live Arena with his explosive display of tricks, and maybe he will pick YOU to ride in the passenger seat…

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SPRINT When: Sunday Where: Stowe Circuit The MGLive! Sprint will once again feature at Silverstone. Classic MGs and cars from other marques will be competing against one another to get the best time and win various awards.

Why not come down and spectate, the

14 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2016

SOCIAL MARQUEE When: All weekend Where: Social Marquee Join us in the social marquee at Silverstone and get yourself a drink from the bar in there. Also, check out our Instagram Frame for the very first time and get snap happy!

TRADE AREA When: All weekend Where: Everywhere!

A range of MG traders will once again be present at MGLive! 2016. Get down and dirty riffling through crates of spares parts or browse some of the most impressive aftermarket products.

TOP TRUMPS When: All weekend Where: Everywhere!

Our amazingly unique set of MG Car Club Top Trumps will be launching at MGLive! 2016!

They will retail at £4.99, and feature many of the MGs from the marque’s history all the way up to current models.

You can purchase these from the Club shop in the Main Marquee.

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UNIQUE HERITAGE DISPLAYS When: All weekend Where: MGLive! Main Marquee In the main marquee, many of the Club’s Registers and Centres will be displaying their definition of MGLive!

2016’s theme ‘Heritage’.

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VINTAGE BUSES When: All weekend Where: Bus Stops all around Silverstone

Courtesy of the popular Tuesday Bus Group, the Club is able to offer MGLive! visitors FREE Classic 50s and 60s bus service, covering all parts of the event.

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WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA When: All weekend Where: Smartphone, tablet or PC Keep an eye out on the MGCC and MGLive! websites in the build up to the big event to get the latest information when it comes out. Also don’t forget to follow our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram channels for even more info and tag us in all of your posts and photos from the big event by using the hashtag #MGLive.

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XPAG SPECIALS When: All weekend Where: In a designated marquee within the paddock area The XPAG specials continue to grow and the collection on display in the paddock is not to be missed. Look out for them on the track, too, as some will be racing against the T-Types, echoing the halcyon days of Club racing.

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YOUTH GROUP When: All Weekend Where: Social Marquee The MG Car Club Youth Group launched at the beginning of the year, and members will be having their first meeting at MGLive!, so if you’re under 30, and fancy meeting up with likeminded MG fans, then join us in the social marquee, and check out our Facebook group for more information.

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ZED 15 When: All weekend Where: British Motor Museum at Gaydon In 2016 the Zed Register are marking the 15th anniversary of the Zed range of MGs , and they will be displaying this on the ZR/ZS/ZT stand in the Main Marquee, with the main celebrations due to take place on Saturday July 9 at the British Motor Museum – Gaydon.

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Car Sales, Parts Sales, Workshop & enquiries

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MGA ROADSTER 1959

MG TF 1500 1954

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£4,750

Californian Car, Beige leather interior, MGB alloy cylinder head, 5 speed gearbox, Absolutely stunning, Tax & MoT Exempt, RHD conversion included if required £34,995

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Manufactured from EN40B steel billet, an ultimate performance T-Type crankshaft.

26,000 miles, Black & Grey Alcantara, Pioneer CD Player, 16” alloys, Big Brake Kit fitted, Front fog lamps, Cambelt changed 2014, Service history, Fresh MoT

Tel:

01462 490049

Fax: 01462 896167 sales@ukmgparts.com 18 High Street, Baldock, Herts, SG7 6AS

Visitors welcome

OPENING HOURS: Mon-Fri 8.15am-5.30pm Sat 9.00am - 1.00pm All prices are correct at time of going to press but may be subject to change.

PLEASE MENTION THIS ADVERT WHEN PLACING YOUR ORDER TO OBTAIN THESE PRICES. All orders subject to availability. All prices include VAT @20%. CARRIAGE EXTRA

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Ex-USA car now converted to RHD, red leather interior, fitted with wind wing deflectors, Black hood and sidescreens, Tax & MoT exempt, lovely example

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MG TD 1952

US car, total frame off restoration 200 miles ago, engine, g/box and diff rebuilt, lovely car, stored in dry desert climate. Lovely, lovely car

£28,995 For up-to-date listings on our cars for sale visit www.ukmgparts.com

GREEN ENVY

By Martyn Morgan Jones Photos: Gez Hughes

16 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2016

Mark Tossell, who’s renowned for his attention to detail, recently rebuilt this 1959 Twin Cam, which is sublimely detailed, finished and certainly possesses the wow factor www.mgcc.co.uk

FEATURE

POWER PLAY Until well into the 1950s, the legacies of war were dramatic and tangible. The UK was virtually bankrupt, there was unprecedented hardship, many families had been torn apart, major cities were blighted by war damage and would remain so for years. Even rationing was still a fact of life. Plus, there was the paucity of raw materials which would, quite literally, shape the automotive industry.

To replenish its war-depleted coffers, Britain urgently needed to re-establish itself as a global exporter. The phrase ‘Export or Die’, coined by Hans Juda, became the government’s edict to businesses, especially car manufacturers, with the supply of materials being umbilically-linked to the number of cars exported.

Playing both the survivalist and the patriotic cards, MG’s role in the export drive was significant, with many TCs finding homes abroad. Its replacement, the TD, similar in appearance but rather different under the skin, proved hugely popular. In 1952, approximately 11,000 TDs were produced. Almost 10,000 went to North America. Yet, a sea change was occurring. Consumers, particularly in North America, were demanding more style, greater reliability, bigger engines and more than a degree of technical merit.

IN WITH THE NEW MG wasn’t blinkered to these changes.

Indeed, and with the TD’s replacement in mind, the company had been finessing the design of UMG 400 (EX 172), the Enever-built and rebodied TD that George ‘Spud’ Phillips drove at Le Mans in 1951. A new project number, EX 175, had been allocated and a prototype was shown to BMC management in 1952. But MG’s plans were stymied. Undoubtedly driven by commercial logic, and probably safe in the knowledge that, in time, MG

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JUNE 2016 SAFETY FAST! 17

FEATURE

would likely be given the go-ahead, BMC rejected EX 175 and threw its corporate weight behind Donald Healey’s proposal for the Healey 100.

As a stop-gap measure, MG launched the TF. A good car, albeit as ‘squarerigged’ as its competitors were now ‘streamlined’.

Consequently, faster and more stylish cars, including StandardTriumph’s ‘100mph’ TR2 began stealing a march on MG. Things were fraught at Abingdon, complicated too. Whilst the prototype languished, Geoffrey Palmer, recently appointed as BMC’s Group Chassis and Body Designer, had penned an attractive Midget replacement. Thankfully, clever and temporising tactics by MG, and the sharp decline in sales, predominantly in North America, convinced BMC chief Leonard Lord that a new MG, one that had style as well as substance, was now needed.

Fortunately, the Palmer/Cowley design was considered too advanced – and certainly wasn’t welcomed by MG’s hierarchy who never wanted to play second fiddle to Cowley. In June 1954, Lord gave Abingdon the go-ahead to develop the EX 175 project into a production car. The new designation was EX 182.

FAST FORWARD The result was the stunning and revolutionary MGA. Announced in September 1955, here was an MG that traded on traditional core values, such as craftsmanship and quality.

Yet, crucially, it looked and felt as if it belonged to the 1950s. The styling, the polar opposite to its predecessor, was sublime. It could nudge 100mph too.

The new MGA had not only grasped the export baton; it was well and truly sprinting with it. Sales were excellent.

Nevertheless, John Thornley, MG’s General Manager, and Syd Enever, MG’s Chief Designer (and considered

18 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2016

The only road going Twin Cam with a belt driven engine.

to be the ‘Father’ of the MGA), weren’t content. They wanted to enhance the MGA’s already-good image by introducing a high-performance version – a halo model; one that could undercut Porsche (which held a large market share in North America with various iterations of its 356) – and also knock it off the racing podium. Cue Twin Cam. CHANGES Two prototype twin cam engines were trialled: Appleby’s Austin version and Palmer’s 1489cc ‘Morris’ unit. The Austin version was dismissed on grounds of poor performance and because it required an all-new cylinder block and bottom end. The Morris version, which Palmer (who’d since decamped to Vauxhall) had begun designing in March 1953 and was based around the recently-introduced B-series block, was chosen. Design detailing was undertaken

by Eddie Maher and Jimmy Thompson in Coventry and the head was later reworked to Harry Weslake’s specifications.

The B-series, as debuted in the Magnette, was productionised at

1489cc. However, in 1958, changes in Appendix J regulations now allowed for an up-to-1600cc class in motor sport.

To be competitive, the Twin Cam had to be nearer that limit. Blocks (which also required many special machining operations to facilitate the twin cam conversion) were duly modified on a special line at Longbridge, to 1588cc, before being delivered to Morris Engines in Coventry for build-up.

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MG CAR CLUB MEMBER MARK TOSSELL BOUGHT HIS FIRST MGA, A 1958 ROADSTER, IN 1995 - AND HAS BEEN SMITTEN EVER SINCE

Mark Tossell at the wheel of his beautiful and unique MGA Twin Cam

The result was an engine that produced 108bhp at 6700rpm. It was quite an ingenious design too. Where the camshaft had resided in the pushrod engine, there was now a jackshaft which, in brief, running at half engine speed, drove the duplex timing chain, distributor, oil pump and rev counter. To cope with the increased revs, the connecting rods were stiffer and the crankshaft was forged from EN22 steel. To achieve the

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desired high compression, the pistons were pent-roofed. Fuelling was by twin SU HD6 carburettors. Other changes included a 13-pint, finned, aluminiumalloy sump, an oil cooler, and a revised radiator and header tank arrangement.

Because it could handle the power, the standard B-series gearbox was utilised (a close-ratio gear-set and lower final drive ratio were optional). Braking was taken care of by Dunlop ten-and-threequarter inch disc brakes all round. Save for the steering rack being mounted further forward (due to the engine being longer), the chassis remained largely standard.

The MGA Twin Cam, which actually ended up being a much more specialised project than BMC had originally approved, was launched in July 1958. Regrettably however, its much-vaunted engine wasn’t really ready for public consumption. Which helps explain why the ensuing problems were many – and various. Bob West, an acknowledged restorer of MGAs and Twin Cams, provides an insight. “It’s

a lovely design, but little development was undertaken during the intervening years. It was also compromised by BMC’s desire to make the Twin Cam more of a production car and put it on general sale. Unfortunately, amongst the majority of buyers, there was a general lack of understanding. Many cars were treated unsympathetically. All sorts of problems manifested themselves.

“If the wrong octane fuel was used, carburettors adjusted lean, wrong spark plugs fitted, and the ignition timing set incorrectly or, worse still, a combination of all four, the engine would overheat and piston crowns would disintegrate.

Due to poor quality control rings, oil consumption was horrendous. There were issues with the valve caps too. They hadn’t been case-hardened and valves would pull through. And, the tappet bucket design was too short, often causing ‘tipping’.

“In fairness, BMC worked hard to overcome these problems and the engine did become more reliable.

Better rings, and then better pistons were fitted. For areas where premium

JUNE 2016 SAFETY FAST! 19

TECH SPEC

CHASSIS Steel box section Wheelbase: 7ft 10in Track Front: 3ft 11.9in Track Rear: 4ft 0.08in SUSPENSION Front: independent, lowered coil springs, wishbones, lever arm dampers Rear: live axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, lowering blocks and lever arm dampers.

STEERING Rack & pinion Turning circle: 32ft BRAKES Front: 103/4 in Disc Rear: 103/4 in Disc Cable-operated parking brake WHEELS Dunlop peg-drive steels.

Tyres: 185/65/15 radials ENGINE 4 cylinder DOHC Modified and converted five-bearing MGB block BELT-DRIVEN Twin Weber 45DCOE carburettors 123 Electronic distributor Cubic capacity: 1900cc Power output: Approx 180bhp @ 7000rpm Torque: not known GEARBOX Five speed manual, synchromesh on all forward gears PERFORMANCE Max. Speed – 135mph (est.)

Acceleration – 0–60mph 6 secs (est.)

Overall fuel consumption – 25mpg (est.)

20 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2016

grade fuel was not available, standard pistons were installed, dropping the compression ratio from 9.9:1 to 8.3:1 and the power by 8bhp. Plus, the caps were case-hardened, tappet buckets lengthened and their aluminium carriers iron-sleeved. Even a revised distributor was introduced.”

TARNISHED Nonetheless, as was the case with later British sports cars such as the Triumph Stag, the engine revisions arrived after the model had gained a reputation for being desperately unreliable.

Customer dissatisfaction and warranty claims had cost BMC dearly, but it was the negative feedback from the crucial North American market that led management to look at the bigger picture. In a move aimed squarely at damage limitation, BMC pulled the plug on the truculent Twin Cam in May 1960, after just 1,788 Roadsters and 323 Coupes had been produced.

WINNING THROUGH Nonetheless, the Twin Cam had its moments of glory – and is worthy of many accolades. Driven by John Gott, PRX 707, the first works Twin Cam to be officially entered into an international event finished fourth in class and 10th overall on the 1958 Liege-Rome-Liege Rally.

SRX 210, a very famous Twin Cam indeed, raced at Le Mans three times.

In 1960, in the hands of Ted Lund and Colin Escott, it finished first in class and 12th overall. Bob West, who owned this car until 2005, remembers it fondly. “It was a fabulous car. Wellbalanced, with great brakes. And the 1762cc engine, which gave nearly 140bhp on Webers, was a delight. So tractable too.”

It’s not just the works cars that won through either. There were numerous successes in the hands of workssupported drivers and gifted privateers.

Former works driver Dick Jacobs ran identical Twin Cams (registered 1 MTW and 2 MTW) for Alan Foster and Tommy Bridger, with many great results to their credit.

Racing is the Twin Cam’s ‘raison d’être’ of course, and there are quite a few examples competing successfully, and reliably, today. “Over the years lots of development has been done,” continues Bob. “If built properly, using high-quality components, and set up correctly, the end result is a delightful engine – reliable too. And powerful.

Race versions can produce from 160 to 200bhp. For extra strength, most utilise a modified five-bearing block and many have been converted to timing belts.”

HOMAGE MG Car Club member Mark Tossell bought his first MGA, a 1958 Roadster, in 1995 – and has been smitten ever since. “I’d been a MG fan for quite some time,” says Mark, smiling. “But when I first set eyes on an MGA, it was love at first sight. The lines are stunning.

To me, it’s the best looking MG ever.

The other great thing about the ‘A’ is it’s old enough to have a wonderfully classic charm, but can also keep up with modern traffic. It’s a glorious car.”

Mark, who’s renowned for his attention to detail and quality of workmanship, has restored and periodmodified his 1958 Roadster, complete with a Judson Supercharger. Five years ago he also acquired a low-mileage, oneowner 1958 Coupe, although it’s since changed hands. “It was lovely,” admits Mark. “But, I’m more of a Roadster fan.”

As luck would have it, Mark found a Roadster, an unfinished project – a very interesting one in fact. “It was actually a 1959 Twin Cam,” he reveals. “A Twin Cam wasn’t really on my radar, but the more I thought about it, the more it appealed. I’d modified my red Roadster so it recalls the best fast road versions of the period. And I’d always loved the look of

www.mgcc.co.uk

FEATURE

The detailed cockpit of the MGA Twin Cam, sporting a large rev counter among other period items

the works cars, especially those raced by Dick Jacobs, and 777 ENK too, which Bob West owns. I thought it would be nice to build mine to resemble a period race car.”

Having studied ex-works Twin Cams, and having undertaken extensive research, Mark began the build-up in 2013. “Everything has been refurbished or renewed, painted or powder-coated,” he impresses. “Not one thing, however small, even in places where it can’t be seen, has been overlooked. The brakes are genuine Twin Cam, including the master cylinders and reservoirs. So too are the peg-drive wheels. These were widened in period. Even the dampers are correct and in the proper colour. I lowered the car a touch though. It sits so nicely now.”

It certainly does. And looks so good too. Painted Ash Green, the same hue that adorned SRX 210 at Le Mans in 1959, and with the front valance insert painted a contrasting Old English White, it’s a visual feast.

Devoid of any design fripperies or unnecessary embellishments, the shape simply flows. The interior is a delight too. “I’ve fitted a Derrington steering wheel,” mentions Mark. “And the ammeter and large rev counter are as per works cars. The seats are genuine Microcell and leather-covered. The valance insert and aluminium gearbox tunnel were made specially. The tunnel has been riveted as it would have been back in the day. The ‘Sports’ screen is from Bob West.”

Until a year or so ago, the project had been progressing in a periodperfect fashion. Then Mark happened upon a rather interesting engine.

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“I had most of the parts to build a standard Twin Cam engine,” he reveals. “But, a little while back, I had the opportunity to buy a fast road/ race Twin Cam. It was too good to miss. This engine, which is mated to a Ford Type 9 five-speed gearbox, is built around a modified five-bearing MGB block, bored to 1900cc, with forged pistons, rods and crank and a Zero Exhausts stainless steel manifold and system. It’s also been converted to belt drive and utilises an external oil pump, camshaft-driven distributor and electric water pump. The timing cover is laser cut. Power is 180bhp.

I’ve fitted the engine in such a way as not to deviate too far from the original underbonnet appearance, but give it some ‘wow’ factor.”

THOUGHTS This Twin Cam, which is sublimely built, detailed and finished, certainly possesses the wow factor. Mark has unquestionably delivered on his ‘racing’ vision, and he and all who helped him deserve a collective pat on the back. I’ve driven modified Twin Cams on a test track and I’m well aware of how capable they are.

Mark’s is no exception. The chassis is impeccably balanced, the brakes impressive, but it’s the engine that truly deserves the superlatives. It’s a wonderful and potent evocation of Palmer’s original design intent and so, so capable. Silky smooth, surprisingly quiet, remarkably tractable, and perfect for road, race or hillclimb/ sprint use, it makes this particular Twin Cam very special indeed.

THANKS TO: Mark Tossell – 07795 670881 Bob West MGA and Twin Cam Specialists 01977 703828 www.bobwestclassiccars.co.uk/ Anthony and Paul Paul Turner Edward Vandyk * Mark is about to embark on another MGA project so, with much regret, he has decided to put 612 UYH up for sale. Serious enquires only please.

MEMBER’S BIO I’ve been a member for over 27 years. My first MG was an MG Metro. This was replaced by a Midget. Next was an MGB GT, which I also used as my company car. I then bought the MGA, the one I supercharged; this was around 21 years ago. I’ve also owned an MGF Trophy, another Midget, the red MGA Coupe which I sold to fund the Twin Cam and I have another MGA in bits. It was previously stored in a loft for over 40 years! And, I’ve just sold my MG ZS company car which had done 230,000 miles.

MGCC MGA Twin Cam Group http://www.mgcc.co.uk/mga-twincam-group/ Established in 1996, this group helps and supports owners and provides technical advice, model information, holds archive material, and has lists of the cars currently known to exist.

Of the 2,111 cars produced, just over 1,000 are thought to have survived.

USE IT If you are interested in MGAs, and want to see the best, you should really attend MGLive!.

JUNE 2016 SAFETY FAST! 21

UNIQUE 1959 MGA TWIN CAM This superb genuine MGA twin cam has just been completed from a ground up restoration to a very high standard.

Finished to works race style exterior and interior. Fitted with a 1900cc fast road/race twin cam engine and close ratio 5 speed gearbox. This MGA really is stunning in every way – for more details please tel 07795 670881.

£75,000 ONO. WILL BE ON DISPLAY FOR VIEWING AT MG LIVE! SILVERSTONE IN THE LIFESTYLE MARQUEE

BCC MGB handling kit for road and track · Upgraded 4 pot aluminium brake calipers · ‘Made in Sheffield’ coil and leaf springs and anti-roll bars · Superpro bushes · BCC-Spax dampers Improve the ride, handling and performance of your MG without the need for major alterations to the car.

The very best quality British designed and made parts you can buy!

ww.bcc-parts.com ww.bcc-parts.com 22 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2016

+44 (0) 1209 202820 +44 (0) 1209 202820 www.mgcc.co.uk

FEATURE

MY OLD NAN

By Jon Crocker

NAN, my B GT, is far from pristine; more what you might call work in progress. I have only owned her for a year, having promised myself I would return to my youth and buy another MGB GT, this time a 66 rather than the Harvest Gold 74 that I had back in 1982 when I still had hair.

I

had wanted an early chrome bumper with leather seats and found NAN in Blackpool described as mechanically sound with excellent bodywork but in need of a cosmetic makeover or to be driven as ‘shabby chic’.

The description turned out to be true! Following my policy on buying old cars, which is to MoT them soon after purchase and ignore whatever claims the vendor has made on the validity of the ticket, it went through with little work, a new wiper motor (which I had missed on the test drive and would have given me room to haggle on the price had I spotted it) and a couple of other minors.

First job was to have the seats re-stitched where they had split along the seams and

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then feed the leather as it had become stiff. This seemed a big expense at the time but one I do not regret, I like the patina and the originality rather than replacements. They are now comfortable and look great.

There are degrees of shabbiness that can be tolerated and I decided that I would have to do some work to rectify the really dodgy DIY paintwork (I kid you not, it looked like silk emulsion applied with a brush!) and so I had the two worst and largest sections, the roof and the bonnet, stripped and resprayed to a colour (almost) matching the rest of the car.

At this point I decided that was enough cosmetics; there is nothing worse in my view than a pristine looking

pile of junk and anyway the fun is in driving it and not polishing it on a Sunday morning to only drive three miles to the pub, and so my attention turned to the mechanicals. I knew from the MoT that it was all pretty good structurally and mechanically: the engine is sweet, it starts well, pulls hard, revs freely, the gearbox and overdrive work well but the suspension feels underdamped and it has an unnerving habit of carrying on in straight line if you hit a bump or pot hole halfway round a bend!

THE SPLINED HUB I took her over to my friend Oliver Winbolt, proprietor of The Splined Hub, a Classic car garage near Oundle which has an ever changing and eclectic collection of customers’ cars being repaired, serviced or restored. MK2 Jaguars and E types rub noses with a Mercedes Pagoda, a Citroen DS and a Morris 1000 to name just a few.

Oliver’s verdict on the test drive was, “This drives really well, I am not sure I get what you mean about the ‘jumping’

JUNE 2016 SAFETY FAST! 23

FEATURE

across the road, we’ll try down here round this bend on the bridge… oh that!

Yes that is rather alarming!”

So the task was to set about making the car drive like it should. I am not too bothered about improving it beyond its original specification and good as they undoubtedly are, some of the suspension upgrade kits available are beyond my pocket and to my mind difficult to justify unless you spend an equal amount of money on making the car go quicker too.

However, I am well aware that some of the parts on offer for our beloved MGs are, well how should we put this politely, of undefined heritage and dubious quality? Horror stories of people buying cheap parts and then having to replace them again when they fail. Leaf springs in particular are poor, the original items last 30 to 40 years and the replacements have aged after six months.

THE KIT Oliver uses BCC-Parts, who manufacture brake upgrade kits for a range of classic cars and supply coil and leaf springs, damper kits and bushes, all from British companies.

The springs even have the coveted trademark ‘Made in Sheffield’ logo.

It was decided we would use the complete handling kit from BCC. Not cheap, some might say, but bought as a package the complete kit is less money than if you buy all the elements separately and so represents good value for money and you are paying for quality.

The BCC handling kit includes four pot aluminium brake caliper set, coil and leaf springs, adjustable BCC-Spax dampers to replace the original lever arms and Superpro polyurethane bushes.

Fitment is straightforward with no modification to the car required, and it all bolts on like Meccano so the purists can put a car back to its original specification anytime. I am having the work done professionally but it is all within the capability of a good home DIY

24 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2016

mechanic/enthusiast. Fitting the springs and bushes is a straightforward bolt off, bolt on replacement to the original items, as are the brake caliper that mount without any need for adaptor brackets or modifications as a straight bolt on replacement to the uprights. A quick bleed and you are away.

The original calipers worked OK; that is to say they stopped the car when required, but there was little ‘feel’ or progression in braking.

During development BCC has done a lot of testing, demonstrating the improvement in performance comparative to the originals in outright stopping power and in lack of fade due to the better heat dissipation of the aluminium compared to the original cast. They are also much lighter and with stainless steel pistons and modern seals they should prove more reliable and durable. They are also beautifully made and look great (I might have to get different wheels so I can see them).

Spax make the damper kits for BCC, which are a straight bolt on and retain the original lever arm units but now with the pressure released, they are acting as retaining link arms only.

Finally, the Superpro bushes, which are stronger, will last longer and locate the suspension securely so that with less play, the springs are now doing the work rather than the rubber. The leaf springs are hand made in Sheffield the way springs should be made, using the best quality steel (which is actually forged in Sweden and rolled in the UK) to the original manufacturer’s specification so the ride height is correct for the period of the car. The coil springs are silicone chrome, the originals would have been chrome vanadium so this is a concession to modernity as this is the material now used on all current cars. It is lighter and thinner gauge than the original, more durable and will become coil bound less quickly, giving greater travel even though the spring rate and ride height are still correct for the car.

THE PROOF OF THE PUDDING.

more modern and I had to wonder at the fact that this is a 50 year old car. I am happily mixing with modern traffic where, let’s face it, your average midrange family hatchback has greater performance in handling and stopping power than most period sports cars!

I have achieved what I set out to do. I have upgraded my car, making it far more enjoyable to drive but without altering the originality of the car or modifying it in a permanent way. I have used the best quality parts I could buy and should therefore be in the happy position to not have to worry about any of these items again.

The result is immeasurably better than I could have dared hope. The car feels tight with no play or rattle and roll; you would expect that just simply from replacing the bushes, but it goes way beyond that, the car feels lithe and yet the suspension is soft and subtle, the ride is comfortable, the springs compliant to bumpy fen roads. As I drove the hour and a half journey home I found greater confidence in the car’s handling, able to go in and out of corners with no drama. Combine this with the brake upgrade, it frankly makes the car feel

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FEATURE

MJS AUTO AND MARINE

The MJS mechanics (L-R), Mike, Curtis and Rob

M

ike Stafford, owner of MJS Auto and Marine, started his working career as a Rover apprentice over 25 years ago, working his way through to become a top

The MJS Auto and Marine garage, located in Littlehampton

By Andy Knott

Diagnostic Technician, so he is well versed in the workings of the K series and its previous incarnations. Mike moved to Ricardo Engineering for seven years, testing prototype engines for major manufacturers before joining the RAC to become lead patrol, which enabled him to think on his feet and hone his fault finding abilities whilst out on the road.

It was after this Mike started MJS Auto and Marine mobile service, soon gaining an excellent reputation in the MG Rover Community. Mike has been mobile for six years now, and over the years he’s kept 100s of K series cars on the road by replacing the head gaskets, etc with the more reliable multilayer steel (MLS) gaskets. A few years ago, and even more

The two turbo TFs, Rob’s Sienna Gold car and Mike’s Trophy Blue car 26 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2016

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Mike busy working on a ZR 160, changing a piston

recently in some instances, a head gasket failure on a K Series MG or Rover could result in the car being a write off, due to the expense to fix it, but thanks to the likes of Mike at MJS who will travel to your home, work or even roadside to replace the head gasket, cambelt, water pump etc all at a very reasonable cost, these cars live to fight another day, which is great for the owner and also the Rover and MG marque.

In 2012 Mike decided to open a garage in Worthing to offer servicing and repairs to all models, but his passion still lies with MGs, new and old. The garage offers the opportunity to carry out the more tricky jobs on the ramps such as KV6 belt changes and the MGF/ TF clutch change, and with his two able mechanics Rob and Curtis manning the garage whilst Mike is on the road either working on a car or towing a car back

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to the garage, they’re able to keep three times as many MGs on the road. In 2014 due to expansion, MJS moved to their current premises in the picturesque town of Littlehampton, located on the South East coast, not that far from the popular seaside resort of Brighton.

We recently visited MJS Auto and Marine at Littlehampton. It was great to see a selection of modern MGs in the garage being worked on, or waiting in the wings for the MJS magic touch, stunning cars such as a ZR160 in the rare Sunspot, an MG6 TSE and an absolutely stunning 1996 British Racing Green MGF VVC with 11,000 miles on the clock, better than new is an understatement.

It’s a testament to the work carried out

by MJS that these owners trust their precious MGs to Mike and crew. It’s not just the modern MGs that pass through the MJS garage; cars such as, Midgets,

MGBs, MGAs etc have all been fettled at one stage or another. Mike recalled a story about an MGA that had running issues, that had been taken to several other garages – one even condemned the engine – before arriving at MJS. Mike stripped down the carbs to find a lump of rubber that everyone had missed.

After a carb rebuild and a good service, the MGA was running as well as it ever had.

TWIN TURBOS It was in 2013 that I first got to experience one of the MJS TF Turbos, running approximately 200bhp. This was MJS’s first dabble in to the world of TF Turbos. Soon after this car was published in Safety Fast! and on the social media sites, offers and questions regarding the Turbo started heading Mike’s way. This TF Turbo was soon sold

JUNE 2016 SAFETY FAST! 27

FEATURE

to an enthusiast, but it wasn’t long though before another Turbo was on the cards. Not to be outdone, Rob, who works with Mike, also decided to build his own TF Turbo.

Both cars took many of the build and styling cues from the previous car, but instead of using the standard 1.8 injectors MJS used the 1.8 Turbo injectors, and both of these cars run a high performance fuel pressure regulator and a higher pressure fuel pump than the last TF Turbo. The main differences between the two cars is the fact that Mike’s Trophy blue TF runs a VVC turbo engine, as far as I’m aware it’s the only VVC turbo unit in the country. Rob’s car runs the more familiar ZT 1.8k Turbo, with both having been remapped to produce around the 200bhp, although Rob plans some major internal work to boost the power to around the 230bhp mark. I sensed a bit of friendly rivalry between the two mechanics, so I’m sure Mike’s car won’t be far behind in the power stakes!

On the road the TFs, as you’d expect, both feel very quick, having a lot of torque and the midrange power that gives you a real shove in the back as your right foot pushes

down hard on the accelerator. There wasn’t a lot to choose between the cars on the road, the only noticeable difference was that Mike was able to hold the VVC car in gear longer, winding the revs round to the 7250rpm red line. Going from a standard VVC TF 160 to the first MJS Turbo car made you go wow, but with the improvements made to these two Turbos they make you go wow, wow, WOW! The performance is wonderful, and to emphasise you’re in something a bit special you can hear the turbo spooling up, and as the clutch is depressed ready for the next gear the dump valve expels the air to the atmosphere with a loud whoosh as the exhaust burbles away quite happily.

The two striking Turbos are a real credit to the three guys at

MJS. Seeing Rob’s Sienna Gold TF glistening in the sun and the more extreme Trophy Blue TF of Mike parked outside the MJS garage, these cars really do draw attention wherever they’re parked.

The MJS boys have got a busy time ahead. In between servicing and fixing the cars in the garage and out on the road and even converting their first ZS to a turbo, taking the 1.6 115bhp car to a 200bhp Turbo monster, they’ve currently got orders for five customers’ TFs to be turbo charged, with the possibility of another ten from one of the orders, as well as a string of ZR owners interested in a turbo conversion!

They’re also busy building a Trophy Blue TF Turbo, which will be on sale for about £4,500 at this year’s MGLive! June 4-5. If you’re heading to Silverstone for MGLive! make sure you look out for the MJS stand, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed with the Turbo TFs and the knowledge and enthusiasm from Mike, Rob and Curtis!

Rob and Mike stood with their turbo creations

MJS Auto and Marine, Manor Parade, Church Street, Littlehampton, West Sussex. BN17 5AH www.mjsautoandmarine.co.uk 01903 725123 07956 575220 28 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2016

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CLUB HISTORY

Regular commentator, Bill Wallis, with Old No 1 MG at the Abingdon International Carnival in 1999

CLUB HISTORY

The sixth of the serialised 12 part enlarged and updated Club History – Part 6 Independence 1969 onwards By Gordon Cobban One evening early in November 1968 I received a telephone call from our Chairman, John Thornley, to say that he had received instructions to wind up the Car Club in a manner as painless as possible. My reply was, “We had better get together then.” We both felt that ways and means must be found to carry on with the work and achievements of the preceding 40 years.

We arranged a meeting and in the meantime I talked things over with Tom Hazlem, the then Chairman of the South East Centre, so that when I met John I was able to put forward what Tom and

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I had agreed was a reasonably practical plan for the continuance of the MG Car Club as an entirely independent body.

In our opinion, part of the plan hinged upon our succeeding in persuading Margret O’Brien, who at

Gordon and Elise Cobban being awarded for services to the Club as Bill Wallis looks on

that time had some 15 years’ service with B.M.C. and consequently accrued certain pension rights, to leave and come over to our projected independent MG Car Club. At that stage it would have been premature to mention this to Margret. At my meeting with John it was agreed that an ad hoc meeting of the elder statesmen of the Club should be called at the earliest possible moment to discuss the future.

Fortunately over the years a very considerable force of grey haired gentlemen, who really had the affairs of the MG Car Club at heart and at the

JUNE 2016 SAFETY FAST! 31

CLUB HISTORY

same time were realistic in their outlook towards motor sport and the MG Car Club in particular, had become an integral part of the Club.

On Friday, November 15, 1968, the meeting took place at Abingdon and all UK Centres were represented. After John Thornley had outlined the current situation, considerable discussion took place as to the future of the Club.

Prior to the meeting Tom and I had burnt a considerable amount of midnight oil in drawing up plans, including financial budgeting, and were firmly of the opinion that whilst a struggle for the first two or three years might well ensue, it was a feasible proposition to go it alone, providing we had the full support of the remainder of the UK Centres. Our plans were discussed and finally agreed and I came away from the meeting wearing the hat of the honorary general secretary, which office I agreed to accept for six months. One of the items upon which much thought was given at the meeting was the method of communication, and it was fully agreed that a form of bulletin covering the whole of the Club’s activities was absolutely essential if the Club was going to be held together, and it was left that we were given the authority to take appropriate action forthwith to get the magazine off the ground.

After the meeting we met Margret and put forward our ideas for crossing hurdle number one and left it with her to sort out in her own mind.

From her angle there was much to be considered, and to attempt to arrive at a decision without adequate time to weigh up all aspects could only lead to embarrassment at a later date. Two weeks later we were very relieved to get a “Yes” and plans then proceeded to find suitable office accommodation.

We then approached the second

32 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2016

hurdle, which was to devise a suitable Club magazine, and to this end various quotations and ideas were considered.

Martin Brent, at that time the Secretary of the SVW Register, was approached and informed that in our opinion he would make a very good editor of the new magazine and that he had better set to work because we wanted the first issue available for the Racing Car Show around January 2. As he didn’t put up too good a case for not doing the job, he got it!

Frantic discussions took place with British Leyland in an attempt to get their consent to the use of the title Safety Fast! and it was only at the very last moment before going to press that consent was received. We also had a battle on our hands to obtain a licence to continue with the title of the Club as it had stood for the last 40 years, but again in this we eventually succeeded.

With five weeks to go, Martin got down to work compiling the first issue of the new look Safety Fast! and on Boxing

Day of that year I met Martin in London.

He handed over to me the make up for that first issue, which I immediately took to the printers at Southend, with the result that the publication was on the stand at the Racing Car Show from the word go. This was a fantastic achievement on Martin’s part and the Club owes much to him for the initial work he put into the publication, and for continuing as its Editor for the next two years. He then handed the editorial chair to Mike Allison, who ultimately passed it to Steve Glenn.

The first two years of our independence produced considerable concern as to our financial situation; however, thanks to the expert guidance of Tom Hazlem, who had by then become our treasurer, we survived. During the first year Tom put in a tremendous amount of work in compiling the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the MG Car Club Limited, so that on October 25, 1969 the Club held the first meeting of the Gordon and Elsie Cobban in charge at a Firle Hillclimb

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Architects of the resurrected Club from left, Tom Hazlem, Wilson McComb, Gordon Cobban, Harold Hastings and Norman Eames

JOHN THORNLEY HAD OUTLINED THE CURRENT SITUATION CONSIDERABLE DISCUSSION TOOK PLACE AS TO THE FUTURE OF THE CLUB. Council of the MG Car Club at the Hyde Park Hotel, Knightsbridge and we were on our own.

Here I would like to thank all of the UK Centre officers and committees for the support and backing they gave during our early years of independence and for the support they continue to give to the present day. So far as overseas Centres were concerned, the majority of them re-affirmed their affiliation to the parent Club and it is encouraging to note that both in number and stature considerable progress has been made during our six years of independence.

Thus today we have no fewer than 38 overseas Centres which are extremely active, and many support us by forming parties to come over and take part in UK events. There have also been quite a number of very successful visits to the

34 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2016

European Centres, which have been supported extremely well and our thanks are due to them for their tremendous hospitality To sum up I think that in our independent state our Club has grown in stature and is respected in all fields of motor sport and I would like to thank the founder members of the Club, John Thornley, Harold Hastings, Norman Eames, for the foundations they laid so well and truly in 1930 and upon which the Club today stands.

Gordon Cobban’s career started when he worked as a joiner before being called up to serve in the Royal Engineers. After the war he established a successful building company in Ilford, Essex. His interest in motor sport and MGs stemmed from his friendship with locally based Dick Jacobs, and Gordon

campaigned a series of cars including YB, TF, MGA and a 1300 in national and international events sometimes as navigator in rallies. He joined the MGCC in 1953 and by 1955 he was on the SE Centre Committee and became Centre Secretary in 1958. For a decade he led the SE Centre from strength to strength, handling the organisation of all types of competition events. In 1968 when BL withdrew support from the Clubs, Gordon found himself General Secretary of the whole Club with no office, no funding, no secretary, no way of producing Safety Fast! and no authority to continue the use of the MGCC name.

It was largely due to Gordon that the Club survived as his office and staff became the Club HQ for some 12 years.

He took over the organisation of the Club’s races and sprints building up

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CLUB HISTORY

Silverstone in particular and was always supported by his wife Elsie. Gordon died in November 1994.

Tom Hazlem was a keen rally driver in the 1950s and a member of the Council of the then renowned London Motor Club. Here he gained a tremendous amount of experience, not only as a competitor but also as an organiser and administrator.

His profession as an accountant and fondness and dedication to motor sport and motor club life resulted in his becoming ever more involved in Club administration.

He joined MGCC in 1957 and in 1960 was elected to the South Eastern Centre Committee and after taking a prominent part in the organisation of the Centre motor sport activities, he took over as Centre Chairman in 1967.

Before many months had elapsed the financial problems at BMC began to emerge and these set Tom thinking of the future of the Club should financial and other support be withdrawn. No time was wasted and when the axe fell in November 1968 Tom was able to present to a meeting of the elder statesmen, convened by John Thornley,

Gordon Cobban with his Y Type on the Western Rally

THE FIRST TWO YEARS OF OUR INDEPENDENCE PRODUCED CONSIDERABLE CONCERN Bill Wallis Club President for 14 years

detailed financial and practical plans for the Club to continue independently of works support. The plan was accepted and was the basis of the independent organisation.

Using his wide experience and the knowledge of the pitfalls other similar organisations had fallen into, resulting sometimes in their almost complete demise, Tom spent much midnight oil in drawing up the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the MG Car Club in such a way that the difficulties experienced by others would be avoided.

BILL WALLIS – CLUB PRESIDENT 1996 - 2010 Gordon Cobban acknowledged the part which senior members of the Club, and particularly those from the Centres, played in restoring the Club to a new future after the withdrawal of BL support – Bill Wallis was certainly at the forefront of this revival.

Bill’s association with the MG Car Club started in 1948 when he was involved with the recreation of the Midlands Centre after the War. He joined the Centre Committee in 1949 and immediately turned his hand to becoming involved in all aspects of the Club’s activities soon becoming Centre Chairman.

He was much involved with the Centre’s important role in the marshalling of the Welsh Rally which later led to similar involvement with the RAC Rally. He became an active RAC scrutineer and took on the post of Clerk of the Course for the California Cup driving tests at Silverstone for 17 years.

36 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2016

Bill was asked to take over as Club Chairman when BL support for the Clubs was withdrawn, and his skilful handling of affairs during these difficult times did much to help the Club survive.

In 1996 he took over as Club President from John Thornley, a post which he filled with tremendous dedication and enthusiasm for a remarkable 14 years until his death in 2010.

Bill had boundless enthusiasm for being involved with so many Club activities where he was blessed with the skill of always saying the right thing at the right time – and always with great wisdom and sincerity. Bill was always supported by his wife June who herself was involved in several Club activities.

It is appropriate that his name will be remembered with the completion of the new Bill Wallis Archive extension to Kimber House.

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

WELCOME TO THE TRIPLE M NEWSLETTER

W

elcome to another ‘Bonus Edition’ of the MMM Register notes. As I write, the good weather has now finally arrived and the J2 is seeing healthy exercise with everything running smoothly around the roads of Wiltshire. But enough of that trivia, this month’s submission date comes less than a month after ’The Kimber’ and hot on the heels of the MMM invasion (because that’s what it felt like) of Brands Hatch for the MGCC Race Meeting held there at the beginning of May. So, without further waffle from me, here are reports and photos from both events to set the pulse racing (with no pun intended).

KIMBER CLASSIC TRIAL

Your scribe and the family J2 just get away with the restart on Stony Lane. Photo: Alan Grassam

well. This year the day dawned bright and sunny, but it was not to last – by the lunch stop, crews had put the sunglasses away and had endured rain, heavier rain and a bit of hail/ sleet for good measure. At the front of the pack things didn’t seem too bad, though a few of the hills were closed to later competitors as the demand for 4x4 services reached breaking point.

It was good to see a few MMM ‘old hands’ out for the day, both Steve Dear and Derek Moore (P Types) being Ollie Richardson with a bit of Dutch help storming Stony Lane on his way to the MMM Class win.

Photo: Alan Grassam

chauffeured around by sons Kim and Adrian respectively. Indeed, Steve was sporting a deerstalker which I’m sure he wore trialling back in the 70s! The MMM competition was tight, with not a lot to separate the contenders – Ollie Richardson (M Type) pipping myself (J2) to the prize. Despite throwing caution to the wind as much as I dare, he’s still a full three seconds quicker through the dreaded Alham Splash. One year I will come a cropper (I’m told that this year water level was above J2 carpets……if you happened to stop).

Andy King and the PB Cream Cracker waiting for the off. Photo: Alan Grassam

As briefly reported last month, the Kimber Classic was again held ‘down in the Shires’ at the start of April. Out of 42 entries, over half were MMM which sort of makes it ‘our’ event, even though it’s organised by the Club South West Centre, open to all MGs and a couple of invited clubs as

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Phil Coombs plugging on through the rain.

Photo: Alan Grassam JUNE 2016 SAFETY FAST! 39

TRIPLE M NEWSLET TER

BRANDS HATCH

Well, what can I say? There are simply not enough superlatives to adequately describe this event to your average MMM punter. Those of us who are above ‘a certain age’ can remember the days when Americans would fly over just to see the MMM race at Silverstone, when the grandstands opposite the pits would be at their fullest of the day as the grid began to form up prior to the race. With a staggered start, if the handicapper got it right, everything from K3, through J4 to startled M Type would come en mass down the Club straight into Woodcote on the final lap. Alas, that sort of thing is a non-starter in today’s world, but the two MMM races at Brands on May 1 2016 really were something special. All credit is due to the efforts of Mark Dolton, who over the last few years has encouraged, pestered (but never threatened as far as I know) a whole range people, committees etc to make it all happen.

I arrived under a darkening sky on the Saturday (it was looking ominous).

Inclusivity being the thing, for the interest of the wider MGCC readership I can report that I arrived in a ZR160, part of the Dutch MG Workshop support crew in a big ZT ‘thingy’ (the ‘Orange Clog’ must have the biggest support crew out there) and Mike Dalby with caravan in tow behind his

‘modern’ (an MGA). The heavens duly opened as I was putting up my tent… not good! However by the time the barbeque was ready to be fired up in the MMM area of the paddock, the sky had cleared. Barbeque is a bit of an understatement; with Duncan Potter assuming the role of ‘Chef’, a veritable feast of food was delivered to the masses (vegans look away now) and a long evening was spent nattering, with most remarking on what a cracking line up of cars there was – with more expected the following morning on race day. I was not last to retire to my tent, but I won’t let on who was either.

Sunday dawned with the sun on the tent and the world’s largest breakfast in the paddock café.

Everybody survived practice without drama, though Dave Cooksey (C Type) did resort to liberal use of goo in order to keep his oil inside the pump rather than outside the engine (that sort of thing doesn’t exactly endear you to start line marshals and was the very thing that ended my fledgling racing career nearly three decades ago…).

With that man Jones (L Type) putting himself firmly on pole (by almost three sec), joined alongside by Mike Painter in the Kayne Special (a much modified J2), the scene was set: after healthy lunch (again courtesy of Mark and team), armed with daughter No1’s digital SLR and an instruction booklet

Jane Metcalf receives the Mary Harris Trophy from MGCC Chairman Ian Quarrington.

Photo: Jeremy Hawke

I went off to find a vantage point not obscured by fencing... settled down in the chair and waited.

MMM Race one for the Mary Harris Trophy. Whilst the commentator claimed Mike Painter rounded Druids on two wheels trying to get inside Chaz on lap one, I couldn’t vouch for that, but by lap two both had been jumped by David Seber in the Wolseley Hornet Special, as the field spread out behind. Many became involved in their own dices, some closer than others; in fact Mark Dolton (PB) and Fred Boothby (J2 looking like a ‘Manxed’ C Type) were so close for most of the race I’m sure I heard the bloke standing next to me mutter “why don’t they just get a room!”

Meanwhile, further down the field newcomers Richard Jenkins (KN to K3 spec) and Chris Edmondson (D Type to C Type spec fresh out of rebuild)

Barry Foster in the 1880 relaxes whilst Ollie Richardson grits his teeth in the M Type as the Road Sweeper stalks him heading down.

Photo: Jeremy Hawke

40 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2016

www.mgcc.co.uk

Hamish McNinch (PA) hangs on the inside line at Druids whilst Chris Cadman goes wide in the C Type. Photo: Jeremy Hawke

kept themselves out of trouble, though both Chris and Ollie Richardson were gobbled up by the Brands Hatch Road Sweeper that was Barry Foster in the 18/80 Mk2 prototype. Worthy of a mention, I think this must be the first time an 18/80 has been seen on track at a MGCC race meeting since the late Roger Stanbury campaigned his way back when I were a lad. After 20 minutes of excitement (18 laps for David Seber, Chaz Jones and Mike Painter, 14 laps for Barry Foster, Ollie Richardson and Chris Edmondson), drivers and cars scrabbled over the line in the following order:

David Seber, Chaz Jones, Mike Painter, Thijis de Groot (PA Spl), Mark Dolton, Fred Boothby, Duncan Potter (C Type), Jane Metcalf (N Type Spl) Chris Smith (NB), Andrew Morland (P Type), Cave Cooksey, Chris Cadman (C Type), Hamish McNinch (PA), Mike Davies-Colley (PA), Richard Jenkins, Barry Foster, Ollie Richardson and Chris Edmondson. Retiring for mechanical reasons were Richard Frankel (K3001), David Downes (N Type), Andy King (PB Cream Cracker) and Tony Seber (Wolseley Hornet Spl). Fastest lap of the race went to Mike Painter in 1:06 – not bad for a car over 80 years

old. Decided on sealed handicap, the Mary Harris Trophy was won by Jane Metcalf. Cunningly devised, the system allows a decent driver in any MMM car to win our most prestigious racing trophy.

MMM Race 2 – If one was not enough, we had a second and the weather held good. This time, neither Chaz nor Mike allowed themselves to be jumped by the Wolseley and enjoyed a race long battle, which despite Mike’s best efforts, getting himself alongside on several occasions, Chaz held on to win by 1.15 sec. This time, Richard and Andy made it to the

Jane Metcalf on her way to winning the Mary Harris Trophy for the third time. Photo: Jeremy Hawke

www.mgcc.co.uk

JUNE 2016 SAFETY FAST! 41

TRIPLE M NEWSLET TER

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Chaz Jones goes inside Mike Painter at Druids in the 2nd MMM race. It was this close throughout.

Photo: Jeremy Hawke

finish (the K3 coming home fifth), but Chris retired the NB. Again there were some thrilling battles through the field with the Road Sweeper adding the Cream Cracker and KN to its victims.

The ‘racers’ in the paddock were augmented with a number of cars and drivers who’d come along for the day, ‘our patch’ really stood out and was buzzing after the races. It’s fair to

say that those who were there will be talking about this one for a very long time. So, if you’ve any MMM blood in your veins, try and put this one in your diary for next year.

Footnote: For the benefit of Vintage Register members reading this, there is even a perfectly acceptable hotel right by the main entrance to the circuit!

Sunday July 10 – The MMM Summer Gathering. Our annual social, with a bit of light hearted fun and games thrown in for free.

Details can be found on the MMM website: www.triple-mregister. org/events.asp and also from Peter Green at: p.green@mgk3.co.uk or 01753 643468.

Saturday July 16 – Pre-War Prescott. A non-competitive good all round weekend social with MMM cars welcome (in fact we are mounting a bit of a take-over), lots to see and do, with a few runs up the famous hill thrown in for good measure. Details can be found at: www.vintageminor.co.uk

The impressive grid gets away at the start of race two. Photo: Dick Morbey

42 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2016

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JUNE 2016 SAFETY FAST! 43

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

A

WELCOME TO THE Y TYPE NEWSLETTER

s I write this, towards the end of April, I am looking ahead to events in June when MGLive! takes place over the weekend of Saturday 4 and 5 and MG France’s European Event of the Year runs from June 8–12. There will be a Y presence at each, with the Register Stand at Silverstone, and as far as I am aware four crews in Y Types (Reg Dixie and Derek Moore in their YBs, Jo and I in the YT and one from Denmark) are attending the EEOTY at Le Touquet on the northwest coast. Photos and a report will appear on the website and in various issues in the monthly SF! notes.

Finally from me an appeal. Our Y secretary Chris Callaghan is seeking information about an MG YT (tourer).

It has the registration number ZJ 3902.

The YT was sold in Plymouth (GB) in 1968.This is all that known by the MG Y Register. If you are able to supply any information about this car. Please contact Chris on chrismgabingdon@yahoo.co.uk

WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO? YB KCJ 481 Whilst the production run of the various Ys was relatively short (1947– 53) there are still a good few around, although of course a number were scrapped as engines and other items were used for T series restoration.

George Wilder, a Board Member of MGCC, forwarded details and photos of the Ys that he owned during the 1970s and early 80s.

About 1971 I purchased a Y saloon – I have no record or recollection of registration or chassis number, but it didn’t matter then as it was being

44 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2016

delivered on a friend’s trailer.

In the background is my ZB Varitone but left the factory as a monotone – reg 689 LTW – long gone. At the time I didn’t think anything of a 1300cc Viva towing that weight! I had to rebuild the engine of the Y, which had rusty rear bottom chassis section. Whilst doing that I found YB reg KCJ 481.

The YB was advertised in Exchange & Mart magazine without engine and gearbox for £25 in North London. The previous owner had asked for the engine and gearbox to be rebuilt – couldn’t pay so asked the garage to dispose of the engine and car. I went to see it – bought it – and towed it home on a rope up the A1 with the ZB one Sunday morning.

Towing a car minus the weight of the engine etc is quite hairy!

Y Delivery to Biggleswade

I moved to Stevenage in 1972 and the YB followed. The Y had gone to a Biggleswade scrapyard. Another friend removed the guarantee plate to find the chassis number still chalked on the bulkhead behind.

The only photo I can find was taken just before shipment of the YB to the

KCJ 481 in JC Penny Store in 1981

USA. At the time I decided the car was no longer practical so brought a woodie Mini Traveller and advertised the YB in Motorsport magazine.

The Gregorys in Jacksonville Florida purchased it, for I think £265 plus transportation. They were familiar with MGs as they already owned a TD. Mr Gregory was a store manager for JC Penny Department stores and displayed the YB in store during a `British Week’.

I have no idea of the current whereabouts of the car. Jack Murrray thought KCJ 481 was YB 0919. A Hereford registration – the records still exist – would you like me to see if I can find the chassis number from their records?

Yes please George, and thank for forwarding the details on to Chris Callaghan.

KCJ 481 at an American Classic Car Event held in Jacksonville

YB KCJ 481 parked in Grace Way, Stevenage

www.mgcc.co.uk

YB XMY 55

AND A YB THAT HAS BEEN REBUILT? The details of this YB were forwarded to me four years ago. Unfortunately for some reason I do not have the details of the person who forwarded this to me, other than his name is Alan and he and Verona (his wife?) share the same email address! I am unsure as to whether this car still exists. It was sold 36 years ago!

He wrote: The picture above is of XMY 55 as found in 1978. I was looking for a four seater to take the family to Hausach in 1979. I bought this project car with the plan of taking it on the trip. It needed more work than I had hoped. I managed to make it roadworthy and give it a respray in black. The engine was not very good so I took the engine out of my trials TC and fitted it for the trip to Germany. We had a three year old daughter and 18 month old son at the time. The car took us there and back with no trouble. I sold it in 1980 and bought a VA four seat factory tourer. We took that to Winterthur Switzerland in 1981. That also completed the trip without any problems

MORE YT’S RETURNING HOME? I received a fascinating story from long time MG owner Edward Vandyk.

Edward is my fellow scribe for the MGA Register and has owned MGAs for many years. However, in September last year he acquired his first Y type – a YT which featured in a recent issue of Safety Fast! Not long ago he imported another YT from

www.mgcc.co.uk

Australia, which had been rebuilt and fitted with 17” chrome wire wheels and a Judson supercharger. The car was only received by Edward a few weeks ago and both cars look very desirable.

Model: Y Tourer Date of first registration: 1949 Number Plate: Awaiting DVLA Chassis No: YT 3513 Engine No: XPAG/TR/13433 Body No: 45 Body Colour: Red Interior Colour: Beige History: Imported from Australia Modifications: Judson Supercharger / Wire Wheels Jack Murray’s Register records updated by Chris Callaghan and Peter Vielvoye showed 38 known YTs in England as at July 2015. I would imagine that with Edward’s, plus five or six others that have made their way back to the UK, that the figure must be creeping towards 50.

SUCCESS AT MG ERA DAY, BROOKLANDS. APRIL 10 2016 I have included a recent photo of Edward’s current YT where he raised the flag for Y Types by winning the Post War Concours at MG Era at Brooklands on April 10. Very well done Edward!

Y TYPE 70TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2017 In last month’s Register Notes in Safety Fast! I asked if anyone had any suggestions to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Birth of the Y next year. Julian Bosworth sent me an idea for running a `Round Britain Tour’. He is working on this, though the basic concept is to link a number of Centres together and cover 1916 miles. He has used the RAC Route Planner to establish a route avoiding motorways and toll roads.

It commences at London and then via Kent, East Sussex, Isle of Wight, Dorset, Cornwall, Gloucestershire, South Wales, Carmarthen, Ellesmere Port in Cheshire.

Then to Oxfordshire, north to Derbyshire, South Yorkshire, Lancashire, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Northumberland, Durham, North Yorkshire through to Lincoln.

The final stage is from Lincoln through to Norwich, Suffolk, Essex and finishing in London.

Julian is not looking for anyone to tackle the whole route (though why not if you have around a month spare!) but he would encourage owners to undertake stages close to where they live and record this with the Register Organiser. It would be valid for the greater part of 2017. Each route stage could be organised by a local chapter to provide greater interest and of course local knowledge. Once I have received Julian’s final format it will be discussed by the Y Committee prior to a route being published and overseen perhaps by a local Centre?

So any ideas gratefully received!

Enjoy the Summer and I look forwarding to seeing some of you at events across the Country. If there is one near to you that you feel requires promoting/enhancing then do let me know,

JUNE 2016 SAFETY FAST! 45

Y T YPE NEWSLET TER

OBITUARY ALAN CHICK 1928-2016 It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of a long term MG Y Type owner Alan Chick on Wednesday April 27 2016 after a short illness. He was 88.

Alan was a well loved character from Penarth, South Wales. An accountant by profession, he worked for Cardiff City Council. He acquired his YB (Chassis No YB 1274) on February 29 1959 for £460.

(That’s around £9,700 in 2016.)

However in 1953 the YB was marketed at £990 (£25,000 in 2016), a drop of £11k in today’s prices!

This was Alan’s everyday car for many years, but he eventually bought a more modern vehicle for daily use but kept the YB. He retired around 1983 and had the car restored in 1997.

As far as I can gather he attended every Spring Run from the inception in 1997, and most Y Tours in France, Belgium and the UK, many of which were attended with his long term friend Mary Jackson, who is quite understandably very upset to hear of Alan’s passing.

Some of the comments that we have received from his Y Type friends are worth noting. Here are just a few: Arlene and I have great memories of Alan (and Mary!) from the many runs/ weekends and breakdowns we shared!

He was not only good company during an event; he also wrote and sent very personal notes of thanks to organisers – and stayed in touch at Christmas or other significant times.

Andrew and Arlene Coulson Both Jack and I are very sorry to hear the news about our good friend Alan.

We have known him and Mary for a very long time and were very fond of them both. He had a great warmth and ability to make friends and was always a great asset to any event that he attended. The older he got, the

46 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2016

more of a lovable man he became, and his love of his Y was very endearing.

We were always amazed about his enthusiasm in attending so many events and his pleasure in renewing old acquaintances, making you feel as if it were only yesterday that you last met.

It is good to know that Alan Junior will be carrying on the tradition and keeping his memory alive for everyone.

Jack and Mollie Murray Very sad indeed. My earliest memory of Alan is of problems with his carburettor float on the first Brittany run organised

by Denis D. While the float was being soldered at a wonderful French garage, the proprietress (whom we nicknamed Miss France 1920) regaled us with amusing stories of the WW2 occupation and provided us with a superb buffet lunch. Thank you Alan for that, and many other happy memories of a great guy who will be greatly missed.

David and Barbara Hague Oh that is sad news; I was looking forward to seeing him again in Gloucestershire and in Wales. Gillie and I will miss him and our thoughts are with his family. (Peter Sharp) Such sad news. I seem to recall Alan

telling me, or someone else, that a few years ago he drove his YB to somewhere in Turkey and back, which is a remarkable achievement both as a testament to him and also to his car.

Francis & Jan Smith

AND CHAIRMAN PETER VIELVOYE WHO NOTED: A lovely man who I got to know well on our Y trips, he was joy to have a bit of banter with. I shall miss him.

As Mollie Murray noted, Alan has bequeathed his lovely car to his nephew, also called Alan, who has driven his uncle’s car on a number of occasions as Alan senior found it difficult to travel long distances to events. So we will be fortunate to have Alan Junior carrying on the tradition and keeping the memory of his uncle alive for everyone.

A very, very sad loss of a true gentleman and hugely committed supporter of the Y Type. We will be raising our glasses to him at our Spring Run, Silverstone and also at Llanerchindda Farm where hopefully we will be meeting up with the car and Alan Junior in early July.

We will all miss you very much Alan.

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

WELCOME TO THE ZR/ZS/ZT NEWSLETTER

W

elcome to our first newsletter of this the 15th Anniversary year of the launch of our cars. Following the announcement by MG Rover in late ovember 2000, the first preproduction R came off the production line on December 5 followed by the first S on December 13. The first T came early in the new year. After testing and further development of the prototypes, the X30, X20 and X10 as they were originally designated went in to production. Launched as the MG R, S and T, the first MG T was completed on April 12 2001. The first R and S models followed on May 21.

It’s hard to believe that 15 years have passed since then. It’s also hard to believe that it’s been five years since ‘ edTen’ and that hot summer’s day at the IWM at Duxford.

Looking ahead we have MGLive! later this month, followed of course

by ED15 MG Saloon Day in July which continues to take shape. We have been distributing A5 flyers for this event and a Facebook invitation was produced earlier in the year. Further information will be published in due course.

EVENTS & SHOWS The annual Pride of Longbridge gathering took place on April 16 near Cofton Park. But this was no ordinary event. Due to heavy rain in the days prior to the event and sleet early on the day itself, rumours circulated that the event had been cancelled. Fortunately, a wet weather plan had been put in place by the organisers. As the weather started to brighten up the assembled cars

48 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2016

Just a few of the Zeds which assembled in the M&S car park on the old factory site at Longbridge

moved on to various museum sites around the Birmingham area or the new retail park that now occupies some of the former MG Rover site. As the parking time here was limited everyone moved back to the factory gates in Lowhill Lane. By lunchtime the lane was completely wedged end to end with Longbridge-built cars. Even with double-parking and using some of the side roads there wasn’t room for everyone, but we did allow the local traffic through. Despite the cold weather it was certainly the best cancelled event that wasn’t I’ve been to!

Moving forward to the weekend of April 30–May 1, we arrive at Brands Hatch for the next rounds of the 2016 racing championship. Rather than review the racing action which will appear elsewhere in this issue, we thought we’d mention the part the Register plays at these race meetings. We have for a number of years been responsible for organising the parade laps at Club racing meetings. As a Car Club member, for

the price of your entry ticket you are able to drive your own MG around some of the most well-known racing circuits in the country. The signing on point will be in Hospitality Suite where free drinks and refreshments are provided. The time of the parade laps will be confirmed on the day, but they will always be in the lunchtime break. Thirty-one members, three who joined on the day took advantage of the parade laps at the recent Brands Hatch race weekend. So bring your ed along and check out Mallory Park, Oulton Park and Snettterton before the end of the season. Don’t forget, it comes with your membership! The racing action continues at MGLive! later this month.

AGM We will be having our AGM at 5.00pm during MGLive!. The location will be confirmed in due course.

www.mgcc.co.uk

ZR/ZS/ZT NEWSLET TER

ONE MAN AND HIS MGS With one break I’ve owned an MG since 1967, joining the MGCC the following year. My Old English White MGB Roadster was great and in addition to autotests we did road rallies in the days when they were permitted by the authorities in England. It survived flooding and a couple of off road incidents but the arrival of son number three meant a change to something more practical, a Flame Red MG 1300 which I had modified by British Vita, then the leading Mini racers, for a bit of sprinting and racing. During the 1970s a company car (a Hillman Hunter!) came along and I sold the 1300 to the mechanic at Appleyards of Bradford who had maintained it for me.

Sons grow up and we decided that transport on two wheels would be too risky, and for the eldest in 1983 I acquired a 1275 Midget which I thought was white but turned out to be Mirage Grey. It’s still in my possession post rebuild, and you can see it at autotests around the north and east of England during the season. The second son also received a Midget, this time a US pattern

50 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2016

model, three wipers, sun visors etc. That was sold after being repainted from the original purple to Flame Red. I always said I’d get a Land Rover if ever they produced something that was smaller and comfortable and in 1997 bought one of the new Freelanders. It had excellent vision from the driving position but struggled with its 1800 petrol engine. In fact I had two, after writing off the original in a multiple accident on the A14 on one dark damp Friday night. It was in 2000 that I got wind of MG Rover’s plans for the new ed range and a year later we road tested a R160. The suspension was too hard for my passenger, and an MGF was impractical for my needs. The S180, even at first acquaintance, was a brilliant piece of engineering from Peter Stevens, the man who had just designed the first McLaren F1 road car. My plan was to get the hatchback version in Le Mans Green but all the first production models were saloons in Trophy Yellow, Solar Red or Trophy Blue. I kept on asking at the local dealers if I could test drive a hatchback and or see a Le Mans Green car but neither was forthcoming – problems in the paint shop I was told. In September 2001 I decided that ‘life was too short

not to’ and ordered a Solar Red S180 which arrived in early October.

When the facelifted (Mk II) models were announced in 2004 they looked very good and the S180 benefitted from one or two mechanical improvements so I switched, this time to the Rio Red. I used it to attend MGCC meets, and for short periods as my regular car. My policy at that time was to run a ‘banger’ as my daily transport and two Fiat Unos were followed by a diesel Metro, all of which finished up in the scrap yard. I seemed to be too busy to find the time to keep them on the road and so decided to go for something newer, and almost by chance bought a City Rover from the local Rover dealer.

Described by ‘you know who’ on Top Gear as the worst car he’d ever driven, it served me well for eight years until the MG3 finally came over the hori on, too good a value to turn down. That was two years ago.

Hang on, this is supposed to be about the S! So what of the 180 I’m in danger of being hypocritical, I suppose, as I tell everyone what a great car the S is but then hardly drive it. Opening the bonnet usually to charge up the battery reveals an almost as new appearance,

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ZR/ZS/ZT NEWSLET TER

and the odometer reading as I write is 12,418, and a look at the MOT mileage records tells its own tale: l 2007 mileage 7708 l 2008 mileage 8475 l 2009 mileage 9645 l 2010 mileage 10078 l 2011 mileage 10621 l 2012 mileage 11472 l 2013 mileage 12084 l 2014 mileage 12382 l 2015 mileage 12383 Since it’s taxed and insured I hate to think of the cost per mile but then I don’t spend on other things as many of my contemporaries do, overseas holidays etc, just my MGs. I’m lucky to have an ex Rover dealer in my village who looks after the S and the Midget.

Sporting wise I have autotested and autosolo’d the S but the Midget is the car of choice for such outings, but the S has been pressed into service as a Course Car at one of the MGCC race meetings. One of my roles on the ED Register Committee is to organise the Parade Laps at most of the Club race meetings during the season. Three or four years ago I took the 180 to Cadwell Park and parked outside the Club marquee. Later that morning I was told that one of the Club course cars was ailing and could they borrow it for the rest of the day so that’s how the accompanying pictures here came about. It came back in one piece I’m pleased to report.

Apart from its excellent suspension that makes it so great to drive on the twisty roads of Lincolnshire where it’s been on display at some Lincolnshire Centre events, it also goes well on motorways. I often the use the old expression that it ‘bowls along’. One of these days it will move on to another and I hope careful owner who will use it more than I have but who will look after it too. Until then I’ll continue to admire it and just occasionally take it out for a blast.

Geoff Hirst

52 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2016

Geoff’s ZS in glorious sunshine at ZED10, held at Duxford in 2011

A wet Saloon Day in 2012

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JUNE 2016 SAFETY FAST! 53

RACE TORQUE

RACE TORQUE

T

hose who were not at our Brands Hatch meeting on April 30–May 1 certainly missed a feast of proper Club motorsport. Whilst the weather did provide us with a sudden downpour on the Saturday afternoon, just as the slick shod Porsches were joining the circuit, the rest of the weekend was dry and in the main fine.

Sunday in particular, when we fielded the MMM cars for their two races, the sun shone and everything looked just fantastic. Indeed, there were a number of emails from various competitors saying how much they had enjoyed the weekend, and were impressed with Brands as a circuit and the infrastructure there.

With what Autosport declared was a ‘crowded programme’ the Club did well to finish all of the races on time, although it has to be said that the rain storm caused race lengths to be trimmed slightly; mark you, it was so slippery out on circuit most drivers seemed to be relieved to have a shorter race! But despite all that, there was some really

54 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2016

By Ron Gammons Photos by Colin Murrell thrilling racing, nail-biting finishes and some very worthy winners. o doubt there will be the report by Leanne Fahy elsewhere in this maga ine so I won’t steal any more of her thunder!

However, members can be proud of the Club’s performance in organising the race programmes, staffed almost entirely by volunteers without whom the events just would not take place!

This maga ine should arrive just before the Club’s premier meeting, MGLive!, at Silverstone on the GP Circuit. We are one of the few clubs who have the opportunity to use the country’s premier grand prix circuit, which only a few weeks after our visit will host the British GP. Entries are flowing into the Club office and some exciting races are in prospect. Hopefully there will be wall to wall sunshine and ditto for the spectators! See you there The meeting after our Silverstone event is Mallory, which is on July 3, and I mention it now since the maga ine may well not get to you in time two months on the trot! We have another packed programme of Club motorsport

supported by the burgeoning Equipe GTS, who are almost certain to fill the grid at Mallory where we are only allowed 30 competitors for the race.

With lap times sub one minute there’s never a dull moment, and those who think it’s an easy track, think again. From the demanding ‘Gerards’, followed by the Esses and the Hairpin, there’s little let up; add the Devils Elbow and there are sufficient demands for most!

Mallory is right in the middle of the country, easy to get to, and this year is being used by the MGC Register for their premier weekend.

Should be another good day of racing. Why not join us There will be the Club’s usual hospitality suite with tea, coffee and biscuits throughout the day.

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JUNE 2016 SAFETY FAST! 55

RACE REPORT

The MGA of Bob Lines leads George Edney’s TB through Druids. Photo: Mick Edwards

SUN SHINES ON A BRILLIANT BRANDS

A

sunny weekend once again awaited the MG Car Club at Brands Hatch, for the annual Bank Holiday extravagan a.

Excellent grids and fantastic racing made for a busy weekend on track, with a total of 23 races over the two days. As well as being joined by our usual flurry of MGCC regulars, we were pleased to be joined by the Porsche Club Championship, BARC uaife Cannons Tin Tops Championship and BARC uaife Motorsport ews Saloons Championship once again.

MGCC MG TROPHY CHAMPIONSHIP Chris Bray cemented his love of Brands Hatch with a dominant race one win.

Seventeen seconds separated him and nearest challenger Doug Cole as the 20 minute sprint came to an end.

Bray led from the moment the red lights diminished, and soon found himself hounded by Class B driver Fergus Campbell. By the second lap, Cole

56 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2016

By Leanne Fahy

managed to steal away second, as he set his sights on the rear of Bray’s MG R 190.

With the first two swiftly out in front, the battle for third overall and Class B honours grabbed everyone’s attention, with Lee Sullivan and Paul Luti nose to tail for the duration.

With his opportunities mirrored by Sullivan, Luti was unable to decipher a passing point, as he chased furiously lap after lap. As the field steered their way onto their final lap, Luti found his mirrors filled with the sight of Robin Walker’s machine, keen to steal his spot.

As the trio crossed the finish line, Luti was narrowly pipped to fourth place overall, however still held onto the Class B runner up spot. Fergus Campbell completed the top three in Class B. William Payne collected Class C honours, ahead of Gianni Picone and John Gil. Driver of the Race and the day were both awarded to Sullivan for his race one performance.

Cole steered his way to an unchallenged victory in race two, amidst a chaotic second race. Front row starters Bray and Cole were joined by the fast

starting Paul Luti into Paddock Hill Bend, as the trio headed into the dip three abreast.

A brief collision saw Bray and Luti caught up in the drama as the field concertinaed out of Paddock. Luti managed to compose himself, whilst James Dunkley pushing his Class A Midget to a race win on the Saturday. Photo: Dickon Siddall

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Bray was left stranded in the middle of the circuit.

In his wake, Sullivan immediately took control of the race, with Luti close behind once again. However, as the pair scrapped, Class A front runner Cole managed to squee e his way into the lead.

Walker again fought his way through from 21st on the grid to a strong second place by race end, whilst Sullivan held on for a third and Class B triumph.

Much of the race focused on the battle for Class B runner up spot, as Andrew Rogerson, Jake Fraser-Burns and Richard Marsh immersed themselves in a fiercely entertaining tussle.

Payne again dominated Class C with another class victory, again ahead of Picone and reigning champion Gil. Driver of the Race was awarded to Rogerson.

MGCC WATT ELECTRICAL BCV8 CHAMPIONSHIP James Wheeler narrowly claimed race one success in the opening BCV8 encounter, despite the best efforts of Russell McCarthy.

A slow getaway from McCarthy gave Wheeler the advantage he needed to dash into Paddock Hill Bend ahead of

Rob Roodhouse (84) in his Triumph TR6 leading the multi marque MGCC Motoring Classics Thoroughbred Sports Car Championship Photo: Dickon Siddall

his rivals. McCarthy’s distinctive yellow machine soon filled the mirrors of Wheeler, however he was unable to find a way through.

As the pair negotiated their way through multiple flurries of backmarkers the gap reduced to mere millimetres.

Just 0.155 seconds separated the duot at race end, with Wheeler in the prime spot. Wheeler was also rewarded with Driver of the Race.

James Wheeler made the best of a wet track to triumph once again in race two. A strong getaway immediately launched him into the race lead, as others faltered in difficult conditions.

James Wheeler found himself under immense pressure from Jonnie Wheeler as the pair raced their way around the Indy circuit. Jonnie was soon forced to switch his attentions to his rear view mirror, when Russell McCarthy mounted an attack for second place.

Despite Jonnie’s best efforts, McCarthy managed to sneak ahead, to take second over Jonnie. Jonnie Wheeler’s efforts were deemed worthy of the Driver of the Race award.

MGCC DRAYTON MANOR PARK MG METRO CUP Ben Rushworth steered his way to race one victory, after an eventful first outing for the MG Metro Cup assembly.

Pole position failed to give Rushworth the launch he needed, as Mike Williams led the way into Paddock Hill Bend. After leading for a number of laps, Williams seemingly suffered a problem when he ran wide before a dramatic drop in speed. In his wake,

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Rushworth reclaimed top spot to briefly lead the way.

Jack Ashton soon joined in the battle for honours, when he surpassed Rushworth. His advantage was short lived, however, when Rushworth grasped an opportunity to steal back control.

A seemingly calm second half saw Rushworth collect the spoils by over 13 seconds, from nearest rival Jack Ashton.

David Javes efforts resulted in a third place finish, whilst Andrew Ashton’s impressive performance saw him switch last on the grid for a fourth place finish, and Driver of the Race.

Williams shared the spoils to claim a race two victory, despite intense pressure from Rushworth throughout.

As the race began, Williams made the ideal start to lead the field into the Paddock Hill dip. Rushworth swiftly latched onto his tail, as the pair leapt away in a two horse race.

Andrew Ashton worked his way to a third place finish, after displacing Lee Connell. Connell had held third for much of the race, and despite being unable to fend off Ashton, he held on for fourth place. Mark Eales’ sterling drive secured him fifth place and the Driver of the Race from our commentary team.

EQUIPE GTS Tom Smith triumphed in the eventful opening Equipe GTS outing. A dominant launch from pole position saw the MGB driver fire an attack into Paddock Hill Bend, as the field settled in formation behind.

As he defended his standing from Brian White and Rob Cull, Smith directed

JUNE 2016 SAFETY FAST! 57

RACE REPORT

the way around the Indy circuit. Before long, Cull found himself hounded by the Triumph TR4 of John Andon, and after a stab at third place, Andon elevated himself into a podium position.

Shortly afterwards, Paul Latimer’s MGB became beached in the gravel near the edge of the track, calling for the safety car.

With just three minutes left on the clock, the chequered flag was flown early, with thoughts of fluid on circuit. A number of spinners at Graham Hill Bend laid course for concern, and so brought about an early race end.

Smith’s efforts were enough to crown him victorious, just 0.8 seconds ahead of White. Andon maintained his third place, ahead of Chris Ryan in fourth. Cull slipped to ninth place after a spin on track, that luckily saw him avoided by the rest of the field.

Smith doubled his success in the second Equipe GTS appearance, after long time leader Brian White pulled off the circuit.

White had led from the start, and looked set for a dominant performance, however after a puff of smoke from his Triumph TR4 he was forced to pull off of the circuit along the Cooper Straight.

Before White’s abrupt exit, the battle for second place had been a thrilling one. Smith and John Andon repeatedly swapped places, but as White retired The distinctive MG PA Special of Thijs DeGroot heading into Druids during the Triple M Mary Harris Trophy. Photo: Colin Murrell

it was Smith who was in prime spot to collect honours.

MGCC LACKFORD ENGINEERING MG MIDGET & SPRITE CHALLENGE James Dunkley continued his strong form from Donington Park, to claim race one victory at Brands Hatch. A front row start gave him the ideal view of Paddock Hill Bend, an advantage he used perfectly.

Graeme Adams and ick Day trailed Dunkley during the opening stages; however, as Adams looked set to challenge for honours he suddenly slowed exiting Paddock Hill Bend, and pulled off the track. With a clear space behind him, Dunkley remain unchallenged, to soar straight into victory.

Day was the next to experience difficulties, when he pulled out of second place along the Cooper Straight, immediately ending his chances of success. In his absence, Edward Reeve slotted into a second place finish, ahead of Richard Perry, who was also awarded Driver of the Race.

David Weston grabbed race two honours in the wake of Dunkley.

Dunkley had led early on, before the pair engulfed themselves in a thrilling scrap.

The MG Midget driver soon reclaimed the lead, when Weston dropped back slightly; however, as Dunkley negotiated his way for the final time, a raised hand

Chris Bray (2) leading the ZR pack during the MG Trophy Championship race.

Photo: Dickon Siddall

indicated issues as he pulled to one side with electrical gremlins.

With Dunkley out of the running, Weston inherited the silverware, to claim victory over Edward Reeve and Perry.

MGCC ICONIC 50S & FISCAR Robin Ellis won a shortened Iconic 50s and FISCAR encounter when the red flag called for a race result due to a car stopped on circuit. With just over three minutes remaining, the race was not restarted, crowning Ellis victorious, ahead of Colin Jones.

Jones had held a strong lead for much of the outing; however, as Ellis’ Lotus Elite launched an attack, Jones was unable to hold him off.

Despite this, Jones and his MGA Twin Cam held on for a strong second place finish, ahead of Paul Kennelly in his Jaguar XK150S. Driver of the Race was awarded to Ellis for his strong performance.

MGCC PETER BEST INSURANCE CUP Thomas Halliwell was crowned race winner in the first outing Sunday afternoon. The race lead changed hands a number of times, but it was Halliwell ahead when it counted.

James Darby was in charge at the start, despite immense pressure from Halliwell and Ed Davies, behind. After a few position changes, Halliwell soon found himself in the lead, as Darby and Davies hunted him down.

As the end of the race came into

58 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2016

www.mgcc.co.uk

Phil Moss (43) and Graham Bates dispute the tarmac at Druids during the Equipe GTS race.

Photo: Mick Edwards

sight, Darby suddenly slowed as he ran down the hill towards Graham Hill Bend.

With his ailing MGB GT, he pulled off the circuit and out of a strong position, as Halliwell, Davies and Tom Diment took control of the top three.

Halliwell doubled his success in race two, with a dynamic lights to flag performance. His MG R served him well, with more than three seconds between him and nearest challenger Ed Davies as the chequered flag flew.

After settling in second place it was a somewhat solitary affair for Davies, who finished some 17 seconds ahead of third placed Tom Diment. Diment’s race was far from simple, when the fast charging Richard Buckley stormed through to fourth place, to finish just 0.6 seconds adrift of Diment’s rear bumper.

David Thompson was pipped to fifth place, ahead of Richard Wilson in sixth.

James Darby had run towards the front of the field early on, but after fighting a slowing MGB GT in the final few laps he wrestled a seventh place finish from his ailing machine.

MGCC TRIPLE M RACE FOR THE MARY HARRIS TROPHY David Seber sei ed the opening Triple M victory, courtesy of a dominant performance. Early leader Charles Jones had led the way from pole position, but after running millimetres apart, he was unable to fend off Seber’s advances.

After gaining control, Seber managed to build a 2.7 second advantage to Jones, with the MG L

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Special driver able to hang on for a strong second place finish. Mike Painter and his MG Kayne Special grasped third place, ahead of Thijs de Groot. A race long battle for fourth place ended with Mark Dolton ahead of Fred Boothby.

Handicap positions saw Jane Metcalfe fastest, ahead of Mark Dolton and Charles Jones. Driver of the Race was awarded to Mark Dolton.

Jones steered his way to victory in race two, along with the fastest lap of the race on the final tour. With a cushion of just over one second, his MG L Special performed well in the Bank Holiday heat.

Painter cemented himself in second place, a position he held from start to finish, but it was third place that gained some excitement. John Seber managed to claim a hard fought third place, ahead of Thijs de Groot. Dolton and Boothby again featured, with fourth and fifth place finishes respectively.

MGCC MOTORING CLASSICS THOROUGHBRED SPORTSCARS CHAMPIONSHIP James Wheeler continued his dominant weekend to claim a third win in as many races during the weekend. The sole outing for the Thoroughbred Sportscars saw Wheeler control the pace from start to finish, despite fierce attention from Russell McCarthy and Rob Spencer.

After finishing second to Wheeler in both BCV8 Championship races on Saturday, McCarthy was keen to unnerve him this time. Despite fastest lap and a number of brave attempts around the

outside of Druids, McCarthy was unable to nudge Wheeler from his victorious perch.

Spencer had looked strong for a second place finish, but after engaging in battle with McCarthy he slipped back for a third place finish. eil Fowler made amends for a difficult second BCV8 Championship race on Saturday to claim fourth place, ahead of Simon Cripps and Barry Holmes. Cripps also collected the Driver of the Race award.

MGCC MG CHALLENGE RACE The MG Midget’s dominated the MG Challenge at the end of the day, with David Weston at the head of the field.

Weston’s dominance saw him secure race victory by over 28 seconds from Ed Reeve and Richard Perry.

The original start was red flagged when Dan Jones in his MG R rolled after landing in the gravel at Paddock Hill Bend. With both him and his car safely rescued, the race restarted for a 20 minute dash to the flag.

Andy Southcott, Pippa Cow and Carl Chadwick cemented the MG Midget name in the top six finishing positions.

What a spectacular weekend of racing at Brands Hatch. A great collection of cars graced the circuit over the two days, and after snow a few days earlier we were definitely spoilt with the weather. Brands Hatch was the perfect lead into MGLive! June 4-5. We look forward to seeing you all there for more high speed fun.

JUNE 2016 SAFETY FAST! 59

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BRITISH TOURING CAR CHAMPIONSHIP

T

his year Dunlop arrived at Thruxton with a specially made new tyre to be used in all three races so there would be no issue of selecting one race in which to use a soft tyre.

The track was hot for qualifying and the action was fast and furious.

Many drivers had lap times cancelled because they were ‘straight lining’ the chicane, putting all four wheels off the track, and so being penalised for a ‘track limits’ offence. The two MG6s were competitive from the off and finished the session in fourth (Josh) and fifth (Ashley) positions. Pole was taken by Tom Ingram with no success ballast aboard the Toyota Avensis, second was Aiden Moffat in his Mercedes and third was Matt eal who ama ed everybody by securing a second row start despite the maximum ballast.

Just before the cars lined up for race one, news filtered through that all four of the Subaru Levorgs had been withdrawn from the meeting. The fire in one of the cars at Donington Park had been caused by a fracture in a high pressure fuel rail.

The team announced that the replacements were showing signs of fatigue and so the cars couldn’t be raced because of the risk of another fire.

RACE ONE (ROUND SEVEN) When the red light went out, the field headed into the first complex of corners in a mad rush. Josh worked his way up to second place behind a fast starting Matt eal, but there was disaster for Ashley as contact put him on to the grass and into the barriers. At the front of the race, the places were changing on every lap with Adam Morgan taking the lead and Aiden Moffat grabbing second

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ROUND 3 THRUXTON

By Paul Goodman Photo: btcc.net

to give a Mercedes one and two. Josh was battling with Matt eal in the Honda and Andrew Jordan in the Ford Focus, but as the race moved into the last third, tyres started to puncture. First to go was Moffat’s Mercedes, and as the field headed for the chicane Matt eal’s front left tyre deflated and his ailing car was clipped by the MG6 of Josh.

Gordon Shedden also hit the pit wall.

The safety car was deployed, but this was followed by the red and chequered flags. So Adam Morgan won the race for Mercedes with Tom Ingram’s Toyota second. Both MG6s would need substantial work to get them ready for race two with the Subaru mechanics from team BMR pitching in to help.

RACE TWO (ROUND EIGHT) Both 888 MG6s were repaired for race two, but they had to start from the back of the grid with the two Halfords Yuasa Hondas. There was another fast and furious race at the front with Adam Morgan hanging on until his weight penalty strained the tyres and Andrew Jordan and Rob Collard swept past to take first and second. Meanwhile, Gordon Shedden drove an incredible race from 21st to fourth. The two MG6s threaded their way through the field, but couldn’t quite make the top ten, with Josh 12th and Ashley 15th. They

would start race three in those grid slots and would not carry any weight penalty.

RACE THREE (ROUND NINE) For race three, Dan Welch in his Proton and Matt Jackson driving the Ford Focus were on the front row. Jackson made a great start and was in front at the first corner and was never headed. Welch slipped back and then ended up in the tyre wall. Gordon Shedden pushed hard in the Honda and was battling with Jack Goff’s BMW when the two made contact and were out of the race.

Meanwhile the two MG6s had been moving up the lap charts, tracking down the cars in front running in close formation. Matt eal had moved up to second place with Adam Morgan in third. As the last lap started his mirrors were full of MG, but he held on to the podium place with Josh finishing fourth and Ashley fifth, to the delight of the 888 MG mechanics who had worked hard all day to keep the cars on track.

At the end of the day, the abacus came out, and joint championship leaders were declared to be Matt eal and Rob Collard. Ashley and Josh finished the day in ninth and tenth places, but the points difference between first and tenth is only 38. In the Manufacturers Championship, 888 MG are third with 200 points.

JUNE 2016 SAFETY FAST! 61

MGS ON TRACK DUCAN WOOD DUNCANW@MGS-ON-TRACK.CO.UK WWW.MGS-ON-TRACK.COM

MG on track

SPONSORED BY

M

Gs on Track offers MG drivers of all levels of experience, from beginner to expert, the chance to enjoy driving their vehicles at speeds which are neither possible nor safe on the public roads, and in the company of fellow enthusiasts in a non-competitive environment. With visits to Castle Combe, Croft, Blyton, Hethel, Brands, Anglesey, Goodwood and Oulton Park confirmed for the rest of the year, there is surely no better time to ‘give it a try’.

MGoT visits two new circuits this year: Blyton Park on Saturday July 16 and Anglesey on Friday September 30, and you can read our Chairman Dave Pearce’s description of Blyton Park below. Members both old and new are welcome to join us, and details of booking for this and all other days can be found in the 2016 Calendar.

SOMETHING DIFFERENT FOR 2016

Words by Dave Pearce

Each year we at MGs on Track visit a number of our favourite circuits including Goodwood, Castle Combe and Brands Hatch, but we also like to organise days at circuits that we have not driven before or have not driven for a long time. Last year we tried Pembrey which is a small circuit just off the end of the M4 in Wales, and this year we will be visiting Anglesey which is another popular circuit in the northwest of Wales, and well worth the longer journey to reach.

We are also sharing a day with our friends at Ma da on Track (M.o.T.) at

Bishops

Blyton Park in Lincolnshire. The venue is about 30 minutes off the A1 so easily accessible from the north and the south. It is a two part day to suit everyone; in the morning we will run in one session of 20 minutes each hour and after lunch we switch to open pit lane for the remainder of the day. A chance to try both track-day formats with a compatible group of drivers.

Blyton Park is not a race circuit but a test track so it is not bound by MSA rules. These tend to impose large amounts of Armco barrier which can heighten the adrenalin rush if you

The Wiggler

Lancaster Port Froid

Bunga Bunga

Ushers The Ump

Twickers

Main Entrance 1/2 mile Visitor Parking

Paddock Area Camping Area

Grain Store

Pit Lane/Start

Jochen

Circuit Control “Twickers”

Briefing Suite & Reception Churchill’s Club House Toilets & Showers

Outer-Circuit.indd 1

62 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2016

Outer Circuit

are approaching it at high speed and trying to decide when to brake! Blyton is based on an old WW2 airfield which was used by Lancaster bombers so good si ed runways were needed. The track has been laid over the concrete runways so unlike the majority of ‘airfield’ circuits you are driving on smooth tarmac but with the benefit of large run-off areas at most of the corners; these can be seen in the circuit photo.

The circuit is 1.5 miles long (as a comparison Brands Indy is only 1.2 miles long) but has nine corners and chicanes, each of which presents the driver with a different challenge.

A sharp right then left from Ushers and round Twickers, the approach to Ushers being very fast. Jochen has the camber going the ‘wrong’ way, Lancaster unwinds slowly into a fast straight, and Bishops can be taken way faster than you would first believe!

Bunga Bunga is a double apex and Port Froid is just very quick.

If anyone has read the May ’16 copy of Octane maga ine, there is a very detailed write up by Mark Hales as part of his regular series ‘round the bend’ on the techniques in both front and rear wheel drive cars to take Bunga Bunga. Apparently it got its name from the technique of one driver who thought the best way to get round was to ‘bung it in and bung it out’. o connection then to any dodgy Italian politicians!

The circuit facilities include a briefing room and a clubhouse serving excellent meals, and there is also an enormous barn should any work be needed on poorly cars during the day.

This is certainly one you should not miss, so book now at www.mgs-on-track.com.

See you there!

16/04/2014 13:04

www.mgcc.co.uk

MGS ON TRACK - 2016 CALENDAR

To book places you need to be registered with MGoT on our website www.mgs-on-track.com All registered members will receive an email about a week prior to the event opening for sale.

If an event says ‘Status: Provisional’ it is not open for booking yet.

If all places are ‘Sold Out’ contact the ‘Event Manager’ highlighted on the website booking page for a reserve place.

Castle Combe – June 20 The first visit of two regular annual visits to this very friendly circuit in Wiltshire.

Croft – July 1 A shared day with Lotus on Track on a great circuit, set between the Yorkshire Dales and Yorkshire Moors!

Blyton Park – July 16 A first time visit for MGoT to this circuit that has been given some great reviews. A variety of track layouts makes this an interesting venue!

Hethel – July 30 Another opportunity to experience the Lotus test track in orfolk. This will be our second visit due to the popularity in 2015. A great track for all types of MG! Brands Hatch GP – August 25 A must do! A rare opportunity to try the GP circuit which has imposed limited use during the year. It’s a privilege for MGoT to be invited back for a third year running.

Castle Combe – September 12 A second opportunity to enjoy the thrills of this ever popular track which includes a couple of chicanes and technical corners!

Anglesey – September 30 Our first visit to 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!

Oulton Park – ovember 18 Back on the calendar due to demand by members, a circuit that has a bit of everything for everyone!

Brands Hatch ‘Indy’ – December 5 Our last event of 2016. Don’t miss the chance to experience this undulating circuit including Paddock Hill Bend!

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

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here are many levels of modification in the classes for the speed championship. Reference to our website at www.mgspeed.net will allow you to study these at your leisure. This time I would like to highlight our Group 2 or Road Modified A classes. You will find above a photograph of the very pretty Group 2 Midget belonging to Stephen Baker.

The Group 2 level allows you to modify the car just that bit more than the standard specification. It is necessary to retain the same si e valves as standard and to use the original carburettors or throttle body si e. Other than that, you may overbore by 60 thou. Use any camshaft profile you choose and carry out any gas flowing of the cylinder head. Standard gearboxes must be used and a certain amount of lightweight body panels. Tyres must be road going from List 1A in the MSA blue book.

These alterations are far less expensive than the higher levels and you will have a car with a fair turn of performance. Couple this to the standard road tyres’ reduced grip and you will be able to frighten yourself for a very reasonable cost.

I have always competed in cars of this type, for all the reasons set out above, and I can thoroughly recommend consideration of the genre if you are planning a competition car.

Since our last article we have competed in events at both Curborough and Harewood. Curborough is a small sprint course near to Lichfield. At first sight the course seems to be quite easy and not very interesting. However, I am sure many seasoned competitors will agree with me that it is possibly the most technical venue we use. To register a good time there requires a huge amount of concentration. o matter how many times I go I always find myself tested and often frustrated. Our two visits to Curborough are run by the Midlands Centre of the MGCC with outstanding levels of organisation.

Our other venue was Harewood Hillclimb near Harrogate.

This hill is owned and operated by the Yorkshire centre of the BARC and recently celebrated its 50th anniversary meeting. It is, arguably, the best hillclimb course in the country. At this event we are given three classes, standard, road modified and racing.

We have to fit into these regardless of capacity and tuning level.

Reference to our results on the website will tell you who did what at both these events.

JUNE JUNE2016 2016 SAFETY SAFETYFAST! FAST! 63

EVENT REPORT

MGs arrive at Madeira drive, Brighton in glorious sunshine for the finish of the final Regency Run

THE FINAL REGENCY RUN

I

t’s six o’clock in the morning and the alarm is going ten to the do en, it’s time for team Boys to get up and go to the very last MG Regency Run due to start from Kempton Park and take us to the seafront at Brighton.

This is the 34th and final running of this event and it’s very significant to us as it was the very first organised road run that we did in the Boneshaker (1964 MGB Roadster) back in 1998.

The picture of the car taken on this day is still proudly displayed on our sideboard in ewbury.

64 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2016

By Roger Boys

The Boneshaker taking a well earned rest

The sun was shining brightly as we left home to complete the 45 mile drive to the start. We missed the turn into Kempton Park, which allowed us to fill up with quality fuel, my excuse for not taking the correct turn. There were in the region of 300 cars neatly lined up efficiently by the MGCC marshals. We were signed in and given our vouchers by the cheerful team in the tent. There was a queue for the bacon butties but this moved quickly and food was obtained. This we consumed while we nattered with lots of people who we

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JUNE 2016 SAFETY FAST! 65

Over 300 MGs arrive at Kempton Park for the start of the final Regency Run

had met on various events up and down the country over the years. Within half an hour we were flagged off and were following the route. There was lots of traffic as we passed through Walton over the new bridge and on via Weybridge, Cobham and on out into the Surrey countryside. We passed loads of houses which we could only dream of owning. It was while looking at one of these that icky failed to tell me which way to go when the route split. So we took the ‘yellow’ as this was straight on.

Our next excitement was when we turned right to begin the climb up the ig ag road taking us up to the top of Box Hill. This is part of the road race route for the cycling in the 2012 Olympics and all the wannabe cyclists were doing their best to emulate their heroes and climb the hill. It was important to concentrate as these slow wobblers weaved all over the road as they strained to get to the top. We left them behind when they stopped at the caf at the top for their refreshments.

We passed through some delightful villages as we entered Sussex and enjoyed lots of wooded areas showing the fresh green leaves of spring with carpets of bluebells filling the air with their scent; spring is such a wonderful time of year to be travelling in an open top MG. We stopped and had coffee and cake with Paul and Diane Bullock in Rusper, who had come up from South

66 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2016

MGs from 1925 to 2016 entered the last Regency Run, including this rare YT.

Signing on at Kempton Park

Wales for the event. Then it was on again to Ditchling. Unfortunately this was not good as there was an enormous traffic jam to get through the tiny village, delaying us for 45 minutes; the cause was just volume of traffic and parked cars. The Boneshaker did not like this as it began to misbehave. Eventually we were free and climbed up over the beacon. The bikes that were not at Box Hill were climbing here and again caused

chaos! The last few miles into Brighton were not a lot of fun sadly, as the whole of London were also taking advantage of the beautiful weather and travelling to Brighton, hence it was very busy and very slow. Eventually we turned onto Marine Parade and were made welcome by the enthusiastic team from the MGOC. It’s great to see the two clubs working in close harmony for the members. Lunch was served for team Boys, a little late but very welcome.

What a cosmopolitan town Brighton is, all sorts can be seen there, and we saw them, wonderful place.

Huge vote of thanks goes to everyone who made the day and the previous Regency Runs such a success; it’s a lot of hard work and very much appreciated.

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

T

his month’s MGs overseas tour has a couple of stops on this side of the globe, then on to Canada en-route to Australia, followed by trips to both of ew ealand’s islands, back through Australia before returning home via a second stop in Canada.

First stop is Belgium where MG Nieuws from the club in Antwerp carries an article on the ‘MGs used by the English Police’ and features a car well known to the Abingdon Works Centre as it’s currently owned by the Centre’s webmaster! Despite the article’s heading, there is also a section entitled ‘Made in China’ which shows an MGTF, an MG3 and an MG7 in police livery, albeit not English. Further into the maga ine

Asian MG Police cars

and we discover the start of episodes covering ‘MG, the ever Ending Story’ – a story or saga Landing in Canada, we read in the Winter edition of the Toronto club’s maga ine the Octagon that during 2015 they were busy celebrating their Diamond Jubilee, so many congratulations to them. Their successful celebrations, which resulted in them reaching a

Classic racing NZ style 68 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2016

Successful Sydney B owners in the Concours at the National Meeting in Perth

modern day high of members, included the organising, on behalf of the AMGBR, of MG2015 in iagara Falls.

Well done to all concerned.

Motoring off to Australia, Opposite Lock from the Sydney club quite rightly feels proud of having driven off from the ational Meeting in Perth with the trophy for the best club maga ine. It is indeed a well-produced colourful maga ine and congratulations to all involved in putting it together. With the ational Meeting this year taking place in Perth, Wheel Spin from the Car Club of Victoria offers advice on “that great Australian ritual” of driving across the ullarbor, from a couple who’ve enjoyed it so much, they’ve done the return trip four times! Opposite Lock gives an account from a couple who did just that in their MGB to get to the Perth gathering.

Across in ew ealand, there are reports of MGF20 celebrations in Wellington’s Bulletin which also has articles recounting 12 months of living with an MG3 and also pointers on selling a classic privately. Down on the South Island, the Canterbury MaG talks of “scoffing Sheffield pies at Oxford”, a BB with “delicious berries and ice cream among shady trees and splashing eels” and a 5.7 earthquake!

Clearly an event with a difference, well for most of us anyway!

Back in Australia, MG Motoring from South Australia tells us that preparations for their 60th Anniversary in July are well underway and that the 60th Anniversary Wines are now available. With the Club having arranged a “special bottling of fine Barossa Valley wines” it promises to be a great party!

Calling into Toronto again on our return leg, the Spring edition of the Octagon proudly advises that their 2015 activities not only improved the club’s coffers, but also produced some significant trophies. Their efforts were recognised by receiving Chapter of the Year from the orth American MGB Register, a crystal glass trophy from the UK’s MG Car Club and an award for the most attendees at Brits on the Lake in Port Perry, Ontario.

Sounds a successful year.

Our final stop is in Denmark where the Danish Centre’s maga ine has a three page article, with colour illustrations, on the MG Maestro, pays a trip to Malta’s Classic Car Museum and has some useful technical tips on a number of topics.

T Types in Toronto

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OVERSEAS NEWS

T

he Australian 2016 ational Meeting took place at Perth’s Ascot Racecourse over the Easter weekend. This 47th atmeet was organised jointly by the MG Car Club of Western Australia, the MG Owners’ Club of Western Australia, and the MG TC Owners’ Club. The organising of this logistically complex event was ably carried out by the Organising Committee under the chairmanship of ex-pat Doug Bush.

Perth is Australia’s remotest capital, which may explain why it was 21 years since the last atmeet was held in the far west of the country.

There were about 350 participants with 243 cars in attendance. Many participants with their MGs attended

A wonderful MG NE owned by Peter Briggs

AUSTRALIAN NATMEET2016

By Peter Cook

from Eastern Australia and Tasmania.

Many had their cars transported by road or rail – from Brisbane in the east, about 4,000km. Many also drove over a number of days, including over the notorious ullabor. This flat, mostly arid, almost treeless expanse of limestone bedrock stretches to nearly 1,100km at its widest point. o wonder it was described by an early explorer as “ a hideous anomaly the sort of place one gets in

bad dreams” – a good test of a robust marque and intrepid drivers. Compared to the ullabor, driving from most points in Europe to MGLive! could seem like a Sunday afternoon jaunt.

The start of the event on Friday involved registration and scrutineering, the latter necessary to conform to CAMS (Australian equivalent of MSA) requirements for the Circuit Sprint and other events. The Circuit Sprint was The rain came down but still the MGs came out in force.

Joint decision-making in the Concours event.

70 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2016

Ron and Jan Kilcullen’s beautifully restored two-tone blue 1938 SA Tickford Coupe. www.mgcc.co.uk

George and Cherie Pethard’s MGB which in 2015 completed a 33,000km run from Tierra del Fuego to Vancouver.

held at the nearby RAC Driving Centre.

Scrutineering was scheduled to take place for most of the day given the volume of participants, followed by a og’n’ atter in the evening at the racecourse. The og’n’ atter included an MG Rocker Cover Racing competition which was fiercely contested. Most of Saturday (a race meeting day) was taken up by Concours D’Elegance in a field adjacent to the racecourse. In spite of the accumulation of dust and sand on many of the cars in getting to Perth, there were 236 entries in the Concours. Perth had not experienced rain for months, but a visit from a Kimber House representative nonetheless had the desired effect: it rained all day. It was though 90 degree rain, so Concours continued until the 23 class winners and overall winner had been decided.

Sunday was a choice of two events, the Motorkhana for which scrutineering had been a prerequisite and involved over 100 entries, and the more relaxed Kimber Run. The latter was a non-competitive, stress-free social drive of around 85 miles, and which was designed to showcase scenic roads in the Perth foothills. The very light traffic using these roads allowed for a largely sedate driving opportunity

which culminated in the seaside town of Mandurah, south of Perth. The Sunday evening event involved the theme night dinner at the racecourse restaurant: seating was arranged on a ‘mix and match’ basis so that models and places did not gravitate together as they often do. The theme was ‘A Day at the Races’ – thank goodness the event was inspired by Ascot’s English namesake rather than the chaotic Marx Brothers’ film, so there were plenty of colourful ladies’ outfits and jockey silks on show. Annette Gusterson and her colleagues were thanked by all for their considerable efforts in putting on a good show.

Easter Monday brought two simultaneous events. The Circuit Sprint, a competitive event under CAMS rules, involved five cars at a time competing on the RAC Driving Centre. The groups are suitably seeded and spaced to avoid bunching as far as possible as overtaking is not permitted. Each competitor had three attempts at two-lap runs with electronic timing determining placings.

The alternative event was an Observation Run of 121km. Although a single run, cars were divided into three classes with CAMS licences necessary for those participating in the navigation and

Lining up before one of the runs. www.mgcc.co.uk

questionnaire aspects. Each group left separately, with the non-competitive group leaving last and with detailed route instructions. In essence, the same route with plenty of assistance on hand but with alternatives for the more competitively minded. Again, this was a very well thought-through and goodnatured event, and was a tribute to its organisers. The run ended at Bassendean where a full lunch was provided.

Monday evening was for the more formal Presentation Dinner at the racecourse venue. Centres and Registers were seated on their own tables to aid the usual fanfares and cheering which accompanied the friendly rivalry as the winners were announced. This was not just the occasion to acknowledge the various Concours winners, but the announcement also of the winners of the Wratten Trophy (MGCC – ueensland), and the uffield Oceania Trophy (MGCC – Western Australia). Tuesday morning brought the Farewell Breakfast and departure for most, although a post-breakfast Delegates Meeting was held. This was the time to run through any lessons learned and for next year’s atmeet organisers in Adelaide to ponder on the high bar set by the Perth clubs.

Steve Hill’s 1961 Australian-built MGA undergoing first day scrutineering. Note number plate.

JUNE 2016 SAFETY FAST! 71

CENTRES

ABINGDON WORKS

PETE DAVIES p.davies@mgabingdon.org.uk www.mgabingdon.co.uk I must start with last month’s AWC St George’s Day Run which was enjoyed by all humans and canines that took part. The visit to the Woollen Weavers in The Filkins was such a good venue that it was heard from several members that they would be definitely returning either as individuals or they would be organising their own event to this Museum. The day started superbly. Bright sunshine and a great starting point from MIELE in Abingdon. The run through Cotswold chocolate box villages took even local owners to places they had not visited before. A fuller report and photographs can be found on our impressive website.

Since the deadline for this SF! inclusion passed, the region covered by the AWC has seen many activities enjoyed by its members. The Centre has enjoyed the 24th run of the traditional Old Speckled Hen event. The Chesham Natter has completed its 14th Spring Chicken run and both the AWC Wanderers and New Forest Natters have held their Lunchtime Natters. Just looking at the AWC website Calendar page shows a multitude of get-togethers that volunteers have organised. The Pickled Ploughman, Four Points, Five Arrows, Chesham, Cricketers, Full Moon and Chequers. The Phoenix, Bell Inn, Deers Hut, Shire Horse, White Horse and Prince of

ANGLIA

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

Autotests The Anglia Centre will be running two events this year. Both will be held at the CITB site, Bircham Newton, Kings Lynn, Norfolk, PE31 6RH, on May 22 and September 25. The location is a smooth tarmac site and has the benefit of nearby toilet facilities, and we hope to have a burger van to provide eats and drinks.

Regulations and entry forms can be downloaded from the Centre website; they can be printed and

sent direct to me, Mike Pelling. I can also send you some paper copies if you wish. Marshals are required for both events so any volunteers to assist would be much appreciated. I can be contacted by telephone or email, details below. Invites to additional Autotests and Autosolos organised by other clubs will also be posted on the Centre website.

Lincolnshire Centre Autotest dates are May 8 and September 11. Details and entry forms are available from Dave Stonehouse, tel: 01790 754774, davidstonehouse1@btinternet.com Events MGLive! June 4–5: once again the Centre will be having a stand in the

72 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2016

Wales. All these idyllically named venues are included each month, which hold our AWC Region Natters. Information on individual Natter nights and locations are contained on the website.

Whether just trying to decide which MG to purchase or which one of the stable you’re going to use this next weekend, why not visit one of these gatherings, not only for car talk and a bit of the old social bonding but it tends to lead to new lasting friendships. It may even lead to you attending our next organised event.

We are all looking forward to the pending main Car Club fabulous MGLive! weekend, where you can come and visit members of the AWC Committee at the stand in the Marquee. This is just one event of many each weekend, from small village gatherings to major marque extravaganzas in which we could all partake. The

Main Club Marquee. The theme this year is ‘Heritage’. Our intention is to represent the theme with a pictorial and memorabilia display of the history of the Anglia Centre. Also, help to man the stand over the week end would be appreciated.

Helpers could qualify for complimentary volunteer day or weekend entry tickets dependant on the amount of time given.

Topcroft Country Day Norfolk, Sunday June 19, Bungay NR35 2BJ: free entry for classic cars, contact Kevin Andrews 01508 482647, 07736 747488, email kevin-andrews@live.co.uk for details and booking.

RAF Marham Charity Fun Day, Sunday June 26: as well as the Centre picnic organised by Roger Latham, the Anglia Centre will be having a stand at the RAF Marham Charity Fun Day to cater for those in the north of the

Enjoying the AWC St George’s Day Run

AWC, always looking to keep our members busy, have organised the next event in the southern hemisphere of our region: our ‘MGs in The Deep South’ event on Sunday July 24, a visit to The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu with privileged parking on the main arena and a discounted rate. You will have access to all areas. This will be a full day out. Contact Malcolm, the AWC Secretary (01425 616896) or look it up on the website for an entry form. Don’t just stop there, why not browse the Calendar and decide on joining us on other days.

Finally for this month, we welcome all new members. From Bull Nose to MG3, all are part of a worldwide friendly family.

Enjoying the AWC St George’s Day Run

Centre. There will be other car clubs in attendance, also 20-plus trade and craft stalls. Entry will be via a £5 book of raffle tickets. To book a place, contact Mike Pelling on compsec@mgccanglia.com or 01366 386944 Anglia Summer Picnic The annual Summer Picnic is fast approaching and will this year be held at Audley End House, Saffron Walden. Booking forms can be found on the Club website, and were printed in the May edition of Safety Fast!. You can also get information from Roger Latham on 01702 580472.

To whet your appetite for Silverstone, the photos this month are of Guy Samuels waiting in the race holding area in his immaculate class A/B MGB Roadster, along with a study of the B engine bay.

www.mgcc.co.uk

A day out at the home of Lord Montague, in the beautiful New Forest, in the deep south of Hampshire.

Beaulieu is an award winning day out with something for everyone. One ticket includes access to the National Motor Museum, On-Screen Cars, World of Top Gear, Secret Army Exhibition, the Palace House and Beaulieu Abbey, as well as full access to the beautiful grounds and gardens. Open from 10.00am.

In addition to access to privileged parking for our cars in the tarmac main arena we have also negotiated a group rate of just £15.00 per person (normally £24.00 for adults and £23 for concessions).

In order to take advantage of the special price all entries must be pre-paid. We will send you a receipt and you will need to present it to the Beaulieu staff member on the gate on the day to obtain your entry ticket. Please complete the form below. ...................................................................................................................................................................

Send this form, or a photocopy, with a cheque for £15.00 per person, payable to MGCC AWC to: Malcolm Bailey, 5 Parkview Mews, Station Road, New Milton, BH25 6NA. Phone: 01425 616896 or email: me@malcb.uk If you do not have an email address please include a S.A.E. for your receipt.

Tickets details:

Number of people @ £15.00 each ........

Cheque enclosed for £...................

Name: ............................................................................................................................................................................

Address: ........................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................Postcode : .............................

Daytime Tel No : .................................................................. Mobile No : ..................................................................

Email : ..........................................................................................................................................................................

Car Model : .....................................................................................................

Reg No : ............................................

This form can also be downloaded - www.mgabingdon.co.uk/event/mgs-in-the-deep-south/?instance_id=728

CENTRES

CALEDONIAN

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

By the time you read this, both visits to the being-built aircraft carrier at Rosyth will have passed…. From what I heard on the first visit it certainly was a worthwhile and unfortunately probably an unlikely to be repeated day!

It’s hard to believe that the year is almost half way through! If you haven’t yet been to a Caledonian event then why not try one of the following?

We will be at MGLive! in a few days. Can’t tell you the theme for our stand so if you are at Silverstone pop in the main marquee to find out! The same weekend we are at Thirlestane Castle so whether you are in Scotland or England that weekend

we have something for you!

The next event this month has a date change! The West Coast Open Day will be on Saturday June 18 not on Sunday 19. This is an informal afternoon based near Lanark which will allow you to meet other members in the vicinity and to meet your committee. Hopefully the weather will be good but we are at least guaranteed that the food will be.

See you there?

The following weekend on June 26 we have a run starting at the Kelpies near Falkirk and heading for Auchterarder for lunch before finishing near Lennoxtown. It promises to be a good run, check the website for details.

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

It is with great regret that we have to inform members that Devon and Cornwall Centre stalwart Annie Short passed away. She was so effervescent and bought enjoyment to whoever she met.

Our thoughts go out to Tony and family.

The Brian Williams Spring Run was a different format this year as we all met in Camelford for the start, and the finish was on the Bodmin Moor at the Cheesering in time for lunch. On the route we had to observe and write down answers which might help when asked questions during lunch so our minds were stretched. There were observations that we did not see but the winners were Paul and

74 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2016

Karen Alderton and ‘the car of choice’ was Alan and Verona Davis’s blue MGB Roadster.

The Drive-It-Day Run organised by the South Ham Natter started at Tamar View Nurseries, just over the border in Cornwall. After parking our cars all together in the reserved parking we adjourned for coffee.

A suggested route was supplied and following the country roads we arrived at St Breward at the requested time of 2.00pm for

D & C Treasurer Barry Smith at the start of Spring Run. Photo: Alan Davis

If you missed your entry for Glamis then there might be a cancellation available so contact me if you are interested. We have lots of plans for our display!

If you live in Ayrshire or surrounding areas why not join us at Kames near Muirkirk on August 7? This is a small, friendly and interesting show which we have attended in the last couple of years. It’s well worth a visit and again it’s on our website.

There is still time to enter the Royal Deeside Speed Festival at Kincardine Castle on August 21.

It’s a new event but put together by very experienced organisers so should be good. Check the website again.

There may still be a place available on the Five Day Tour planned for August 8-12. This will be held in the Portpatrick, Mull of Galloway and Keilder forest areas. These are very relaxing tours but with good drives and of course good company. Interested? Ask Tony Smith or myself to find out if there is a place.

There is something in this list for everyone almost irrespective of where you are.

Which event will we see you at?

And remember our focus on 15 years of ZEDs… but we want ALL MGs especially the older ones! Keep in touch if you have any requests.

Some of the MGs that took part on the Aircraft Carrier visit

lunch. Plenty of scenery en-route and the weather, hoods down all the way. The Old Inn was right out in the sticks, with views of far reaching countryside. Such a busy place that parking required a long walk but the ‘mini’ carvery roast was huge. Thanks to Graeme for putting this event on.

The Cornish Riviera Run takes place on Sunday September 11, starting at Plymouth Science Park from 8.30am. The Tavistock Town Crier will flag the cars away at 10.30am after judging the car of his choice. After travelling here and there, the lunch break is at Trevathan Farm, near Wadebridge.

Carvery lunch or soup is pre-booked but coffee and cake can be purchased if you prefer.

Afterwards, a gentle drive to The Headland Hotel in Newquay for a cream tea, here’s hoping the weather will be kind to us, to see

the surfers coming in on their boards. Anybody interested in marshalling at this event please email: allegropeter@aol.com, we’re very grateful for any help.

Events For Your Diary June 19 – ACE Run – Contact Terry Bolt now on 01579 383497, 07432 103223, terry@terrybolt. plus.com or entry form from the website.

July 9-10 – Powderham Classic Car Show.

July 24 – Torbay Old Wheels Club Classic Car Show, The Green, Paignton – al.an@talkttalk.net August 2 – Mount Edgecumbe American & Classic Car Show.

MGs assemble for the start of DriveIt-Day at Tamar Valley Garden Centre.

Photo: Alan Davis www.mgcc.co.uk

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JUNE 2016 SAFETY FAST! 75

CENTRES

LINCOLNSHIRE

JOHN HEBB 01522 683541 jhebb38@virginmedia.com www.mgcclincolnshire.co.uk June Natters: Wolds Wednesday 1; Lincolnshire Poacher Friday 3; Wishing Well Wednesday 8; Abbey Lodge Monday 13; Three Horseshoes Thursday 16 (Landlords Choice); Admiral Nelson Thursday 23.

June Events: MGLive!

Silverstone Saturday 4 – Sunday

LWB Winner Robert Taylor in action. Photo: Peter Ellis

5, Champagne Run Reims Saturday 18 – Wednesday 22 (Robert Welch 01724 764144); Sunday 26 Summer Social Run. Luncheon Club: Wednesday 15.

Early July Natters: Lincolnshire Poacher Friday 1; Wolds Wednesday 6.

The Centre held its first Autotest of the year on April 10 at East Kirkby in pleasant sunshine, with 14 entrants (13 starters). Six tests of varying complexity were completed before lunch, followed by a final six. The Fastest Time of Day was achieved by Malcolm Clark in his Specials Class Midget,

MIDLANDS

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

The next big one is MGLive! The Midland Centre committee, with help from the Natters, orchestrated

by Lech Zachrzewski, organises the camping arrangements. This takes some work but shared between a group of marshals it is a lot of fun with plenty of banter. If you can help to set up on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning along with a rota on Friday afternoon and Saturday afternoon to welcome campers, there is a weekend ticket and a camping voucher in it as a thank you; contact Lech on 01789 294753.

By the time you read this the Welsh Rallye will be history, it will have been a lot of laughs with a chance to enjoy some mountain scenery.

Recent activity on the eastern side of the Centre is dominated by Drive It Day; it gets better every year with strong support from

76 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2016

classic car enthusiasts. Kilsby had 25 cars, a record, leave the George en-route for Bloom’s Garden Centre at Princethorpe. Organisers Dave and Linda Cotgrave had printed a few extra route cards just to be on the safe side. The weather was cold but bright.

Around 300 classic, vintage, kit cars and ‘specials’ took to the roads of Rutland, Northamptonshire and Cambridgeshire in April, to retrace the route taken to transport cheese in the 18th century. The Stilton Cheese Classic Vehicle Run is organised by the Kettering Area Motor Club and the Citroen Specials Club and coincides with the FBHVC event.

the winner of the LWB Class was Robert Taylor (MGA), second was Steve Hall (MG TF), with Mike Carter (Reliant SS) third. The Specials Class was won by Robert Welch (Midget), with Oliver Wild second (MX5) and Sarah Barnes third (MX5) – by one second! Ena Fox was first in the SWB Class, Bryan Pack was second, again by one second and Nigel Pack third, all in Midgets. The Saloon Class was won by Geoff Hirst (MG3) with John Hebb second (MG3).

Thanks to David Stonehouse and the marshals for the organisation April 24 was Drive it Day. This year all roads led to Gunby Hall with some 58 cars making it in somewhat indifferent weather.

Nevertheless a very enjoyable day, the house and gardens are always

Seven cars from North Leicester MG Club set out from Barrow on Soar in Leicestershire at 8 o’clock to rendezvous with four more Club MGs in a layby on the eastbound A47 before heading to the start in Uppingham. Having decided which of the two alternative routes to take, the North Leicester contingent set off in convoy, arriving at the coffee stop at New Lodge Farm to find around one hundred vehicles already lined up. There was something for everyone with every decade since the 1920s represented, including, of course, a large turnout of MGs. As might be expected from such a wellestablished event, everything runs very smoothly, despite the large number of cars involved. The proceeds are donated to the Air Ambulance Services covering Northamptonshire, Warwickshire,

North Leicester MG Club cars in Uppingham Market square for registration

Fastest Time of Day Winner Malcolm Clark. Photo: Peter Ellis

worth a visit. John and Denise Taylor won the Treasure Hunt and in the Pride of Ownership (the cars selected by Gunby’s Head Gardener Clive Ironmonger) the winner of the Non MG Class was the Austin Montego of Peter Holmes, second was John McEwan (Morris Traveller) and third was Keith Clifton (Morris 1000). First of the MGs was the MG Metro of Simon Goldsworthy, second the Midget of Mark Rushby, third Mike Parker (MG TA), fourth John Taylor (MG Magnette) and fifth Adrian Wilson (MGB GT). Again thanks to David and the route organisers, also thanks to the marshals and finally to Gunby Hall.

Leicestershire, Rutland and Cambridgeshire.

A party of a dozen racing enthusiasts from Kilsby went to the VSCC Spring Start meeting at Silverstone on April 23. Eleven races with plenty of MGs participating: PA, PB, M and J type, an A, the Playford special and a Dick Jacobs Le Mans TC replica all rushing round the National circuit to good effect in front of delighted spectators who saw plenty of racing, lapping and overtaking.

A longstanding and popular day out on the eastern side is the Ratae Run organised by South Leicestershire MG club on Sunday June 12, starting at Broughton and finishing at Belvoir castle.

The Arden MG Group will hold their Heritage Run on Sunday June 19 from the Wyevale Garden Centre in Stratford-upon-Avon, destination is the Ashby Magna Vintage Festival.

The Midland Centre website has all the details: www.mg-cars. org.uk/mgccmidlandcentre/

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Marldon Rd Ipplepen Devon TQ12 5TY JUNE 2016 SAFETY FAST! 77

CENTRES

NORTH WEST PAUL GOODMAN 01625 876300

This edition of Safety Fast! will reach you before MGLive! The news is that we have a superb entry for the Stowe Circuit Sprint on Sunday June 5. The majority are MGs, but we also have a substantial number of TVRs, Austin Healeys and modern Lotus sports cars. There is still time for you to volunteer as a marshal either on or off the track. Please contact me if you are interested.

Our major local event this month is the annual Plough and Flail Concours and summer gathering. This will be on Tuesday June 21. Please turn out and support what has become a bigger event each year. There will be dedicated parking areas for each model of MG and we will

also be welcoming cars from some other local classic car clubs.

Please try to arrive by 7pm if you can, but we appreciate that some members will be coming from work and so room will be left for late arrivals. Every member has the opportunity to nominate their favourite cars and there will be an awards presentation at the end of the evening.

Two other social events this month will be the Old Hall Farm Pub gathering on Tuesday June 14 and the summer Wednesday lunchtime meeting on June 29 at The Wizard, Macclesfield Road, Nether Alderley, SK10 4UB. The competitors in the Luffield Speed Championship will be out at Aintree on Saturday

SOUTH EAST

JOHN BENNETT johndotbennett@tiscali.co.uk www.mgcars.org.uk/mgccse/

It’s me again because still nobody has come forward to take up the scriptorial mantle despite my offering a bottle of bubbly as a bribe during the Dinner Dance. I guess that everyone was having too much fun at that excellent evening to give the matter serious thought! The offer still stands though, so how about it?

My spies tell me that both Brooklands and the Spring Run to the RE Museum at Gillingham were a great success, as the photo below from the museum testifies.

It would be nice to note that all vehicles in the shot were built in Abingdon, where tanks were made during the War after all, but I suspect that is not the case.

A glance at the ‘Events’ section of the website reminds me

78 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2016

the largest MG gathering in the known Universe takes place in the shape of MGLive! at Silverstone on June 4-5 where our Centre has a stand. The good news is that this is already fully manned, shouldn’t it be ‘personned’, so all you have to do is turn up and enjoy the day, or even the entire weekend! Where else can you indulge your MG mania in so many different ways? You can admire the concours entries, pick up spares in the trade area, enter a competition or two, watch the racing, or, best of all, visit the SE Centre stand!

MGF shelters beneath the Woodford Vulcan on Drive It Day. Photo: Paul Goodman

June 25. They will be running against the clock alongside the famous Grand National fences. If you are in the area, then pop along and give them some support.

The fourth round of the Cockshoot Cup will be run at the Mallory Park race circuit on July 3. The MGCC race meeting is going to have several major Register gatherings including the MGC Register event. Mallory Park Race Circuit is tucked away in the village of Kirby Mallory and is an easy drive from the north west either by motorway or

through Staffordshire. Nearly all the circuit can be seen from the spectator banks, and with a short lap, the racing is always fast and furious.

Hopefully, you will have all been out at MG events with your cameras. The closing date for our photo competition is August 31 and the winning pictures will be displayed on the Club stand at the EventCity show on September 17 and 18. To enter you can either email your jpeg to paul. goodman7@ntlworld.com or send a link to a ‘cloud’ file which we can download.

The following Thursday will see many of us set off for Le Touquet to attend the European Event of the Year. How well I remember the last time that France played host and I found myself driving round the Royat circuit near Clemont-Ferrand in a sick V8 that would only run flat out! Less drama this time please! I also remember how well the event was run so I have high hopes for a great time this year.

Mallory Park plays host to the MGC Register’s Racing Weekend on July 2-3. Jon Glover has the details on 07802 318950. I remember the review of the ‘C’ when it was new which claimed that it had been greeted with ‘all the enthusiasm of a lighted match

in a Zeppelin’! That may have been true then but now the model has fervent protagonists, none more so than Jon himself who proves the point by currently being on his second ‘C’.

The Summer Gathering is planned for August 7 as Philip mentioned last month. The venue is the Historic Dockyard in Chatham. This really does have some fascinating exhibits from the display that demonstrates how Nelsonian ships of the line were designed, to a Cold War submarine whose interior is seriously claustrophobic, not forgetting the amazing ropeworks that is still operational. The plan is to lay on a vintage bus to take interested parties to Rochester Castle for a personal guided tour but we have yet to have this confirmed by the bus driver although we remain hopeful!

MGs fronting a Churchill tank at the RE Museum Gillingham. Photo: Piers Hubbard

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JUNE 2016 SAFETY FAST! 79

CENTRES

SOUTH WEST

ANDREW OWST 01761 221893 andrewowst@hotmail.com www.mgccsw.com When I penned these notes three months ago I opened with a few words about the serious amount of work which was long overdue on my wife’s well-used MGB GT. Most of the winter has been spent cutting out rot and welding in new panels but I am pleased to report that the bodyshell has now been resprayed in its original

MGs gather for the start of the Kimber Classic Trial. Photo: Simon Lott

Harvest Gold by our local garage and they have done an excellent job.

The one competitive event that took place during last month was The Kimber Classic Car Trial on Saturday April 9. This is one of the Centre’s largest events and we enjoyed an excellent entry of 42 cars of which only three were post 1960! The oldest car was an 18/80 and there were no fewer than 23 MMM cars entered, seven T Types and what a fantastic sight they made. The rest of the MG entry consisted of an MGA, three Midgets and one MGB GT. Two Cream Cracker ex works trials cars, a P type and T type were entered and the non MG was also very interesting

TYNE TEES

NOEL LINDFORD noel.lindford@btinternet.com

The Cobweb Run 2016: Took place on Drive It Day, April 24.

Organised by Ian Graham, this 107 mile run attracted a 55 car entry at Brocksbushes Farm, near Corbridge, The route took us across Northumberland towards Kielder Forest, before motoring north into the Scottish Borders for the first scheduled halt at Newcastleton. We then headed back across the border to Lanercost Priory, before heading offon the final leg. With the sun now shining, it was top-down motoring over winding roads and arrow-straight Roman roads, heading back to Corbridge and the finish at Brocksbushes Farm.

While we all enjoyed a splendid cream tea, our guest judge

80 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2016

for the day chose the cars he would like to drive home, which were: Ian Fair’s MG TA Tickford, Trevor Leighton’s MG RV8 and Adrian Read’s Healey 3000. Thanks to Ian, Lyn Ebdon and all the marshals, especially to Owen and Pam Frankland who drove all the way from Eaglescliffe in their MGB GT to manage the signing on for us!

Events coming up Saturday June 11: Scruton Village Fete. Organiser Tony Wood invites Tyne-Tees members to display their MG at this excellent village fete, not far from Northallerton. Event starts at 1.30pm.

Sunday June 12: Prince Bishops & St Cuthbert’s Run. Once again the Prince Bishops Run starts from Stokesley, and the concurrent St

with two Austin Seven Grasshoppers, two Austin Seven Ulsters, two Dellows and a Model A Ford. At the start at the Lanes Hotel, near Yeovil, the sun shone but unfortunately this was short lived and the promised rain soon came. Together with the heavy rains over the previous weeks, this meant that two hills had to be cancelled. Space prevents listing all the award winners but the results are published on our website. Finally many thanks are due to Bruce Weston, Clerk of the Course assisted by Alan Grassam, and all those who turned out to marshal. Many more of Simon’s photos are on the Centre Facebook page.

As regards to future events, there is of course the Club’s largest event, MGLive! at Silverstone on June 4-5. The South West Centre is responsible for running the California Cup

Autotests on the Saturday morning, and volunteers to marshal would be very welcome.

The Classic Car Show at the Showground, Shepton Mallet takes place over the weekend of June 12-13 and as usual we will have a stand. The show is not to be missed and please come and see us at our stand. Better still please volunteer to assist on the stand for part of the weekend.

Volunteers should contact Jim Lott on chairman@mgccsw.com The MGs on Grass 2 Autotests at Claverham were originally scheduled for June 26, but these will now take place on Sunday July 31 due to organiser’s holiday commitments.

Finally our Midsummer Social Run takes place on Sunday July 10 near Ilminster. Details can be found on our website or contact Alan Diamond on 01934 415764.

Cuthbert’s Run starts from the harbour at Seahouses. Both runs finish on Palace Green in front of Durham Cathedral. Entry list closes June 3. Details from Noel Lindford on 0191 5870753 or email to noel. lindford@btinternet.com Sunday July 3: Classics in Corbridge. We will have a major display at this excellent event. Log onto the Eventbrite website to register at: www.eventbrite.co. uk/e/classics-in-corbridge-2016tickets-21726270861 or contact Bob Heslop on 0191 268 4863 for more information.

August 6 & 7: Croft Nostalgia Weekend. Please complete the booking form on Croft Circuit’s website or get a form from Noel asap and post it to Croft Circuit.

Please remember to enter ‘MG Car Club Tyne-Tees Centre’.

Helen Wood 1954–2016 Older members of Tyne Tees Centre

and the Club in general will remember Helen, right hand woman and general organiser of Tyne Tees member Tony Wood.

Helen entered the MGCC world when she met Tony who at that time was Centre Secretary. Whilst not a competitor she became an excellent organiser, specialising in the popular weekend events which used to attract up to 200 cars with camping and catering to match.

She became Tyne Tees Scribe for Safety Fast! in the 1980s, writing with warmth and wit and always following the principle that everyone should get a mention where possible, not just the winners.

Family life and business took them away from MGCC life and just as they were putting a toe back in the water in their ex racing TC, Helen fell ill and all plans went on hold; sadly she died in early March after a spirited and courageous struggle.

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03/02/2015 JUNE 2016 SAFETY FAST!16:22:53 81

CENTRES

YORKSHIRE

DAVID COPEMAN 07920 064585 www.mgccyorkshire.co.uk North – Ken Cothliff On Sunday April 10, 16 MGs set off ‘on safari’ to South West Wales.

We all stayed at The Cleddau Bridge Hotel in Pembroke Dock. Over the three days we were in South Wales, we visited Tenby, Pendine Sands and various outlets such as wineries and chocolate and cheese factories, and finally Pembroke Castle. The beaches in the area are beautiful, especially those at Freshwater Bay. Some of our party took to the high seas for a boat trip around the ornithological haven of Skomer Island.

Mike and Val Payne have to be congratulated for organising a great trip.

South – Geoff Norcliffe There was more than one type of historic transport featured in South Yorkshire’s Drive It Day Run when members visited the Yorkshire Waterways Museum at Goole. Our route covered 50

miles from the breakfast start, following the course of the River Trent to get us to our destination where we were able to take a trip on a historic restored vessel around the docks. Information was given about the history of the waterways and such interesting innovations as ‘Tom Puddings’ used from 1863 to 1985 – google that one. The local newspaper had a photographer on hand to picture some of the collection of MGs attending the event, and he was very taken with the concept of Drive It Day. The Natter welcomed new member Andy, returning to MG ownership with a TF after having owned a B a few years ago. As we have the longer days now, our evening runs are commencing and details are available on Natter evenings.

East – Brian Rylance The Fun Horse Race Natter organised by Stewart was greatly enjoyed by all and was voted to become a regular

ULSTER

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

We wish to thank Mike Dowey for organising the May Run to The Argory, about which a report will be posted in next month’s epistle.

We hope to have another one during the summer months too so keep your eyes peeled.

John Clarke, our Chairman, is currently rebuilding Betsy, his orange MGB roadster, and at the

82 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2016

moment is working on the timing and other fiddly issues hoping to have it out again very soon. He swapped his Mazda MX5 for a red BMW Z something or other which has been nick-named ‘a hairdresser’s car’ as he needed a road car for the next week or so until his new one arrives. He has been on the receiving end of

event. Punter Carl Reid won by making the most ‘money’, with Jill Thornton coming second.

The weekend at Fort Paull started badly with heavy rain on Friday keeping caravan occupants awake most of the night. Saturday, after a dry morning we braved hailstones and snow but fortunately on Sunday it was blue sky and sunshine for the show. Entrant numbers were down due to the poor forecast. Jill Thornton with her 1974 MGB was best car on our Club stand and Chris and June Worsman came first in their class with their 1972 MGB. West – David Copeman West Yorkshire members had an evening visit to the Bradford Police Museum, Bradford’s original police station 1874-1974 in Bradford’s Town Hall.

We were given an insight into what a day in the life of a 19th century policeman was like, shown to the cells, one which Houdini was locked in and escaped from.

The Court Room is still in its original condition, but only used by television and film

incessant teasing for the past while, but he does need the leg room it offers. It will be great to have another MG out at events.

Looking forward to our PCTs later on this year, Mark Brien uses his TD for these and is encouraging his daughter Anna to take part. We have great fields in which to hold these and the fun element seems to encourage good entries – long may that continue!

If there is anybody out there who does not receive their

crews these days. The displays and knowledge of the guides is excellent and very informative, well worth a visit.

Vale of York – Ken Cothliff The inaugural lunchtime meeting of the Vale of York Natter took place at the Mason’s Arms, Hopperton on April 21 with 19 MGs of all ages getting together in bright sunshine. The pub allocated their snug bar area for us and MGCC members came from all points of the compass, mostly in the York, Ripon, Harrogate and Leeds areas, but also Halifax and South and East Yorkshire. Our Yorkshire Centre president, Alan Dakeyne, supported us with his MG Magnette.

24/39 Group Bob and Beth Walker very kindly again organised the finish venue for Drive It Day. This was to be the Yorkshire Smoke House, with over 20 MGs attending the run, including cars from North and West Natters and two cars travelling from Lancashire it was a great day.

information electronically, please send me your email address and we will add you to our mailshot.

We work on a limited income as our funds are self-generated through our events, and with the prohibitive cost of postage this is the most satisfactory way for us to send out information.

Our most popular events are the autotests and PCTs but we would like to hear from the rest of you about the sort of activities you enjoy and, if practical, would like us to hold.

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JUNE 2016 SAFETY FAST! 83

1

REGISTERS

VINTAGE

JOHN VENABLES 01865 862573 johnandtriciav@gmail.com

You should receive this just before MGLive! at Silverstone, and a last minute request for goods we can sell from our stand in the main marquee. The system is that you receive 80% of the sale price, you decide the price you want to accept. Goods can be anything from unwanted spares for any MG, toys, jigsaws, we even sold some tomato plants last year!

Spotlights are a good buy as well, and tools are popular. This is the one chance we have to raise funds for the Register. Please price your goods and it is very helpful if you can provide a list of your goodies. We are planning a rather special stand as the heritage theme does rather play into the hands of the Vintage Register due

to the age of our cars, as we are the heritage of the MG Marque. We look forward to meeting many visitors to the stand.

We held our Spring Event at Dumbleton Hall, near Broadway in the Cotswolds between April 18 and 22, and I feel the event went off very well as usual. We

ANNE BUSH svw.safety.fast@gmail.com www.svwregister.co.uk/

84 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2016

There was a run through to a village 20kms from here and the locals lined the route cheering and waving at the cars as they passed by. A couple of weeks ago we took part in our first run with a club about an hour from us and it was advertised as a run with a picnic. The club was providing celebratory cake and wine as it was the 30th anniversary event.

Not sure what to expect, we got to the meeting point and were welcomed by the French and some other English members alike. As we were waiting to leave on the run, we were handed a map which did not give much detail of the route, which seemed strange, as did the arrival of a number of motorbikes from a

The two black swans seen at Dumbleton Hall

comment further as Tricia and I were the organisers. We had 14 cars entered and most stayed for the whole event. The hotel has very special traffic calming devices called lambs who run across as you arrive, and also two black swans with a brood of five cygnets, which was great to see.

Hope to see you all on June 4-5 at MGLive!.

MGs assemble at Dumbleton Hall

SVW

Just a reminder that it is the last chance to book for the SVW Register Rally in the beautiful Ardennes Region of Belgium on June 14-16 2016. There are very few rooms left and further details are available on the SVW Register Website under the ‘Social Events Section’.

As most of you are aware, we now live in France and have joined some car clubs local to us.

Since the beginning of April, the car meets and shows have started again in earnest and like the UK, there has been an event most weekends.

On Easter Sunday, we joined an impromptu gathering which was arranged as part of the town twinning association in Gorron.

visited, and had a trip on a steam railway from Toddington, and were entertained by the fat controller. We then visited Sudeley Castle, Silk Mill which is fascinating (ladies like this one), Broadway Tower and the town as well. We then went to Chavenage House on the last day, a very original Elizabethan manor with a very interesting history, with a guided tour by the owner.

Dumbleton Hall looked after us very well and their menus were superb. It is difficult for me to

local club. Once we got underway, the reason for the motorbikes became clear as they were acting as outriders and blocking junctions so the cars could keep moving and keep in a convoy. We had a run around the lake and dam at Vezins before heading back for lunch. The local village hall in Saint-Quentin-surle-Homme had been booked as the venue for the picnic with

tables and chairs provided, so when the predicted showers came, lunch could continue without interruption.

After lunch, there was another run which took in a visit to a chateau, some spectacular scenery and some roads which wouldn’t be out of place on a rally stage through a forest. The day concluded with more food and drinks before leaving for home.

Keith and Anne Bush’s VA saloon parked in Avranches at the regular monthly meeting of the Avranches club.

www.mgcc.co.uk

REGISTERS

T TYPE

JOHN WARD 01621 773606 johnw.ward@yahoo.co.uk www.tregister.org This is the final calling to celebrate the 80 years since the T Types came into being and for you to be at Silverstone for MGLive! on June 4-5.

You should be receiving this issue on about May 21 and the last booking date for discounted tickets is May 26 so still time to come and join us at the premier MG Event of the Year MGLive!, especially for all those fabulous TAs that were at Brooklands on April 10.

In honour of this auspicious occasion we are putting on a display of TA and TB models in the Events Arena on Saturday and Sunday afternoon which will be hosted by Ant Anstead, star of The Love of Cars and Building Cars Live shows.

Naturally of course all you T Types are most welcome; there will be the usual allocated parking bays but do try to get there early in order for me to get you all in, pleased to say though that it is always good to see so many of

MAGNETTE

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

Black Country Living Museum and Wroxall – July 2-3 There’s a full programme and booking information for the BCLM and Wroxall weekend on magnette.org, or you could phone Alan Cleobury (01564 702300). If you’re not dining or staying at Wroxall Abbey Hotel you can of course just turn up on the Saturday and/or Sunday, but as always it would be useful to know numbers in advance. As previously mentioned, the Register AGM will take place at the hotel on July 3 (11am) and we also hope to award the NTG Concours Trophy during the weekend.

History brought to life at BCLM

www.mgcc.co.uk

Magnette valuation Committee members are often asked to advise about Magnette valuation, both for insurance purposes and by those looking to sell, so we had some discussion at the last committee meeting about guide prices.

As with most classics, bodywork (and interior) condition is the biggest single factor determining value. However compared to most other MG models there are relatively few changing hands, therefore it can be more difficult to establish an average price for the various condition rankings.

It’s clear from scanning eBay that ‘restoration project’ cars are still attracting bids from a few hundred pounds up to possibly £2-3,000, whilst at the top end we know a number of ‘concours’ examples have sold for around £20,000, both privately and through dealers, although the

you at this event.

There is a special request from the MGLive! committee to encourage more cars to participate in the California Cup Autotest which takes place on the Saturday morning. This is a fun contest open to all MG Car Club Members in various classes in any road going MG. Teams of three cars from all the Centres and Registers have been asked to participate, and it is hoped the T Register will enter a team. The contest is held on tarmac in the large car park near the main entrance and the tests are designed specifically with the MG in mind, whatever that means.

Contact secretary Sally Silcock if

latter naturally tend to set higher prices – £12-15,000 is more common for outstanding condition in a private sale.

The less clear area is in between these extremes, particularly as sellers may have widely different views as to which end their Magnette belongs. A roadworthy car needing some cosmetic bodywork attention could fetch up to £8,000, while above that price you would expect a very tidy and usable example. If you’re new to Magnettes and looking to buy, it can be difficult to know exactly what to look for, or how to judge the quality of a restoration, and we’ll always try to help put you in touch with a knowledgeable owner.

Mechanical originality is perhaps less at a premium for Magnettes than with other models. Modifications such as an engine swap to MGB 1800cc or an overdrive or 5-speed gearbox may actually increase the value as they generally make the car more pleasant to drive long distance.

On the other hand Magnette

Ray Bird’s spectacular TA just as it would have looked in 1936

you would wish to partake, telephone 01525 750468.

The now well established free ‘drinks and nibbles’ will be available at the XPAG Specials Marquee in the racing paddock from late afternoon, and if anyone has a President’s Dinner ticket for Saturday evening and wishes to join the T Register table let Bill Silcock know as soon as possible, telephone as above.

enthusiasts are fairly conservative when it comes to colour, so anything other than the original single colour and Varitone schemes is likely to discourage some potential buyers.

Magnette Register 2016 AGM Venue: Wroxall Abbey Hotel, Birmingham Road, Wroxall CV35 7NB. Meet in the courtyard block, to the right of the main house Date: Sunday July 3 Time: 11am. Complimentary tea/ coffee will be available in the Courtyard from 10.30am Agenda 1. Apologies 2. Minutes of last AGM 3. Matters arising 4. Officers’ Reports 5. Election of officers and committee (all existing officers are willing to stand again) 6. Any other business For any apologies, or items for the agenda, please contact the Secretary Clive Webb (01905 821115 or cdwebb63@gmail.com)

JUNE 2016 SAFETY FAST! 85

REGISTERS

MGA

EDWARD VANDYK 01488 608810 mgascribe@vandyk.co.uk MGLive! is just around the corner and we are hoping to see as many MGA owners as possible there.

There will be both an MGA Register and a Twin-Cam Group presence in the Main Marquee, come and say hello!

South West MGA Day – Sunday July 10 – The Somerset Levels and Quantocks Tour – Starting point and time – Terry Drinkwater’s Garage, A38 Lower Weare, Axbridge, Somerset, 9.00am for a 9.30 start. Destination Hestercombe House and Gardens near Taunton. Entry Fee for House and Gardens £7.45 per person (group rate). Entry Fee per car £7 to include route book and refreshments at the start. To register please email alanwhitfield323@btinternet.com quoting club membership number, car registration and names of participants.

See www.hestercombe.com/ for information about Hestercombe House.

Scottish MGA Day – July 31 (provisional) – Our Scottish Representative, George Rome, will be organising this one-day touring event north of the Border. Full details will be announced in the near future.

MGA Day – Sunday August 14 – MGA Day Supremo, Jon Pollard, has once again set the ball rolling for our annual summer get together. This time it will take place at the National Trust’s Charlecote Park in Warwickshire. No booking is necessary, but NT members must bring their cards for free entry.

Watch the MGA Register website for further details.

Rare Breeds Tour and Stockfest Car Show – Sunday August 21 – Arranged for MGAs of all varieties, although other breeds are both welcome and invited, and organised by your scribe. This will comprise a morning tour returning at lunch time (registration necessary) followed by a car show (just turn up) with beer, food and entertainment until 8pm. Part of our village festival with something for everyone including a vintage fair and open gardens. www. rarebreedstour.co.uk or www. stockfestcarshow.co.uk MGA Register Autumn Weekend in North Norfolk – Friday-Monday September 23-26 – This touring weekend will, as usual, follow a similar format to the Spring Weekend. The chosen location is Norfolk and our base will be the Park Farm Hotel near

MGB

DAVID BROADHURST newsletter-editor@mgb-register.org www.mgb-register.org The photograph is a quite historic document because it marks a watershed in the annals of the MGB Register. Three stalwarts of the Register Committee have stood down and the occasion was marked by a luncheon at The

86 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2016

Lamb and Flag at Southmoor and presentation of the three cartoons.

Bernard Rengger, Roger Boys and John Watson have carried out various functions for the Register and deserve our unreserved

Norwich www.parkfarm-hotel. co.uk. All 30 rooms at the Park Farm Hotel are now booked, but more rooms are available at the Best Western Brook Hotel, just five miles away. David Simons is putting together a plan for the weekend Booking arrangements for this event are now on the MGA Register website.

Details of all of the above on the MGCC MGA Register page under ‘Events’ www.mgcc.co.uk/ mga-register/events-in-2016/ New Grille Badge. The Register has a new Grille Badge which will thus soon be back in stock!

Measuring 58mm x 57mm, the new badge is smaller than the previous version and will cost £22.50 + £3.00 p&p to a UK address. The design and colour scheme are unchanged with a red and cream logo on a chrome shield.

To secure your badge from the first batch of 50 there are two options.

1. For payment and collection in person at MG Live! on June 4 or 5 2016, send an email to george519@o2.co.uk stating your name, number of badges and which day you will collect the badge from the MGA Register stand in the Main Marquee. Payment will be in cash or by cheque.

2. For mail order delivery, send an email to george519@o2.co.uk stating your name, delivery

thanks. John will continue as the Register representative on the Council of the MGCC. I cannot be at MGLive! this year due to a clash of engagements over that weekend.

The marathon car should be at Silverstone and, I am told, the intention is that it will be MOT’d! I have some pictures of the engine since its restoration which I shall share with you in the next notes.

Bob Borchardt’s MGA 1600 MkII

address and number of badges.

We will send you a PayPal invoice for £22.50 +£3.00 p&p which can be paid online by credit or debit card, you do not need a PayPal account.

MG Era. Good to meet lots of other MGA owners at MG Era although our parking arrangements were quite diversified after the area set aside for us filled early – I ended up, as did many, on the banking – next year I hope the organisers get the message that there are many more MGAs coming out to play than they reckoned on!

Staying with MG Era I was particularly struck by Bob Borchardt’s black 1600 MkII with its Vanden Plas hardtop sitting outside the Wellington Aircraft Hangar. Bob is a volunteer as Brooklands and his car, although an older restortaion, was factory fresh.

Finally a plea – The Register needs your help. We need someone who is computer savvy who can help us decide how best to maintain our growing Register database. We have done Access and are doing Excel but we think there must be a better solution, we need help to find one.

(L-R) Roger Boys, John Watson and Bernard Rengger captured on canvas www.mgcc.co.uk

REGISTERS

MIDGET

NEIL THOMAS 07891 684435 ns.tenby@hotmail.com www.midgetregister.com On April 13, along with Midget Register members Steve Clark and Anthony Cutler, I attended a Trackday at Castle Combe. Mike Parker, our MR Chairman, came along to watch and was accompanied by his friend Geoff Clark. I‘d never met Geoff before but as we chatted he told me he had joined the MG factory at Abingdon as a tea boy in 1959.

From thereon he took the exams that were required if you wished to progress in the factory at that time, and eventually moved into development. He would have been there when my 1964 Mk2 Midget went through the lines. I couldn’t resist inviting Geoff for a ride around the track in my ’64 Midget. Geoff told me that had never ridden in a K series Midget

before but was up for anything.

It was a lovely sunny day and perfect for a fairly quick lap or ten.

He enjoyed his experience and unbeknown to me had even brought along his stopwatch to time the lap. He was suitably impressed by the time. I’ll let him tell you how we got on. I’ve included a picture of Geoff next to my car.

The K series Midget Weekend event attendees.

MGC

GINNY CARTMELL 01208 821552 ginnycartmell@btinternet.com

Almost midsummer already, it doesn’t seem possible. At time of writing, late April, it’s not looking great out of my window at home, on the edge of Bodmin Moor..!

Barrie and I started this year’s eventing with a trip to the SEC Dinner in Reigate, followed

by MG Era Day at Brooklands on the Sunday. Jon Glover very kindly organised a table for all us MGC owners at the Dinner Dance in Reigate and also put us up for the night. We had a great weekend and to our delight 16 MGCs made it to Brooklands the following day. Lots of people had expressed their interest, but few had committed beforehand, due to the weather being so

www.mgcc.co.uk

Then on the weekend of April 22, six K series and Zetec powered Midgets joined in a weekend based at the Bear Hotel in Crickhowell in south Powys.

We had a wonderful weekend touring the Brecon Beacons. The accommodation was superb in all respects and the weather perfect.

This was our sixth annual get together and we can’t wait for the next one. The picture shows our group photo.

As you read this, MGLive! will be imminent. Come and visit

unpredictable that early in the season. Thanks to all that did make the day, it was a great event and the weather did not disappoint. A little chilly first thing, but the sun did come out during the day and a good time was had by all.

This is an event that the C Register hopes to include next year (2017), to kick off our 50th Anniversary year. The guys at Brooklands are keen to dedicate next year’s MG Era Day to the MGC Register and give us the main arena outside the club house to display our cars in style. More information will be available in the coming months, if you fancy getting involved with this event next year.

MGC Weekend July 2-3...

Wroxall Abbey Hotel is almost full to bursting with MGC owners in the main Mansion House and the Magnette Register across in the courtyard for their event. Mallory is proving to be a popular venue and ticket sales are going very well for the day’s MG Racing. If you have not yet booked your tickets with me and you want to spend the day with us, please do so as soon as possible. We have Register parking for all our booked vehicles on Gerrards Bend, with a buffet lunch being served in the Hailwood Suite around 1pm. We will also have full access to the paddock throughout the day. For more information on how to get involved, please give me a call or email me. I will be happy to forward an entry form on request, the more the merrier; all MGs will be very welcome.

Geoff Clark by Neil’s Midget

us on the MR stand in the marquee. We would love to see you. Also please book to join us on the MR September Run on September 4. I’m already receiving entries for the event and as well as adverts appearing in Safety Fast!, you can get details on the MR website. You can book and pay online too. It will be a cracker this year. Next month we’ll be off to Exmoor for the MR weekend.

Can’t wait to tour this area again.

50th Anniversary of the MGC June 7-11 2017...

It has been very encouraging seeing all the interest being sent in for the 50th Anniversary in 2017. This four day event is very dependent on your attendance, and by registering your interest it makes the job of organising this momentous event a little easier with regards to booking hotels and event venues. We have almost finished the nitty gritty regarding MGC50 and July 1 will ‘C’ the launch of our registration.

The first 80 four-day confirmed entries will be presented at check-in with a limited edition item, at MGC50 Chateau-Impney.

There’s never been a better reason to book your place and get it confirmed...!

As always we will strive to give you great location venues and value for money.

JUNE 2016 SAFETY FAST! 87

REGISTERS

V8

VICTOR SMITH 0208 392 9434 victorsmith@v8register.net www.v8register.net RV8 Spring Run in Yorkshire The RV8 Spring Run took place on Drive-it-Day, Sunday April 24, and attracted 14 RV8s. Stuart Mumby reports that after a fairly bright start at the renowned Oil Can Cafe at Hepworth the skies darkened as the tour went south, then westward over the Snake Pass. Reaching Glossop they had a few wintry miles with sleeting rain. Once heading north again the sky began to get brighter and the sun did put in a few brief appearances. The route then went over Holme Moss with a short halt to take in the splendid scenery looking down to the

Holme Valley in Last of the Summer Wine Country. The tour continued to Calderdale and on to Haworth in the Bronte Country. The run ended at Sawley, near Clitheroe, where participants enjoyed refreshment at the Spread Eagle, a well situated hostelry on the banks of the River Ribble. If you are not on the email contact list for news of future events, simply send an email to Stuart at mga@live.co.uk.

Visit to the National Museum of Computing On Thursday June 2 Nic Houslip

FWD

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

This month, Tanya Field got in touch about her son Jamie’s recent purchase.

Hello Ben, I thought that you would be interested in Jamie’s most recent purchase. Despite being 19 years old and at university in London where he cannot keep a car, he has just bought another Metro to add to the two he already has and his Mini. Sadly a year ago Jamie’s first

Metro, a Jet Black, was stolen and burnt out and while thinking of a replacement, one option was an MG Metro in Stone Grey. However, in the few months he had to look, he couldn’t find one for sale and ended up with a lovely Metro Vanden Plas. A few months ago, he spotted a Jet Black Metro which needed restoring, so after considerable thought, he purchased that too. We thought

Rod with the MG Metro that Jamie has just purchased from him

88 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2016

has arranged a visit to the National Museum of Computing at Bletchley Park which enables visitors to follow the development of computing from the ultra-secret pioneering efforts of the 1940s through the mainframes of the 1960s and 1970s, and the rise of personal computing in the 1980s.

Members will also be able to visit the Bletchley Park Trust heritage site nearby. Contact Nic on

that might keep him busy, but oh no, he then found his dream MG Metro, one in Stone Grey! He was very fortunate that the MG Metro belonged to Rod Shipley, a fellow Car Club member who had not only looked after the MG Metro well, but had described it honestly in the advert and gave Jamie a very good deal.

As Jamie was studying for exams and unable to collect the MG Metro, that job fell to us, his parents. Just when you think your parenting responsibilities have finished, you then realise that they haven’t, they just change in nature! Still, collecting an MG Metro certainly beats changing nappies, sleepless nights or having to do homework with them! It was a real joy to meet Rod in person when we collected the MG Metro and to see his other MGs, and we’re looking forward to seeing Rod at MG Live!.

On another matter, Tanya, who manages the events for the

07768 76631 for bookings and further details.

For information on the other events in the week running up to the MGLive! 2016 weekend and at the event, see our online calendar and ‘More’ webpage.

As usual we will have a V8 Marquee at MGLive! providing a welcome place to meet up with fellow enthusiasts and enjoy refreshment. www.v8register.net/ more.htm The Chilean MG 1300

MG FWD Register, has put in for a small stand at the Manchester Classic Car Show held at EventCity next to the Trafford Centre on September 17-18. If you would like to display your FWD Register car, please do get in touch with Tanya either at tanyafield@supanet.com or on 07929 868284.

Finally, George Wilder passed on details of a very rare Chilean glassfibre MG 1300. This is the first one which I have heard of and certainly looks like an interesting car. I’ve made contact with the seller asking him to pass my details on to the new owner, so fingers crossed they might just get in touch.

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JUNE 2016 SAFETY FAST! 89

REGISTERS

MGF

TIM MORRIS 01932 882467 scribe@mgfregister.org www.mgfregister.org We’ve got the key of the door… again. For our second celebration of 21 years of the MGF we were back at Brooklands again for the MG Era Day, following our successful New Year’s gathering at the same location. This time though we actually did have a large silver ‘key’ to make the occasion more official and no fewer than 135 MGF/TFs (what an appropriate MG TF number!) to make it even more special. That made parking them all up together something of a logistical problem for us as it was three times the expected amount! We managed though, apart from a few strays who were directed in the opposite direction. We tried to reserve parking for MGCC ‘pass’ holders but that didn’t work as the Brooklands Marshals kept sending every F/TF our way so we were a little overwhelmed.

Nonetheless it was a great display with a good display of eight or so Monogram cars and the re-logoed ‘Zip’ car of Rob and Jane Parry at the forefront next to Neil Willets’s ‘Number 19’, the only F I know of that has been personally signed by Gerry McGovern. The Regional flags looked good on the Campbell Lawn and we hopefully made our presence felt, that number of cars was about a quarter of all those attending, but singularly missed out on any prizes, as did everything else that didn’t have fenders!

The Relay Hard Top was at Brooklands too and is now doing the rounds of our South East and Kent Regions, who have embraced it with it changing cars rapidly, each time a donation being made to the Guide Dogs charity. It has now been to Brands

MG6.3.5

STEVE HAINES Steve-haines@live.co.uk www.facebook.com/groups/MG635Register https://twitter.com/635register The events season is in full swing, but our weather isn’t exactly co-operating so far!!

The cancellation of the Pride of Longbridge event in the early hours of the Saturday morning was a huge blow for us, and a big disappointment as so many owners were looking forward to providing a significant display for this. Persistent rain over a few days and snow on the day was the final nail in the event’s coffin!

As you can appreciate, for us to try and arrange something alternative on the morning of the

90 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2016

event was impossible to do…

Maybe next year!

Our next major get together will be MGLive! on June 4 and 5 at Silverstone. We are re-stocking our regalia in readiness and will have a full set of merchandise for sale, as well as some exciting raffle prizes from our friends at MG Motor, John Woods Photo: Jerry Harrison

We’ve got the key of the door at Brooklands MG day

Hatch for some racing and will soon be heading up to Silverstone for MGLive! – it’ a fun way to raise some funds for our charity of 2016 and it may be coming your way soon. You can check out the story of its progress by going to the announcements section on our MGFRegister.org Internet Forum. If you want to take part then please contact Adrian Clifford there or by email. It was originally an Olympic community event back in 2012 tying in with the London Games and we are running it again so that it will finish in September after the 2016 Games.

Our Regions are now building up for the Summer season and there have been plenty of things going on. Some of our newer Regions are very active on Facebook and post their events and chatter on

those pages so there is another source to find out what is happening. We are big on Social Media and have two websites, one Internet Forum (with all the Regions on it), a Facebook Page and new Twitter feed plus numerous other local Facebook pages including the Central Region, South East, Kent, Hertfordshire, Thames Valley, South Wales, Devon & Cornwall and Anglia. Other Regions use other means of contact and some work closely with the Centre Natters to advertise their activities.

We are now looking forward with our 2016 committee to another great year of eFFing – and don’t forget you can read all about it in our own quarterly magazine FasTForward which is available from the MGF Register website shop now.

Motorcare and the Car Wash Co. We will be raising funds for our charity this year – Crohns and Collitis UK, so please give generously.

If you haven’t booked in yet, please take part in the Pride of Ownership on the Sunday this year; it’s free, good fun and nice to see the most modern of MGs represented here.

If you haven’t bought your tickets for Zed 15 / Saloon Day on July 9 at the British Motor Museum at Gaydon, then please

do as we are looking for a big turn out of MG6s and 3s to celebrate the 6’s fifth birthday and the 3’s third birthday. We will have prizes for the best turned out cars, birthday cake, balloons fun, as well as our stand and information and regalia for owners.

The BTCC continues to be entertaining and very competitive for Ash Sutton and Josh Cook in their MG/888 MG6 GTs. They are certainly a vibrant team with a great spirit that’s ruffling a few feathers of the more established drivers by applying some of their own tactics on them, which is nice to see! We hope to see a lot more podiums from the guys before the season end.

www.mgcc.co.uk

Visit us on stand E3

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

MG TF 135 85TH ANNIVERSARY (20,000 Miles)

MG TF LE500 CSA 160vvc. Pre Production

MG TF 135 facelift model (just 53,000 Miles)

MG TF 115 Facelift model (56,000 Miles)

2009 (59 Reg) Manual, Petrol. Previously supplied by us a superb 85th ltd edition in Ice white with aubergine leather sport seats. Air conditioning, special suspension set up only used on the 85th edition including soft ride suspension. Glass heated rear screen, engine water level censor etc. £8,995.

2008 (08 Reg), 27,000 Miles, Manual, Petrol. Finished in White/Black leather grey inserts Very much a one off.

Based on a pre production LE500 MG press/ showcar. just converted this TF fitting a 160 VVC Engine into it, with a sports exhaust and a Kmaps upgraded ECU. New salt & pepper hood with a heated glass rear screen.

This car was the Autocar mag road test car when just 600 miles back in 2008 see photos. Just 2 owner MG + ourselves. Possibly the only LE 160 vvc ? £6,995.

2006 (06 Reg) Manual, Petrol. Finished in Xpower Grey/black leather Facelift model One of the last TF135 made by MG/Rover. Fitted with soft ride suspension, glass heated rear screen, engine water level censor, upgraded alloys. Plus full black leather sport seats. Silver interior trim, front fog lights. Full service history bills and old mots, we have just completed a major service including a new headgasket/ water pump / cambelt and brakes.

Superb condition. £3,995

2005 (54 Reg) Manual, Petrol. Finished in: British Racing Green with a Tan cockpit plus tan leather seats MG TF115. Wood console. Heated glass rear screen, engine water level censor, soft ride suspension. remote locking.Full service history. £3,795

MG TF 135 85TH ANNIVERSARY (35,000 Miles)

MG TF LE 500#222/500+H/top (38,000 Miles)

MG MGF TROPHY 160vvc (just 41,000miles)

MG MGF Stepspeed (49,000 Miles)

2009 (59 Reg) Manual,Petrol 1 owner. One of only 50 made 85th ltd edition. Only 19 in this colour. One Lady owner from new and just 35,000 miles with full service history. Fitted with Air conditioning, 16” unmarked twisted pepper alloys, full leather sport seats, heated glass rear screen, uprated soft ride suspension only fitted to the 85th models. Outstanding. £7,895

2008 (58 Reg)ManualPetrol 1 owner A 1 owner LE500, #222/500, with removable hardtop.

Having covered just 38,000miles with full service history (8 services).Air conditioning, full leather, heated glass rear screen on soft top, softride suspension, water level censor, park censor etc.

Superb. £5,995

2001 (Y Reg) Manual Petrol A rare low mileage Trophy 160vvc just been though our workshop and had a new headgasket /cambelt/ water pump. Also fitted with a heated glass rear screen.

Very few red trophy where made. Supplied with Documented service history, Excellent. £3,995

2001 (Y Reg) Automatic Petrol A rare Stepspeed (automatic ) MGF. Outstanding condition, Fitted with Red/Black leather sport seats, 11 spoke 16” alloys, wind deflector, Abs, unmarked black hood with new rear window. Having covered just 49,000 miles with full service history+ old bills and mots. Would be hard to find a better one. £3,995

This is just a small selection from our stock

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

www.mgcc.co.uk

www.churchsquareautos.com JUNE 2016 SAFETY FAST! 91

MOT April 2017. Walnut interior wood trim kit, leather seats, electronic ignition, four new Minilite style wheels with new Uniroyal tyres, manual gearbox with overdrive.

MGB GT

Registered on 1st January 1974

B13 - Barrie Carter_D MIDDLETON 08/04/2016 15:44 Page 1

Detailed history file of invoices showing regular maintenance and expenditure, including comprehensive overhaul of brakes in 2010 and the track rod ends replaced for its recent MOT. Original set of five Rostyles, also available.

£3,750 ono.

Tel: 07969 456214

C a e i r ter r r a B MGA Race Car A successful and well known championship winner a few years ago and prepared for the Thoroughbred series.

It has a 1650 full race engine with steel crank and flywheel, 45.

DCOE Special rods, full race cam and head, twin plate clutch, steel flywheel, alloy back plate, 4 branch exhaust etc, New 3 pot calipers, A frame, spax, Cage and full harnesses. Plus, much more. I bought this for me and I tested it at Coombe on 13.5.16, and it is very quick and handles extremely well. Sadly, physical problems destroyed my dream of a coming back to racing. The eligibility to the Icon and Thoroughbred classes are what it is prepared for and it can be used for a myriad of events. The car is very cheap at £19,995 and will give many seasons fun.

1939 TB with a lovely cycle winged body. This car was built many years ago in Australia and is well known tom the TB register. I bought it for me, but I’ve too many toys. It sits in my garage at home while I play with it. The car that is.... It is a lovely TB fitted with a mildly modified XPAG engine and steering upgrade, it drove fast and well when I last used it. Our local auction house valued it at £35K which is par for the course for a TB, and this is unique.

I’m not fussed if it goes, but ring if you are interested. £26,950

1950’s Morris Special

This lovely time warp special is based on a Morris chassis and fitted with the early version of the XPAG engine and gearbox.

It was used in Australia for Hill climbs, sprints and trials and hasn’t been used for some years now. A complete and iconic car that will be easy to get running again

and give lots of fun. £9,995

XPAG free flow competition exhaust manifold.

New. £525 Wade Supercharger R10 Complete with pulleys. £1,600 We are having the original Downton type XPAG inlet and exhaust manifolds made. £595 Downton original manifolds for 1/3/4 s.u.s. £350 Xpags rebuilt to any spec. Outright or rebuild your unit. All bench tested before delivery.

Rebuilds of all T types and MGAs As previously said my Ashley Cleave special,as raced at Brooklands in 37, is still for sale. It can be bought as is or I can complete it. It is a recognised Brooklands competitor. Shelley Special, dominant in trials, circuits sprints, h/c and with over 500 awards. Reviewed by Bill Boddy in Motor Sport. It is eligible for many varied and coveted races and events, and a possible Goodwood entry. It starts at 35k as is with the rolling chassis restored and the rest negotiable. I've had it for 23 years. Or you could be a real anorak and buy an inelligable for anything pointy tail pub car for 50k. Price according to spec when finished, starting at £30k but make me an offer.

XPAG engines supplied

Professionally rebuilt (there are a lot of amateurs out there) to any specifications – please call for further details.

MG T-Types and complete collections purchased in any condition. Garage clearouts. Many parts for sale.

Collection and delivery arranged world-wide. Advice free, and I hope, correct. If not, try someone else.

92 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2016

www.mgcc.co.uk

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CL ASSIFIEDS MGB Roadster 1976

BARRY WALKER

WANTED Your MGC

Can't bend knees! Surgery has left In exchange cash adjustment) MGF 2001 (with 1.8 VVC me too inflexible to drive my MGB. for my Aston V8 Vantage.

70000 miles, Martin 12 months mot.

It is in excellent condition with Recently maintained prepared to abyvery high Members can advertise their cars Lovingly MGCC original period upholstery and is standard- by Martin mainJust free of charge in Safety Fast. The member noAston expense spared. lead-free converted. As I'm often Estd.1968 dealer (with transferable warranBritish Motor some of upgrades carried out since will also be posted on the advert Heritage approved away, Colin Hilbourne (who knows ty). 2005 carBlack having detailing, covered just ownership: inc, Club website in due course. This is MGBs and can answer technical 50k miles in6 onyx blackX-part with black refurbished spokes. roll for one insertion only. To place an questions best) at my local garage is leatherFront interior.

LovelyLow car-but miss MGF 2001 1.8 VVC hoops, splitter. coolant handling the sale - contact via that vintage feel! . Exchange based advert or for additional insertions 70000 miles, 12 months mot. alarm.

Partial respray 2013, inc. rust www.the-garage-at-blakesley.co.uk Aston Martin valuation of £38K. email Colin Grant at Lovingly

by MGCC &on minor body repairs.

New cylinder (or as860865.

Imaintained used to know or 01327 The car itis in his Cheltenham area.

Contact: 07825 member - no expense spared. Just liners.

MLS Head gasket.

K&N air filcolingrant@mgcc.co.uk with details “MG Silverstone”) showroom on the High Street, 794674.

Go &on-unleash your inner some of upgrades carried out since ter.

Cam belt water pump & belts. of your car, around 60 words, togeththe by submitted be should adverts away, Colin Hilbourne (who knows Blakesley, near Towcester NN12 Bond! stainless steel exhaust. ownership: Black detailing, inc, Scorpian er with an attached picture, your MGBs can for answer 8RF. £7,950 ono the technical month of theand 15th refurbished 6 spokes. X-part roll Fully refurbished hardtop. Make me questions best) issue. at my local garage is contact information, price of your months following hoops, Front splitter. Low coolant a sensible offer around £1100.

WANTED handling the sale - contact via and live, you car, the area where respray 2013, inc. rust Chris. 07736 100522. or email (Paid by us this weekendalarm. = 20%Partial discount) MGBGT 67/71 www.the-garage-at-blakesley.co.uk & minor body repairs. New cylinder Chris@bondsathome.plus.com membership number. Cost for nonAdvertise to How Condition ‘1’ preferably in BRG or 01327 860865. The car is in his liners. MLS Head gasket. K&N air fil(Worcs) members to advertise is £20. All Members cars their Street, can advertise with Webasco roof and full history showroom on the High ter. Cam belt & water pump & belts. file .Private cash buyer in North adverts should be submitted by the freeBlakesley, The Fast. NN12 in Safety of chargenear Towcester Scorpian stainless steel exhaust.

Hampshire – either email at phwal8RF. will £7,950 15th of the month for the be posted on the also ono advert Fully refurbished hardtop. Make me lis@btinternet.com or call on following months issue.

Club website in due course. This is a sensible offer around MGB Roadster 1976 £1100.

07785 780 372 . This will be going Chris.

07736 100522. or email for one insertion only. To place an Can't bend knees! Surgery has left to a 2001 good home .

MGF 1.8 VVC (If you haven’t asked, you may not get it) meChris@bondsathome.plus.com too inflexible to drive my MGB. advert or for additional insertions 70000 miles, 12 months mot.

1934 PA 1232 condition with (Worcs) It is in excellent email Colin Grant at Lovingly maintained by MGCC 4 seaterperiod tourerupholstery one of only original and 489 is 2004 MGTF Sunstorm SE member - no expense spared. Just with details colingrant@mgcc.co.uk produced.

An original car bought in lead-free converted. As I'm often 135, Starlight Silver, 61000 miles some of upgrades carried out since 2010 and has undergone a labour of of your car, around 60 words, togethaway, Colin Hilbourne (who knows Factory Hardtop, 16"wheels, ABS, ownership: Black detailing, inc, love and a very original restoration. picture, your with an attached erBrightpack.

MGBs and can answer technical Alacranta/leather refurbished 6 spokes. X-part roll Amount best) spent on local the garage car far questions at my is of your price contact interior,information, full size spare wheel, hoops, Front splitter. Low coolant exceeds the asking price.

Engine handling the sale - contact via coolant sensor, live, and youunderfloor wherenew the area car, alarm. respray 2013, inc. rust 1934 PA 1232 totally re-built by Oliver 1969Partial MG MIDGET www.the-garage-at-blakesley.co.uk COMMISSION membership SALES: Our highly regarded service is always available to you. coolant pipes, drilled slotted front &Suitable minor body repairs. and Newhill cylinder nonCost number.

4 seater tourer one offor only 489 Richardson, no expense spared, new for sprints climbs or 01327 860865.

The car is in his 2004 MGTF Sunstorm SE discs, MG calipers £1450 liners.

MLSminor Head alteration gasket. K&N air also filproduced. original car£20. bought body, wiring harness, all new but with could All in is advertise to An members showroom on the High Street, 135, Starlight Silver, 61000 miles Pete Hanaway 0208 302 1739 2002 MG zs 120+ 4dr ter.

Cam belt & water pump & belts.

2010 and has undergone a labour of chrome, upholstery, complete be used for racing . Ideal for track be submitted by the should Blakesley, near Towcester NN12 Factory Hardtop, 16"wheels, ABS, adverts (Sidcup Kent) 74000 from new.steel Motexhaust.

MarThe 17 servScorpian love and a very original restoration. weather equipment, full tonneau days andstainless for fast road use. car 8RF. £7,950 ono 15th of the month for the Brightpack. Alacranta/leather icerefurbished history bills etc, Fully hardtop.

Make Amount spent on the car far cover. Genuine reason for sale, took third placeand in itsoldclass atme the interior, full size spare wheel, months following headgasket cambelt waterpump,cat a 2015 sensible offer around £1100. exceeds the issue. asking price. Engine unfortunately it’s got to go – I no Crystal Palace Sprint. coolant sensor, new underfloor convertor, lamba sensors, exhaust, Chris.

07736 100522. or uprated email totally re-built by Oliver longer into the car!

Offers 1969 fit MG MIDGET Lowered suspension with coolant pipes, drilled slotted front 2tyres etc spent over £2300 in the Chris@bondsathome.plus.com Richardson, no expense spared, new around GBP. Phone: Suitable27,500 for sprints and hill01908 climbs springs and shock absorbers.

Advertise How to WANTED discs, MG calipers £1450 last year. £1200 ono. Paul 01328 (Worcs) body, wiring harness, all new 337933. but with minor alteration could also Members Engine bored to 1380cc and fitted cars their advertise can Your MGC Pete Hanaway 0208 302 1739 711632 / 07775638061 or elecemail Advertise toracing chrome, upholstery, complete be How used for . Ideal for track free with an upgraded camshaft, The in Safety charge ofexchange In (with cashFast. adjustment) (Sidcup Kent) janetvoutt@talktalk.net cars theirThe Members weather equipment, full tonneau days andcan for advertise fast road use. car advert tronicwill ignition, re needled SU the carposted on also be How to Advertise for my Aston V8 Vantage.

(Norfolk) The in Safety of charge freetook cover. Genuine reason for sale, third place in its Fast. class at the burettors and Martin an electric cooling

How to Advertise

advert or for additional insertions email Colin Grant at colingrant@mgcc.co.uk with details of your car, around 60 words, togethpicture, your attached 1976 with an er MGB Roadster Can't bend knees! Surgery left your price ofhas information, contact tooarea inflexible to drive my MGB. and you live, where car,methe It is in excellent condition with membership number. Cost for nonoriginal period upholstery and is All £20.often advertise Asis I'm members lead-freetoconverted.

.....for the very best in vintage MGs.....

PRE-WAR / MMM MG ENTHUSIASTS

‘MG LIVE’

A MASSIVE CLEAR OUT THIS YEAR,AND NO VAT.

GRAB IT WHILE YOU CAN - SO DO RING IF THERE IS ANYTHING RARE OR SPECIAL YOU WANT US TO BRING.

OUR STAND IS ON THE GRASS AREA NEAR THE MGCC SOCIAL MARQUEE For latest car sales please visit our website

Tel: 01789 400 181. Fax: 01789 400230. Mob: 07836 244103 Email: barry@barrywalker.com Web: www.barrywalker.com

CARS FOR SALE

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

unfortunately it’s got to go – I no longer fit into the car!

Offers around 135 27,500 GBP. Phone: 01908 MGTF Spark 337933.

Special Edition + C/C Hardtop. The

the also be posted advert 2015will Crystal Palace onSprint. is in due course. websitesuspension Club Lowered with This uprated place an and shock only. To absorbers. one insertion for springs

1934 PA 1232

WANTED Engine to 1380ccinsertions and fitted for additional or bored advert 4 seater tourer one of only 489 withColin an upgraded Your MGC Grant at camshaft, elecemail produced. An original car bought in tronic ignition, re needled SU cardetails with colingrant@mgcc.co.uk In exchange cash adjustment) 2010 and has(with undergone a labour of

Club website in due course. This is Recently prepared to ina very high an place Full only. To 2012. insertionrebuilt oneGearbox forfan. standard

by Aston1976 Martin mainbelt roll cage, competition seat, seat MGB Roadster advert or for additional insertions harness andknees! hardtop.

Tyres areleft 13 Can't bend Surgery has dealer (with transferable warranemail Colin Grant at me too to drive my x175 xinflexible 60 Yokohama onMGB. alloy ty).

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As I'm often your picture, attached with aninterior. erlead-free MOTColin until April 2017.(who £7450. away, Hilbourne knows your price of based information, contact that vintage feel! . Exchange Tel:01689 E mail:technical MGBs and851583. can answer and you live, wherevaluation areaMartin the car,tonydewynter@highwood.plus.com on Aston of £38K. questions best) at my local garage is nonfor Cost number. membership Cheltenham area.

Contact: 07825 handling the sale - contact via (North Kent) 1969 MG MIDGET All £20. is advertise to members www.the-garage-at-blakesley.co.uk 1959 1600 Mk 1 inner 794674.MGA Go on-unleash your Suitable for860865. sprints andcar hillisby climbs orWell 01327 The in the hiscar be should adverts known UKsubmitted MGA register Bond! but with minor could also showroom onalteration the High Street, the for month the of 15th campaigned by Lady enthusiast for Blakesley, Towcester be used months fornear racing . Ideal forNN12 track issue. following 12 years.

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2004 Sunstorm car hasMGTF been well looked and MGB Roadster 1976afterSE 135, Starlight Silver, mileshas maintained a 61000 great deal spent Can't bendwith knees!

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1952 MG TD fan.

Gearbox rebuilt in 2012.

Full 70000 miles, 12 months mot.

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76,000 miles. roll cage, competition seat, seat belt interior, spare wheel, email Colin Grant at only used assize an occasional weekend Lovingly maintained byofEngine MGCC your price information, contact standard by Aston Martin main exceeds the asking price.

Original engine and chassis.

Left-13 originalsensor, periodblue upholstery and isis harness and hardtop.

Tyres are new underfloor MGTF 135 Spark with details coolant toy.The Sonic hard top and live, you where area the(with car, member -transferable no expense spared.

Just totally re-built by Oliver colingrant@mgcc.co.uk dealer warranhand drive.

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Car isallroad registered, tax discs, MG calipers £1450£3,995.

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For All is all£20. advertise to onyx members body, wiring harness, new ownership: Black detailing, MGB Roadster 1976 50k miles in black with black stainless steel exhaust, Bluemellexempt and will be supplied withinc, an Hanaway 302 Kev 1739 a great deal spent full details contact your Pete picture, attached with an with ermaintained MGBs andplease can0208 answer technical by the chrome, upholstery, complete submitted be should adverts Can't bend knees! Surgery has left refurbished 6Lovely spokes.

X-part Brooklands steering wheel, vintage leather interior. car-but missroll MOT until April 2017. £7450.

(Sidcup Kent)best) on numerous upgrades. It has been MGF on 07986371418 ormy email 2001 1.8 VVC questions at local garage is weather equipment, full tonneau the for month the of 15th of your price information, 1952 MG TD racing style lap belts, sun-visors, side mecontact too inflexible drive my MGB. hoops, Front splitter.

Lowbased coolant that vintage feel! . Exchange Tel:01689 851583.

E mail: in excellent order. Mechanically garaged duringto my ownership and 70000 threeshiresfinance@gmail.com miles,the12salemonths mot. via following MG TA 1936 cover.

Genuine reason formirrors, sale, WANTED issue. months handling - contact took third place in its class at the Good condition. 76,000 miles. wind-wings, dash and door It car, isonly inthe excellent condition with and live, you weekend area tonydewynter@highwood.plus.com on Aston Martin valuation of £38K. alarm.

Partial respray 2013, inc. rust maintained

by MGengine expert locally. used as anwhere occasional (Nottingham) Fitted with XPAG cycle Lovingly maintained by MGCC unfortunately it’s got to go – I no 2015 Crystal Palace and Sprint.

MGBGT 67/71 www.the-garage-at-blakesley.co.uk Original engine and chassis.

Leftcentral instrument panel, door han(North Kent) original period upholstery and is 1602cc engine has “econotune 967” Cheltenham area.the Contact: toy.The Sonic blue Cost hard for topnonis member - no expense spared. Just & minor body repairs.

New07825 cylinder wings,16 inch wheels original Alfin number. membership longer fit into car!

Offers Lowered suspension with uprated hand drive.

California import 2014. dles/jams/mechanisms.

Original Condition ‘1’ preferably in BRG or 01327 860865.

The car is in his head fitted for better performance. included as is a spare lead-free converted.

As wheel.Very I'm often lit794674.

Go on-unleash your inner brake drums original aluminium liners.

MLS Head gasket.

K&N air filaround 27,500 Phone:Interior: 01908 springs and shock absorbers. ofRegistered upgrades carried out since WANTED All some is £20.For advertise £3,995. to concourse. members UK allthe duties paid.

New: hood and sideGBP. screens. with Webasco roof and full history showroom on High Street, 5 speed “Sierra 9” gearbox.

Spare tle work for away, Colin Hilbourne (who knows rockerbored box tocover.

Bond!

337933. ter. Cam belt & (good water pump & belts.

Engine 1380ccRestoration and fitted Your MGC Black detailing,Bluemellinc, stainless steel Black leather condition). set four, 72 spoke wires.Tonneau by the ownership: file of.Private cash buyer in fitted.

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Change plan forces sale SU for more questions at my or local garage is the foremail the month ofbest) 15th for my Aston Martin tronic ignition, needled carFully refurbished hardtop. or Make me racing stylesplitter. lap belts, sun-visors, colour).

Price is £13,950 near hoops, Front Low coolantside fabric windows.

Huge history saloon preferably 6to cylinder threeshiresfinance@gmail.com MG TAWANTED 1936 information 01621 829799 lis@btinternet.com or call file on Recently prepared adoor very model, high handling themonths sale issue.

- contact via burettors andphone an electric cooling wind-wings, dash and mirrors, offer.

My contact info is: £1100. following aFitted sensible offer around alarm.

Partial respray 2013, inc. rust with photos.This wonderful little any condition considered.

(Nottingham) with XPAG engine and cycle or 07990 971974 standard by Aston Martin main 07785 780 372 .

This will be going fan.

Gearbox rebuilt in 2012.

Full MGBGT 67/71 www.the-garage-at-blakesley.co.uk central instrument panel, door hanpaulmedhurst@hotmail.co.uk 2004 MGTF car PA lead theSunstorm cavalcade SE from Chris.

07736 100522. or email &SALES: minor body New warrancylinder Chris Telrepairs.

07909926904 1934 1232 wings,16 inch wheels original Alfin (Essex) COMMISSION Our highly regarded service is always available to you. dealerHall (with transferable roll cage, competition seat,miles seat belt a good home .61000 Condition ‘1’ preferably in BRG or 01327 860865. The car is in his dles/jams/mechanisms.

Original 135, Starlight Silver, 4 to seater tourer one of only 489 at Abingdon to Folkestone in 2005 Chris@bondsathome.plus.com liners.

MLS Head gasket.

K&N air filbrake drums original aluminium ty). 2005 car having covered just 2004 MGTF SE harness and hardtop.

Tyres are 13 Factory Hardtop, 16"wheels, ABS, MGTF hood 135 and Spark side screens. Interior: with Webasco roofSunstorm and full history showroom on the High Street, produced.

An car bought in the start of original the Re-enactment drive 50k miles black with black rocker box cover. ter.

Cam beltin&onyx water pump & belts.

(Worcs) 135, Starlight Silver, 61000Restoration miles Brightpack.

Alacranta/leather x175 x 60 Yokohama a on alloy Special + C/C Hardtop.

The 2010 and has undergone labour of of BlackEdition leather (good condition). file .Private cash buyer in North Blakesley, nearWANTED Towcester NN12 to Le Mans, celebrating 50 years leather interior.

Lovely car-but miss startedHardtop, with lots 16"wheels, o new partsABS, fitted.

Factory interior, full size spare wheel, Scorpian stainless MGF 2001 1.8 VVC wheels. is road registered, tax love and Car a very original restoration. carPaintwork has been wellsteel looked after(original and colour is exhaust.

BRG Hampshire –Alacranta/leather either emailsale at phwalthe marque.

2011 underfloor Featured in 8RF.By£7,950 onomember, an SVW MG Club thatrefurbished vintage feel!hardtop. . Exchange based Brightpack. coolant sensor, Change of plan forces for more Amountand spent on the car 70000 miles, 12 months mot.

Fully Make me exempt will benew supplied with far an maintained with a great deal spent colour).

Price is £13,950 or near Classicpipes, & Sports Carslotted magazine. interior, full size spare 01621 wheel, lis@btinternet.com or call829799 on saloon preferably 6 cylinder model, on Aston Martin valuation of £38K. coolant drilled front information phone exceeds Lovingly maintained

by MGCC MOT untilthe Aprilasking 2017. price. £7450.Engine aon sensible offercontact aroundinfoIt£1100. numerous upgrades. has 07825 been offer.

My is: coolant sensor, new underfloor discs, MG calipers £1450 £26,000.

Tel: 01494 785492 Cheltenham area.

Contact: any condition considered.

07785 780 . This will be going totally re-built E mail: by Oliver or 07990 971974 1952 MG372 TD member - no expense spared. Just Tel:01689 851583.

Chris.

07736 100522. or email garaged during my ownership and paulmedhurst@hotmail.co.uk coolant pipes, drilled slotted front Pete Hanaway 0208 spared, 302 1739 794674.

Go on-unleash your inner (Buckinghamshire) Richardson, no expense new ChrisofHall Tel 07909926904 (Essex) to a good home . £1450 some upgrades carried out since Good condition.

76,000 miles. tonydewynter@highwood.plus.com discs, MG calipers only used as an occasional weekend (Sidcup Kent) Chris@bondsathome.plus.com Bond! body, wiring harness, all new ownership: Black detailing, inc, Original engine and chassis.

LeftPete Hanaway 0208 302 1739 (North Kent) toy.The Sonic blue hard top is chrome, upholstery, complete (Worcs) refurbished 6 spokes. X-part roll

Tel: 01789 400 181. Fax: 01789 400230. Mob: 07836 244103 Email: barry@barrywalker.com Web: www.barrywalker.com

hoops, Front splitter. Low coolant www.mgcc.co.uk alarm. Partial respray 2013, inc. rust MGTF Sunstorm SE &2004 minor body repairs.

New cylinder liners. MLS Head gasket. K&N air fil-

included is a1232 spare wheel.Very lit1934 asPA tle work for WANTED concourse. £3,995. For 4 seater tourer one of only 489 MGBGT 67/71 full details please contact Kev produced.

An car bought ‘1’ original preferably in BRGin onCondition 07986371418 or email

hand drive.

California import 2014.

(Sidcup Kent) UK Registered all duties paid. New: stainless steel exhaust, BluemellBrooklands steering wheel, vintage

weather equipment, full tonneau JUNE Genuine 2016 SAFETY FAST! 93 cover. reason for sale, unfortunately it’s got to go – I no longer fit into the car!

Offers

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CL ASSIFIEDS

MGB Roadster 1966

BRG, O/D, unleaded head, s/s exhaust & period Radiomobile radio. Owned 15 years. New brakes, rear wheels, 12v battery, starter & petrol tank. Excellent hood, full tonneau & cream works hardtop. Tax exempt, MOT'd & genuine 75,500 miles. Waxoyl treated & always garaged. Runs very well & very tidy inside & out. MGCC Cal Centre provenance. £8750 d.l.britain@talktalk.net or Tel 0131 445 5339 (Edinburgh)

MG Midget MK3 1973

RWA Damask red, 5 speed all syncro box conversion, full restoration with photos, history file, good hood, retro radio, MOT April 17. £5,850.

Tel: 01573 410274.

(Scottish Borders)

MGTF

Opportu last MG T Two ow cambelt Toyo Pro new.The MP3CD Parrot B amplifier car is in Telephon gilesmou

MGF TROPHY 2001

1995 MG RV8

Car for the enthusiast. Rare Oxford Blue. Original Krafthaus hardtop + softop. MG. Radio/disc player. Full & half toneau. Power steering fitted

by M.G. Owners club. Thacham immobilizer + Air-conditioning.

Imported 2002, owner since.

40,279km 6,000miles since. Age forces sale. MOT May 2017.

Spares :-Original Spare set over carpets, Gear knob, set of wheel discs Extra wheel, Workshop manual/ Discs. Repro tool roll. Sales documents. Folder/brochures. Press release. Photos & books. £24,950.

Contact Gordon 01923 223290.

(Bushey Herts 1 mile Jnc 5 M1)

I954 MG TF

Excellent original condition.

Fascinating history as it is the Toulmin TF owned by Tom Davis.

Sadly no longer with the historic number plate FRI 3, but it does sport the Toulmin car club badge & a Toulmin rocker cover. low mileage, MOT certificates back to 1972, 5 speed gearbox, less than 2,000 miles in last 2 years, ill health forces sale. Full and half tonneau, chrome wire wheels, chrome luggage rack, £25,000 or very near offer.

Phone: 01908 337933.

94 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2016

Well sorted MGF in Trophy Blue with wind stop. A great performer with 160 bhp and good tyres all round. Very good hood with clear rear window. Interior, boot and front bonnet areas very clean and tidy. 65,000 miles. Serviced in mid November and MOT until 16 November 2016 with no ‘Advisories’. £1650 ono.

Tel: John on 01509 413215 or Emai: mg2000@btinternet.com for me to send you more photos.

(Leicestershire)

MGTF

One of a 300 cars mileage [ most des documen head gas tion] and tion. I am ono. Co 895569 [

1967 MGB GT Mk 1

Seeking a new home and fastidious keeper for this much treasured “concours standard” car after almost 40 years of ownership and Club membership. With a known history since it was first registered this is unquestionably one of, if not the best and most original and correctly restored example of a Mk1 ‘BGT that exists.

Very rarely seen (restricted to occasional dry road condition usage only) I ask those with genuine interest to make contact for further background details and photo’s of this exceptional vehicle. howard.thomas911@btinternet.com (Gloucestershire)

MGF T 2001

A two 44.600 m gasket Morton, pipes, all replaced.

2017. L Pioneer use only. tion £29 (Oakham

1930 MG M Type

Restoration completed 2015,. Black fabric body with green wheels and interior. Leather bucket seats with cut away doors and head lamp arrangement as Double Twelve makes this little car look very attractive. Ready for the concours scene. £29,500ono Tel; Len Bull on 01277 822504

www.mgcc.co.uk

SELLIN

As a mem you can a Fast for details, m with a Grant a Non mem

eed all synrestoration good hood, 17. £5,850.

www.mgmecca.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 1953 717618 Fax: (0) 1953 717850

MGTF 2010

Opportunity to buy the 4th from last MG TF ever built! 15200 miles Two owners, April service with cambelt change and MOT. 4 new Toyo Proxy tyres, dry stored from new.The car has an upgraded Alpine MP3CD player which incorporates Parrot Bluetooth and Alpine in-line amplifier behind the glove box. The car is in 'as new' condition. £6990.

Telephone: 07884962907 or email: gilesmoulden@hotmail.com

MGOC Recommended Workshop and Power Steering Installer MoT & Failures Repaired Servicing, Welding, Restoration

nternet.com

2015,. Black wheels and seats with head lamp ble Twelve look very e concours

22504

1969 MGB ROADSTER V8, Nightfire red, tan leather, mohair hood, 3.9 Rv8 engine + running gear, restored at no cost spared a few years ago, RV8 dash, motolita etc, etc , superb fast touring car £26,995.00

1970 MGB GT Flame Red, black trim. Lovely & original inside. 5 speed box. Been used for touring continent, reliable & good, long distance modification.

Recent sills & bodywork, over 8K spent. A much loved car. £7,995.00

1979 MG MIDGET Pageant blue, black trim, superb little car, body is in excellent condition, recent respray, all new chrome conversion, new hood, new carpets, new dashboard, recovered seats. Exceptionally pretty car in excellent order. Ready for lots of summer fun. £5,995.00

1980 MGB ROADSTER Blaze, black cloth trim.

Wood dash. Body is superb, underside immaculate, fully restored by engineer, with photos. Boot rack. All new chrome. Webber carb. New u/l engine. Would be hard to find better car @ £8,995.00

M.G.A. – B – C – V8, Midget

MGTF 160 SPRINT 2003

One of a limited edition of less than 300 cars must make this very low mileage [less than 25000] example most desirable. Fully maintained and documented history includes MLS head gasket [changed as precaution] and full Dinitrol wax protection. I am the third owner. £4750 ono. Contact Alex. on 07773 895569 [Exeter]

Rear of Langley Garage B32 - MIKE ROLLS SERVICES_MIKE ROLLS SERVICES 13/12/2012 09:50 Page 1 London Road, Langley, Nr Hitchin, Herts SG4 7PJ 1967 MGB GT V8 BRG, Biscuit/green leather MGB GT V8 Dark BRG, black trim. Full Sebring body

01438 729288 07860 473298

MGF TROPHY 160 VVC 2001

A two owner car low mileage 44.600 miles. Lots of history. Head gasket upgraded by Halls of Morton, MG specialists. Stainless pipes, all belts, water pump etc. all replaced.Waxoyled. MOT until April 2017. Last service Mar 2016.

Pioneer radio cd player. Summer use only. Any trial. Excellent condition £2995.00. Tel. 01572 755991 (Oakham, Rutland)

SELLING YOUR CAR?

As a member of the MG Car Club you can advertise your car in Safety Fast for free. Just email your car details, max 60 words, together with a JPEG picture to Colin Grant at colingrant@mgcc.co.uk.

Non member fee is £20

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

as per works MGC’s. Fully restored shell. Bare metal repaint. 8 x 15” minilites. Superb car, stunning to drive. Practical fast road/track car. £22,995.00

www.mg-repairs-hertfordshire.com

MIDGETS! WANTED

Contact the Midget Specialist MIKE AUTHERS on Abingdon 07703 465 224 CHROME BUMPERED MIDGETS in excellent condition bought up to £8,000. View current stock at

1

nd fastidious asured “conr almost 40 Club memhistory since is is unqueshe best and ctly restored that exists. ted to occan usage only) e interest to ther backoto’s of this

Stunning rio red with full red and black alcantara interior. 61,552 miles. The whole car is in excellent condition and is my pride and joy. it has the uprated head gasket, new water pump, cambelt, discs and pads all round. recently had a full service and has mot till October 2016. £1500 any questions contact me on edwardscw@Hotmail.co.uk or 07531903806 (Oxfordshire)

M.G. in North Herts

1

rophy Blue performer d tyres all with clear boot and y clean and ced in mid until 16 with no o.

13215 or et.com ore photos.

MG ZS120 2005

www.mgmidgets.com

201< 2015

TRADE MEMBER

MIKE ROLLS SERVICES FOR MGs Specialising in all MG’s

TEL/FAX: 01258 820337

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 8am-6pm, Wed: 8am-5pm, Sat: 8am-1pm MG TD 1950, this car was originally a righthand drive US export and then returned back to the UK in 2002 and re-registered in 2004, it has since undergone a full body off restoration with photographic and invoice history, it now looks stunning in its gleaming red body work complimented with beige leather interior and matching mohair hood and side screens, not only does this car look beautiful, but it drives superbly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£23,995 MGB GT, 1969, British racing green, Chrome Bumper, Tax exempt, Overdrive, Wire wheels, Full sunroof, Autumn leaf interior with new front seat covers, Electronic ignition, Stainless steel exhaust system, Restored by us in 2000, Service history, In excellent order. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£6,500 MG TF 135, 2003, Dark green, Biscuit leather interior. MOT March 2013, Tax Feb. 2013. Radio C/D player, hood cover. Recent head gasket, coolant pipe, cambelt and clutch. Good service history. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£3,650 MG Midget, 1980, Flamenco Red, much money spent including up-rated suspension front and back, K & N Filters, Various new mechanical parts, Full tonneau,and Motolita steering wheel, It comes with a very good service history, Bootrack, Kenwood radio/CD player and Black vinyl seats. The car is MOT'd up to September 2013 and taxed until end of July 2013. . . . . .£3,500 MG TF 135, 2002, Silver, MOT July 2013. New head gasket, coolant pipes, cambelt and service carried out by ourselves. Navy hood, black cloth seats. .MGB . . . . .ROADSTER, . . . . . . . . . . . . .1969 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£2,995

Primrose Yellow, bumper tax exempt, was Has a USrecently import and is now MG TF 115, 2003,Chrome X Power Grey&with grey hood, had a new right hand drive.

It has a new re-con engine with unleaded head which is yet headgasket, bottom engine rail, Stainless steel coolant pipes and full service, MOT 2013, Taxed to wire Feb 2013, 71835 Miles, comes with Radio/CD to betorunMay in, Chrome painted wheels, four new tyres, Overdrive on 3rd player. . . .recent . . . . . new . . . . hood . . . . .with . . . .new . . . .interior . . . . . . .and . . .black . . . . .‘69’ . . . .reclining . . . . . . . .seats . .£2,750 and 4th, in leather, Motolita woodGreen, rim steering wheel,Green New radiator kenlowe fan.seats, MGF, 2000, Alumina 62,000mls, hood, and Green leather ChromeThe rollcarhoops, Recent Taxed Jan 2013, MOT £8,995 has been fully headgasket serviced andreplacement, is mot’d.

March 2013. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£1,950

SEE US AT MG LIVE ON STAND G8

MGF 1.8i, 1996, British Racing Green, cloth interior. MOT Maarch 2013. Tax end of January 2013. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£950 Units 9/10 Fifehead Business Park, Manor Farm, Fifehead Magdalen, near Gillingham, Dorset SP8 5RR

E- m ail: mail@mikerolls4mgs.co.uk m ail@ m ik er o lls. 4 m g s. c o . u k • w • w www.mikerolls.co.uk w . m ik er o lls. c o . u k E-mail: Mail Order “Friendly Quality Service”

www.mgcc.co.uk

JUNE 2016 SAFETY FAST! 95

CM02.13/B32/d

973

CL ASSIFIEDS

unfortunately it’s got to go – I no longer fit into the car!

Offers around 27,500 GBP. Phone: 01908 337933.

CL ASSIFIEDS

WANTED Your MGC

enquiries@mgsforsale.com

How to Advertise

01707 876089

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

www.mgsforsale.com

07831 556666

URGENTLY WANTED ANY MG ANY YEAR, ANY CONDITION

advert or for additional insertions email Colin Grant at colingrant@mgcc.co.uk with details of your car, around 60 words, together with an attached picture, your contact information, price of your car, the area where you live, and

membership number. Cost for nonmembers to advertise is £20. All adverts should be submitted by the 15th of the month for the following months issue.

MGB Roadster 1976

Can't bend knees! Surgery has left me too inflexible to drive my MGB. It is in excellent condition with original period upholstery and is lead-free converted. As I'm often away, Colin Hilbourne (who knows MGBs and can answer technical questions best) at my local garage is handling the sale - contact via www.the-garage-at-blakesley.co.uk or 01327 860865. The car is in his showroom on the High Street, Blakesley, near Towcester NN12 8RF. £7,950 ono

MGB Roadster 1965 Nut & Bolt Rebuild (YRD502C) MGB Roadster 1965, chrome bumpers, older nut & bolt show standard rebuild still displaying an impressive fresh appearance, Red coachwork with virtually as new black leather interior trim, Black Mohair hood, chrome wire wheels, 5 speed conversion, mot March 2017, just arrived, please call for full details of this delightful example. £19,750.00

MGTF 135 Spark

Special Edition + C/C Hardtop. The car has been well looked after and maintained with a great deal spent on numerous upgrades. It has been garaged during my ownership and MGF 2001 VVC weekend only used as an1.8 occasional 70000 mot. toy.The miles, Sonic 12 bluemonths hard top is Lovingly

by MGCC included asmaintained is a spare wheel.Very litmember - noconcourse. expense spared. tle work for £3,995. Just For some of upgrades since full details please carried contactout Kev ownership: Blackor email detailing, inc, on 07986371418 refurbished 6 spokes. X-part roll threeshiresfinance@gmail.com hoops, Front splitter. Low coolant (Nottingham) alarm. Partial respray 2013, inc. rust & minor body repairs. New cylinder liners. MLS Head gasket. K&N air filter. Cam belt & water pump & belts.

WANTED Scorpian stainless steel exhaust.

By MG Club member, an SVW Fully refurbished hardtop.

Make me saloon preferably 6 cylinder model, a sensible offer around £1100. any condition Chris.

07736 considered.

100522. or email Chris Hall Tel 07909926904 Chris@bondsathome.plus.com (Worcs)

In exchange (with cash adjustment) for my Aston Martin V8 Vantage.

Recently prepared to a very high standard by Aston Martin main dealer (with transferable warranty). 2005 car having covered just 50k miles in TD onyx black with black 1952 MG leather Lovely car-butmiles. miss Good interior. condition.

76,000 that vintage feel! .and Exchange based Original engine chassis.

Lefton Aston Martin valuation of £38K. hand drive.

California import 2014.

Cheltenham area.

Contact: UK Registered all duties paid.07825 New: 794674. on-unleash inner stainlessGo steel exhaust,your BluemellBond!

Brooklands steering wheel, vintage racing style lap belts, sun-visors, side wind-wings, dash and door mirrors, WANTED central instrument MGBGT 67/71panel, door handles/jams/mechanisms.

Condition ‘1’ preferably Original in BRG hoodWebasco and sideroof screens. with and fullInterior: history Black.Private leather file cash(good buyercondition). in North Paintwork colour BRGat(original Hampshire – eitherisemail phwalcolour). Price is £13,950 lis@btinternet.com or or callnear on offer. My infowill is: be going 07785 780contact 372 . This paulmedhurst@hotmail.co.uk to a good home .

SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF OUR STOCK

1934 PA 1232 www.mgsforsale.com 2004 MGTF Sunstorm SE

4 seater tourer one of only 489

Do not confuse the above vehicles with cheaper inferior quality models offered elsewhere.

Part exchange produced.

An original car bought in any make of Motor CarSilver, with generous allowances.

Viewing by appointment only 135, Starlight 61000 milesDiscounted cash purchases. andcarry hasa undergone please (available evenings & weekends) no obligation to purchase. All2010 our vehicles warranty, have ana labour of Factory Hardtop, ABS, MOT and are fully serviced prior16"wheels, to collection/delivery. love and a very original restoration.

Brightpack. Alacranta/leather interior, full size spare wheel, coolant sensor, new underfloor coolant pipes, drilled slotted front discs, MG calipers £1450 Pete Hanaway 0208 302 1739 (Sidcup Kent)

Amount spent on the car far exceeds the asking price. Engine totally re-built by Oliver Richardson, no expense spared, new body, wiring harness, all new chrome, upholstery, complete weather equipment, full tonneau cover. Genuine reason for sale, unfortunately it’s got to go – I no longer fit into the car!

Offers around 27,500 GBP. Phone: 01908 337933.

MGTF 135 Spark

Special Edition + C/C Hardtop. The car has been well looked after and maintained with a great deal spent on numerous upgrades. It has been garaged during my ownership and only used as an occasional weekend toy.The Sonic blue hard top is included as is a spare wheel.Very little work for concourse. £3,995. For full details please contact Kev on 07986371418 or email threeshiresfinance@gmail.com (Nottingham)

WANTED

By MG Club member, an SVW saloon preferably 6 cylinder model, any condition considered.

Chris Hall Tel 07909926904

96 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2016

1952 MG TD

Good condition. 76,000 miles.

Original engine and chassis. Lefthand drive. California import 2014.

UK Registered all duties paid. New: stainless steel exhaust, BluemellBrooklands steering wheel, vintage racing style lap belts, sun-visors, side wind-wings, dash and door mirrors, central instrument panel, door handles/jams/mechanisms.

Original hood and side screens. Interior: Black leather (good condition).

Paintwork colour is BRG (original colour). Price is £13,950 or near offer. My contact info is: paulmedhurst@hotmail.co.uk

2002 MG zs 120+ 4dr

1969 MG MIDGET

Suitable for sprints and hill climbs but with minor alteration could also be used for racing . Ideal for track days and for fast road use. The car took third place in its class at the 2015 Crystal Palace Sprint.

Lowered suspension with uprated springs and shock absorbers.

Engine bored to 1380cc and fitted with an upgraded camshaft, electronic ignition, re needled SU carburettors and an electric cooling fan. Gearbox rebuilt in 2012. Full roll cage, competition seat, seat belt harness and hardtop. Tyres are 13 x175 x 60 Yokohama on alloy wheels. Car is road registered, tax exempt and will be supplied with an MOT until April 2017. £7450.

Tel:01689 851583. E mail: tonydewynter@highwood.plus.com (North Kent)

MG TA 1936

Fitted with XPAG engine and cycle wings,16 inch wheels original Alfin brake drums original aluminium rocker box cover. Restoration started with lots o new parts fitted.

Change of plan forces sale for more information phone 01621 829799 or 07990 971974 (Essex)

74000 from new. Mot Mar 17 service history and old bills etc, headgasket cambelt waterpump,cat convertor, lamba sensors, exhaust, 2tyres etc spent over £2300 in the last year. £1200 ono. Paul 01328 711632 / 07775638061 or email janetvoutt@talktalk.net (Norfolk)

1959 MGA 1600 Mk 1

Well known UK MGA register car campaigned by Lady enthusiast for 12 years. Fully restored in 1989, still in excellent order. Mechanically maintained by MG expert locally.

1602cc engine has “econotune 967” head fitted for better performance.

5 speed “Sierra 9” gearbox. Spare set of four, 72 spoke wires.Tonneau & new double duck hood, matching fabric windows. Huge history file with photos.This wonderful little car lead the cavalcade from Abingdon to Folkestone in 2005 at the start of the Re-enactment drive to Le Mans, celebrating 50 years of the marque. 2011 Featured in Classic & Sports Car magazine. £26,000. Tel: 01494 785492 (Buckinghamshire)

www.mgcc.co.uk

2015 C Lowered springs Engine b with an tronic ig burettor fan. Gea roll cage, harness x175 x wheels. exempt a MOT unt Tel:01689 tonydew (North K

MG TA

Fitted wi wings,16 brake d rocker started w Change o informati or 07990 (Essex)

SPARES FOR SALE HOW TO ADVERTISE HOW TO ADVERTISE

Members Memberscan can advertise advertise their their spares sparesfor forsale/wanted sale/wanted free free of of charge chargefor foritems items up up to to £250. £250.

Over Over£250, £250,or or for for non-members non-members totoadvertise, advertise, there there is is aa charge charge of of £20. £20.To Tosubmit submit your your advertiseadvertisement ment email email Colin Colin Grant Grant at at colingrant@mgcc.co.uk. colingrant@mgcc.co.uk. Please Please remember rememberto to include include your your memmembership bershipnumber number in in all all corresponcorrespondence dence

MGA MGACylinder Cylinder Head Head

C/W valves, push rods and C/W valves, push rods and rockers for 1960 1600 MK2 rockers for 1960 1600 MK2 MGA. Casting number MGA. Casting number 1H967AF2. £50 Email: 1H967AF2. £50 Email: regdennis@btinternet.com regdennis@btinternet.com (Surrey / Hants border) (Surrey / Hants border)

MGA 1622 Engine MGA miles 1622since Engine 12000 rebuild.

12000 miles rebuild. linRebored with since new cylinder Rebored withreplaced new cylinder liners.Recently

by MGB ers.Recently

by MGB engine - £750.replaced Collect Cambs. engine -Martin £750. 01353 Collect663685.

Cambs.

Contact Contact Martin 01353 663685.

MGB MGB springs for GT Parabolic

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 memMGB Rear Rear Axle Axle bership number in all correspontype for for wire wire wheels wheels(part (part Tube type dence BTB1109) Fully Fully recondirecondiNo. BTB1109) by transmission transmission specialist specialist tioned by un-used since, with new new and un-used since, with MGA Cylinder Head 3.9:1 push rods and CW&P 3.9:1 C/W valves, £200 Buyer collects.

Buyer collects. rockers for 1960 1600 MK2 MGB Rear Axle.

MGB Axle.

MGA.Rear Casting number Tube type for for disc disc wheels 1H967AF2. £50wheels Email: Tube type (partNo. BTB1108) Fully Fully re-conre-con(partNo. BTB1108) regdennis@btinternet.com ditioned by specialist andununditioned specialist and (Surrey /by Hants border) used since, since, with with half half shafts shaftsand and used wheel bearings bearings £180. £180. Buyer Buyercolcolwheel MGA 1622 Engine lects. Tel Tel 01789 01789 721467 721467 lects.

12000 miles since rebuild.

(Warwickshire) (Warwickshire) Rebored with new cylinder liners.Recently replaced by MGB engine - £750. Collect Cambs.

Contact Martin 01353 663685.

MGB

Parabolic springs for GT c/bumper new £100.

Chrome grill for MGB new still in box £100 Front valance chrome bumper MGTF Daytona Seat Cover £50. Daytona Seat Cover MGTF Brand new in its original Contact Raymond Robinson Brand newpackaging. in its original MGRover Will fit 01780 782789 MGRover Will fit either the packaging. driver or passenger (Peterborough area) either the driver orP&P passenger seat. £45 plus £8 or collect seat. £45 plus £8 P&Pcontact or collect For more information MGB For more information contact Colin at the MG Car Club on Revotec Used Colin at555552. the MGElectronic Car Club on 01235 (Abingdon) Cooling Fan for MGB Negative 01235 555552. (Abingdon) Earth. Sucking Fan. Laser cut aluminium fan mounting brackets. 28mm Electronic fan controller. Top hose replacement kit.

Fitting Instructions Can bring to MG Live. £125 ono Emai: woodsyaew@gmail.com Tel: Andrew 01277 210009 (Essex)

CW&P 3.9:1 £200 Buyer collects.

MGB Rear Axle.

Tube type for disc wheels (partNo. BTB1108) Fully re-conditioned by specialist and unused since, with half shafts and wheel bearings £180. Buyer colMGB MGBHardtop Hardtop lects.

Tel 01789 721467 Blackfibreglass. fibreglass.

Thepaintwork paintwork Black The (Warwickshire) is good, but there is a small

is good, but there is a small crackon onthe theinside insideofofthe thedridricrack ver’sBBpost, post,not notvisible visiblewhen when ver’s thedoor doorisisclosed. closed.£150. £150. the 07973923455 923455(Middlesex) (Middlesex) 07973

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX Correct at time of going to press 4Sight Lighting Company ...........................................................53 Adrian Flux ..................................................................................77 WANTED Airflow..........................................................................................79 MGTF Daytona Seat Cover Aldon Automotive ........................................................................65 Banjo axle diffwith with standard 3.9 Banjo axle diff standard 3.9 Barrie Carter ...............................................................................92 Brand new in its original ratio, will consider a swap for Barry Walker ...............................................................................93 ratio, will consider a swap for MGRover packaging.

Will fit BCC Parts4.3 ....................................................................................22 my ratio.

Willalso also consider my 4.3 ratio.

Will consider Beech Hill Garage ........................................................................94 either the driver orwheel passenger just a 3.9 crown and pinBrian Brown Classicscrown ..................................................................95 just a £45 3.9 pinseat. plus £8wheel P&P and or collect British Heritage ................................................................IFC ionMotorContact Jim Baynam ion Contact Jim Baynam Brown and Gammonsinformation .................................................................16 For more contact 07871 119785 or email Car Cover Shop119785 07871 orCar email Colin at ..........................................................................89 the MG Club on Carbaynam@btinternet.com Workshop .............................................................................95 baynam@btinternet.com 01235 555552. (Abingdon) Carole Nash Insurance................................................................43 Chertsey Minors .........................................................................89 Chisbon Restorations..................................................................55 Church Square Autos..................................................................91 WANTED Classic & Sports Cars (Essex) ....................................................47 MGA Roadster,1955 or 1956.

Classic and Retro ........................................................................38 MGA Roadster,1955 or 1956.

Clive Wheatley .............................................................................67 Complete or uncomplete car, in Colin Groom Vehicle Storage .....................................................77 Complete or uncomplete car, in need full or part restoration.

College Motorsof Burford ...............................................................83 need of.............................................................................83 full or part restoration.

Colne Classics Any car considered.

Genuine Crown Classic .....................................................................79 Any carCars considered.

Genuine MGA enthusiast.

Dennis Welch...............................................................................83 MGA enthusiast.

Distributor ........................................................................53 AlsoDoctor wanted Alloy rim wire Don Trimming..............................................................................83 Also wanted Alloy wheels.

15.............................................................97 x 4.5j rim alloywire rim 60 EJW Classic and Sports EZ Power Steering15 .....................................................................43 wheels. x 4.5j rim 60 spoke.Please tel alloy 07795670881 Fishers Services ..........................................................................55 spoke.Please tel 07795670881 Footman ..........................................................................69 MG James Abingdon Jubilee Frontline ......................................................................................35 Celebration Pewter Tankard.

Halls Garage ................................................................................83 We have been asked by Mollie Heathrow Transmission ..............................................................89 Hoyle Suspension...........................................................................6 Day, whose................................................................51 late husband Tony JLH Minor Restoration Just Right Autos Ltd worked at....................................................................60 the MG Factory in Kimble Engineering Ltd...............................................................89 HR, to find a buyer for two of Longstone Tyres .........................................................................37 his Cars tankard collection. Only 50 Luffield Limited ...................................................................55 Lycian Events...............................................................................30 of each model (MG Midget, Manor Garage ............................................................................65 MGB and.............................................91 MGBGT) were Martin SmithTourer Used MGTF Spares MG Mecca...................................................................................95 made, engraved with the approMG Sales Centre .........................................................................33 priate model on one side and MGF Mania..................................................................................75

WANTED

WANTED

the door is closed. £150.

07973 923455 (Middlesex)

CL ASSIFIEDS WANTED

Banjo axle diff with standard 3.9 ratio, will consider a swap for my 4.3 ratio. Will also consider just a 3.9 crown wheel and pinion Contact Jim Baynam 07871 119785 or email baynam@btinternet.com

WANTED

MGA Roadster,1955 or 1956.

Complete or uncomplete car, in need of full or part restoration.

Any car considered. Genuine MGA enthusiast.

Also wanted Alloy rim wire wheels. 15 x 4.5j alloy rim 60 spoke.Please tel 07795670881

Midland Classic Restoration ..........................................................3 Mike Authurs Classics ................................................................95 Mike Rolls.....................................................................................95 Mike Satur ...................................................................................77 MJS Auto and Marine.................................................................29 Moss Europe Ltd .........................................................................29 Motor Wheel Services.................................................................75 Norton Insurance ........................................................................81 NTG Services............................................................................OBC Oselli Ltd ......................................................................................30 Paul Depper MGs........................................................................79 Peter Best .....................................................................IBC, 83, 89 Prestige MG.................................................................................77 Rees Bros ....................................................................................96 Retro Lifestyle .............................................................................65 Rimmer Bros Ltd .........................................................................51 RJJ Car Shipping and Transportation........................................89 Robin Lackford Motor Engineering ...........................................55 Scenic Car Tours Generic ...........................................................25 SMR ............................................................................................96 Snowdens of Harrogate ..............................................................97 South Coast MG Rover ..............................................................67 Sports and Vintage......................................................................89 Steve McKie Sports Cars............................................................89 Surrey Sports & Classics ............................................................83 Sussex Classic Car Parts...............................................................6 The Hutson Motor Co Ltd ..............................................................3 Trickett Welding...........................................................................81 Unique MGA ................................................................................22 Vitesse Global Ltd .......................................................................53 Webcon .......................................................................................38

Parabolicnew springs for GT c/bumper £100. c/bumper new Chrome grill for£100.

MGB new still in box £100grill for MGB new still in Chrome Front valance chrome bumper box £100 £50.

Front valance chrome bumper Contact £50. Raymond Robinson 01780 782789 Contact Raymond Robinson the Jubilee logo on the other.

(Peterborough 01780 782789 area) The one offered for sale is an (Peterborough area) A79 - SNOWDENS OF HARROGATE_SNOWDENS 16/05/2016 14:53 Page 1 MGBGT and is numbered 1930 MGA 1600 MGB MG Abingdon Jubilee together with a signed certifiComplete original 1600 unleadRevotec Celebration Pewter Tankard.

MGB Used Electronic MG Abingdon Jubilee cate. There is also a similar ed engine £100.

Cooling for Electronic MGB Negative We have been askedTankard.

by Mollie RevotecFan Used Celebration Pewter Tankard (the prototype) with no Three branch manifold £15.

Earth.

Sucking Fan. Laser cut Day, whose late husband Tony Cooling Fan for MGB Negative We have been asked by Mollie engraving. The two are offrered Spare Engine sump £10 aluminium fan mounting brackworked at the MG FactoryTony in Earth. Sucking Fan. Laser cut Day, whose late husband for sale at £125 ono. Contact Original Gearbox and clutch ets.

28mm Electronic fan brackconHR, to find a buyer for twoinof aluminium fan mounting worked at the MG Factory Peter Neal at the MG Car Club housing £60collection. Only 50 troller.

Top hose replacement his tankard ets. 28mm Electronic fan con-kit.

HR, to find a buyer for two of on 01235555552.

Original Prop shaft £20 Fitting Instructions of each model (MG Midget, troller. Top hose replacement kit. his tankard collection.

Only 50 Kenlowe Electric fan £45 Can bring to MG Live. £125 ono MGB Tourer and MGBGT) were Fitting Instructions of eachcollects model (MG Midget, Buyer West Emai: woodsyaew@gmail.com made, engraved withSussex the approCan bring to MG Live. £125 ono MGB Tourer and were Contact Peter onMGBGT) 01903 883416 Tel: Andrew 01277 210009 priate model on one side and Emai: woodsyaew@gmail.com made, engraved with the approor 020 78282065 (Essex) the Jubilee logo on the other.

Tel: Andrew 01277 210009 priate model on one side and The one offered for sale is an (Essex) the Jubilee logo on the other.

MGB MGBGT and is numbered 1930 MGA 1600 The one offered forseats, salecertifiis an Pair of early with together withstyle a signed Complete original 1600 unleadMGBGT and is numbered 1930 MGA 1600 black vinyl seat covers with cate. There is also a similar ed engine £100. together with prototype) a signed certifiwhite piping, new foams.

MGF/TF Complete original 1600£15. unleadTankard (the with no Three branch manifold Northwood, Middlesex cate.

There is also aare similar Outright purchase so nooffrered Wooden steering wheel.This is engraving.

The two ed engine £100.

Spare Engine sump £10 Tankard (the prototype) with no exchange required £180 in excellent condition with only for sale at £125 ono.

Contact Three branch manifold £15.

Original Gearbox and clutch engraving.

The two areCar offrered Also full interior available phone light signs of use. £125 + £10 Peter Neal at the MG Club Spare Engine housing £60 sump £10 for sale at £125 ono. Contact P&P or collect. Contact Colin for 01235555552. details and prices on OriginalProp Gearbox Original shaftand £20clutch Telephone Jack Peter Neal at the01280848529 MG Car Club at the MGMG Car SPECIALISTS Club on FOR OVER 30 YEARS housing £60 Kenlowe Electric fan £45 (Buckingham) on 01235555552.

01235 555552. (Abingdon) Original Prop shaft Buyer collects West£20 Sussex KenlowePeter Electric fan £45883416 Contact on 01903 collects West Sussex orBuyer 020 78282065 Contact Peter on 01903 883416 or 020 78282065 MGB

ANY MG WANTED ANY CONDITION

07774 484497 • 01923 840236 ejwhitescars@aol.com www.mgandporsche.com www.mgandporsche.com

SNOWDENS OF HARROGATE

Pair of early style seats, with MGBvinyl seat covers with black white piping, Pair of early new style foams. seats, with Outright purchase so nowith black vinyl seat covers exchange required £180 white piping, new foams.

Also full interior available Outright purchase so no phone for details and prices£180 exchange required Telephone Jack 01280848529 Also full interior available phone (Buckingham) for details and prices Telephone Jack 01280848529 (Buckingham)

www.mgcc.co.uk

MGF/TF

Wooden steering wheel.This is

in excellent condition with only MGF/TF light signs of use.wheel.This £125 + £10 Wooden steering is P&P or collect.

Contact in excellent condition withColin only at the MGof Car light signs use. Club £125 +on£10 01235 (Abingdon) P&P or555552. collect. Contact Colin at the MG Car Club on 01235 555552. (Abingdon)

MGB 1973 £8750

2016 TRADE MEMBER

www.snowdensmgs.com Harrogate 01423 502406

JUNE 2016 SAFETY FAST! 97

LOOKING BACK IF YOU CAN TELL US MORE ABOUT ANY OF THESE CARS OR THE EVENTS, WE ARE ALWAYS KEEN TO HEAR FROM YOU AT KIMBER HOUSE; CONTACT THE MGCC ARCHIVIST PETE NEAL ON PETERNEAL@MGCC.CO.UK.

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

Copyright MG Car Club 2016 Editor: Andy Knott 01235 849730 / 01235 555552 andyknott@mgcc.co.uk Deputy Editor: Colin Grant 01235 849733 colingrant@mgcc.co.uk Editorial Committee: William Ball, Dennis Wharf, Colin Grant, Adam Sloman 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 President: John Day Vice Presidents: Ron Gammons, Don Hayter, Peter Best.

Chairman: Ian Quarrington

W

e think that these photographs by Tony Bugbird of the MG Car Club Silverstone meeting in 2001 (also held in June), show that the children can enjoy themselves just as much as the grown-ups. Why not bring the whole family along to MGLive at Silverstone on June 4-5 and have a fun day out!

Vice Chairman: George Wilder Treasurer: Richard Colston Directors: Dave Saunders, Paul Plummer, William Ball, George Wilder, Dave Tynan and Peter Cook Company Secretary: Colin Grant Staff Members: Adam Sloman (General Manager 01235 849732), John Hutchison (Competitions Secretary 01235 849738), Andy Knott (01235 849730), Liz Allsworth (Membership Secretary 01235 849734), Colin Grant (01235 849733), Lauran Gallacher (01235 849735), Cherina Scarrott (Finance Officer 01235 849736) and Chris Kynoch (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! JUNE 2016

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

www.mgcc.co.uk

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