Safety Fast! March 2016

MARCH 2016 £3.50

Volume 60

Number 03

inside this month MG_SafetyFast_March16_Covers.indd 1

THE MARQUE OF FRIENDSHIP

Turn Ethanol into Ethanil Importing an MG TF-1500 MG Car Club History – Part III The Power of the 3

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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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C

0

MIDLAND

CLASSIC

R E S T O R AT I O N S

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

www.midlandclassicrestorations.co.uk

Call 01905 622166

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

LAUNCHING OCTOBER 2015 L A U NPremium C H I car N storage G Osolutions CTO BER 2015 for you, and your vehicle Premium carstorage storagewithin solutions for you, and your vehicle All inclusive a custom designed facility All inclusive storagefully within a custom designed facility Climate controlled, alarmed & monitored 24/7 Climate controlled, fully alarmed & monitored 24/7 Discreet location just outside of Stratford-Upon-Avon Discreet location just outside of Stratford-Upon-Avon

YO U R P R I D E & J OY, O U R T O P P R I O R I T Y YO U R P R I D E & J OY, O U R T O P P R I O R I T Y Email: glen@trendmanagementservices.co.uk Email: glen@trendmanagementservices.co.uk Tel: 07837 665283 www.tmscarstorage.co.uk Tel: 07837 665283 www.tmscarstorage.co.uk www.mgcc.co.uk

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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

Hutson.qxd:Layout 2

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Sussex Classic Car Parts, Unit 28, Huffwood Trading Estate, 14:38 Page 1 Partridge Green, West Sussex, RH13 8AU +44 (0)1403 711551 www.sussexclassiccar.co.uk

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

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www.mgcc.co.uk

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Inside

this

issue

March 2016

George and Jo Ward about to ascend Honeycliffe Hill in their 1934 MG PA during the 2015 SW Centre Kimber Classic Trial. See page 73 for details of this year’s event. Photo: Ian Beningfield

16 MGLive! 2016 Tickets, camping, Concours and more at the largest MG event in the world

20 Turn Ethanol into Ethanil A solution from Classic Oils on removing ethanol from fuel

23 Importing an MG TF-1500

Regulars 7 Editor’s Welcome A summary from Andy Knott

9 From the Chair Club Matters from Ian Quarrington

10 News MGCC shortlisted for ‘Club of the Year’ award, Marque of Friendship Award and more

12 Kimber House News Bill Wallis Wing update, Young Members FB group and more

14 Products The latest products in the world of MG

16 Postbag Members have their say

60 Race Torque

Looking ahead to the first race of the season

62 MGs on Track MGs on Track invites everybody to try out a track day!

www.mgcc.co.uk

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A novice, a dream and an MG on the wrong side of the Atlantic...

63 Luffield Championship Latest news from the MGCC Luffield Speed Championship

64 Calendar of Events MGCC events, March through to May

66 Out and About Your photos

68 Overseas Review Safety Fast! keeps tabs on the overseas action

70 Centre Updates News from the MGCC Regional Centres

82 Register Updates News from the MGCC Registers

91 Looking Back A selection of snippets from the MGCC archives

28 Club History Part III The Centre Growth, 1933 – 1939

35 The Power of the 3 Two MG3s put to the test at Brands Hatch

57 Mary Harris Trophy 2016 Part 1 of 3 exploring the Mary Harris Trophy

Newsletters

39 SVW Newsletter

SVW Register Annual Event, VA Shooting Brake and more

44 MGA Newsletter Inertia Reel Seat Belts in an Early MGA Roadster, MGA Era and more

50 MGF Newsletter MGF Register Chairman’s Weekend, Charity fundraising 2016 and the Hard Top Relay and more

92 Classifieds Cars and Spares offered for sale

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WELCOME

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, Victor Smith, Adam Sloman Regular Contributors: Alwyn Morgan

Andy Knott

Words from

Editor

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 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

One of the biggest problems that clubs seem to be encountering is getting younger members on onboard and involved. The MG Clubs are fortunate that we have a current model of MG available, the MG3, with a low insurance group and sensible finance options to entice the younger generation into MG ownership. Also, with the MGFs, TFs, Zed range now being covered by Classic Car insurance these are now affordable classics and we’re noticing a lot of our younger members are driving these models of MG. Interestingly, our PR & Social Media Officer, Chris Kynoch, recently started a Facebook page, The MG Car Club Young Members Group, aimed at members under 30 years of age. Within two days of the page being published on Facebook over 200 people responded, with plenty of photos of their cars, including 19 year old Robson Field’s ZT-T 2.0 CDT automatic in rare monogram Typhoon paint, 21 year old Connor Holme’s stunning 1963 FIA MGB and 18 year old Iwan Jones’ lovely OEW 1969 MG Midget, to name just a few. We’ll bring you updates on this initiative in future issues of Safety Fast!.

With Spring just around the corner we’re noticing that many MGs are coming back out of hibernation after their winter storage. Don’t forget to check the vital components such as tyre pressures and perishing, brakes and all the fluid levels etc before heading out on the road again, also don’t forget tax and MOT if applicable.

As mentioned last month, there’s plenty of events being planned for this year for you and your MG, so do keep an eye on the calendar page within this issue and also the rolling calendar published on the main MGCC website www.mgcc.com. On page 65 of this issue is the booking form for the Regency Run, hailed to be the 34th and final Regency Run, held on May 8; get your entry in early as places are limited. Also within this issue you should find enclosed another booking form for the MG Car Club’s premier event of the year, MGLive!, held at Silverstone on June 4–5. For those new members who haven’t been before I urge you to log on to the events dedicated website www.mglive.co.uk. Here you’ll be able to find out what’s going on over the weekend; this website is being updated frequently as attractions are being added, so it’s worth visiting it on a regular basis.

Until next month, drive safely.

@mgcarclub

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

MARCH 2016

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FROM

THE CHAIR

Ian Quarrington Club Matters from

Inspiration, not perspiration. My old school games master used that phrase when describing the ethos of work even on the rugby pitch! Thus I have been looking back through old copies of Safety Fast! initially searching for some inspiration for this month’s notes, but instead, I found myself increasingly surprised and delighted how this magazine has evolved and improved significantly over the last few years. When we remember that for something like 75% of the members, Safety Fast! is the only contact they have with the Club, it is not hard to see why the effort is always going into making sure it continues to improve.

You may remember I mentioned in January that we were reviewing the magazine with our publishers, Hine. We are duty bound to follow due diligence as a Board, and make regular reviews of all parts of the running of the Club, including the entire publishing procedure. I am delighted to say that the Editorial Sub Committee has completed this exercise and there will be a short presentation on this at Council in March.

There remains one very significant input, however, and that is yours. If you have an article you would like to see published, or if you have a comment to make, or would simply like to write in, please do write to the Editor, Andy Knott; this is your Club, let’s hear what you have to say.

I hope you have all been taking the opportunity to look at the Club website regularly and, if you have a Facebook account, on the Club’s own Facebook page. The success in using social media to promote the Club and its events and to share some of our history has been astonishing; again, it is not only input from our publicity team but you the Members who have been contributing, and I would like to thank, among others, the South West Centre, the MGB Register for sharing event information and specifically to Colin Murrell for ‘Murrell’s Mondays’, a wonderful series of evocative photographs from the past.

This month we are at Longbridge again as guests of MG for our Council

meeting. I am pleased to say we have had a few requests from Members of the Club who are not on any CRB committees asking to attend, and we look forward to sharing with them how the Club works.

There will be reports as usual from the Officers of the Club and from the various committees that make up the Board, and from Kimber House too, including an update on the request for Member access to Rev up. I have already set the date for the next meeting and the AGM for October 15 2016 so that all CRB Chairpersons can keep that date free in their diaries, and attend to vote on any issues and at the AGM on behalf of the folks they are there to represent.

I hope you will feel inspired to feed back to your CRB representatives any matters you wish raised by them; it is your Club and we want your ideas on how we can improve what we do for you. I hope that Spring will appear in all its glory very soon so we can get out in the sunshine and enjoy our MG cars.

“Good work Briggs: now, which car to take out today? Let’s see, eeny, meeny, miny... MO!” www.mgcc.co.uk

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NEWS NEWSLETTER

The MG Car Club celebrates Don Hayter’s 90th Birthday The MG Car Club recently helped celebrate the 90th Birthday of one of the leading men behind the MGB sports car Don came to work for The MG Car Company as their Chief Body Draughtsman in 1956 after a spell at Aston Martin. After spending some time developing the MGA Twin Cam, he started work on the MGB. MG more than doubles 2016 January Sales MG Motor UK is celebrating a great start to 2016 with a 132% increase on January sales after 313 vehicles were registered in January.

Figures released recently from The Society of Motoring Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows that last year MG sold 135 cars in January. This year, due to growing awareness in the brand and a

Following two prototypes, the EX205 and EX214, the MGB was given the go-ahead, and it was Don’s job to make the car buildable and to finalise the distinctive windscreen and hood, not to mention the dash design.

Following the success of the MGB, Don worked on other projects such as the SSV-1 safety car, the shell of the MGC GT racer, and in 1973 he was appointed Chief Engineer.

Don was made an honorary Vice-President of the MG Car Club in 2001 for his incredible work that culminated in designing the bestselling MG sports car of all time.

At the reception that included his family, former colleagues and various invited guests, the Club presented Don with a framed collection of photos taken down the years.

Don said: “The important thing about life is the people in it. Seeing old people from my department has made my day, and without the MG Car Club this wouldn’t have happened. For that I say thank you.”

range of great deals, the manufacturer has seen a percentage change of 131.85%.

Douglas Mickel Fund News Applications to the DMF are reviewed by a panel. It is made up of a Club Director, a Centre Chair and a Register Chair, and as members holding such posts change, thus the Panel must change.

Recently Gordon Buckley – Chair Ulster Centre and Barry Cartmell – Chair MGC Register have agreed to join the panel, as previous members had to stand down.

The fund is looking for ways to support new initiatives within the Club – there is up to £5,000 available in any one year in the form of grants or loans.

Grants are very much for research or capital items – such as last year’s SVW engine stand project.

Loans are for projects that will produce an income, such as funding to support an event or a book, where there is a reasonable opportunity for the loan to be repaid over time.

So far this year there have been provisional applications for Register event funding, radio mics for seminars and another for Natter support. If these applications go ahead, this still leaves the majority of the funding available.

So let’s be having more applications – full details of ‘how to’ in the members’ area of the website.

Marque of Friendship Award At the last Council Meeting it was announced that the Club was developing an award to recognise those who have made a significant contribution over a number of years. This award will be known as the Marque of Friendship Award.

The nominations for the award could come from the CRBs and the Main Club. The nominations are to be reviewed by the Board’s Appointment Committee.

The criterion for nomination for the award is quite simple: A member who has made a significant contribution to the MGCC over a number of years in organising or carrying out a major aspect of the Club’s activities.

The Award is likely to be in the form of a special lapel badge with the member’s name recorded on the roll of honour. The Awards will presented by the Chairman at a special event once year.

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MGCC shortlisted for ‘Club of the Year’ award Held in association with Tourism Ireland, Classic Car Weekly and the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs, the inaugural National Car Club Awards will take place at the NEC in Birmingham alongside the Practical Classic Restoration and Classic Car Show on March 5 2016, with TV’s Wheeler Dealer, Mike Brewer, charged with hosting duties.

MGCC General Manager Adam Sloman said: “We’re thrilled to have been shortlisted – it’s an exciting new award and we’re really looking forward to it. There are some fantastic clubs in the mix for ‘Club of the Year’, it’s going to be a brilliant night. We’re lucky to have so many fantastic members and this is thanks to them.”

“Sideways” – still racing at 80 Barry (“Sideways”) Siddery-Smith turned 80 years young on 26th January. To mark this auspicious event, his daughter Heidi organised a surprise 1940s style tea-party.

Around 100 friends and family from across the country and from Belgium joined Barry and his wife Pam, who had been coaxed out by Heidi with the promise of a family meal.

Barry has been racing since 1959, initially an Austin Healey 100/4 and in the 1970s he started racing MGBs, going on to acquire the 1965 ex-works, ex-Paddy Hopkirk, Le Mans Race car DRX 255C, which he still owns and races. Barry has been an MGCC stalwart for over 50 years having run a natter, served as a South East Centre committee member for many years and was a joint founder of the BCV8 Championship.

As well as being renowned for his racing skill he is well liked for his affable personality and for his generosity of spirit in helping others in the sport. We wish him well.

MGC Register AGM.

Venue: Rose & Crown Hotel, Harnham Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire. SP2 8JQ Date: Friday April 29 2016.

Time: 3.30pm.

Agenda: Apologies for Absence.

Approval of last year’s minutes.

Matters Arising and correspondence.

Chairman’s Report.

Secretary’s Report.

Treasurer’s Report.

MGC Event 2017 Nominations for Committee.

Motions for Debate.

A.O.B. Motions for Debate, duly proposed and seconded, should be forwarded in writing to The Secretary, Ginny Cartmell, MGCC MGC Register, Lower Carblake Manor, Cardinham, Bodmin, Cornwall, PL30 4BX. to arrive no later than two weeks prior to the date of the meeting.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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NEWS NEWSLETTER

Social News Media Kimber House

Round Up

With a lot of people talking about the Bill Wallis Wing and how it’s coming along, this month’s Kimber House News will be solely focused on just that. In February’s issue, we reported that the windows had just been installed and the metal tracks had been put into the archive downstairs.

Since then, all of the walls have been plastered and are now in the process of being decorated. In the archive room downstairs, the ceiling has been put up and the walls are awaiting the paint.

One of the old offices upstairs has been extended to house two members of staff; the outer wall was extended as a result of that, and the loft hatch was moved. Now all of the walls are up and the rooms are taking shape, everyone at Kimber House is on tenterhooks for it to be finished, and by next month it should be almost there.

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In February, we ran a question across social media that received a lot of responses. MGA, B or C? As predicted, the MGB came in as the most popular, and it was the first time we have used the new poll option on Twitter, which got 52 votes. Speaking of MGBs, a picture of the 2016 Historic Monte-Carlo Rally MGB was shown a lot on all our social media platforms and gathered over 400 likes on Facebook.

We posted a picture for a Throwback Thursday that had an old picture of the Abingdon MG Factory Administration Block held up against where it is today, once again reminding people how close we are to such an amazing piece of history.

One of the biggest things to have happened this month is the launching of a new young members Facebook group. This is aimed at MG enthusiasts who are under 30, and is essentially an open forum for people to talk about everything MG, including events and technical advice. By making the group, we want to encourage young MG enthusiasts to join the MG Car Club, and show them the benefits of joining. If you’re under 30, or if you have a son/daughter that is interested in getting involved with like-minded MG fans of a similar age group, just search on Facebook for ‘The MG Car Club Young Members Group’ and click join.

Lastly, we set up event pages on Facebook for MGLive! 2016 and Zed15, so if you’re coming along, join in for all the latest news and updates right when they happen. This can be done by going to our Facebook page and clicking on ‘upcoming events’ on the left hand side.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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PRODUCTS

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PRODUCTS

Skinner’s Union – A History of The Skinner Family and The SU Company ‘SKINNER’S UNION’ is a comprehensive history of the SU Company and the members of the Skinner family involved.

This new book comprises over 300 pages complete with copious photographs, drawings and illustrations (many not previously published).

The book’s main focus is on the period from 1908 when the leather bellows carburetter, designed by George Herbert Skinner, was first put into production by his younger brother Thomas Carlyle Skinner, through to Carl Skinner’s retirement in 1947, by which time the SU Carburetter Company Ltd was part of the vast Nuffield Organisation.

Two chapters cover Barbara and Peter Skinner’s hill climbing and racing activities and give details of the Skinner Specials.

Another chapter covers the period leading up to and during WW2, when SU manufactured the aero-carburetters and single point injection systems for many RAF aircraft. During the Battle of Britain in 1940, the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine in every Spitfire and Hurricane

had an SU carburetter. Two Appendices cover the history of the company from the 1950s to the present day and list the main SU products from the first prototype carburetter of 1904 through to 1994 when the original company ceased manufacturing the KIF carburetters for the Rover Metro. It’s worth remembering that SU supplied the plastic throttle bodies as fitted to the MGF up until the plant finally closed in 1999. There is an Appendix that lists details of the original patents and drawings.

However this was not the end, with Bulen Fuel Systems, who were an SU agent, purchasing the tooling, jigs and stock together with the SU trade mark, enabling them to continue manufacture of SU carburettors and fuel pumps for our vintage, historic and classic MGs to this day.

This is a superbly written book by well-known author Mike Harvey and is available from Burlen Fuel Systems Limited via their website at http://sucarb. co.uk/skinner-s-union-book.html or by phoning Burlen on 01722 412500. Priced at £20 plus postage charge.

NEW ITG PANEL FILTER FOR MG3 MG Dealer and leading MG Specialists, Brown & Gammons, are delighted to announce that they can now supply ITG panel filters for the MG3.

Having worked in conjunction with market leaders ITG over the past months, the new panel filter is a direct replacement for the standard filter but offers approximately an extra 3hp and a slightly throatier sound.

Having finished in the top ten of dealers for selling the MG3, Brown & Gammons are keen to supply the same top quality standard for present MG3 owners by offering quality aftermarket performance upgrades for this very popular MG. The ITG filter follows the stainless steel, British made, performance exhaust that Brown & Gammons launched last year, which they are retailing at £349.99 including VAT. The ITG filter, part number BG3300, is priced at just £64.80 including

VAT and can be ordered by contacting Brown & Gammons on 01462 490049 or on the secure website at ukmgparts.com.

For those owners wishing to maximise the performance of their MG3 and get approximately 5-6 extra horsepower, Brown & Gammons have put together Stage 1 Performance Kit to include both the ITG filter and performance exhaust for only £399.95.

More information on both these products can be obtained by calling Brown & Gammons. As a main MG Dealer, B&G can also offer all MG Motor servicing items for the MG3 and MG6 along with accessories, merchandise and all genuine MG parts.

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MGA Brake and Clutch Master Cylinder from NTG MGA 1600 and Mk2 brake and clutch master cylinder (also for MGA 1500 disc brake conversion). High quality reproduction with correct original style metal filler cap. £98 inc VAT. Metal filler cap only £7.80 inc VAT, fits all MGA, ZA/B, early Midget and Sprite etc.

NTG Motor Services Ltd, 282-284 Bramford Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 4AY Tel: 01473 406031 or 01473 406032 or go to www.mgbits.com Have a new product? Tell us Are you a trader and have a product that would be of interest to our members, and would like us to incorporate it in the product pages of Safety Fast! Why not contact Colin Grant at colingrant@mgcc. co.uk and include details of the product you would like us to include, it’s free

www.mgcc.co.uk

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S

BOOK REVIEW

Squire - the Man, the Cars the Heritage Adrian Squire was born on October 11 1909 in the fashionable district of Kensington, Central London, although the family home was a recently constructed house in the country at Steventon in Berkshire, close to the main railway line of the Great Western Railway. The second son of upper middle class parents, George and Clare, Adrian would inherit his father’s engineering talents and his mother’s undoubted intellectual qualities. His birth certificate describes his father as being of ‘independent means’, probably as the result of a substantial inheritance at the time of his own father’s death. At the outbreak of the First World War, George volunteered for Army service, whilst his wife Clare took it upon herself to take care of Adrian’s education, due to the somewhat delicate state of her son’s health and the fact that the nearest school was some five miles away.

From an early age Adrian showed a keen interest in engineering and had a particular passion for engines of all types. At the age of nine he entered ‘Downside’, a leading public boarding school in Somerset, where his older brother was already a pupil. He remained there until 1926 when, aged 16, he moved to Faraday House in London to study electrical engineering, whilst his parents, having lost a substantial amount of their fortune when their private bank foundered, moved to their flat in Ladbroke Gardens, W11. At about this time Adrian ‘published’ a handwritten ‘catalogue’ extolling the virtues of the ‘Squire 1½ litre open two-seater’ which also included a drawing of his imaginary sports car. This fictitious brochure illustrates his already remarkable grasp of motor car engineering.

On completion of his studies at Faraday House, Adrian began employment as an unindentured apprentice at Bentley Motors at Cricklewood, leaving after a short while in favour of a partnership in a garage business at Gerrard’s Cross. Whilst this enterprise showed little sign of ever becoming financially viable, it did afford the young Squire

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the opportunity to work on the design of his own projected sports car. It wasn’t long before the parlous state of this business forced him to seek alternative employment, and after several rejections he was fortunate to be offered a job as a draughtsman at the MG Car Company in Abingdon-on-Thames, soon after their move there from Oxford. In fact he stayed at MGs for two years, during which time he had risen to become second-incommand in the design office. Whilst at Abingdon he also spent most of his spare time working on the design of his ‘Squire’, and when a long awaited £3,000 inheritance from a great uncle finally materialised, he set about turning his boyhood dream into a reality. Leaving Abingdon on good terms, and with a glowing testimonial, he purchased a plot of land at Remenham Hill in Henley where he built a small factory unit fronted by a garage with petrol pumps on the forecourt.

The author leaves no stone unturned in bringing to life the fascinating story of the development of the beautifully engineered Squire sports car, and its two year production span leading to its demise in 1936 when the money ran out after only nine cars had been completed.

He also charts Adrian Squire’s subsequent career working for the Bristol Aeroplane Company as assistant to their Chief Engineer, Roy Feddon.

The author also provides an in-depth profile of each of the cars to emerge from Adrian Squire’s Henley factory.

Without the dedication of Jonathan Wood and the generous financial support of his Squire-owning backers, it is probable that the full story of the Squire’s very existence may well have been lost to automobile history.

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FEATURE POSTBAG

MGCC History Part 1

The 1975 reunion. Rear: SD John Reid, Derek Hopper, Norman McCee, John Bownacott, Pat Green. Front: Jack Bastock, John Thornley, John ES Jones, Bud Merket

I have enjoyed Peter Browning’s history article in the January Safety Fast!. I expect someone else will have spotted the error on page 25, but the photo of the 1935 PA Cream Cracker on the Abingdon to Abingdon Trial is not Toulmin, but the late Jack Bastock.

At a reunion in 1975 I was lucky enough to take Jack for a ride in his old car around the lanes of Mickleton. This was the place where the boys often met to and from Trials (Toulmin in TJ 5000, Bass in JB 3854 and McDermid in JB 3639). These cars were replaced by 3x PBs for 1936.

Yours sincerely Steve Dear MGCC History Part 1 Many thanks for another excellent magazine. I especially enjoy the historical articles about the early days of MG and their motor sporting successes (and even the failures too).

The photograph at the foot of page 25 is actually one of Jack Bastock, driving ‘Cream Crackers 2’.

I attach a similar photograph of my father driving ‘Cream Crackers 1’ at the same event – the MGCC’s ‘Abingdon to Abingdon’ Trial on May 4 1935.

Interestingly, the person standing closest to TJ 5000 and right by the white flag is Jack Bastock, presumably watching the team captain to see how to do it?!

Lund Lamps I am searching for two Lund lamps similar to those originally fitted to Ted Lund’s 1956 MGA which I own and am having restored.

These were originally fitted to the top of the over-riders when he raced and rallied the car in the mid/late 1950s.

The ‘Lund’ spot lamps are extremely distinctive; anyone who has them may not recognise the name ‘Lund Lamps’ but would recognise them from a photo, as they are similar in size to a headlamp and have a bulbous centre. Please see the attached photo of lamps on the car from the 1956 MCC Rally.

Kind regards David Anderson

This event was only the third in which the Cream Cracker Team had competed since its debut on the Land’s Trial at Easter of that year. In that Abingdon Trial, the Cream Crackers won the Inter-Club Team Prize.

TJ 5000 is back in the family! I believe that my father sold the car in the latter part of 1938, perhaps to fund his marriage in January 1939. I managed to buy the car back in 1994, albeit at more than the price of £200 which my father would have paid for it, brand new, in March 1934!

I shall be taking TJ 5000 back to Ulster in June next year, where the car had achieved some amazing results in the Craigantlet Hill Climbs in the mid 1930s.

Yours Jonathan Toulmin

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MG THE MG CAR CLUB PRESENTS

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FEATURE

The countdown to MGLive! has well and truly begun, we’re now just four months away from the annual big bash at Silverstone.

As always, the weekend promises a packed programme, but how can you make the most of your weekend at MGLive! 2016?

Camping Why not make a weekend of it and camp at MGLive!. Don’t forget that entrance to the After Hours party is included in your ticket so staying at Silverstone makes perfect sense! Take your pick between Family and General camping areas and let us know if you’re bringing a tent, camper or caravan and we’ll take care of the rest – tent pitches are just £25 and camper/ caravan pitches are just £30 in advance.

A limited number of electric hook-ups are available on the day for £15.

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Snoozebox If you don’t have camping gear then don’t worry – you can still stay on site by booking a Snoozebox! Each compact and comfortable room features free wifi, LCD TV, with air conditioning / heating, an ensuite wetroom, a personal safe, a double bed and a single bunk, linens, towels and complimentary toiletries. Each room can sleep up to two adults and one child up to

the age of 12. MG Car Club members can enjoy an exclusive discount too, please call 0203 771 9404 and quote the code: MG2016 to save 15%.

Meguiar’s Pride of Ownership and Concours Sunday is your time to shine at MGLive! by entering your car in the Meguiar’s Pride of Ownership and Concours. Both events

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FEATURE

take place on the Sunday of MGLive! and are free to enter, with the winning Concours car going on to compete in the Meguiar’s Showcase at the NEC Classic Motor Show in November! Pride of Ownership encourages members to take pride in their MG and present it to best advantage and for Concours, originality and attention to detail take centre stage.

Autojumble Looking for a bumper for your B? Or wings for your Y Type? Then the MGLive! autojumble is your chance to get bargain hunting to find that elusive part or panel that you might not find anywhere else! The plots provide an opportunity for visitors to browse spare parts that other owners are looking to sell. If your garage could do with a clear out, then an MGLive! autojumble plot might just be for you.

with thousands of MG enthusiasts in one place, there’s nowhere better do it. A pitch for the weekend costs just £25.

Cars for Sale Are you after another MG? Or has the time come for you to change it for another?

Well at MGLive! you’ll find a fantastic selection of cars from right across the entire MG spectrum. If you’ve a craving a ZR 160, or a hankering for a BGT, you’ll find one for sale at MGLive!. On the other hand, if you’re thinking of selling your car,

Tickets Tickets for MGLive! are now on sale, and as a member of the MG Car Club huge savings can be had if you book in advance.

Enclosed within this issue of Safety Fast! is the booking form, for not just entry tickets but for all the activities to keep you entertained at Silverstone over the weekend; remember it’s your weekend

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so make the most of it. You’ll also find tickets available online – just visit the events dedicated website www.mglive. co.uk where we’ll bring you all the latest MGLive! news and you’ll be able to book tickets securely on our online ticket shop.

MG Car Club members can buy a single day ticket in advance for just £18, a saving of £12 over the gate price, and a weekend ticket for just £28, saving you £17 on the weekend gate price. Once again, children aged 16 and under go free when accompanied by an adult!

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TECH TORQUE

S

ince Ethanol was introduced into pump fuel in the mid to late Noughties it’s been a source of debate amongst classic car owners. It was introduced to reduce carbon emissions by replacing fossil fuel with fuel derived from plants, such as sugar cane, and makes up between two and five per cent of pump fuel.

Although not problematic for modern cars, ethanol can cause issues for classic cars, particularly those that are used infrequently or laid up during the winter.

Ethanol is a wet fuel, meaning that it absorbs water from the atmosphere. With a modern car where you are frequently topping up there is no problem, but when you lay your car up for the winter it gives the Ethanol five to six months to pick up water.

This forms a heavy layer and can start rusting the bottom of your tank. It also supplies the oxygen to allow it to rust. The tank is not the only problem; it can affect brass jets, some plastics and rubber hoses. A friend of mine recently tried to start his MGB after a long lay-up. When it wouldn’t start he decided to

check the carbs and found them full of water!!

Good old Ethanol, but there are solutions and one would be the use of a fuel stabiliser, or draining the tank and carburettors, but now there is another option.

A firm called Classic Oils has come to the rescue with a product called Ethanil.

This is a kit that comprises of two plastic containers, one 3ltr measuring container which has a two litre line and percentages marked on it, and a larger 20ltr container called a Separator with a cleverly designed tap attached, and two handles to aid when agitating. The kit also includes a standard style funnel. If you have the Deluxe kit it also contains a funnel with a fine mesh screen.

You will also need a petrol can that can hold 18 litres of fuel. The idea of the kit is to remove the Ethanol content from the petrol which is then ideal for low mileage cars, and as the last fill of the season before laying the car up where the vehicle’s fuel tank is most at risk from corrosion.

To start the process, you fill up the small measuring container with water

Adding the water

Turn Ethanol into

Ethanil

by Colin Grant. Photos by Andy Knott

The Ethanil Kit

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TECH TORQUE

Adding the Fuel

to the two litre mark. This is then poured into the Separator tank. Then add around 6 litres of fuel and refit the screw cap.

Give the can a good shake and repeat the process another two times using all of your 18litres of fuel. One final shake and leave for around an hour. Now all this may seem strange as we know petrol and water don’t mix, but Ethanol and water do. So over the next hour the Ethanol and water molecules will gather at the bottom of the container because water is heavier than petrol.

Now this is where the specially designed push button tap comes in that drains from the bottom.. This is used to drain away the Ethanol/water mix into the small container. As soon as you see the yellow petrol coming out, turn the tap off. If you want to extract every last drop of water/Ethanol, use the funnel in the Deluxe kit which with its fine mesh traps the last drops.

You can now check the amount of Ethanol in your fuel by checking the level against the percentage marking on the can. You now have around 17 litres of pure fuel which you can use without the fears associated with Ethanol based petrol. You will of course have around two litres of liquid that is very much like vodka. Ethanil suggest you dispose of it at an approved recycling centre. Don’t store your fuel in the plastic containers as the

Showing 3% of Enthanol

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Decanting the can.

Adding remaining fuel

Draining off the Ethanol and water

transparent plastic isn’t suitable for longterm storage.

For more information or to order a kit go to www.ethanil.co.uk or call 01296

488927, with the standard kit priced at £49.95 or the Deluxe kit, which comes with a Mr Funnel Filter, priced at £74.95.

Both kits include free UK delivery.

Deluxe kit with added funnell

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FEATURE

The TF restored and in the UK, ready for the 2016 events

Importing an MG TF-1500

by Nick Gasson

A novice, a dream and an MG on the wrong side of the Atlantic – what could possibly go wrong? An account of importing an MG TF-1500 from the USA

F

ar cleverer people than me have written on the task of importing a car from the United States and there are excellent, if somewhat daunting accounts of the hurdles, bureaucracy and patience-testing requirements to manage the whole adventure oneself. To be honest, if I’d read carefully all the literature before deciding to import, I would perhaps have been put off. However, with a bit of common sense and by using a trusted shipping company, it should not be onerous and for those of us with a limited budget but ambitions to own a head-turning classic, there remains the opportunity to pull off some amazing deals and achieve the aim.

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My story is the fulfilment of a longterm ambition to own a ‘first generation’ MG TF. Quality TFs, particularly the TF1500 were, and still are, quite pricey and I could not afford one in working order in the UK. Thus, armed with enthusiasm but little knowledge, I started looking on websites in the USA. Almost immediately I found 474 UYH advertised on a sales site and could barely believe my eyes – she was described as a three owner, matching numbers TF-1500, with 37,000 miles, only one minor restoration (in 1971) and two recent second-place awards at East Coast car shows – and all for less dollars than one might expect to pay in pounds

at home for an average car. Was this to be the outstanding opportunity or a nightmare waiting for a victim? Curiosity got the better of me and with my late father’s adage of ‘if it looks too good to be true, it probably is’ ringing alarm bells in my head, I contacted the owner Mario in Maryland. I need not have been concerned – Mario was delightful, clearly very knowledgeable, and had a collection of British sports cars that included a TR3 and an MGB GT. He confessed to being bewildered at why a Brit would be mad enough to buy his car based only on a text and photos, but we struck up a dialogue, soon became good ‘pen pals’ and he warmed to the idea that I was serious about the car.

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FEATURE

TF Ready to shipped to the UK

Crucially, I then sought advice from the MGCC who recommended I speak with the legendary Barrie Jones of the T Register. I doubt if there’s a square inch of the TF that Barrie does not know, and he reassuringly went through the pitfalls as well as the delights of owning a TF. He also confirmed that the car was on the Register, and even emailed me the Factory Production Record of the car on October 22 1954. When he discovered the price I’d been offered, he simply asked me why I was still talking to him and not already on a plane to the US! Barrie is a shining example of why we have such a magnificent club.

Next I had a stroke of luck. Nobody sane would part with cash for a transatlantic purchase they had never seen, but a friend in London recommended Rick, an engineer in the US operation of his forensic enquiries company (also a

The problem number on the chassis plate

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classic MG owner) nearby in Maryland, who inspected it for me. Rick called me and confirmed the provenance and quality of the car, though he did confess that he had actually had a “demon” sitting on his shoulder telling him to report that the car was dreadful and then “go buy it for myself!” Needless to say, he refused any payment in the generous spirit I have found so often in the US. In the meantime, Mario, the owner, put me in touch with his predecessor in Florida, a charming man with the wonderful name of Mr Del Fruit, who told me all about his many years with the car he had bought in 1971. It was Mr Fruit who had listed the car with the T Register in the UK many years earlier.

Paying for the car (quite rightly, a concern for anyone) proved simple, fast and safe because I used the London office of a well-known US Foreign Exchange (FX)

company to do the transfer (I am happy to give details should anyone wish). I strongly recommend this procedure; setting up an account was easy, totally painless and prevented a waste of hundreds of pounds on FX through high street banks, something we all wince at but fail to address when we travel abroad.

In parallel I contacted a superb shipping company ‘Ship My Car’ near Newport Pagnell, who led me step by step through the import process. Ship My Car (always say it slowly!) took care of everything, including contacting the vendor, holding the car in heated storage in New York while awaiting its ride home, dealing with US Customs and then collecting the car from Felixstowe, returning it to their impressive facilities, registering it in the

TF stripped down to the woodwork ready for the restoration

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FEATURE

UK and ‘homologating’ it for UK roads. All this came for a fixed price payable in two stages and saved a whole lot of hassle.

I cannot pretend that the New York to Felixstowe journey went without a hitch. Firstly, US Customs delayed the car because a digit on the VIN (in this case just the combination of ‘Car number’ and ‘Engine number’) was shown wrongly. It turns out that the way we write a 1 looks similar to the way the Americans write a 7; this had been mis-interpreted in 1954 and remained so thereafter! As a result 474 UYH missed its slot and then the next ship, delayed by bad weather, was too late for its berth at Felixstowe and had to off-load in Rotterdam for trans-shipment back to Felixstowe. Nonetheless, although I was frustrated at not being able to drive the car, everything was explained to me promptly.

Many will be aware that all purchases from outside the EU attract VAT, normally at 20%, and car tax on top at 10%. Even when exchange rates are favourable, unless the car has been selected because it is a rust free example, such as from California, Florida or Texas, this could easily be a deal breaker. However, European Law allows for the import of vehicles of ‘historic interest’ at a consolidated tax of 5%, and I believe that many older MGs should qualify in this category. I would strongly recommend speaking to the Club Register for your intended model to confirm this before agreeing to buy. My research shows that generally an old British car returning to the UK is regarded as being of historic interest and there are other criteria; rarity or famous former owners may also count.

Once Ship My Car had registered the car, my wife and I drove to Newport Pagnell where 474 UYH was waiting to be collected, and we had an entertaining drive, reacquainting the MG with British roads for the first time in 60 years! Luckily, the weather was fabulous and the car ran perfectly.

The TF-1500 proved to be in excellent condition, the advantage of very low mileage and having spent most of its life in Florida. However, being a typical classic car owner, the first thing I did was to strip the car down to its shell and check, clean, underseal and where appropriate, paint all components and panels to within an inch of their lives. With bedrooms full of wings, doors, sections, bonnets etc, my marriage underwent a test of strength to no small degree! I also set about a solution to the wreck of a steering wheel, hidden beneath two vinyl covers, and this is the subject of another short article.

So, is it unnerving or difficult to import a car from the US? On the former,

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I suppose much depends on one’s faith in human nature that things will be as described. My experience with 474 UYH is that the vendor was totally honest, charming and had done everything possible to help. On the latter, Ship My Car were as straight and uncomplicated as could be; the bureaucracies of the US and UK were robust in their requirements but entirely fair; and provided one has perseverance, the rewards of owning and in the case of an old MG, re-patriating a beautiful British car, for considerably less money than a UK equivalent, are reinforced every time you’re behind the wheel and see the smiles and approval of other road users.

I would, without reservation, recommend importing provided: a) you can establish a good working

relationship with the vendor; b) you can be reassured by the car’s provenance, ideally by having had it inspected; c) the price is competitive; d) members seek advice from the MGCC – there is so much good advice to be had, so many largely unsung experts for all models, and it costs nothing! Finally, I would advise the inexperienced importer to use a comprehensive shipping service.

Shipmycar.com were friendly, efficient and informative and the additional costs were easily outweighed by the peace of mind they provided.

By way of a footnote, I am now in the process of importing a 1960 MGA from Michigan, and will be registering, homologating and MOTing it under my own steam; I’ll be happy (I hope) to report back in a subsequent article.

TF being loaded for Departure from Maryland

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FEATURE HISTORY

C.G.Fitt winner of the Club’s 1933 Chiltern Trial.

Club History The third of the serialised 12 part enlarged and updated Club History

– Part 3

Centre Growth 1933 – 1939 Alan Hess and ‘Mit’ Harris

George Hall, NW Centre Secretary, receives a pair of gold cuff links from Lord Nuffield.

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From 1933 the Club had a regular monthly news section in two magazines, firstly The MG Magazine followed in 1935 by The Sports Car. The Club news pages were compiled by the Editors who also happened to be the Club’s Hon Secretaries at the time – Alan Hess and later F.L.M. ‘Mit’ Harris. The following unedited extracts from these monthly reports cover the years 1933 to the outbreak of War in 1939 and illustrate in particular the growth and strength of the Centres.

May 1933: Alan Hess in The MG Magazine. The amazing rapid expansion of the MG Car Club in the last few months is a universal topic in motor club circles today. At the end of last September we had 210 members. As this magazine is closing for press we have topped the 500 mark and we are now easily the second largest one-make car club in the world. Since January 194 new members have enrolled and the Club has extended its

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FEATURE HISTORY

activities by the formation of Scottish, Northern and Midlands Centres. Of these, the Scottish Centre is at present the best supported, having a membership of no fewer than 56. With the expansion of numbers in the Club has come, we are pleased to be able to report, a considerable increase in enthusiasm among the members. Trials and rallies are becoming much better supported with the natural result that we are fortunate enough to receive a large number of invitations from other clubs to compete in their events.

May 1933: The Club’s Half Day Chiltern Trial took place in April and afforded a number of surprises to all concerned. The competitors were surprised that two of the hills proved so stiff and the other six so easy while the officials were astonished that the competitors found six of them so easy and the other two so stiff!

The critics were not justified in view of the fact that out of exactly 50 competitors a dozen got through to the finish without losing a single mark.

May 1933: The Scottish Centre’s first event took the form of a Half Day Trial. A circuit of 10 miles had to be completed twice at an average speed of 20mph. The route covered 14 miles over unmade roads while the rest of the route was on main roads. Owing to the wet weather the minor grassy roads proved really difficult and accounted for several failures while an additional feature of the test, sealed speedometers, made the circuit extremely hard.

An acceleration and braking test completed the trial.

November 1933: The Northern Centre held a delightful Dinner Dance in Newcastle-on-Tyne. Dr Crosthwaite Chairman of the Centre was master of ceremonies, while the immensely popular and hardworking Secretary Frank Scott ably supported him. Mr Cecil Kimber was present and made a characteristically witty speech while the Club’s Hon Secretary, Alan Hess, also attended.

January 1934: The Midlands Centre held its first Dinner Dance in Birmingham in November and a right merry party it was! George Propert from Abingdon represented the President of the Club and the Hon Secretary of the Club, Alan Hess, was also present. In the course of the speeches both visitors paid tribute to the rapid growth of the Centre under the capable direction of Mr J. Kemp.

March 1934: At the Annual General Meeting of the Club, held in Hatfield, the Hon Secretary Alan Hess handed over to F.L.M. (‘Mit’) Harris.

April 1934: The Scottish Centre held an extremely sporting trial early in April over a course of approximately 85 miles. At the time there was some six inches of snow over most of the course and only seven of the 18 starters reached the final check on time.

April 1934: Another good Abingdon to Abingdon Trial was held in April and as usual the event started and finished at the Works after a sporting scramble around the principal Cotswold Hills. There was a record entry of 127 starters, of which 29 gained premier awards and 44 second class awards. In spite of fierce competition from other leading one-make clubs, MG owners featured very prominently amongst the list of winners of premier awards. A new trophy put up by Mr Cecil Kimber for the Club’s InterCentre competition was won by the newly formed Manchester and District Centre. Robin Mere, the Club’s Hon Trials Secretary, was in charge of the organisation and was widely complimented on the manner in which the event was conducted.

May 1934: ‘Mit’ Harris reported that the Club continues to make very gratifying progress. The recently formed Manchester and District Centre now had a membership of 73 and an attractive list of fixtures. In April the Centre held a speed trial in conjunction with the Southport Motor Club, held on Southport sands with events run over a straight mile and a five mile lap.

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MGCC Abingdon Abingdon Trial 1937, Nailsworth Ladder

September 1934: In August 23 members took part in an organised visit to the Ulster TT. In view of the cost being only four guineas including all meals and transit, it is expected that there will be a larger party for a repeat trip in future years.

November 1934: A trip to Le Mans in 1935 is being planned and involves the booking of an exclusive railway sleeping car to take members to the course and to stand there in a siding as a Club HQ while the race is taking place.

November 1934: In September the Club’s Shelsley Rally and Rushmere Hill Climb was held. For the rally a total entry of 38 was received with converging routes on Shelsley for the Main Club, Scottish, Manchester, Midland and Northern Centres. On the day following the Rally, the Club’s Rushmere Hill Climb took place near Bridgenorth over a motorcycle switch back trials course. Cars ran in pairs over the 350 yards course which defeated a number of drivers.

November 1934: There was an attendance of 315 at the Club’s Annual Dinner Dance held in October at the Park Lane Hotel in London with Lord Nuffield in the Chair. The gathering included representatives from every Centre of the Club and proved a very successful and enjoyable occasion. Mr Cecil Kimber was present and outlined various high spots of the past competition year.

March 1935: The Club’s Chiltern Trial was held in January, the 57 starters gathering at Lewknor, and the two principal hills were Pryton and Crowell, both of which caused a large number of failures. The course consisted of two laps of a 26 mile circuit; the two named hills were tackled twice. The Midlands Centre won the Team Award.

April 1935: This month saw the first edition of new The Sports Car magazine which was to take over as the official journal of the Club from The MG Magazine. The editor was ‘Mit’ Harris, also now the General Secretary of the Club. With Club news now monthly in The Sports Car which would be mailed to all members, it was hoped that there would be much improved communications to members.

May 1935: At the Club’s Annual General Meeting held in London in March, the major business was to ratify the proposal that the Club should become the MG Car Club Ltd to protect the liability of members. At the same meeting it was noted that John Thornley was appointed a member of the Competitions Committee.

August 1935: The Northern Centre’s Lakeland Trial held in June was based in Keswick and started with an impromptu hill climb over the Honiston Toll road. This was a climb of about

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HISTORY FEATURE

The Club’s car park at Shelsley Walsh in 1934.

500 yards with several acute bends, finishing at speed through a challenging narrow gateway. Competitors returned to Keswick for a lively Dinner Dance. On the following day there was a cruise on Derwent Water followed by a driving test and then a series of trials climbs. The weekend was a voted a great success.

September 1935: Some 50 members attended the first General Meeting of the MG Car Club Ltd held in Ivinghoe in July. Mr Cecil Kimber chaired the meeting, which lasted only 10 minutes, after which everyone adjourned for an impromptu hill climb nearby on private ground owned by a Committee member. The entry fee was 6p and everyone could have as many runs up the hill as they wished. Some 67 ascents were recorded with the fastest being the General Secretary, ‘Mit’ Harris in his P Type Midget. However amid some good humour he was disqualified when it was known that his car was supercharged!

November 1935: The Club arranged an exclusive car park at Shelsley Walsh which at a recent meeting proved extremely popular. There were 128 MGs in the enclosure and some 250 members and their guests availed themselves of the buffet in the marquee kindly sponsored by the MG Car Company.

November 1935: The Manchester and District Centre’s Cockshoot Trial in September had an entry of 47 cars. Competitors and marshals gathered on the Saturday for an impromptu dinner and party before the trial commenced on the Sunday. Heavy rain the previous week had made conditions difficult.

January 1936: The third Annual Dinner Dance of the Midlands Centre took place in Birmingham in November attended by 150 members. The Hon Sec of the Centre, Frank Kemp, reported that membership was now 124 and during the past months his members has collected 26 cups. 41 premier awards, 4 team trophies and 71 other awards in open competitions.

February 1936: Over 100 members were present at the Manchester Centre’s Dinner Dance held in December. This was in spite of very severe weather including a dense fog which prevented many members from attending. Mr Cecil Kimber arrived late because of the weather; usually travelling in his favourite N Magnette, he had to take a train which was four hours late. During the evening, tributes were paid to Lord Nuffield whose ability and generosity had enabled him to make benefactions equalling many millions of pounds. He had given young men and women of the country an opportunity to enjoy manly and healthy sports personified by the events organised by the MG Car Club.

February 1936: Associate membership of the Club for those who do not drive an MG was introduced this month at 10s 6d.

Associate members can later transfer to full membership (15s) while full members who sell their MG can stay with the club as associate members.

March 1936: The Club’s fourth Chilterns Trial was held in January. The event was run in true winter weather and the full 57 miles of the route were extremely difficult. The 45 starters

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included teams from the Manchester and Midlands Centres who had to drive through fog and blizzards to reach the start in Marlow.

March 1936: The AGM of the Manchester and District Centre took place in February when an important proposal was passed.

In view of the expansion of the Centre (now 136 members) the Centre’s name was changed to a more representative one.

Accordingly the Centre became the North-Western Centre.

April 1936: The AGM of the Club was held at the Holborn Restaurant in London in March. Amongst general business, the report and accounts showed a paid up membership of 627 and a balance of income over expenditure of £43. It was suggested that there might be some division of the profits accruing from competitions to the provincial Centres. However as this source amounted to only £18 it was agreed that all funds should remain to increase the Club’s reserve.

May 1936: A special enclosure was reserved for members at Donington for the British Empire Trophy in April, members being able to watch the racing from their cars. Unfortunately so many members attended that the enclosure was full when Mr Cecil Kimber arrived and he had to park in the next door Talbot enclosure!

May 1936: Arrangements are going ahead for the formation of a new Centre of the Club in the North-East. It is planned that members of the old Northern Centre will be attached to this new Centre and if possible a Newcastle Branch will be retained. The Club also sees the room for a new Centre in the west, based in Exeter, Bristol or Taunton, and local MG owners are being contacted.

Lands End Trial 1934. MGCC A-Team at a halt. Toulmin leads, while MacDermid follows, and Bastock brings up the tail.

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June 1936: The Annual Abingdon-Abingdon Trial took place in May, starting as usual from the Factory with a running buffet provided by the company. A novelty this year was a special driving test held in the works grounds before the 110 competitors set off on a 45 mile run before the first of the trials hills.

July 1936: A meeting at the Grand Hotel in Harrogate in May saw the formation of a new North-Eastern Centre of the Club. An enthusiastic and experienced Committee was formed and the new group expects to attract a large and sporting membership.

September 1936: The newly formed Ceylon Centre held its first event in June which was a hill climb in Bandarawela. The hill, which climbs to 4000ft over three-quarters of a mile, provided some thrilling sport.

November 1936: The organisers of the Scottish Centre’s Trial held in October earnt special praise for the expert marshalling. Each driver was met at the foot of each climb by a marshal who knew exactly what had to be done because he had personally driven the climb earlier in the day.

November 1936: The Cockshoot Trial run by the North-Western Centre is now an MGCC classic event and attracting 57 competitors with entries from North-Eastern, Midlands and Main Centres. The event was based in Buxton with a Dinner Dance on the Saturday night before the trials action in the Derbyshire countryside on the Sunday.

November 1936: A meeting was held in Bath in October to inaugurate the new South-Western Centre. Some 30 members were present and Mr Cecil Kimber presided, and presented the new Centre with an annual trophy, and generously brought the assembled gathering a celebratory drink!

January 1937: In contrast to the traditional formal black tie Club dinners, the Club’s Down-Stage Dinner held in November was an uproarious occasion. Held appropriately in the giant restaurant in London’s Zoo, 300 members gathered for an evening with a difference.

Mr Cecil Kimber sportingly took the Chair and performed miracles in keeping the party in reasonable order – he blew a trombone in order to gain silence when required. The toasts were led by a group dressed as vicars drinking milk; barrow-loads of pith balls, streamers and paper hats and false noses were delivered. The cabaret was performed by a troupe of pavement artists, pit-queue performers and street musicians who were much appreciated. In closing the evening, Mr Kimber hoped that the bill for broken crockery and so forth would not be too excessive!

February 1937: The new South-Western Centre held its first trial on Boxing Day for the Cecil Kimber Trophy. The 21 starters enjoyed the challenge of local hills in wintry conditions the route running from Bath to Bruton.

February 1937: Highlight of the North-Western Centre’s Annual Dinner Dance was the presentation of the Nuffield Gold Cup to be held for the ensuing year. The Cup (valued at £250) went to the Centre because it had been judged to show the most meritorious growth, enthusiasm and enterprise during the 1936 season.

March 1937: An editorial in The Sports Car this month reported on the problems of trials organisers imposing handicaps or bans to prevent certain cars from bagging all the principal awards. The consequence has been that regulations have been studied with great care by shrewd drivers who have driven either blown or unblown according to their views of the equity of the handicap. Now Mr Kimber has come up with a handicapping graph for the use of all trials organisers. This graph enables a fair and simple handicapping system to be evolved for any kind of test and any type of car, and will be used in the MG Car Club’s next Abingdon-Abingdon Trial. The editor commented that it was good that efficiency in terms of power output per unit of engine capacity is coming to be regarded as the prime requirement of a successful sports car. By this means, trials can serve a useful purpose.

April 1937: More than 80 were present at the first Dinner Dance of the South-Western Centre held in Bath in February. Mr Kimber spoke

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of the splendid progress which the Centre had made in the short time since it came into being. He was very gratified to see the strength that the Club was gaining, with nearly 1,000 members. He was very proud to announce that more MG cars were now being exported to America than any other British car.

June 1937: The Sixth Abingdon Trial was held in May and as in previous years the course was principally in the Cotswolds. The organisers decided to make this a tough event and included the most difficult climbs providing they were not likely to do too much damage to the cars. Considering that the event was held in brilliant sunshine the number of failures was remarkable, justifying the comment that this was the toughest Abingdon yet. Results announced at the finish at the MG Works over tea showed that the MGCC had won the Team Award. It was noted that there were 16 T Types entered which showed up remarkably well.

August 1938: The 24 Hour Rally organised by the NorthWestern Centre in June was a novel event. This appealed to owners of MGs other than trials specials and attracted an entry of 38 cars.

Various driving tests were set around the route. The new T Types accounted for a dramatic rise in Club membership (now 1,450 in June) and T Type drivers took the major awards in the 24 Hour and 12 Hour classes on this event.

September 1938: The New York branch of the Club is reported as going from strength to strength with the arrival of more new MGs from the UK. Wherever members go they are questioned by motorists about the little British sports cars and they have prepared information cards that they hand out to in response to enquiries. This also gives details of the local MGCC activities.

December 1938: The South-Western Centre AGM was held in Bath in October with the Secretary, John Siddall, reporting that the Centre for the second year running was runner-up for the Nuffield Gold Cup. During 1938 the Centre’s events had not received the support that they deserved but the outlook was very good for 1939.

The treasurer reported that the Centre had now been operating for two years and had nearly £25 behind them. Cash in hand and in the bank accounted to over £20.

December 1938: Once again the Club’s Annual Dinner took place at the Park Lane Hotel in London during the Motor Show and was widely described as the best party during the Show week, with some 380 members attending. Mr Kimber welcomed the special guests who included Lord Nuffield, Lord Howe, Sir Malcolm Campbell, George Eyston and Major Gardiner. Tazio Nuvolari was due to attend but was delayed reaching the UK on time. Lord Nuffield presented his Gold Cup to the North-Eastern Centre and used the occasion to make a widely reported speech about the current political situation. A truly memorable evening.

January 1939: The Midlands Centre held their Annual Dinner Dance in Birmingham in November when some 160 members and friends spent a very uproarious evening. Mr Kimber presided and said that he always associated the Midland Centre with a particularly marvellous lot of girls. He congratulated the Centre on having such wonderful sisters, wives and girlfriends – to say nothing of the feminine members. Mr J. Kemp, the Centre Secretary, responded by saying that the best reason for joining the MG Car Club was that it made you realise and understand what good fellowship really means. With the rapid development and establishment of so many overseas branches, a member would soon be able to be sure of a welcome in any part of the world which he visited.

January 1939: The fifth Annual Dinner Dance of the NorthWestern Centre was held at the Mere Country Club in December. Mr Kimber and Mr George Tuck attended from Abingdon and Mr Kimber mentioned that he felt particularly at home at NW Centre parties because he spent all of his early days within a few miles of Manchester.

He spoke at some length of Major Gardiner’s recent records,

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Cecil Kimber’s letter to members on the outbreak of war.

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HISTORY

commenting that they were witnessed by the technical representatives of Auto Union and Mercedes who were greatly impressed. He said that it was intended to attempt 200mph on the new autobahn near Dessau in the spring.

January 1939: Scottish Centre members were in fine spirits for the Centre’s Annual Dinner dance at the Grosvenor Hotel in Edinburgh in December. Mr Kimber welcomed the 150 members and regretted that there was no tartan with an octagonal pattern – if there was he would have been in a kilt.

March 1939: The North-Eastern Centre held its annual Dinner Dance in Harrogate in February. Major Gardiner was chief guest and received an engraved silver tankard including the Yorshireman’s Coat of Arms. Centre membership was now over 150 and on display was the Nuffield Gold Cup recently presented to the Centre.

October 1939: With the outbreak of War in September the October issue of The Sports Car was the last to be published, with a lengthy statement about the future of the Club and some interesting comments by editor and Club secretary ‘Mit’ Harris, which are reproduced below.

With the outbreak of War the MG Car Club is in a state of suspended animation as far as Great Britain is concerned. All forthcoming events are cancelled. This decision has been taken because probably more than half the members have left their normal peacetime occupation or will be doing so shortly. News reaches us everyday of prominent members who have joined up in the forces as full-time jobs. Many officials from the Centres have joined up but their records are being kept and their trophies, for example, guarded by the Club headquarters (the magazine office in Holborn, London).

The magazine included a statement from Cecil Kimber written on MG Car Club headed notepaper.

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To the Members of the MG Car Club Keeping the MG flag flying For the next few months, or years, many of us will be rudely jolted out of our peace-time routine, and our existence will be carried on in many different places and under many varied conditions.

During these difficult times ahead I, as your President, want to do everything to keep the Club together and to maintain what contact I can with members.

At the Works we shall, of course, be busy on some government work, but I am aiming to keep the Service Department and Service Spares Department going just as long as they can be helpful to members and other MG owners.

This issue of The Sports Car will be the last until happier days arrive, but friend Harris will not lay aside entirely his Secretarial portfolio and will endeavour, when circumstances permit, to publish a ‘war edition’.

I do want you all, therefore, to write when you can to tell Harris or me of your activities both at home and abroad. As there may be some degree of impermanence to the Secretary’s address (both home and office) I suggest you address either of us c/o The MG Car Company, Abingdon-on-Thames, Berks.

The Directors of the MG Car Club (Proprietary) Ltd have declared a moratorium as far as subscriptions are concerned as from September 1st last, and these will continue until the unexpired portion after hostilities have ended and black-outs cease to exist.

Meanwhile, my very best wishes to you all Yours sincerely, Cecil Kimber

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MG SALES CENTRE Lowhill Lane, Longbridge, Birmingham, B31 2BQ 0121 251 6533 www.birmingham.mg.co.uk

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FEATURE

I

’ve driven around Brands Hatch in a variety of machinery over the years, but I have never had to critique how a car feels whilst driving it around a circuit.

So when I was asked to drive two MG3 road cars back to back, one of the cars mildly modified, and to then give my feedback, I thought well, why not.

We headed to Brands Hatch in Kent on a damp December morning, where the weather would remain wet for the duration of the day with the circuit conditions changing from wet, to damp, to greasy.

The two MG3s, one owned by Roger Briscoe of MG and AMC Parts and the other owned by MGCC Member Rob Clark, were essentially both standard road going MG3s that were a couple of years old. One car, Rob’s Cherry Bomb coloured MG3, was mechanically in perfect standard form as it would have left the factory, and the other, a White on the Tiles MG3 owned by Roger, was again mechanically standard

John Hutchison by the modified MG3

except for a bespoke 2” diameter stainless steel exhaust system and a freer flowing modified air filter that fitted in the original housing on the car.

Both cars had to be scrutineered before being allowed to venture out on track. The standard MG3 registered

84db, whilst the MG3 with the wider bore stainless exhaust registered 92db and had a lovely burble as the revs rose to the required 2500rpm the decibel reading was taken at. As I had not driven an MG3 prior to this test, the standard car was driven first to get a baseline feel of

The power of the 3

By John Hutchison

The two MG3s at Brands Hatch

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FEATURE

how the car would behave in the given conditions. I would then substitute it for the second car during the session to see what the differences were.

Now, considering that the conditions were not ideal, and other vehicles on this track day were suffering from the lack of traction the circuit was giving, the MG3 coped admirably, giving a positive feel when cornering although the feel through the steering wheel was a little lacking. The car felt stable under braking and on corner

entry, meaning the initial pull of understeer could be corrected to then pull the car through the corner while unwinding the lock to then apply the power out of the corner. From inside the standard MG3 with a helmet on it was very difficult to hear the sound of the engine, as the standard exhaust system keeps the car very quiet and the road noise from the tyres was more prominent.

We then moved on to the second car that had the 2� cat back bespoke stainless

steel exhaust system and uprated air filter.

From the outside the only visual difference on the stainless steel system is that the tail pipe is of a larger and circular diameter with an MG logo neatly laser etched into it, instead of the standard square tail tip.

There is a noticeable change over the standard system in the audible note that the engine makes with the stainless system installed. It does let the engine stretch its vocal chords more than the standard system would allow. This is reflected on the initial start-up of the engine and it is noticeably different in sound from the standard system, giving more of a fruitful warble.

Once inside the car and on acceleration, the rasp of the exhaust gets more potent the further up the rev range, giving it its own distinctive sound. It is louder than the standard system but it will idle quietly and not be overpowering.

Once up to speed the sound does not

Dyno graphs showing power increase with the exhaust fitted.

The modified MG3 being put through its paces on the wet track.

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FEATURE

drone, meaning that on a long motorway journey it would not become monotonous or annoying.

In a straight line the modified MG3 does feel that it has more mid-range torque through the gears coming from the engine, with the help from the new filter and exhaust, but given the damp conditions it was more difficult to evaluate if it would make any difference in the performance. After having put both of these MG3s on an independent rolling road, the MG3 with the new exhaust system saw an increase in BHP of up to 10.2 and an increase in torque ft/lbs up to 12ft/lbs.

The full stainless system weighs in at ÂŁ299.95, is manufactured in four separate sections allowing the system to be changed easily, comes with a lifetime warranty, and would be a nice addition to any MG3, giving it not just a power increase but more of a personality and sound that an MG should have.

The exhaust system can be purchased from: MG & AMC Parts, The Smithy, High Street, Southwick, Hampshire, United Kingdom PO17 6EB (0)2392 220222 www.mgandamcparts.com John Woods Motorcare, Mollington Grange, Chester, CH1 6NP 01244 851964 www.johnwoodsmotorcare.net/

It should be noted that this exhaust is not authorised by MG Motor UK and neither was it designed or developed by MG. The warranty for this exhaust system from AMC

Parts and not MG Motor UK. MG Motor UK do not warrant the work and any subsequent potential issues the exhaust may cause. It may invalidate the warranty on the car.

The components of the aftermarket exhaust

The laser etched MG logo on the tail pipe.

MG on track

The MG3 Track Test took place at a Brands Hatch track day organised by MGs on Track. The day itself was well organised, creating a friendly environment at each stage of the day, from signing on in the morning to the actual participation on track.

The instructors who were on hand for the day gave a very good briefing in the morning and were all very professional in giving sound advice to those on track. Given the awful weather conditions on this specific December day, the conduct of the driving on track was very good and well mannered. Of course there would be the odd spin in the wet and greasy conditions, but MGs on Track kept the flow of the day going without any stoppages. For the price that MGoT charge for a day on track, you really can’t beat it for the time you get on track and the customer experience that comes with it. If you have not been on track before with your MG but are pondering the idea then there is no better place to start. It may all seem a little daunting at first, but as soon as you arrive in the morning, you will wonder why you have been winding yourself about it. It is such a nice environment, with like-minded people there to help you every step of the way.

Rob Clark in his MG3 heading down the start/ finish straight

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Paul Campbell svw.safety.fast@gmail.com www.svwregister.co.uk

SVW NEWSLETTER

SVW Newsletter

Welcome to the

When you read this we’ll be well and truly into the New Year and planning our classic car season. One of the primary events for many of us will be the SVW Annual Event which John and Gail Bannister are organising and they’ve provided further details below (early booking recommended!). We also report on a unique 11year creation of a VA Woody, plus Bathurst 2015 in Australia. In my previous contribution (January 2016) I described the work I’d done to convert my VA Tourer to LED Headlights and promised a further update; this has been delayed as the wet weather has meant I’ve not been able to road test the new set-up – more next time.

Chateau Harze

SVW Register Annual Event June 14-16 2016 The 2016 annual Event for the SVW Register will be held in the Ardennes Region of SE Belgium. The two-day Event is mid-week starting late afternoon on Tuesday June 14 and ending after lunch on Thursday June 16.

The Ardennes is a beautiful mixture of undulating forest and farmland with old sandstone buildings, deep limestone river gorges and scattered historic towns and villages. The ancient towns of Spa, Monschau, Maastricht and La Roche are all within a half-hour drive for anyone wishing to stay longer and explore beyond the set routes. We hope the central location of the rally this year near Liege will encourage SVW Register members to join this event from nearby countries as well as those from further overseas.

Rally HQ will be at The Chateau Bleu (13 rooms) in Trooz where both evening meals will be served for the whole group. Unfortunately, there are no larger hotels in the immediate area, so The Chateau Harze (22 Rooms), about 20 minutes away, has also been block-booked for us. If preferred, cars can be securely parked off-road overnight at Rally HQ and a free shuttle bus will be available to take people back to Harze on both evenings after the meal, with pick-up after breakfast each morning to return to Trooz before the start of each road run.

If friends wish to stay together in the same hotel for this event please mention this when booking. The organisers (John and Gail Bannister) will do their best to satisfy requests, but unfortunately we cannot guarantee this when deciding on who stays in which hotel.

Chateau Bleu

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The cost for the two-day Event is 600 Euros per double room (440 Euros for a single room). This covers the room, breakfasts, fixed-menu lunches, fixed-menu dinners for both days and entry to The Chateau Moldave, the award-winning Baugnez 44 Museum and the Gileppe Dam. Each extra night’s B&B either side of the Event is 90 Euros for a double room per night (70 Euros for a single room per night). Charges at both hotels are the same during this event. Special diets can be catered for as long as the organisers know the personal requirements before the event.

The route will cover about 60-65 miles each day, gently touring this fabulous region. There is also a garage near Trooz which specialises in old cars, so if necessary your cars can be repaired/serviced locally if the parts are available. (Please bring some spares with you to ‘share’ amongst the group.)

To book for this Event, please contact The Chateau Bleu directly (Booking Code: SVW Event 2016). Phoning from outside Belgium: 0032-4351-7457 or email: chateaubleutrooz@icloud.com The owners Norbert and Marcella both speak good English, French, Dutch and Flemish, as does their son Kevin, who is also their excellent chef.

The non-refundable deposit taken to confirm the booking is 50 Euros per person, and can be paid directly by credit card. Phone booking is preferred, but if you wish to book by email, please ensure that you clearly include all the following information: Driver’s full name, names of all passengers, date and time of arrival and departure, number of nights staying, contact email address, home address, home phone number with country code, credit card details (see below).

For your added security, if booking by email, please send your credit card details to The Chateau Bleu in THREE consecutive emails, splitting the 16-digit card number in half for the first two emails and then including the expiry date and three-digit code on the back for the last email. The hotel will immediately confirm your booking by email and they will then let the organisers know you are attending in order for us to send you more details of the Event and directions.

Due to size limitations at both hotels, the maximum number who can attend this Event is restricted to 65 people! Any people trying to book after the 65 person maximum limit is reached will be added to a ‘Waiting List’ in case of a later cancellation. If there are any ‘spare’ rooms still available after mid-May, these will be offered to local Belgian MG enthusiasts to ensure that all the rooms are filled.

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NEWSLETTER SVW

Paul Campbell svw.safety.fast@gmail.com www.svwregister.co.uk

Please book NOW to avoid disappointment. Thanks.

Note: A small number of UK people have already booked their crossings for this event. If you would prefer to travel with them in ‘loose convoy’ they are booked on the DFDS, Dover-Dunkirk Ferry leaving at 10.00am on Monday June 13 and also on the overnight Stena Line, Harwich-Hook Ferry sailing at 10.00pm on June 13. A P&O Ferry also

sails from Hull to Rotterdam.

All Event bookings must only be made through The Chateau Bleu which is Rally HQ (see contact details above).

The latest information can always be found at www.svwregister. co.uk/social_events.htm John & Gail Bannister (Event Organisers) email john.bannister1@outlook.com

VA Shooting Brake

Many of you will know our Dutch member Peter van den Heuvel who usually appears at our gatherings in his lovely VA Tickford.

Well, Peter has been working for some 11 years to recreate a VA ‘Woodie’. Three of these were apparently produced by different coachbuilders, possibly to attract a higher ‘commercial’ petrol allowance during WW2; none of these have survived. This is VA Saloon chassis number 0577, bought by Peter in 2003 complete but in boxes. He designed it based on some old photos of the original three provided from the SVW Register archives. The engine has also been bored out to TPDG 1708cc spec. At the MG Parts Day in Holland on January 10, Peter won first prize for the best restoration. I’m delighted to be able to show a picture of this wonderful creation, but you’ll have to wait until you receive this year’s SVW Review for the full story with lots more photos. This car is expected at the SVW event in Belgium in June, yet another reason to book your place. Congratulations Peter.

Beautifully trimmed interior helped win first prize for Best Restoration.

Photo: Peter van den Heuvel

VA Woody completed after 11 years. Photo: Peter van den Heuvel

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Paul Campbell svw.safety.fast@gmail.com www.svwregister.co.uk

SVW NEWSLETTER

SVW cars line up for lunch – Borrowdell Winery. Photo: Robin Page

Aussie SVW Gathering (Bathurst) Once every two years, the Australian Pre-War MG owners get together in a place, it would seem, starting with B. For three events it was Beechworth in Victoria, an historic gold mining town, then for two more events it moved to Bathurst in NSW, also an historic town but more famous perhaps for its motor racing circuit, and in the future the Barossa Valley in South Australia or Bundaberg in Queensland have been mentioned. At each event the number of SVW cars has been increasing as owners discover the joys of open road motoring in these beautiful cars, or long term restorations are finally completed.

At the most recent meeting, at Bathurst in November 2015, out of over 70 Pre-War MGs, 16 SVW cars attended, a record for a single gathering in Australia. The SVW line-up comprised nine SAs, five VAs and two WAs. On the full, ground-up restoration front we were treated to Ron Taylor’s duo-green VA Tickford (VA2480) and Ron Clarke’s red VA Tourer (VA0822), both cars looking wonderful. Several other cars have been substantially ‘freshened up’ and were in pride of place at Bathurst, along with one or two old faithfuls that have attended every event so far. It was especially pleasing to see Don Cairns’ WA Special (WA0613) that started life as a motorkhana project for John Wratten in Melbourne back in the early 1970s. Don is enjoying putting both his mechanical skills and wood-working skills to task to complete the car. Also present was Robert Smith’s WA saloon (WA0578), restored many years ago by Don. New-ish owners of SVW cars who attended Bathurst included Barry and Dorothy Shinfield in SA1137, Ellen Wilson in SA0499 purchased recently by her late husband from Moss and Wendy Upton, Aubrey and Rene Paverd in SA1965, recently imported from the UK where it had been owned for some time by well-known SVW identity Gary Perry, and Todd Barker in his SA Tickford (SA0491) which he recently inherited from his father in New Zealand. Murray Arundell had a faultless run in the ex-Lord Nuffield car (SA1879),

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as did Don Phillips in SA1453. Aubrey unfortunately had the same problem the Airy Coupe (SA1787) had at the last Bathurst – a blown head gasket from too much exuberance on the Mountain.

Bruce and Robyn Morrison (VA1446 – saloon) and Bob and Lesley Somerville (VA1631 – tourer) both had trouble-free drives in their VAs from Melbourne.

Also present were Robin and Jenny Page in their VA Tickford (VA1880) which they lent to stylishly-dressed Michael and Kay Herlihy for the weekend, and Rhys Timms in his Peking to Paris SA saloon (SA0945). No SVW event would be complete without

Exquisite timberwork on Don Cairns’ WA Special. Photo: Malcolm Robertson

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NEWSLETTER SVW

Paul Campbell svw.safety.fast@gmail.com www.svwregister.co.uk

Gary and Heather Wall from New Zealand who attended in Col Schiller’s SA saloon (SA2551).

There were several well-known SVW people at the meeting without their cars. Harry and Cathy Hickling were unable to make it in their Peking to Paris Keller-inspired roadster, Russell and Jenny Turner were close, but not quite there, with the chassis of their almost ready Australian-bodied saloon (SA2387), and the Whiffen clan (Lester, Adrian, Alison and Eric) were in attendance

Robert Smith and Stuart Ratcliff with Robert’s WA Saloon. Photo: Ron Taylor

Correspondence

It always pleases us to act as a point of contact for members who have anecdotes they would like to share. One such contact has been from Roger Middleton in response to my item on Grahame Page in the November 2015 edition. Roger wrote: “In the 1960s I worked at Page’s Garage in Crouch Street in the Sales Department and remember that the MG VA was normally parked near the entrance to the showroom. I have happy memories of my time with the company. It is good to learn that Grahame Page is in good health at the age of 90. It was nice out of the blue to go down ‘memory lane’ after so many years.

It really does seem quite surreal.”

In a subsequent email he went on to say: “As the sales department junior I did many jobs including some as follows.

In a time of deference Graham was addressed as Mr Graham.

I would often help him put a new car in the showroom or rearrange existing ones. Friday afternoons I would get new car licences from Chelmsford for cars going out the following day.

I was also on the Page’s stand at the annual two-day Essex County show. I would drive engineer Harry Seabourne to Chelmsford for his inspection report on Essex County Council Morris Minor cars with a view to renewing the fleet. Sometimes I would go by train to Cowley Oxford or Longbridge Birmingham to collect new cars, really long days especially in the winter and bad weather.

“One day a young man arrived, soon to go to university with a 1923 Morris Bullnose Cowley, lovely car but not really practical, so a swap was done. He had a new Morris Minor 1000, Smoke Grey, and the company had the Bullnose Cowley for PR. One summer’s day I drove it to take part in Braintree Carnival. I had to stop several times to top up the radiator due to over-heating. John Marston, son of sales director Henry Marston, joined the sales department while I was there. John drove a Morris Minor 1000 with Reg. No. 009! Hanging on the wall of the showroom wall was a photo of Amy Johnson, famous pre-WW2 aviator, first to fly to Australia. I never did find

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as always (we do love to see them!) promising the VA would be on the road soon…

Finally, new SVW owners Bob and Tricia Simpson from Sydney had planned to attend the Bathurst meeting in the SA saloon refreshed in WA by Graham King (SA1308) but were foiled by the car which failed to proceed on the day they were leaving Sydney.

Bob and Tricia have also just bought and imported from the US a rare Charlesworth tourer (SA2223) which, given Bob’s capacity for restoration, will be on the road in time for our next biennial PreWar MG meeting at a place starting with ‘B’…

Malcolm Robertson (SA1787)

Bathurst Mayor, Gary Rush, and event organiser, Rob Dunsterville, flag off Barry and Dorothy Shinfield in their SA saloon for their lap of the Mt Panorama race circuit. Photo: Jeremy Braithwaite

out the connection with Page’s. Mill Street, near St Botolphs station, Colchester was where the body repair shop and paint spray booths were located and sometimes I would ferry cars between there and Crouch Street. It was not all work as there was a firm’s social club run by John Barham, stores manager.

He arranged various events during the year.”

Grahame wrote to me in December and followed up with his own recollections: “I remember Roger Middleton well. He was a nice young lad who joined Page’s Garage as a salesman when he had just left school I think. I can recall the occasion in about 1961 when at the garage we happened to have come in for resale a very nice 1960 Alvis TD21 car (Roger remembers this was being sold on behalf of a Captain Fuljamb, of Wormingford Hall, Suffolk – Ed). Only about one year old and very low mileage. I don’t think we had had another Alvis like this before or after that time. Roger, when he saw this Alvis, said he thought he knew of a person who might be interested. He did, because he sold it to his father who was an estate agent in Clacton-on-Sea. Some time later Roger left us to also become an estate agent and I think to eventually run his father’s business. I don’t think I’ve seen Roger since, but pleased that he now owns an MGB and is a member of the MGCC.”

Index of Articles

Jim Andrews has updated the index of articles relating to our SVW cars.

The index helps members locate any articles that have been published in the SVW Register Reviews, SVW Register Bulletins, Safety Fast! and MG Enthusiast relating to SVW cars.

It is especially useful in locating technical articles and advice regarding the maintaining and repairing our SVW cars.

The index can be found on the SVW Register website.

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/02/2016 10:58

MG_SafetyFast_March16_43-98.indd 43 Untitled-1 1

23/02/2016 11:30 19/02/2016 10:32:31

NEWSLETTER MGA

Edward Vandyk Tel : 01488 608810 mgascribe@vandyk.co.uk

MGA Newsletter

Welcome to the

MGA Register Autumn Weekend, September 23 to 26, now open for booking

Details of The MGA Register Autumn Weekend, which will take place from Friday September 23 to Monday September 26 2016 and which will feature the North Norfolk Coast and Norfolk Broads, are now available, along with booking forms, on the MGA Register section of the MGCC Website.

This important event, organised by David Simons, is believed to be only the second time the MGA Register has ever run a tour which included Norfolk. Even the 50th Anniversary Round Britain Tour missed the county! Road runs will take place on the Saturday and the Sunday. The Sunday run will end at Blickling Estate near Aylsham, a National Trust Jacobean house set in formal parkland. It also has three cafes and the Buckinghamshire Arms pub opposite the estate entrance (www.nationaltrust.org.uk/blicklingestate).

Not only will the weekend take in the Norfolk Broads, a unique series of lakes and waterways formed from medieval peat diggings, but will also include the North Norfolk coast which has been designated an area of outstanding natural beauty.

The main hotel for the weekend will be the Park Farm Hotel in Hethersett (www.parkfarm-hotel.co.uk). It is just south west of the city of Norwich and there are 30 rooms available. The second hotel is the Best Western Brook Hotel which is 5.6 miles away from the Park Farm Hotel. The Best Western allows dogs, has no requirement for a booking deposit and is marginally cheaper.

There will a Gala Dinner on the Saturday which will be open to all participants, who may make their own arrangements for accommodation should they wish.

Details and booking forms are available at www.mgcc.co.uk/ mga-register/events-in-2016/.

George Dutton’s 60th Anniversary Scrapbook

This month we publish the third and final instalment of George Dutton’s MGA Scrapbook featuring particularly Dundrod in 1955. If the 1955 Le Mans tragedy was the beginning of the end for MG’s participation in circuit racing then Dundrod certainly culminated in its termination! This period lasted until 1962 although no formal date for the resumption of circuit racing was announced, it just happened. Of course MG supported numerous privateers during this period, some of whom were clearly works privateers! Nevertheless, developing cars for rallies and record breaking is different from developing them for track work. As far as I am aware this was one of the few periods, the others including the war years and in 1935 when ownership of MG passed from Lord Nuffield personally to Morris Motors, when MG did not race and use its success in racing to promote its products. We can only imagine what might have happened with the MGA Twin Cam had MG been fully focused and funded with regard to its development as a circuit racing machine.

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Some MGA Trivia

I recently acquired a copy of the first edition of the MGA Service Parts List (SPL), a loose leaf binder presented in portrait mode very much in the style of earlier models’ (such as the Y Class and T Series) SPLs rather than the later MGA bound SPLs which are in landscape mode.

It contained two versions of the first Twin Cam SPL supplements dated July and December 1958.

If taken at face value, the SPL states that (1) cars fitted with the optional Rimbellishers should have their wheels painted body colour which, if correct, would mean that not all MGA wheels were silver and (2) that Competition De-Luxe seats, introduced with the MGA Twin Cam, were only available for Tourers (ie Roadsters).

Neither statement appears in later SPLs so if anyone has seen an MGA, by which I mean a MGA 1500, which was known throughout production simply as an MGA, with Rimbellishers and body coloured wheels please let me know along with a photograph if possible. An MG advert in Motorsport and a brochure for the MGA show the car with Rimbellishers and coloured wheels but oddly both cars appear to be Iris Blue, a colour only available on the later MGA 1600?

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/02/2016 11:30

Edward Vandyk Tel : 01488 608810 mgascribe@vandyk.co.uk

Twin Cam Group 50th Anniversary Lunch – Sunday 22 Twin Cam and De-Luxe owners also have a new date for their diary, Sunday May 22 2016, when there will be a lunch to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the MGCC Twin Cam Group, principally by the efforts of Mike Ellman-Brown, in May 1966. The venue will be The Half Moon, Windlesham, GU20 6BN. There will be limited preferential parking for Twin Cam and De-Luxe MGAs.

Inertia Reel Seat Belts in an Early MGA Roadster.

The finished job, with the belts available for use and the tonneau still in place

Safety Fast! received the following letter from Brendan Leach, which will be of interest to readers, especially where there is some natural reluctance to excursions in cars not fitted with seat belts especially by co-drivers, who do not even have the steering wheel to hang on to!

“Early in 2014 I decided that the time had come to fit seatbelts to my 1957 MGA Roadster.

These cars were not designed with seat belts in mind and do not have ready-made fixings, and so having made some initial enquiries about what might be possible, I spent the following months looking at other roadsters to see how other owners had solved the problem. So, as is the nature of these tasks, it was 2015 before I got down to a serious plan.

My car is some way from its factory specification (it now has a five-main bearing 1800 engine, disc brakes, T9 gearbox, electronic ignition, alternator, front anti-roll bar, telescopic rear

Inertia Reel as it is fixed on the wheel arch in the boot

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_March16_43-98.indd 45

MGA NEWSLETTER

A fixed price of £20 per head for a two course Sunday Lunch (dessert is available at your extra cost on the day) with tea or coffee has been negotiated. Advance booking and pre-payment is essential to manage logistics.

Please contact Mark Hester on mgatcg@outlook.com to book and pay for your place(s) and if any current or past owners participated in the Twin Cam Display at the annual MGCC weekend at Silverstone in May 1966, or at the 10th anniversary lunch, would they please also contact Mark.

Details are also available at www.mgcc.co.uk/mga-twin-camgroup/mga-twin-cam-group/events-2/ and also see the separate notice for the event elsewhere in this issue.

shocks, LED lights and more) and I value practicality and regular driveability over originality.

On that basis, I decided I wanted to install modern three-point inertia belts with push-button stalks, as the most effective and user-friendly restraint system available. The challenge with this installation in an early MGA, of course, is that the inertia reels must sit in a horizontal position on the rear wheel arch in the boot area, and the belts then thread through the bulkhead into the cabin over the driver’s shoulder, going over the folded hood en-route. So the sill fixing in the cabin must be an eye bolt to allow the belt to be released in order to put the hood up. Further, if, like me, you are in the habit of tucking the tonneau down behind the seats when driving (rather than taking it off completely), the tonneau needs some surgery to thread the belt through it when it is in that ‘folded and driving’ position. In other words, achieving a neat and useable installation takes a lot of fiddling about and imagination.

Nevertheless, with the excellent help of Mike and Graham at Mike Entwisle’s MG Workshop (http://www.mgworkshop.net), I feel that the finished job is first class and I am very pleased with it. I purchased the belts and the fittings from Quickfit Seat Belt services (www.quickfitsbs.com). The product supplied is first class, and came complete with all the required fixings and bracketry. Quickfit offer all types of belts and buckles for most classic cars, in a wide variety of colours.

The purpose of this letter is to tell other readers of the excellent service and technical advice I received throughout this 18 month saga from Quickfit, and from Pawel Podchorodecki in particular.

Nothing was too much trouble for him as I refined every detail of my requirements, and he retained his patience from my first enquiry to the completion of the job 18 months later. Companies like Quickfit (and Mike’s MG Workshop) are what keep our cars alive, and they deserve our support and our custom.”

The photos illustrate that (i) you can just about see the gap between the tonneau panel and the top of the bulkhead panel, (ii) the belt comes through the tonneau rather than Shows the belt coming under it and (iii) there is a small slot through the tonneau in the tonneau about the width of the belt webbing with a flap to cover that slot when the tonneau is ‘closed’ and the belt is in the car. The extra strip of leatherette is to clip the buckle to when not in use so it cannot get pulled back into the boot.

Brendan, who lives near Bolton, Lancashire, is happy to give more details or answer queries and can be contacted at brendan@ leach-bolton.freeserve.co.uk. Further details and photos will be posted on the Register website.

MARCH 2016

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NEWSLETTER MGA

MGA Era

Edward Vandyk Tel : 01488 608810 mgascribe@vandyk.co.uk

With MG Era (April 10) at Brooklands fast approaching, I thought creating a snapshot of what the MGA Era was all about might give some of the current younger owners of MGAs a picture of just what life was like in the period from 1952 to 1962. This was the period in which the car was conceived and manufactured and those amongst us who are a mere 54 or less can have no direct recollection of it. The MGA may have been ahead of its time in many ways but was nevertheless a product of its time. They were, I hope you will agree with me, interesting times.

I have taken 1952 as the point of conception of the MGA because although, there had been a hint of what was to come in 1951 when George Phillips drove a re-bodied TD Midget in the Le-Mans 24 hour endurance race, there was never a proposal this should be a production car. It was a road-going version of the Phillips car which was proposed to BMC in 1952 as a replacement for the TD Midget, but which was turned down because of the corporation’s decision to build the Austin-Healey 100. MG had apparently gone as far as building a full prototype of the MGA in 1952 by using TD running gear, the 1250 XPAG engine, a redesigned chassis, and the MGA bodywork.

First the big picture. The background to this period was overshadowed by the Cold War including in 1953 the death of Stalin and culminating, shortly after MGA production ceased, in the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis.

For the United Kingdom, which was essentially insolvent after the Second World War, the focus in the MG Era was on the Balance of Payments, whose monthly figures attracted headlines and were treated as a barometer of economic and political success. The MGA was important as an earner of foreign exchange, principally the precious US$, with about 95% of production being exported.

Impressively, in 1956 28% of all British cars imported into the USA were MGAs. The MGA may well have been the biggest single earner of foreign exchange that year. I estimate that at today’s values MGA production earned the UK economy in total about £775 million in foreign exchange. Surprisingly there seems to be no record of any politician, not even the then local MP, Airey Neave, in hard hat or otherwise, visiting MG to thank them political life was different then as well.

Other landmarks, some parochial, of the MGA Era include: 1952 – When BMC rejected the new MG, Elizabeth II had just become Queen, Sir Winston Churchill was prime minister, postwar rationing was still in force and the Korean War was ongoing.

A very different world!

1955 – MGA Production and sales began. The MGA ran at Le Mans in June, was announced in September and was launched at the Frankfurt motor show. Rationing had ended in 1954, the Korean War had resulted in an Armistice in 1953 and in 1955 Anthony Eden succeeded Churchill as prime minister. This year saw the opening of Mary Quant’s boutique, Bazaar, in the Kings Road and the release of Bill Haley’s Rock Around The Clock.

1956 – The MGA Coupe was launched. The UK and France invaded Egypt in order to secure the Suez Canal and, in so doing, the UK soon learnt where it now stood in the world order when the US threatened to undermine the Pound unless we withdrew.

Petrol rationing was reintroduced in the winter of 1956 and lasted until May 1957. Prince Rainier married Grace Kelly and Velcro first appeared.

1957 – The only year in the MGA Era when no noticeable change to the car was made. Harold Macmillan succeeding Eden as prime minister and in the same year made his ‘You have never had it so good’ speech. On April 1, Panorama broadcast a spaghetti tree hoax report purporting to show spaghetti being harvested in

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Switzerland, the first April Fool’s Day joke on television.The first Premium Bond draw was made, the Queen’s Christmas Message was broadcast on television for the first time and Stirling Moss won the British Grand Prix at Aintree in a Vanwall VW5, the first British car to win a World Championship event. Sputnik one was launched and the average house in the UK cost £2,170. This year saw the creation of the EEC, forerunner of the European Union.

1958 – The MGA Twin Can was introduced. Construction of the M1 started, the first parking meters appeared, the last Debutantes were presented to the Queen, CND was formed, Cliff Richard had his first hit single, ‘Move It’, and Grandstand and Blue Peter were first broadcast.

1959 – The MGA 1600 superseded the MGA. The Conservatives won the General Election. Car ownership in Britain exceeded 30% of households, economic growth was very strong and inflation minimal. Juke Box Jury was first broadcast, production of the Mini started, the first Hovercraft was launched and postcodes were introduced for the first time in Norwich.

1960 – The end of Twin Cam production and the first MGA 1600 De-Luxe. The last National Service conscript was called up in 1960, the farthing ceased to be legal tender, Coronation Street was first aired and Traffic Wardens were seen on the streets of London for the first time. Penguin books were found not guilty of obscenity by publishing Lady Chatterly’s Lover and sold 200,000 books the following day, the book having been banned since 1928. The first live Football League match was screened on ITV, something that was not repeated for the next 23 years!

1961 – The MGA 1600 MkII was introduced along with the availability of the De-Luxe variant. There was an all British Women’s Final at Wimbledon, the UK applied to join the EEC, the E Type Jaguar was launched, Private Eye was first published and Rosemarie Frankland became the first British winner of the Miss World beauty pageant. Betting shops opened for the first time, the Beatles first performed at the Cavern Club and Barclays became the first UK Bank with its own computer centre. A ‘voluntary’ pay pause was introduced, heralding the end of the 1950s boom years.

1962 – The end of MGA production and the introduction of the MGB. Before production ended, Z Cars premiered on television, heavy smog affected London again and the first Casino opened in Brighton.

General reflections on life in the UK during the MGA Era must include fashion, which was in fact pretty conservative and unchanging: men wore hats and the Mini Skirt did not enter the scene until the invention of pantyhose in the mid 1960s. Teddy Boys were in vogue and for the first time, younger people, possibly the MGA driver, wore fashion which simply did not copy that of their elders.

In 1955 average male earnings were £217 per annum, by 1962 they were £312. The MGA Roadster, including tax, cost in the order of £850 in 1955; by 1959 this had risen to £950 for the MGA 1600 (or £1,200 for the Twin Cam) and stayed the same price for the MGA 1600 MKII when it was introduced in 1961. A coupe was about £100 more.

Other overarching factors in the MGA Era were the rise of consumerism supported by the increased access to hire purchase from 1958.

However, one key point which probably irreversibly changed life for Britons in many ways during the MGA Era was the advent of commercial television in 1955. On September 22 1955, just four days prior to the announcement of the introduction of the MGA, the commercial television franchise in London ran its first advert for Gibbs SR toothpaste.

Although it is now believed the car companies had a secret cartel not to advertise on commercial television, which agreement

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/02/2016 11:31

Edward Vandyk Tel : 01488 608810 mgascribe@vandyk.co.uk

MGA NEWSLETTER

An early MGA Publicity photograph, note the Rimbellishers and the single rear window. Another photograph of this car appears in George Dutton’s Scrapbook

survived until Datsun did so in 1969, the oil companies were amongst the first to advertise.

In 1956 there were 15.6 million households in the UK, by 1962 that had become 16.6 million and today there are 27.5 million. In 1956 just 0.5 million (or 3%) could get commercial television whereas 5.7 million (or 37%) could get the BBC; by 1962, in what must have been the fastest market penetration ever seen, commercial television had risen to 11.3 million (or 68%) albeit still

just behind the BBC’s 12.8 million (or 77%). Penetration today is about 95%.

The MGA Era was also the ‘Mad Men’ era and forced manufacturers, including MG, to review and change their marketing strategies. Commercial television was not only different in representing obvious consumerism but also successfully challenged the inherently conservative attitudes of the BBC, long engrained in the British psyche.

That then was the MGA Era.

Rimmer A5 LANDSCAPE ad_Layout 1 03/02/2014 17:20 Page 13

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www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_March16_43-98.indd 47

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Parts service for Land Rover, Triumph and Jaguar also available

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from 1998 to 2011

MARCH 2016

47

23/02/2016 11:31

NEWSLETTER MGA

Edward Vandyk Tel : 01488 608810 mgascribe@vandyk.co.uk

MGA Scrapbook 1955 Part 3

Car No 36 driven by Lund and Stoops on its way to Belfast

No 34 recovered to Belfa st Airport showing the accid ent da mag e. (Not e the strea mlin ed front end and lowe r la mps)

pull, at his garage bus ine ss in Cop Ted Lu nd wit h LBL 304 tak for d lan Ire to No rth ern La nca shire. Th e car wa s the en C Tou rist Trop hy Ra ce.

RA for n atio par pre in testin g

LJB 205 Th e tea m’s spa re car

T h e BM C petition s Depa rt m entC om V a n wa s th ere to su pport th e from a film).teMa m. (A st ill im a g e en in fo re g rou n ot k n own. nd

Car No 35, driven by Fairm an and Wilso n, arrive s at the old Belfast Airport, used by MG as a base

for scutin ee rin g at Hamrrya fil m) Th e MG tea m arrive lfa st. (A still im ag e fro Fergu son ’s ga rag e, Be

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Car no 35 Fairm an / Wils on and 34 F lock hart / Lock ett arrive for practice

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/02/2016 11:31

Edward Vandyk Tel : 01488 608810 mgascribe@vandyk.co.uk

. Ted ret ired away ah ea d of No 35 ts ge 36 No r d Ca in nd ove Th e Sta rt. Ted Lu aft er eig ht lap s. No 35 fin ish ed 20th ralledan69 lap s let nk ta mp l co g fue it vin spl ha wit h a ree Po rsche 550 Spyd ers, fou rth in cla ss be hin danthd 4 secon ds. in 7 hours 8 mi nutes

MGA NEWSLETTER

Car no 34 wa s fitt ed wit h the new Twi n Ca m eng ine. See n here at the pits hav cha nged. (A still ima ge from a ing all fou r plu gs film)

Car No 34 spins, hits the banking and 23 laps. (A still imag e from a film) retire s after

ste llotti / two wo rks Ferraris, No 4edCathe by ped lap be to out race, in sixth ab 36 fin ish Ca r No lioli / Trintig na nt; bot h cars Taruff i an d No 5 M agpec ly. an d eig hth pos itio ns res tive A white M GA pre pa red at Cowle y for showin g at the lau nch of the ne w mode l. Se pte mber 1955

MG Car com pan y Chi ef De sign er Syd En eve r wit h rally driver Pat Mo ss at the MG A pre ss da y

Also fro m ‘T he M ot or’ Se pt em be r 28 1955

Adve rti se me nt for ‘Th e M oto r’ Se pt emthbee rM GA fro m 28 1955

‘The Motor’ September 28 1955

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_March16_43-98.indd 49

MARCH 2016

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NEWSLETTER MGF

Tim Morris 01932 882467 • scribe@mgfregister.org • www.mgfregister.org

MGF Newsletter

Welcome to the

“You’ve got the key of the door, never been twenty-one before”, I can’t get this annoying ditty out of my head as we hurtle through 2016 and the list of MGF Register events continues to grow during our 21st year. The TF is marking 15 years this year too, and although it has often been left out of ‘Classic’ articles in the press now seems to be joining the F in ‘Best Buy’ lists. We can’t deny it any more, our cars are getting older, just as we are, and it won’t be long before they are no longer referred to as ‘modern classics’.

There are still some show organisers out there however who show a little prejudice against them, as one of our Regional groups recently discovered. I ruminated on that hoary old subject of ‘What is a Classic?’ in my editorial column in the latest FasTForward magazine and, as a member of the CSMA, I really like their definition – “Any wheeled vehicle that gives pleasure to both the owner and anyone who sees it, no age or cost qualification required, old or modern, just that feeling of pride and joy”. When I first became involved with the MGF 16 years ago there was a real fight with not

just other classic enthusiasts but often MG enthusiasts as well to be accepted as a ‘real MG’. The F was looked down upon, which led to the MGF Register becoming more engaged in the social side of things, frequently organising separate events. Gladly that is no longer the case amongst the MG enthusiasts and you’ll find F/TFs mingling with all sorts of MGs at Centre meetings and runs, now fully appreciated. However we still have a hectic social scene in addition to your Centre’s activities, and you can find details of that on our internet forum and website and Facebook pages. At the last count there were 11 different MGF Register Facebook pages so the opportunity to get involved on social media is pretty good. If you are an F/TF owner then seek them out and get involved. I know there are plenty of F/TFs at Centre events that we don’t see at Register ones, so if you’re still a bit wary of us then don’t be, come along and support your local Register group.

We are all MGCC members and are fully a part of the Club and what it stands for, after all.

MGF Register Chairman’s Weekend The main Register event coming up takes place this month – March 19-20. The MGF Register Chairman’s weekend was detailed in the last issue of Safety Fast! but if you haven’t yet booked then please do so now, as places are filling quickly. The Sunday run starts in Abingdon and takes us to William Morris’s House at Nuffield Place, which will be of great interest to Morris Garages enthusiasts, and then on to the riverside town of Henley on Thames. The night before is our annual dinner which is a decidedly unstuffy affair and takes place at the Oxford Abingdon Hotel in … er, Abingdon. Martin Rees will be telling us about Land Speed records, there’s a table quiz and a raffle in aid of Guide Dogs for the Blind and of course a three course dinner. You are more than welcome to join us. All the details are in our internet forum in the announcements section or on one of our two websites.

I did mention in the last Safety Fast! that we’d have details of our national weekend but I haven’t; due to some unforeseen circumstances it’s been temporarily postponed but we hope to re-instate it to the calendar soon.

Meanwhile you should find a list here of where you will find the main Register this year, so please take the opportunity to chat to us. Of course there are dozens of more localised events around the UK as well and you’ll find details of all those on our internet forum and Facebook pages as previously mentioned.

Wonderful Technology

The bulk of our website has been rebuilt now but we are still having issues with our event archive which did date back some 15 years. Lots of the photos in it have been corrupted so have to be relocated again. Not an easy task but Pete Opie has done a splendid job in the ongoing restoration. We’re also still having some problems with our mgfregister.org emails following a spam attack last year. That resulted in us ending up on some email blacklists (including one of those used by a big ISP – Virgin) so we sometimes have trouble replying to certain email addresses, particularly the Virgin ones, blueyonder and ntlworld. So if you have sent us an email from one of those and haven’t received a reply, that may be the reason! Isn’t modern technology wonderful?

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Charity fundraising 2016 and the Hard Top Relay

In 2012 the Olympics were held in the UK, and to mark the occasion the MGF Register held our own relay which was actually registered as an official Olympic community event. It involved a Hard Top which was covered in stickers and was passed on between owners, each of whom made a contribution to the Register’s charity. Well we still have that Hard Top and as it is Olympic year again, what better time to dust it down and run another Hard Top Relay? That is exactly what we are doing – but this time, instead of running over six weeks we’ll be running it over six months to give more people a chance of taking part. Adrian is co-ordinating its progress, so take a look at our internet forum and get your name down to join in – it will again be in aid of the Register’s charity which this year is Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Our second main charity fundraising event takes place on Saturday September 24 and will be the third time we’ve run the Thames Tunnels and Bridges event through Central London, which this year will be bigger and better than ever! Watch out for details later in the year.

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/02/2016 11:31

Tim Morris 01932 882467 • scribe@mgfregister.org • www.mgfregister.org

Have you Registered?

The other aspect of the MGF Register is just that, a Register.

Adrian Clifford has recently taken over from Dave Tynan (who is now an MGCC Director) and is busily working through the Register itself and adding data at a frightening rate of knots.

The aim is to make the data we have the definitive and accurate listing of all MGF/TF vehicles. There are other sources of data

MGF NEWSLETTER

available on the internet but we know there are inaccuracies amongst those, which we have corrected for our records. We can provide data on your car along with a heritage certificate if you wish. To obtain one, simply contact Adrian at registrar@ mgfregister.org. Adrian is interested in numbers and there are plenty on the MGF/TF, so in this four pager he guides you through just where to find them.

Monogram TFs at Brooklands for the 20th Anniversary display in 2015

Brooklands MG Era Day This popular MG event takes place on Sunday April 10 and the Register will hopefully have our own area in which to display 21 MGF and TFs. We also hope to be able to have a separate section for monogram cars and it would be nice to attract 15 of those if possible. Last year we issued special passes to those who wanted to display their cars with us and we plan to do the same this year, so if you would like to join us then please contact Tim Morris at timmorris@mgfregister.org or sign up on our internet forum so that we can send you the pass.

The Hard Top Relay finishes at Brooklands in 2012 in the company of some Olympic Cyclists – with Relay Sponsor David Koskela and the then Register Chairman Tim Morris on the right

Monogram TFs at Brooklands for the 20th Anniversary display in 2015

www.mgcc.co.uk

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NEWSLETTER MGF

Tim Morris 01932 882467 • scribe@mgfregister.org • www.mgfregister.org

Where are your numbers?

In the MGF Register we have created a large database of MGFs and TFs. It’s a part of our remit to the Car Club to do so. I have recently been appointed Registrar for the MGF Register and I shall, as custodian of the data, make the best job possible by seeking every piece of data I can. Those of you who are subscribers to our own quarterly magazine FasTForward will have seen how good it is. I thank the previous Registrars for their efforts to get this far over the years and special thanks go to Andrew Phillips, Dave Tynan, Dieter Koennecke in Germany and Ad Holtland in Holland.

Many of our representatives around the world keep data on cars from their country; this is used in the main database and it’s a wonderful help. However most data comes from our members themselves by looking at their cars and passing the information by mail. Over the years an enormous amount of time has gone in to nurturing data obtained in this way for the Club; it is now in an excellent condition and we believe it to be the best and most accurate there is with Ad, Dieter and myself working tirelessly to improve it. But it can still get better with your help.

Many cars hibernate in the winter, but as spring approaches they will be emerging and I would ask you to take the time to help us maintain and improve our database. I seek no personal information, this is only about the car.

For a small charity donation I can email you a beautiful Heritage Certificate for your car that you can print and laminate yourself. Simply email me with some details of your car. Our charity donation site can be found on our website’s home page at www.mgfregister.org When you have a minute to spare could you find the following for me and mail it to: registrar@mgfregister.org Vehicle registration: Vin number: Paint code: Trim code: Engine number: Body number: Original dealer: Date of first registration: Special edition (if applicable): Edition number (if applicable): Original hood colour: Cockpit colour: Original wheel type: This is a very detailed enquiry but this is the depth of information that I am working with on behalf of the MGF Register.

registration document; in the UK this is on the V5C. It will commence 16K4 for the 1.6, 18K4 for the 1.8 K series and 18N4 for the N series. If it is still in place a sticker is fitted to the uppermost part of the cam belt cover and it can be easily seen with a lamp inside the engine bay just behind the coolant expansion tank:

Engine number location on cam cover

…and a little closer

The body number will be found inside the boot, top left hand corner behind the material about 20 cm in from the edge (gently lift away the rubber gasket and ease forward the material between the two studs to see a metal stamped plate on the bulkhead painted in the same colour as the car). A lamp will be useful if you have a dark colour car.

Gently pull the carpeting forward

…and you will find the body number

The original dealer information may be found in the service book, the original tax disc holder or original number plates.

The date of first registration will be found in the registration document.

We also want to know if the car is a special or limited edition and, if it is a 75th or 80th anniversary, an LE500 or Vintage Racing TF the unique badge number located inside the car.

The vin plate on the tray under the bonnet alongside the abs pump (if fitted)

Dealer Codes or Cicodes If you have details on any MY2008 (SAIC) TFs you may find in the service book a code above the service stamp (eg MG-001 Luffield); please include that too, as it is the dealer code which I am attempting to capture for all cars. On the MGRover cars, you may find in the original documentation a dealer code. This is the ‘cicode’ that I seek. It will have one letter and four numbers, for example K1660. Even if you have sent your data to us previously I doubt we would have received all of the data that I am now collecting, so please find just a few minutes to help us and help your Club remain the best source of data possible.

How to find the numbers The vin number can be found on the car and the V5C. The paint and trim codes can be found, along with the vin number, on the plate under the bonnet on the tray alongside the abs pump (if it’s fitted).

The engine number can easily be found on the car’s

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Thank you to Andre Pons and his Vintage Racing MGTF for supplying the above pictures. My car is black, so very difficult to use as an example!

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/02/2016 11:31

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MGB

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Engines 1800cc lead free 1800cc fast road balanced 1840cc balanced stage 2 1950cc standard lead free 1950cc fast road stage 2

£1905 £2125 £2565 £2185 £2815

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£465 £545 £675 £755 £2545

Other Tubular long branch large bore exhaust Oselli cast rocker cover £175 Weber carb kit £695 Performance distributor £195 Head and engines supplied on an exchange basis Prices subject to VAT

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_March16_43-98.indd 53

Current Stock 1958 MGA Roadster finished in Midnight blue with Burgundy trim and carpets. Fully restored in 2000 and little used since £34,000.00 1972 MGB Roadster restored some years ago on a heritage shell and little used since. £17,995.00 1959 MGA Roaster finished in Dove grey with burgundy trim restored in 2012 little history £36,995.00

www.oselli.com

Engines Standard lead free £1905 Standard fast road balanced £2125 Stage 2 fast road balanced £2565 1293cc fast road stage 2 £2755 1380cc fast road stage 2 £2885 1400cc fast road stage 2 £3395 Heads Standard lead free Stage 2 lead free Stage 3 lead free Stage 3a lead free Stage 4 comp head

£465 £545 £675 £755 £2545

Other Tubular long branch exhaust Oselli cast rocker cover £175 Weber carb kit £695 Performance distributor £195 Head and engines supplied on an exchange basis Prices subject to VAT

MARCH 2016

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NEWSLETTER

MGF

Tim Morris 01932 882467 • scribe@mgfregister.org • www.mgfregister.org

Wheels There are 13 sets of original wheels. To assist you to identify the wheels on your car, these pictures may help. Your tyre size will act as a reference if you’re unsure. Thanks to Rob Bell for the wheel pictures.

Interiors The four interior options are shown here – Grenandine, Light Smokestone, Ash and Tan.

Hopefully this guide has pointed you in the direction of all your numbers, so now all you need do is write them down and send them in to us. If you can include a picture of your car that would be a great help too and help to illustrate the data. I look forward to receiving the information and adding it to the MGF Register.

Adrian Clifford

MGF Register main events 2016 March 2016 19: MGF Register AGM & Awards Dinner 20: Chairman’s Run April 2016 3: MGCC Race Meeting – Donington Park 10: Brooklands MG day 16: Pride of Longbridge – MG Car Club in attendance 30: MGCC Race Meeting – Brands Hatch 30: Donington Historic Festival ... club discount* and stand May 2016 1: MGCC Race Meeting – Brands Hatch 1-2: Donington Historic Festival ... club discount* and stand June 2016 4-5: MGLive!

8-12: EEOTY France 10-12: Cholmondeley Power & Speed ... club discount* and stand 19: MGs in the Park at the Cotswold Wildlife Park July 2016 3: S unday: MGCC Race Meeting – Mallory Park 29-31: Silverstone Classic – Join MG Car Club stand September 2016 3: MGCC Race Meeting – Oulton Park 24: Thames Tunnels & Bridges October 2016 1-2: MGCC Race Meeting – Snetterton November 2016 11-13: Classic Motor Show – NEC?

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www.mgcc.co.uk

23/02/2016 11:31

New From Webcon Multi throttle EFI system for MGB Webcon are delighted to announce the introduction of a range of new Alpha PRO5 kits to suit the MGB. The Alpha Gold kit includes a full Multi Throttle Engine Management system together with our MSX crossflow aluminium cylinder head to provide the power of a pair of twin 45DCOE carburettors along with the torque, driveability and refinement of a modern, powerful EFI system.

This is truly the ultimate induction for your ‘B’ The Alpha Silver kit combines the legendary power of a perfectly jetted Weber 45 DCOE matched to the reliability and torque of our PRO5 3D Mapped ignition system. The result is a smooth, powerful engine that completely transforms the MGB driving experience.

The Bronze Ignition Only kit is an expertly Mapped, OEM quality ECU, Wiring Loom, Crank Trigger set and Wasted spark coil which offers a complete Turnkey ignition solution to transform the reliability and driveability of your ‘B’. Our Bronze kit can be used with Weber or SU carburettors.

All Alpha PRO5 kits are supplied with our new Alphacal mapping software For more details, please contact:

Webcon UK Ltd

Dolphin Road, Sunbury, Middlesex. TW16 7HE. UK. Tel: +44 (0) 1932 787100 Fax: +44 (0) 1932 782725 Email: sales@webcon.co.uk Web: www.webcon.co.uk

MJS

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MJS Auto and Marine, Manor Parade, Church Street, Littlehampton, West Sussex, BN17 5AH Tel: 07956 575220 www.mjsautoandmarine.co.uk, email: repairs@mjsautoandmarine.co.uk www.mgcc.co.uk

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Advert – MGBNOTES on a Twister from the V8 Register Plain text

MGA Twin Cam Group

MGB Workshop Notes series has many useful 50thtechnical Anniversary - Sunday 22nd May notesLuncheon for the MGB and MGBGT with 2016 service (Pre-payment & booking is essential for members this event) since and spares tips contributed by fellow 1978. The complete series with over 300 notes in four Way back in 1976, the MGA volumes and aTwin detailed Cam Groupindex held an is available on a memory Anniversary at the stick at a special rateLuncheon for current members of the MG Oxford Lodge Hotel to mark ten Car Club. years since the Twin Cam Group was formed in May 1966. www.v8register.net/MGB/index.htm So, the 10th Anniversary was formally marked and it is highly, appropriate to mark the

50 years90mm since the Twin Cam Group was formed.

Advert right: x 130mm The Twin Cam Group are holding a 50th Anniversary Luncheon on Sunday 22nd May 2016 at The Half Moon, WINDLESHAM GU20 6BN.

MGB Workshop Notes series has many useful technical notes for the MGB and MGBGT with service and spares tips contributed by fellow members since 1978. The complete series with over 300 notes in four volumes and a detailed index is available on a memory stick at a special rate for current members of the MG Car Club. www.v8register.net/MGB/index.htm

To which all Twin Cam and De-Luxe owners are invited.

There will be limited preferential parking for Twin Cam and De-Luxe MGA’s. £20 per head for a two course Sunday Lunch with Tea or Coffee.

(Dessert available at your extra cost on the day)

MGA Twin Cam Group 50th Anniversary Luncheon AT THE HALF MOON WINDLESHAM, GU20 6BN ON 22ND May 2016 Tickets £20

11.30 Approx.

This is a key date for the Twin Cam Group. What chance is there of a 100th Anniversary? We would like to have as many Twin Cam and De-Luxe owners as possible attend this 50th Anniversary Lunch.

Pre-booking and payment is essential. Please contact Mark Hester on mgatcg@outlook.com to book and pay for your place(s). If any owners were at the 1st official event at Silverstone in May 1966, or at the 10th anniversary luncheon, please make themselves known to Mark, as we should like to honour and specially invite those early members.

Original advert

th 24 24th Old Old Speckled Speckled Hen Hen T Tour our th th May 2016 Sunday 29 Sunday 29 May 2016 th

24 Old Speckled Hen Tour Sunday 29th May 2016

Mr Surname …..………………...

Entries Mr // Mrs Mrs // Ms… Ms… First First Name Name ……………… ……………… MGB SurnameWorkshop …..………………...

Notes Entries limited limited to to 100 100 Address ……………………………………………... cars AddressMr……………………………………………... / Mrs / Ms… First Name ……………… Surname …..………………...

Entries limited to 100 cars MGB Workshop Notes series has many useful technical notes for the MGB Address ……………………………………………...

Address ……………………………………………...

Address ……………………………………………... carsEntry Entry Fee: Fee: £25 £25 per per car car and MGBGT with service and spares tips contributed by fellow members since Town Address ……………………………………………...

Town ………………………………………………… …………………………………………………

Entry Fee: £25 per car 1978.

The complete series with over 300 notes in four volumes and a detailed Post ……………

Town …………………………………………………

Post Code Code ……………

To of include light index is available on a memory stick with a special rate for current members Post Code ……………

Phone ………………..

Mobile …………………... include Phone the ………………..

Mobile …………………...

To To include light light MG Car Club. www.v8register.net/MGB/index.htm Phone ………………..

Mobile …………………... refreshment at the E-mail .................................................................. refreshment the start, start, E-mail E-mail .................................................................. refreshment at theatstart, ..................................................................

MG Car Club Membership No. ............................. detailed tulip route MG V8 CarMG Club No. 160108-MGBNOTES-Twister-advert ............................. detailed CarMembership Club ............................. detailed tuliptulip routeroute1 Register – MGMembership Car Club No. book, Rally book, Rally PlatePlate & one& book, Rally Plate & one one MG Information: MG Car Information: cream tea per person at MG Car Car Information: cream tea per person at cream tea per person at Model:……………………

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Last date for entries Cheques payable to: MGCC Abingdon WorksCentre Centre Last for entries Cheques payable to: Abingdon Works Last date date for entries Cheques payable to: MGCC MGCC Works Centre Oxon. OX14 5PS. Monday Entries to Richard Martin,Abingdon 26 Medlicott Drive, Abingdon, 23rd 23 May rd 2016 Entries to Richard Martin, 26 Medlicott Drive, Abingdon, Oxon.

OX14 5PS. rd May 2016 Monday Entries Tel: to Richard Martin, 26 Medlicott Drive, Abingdon, Oxon. OX14 5PS. Monday 23 May 2016 01235 529331 e-mail: r.martin@mgabingdon.org.uk Tel: e-mail: r.martin@mgabingdon.org.uk If no529331 e-mail address above, please include a stamped addressed envelope.

Tel: 01235 01235 529331 e-mail: r.martin@mgabingdon.org.uk If no e-mail address above, If no e-mail address above, please please include include aa stamped stamped addressed addressed envelope. envelope.

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www.mgcc.co.uk

23/02/2016 11:31

The first winner of the Mary Harris Trophy was Bruce Beer in his J3-Special, here receiving the trophy from Joanne Thornley at the finish line. Photo: Mike Allison photo collection.

COMPETITIONS

Mary Harris Trophy 2016 – Part 1 by Chris Kynoch

T

he MG Car Club has always taken pride in motorsport down the years, and with seven of its own championships running today, it’s still an integral part of the Club. From the BCV8 and The Peter Best Insurance MG Cup to the Trophy Championship – the Club’s racing scene offers a great deal for those that are interested in getting involved.

One section of racing never gets quite the same amount of attention though – Triple-M Racing. And there are reasons for that, especially since they don’t have their own racing series within the Club.

Most notable is the age of the cars. Most owners of these classic MGs don’t want to be risking the car around a race track, so the numbers that compete are relatively small in comparison with other series, and therefore cannot complete a full grid.

Alongside that, you have the difficulty of steering the cars round modern circuits and long straights that overkill the rev limit. From this you’ve got an idea as to why single marque pre-war races are so few and far between.

Introducing the Mary Harris Trophy: an award given out for the first time in

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_March16_43-98.indd 57

1963 to the South East Centre in memory of Mary’s husband, who was a much liked figure in the MG Car Club before he passed away in the war. In the same year, what would eventually be the Mary Harris Trophy Race was held at Silverstone, and in 1964 it was decided that the winner of the race would in fact get the trophy, so the competitors had something to contest.

Since 1963, the race has been segregated into classes, with slower cars getting a head-start which in theory means that they’ll all finish at roughly the same time instead of being staggered.

The sheer age of the cars makes this race so special though, with competing and spectating being so different from what we see in today’s racing.

Mike Allison driving the ex-Monkhouse K3 in 1965 while owned by Don Pitt, and later driven with great enthusiasm by Syd Beer. Photo: Mike Allison photo collection

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COMPETITIONS

One of the noisiest cars was the ex-Harvey Noble Q-type, Brooklands record holder. Here driven

by Syd Beer in 1965. Photo: Mike Allison photo collection

Mark Dolton is a member of the MG Car Club who runs and organises Triple-M Racing. He has lived and breathed TripleMs since he was a young boy, and follows in the footsteps of his father, a two time winner of the Mary Harris Trophy.

“Getting the grid together is getting harder every year. The cost of preparing the cars is getting scary, not to mention the cost of actually entering etc. I am so glad that so many are still prepared to use their cars as they were intended,” Mark said.

“I hope a few more might throw of the dust blankets and emerge from storage but it’s a tough call as the value and cost of restoration increases. I really see the race as a show celebrating the heritage and I hope we can continue for as long

as we can.”

Fast-forward to 2016, and this year’s Mary Harris Trophy, which is now held at Brands Hatch, will be taking place on May 1.

“Whilst we would love to still be continuing the history at Silverstone, Brands Indy is perfect for our cars. No long straights thrashing at max revs and a far more enjoyable experience for the spectators,” Mark added.

Before the big date in May there was a special track day at Goodwood on February 20 for the Triple-M group, a fantastic idea, and one that hopefully provided some of the less experienced drivers with some vital testing.

“It’s a fun day out but I actually see it as a very important pre-season,

Mike Allison lining up for the start in 1964, assisted by Pip Bucknell over from Australia.

The car is the NA which was subsequently rebuilt and may still be seen driven by him in 2016. Photo: Mike Allison photo collection

introductory day. I racked up around 60 laps at Goodwood and Cadwell on track days before entering my first race, giving me a real understanding on how the car worked at speed. Something you don’t experience on the road or at hill climb events,” Mark said.

“This also gets me used to having other Triple M cars on track around me.

They handle differently to modern cars, so having only pre-war cars on track at one time makes a big difference for all involved. I’d like to say a big thank you to MGs on Track for all of the support they have given us.”

Entries are now open for the Mary Harris Trophy through Mark, who can be contacted via email at mdjdolton@gmail. com. For more information on the event and to get tickets, keep an eye out on the MGCC website and Triple-M Racing website – www.triple-mracing.com

Colin Butchers tries his hand at racing in his N-type tourer. Colin was at the time Secretary of the Triple-M Register. Photo: Mike Allison photo collection

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www.mgcc.co.uk

23/02/2016 11:32

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MG_SafetyFast_March16_43-98.indd 59

PLEASE NOTE: ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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RACE TORQUE

The McCarthy MGB GT V8. Photo: Didckon Siddall

O

nly four weeks to go to Donington, entries are flowing into the Club office and being attended to by John Hutchison, the Club’s Race Secretary.

Some competitors are taking advantage of the year long entry facility offered by the Club where the payment details are held by Worldpay and payment is actioned by John at the closing date for each meeting. Early entry helps the administration greatly and using the Worldpay facility, the payment isn’t taken till the closing date for each meeting so the competitor doesn’t lose anything at all!

Do you have a printer?

Competitors will see that on the entry forms now there is a request to identify whether at the email address they have quoted they have access to a printer. This requirement is as a result of the MSV Group with Brands, Oulton and Snetterton moving to e-ticketing this year, where not only is the ticket read at the gate with a barcode reader, but now MSV are sending the tickets out by email direct to competitors, hence the need for the information of whether a printer is available. This of course presents the Club with another administrative burden, but e-ticketing is the way to go and many organisations utilise this now.

However, in view of the shortness of time, we as a Club have negotiated that for the first MSV meeting at Brands Hatch, April 30 and May 1, we will continue with the familiar printed tickets. So the first meeting for ourselves where we will go live with e-ticketing is Oulton.

One question that has been asked is as to whether the barcode can be retained on phones; the answer at present is no, since the scanner cannot distinguish correctly in some lights, but no doubt it will come. This requirement for printer info covers marshals and officials as well.

So can you all assist John with the information regarding printers, so that it eases the workload before the Oulton event.

Race Torque

by Ron Gammons

Mention was made last month of the Club’s involvement at the giant Autosports show, well Pete Macwaters reports that he has two new would-be competitors lined up for the Trophy Championship and the strong possibility of a sponsor, directly as a result of the Trophy Championship involvement at Autosports. Now that is a result.

Those familiar with MSA will be sorry to learn of the retirement of John Symes as Technical Director. John has always been a great club motor racing enthusiast from the time that he was in charge of what is now the MSV Group of circuits, in particular when John Webb was chief at Brands. John Symes has always been just a phone call away to help resolve problems at meetings and much else besides. The saga of the tunnel at Donington sticks in my mind as one where without his assistance we probably would not have run a race meeting! The good news

is that the MSA is asking John to remain as a consultant, with his extensive experience being still on call, which I am sure will prove of great assistance.

Those with a model collection of MGs will be pleased to learn that the very familiar and very successful yellow MGB previously of Roy McCarthy and now raced successfully by his two sons, Russell and Spencer, has been modelled

by Scalextric and is now available at £39.99 from stockists.

It was of course Roy who led the way to the ‘soft tune’ V8s which has improved the grids of both the Thoroughbred Sports Cars Championship and that of the BCV8 Championship.

Season starts in four weeks, time to get into the garage!

We look forward to seeing you all at Donington.

MG Trophy at Donington 2015. Photo: Aaron Lupton

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www.mgcc.co.uk

23/02/2016 11:32

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MG_SafetyFast_March16_43-98.indd 61

‘My TF is so much more responsive, and uses a lot less fuel too!’ Nick TF135

MARCH 2016

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MGs ON TRACK

Sponsored by

MGs track on

Still unsure about taking your Car on track…?

Whenever we are asked the question “what is a track day?” our answers usually make many enthusiastic MG owners ready to take the plunge immediately. Some, however, are still a little unsure as to what is involved, what it may do to their car or even themselves. Let me try to explain the best way to overcome any fears you may have…

Have you ever stood and watched an auto-solo and thought to yourself, “That looks good fun”… In and out of cones, driving against the clock, etc? Well then the North Weald Starter Experience is the event for you. We at MGs on Track hold on an annual basis what is simply known as a Starter Experience, held at North Weald Airfield, on the edge of Epping Forest and

just a few minutes from junction 7 on the M11. With its vast expanse of smooth tarmac it is the ideal place for you to get to know the capabilities of you and your car.

The cost for North Weald Starter Experience is just £50 (MGCC members) for the day and all you need is you and your car!

Its aim is for you to have fun in your car, increase your driving skills, gain confidence in both your own and your car’s abilities and meet other like-minded MG owners.

It is designed for absolute beginners or novice track day drivers who wish to gain confidence before venturing onto a race circuit. It allows you to explore your car’s handling in a safe environment and to gain confidence under the watchful eye of a

performance driving instructor. Numbers are limited to just 23 cars and only one car is active on each exercise at a time, minimising any risk to car or driver.

Further details are available on our website: www.mgs-on-track.com Dave Pearce is the event manager for the day, so if you have any further questions, please contact him via email (DaveP@mgs-on-track.co.uk).

After you have been to the North Weald Starter Experience, gained confidence and found you and your car’s real capabilities, you will no doubt wish to progress further to a full track day. Don’t hesitate in booking the next available track day date! 2016 has seen a very good start in track day bookings with them selling out in record time, and we always hate to disappoint.

Still unsure?

Then why not come and visit us at ANY of our track days. It is free to spectate; make yourself known to us and you will be assured of a warm welcome and possibly the chance to get a passenger ride with one of our experienced track day drivers.

Next up…

Cadwell Park, Snetterton and Castle Combe all are established track day venues in our annual calendar and each very unique. Cadwell Park is challenging with its undulating, roller coaster circuit.

Snetterton 300 is a long and technical circuit famed for its venue for the British Touring Car Championship, and Castle Combe has the infamous Quarry Corner and two chicanes. Something for everyone! All should be open for booking now or very shortly.

Committee member Nigel showing what MGs are made of!

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MG MG Steve Brand track track steveb@mgs-on-track.co.uk on on www.mgs-on-track.com

2016 Calendar

Calendar 2016

** 2016 * ToNew bookfor places you need to be registered with MGoT on March 10 Silverstone our website www.mgs-on-track.com April 20 Cadwell ** All registered members will receive an email about a (single MSV Session) week prior to the event opening for sale.

May 11 Snetterton *** If an event says(single ‘Status:MSV Provisional’ it is not open for Session) booking yet.

May 15 North Weald **** If all places (Beginners are ‘Sold Out’ day) contact the ‘Event highlighted the website booking page MayManager’ 26 Oulton on Park (Single MSV session)** for a reserve place.

June 8 Castle Combe July 3 Park – Croft – Open Pit Lane, *Cadwell April 18 experienced only and undulating The UK’s mini Nurburgring.

An exciting (via Lotus on Track) circuit set in scenic Lincolnshire countryside.

July 13 Pembray ** *Snetterton – May 23 July 25 Hethel** AAugust chance13to experience ‘Snetterton Brands the Hatch – GP 300’ circuit with its fast and technical layout ensuring there is (single LoT session) something14for Castle everyone.

September Combe October Donington *N Weald5– May 13 October Goodwood Not a track26 day– but a fun day allowing you the opportunity December 7 – Brands Hatch Indy characteristics to discover more about the handling of your car prior to doing a full track day. An excellent opportunity for beginners! *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 Norfolk. 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! *Goodwood – October 31 A second visit in case you missed the first due to popularity! *Oulton Park – November 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!

www.mgcc.co.uk

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LUFFIELD

Luffield Championship John Wilman, Beechfield, Fern Bank, Chapel-en-le-Frith, High Peak. SK23 0JJ. Tel: 07778 165186 • www.mgspeed.net This month I have included two action photographs that illustrate the wide divergence of our competitor vehicles. The photograph of the MG 1100 saloon was taken at the Eelmore sprint. This car belongs to Derek Porter and is in completely standard trim. As such, it runs in the standard or group 1 up to 1500cc class. The second image is of the very pretty Frogeye Sprite of James Thacker. James is a highly experienced driver who for many years campaigned a modsports Midget in all kinds of events with great success. The Frogeye is of course considerably modified and is shown competing at Gurston Down Hillclimb. This latest venture is his recreation of a classic of the 1950s and 1960s and it is good to see that people are still prepared to indulge in projects such as this, as it keeps the interest in our older models alive. For the uninitiated I would point out that all Sprite derivatives are acceptable in our Championship as their chassis were identical to the later Midget models of which they were the forerunners.

I hope this snippet of information will serve to illustrate the point that this Championship is not only for exotic and highly modified cars.

Anything with an MG badge is eligible and the fun element does not depend on the spending of large amounts of money. Our scoring system is such that any level of preparation can result in a good result.

The start of the season is almost upon us with the first event of the year being the sprint at Rockingham Raceway near Northampton.

This has proved to be a very popular event, held in a venue with superb viewing facilities.

This is followed on April 3 by our usual visit to the Midlands Centre Curborough sprint and one week later to Harewood hillclimb. Both these events are visited twice during the season. April has proved to be a very busy month as indeed has May. It is a pity that events tend to bunch up in this manner but we can only take advantage of the invites as they occur in order to put together a full programme of events.

Looking forward there should be plenty of excitement in 2016 with the addition of venues revisited along with the established ones. I wish you all, competitors, support bodies and spectators alike, a good and fulfilling season.

James Thacker’s highly modified Frogeye Sprite

Derek Porter’s MG 1100

MARCH 2016

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CALENDAR

FEBRUARY Friday 26 – Sunday 28 Race Retro Stoneleigh Park Contact: www.raceretro.com Friday 26 – Sunday 28 MGCC: Caledonian Centre Rod Stewart Tribute Scotlands Hotel, Pitlochry Contact: Nancy Crichton – mgcalsec@yahoo.com Saturday 27 MGCC: South West Centre Annual Dinner and Awards Evening Limpley Stoke Hotel Limpley Stoke, Bath Contact: Jim Lott – chairman@mgccsw.com Saturday 27 MGCC: Ulster Centre February Autotest Location TBA Contact: Gordon Buckley – 07751 605033

MARCH Tuesday 1 MGCC: South West Centre 2016 AGM Compton Martin Contact: Jim Lott – chairman@mgccsw.com Thursday 3 MGCC: Lincolnshire Centre 2016 AGM Abbey Lodge, Kirkstead Woodhall Spa Contact: Sue Mackenzie – 01529 497849 Saturday 5 MGCC: Ulster Centre Dinner and Prizegiving Scrabo Golf Club, Newtownards Contact: Gordon Buckley – 07751 605033 Saturday 5 MGCC: Tyne Tees Centre Visit to Classic Mercedes Near Morpeth Contact: David Alexander – 01670 861178 or david.alexander2012 @btinternet.com Saturday 12 MGCC Club Council Meeting MG Motor UK, Longbridge Contact: Colin Grant (Club Secretary) – 01235 555552 Saturday 12 MGCC: Ulster Centre March Autotest Location TBA Contact: Gordon Buckley – 07751 605033

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Sunday 13 MGCC: South East Centre Spring Naviscat Location TBA Contact: Terry Giles – 020 8660 0908 Sunday 13 MGCC: MGB Register 2016 AGM Kimber House Contact: John Watson – 07770 575236 Monday 14 MGCC: MGs on Track Donington Park Contact: Martin Holmes – martinh@mgs-on-track.co.uk Wednesday 16 MGCC: Ulster Centre 2016 AGM Shandon Park Contact: Gordon Buckley – 07751 605033 Friday 18 – Sunday 20 MGCC: Lincolnshire Centre Settle Weekend, Settle Contact: Richard Welch – 01724 764144 Saturday 19 March MGCC: Abingdon Works Centre 2016 AGM Lamb & Flag, Abingdon Contact: Mike Gething – 01295 254498 Saturday 19 MGCC: T-Register Rebuild at Gaydon Contact: Barry Knight – 01252 875740 or barglen ntlworld.com Saturday 19 MGCC: MGF Register 2016 AGM & Awards Dinner Oxford Abingdon Hotel Contact: Keith Williams – chair@mgfregister.org Sunday 20 MGCC: Caledonian Centre March Lunch Airth Castle Hotel, Airth, Falkirk Contact: Leslie Duncan – 0141 637 3475 Sunday 20 MGCC: Midland Centre Spring Trial Lintridge Farm, near Ledbury Contact: Tony Lake – 01604 589104

Sunday 27 MGCC: Yorkshire Centre Daffodil Run Clifton Moor McDonalds, York Contact: David Chapman – 0113 2562368 or 07821 263209

APRIL Saturday 2 MGCC: Ulster Centre MG NI Championship Autotest Location TBA Contact: Gordon Buckley – 07751 605033

Sunday 10 MGCC: MGB Register MGB Register Spring Run Ragley Hall, Warwickshire Contact: More information and entry forms available at www.mgb-register.org Sunday 10 MGCC: V8 Register V8 Committee Meeting West Midlands Contact: Debbie Brading – 07795 227715

Sunday 3 MGCC Race Meet Donington Park Contact: www.donington-park.co.uk

Sunday 10 MGCC: Lincolnshire Centre Practice Autotest Location TBA Contact: David Stonehouse – 01790 754774

Sunday 3 MGCC: Midland Centre Spring Sprint Curborough, near Lichfield Contact: Barbara Whale – barbara@whaleandco.co.uk

Saturday 16 MGCC Pride of Longbridge Longbridge, Birmingham Contact: www.prideoflongbridge. co.uk

Monday 4 – Friday 8 MGCC: T Register T Register Tour Normandy, France Contact: Bill & Sally Silcock – treg.sec@virginmedia.com or 01525 750468

Sunday 17 MGCC: Caledonian Centre One Day Satellite Run Finish Stirling Contact: David Reid – 01383 727695

Tuesday 5 April MGCC: Caledonian Centre 2016 AGM Royal Hotel, Bridge of Allan Contact: Nancy Crichton – 01236 739758 Wednesday 6 – Sunday 10 MGCC: Germany Techno Classica Essen, Germany Contact: Hakan Sigemark – hakan.sigemark@mgcc.se Saturday 9 MGCC: V8 Register Black Country Museum Visit West Midlands Contact: Debbie Brading – 07795 227715 Saturday 9 MGCC: South West Centre Kimber Classic Trial 2016 Somerset Contact: Andrew Owst – andrewowst@hotmail.com or 01761 221893

Sunday 20 MGCC: Tyne Tees Centre Luncheon Run Contact: Dennis Hope – 0191 5172804 or denhope@hotmail.co.uk

Saturday 9 MGCC: South East Centre Dinner Dance Reigate Manor Hotel, Surrey Contact: Terry Giles – 020 8660 0908

Saturday 26 MGCC: Magnette Register Magnettes & Steam Rowsley South Station Contact: Stephen Tickell – 01737 760330 or stephen.tickell@gmail.com

Sunday 10 MG Era Day Brooklands Museum Surrey Contact: Main Club Office – 01235 555552

Monday 18 MGCC: MGs on Track Cadwell Park Contact: Martin Holmes – martinh@mgs-on-track.co.uk Monday 18 – Friday 22 MGCC: Vintage Register Spring to the Cotswold Dumbleton Hall, Evesham Contact: John Venables – 01865 862573 Sunday 24 MGCC: South East Centre Spring Run Location TBA Contact: Terry Giles – 020 8660 0908 Sunday 24 MGCC: Abingdon Works Centre St. Georges Day Run Abingdon, Oxfordshire Contact: Pete & Sarah Davies – 07877 932284 Sunday 24 MGCC: Tyne Tees Centre Cobwebs Run – Celebrating Drive it Day Brocksbushes Farm, near Corbridge Contact: Ian Graham – 0191 413 6321 Sunday 24 MGCC: Anglia Centre Drive Your Classics Day Norfolk Contact: Steve & Alison Kemp – 01553 840245

Friday 29 – Monday 2 MGCC: South East Centre Normandy Rally Contact: Derek Edwards – 01737 765891 Saturday 30 – Sunday 1 MGCC Race Meet Brands Hatch Indy Contact: www.brandshatch.co.uk Saturday 30 – Sunday 1 MGCC: North West Centre Anglesey Sprint, Anglesey Contact: Paul Rodman – 01614 398990 Saturday 30 – Monday 2 MGCC: Caledonian Centre Three Day Highland Fling The 2016 May Three Day Scenic Tour will be held in the Cairngorms National Park and the Black Isle areas Contact: David Reid – caleychair@btinternet.com

MAY Friday 6 MGCC: Tyne Tees Centre Fish & Chip Supper Run Location TBA Contact: Grant Potter – 07581 036086 or Dennis Hope – 0191 517 2804 Friday 6 – Monday 9 MGCC: MGA Register Spring Weekend North York Moors National Park Contact: Peter Morgan – 01794 323160 Saturday 7 – Sunday 8 MGCC: Y-Type Register Spring Run and Dinner Hatherley Manor, Gloucester Contact: Chris Callaghan – chrismgabingdon@yahoo.co.uk Sunday 8 MGCC Regency Run Surrey to Brighton (start location Kempton Race Course) Contact: Club Office – 01235 555552 Sunday 8 MGCC: Midland Centre Charnwood Caper, Quorn & Woodhouse Eaves GCR Station Contact: Colin Readwin – 07583 231393 Sunday 8 MGCC: Lincolnshire Centre Spring Autotest Location TBA Contact: David Stonehouse – 01790 754774 Sunday 8 MGCC: Lincolnshire Centre RAF Digby Museum Visit RAF Digby Contact: Keith – 01472 602949

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/02/2016 11:32

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23/02/2016 11:32

FEATURE OUT & ABOUT

Out & About

MGCC racer Barry Siddery-Smith turned 80 on 26th January

TD amongst the aircraft during the Brooklands New Year’s Day meet – A recordbreaking 7,000 people attended, along with 1,568 cars. Photo: Tim Morris

MGs spotted at the Philadelphia Auto Show, which ran for nine days and featured over 700 cars from 40 different manufacturers Celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the MGA by the ‘MGA-Type & Magnette Owners Club Holland’ in Austerlitz (Utrecht Provence) in the centre of Holland. 73 Dutch MGAs formed this giant Octagon with the number 60 inside.

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www.mgcc.co.uk

23/02/2016 11:32

OUTFEATURE & ABOUT

Who would not have enjoyed the staccato sound of Peter Kerr’s 1935 MG Magnette at Historic Noosa in Queensland Australia A trio of MG6s at the Victoria Lodge Apartments, Sandown on a recent trip to the Isle of Wight. Photo: Suzanne Grant

A ray of sunshine on these dull days. Stu and Bev Forbes’ yellow TF (Buz) and their new MG3 Style Lux

John Watson’s MGB pictured in the Stony Stratford High Street during the New Year’s day meeting. Photo: John Watson

MGBGT V8 heads the queue arriving from the Campbell Gate for the Brooklands gathering. Photo: Tim Morris

Damien Jennings’ present for his well known MG TF, ideal for the aluminium gear knob on these cold winter days. Photo: Damien Jennings www.mgcc.co.uk

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OVERSEAS

REVIEW

A monthly look through a few of the overseas magazines we receive at Kimber House Reviewed by Adrian Clifford

Overseas Review

It’s invigorating to read about the fun and friendship created around the world, the idiosyncrasies that the different regions and countries create. Here we are shivering or worse in our winter and we read about the lovely weather and scenery other countries have at this time of the year; it’s hard to accept Christmas events in blazing hot temperatures, but that’s what the southern hemisphere enjoy in their MGs.

So we start this review in Australia with the ever excellent Wheelspin from Victoria. I was very pleased to see the world-wide car data appeal from the MGF Register in the UK recreated fully over three and a half pages. The cover picture is the Club Championship winning car, the beautiful MGA of Ric Collett. During the ladies high tea/AGM recently it was decided to form the MG Ladies Choir, welcome ladies and lovely you all look. In maybe a unique move, back in 2012, the Car Club of Victoria started a programme to assist young drivers to obtain car skills before they hit the road at the coming of driving age. They have two cars available for the junior programme, a Midget and a B. There are around 30 members of the youth group known as ‘Youth on Wheels’; what a great innovative idea, well done Victoria!

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G-Torque from Geelong proudly shows pictures of a far from perfect 1954 TF that has sat parked for 45 years in southern California. The seller is asking $12,950 (£8,950) with all parts original and complete but the engine is seized. It s in a poor state and the question in the magazine is of the price, as running examples are only a few thousand dollars more.

Moving across to New Zealand, the Auckland Centre MAG devoted many pages to the last of the MGF20 celebrations.

Known as the Four Points Tour, they covered the four most distant points of the island.

Staying in New Zealand, the Canterbury MaG featured a lovely BGT finished in Aqua Blue that came up for sale in December 2014 for NZ 45,000 (£21,000), a little expensive thought the article writer.

The online auction only managed £3,000, well short of the reserve price of £14,000.

Quite surprisingly it was electrically powered, the car being crammed full of lithium iron phosphate batteries (in the back and under the bonnet). The car seller claims that it will go 75-90 miles on a full charge at 32mph!

No mention was made of how the car would handle with that weight.

Moving east to the USA, the Sacred Octagon of the New England T Register had a picture that caught my eye, merely a front number plate, unusual in itself in the US. Many similar cars retain a British plate

on the front but to see New York is so very nice on such a lovely old car.

The splendid Heritage from the MG Club de France covered the 2014 exploits of a ZB and a TD that took part in the 22,400km (14,000 miles) Le TouquetShanghai rally. They continued with part three of their MG speed record series covering the years 1946-1959, and produced four beautiful colour pages on the Sebring Cs. The MG Nieuws of Antwerp in Belgium showed two pictures of the new MG5 turbo, very nice that looks too.

Lastly the MG Nieuws from Holland produced a lovely page covering the 340hp TD Hot Rod owned by Jay Leno. It was very well reviewed, covering the 6.3 litre Chevy V8 and how thrilling it was to drive it. Several pages were devoted to a Tour of the North Yorkshire Motor Museum and the 7,000 cars belonging to the Sultan of Brunei; the picture that accompanied the article showed a large building with over 40 Ferraris present.

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/02/2016 11:33

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MARCH 2016

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CENTRES

ABINGDON WORKS Richard Martin sfscribe@mgabingdon.org.uk www.mgabingdon.co.uk

Winds are howling outside – 60mph+ is predicted – but that at least is keeping the ‘showers’ to short and sharp interspersed with bright sunshine. One year ago when the AWC notes were being penned, it was all white outside and two years ago there was water in the road around the corner and we were on flood alert. Not weather conducive to anything other than necessary motoring. However, good weather to stay home, work on the car(s) and plan outings for the year.

First on the 2016 AWC calendar is the AGM on Saturday March 19 at the Lamb & Flag, Faringdon Road, Southmoor, OX13 5HN. The timetable, which includes a talk by Adam Sloman, the Club’s General Manager, can be seen on page

13 of February’s magazine. Please try to come along. If you’d like to have a meal, perhaps best to book on 01865 820208.

The first driving event is for Drive it Day/St George’s Day, Sunday April 24 and is a road run with an Abingdon start and visiting the Cotswold Woollen Weavers. Details can be had from Pete Davies on 07877 932284 with an entry form from Pete or from the website under Events – Calendar and navigating to the appropriate date. It promises to be a good day, so let’s also make it a good turn-out.

Whilst the weather has been doing its best to spoil people’s plans, there have been good times had around the Centre during the past few weeks.

The Phoenix Natter were celebrating 50 years with George Ward, the leader since its birth, being presented with a plaque by Club Vice-Chairman, George Wilder, to mark the occasion. The AWC’s webmaster was there for some of the celebrations and his photos are on the website gallery. Another celebration was Don Hayter’s 90th birthday with Centre Chairman Mike Gething and his wife Jan, along with others, watching Don cut the cake. It was good to see a number of Don’s former MG colleagues such as Jimmy Cox, Basil Wales and Bill Price amongst those toasting Don’s health. The Wanderers enjoyed a two-part film show arranged

by Martin Rees in the delightful Fernham village pub,

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

Anglia Events Calendar This year for the first time the Anglia Centre will be making their events calendar available for members in digital form, available for download from the website.

For those members within the Anglia Centre who have made their email addresses available to Kimber House, you will soon receive a copy as an attachment personally. If you would like to receive this please make sure that the Club has your current email address. You can keep this updated by sending it to chairman@mgccanglia.com Burblers latest I am happy to report that the final sum of money raised on behalf of the Peter Couch Cancer Research Fund is a fantastic £740.00. Thank you to all who contributed and to Terry Starkey for organising the fund.

I reported last month that Tony Burgess won a trophy for a valiant restoration of his Midget.

Although Tony has restored the Midget, pictured in last month’s Safety Fast!, this was completed some years ago. He actually won the trophy for his painstaking work as a labour of love on his 1964 Rover P5 3 litre saloon.

As you can see from the photograph taken at Snetterton last October, the old Rover looks like new. Tony tells me that the engine has so

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much effortless torque that it can cruise all day long at 70mph with just 2500 revs showing on the tachometer.

Rabbie Burns Run Sunday January 24 saw the 11th running of the annual Rabbie Burns Run, this year organised by John Cumming and Graham Wills.

Starting from Needham Market Lakes car park, the 37 mile route went via Battisford before visiting the US Air Force memorial at Wattisham, and on to the picturesque village of Lavenham for a coffee stop before pressing on to Long Melford, the town famous for its many antique shops, along with Kentwell Hall and the filming of the popular BBC TV series Lovejoy.

We ended the run at Belchamp St Paul and enjoyed a very pleasant meal at The Half Moon pub.

Of the many MGs on the run, the green MGB GT V8 Sebring lookalike restored and owned by Richard and Georgina Evans took my vote. I hope you like the picture.

Peter Best Insurance Cup The first of the race meetings this year takes place at Donington on April 3 with full grids expected for the PBI race. I was talking to past champion James Darby recently; he was installing his new

CENTRE

the Woodman; could be a good venue for a future mid-week road run!

A recent note alerts us to the 30th Birthday of the Aylesbury Natter and they’re celebrating by visiting Stowe House and Gardens on April 16. If you you’d like to join the party, be quick as Dave Barton davebarton1@virginmedia.com or 07704 588382, needs to know by March 12.

A delve into the archives provides this month’s photos, with one above from the 2000 Works Car Show and the other from a gathering at Morland’s brewery in the 1980s. The latter reminds me, don’t forget the 2016 Old Speckled Hen Tour, an entry form for which appears on page 73 of this month’s magazine.

Finally a welcome to all new AWC members.

CENTRE engine and by the sound of it he means business this year. Don’t miss what promises to be an epic season.

The Rover P5 of Tony Burgess

The Sebring BGT V8 of Richard and Georgina Evans

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/02/2016 11:33

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23/02/2016 11:33

CENTRES

CENTRE

CALEDONIAN Bob MacGillivray 07870 407111 mgcarsscotland@gmail.com www.mgcaledonian.com

We had an excellent night at Kirkintilloch for our first in a long time film night. Around 40 attended, enjoyed a good supper and then either watched the screen selection or were entertained by Nancy Crichton with help from Rita Wilson. The film time was perhaps a little long but I have only myself to blame for that since I chose them! Interestingly we showed a 15 minute film produced by the old Scottish Centre of their team entry in the 1955 Scottish Rally of three TF1500s. The son and grandson of one of the team members were with us and appreciated seeing the film for the first time!

Now that we are into Spring, cars will be coming out of hibernation and your first chance to exercise them this month is for the lunch on Sunday March 20 at Airth Castle Hotel in Stirlingshire. This will be an excellent relaxing time so please book up on the website.

Our AGM is also just around the corner on April 5 at Bridge of Allan. The Centre is in good heart but if there is anything you wish to raise or question then this is your opportunity. Any topics for discussion should be sent to Nancy, our secretary, no later than March 21. You don’t need to book but it would be helpful to know in advance how many are coming, for catering purposes, and again details are on the website.

Don’t forget also that the lead times for show booking will be decreasing this year due to pressure from the organisers, so if you are interested in attending any of our seven(!!) shows then keep an eye of the website and please BOOK EARLY! In connection with shows we are looking for a good turnout of ZEDS to mark their 15th anniversary.

If anyone has monogram cars, V8s, ZRs, ZSs or indeed any other variety of ZEDS which you would like to show, let me know. I must get my ZT-T tidied!

We don’t usually advertise cars on here but I have been told of a Sebring style, 1950cc uprated

A selection of ZEDs at Glamis last year. Let’s have even more in 2016!

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

The rain is still coming down in stair rods and the ground is so wet that going for a walk is now on main roads, but it is still warm for this time of year. It is spectacular for trial sections, the Lands End Trial will be interesting to see.

The AGM has had to be moved as the Eagle House has closed, as they have received planning permission to change it into a home, so in their wisdom they have ceased trading immediately. Even the poor couples who have booked weddings parties have been let down at the last minute. The new venue is Callington Bowling Club on Liskeard Road, PL17 7JF. Several members have passed away this year

but one who had a flair for etching was Rob Ball who helped to sketch several covers for the Cornish Riviera Run. Our thoughts go out to his wife Sue and family.

The Lands End Trial is on March 25-26, marshals are needed please for start and marshalling en-route, please, see below in diary 2016.

There are several new MG3s turning up at Natters and a new agent, SMC Cars, has been appointed in Crownhill, Plymouth.

The Janner Week arrangements are going well with only a few caravans left to hire but plenty of room for tents or motor homes. Daily programme will be published in March so local members can

BBQ at previous Janner Week at Berrynarbor. Photo: Peter Heath

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engine, BGT for sale at around £4k and also a MGF SE in Wedgewood with black leather at £2k. I hasten to add that these are not my cars but I can put you in touch with the sellers!

Barclay, our regalia chappie, is having discussions with a possible new regalia supplier so keep an eye on the website for possibly some new items. Some MG person you know must have a birthday soon and what would be better than a Caledonian Centre item? You know it makes sense!

That’s all for now folks, any questions or gripes, get in touch!

CENTRE join in the trips, but a taster Flyer of ideas is on the website already.

Ted Lawrence who scribes the quarterly newsletter is doing a grand job, so if anybody has a tale to tell, please contact on ew.lawrence@ btinternet.com In the last one there was an article by Bob Slatter describing how the Janner Week came about and how the children wanted to see each other after the last event. Now the children are grown up and have children of their own, so the family is getting bigger but they are still in touch with each other, maintaining the breed.

Dates for your diary 2016 March 19: AGM, Callington Bowls Club – 7 for 7.30pm start.

March 25-26: MCC Lands End Trial – Bob Slatter has requested marshals to assist him at Plusha Services near Launceston on the evening of Good Friday and throughout the next day – bobslatter@hotmail.com April 24: Drive It Day – Contact your local Natter for their event.

May 28-June 4: Final Janner Week at Berrynarbor in North Devon. Queries Peter Heath – allegropeter@aol.com June 19: Atlantic Coast Express Run, Terry Bolt – terry@terrybolt.plus.com

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/02/2016 11:34

THE WOLDS WAY RUN

Supporting the Yorkshire Air ambulance

SUNDAY 8th MAY 2016 A new route taking you over the beautiful Yorkshire Wolds MGCC Members £15.00 Non Members £18.00 Entry form can be down loaded from www. mgccyorkshire.co.uk and posted or e-mailed to Chris Moore, 47 Berkeley Street, Hull HU3`1PR Telephone Mobile 07776450776, E-mail cam@octogan.karoo.co.uk

Monday 8th to Friday 12th August 2016

The 2016 Five Day Tour will traverse the Southern Uplands and Northumbria, from Portpatrick in the Mull of Galloway to the Cheviots in Northumberland. Based in two centres with two nights in each of the Cally Palace Hotel in Gatehouse of Fleet and the Riverdale Hall Hotel in Bellingham on the edge of the Kielder Forrest.

The entry fee will be £55.00 which will include hot bacon roll, tea, coffee at the start.

Entry into Drumlanrig (grounds). Wine on the 4th evening and the departing buffet lunch.

Cally Palace £89 per person, dinner bed and breakfast per night. = £356.00 (£71.50 deposit required)

Riverdale Hall £69 per person, dinner bed and breakfast per night. = £276.00 (credit card number required) including Entry Fee £687.00 (Driver & Passenger) www.mgcc.co.uk

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CENTRES

LINCOLNSHIRE John Hebb tel 01522 683541jhebb38@virginmedia.com www.mgcclincolnshire.co.uk

March Natters Wolds Wednesday 2 (Slide show); Lincolnshire Poacher Friday 4; Wishing Well Wednesday 9 (Quiz); Abbey Lodge Monday 14; Three Horseshoes Thursday 17; Admiral Nelson Thursday 24.

March Events Centre AGM Thursday 4 Abbey Lodge 8.00pm; Settle Weekend Friday 18 – Sunday 20 (Steve Hall 01778 570286).

Luncheon Club Wednesday 16.

Early April Natte Lincolnshire Poacher Friday 1.

The Wolds Natter made the first visit to its new home at the Cross Keys at Grasby in January, 16 members receiving a warm welcome on a cold winter’s night from both the Landlord and a roaring fire.

The big event of the month was, of course, the Annual Dinner and Awards Presentation Evening, held again this year at the Bentley Hotel in Lincoln. More than 80 guests attended, many staying over the weekend to enjoy the leisure

facilities or to have some retail therapy in the city.

The event followed the usual format, the presentation of the awards after the meal, dancing, a break for the raffle draw then dancing until the close. There are lots of photos on our webpage. Our thanks to Bob and Carol Welch along with their helpers, also thanks to the Bentley Hotel.

A new venue for the Luncheon Club this month, 26 members travelling to the Village Limits in (or at the edge of) Woodhall Spa. Everyone had apparently set off in bright sunshine only to find Woodhall and its environs shrouded in fog, nevertheless all arrived on time and enjoyed a fine meal. I predict that there may well be a return visit ahead.

Please don’t forget the AGM this month, your chance to express your views on what the Centre should be doing and debate any issues. Last year we enjoyed a good mix of activities, from the popular scenic visits to places of interest, sporting events and the pride of ownership/ concours – the autotests and concours being carried over with success at MGLive!.

Looking ahead to April, you may have noticed a change in the online calendar from the one published in the Winter Newsletter: the Practice Autotest is now the Spring Autotest

MIDLANDS Andy Robson www.mg-cars.org.uk/mgccmidlandcentre

As your Committee had previously advised, the Midland Centre AGM took place on Monday January 18, at Somers Sports & Social Club in Halesowen, and we had a very respectable turn-out with some 12 members augmenting the eight Committee members who could be there, and representing five of the Centre’s local Natter groups. Thanks to everyone who managed to attend. Not much changed, it has to be said, and the previous Committee was re-elected en-mass (if nine can be considered a mass).

Despite various efforts to encourage/persuade/ cajole/bribe (insert your own word here), no new members could be attracted to the Committee, which was a shame as we are all getting older and we need some new blood if we are to maintain our calendar of activities in future years.

We can’t do this for ever.

Talking of calendars, the Centre’s printed version of our calendar is close to production and with a bit of luck Centre members might find it accompanying the March edition of this magazine. This is an abbreviated version of the numerous events that take place around our region (and elsewhere) during the year, and we would encourage members to view the Centre website for a more detailed listing, as well as noting other snippets of what we hope will be helpful information.

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Although we are only two months into the new year, you will have seen from previous notes that the Centre has hit the ground running with members attending events such as the various New Year’s Day ‘Chilly Willy’ runs, and at the end of January several Centre and Committee members played their parts on the annual Clee Hills Trial on Wenlock Edge, either competing or marshalling. Reports suggest that it was extremely muddy after much recent rain, and the Centre manned one section where only one car managed to get past the first post! On another section, seven cars were ‘beached’ between posts four and three, the seventh car taking 50 minutes to remove and resulting in the test being cancelled for the remaining cars. Oh, what fun we do have!

The Centre’s own opening event is usually the Spring Trial over the last weekend of March, but a clash of dates has conspired to postpone this until what we believe will now be April 17.

This is still a fluid situation, so anyone interested in participating, marshalling or spectating should keep an eye on our website for further updates.

Thus, our opening event for 2016 will be the Spring Sprint on Sunday, April 3 at Curborough, just off the A38 near Lichfield, and entry forms and regulations should soon be appearing on our website, together with being mailed out to regular

CENTRE

and the latter is now the Spring Autosolo. An Autosolo is an Autotest with the memory element removed, forward motion only with the route clearly marked, much easier for those of us liable to brain fade at the wrong moment. Also in April is the Drive it Day, this year a return visit to Gunby Hall, now with more to see than on our last visit; details on our web page together with entry forms for all the latter events.

The photo shows some members on a water taxi on our visit to Ayscoughfee Hall last year.

CENTRE competitors. We say this every year, but all our Sprints and Trials have free entry for spectators, and can be an enjoyable day out for the family, so check the dates and the weather forecast, pack a picnic, and come along to watch the fun.

As for other events, our popular Welsh Rallye, taking place in May, is now almost fully booked, with only one double room and a couple of singles left available. If anyone fancies snuggling up in one of those, please let us know and we’ll send you details.

And don’t forget Drive It Day on April 24.

We’ll hope to see some of you out on the roads in your MGs – remember to wave!

Brian Osborn’s TF enjoying the view during he 2015 Welsh Rallye

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CENTRES

CENTRE

NORTH WEST Paul Goodman 01625 876300

Spring has arrived and all over the North West, MG engines are being fired up. The competition cars are being readied for two events. The Luffield Speed Championship competitors will be off to Rockingham Circuit on March 20 and the Cockshoot Cup drivers will be heading to Donington Park on April 3. The Donington Park race meeting is the first MGCC event of the year with a superb range of cars taking to the track from the 1950s to the present. The circuit is near Derby and doesn’t take long to get to from most of our region. There are great views to be had and MGs can take a drive round the circuit at lunchtime in a parade.

On the social side, we have three meetings this month. The new West Cheshire gathering at the Old Hall Farm pub is on Tuesday 8, followed by the Plough and Flail on Tuesday 15 and our lunchtime event on Wednesday 30, which is at the Little Manor Hotel, Bell Lane, Thirwell, WA4 2SX. We have decided to hold a photo competition this year. The closing date will be August 31 and the winning pictures will be displayed on the centre of our large backdrop at the EventCity show in September.

Any aspect of you and your MG can be in the photo, but it must be taken this year. More details will follow about how to submit your entry. If there is sufficient interest, we will get the best 12 images made into a calendar for 2017.

Many of you will know about ‘Drive it Day’. This is always the Sunday nearest to St

Centre Treasurer David Rainsbury arrives at the Plough and Flail Concours 2015 in his TD. Photo: Paul Goodman

George’s Day, which means April 24 this year.

It is our opportunity to demonstrate the scale of our hobby to the general public. We have been able to book the car park at the new AVRO museum in Woodford as our destination. You can either drive directly there, or with others, from the Plough and Flail. More details to follow next month.

SOUTH EAST John Bennett 01227 637813, johndotbennett@tiscali.co.uk www.mgcars.org.uk/mgccse/

It’s scarcely the equivalent of the Earth moving, but for Members of the North Downs Natter, their venue has! This gathering, run by Dianne and William Opie, retains its fourth Thursday schedule but is now held at the Plough Inn, Stalisfield, Faversham, ME13 0HY, OS189/954530. See photo below.

Another mover, and, possibly, a shaker too, is the Canterbury MG Owners Workshop that has migrated from Bridge to the Old Gate Inn, New Dover Road, Canterbury, CT1 3EL, OS179/165559 where John Clark, aided by Messers Goodson and Hall will welcome you from 8pm on Second Tuesdays.

And so to forthcoming events: Sunday March 13 sees the Spring Naviscat start and finish at the Sun Inn on Dunsfold Common, GU8 4LE, OS186/006361. Signing on is from 10.00 until 10.45 with clue solving scheduled to begin at 11.00. There is a £10/car entry fee that increases to £12 on the day. Paul Gray is the mastermind for this and he can be reached on p_gray@btinternet.com The highlight of early April, and for some, the entire year, is the Dinner/Dance on the 9th, once

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again being held at the Reigate Manor Hotel but, this time, with a new band. Terry Giles must be a glutton for punishment because he is not only organising this major event but also the Spring Run on the 24th. Contact Terry on 020 8660 0908 for further details of both.

April promises to be a vintage month for the Centre because our Chairman, Derek Edwards is arranging jointly with the Epsom MGOC a weekend trip to the Normandy Beaches starting on the 29th based on the Mercure Hotel in Lisieux. Derek can be reached on 01737 765891 although full details are on the website including

Finally, our Anglesey Sprint weekend is getting nearer. On April 30 and May 1 we will be taking over the circuit, with a huge range of competition cars expected. There is just about time left to enter, but also, we need a substantial number of volunteers to run the event. You can help both on and off the track and there are also tasks for under 16 ‘cadet marshals’ to perform.

CENTRE entry forms. NB. This is sure to be a popular trip at a mere £289 per person so early booking is advised.

And finally, a reminder. Last month I indicated that I would like to stand down as your scribe and, anticipating an underwhelming response to my plea for a successor to come forward, I suggested that a lady might like to take the job on. So far, as far as I am aware, no lady has volunteered, so I need to make it clear that the Centre is in no way gender prejudiced and we would welcome hearing from any Member who is prepared to give it a go.

The Plough Inn, Stalisfield, lacking only a line up of MGs attending the North Downs Natter

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CENTRES

CENTRE

SOUTH WEST Ian Beningfield ianbeningfield@gmail.com 07747 080417 www.mgccsw.com

By the time this issue of Safety Fast! lands on your doorstep we will have said farewell to the 2015 season in style with the Centre’s annual dinner dance and awards evening; photos will be on our Facebook page and our website soon.

But following fast is our first competitive event of 2016 – The Kimber Classic Trial on Saturday April 9. Entries close at the end of March so there’s still time to finish those winter jobs.

Starting near Yeovil, the route covers around 90 miles through Somerset and Dorset and features 12 observed sections including the famous Alham Splash. Entry forms are available on our website or by emailing andrewowst@ hotmail.com. The event always attracts a great variety of MGs and other classics, with the tests and the lunchtime stop at South Cadbury

George and Jo Ward in their 1934 PA. Photo: Ian Beningfield

Tim Beckh in his 1935 PB tackling the famous Alham Splash. Photo Jim Lott

offering the chance to get close to the cars. For the best view though we are always in need of marshals. Without our volunteers, events like this can’t happen. No experience is needed; if you’re interested, or have questions, get in touch with Bruce Weston on 01963 440941 or email bruceweston@tiscali.co.uk Whilst on the topic of marshalling once again we will be providing marshals for the MCC Lands End Trial. The start of the trial will be in Cirencester this year and we need volunteers to help with some basic scrutineering before the cars set off. For more information contact Jim Lott on 07773 491953 or jim.lott@hotmail. co.uk

TYNE TEES Noel Lindford noel.lindford@btinternet.com

Tyne Tees Centre AGM This was held on February 4 at the Old Mill, Metal Bridge, where about 30 people attended.

All of the existing Officers and Committee were re-elected, but sadly Keith Dunn has had to step down due to work commitments. I thanked Keith for his superb efforts, not least in organising the Old Speckled Hen Run last year. The good news is that we have gained two new Committee members, they being Andrew Kelly, who joined the Centre in 2015, regularly attending our Northern Natter, and Tony Coates, whom many of you will know as an enthusiastic member of the TTC Marshals Team. Both are welcome additions to the Committee, so we have a strong team in place to deliver on our wide-ranging programme of events. Reports presented by the Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer showed the Centre is in good health, membership is increasing and our events are proving popular with members.

location is somewhere near Morpeth! We meet for 10.00am (tbc) and the visit will be followed by lunch at a pub not too far away. Contact David Alexander on 01670 861178 or david. alexander2012@btinternet.com

Events coming up: March 5 Visit to Classic Mercedes: A chance to see the restoration work undertaken by Walter Nieuwkoop who is a collector, restorer and dealer in Mercedes Benz cars, with a worldwide reputation. This is limited to about 20 people and

April 24 Cobweb Run celebrating Drive It Day: This year the route is a circular tour through some beautiful parts of the Northumberland, North Tyne Valley, Scottish Borders and Cumbrian countryside. The start and finish will again be from Brocksbushes Farm which is located at the

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March 20 Spring-time Luncheon Run: Our first road run of the season is a 40 mile tour across County Durham, starting at Bowburn Services just off the A1(M) junction 61. Meet from 10.30am for an 11.00am start. Entry is only £5 per car and our usual tulip style route books will be provided. The run finishes at a very nice pub for traditional Sunday Lunch. As usual there will be a raffle at the finish, so remember your route book number!

For more information, and to let us know you are doing the run, please contact the organiser, Dennis Hope on 07970 115202, as he does need to let the pub know expected numbers.

Sadly I’ve got to report that the Wessex Sprint at Hullavington has been cancelled. After losing Colerne as a venue a few years ago we were hopeful that after a successful event last year we’d found a new home, but sadly the Ministry of Defence has put a stop to motorsport and other activities at the airfield and at this time we’ve been unable to find an alternative venue.

Finally a request from me. I’m in the process of updating the Centre’s website. If you have any suggestions for the new site, please email me at the address above. I am also after any photos or videos you have, especially of our current events, but any images from the Centre’s 80 year history will be welcome.

CENTRE junction of the A69 Newcastle to Carlisle road and the A68 south to Darlington.

It is anticipated that the first cars will leave Brocksbushes Farm at 10.00am. After a run of approximately 107 miles you will return to Brocksbushes for well-earned Tea and Cream Scones (or coffee, if you prefer), from about 2.30 to 3.30pm. There is no designated lunch stop this year at half way, so you may want to stop at one of the cafés on route in Newcastleton or at Lanercost Priory, should you want to use their facilities. Alternatively, why not bring a picnic especially if it is good weather, as some of the scenery is absolutely spectacular. This event has proved to be very popular over the past five years, so we advise you to complete and return an application form as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. We are limited to 60 entries maximum and it is not essential to be driving an MG or other classic vehicle.

Entry forms are available on our website at www.mgcc.co.uk/tyne-tees-centre/futureevents/ or contact Ian Graham, the run organiser, on 0191 413 6321 who can send one out to you if necessary. Ian can also be emailed at justineandian.graham@yahoo.co.uk should you need any more information.

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CENTRES

YORKSHIRE David Copeman 07920 064585 www.mgccyorkshire.co.uk

North – Ken Cothliff January’s meeting was our annual general meeting. Paul Croft was re-elected as Natter Leader again – thanks for your sterling work, Paul. We have a new volunteer taking over our photo archive, Miriam Brear, wife of our Deputy Leader, Colin. Kate remains Treasurer, and yours truly as Publicity.

Finances are healthy, and we donated £1,000 to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, and £260 to the Ben Hartley Cancer Fund. Our next meeting will be a second run of the Slot Car Grand Prix, and our next drive, Mike’s ‘Big Welsh Safari’ to west Wales – let’s hope the rain has subsided by early April.

Roll on spring – and an end to all this rain!

South – Kathryn Twiby Six members had a hearty breakfast followed by egg throwing at the annual Boxing Day raft race at Scarborough.

The New Year started with the Chilly Willy run once again, starting at the Langsett cafe and this year finishing at Hardwick Hall; another excellent run by Keith and Pete.

The January bowling evening was jointly won

by Iris and Geoff with all attendees having a jolly good time.

East – Brian Rylance The January Natter was well attended for the AGM, the roles and responsibilities remain much as before with myself as scribe and contact.

The Wolds Way Run will be on Sunday May 8 with a new route and finish venue.

West – David Copeman Once again the West Natter will be hosting the Yorkshire Centre AGM at The Star, Roberttown on March 15. A light supper will be provided.

Easter is early this year so the Daffodil Run will be on Sunday March 27. For those who don’t put their MGs on the road until later in the year, your everyday car will be welcome. The run starts from McDonalds, Hurricane Way, Clifton Moor, so don’t stop at the new McDonalds that has been recently opened by the A59, you will be on your own.

We are having an evening visit to the Bradford Police Museum in April; this will be in addition to our normal Natter on April 18.

Tiger – Pete Welbourn We had a good attendance at our first Natter of the year. I did not have much to report. Mel and I are slowly getting together a list of new venues and routes for our Luncheon runs, and it is a bit

CENTRE early to talk about Daffodils, Dales, Wolds and other runs.

The MGA took a bit of waking up on New Year’s Day but we made it to Sir Greg’s classic car meet in good time. A good variety of cars were on show but we were all overshadowed (some literally) by a Scimitar armoured reconnaissance vehicle. Keith told me they were made by Alvis, the early ones had Jaguar engines and all had a tremendous thirst; how classic can you get!

Tractor Jam during the 2015 Wolds Way Run

CENTRE

ULSTER

Carol Willis Tel: (028) 9079 9997 or 07831 345560 Email: carol.mgulster@hotmail.co.uk Website: www.mgcculstercentre.co.uk

Our Derek Walker Trial started once again from Delamont Country Park just outside Killinchy.

The event attracted 57 entries including some drivers who made the trip up from the South of Ireland, and on the day 49 cars started their ‘annual pilgrimage’.

The event began with two tests within Delamont itself then a loop of tests around the Downpatrick area, to Ardglass and back. A lunch break was held at Delamont with soup and sandwiches provided for all competitors before heading out for another loop of tests starting with a test combining the two car parks at Delamont.

Unfortunately two tests in the afternoon had to be cancelled, making a total of 18 tests on the day.

A great relief to the marshals as the weather had been against us all day. There were 44 finishers and James Wilson took the title for the third year

in succession, a total of five times – making KOI’s 100th event that little bit more special.

Robert Dickson finished in second position just 9.3 seconds behind James in the Paddy Hopkirk replica Mini, with Sam Wilson just 0.7 seconds behind Robert. Many thanks to the landowners, timekeepers and marshals who made the event possible along with the organising team, to Mark and Laura for the results and the ‘Dinner Ladies’ (Lucinda, Sharon, Heather and Carol) for the food and drinks provided throughout the day.

On another note, Lyn Holmes of Brooklands Motor Group has announced she is retiring and will be passing on the assets of the business to Leacy Classics as from the beginning of March 2016, and they will be pleased to supply parts for classic MG, Triumph, Mini, Austin Healey and other classics. Lyn, and her team, has always

supported The Ulster Centre and supplied many of our members with the bits and bobs they need to get their cars up and running. She passes on her best wishes to customers past and present and would thank them for their custom and support over the last 31 years. We will miss calling in for that ‘all important’ chat and welcome cuppa.

Happy retirement Lyn. Dates for your Diary Autotest February 27 Dinner & Prizegiving March 5 – Scrabo Golf Club Autotest March 12 – Castle Dillon AGM March 16 – Shandon Park Golf Club Autotest April 2 – NI Championship Round at The Maze

Midgets getting ready and enjoying previous Derek Walker Trials.

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4Sight Lighting Company........................53 Adrian Flux .............................................. 79 Airflow ......................................................84 Barrie Carter ............................................93 Barry Walker ........................................... 91 Beech Hill Garage ....................................96 Brian Brown Classics............................... 97 British Motor Heritage..............................IFC Brooklands Museum ..................................8 Brown and Gammons ..............................11 Bucks Sports & Classic Car Centre ........95 Car Cover Shop .......................................77 Carole Nash Insurance ...............................6 Chertsey Minors .....................................77 Church Square Autos ..............................89 Classic and Retro.....................................59 Colin Groom Vehicle Storage .................. 75 College Motors Burford ........................... 81 Colne Classics.......................................... 81 Crown Classic Cars .................................84 Dennis Welch...........................................77 Distributor Doctor.....................................53 Don Trimming ..........................................77 EJW Classic and Sports ..........................95 Fishers Services.......................................69 Footman James....................................... 71 Frontline ...................................................98 Halls Garage............................................. 79 Heathrow Transmission ...........................77 Hoyle Suspension .....................................15 Just Right Autos Ltd.................................22 Just Tickets..............................................38 Kimble Engineering Ltd............................ 81 Kmaps...................................................... 61 Luffield Cars Limited................................69 Lycian Events ...........................................59 www.mgcc.co.uk

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Manor Garage ......................................... 79 Martin Smith Used MGTF Spares ..........89 MG and AMC Parts .................................38 MG Mecca ............................................... 97 MG Motorsport ....................................... 75 MG Sales Centre......................................34 MGF Mania .............................................. 75 Midland Classic Restoration .......................3 Mike Authurs Classics ............................. 97 Mike Rolls................................................. 97 MJS Auto and Marine .............................55 Motor Wheel Services ................................6 Norton Insuracne .....................................94 NTG Services ........................................OBC Oselli Ltd...................................................53 Paul Depper MGs ....................................69 Peter Best...................................IBC, 77, 81 Prestige MG ............................................. 79 Property for Sale .....................................95 Rees Bros.................................................84 Retro Lifestyle .........................................33 Rimmer Bros Ltd...................................... 47 RJJ Car Shipping and Transportation ... 81 Robin Lackford Motor Engineering .........69 Scenic Car Tours .................13, 25, 27, 43 SMR ........................................................ 91 Snowdens of Harrogate...........................95 Sports and Vintage ..................................77 Steve McKie Sports Cars ........................ 81 Surrey Sports & Classics .........................77 Sussex Classic Car Parts............................4 The Hutson Motor Co Ltd ...........................4 TMS Storage...............................................3 Trickett Welding .......................................94 Vitesse Global ......................................... 61 Webcon ...................................................55

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REGISTERS

VINTAGE John Venables 01865 862573 johnandtriciav@gmail.com

As you read this the VR AGM is but a few days away on March 6, Sunday, at the Shillingford Bridge Hotel, near Wallingford in the village of Shillingford on the banks of the river Thames. Please do your best to attend; we see more of the VR membership together in one place than at any other time of the year, so, if you can come at this late stage a quick phone call to Peter Mace will give you the lunch menu, tel 01903 743335. We have a very interesting speaker in Peter Vacher who recovered a World War II Hurricane from India and brought it back to the UK and restored it. His experiences and problems in bringing R 4118 back to life will, I am sure, be enthralling. Whilst on the subject of the AGM we are looking for a new Events secretary; I have done this for a number of years, and as I am now chairman feel it is time for a new face.

The next main event starting on April 18 to 22 is our spring event based on Dumbleton Hall, near Broadway, where we have arranged several very enjoyable visits, not forgetting the ladies as well. We do still have a couple of places, so if you would like to come at this stage give me a ring on 01865 862573.

The new season seems to be roaring ahead with the MGLive! announcement this

month. We shall have our usual table in the Main Marquee and I would like to remind members to take the opportunity to bring unwanted items for us to sell at a commission for you to help our funds for the year, ie spares, books, lamps, jigsaws and toys, models are favourites; I came home with £90 a couple of years ago, mostly stuff that could well have been binned. We shall also have a table at the President’s Dinner on the Saturday night, so

TRIPLE M Jeremy Hawke +44 (0)1225 863934 mgk3007@supanet.com www.triple-mregister.org

So much for New Year’s Resolutions: This month, I’d hoped to wax lyrical about my efforts to fit a Powerplus blower, but the best laid plans have somewhat disintegrated and I’m little further forward than Christmas. However, in a few months I should have something to report.

It would appear (from my empty post box) that MMM activity this early in the year has been somewhat ‘restricted’ MGCC-wise, but a fair number of MMM cars braved the NewYear weather and entered the January Driving tests at Brooklands. Here’s Patrick Gardner out and about on the famous banking in the J2 (how does he keep it that clean?) “Genuine Brooklands Competition history don’t you know”! (Photo: Colin Murrell)

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According to Rumour…

It may be a bit of a mouldy photo (colour slide from 1968 which didn’t travel well) but senior readers may well recognise this P Type, pictured at Castle Combe. My spies tell me that it has stirred down here in the shires and will be back out and about before long after a long hibernation. The eagleeyed amongst you will notice the Register badge.

It seems that the apple has not fallen too far from the tree and we may all be in for a surprise or two this year! (Photo: David Ironsides) Upcoming events: April 9 – The Kimber Classic Trial. Details can be found at the SW Centre web page at www. mgccsw.com entrants, marshals and spectators most welcome.

REGISTER again please let me know if you are coming, ASAP, and I will arrange it.

We used to have a team of three vintage cars in the California Cup Autotests a couple of years ago. It would be nice to try and get this again; any of the old regulars out there, how about it, here’s hoping, there is a class for us.

The photo this month shows Peter Jones’ well used 18/80 and Ron Gammons’ lovely Carlton 18/80, a rare beast indeed.

REGISTER

June 7-12 – MMM Ulster Touring Event. Full details on the Register web page at www.triplemregister.org/UlsterTT/UlsterTT31.asp July 16 - Pre-War Prescott. Organised by the M Type cousins at the Vintage Minor Register, this is a non-competitive good all round weekend social, MMM cars welcome, with lots to see and do, with a few runs up the famous hill thrown in for good measure. The first MMM entries were in at the start of February! Details can be found at: vintageminor@gmail.com July 29-31 – The Cercle MMM Luxembourg 2016 MMM Tour, based at Hotel Bel-Air, located in Luxembourg’s Little Switzerland near Echternach on the river S re. Limited to 30 MMM MGs; those who would like to participate, please email tripleMtour@gmail.com for further details.

If any of you are planning to attend a Club event (or attended one you thought was good fun, but wondered where all the other MMMs were) please let me know so that I can include it here.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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REGISTERS

T TYPE John Ward 01621 773606 johnw.ward@yahoo.co.uk www.tregister.org

Last Chance Reminder Rebuild 2016 The 36th T Register Rebuild Seminars Saturday March 19 at the British Motor Museum Gaydon Warwickshire CV35 0BJ This year another series of lectures will be featured covering a wide range of topics.

An important subject to all engine builders or those considering a rebuild is camshafts. David Newman of Newman Cams will tell us all we need to know and there will be ample time for a Q&A session.

Our regular man of knowledge Eric Worpe will go through the ins and outs of the braking systems on TA-TB-TC cars, and the other long standing contributor to these Rebuild sessions, Roger Furneaux, will take us through the detailed design and manufacture of the back axle on these models.

On the topic of stopping, when we have got it going, another regular presenter and scribe Barrie Jones will bring us forward to post-war cars and the braking systems on TD and TFs, and similarly connected with this, a subject often neglected till they go wrong, Derek Stevson of Stevson Motors will tell us all about the maintenance and overhaul of T Type shock absorbers.

Finally, in this fast changing commercial

world we are often presented with a dilemma as to what lubricants are suitable for our classics; long gone are all those familiar sounding names in the service manuals which seemed to have been around forever. Guy Lachlan of Classic Oils will enlighten us and explain the modern approach to the balance and composition of ingredients to ensure the correct blend is still available to enable the smooth running and longevity of our classics in the future.

All this and food and beverage throughout the day makes this a must for all T Types. An application form is on the website www.tregister. org or see Safety Fast! January edition on page 26.

As always this will also be the place to meet old chums, seek out some interesting original spares or even offload some to make a space in the garage; naturally you will be fed and watered and all for the price of a few pounds, what else would you be thinking of doing on a cold grey day in March.

For those who have not been to Gaydon you will find it a fascinating place to browse; there is an amazing collection of cars and memorabilia, even ‘Old No.1’ is housed there.

As usual the T Register AGM will follow on immediately after the final presentation at about

REGISTER 4.30. Your hard working Chairman and officers will present their reports on all T Type matters over the past year and outline proposals for the coming year to ensure the continuing appeal of the Register in the future. Do not forget that if you, or anyone you know, wish to find out about joining the happy band of committee members, contact Geoff Matthews or Sally Silcock for details and nomination forms.

An audience with Gerry Brown at last years T Register Rebuild 2016.

REGISTER

Y TYPE

Jerry Birkbeck 01926 258691 Mob: 07855 566325 jerrybirkbeck@btinternet.com www.mgccyregister.co.uk

Jack Murray As many of you are aware, Jack resigned from his position as the Y Type Registrar in 2015 due to a serious illness. Jack had held this role since the reforming of the Y Register in 1992, and I am sure that many of you on first registering your Y will recall the warm welcome and helpful advice you received from him. Jack of course is the owner of a superb YA that he restored during the late 1980s with nearly all the work undertaken by him, the notable exception being the chroming.

Mollie, his wife, has accompanied Jack over many

thousands of miles in the UK, Ireland and Europe in UMG 290; which is a testament to the great reliability of the marque and especially Jack’s excellent care and attention in restoring the car.

The Committee decided that a suitable expression of thanks from all Y owners should be made. Peter Vielvoye, our Chairman, used his considerable woodworking skills to create a superb and unique memento from a length of rosewood that he had to hand.

At our January meeting those present had the opportunity to see and hold the masterpiece that Peter created. It was agreed that both Peter and Chris Callaghan, our Secretary, should visit Jack and Mollie and present the award to him.

It was warmly received as is perhaps best summed up in an email that Mollie sent to Peter and which I quote from below:

already been well stroked, although not too much so that the lovely polish remains intact.

We would also be grateful if you would convey our thanks to all the fellow Y Type owners for their concern and best wishes. Early on in the days and years after Jack bought his car, we came to the conclusion that the Y fraternity consisted of a great bunch of people, as well as the fact that they have great taste in classic cars, and that remains our opinion to this day.

Thank you again for everything, Mollie That says it all – thanks to Peter and Chris and more significantly to both Jack and Mollie.

Dear Peter, I am writing on behalf of Jack who has not been using the computer for a while now, to say a huge thank you for your visit on Monday, which gave both of us such pleasure. We really appreciated that you and Chris travelled down to see us and presented Jack with the perfect gift, in fact a stroke of genius appealing to his love of great craftsmanship and originality. I don’t think you could have come up with anything better. It is now where it can be looked at frequently and has

www.mgcc.co.uk

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We have a rare expertise and a passionate enthusiasm that translates into high quality workmanship for our customers, whether servicing, repairing or fully restoring.

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REGISTERS

MAGNETTE Stephen Tickell 01737 760330 stephen.tickell@gmail.com www.magnette.org

Magnettes and Steam Not long now till the first event of the season, March 26 at Peak Rail Derbyshire (Rowsley South station). For those staying on till Sunday we had originally looked at an organised trip to nearby Crich Tramway Museum, however this will be difficult due to their own special weekend event meaning they can’t reserve parking for Magnettes. There’s plenty of other local attractions though, including Chatsworth House – a full list can be found on the magnette. org events page along with suggestions for B+B accommodation.

Advance booking for the event isn’t required, but it would be very helpful to know approximate numbers in advance, and also if you’re up for a Saturday evening pub meal which Stephen Coates or David Griffiths are willing to organise given sufficient interest.

Magnetteer of the Year To give it its full title, the ‘Rosebud Cup’ was presented to the Register by Leonard ‘Eddie’ Edwards, one of the founding members, and is awarded each year at the discretion of the committee for particular achievement or Magnette endeavour. Most of the earlier recipients were recognised for their restoration efforts, but more recently emphasis has shifted to those organising events, promoting Magnettes

or driving them – such as Jose de Souza with his classic rallying exploits.

This year we’ve departed from convention and awarded the trophy collectively to the North American Z Magnette Group. They’ve consistently ‘punched above their weight’ by keeping up the car’s profile within the MG community despite their relatively small numbers. Members such as Allen Bachelder and Steve Kirby have been familiar to many of us for some time through web forums where they provide helpful advice and the benefit of their experience, and it was great to finally meet in person at the Magnette 60th celebrations. The Register has perhaps been a bit slow to recognise others, particularly Wayne and Dee Johnson, who received an award last year for long service to NAMGAR and the San Diego MG Club with their Farina and Z Magnettes, and who coined the slogan ‘Real MGs have four doors’.

By happy coincidence, Wayne and Dee together with

MGB Neil Hyett 01869 241180 neilhyett54@btinternet.com www.mgb-register.org

We regularly get enquiries from people asking if certain cars are recorded on our Register records. Some people enquire because they have just brought the car, and others are thinking of buying a car and are interested if we have any details of the vehicle history. From talking to members it’s felt if the car is listed on our records it’s a good selling point. Chris Wilkins our Registrar will answer the queries but due to Data Protection cannot give details of the car’s ownership, but can advise if the car is recorded. We currently offer a small engraved brass plaque which can be fixed to the car as a permanent record of the vehicle’s Register number. As from now, for all cars which are added to the Register Chris will send the owner a Register Certificate which will show details of the car. The idea is that if the car is sold, it will be passed to the next owner with the other vehicle documentation. They can then return it to us so the records can be updated.

A new certificate will then be sent to the new owner. Of course if your car is already listed on our Register records and you would like a certificate, please contact Chris whose contact details are on our website. The brass plaques will still be available from Chris.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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Don’t forget the Register’s AGM is only a few days away, details below.

A few dates for your diary: MGB Register AGM on Sunday March 13 at 11.00 – As usual the meeting will be held at Kimber House at 11.00am. Why not come along and meet the committee and get more involved in things. You don’t have to join the committee, just make contact and perhaps help out over the year. We look forward to meeting you. You will be made most welcome Spring Run on Sunday April 10 2016 – This year again it is supported by British Motor Heritage. The run will finish at the magnificent Ragley Hall near Alcester, Warwickshire (www.ragley.co.uk), near Winchcombe, Gloucestershire. As in previous years there will be the usual three start options to make it more user friendly. These are Millets Farm near Abingdon, Hatton Country World near Warwick, with the third option being you plan your own route to join us at Ragley Hall. The Hall is set in wonderful grounds and although only a stone’s throw from Birmingham is situated in a lovely part of the country close to Worcester and Stratford upon Avon which are ideal for a weekend away. So there is no excuse not for

REGISTER Steve and Di Kirby visited Wroxall Abbey Hotel in February on a UK holiday. Grant Howlett gathered several of the Register committee for an impromptu Sunday lunch, where the visitors received the trophy on behalf of the Z Magnette Group from chairman David Halliday (although the cup itself won’t be travelling to the US for logistical reasons). Congratulations to all of the ZMG, and if you’ve come across other examples of enthusiasts going the extra mile for the Magnette cause then please alert the committee so we can include them when considering future Magnetteers of the year.

ZMG Magnetteers of the Year at Wroxall

REGISTER entering, just make the weekend of it. Don’t forget this event is open to all MG models.

Register Weekend September 16-19 2016 Join us for a weekend away in Yorkshire, based at the Coniston Hotel (www.theconistonhotel.com) near Skipton, and enjoy a weekend of scenic driving, excellent food and of course socialising.

There will be full day tours on the Saturday and Sunday, set in stunning countryside, including viewing the Ribblehead Viaduct, visiting Wensleydale, the original home of the famous cheese, and Kettlewell, the setting for ‘Calendar Girls’. Of course, if you don’t fancy doing the organised tours on both days, you can always do your own thing.

Although Skipton is northward for most of us it makes an excellent base for touring Yorkshire, so why not stay on for a few days after the weekend and make a week of it! Numbers are restricted to 35 cars and we already have a few bookings. If you haven’t been on a Register weekend before I can guarantee you will have a great time, so if you are thinking of joining us, don’t leave it too late so as not to be disappointed.

All details and booking forms for all the events are on the website.

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REGISTERS

MIDGET Neil Thomas 07891 684435 ns.tenby@hotmail.com www.midgetregister.com

It’s February 1 2016 as I write these notes and as I’m looking out of the window, I am thinking how dismal the weather is outside. Activity on the MG front has been fairly quiet during January. And then inexplicably I started thinking about my first MG, my 1970 MkIII Midget. I’d always wanted one, ever since seeing one filling up with fuel at a garage in Llandogo in the Wye Valley when I was just 13 years old. That was in 1972. I had to wait until 1980 when I was 20 before I could afford one, having answered an advert in the local paper.

When I went to see it, the little white Midget was languishing in the front garden of the house in Newnham Bridge, on the Worcs/Herefordshire border. It had no MOT and was looking very sad.

Talk about your heart ruling your head. I must have been mad as I handed over the £500 asking

price without quibble and had it collected. It soon transpired that it needed new sills, rear spring hangers and repairs to an inner wheel arch.

To top it all, the guy doing the work suggested I respray it in Teal Blue as he had some paint left over. Agreed. Cost of this work, with MOT, £200. But I truly didn’t care, as I now had my own Midget and it was fantastic. I adored driving it and we went everywhere together. I have loved this little car ever since and whilst I have restored it during this period, it is still in my ownership and I use it regularly. It’s red now however as I liked the colour. I’m sure many of you reading

My first MG, a 1970 MKIII Midget. Photo: Neil Thomas

The Midget needed a bit of work! Photo: Neil Thomas

MGC Ginny Cartmell 01208 821552 ginnycartmell@btinternet.com

REGISTER this have fallen into a similar trap.

And as per Monty Python, now for something completely different. I hear tell that our Midget Register chairman, Mike Parker, has been getting in some crafty practice during this quieter MG period. See the photo. Who’d have believed it.

Midget Register chairman, Soon I hope to Mike Parker, getting in some crafty practice. include an article by young Tom Bintcliffe, who is enjoying driving his 1973 Midget. I can’t wait to hear about his experiences. It reminds me of me.

This month on Sunday March 20 is our AGM, providing the building works at Kimber House have been completed. It would be great to see some MR members there. You would be very welcome. Looking ahead to April, we have our K Midget weekend in the Brecon Beacons and then in July, our Midget Register weekend in Exmoor.

Plenty going on.

REGISTER

MGC Weekend 2016 It’s great to report MGC Weekend July 2-3 is coming along nicely. Entries are building up with lots of support for both the Saturday Dinner and Mallory Park Racing on the Sunday. Barrie and I have recently checked out the Hospitality Suite we have exclusive use of, and it’s a great addition to our event. With Gerrard’s Bend also allocated to C Register parking, I think this year we have all bases covered. Anyone needing more information on the event or how to get involved, please do not hesitate in contacting me.

The MGC Register Committee, enjoying a welcome break at The Fleece Inn at Bretforton, whilst researching our amazing plans for The 50th Anniversary Event in June 2017.

Ginny & Barrie Cartmell, Virginia & Tim Hodgkinson, Margaret & Terry Sibley

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REGISTERS

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

Curing a leaking heater matrix Signs of this problem are coolant loss, a failure to demist and small amounts of coolant in the driver’s legwell. Paul Atkinson experienced a leaking heater matrix on his RV8 and found the replacement of the matrix was easy, involving moving the washer bottle, carbon canister and immobiliser unit to the side (without complete detachment from the car), then undoing the hoses and the two screws which hold the matrix into the heater box. The heater box remains in

situ, but I took the opportunity to clear the debris from the deteriorated foam seal with a powerful vacuum cleaner.

Everything goes back in reverse order. It is worth knowing that the matrix is from the last versions of the Rover Mini and Metro and is thus reasonably easy to obtain. A word of caution: the first replacement I bought for under £20 was a poor fit as the plastic securing flange on the inlet/outlet end, through which the two screws mentioned above pass, was a couple of millimetres shy all round and thus did not seal properly. I then bought an all metal matrix for £45 from Motorads Online of Redditch and this fitted perfectly. See the ‘More’ page for the full article.

V8 Technical Day 2016 Following the successful V8 Technical Days in 2014 and 2015, Roger Aldridge is planning another at Club Office for Saturday May 21 2016, which will include technical presentations at Club Office in the morning and a visit to Frontline after lunch. For details and booking see the ‘More’ page.

V8 Autumn Tour 2016 The next V8 Tour in the popular series will be

FWD Tanya Field 07929 868284 tanyafield123@sky.com

On Saturday April 2, the FWD Register will be holding its Spring Run. It will be along the lines of last year with all versions of Montego, Maestro, Metro, 1300 and 1100 invited to join us, not just MG versions. MG versions will assemble at Abingdon at 9.00am for a 9.30am start where we will convoy to join all the non MG versions at Cowley. From Cowley we will head to the British Motor Museum at Gaydon for lunch before we continue on to Longbridge, completing visits of MG factories. The run is free to join, but we need to know numbers beforehand, so please get in touch if you are interested in joining us.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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Some of you many remember Ben Hatton’s Mk1 MG Metro from MG90, and I thought that you might be interested in reading a little more about it. Please find Ben’s words below.

Around three years ago I purchased my 1983 MG Metro as my first car. I had always wanted an old British car of the BMC BL era as I have been interested in those cars. How it came to be an MG Metro is another story!

The car was in a very solid original condition despite the odd mark here and there, faded graphics and paintwork. I took it to get its suspension pumped up as it was on the floor and in my opinion looked

REGISTER based in The New Forest National Park from Thursday 1st to Monday 5th September 2016.

The tour will be through beautiful areas of the forest and visiting various establishments, including a winery, the famous Buckler’s Hard where ships of the line were built, and finishing at the Museum of Army Flying for a tour followed by a buffet lunch prior to departure for home. For full details and booking see the ‘More’ page.

MGV8 PriceWatch Classic car prices have been on the move over the last few years and several V8 members have been following the auction news and adverts with useful reports, analysis and price guide updates, not least from Keith Belcher, Adam Fiander and Andy Goves. Their research and news on auction results and MGV8s seen for sale in adverts is the key part of our MGV8 PriceWatch series on the V8 website. You can contribute to the series by sending in details of MGV8s you have seen advertised for sale together with any information on the sales values achieved through private sales, trade sales or at auctions. The PriceWatch team members’ contacts are on the ‘More’ page at: www.v8register.net/more.htm

REGISTER awful! The mechanic asked me to join the local MG Club, and from that I started taking it to local car shows, not expecting much interest. How wrong could I have been! The car was always the most popular car on the stand, even though there were other cars there in much better condition.

I was contacted and asked if I would like my car to be included in the MG90 timeline, and of course the answer was yes. So I spent ages getting it looking as best as I could, but T-Cut and polish will only go so far. Again the car got loads of attention so at the end of the show season I decided to take it off the road and completely restore it. With a Haynes manual and an original workshop manual I started to take the car apart. There was always the worry that I would find something nasty in the way of rust, but only two small areas have required attention, unheard of for a Metro!

Work was progressing well, but other commitments have meant that it has taken a bit longer than I would have liked. At present the main body shell has just returned from the body shop following a full respray. I am currently working on reconditioning the front and rear subframes and their various components. The engine and gearbox were all mechanically sound, so these will just be cleaned and repainted prior to going back into the car. I would like to think that the car will be completed for a couple of shows at the end of the season, but as with most projects it’s impossible to be 100 percent certain.

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REGISTERS

ZRZSZT John Thompson 07854 275541 johnt5@btinternet.com www.mgcc.co.uk/zedregister

Events & Shows With our first event of the year now behind us, the racing fans among you will have made a note that the first rounds of the 2016 Racing Championships will be held at Donington Park on April 3. There was some skilful driving and close fought battles during the final rounds at Snetterton last October. Last year saw one of the largest Trophy Championship grids in recent times, and together with the Zeds in the Cockshoot Cup there is something for everyone.

What will the new year hold in store? You’ll have to come along to find out. The Register will be organising the lunchtime parade laps throughout this year. This is your opportunity to drive your own MG around some of the most famous racing circuits in the country. Come and visit us in the Club suite and put your name on the list.

Dipping into April a little further, the MG Era Day is being held at Brooklands on April 10. We had a respectable turnout of Zeds last year even though the parking arrangements scattered them to the extremities of the site. We were blessed with a sunny

breezy spring day however. There is always a real mix of MGs from all ages present, some of which tackle the famous test-hill in the afternoon! Brooklands Museum itself has a vast collection of exhibits from the world of motor racing and aviation. There is a certain period charm about this venue and the day always has a relaxed feel to it. If you are planning to come to the home of British motor racing, you’ll have a great day out.

For further information on forthcoming events and Register information please visit our Register Facebook page. For further information on the 2016 Racing Championships visit the motorsport section of the main Club website.

REGISTER

Sat/Sun April 30-May 1 Brands Hatch Race Round Brands Hatch, Kent Sat/Sun June 4-5 MGLive! Silverstone, Northants Sun July 3 Mallory Park Race Round Mallory Park, Leics Sun July 9 MG Saloon Day HMC Gaydon, Warks Sat Sept 3 Oulton Park Race Round Oulton Park, Cheshire Sat/Sun Oct 1-2 Snetterton Race Round Snetterton, Norfolk Fri/Sat/Sun Nov 11-13 Classic Motor Show NEC, Birmingham Zed cars on the Brooklands banking at last years MG Era Day. Photo: Martin Cumming

Provisional Programme of events 2016 Sunday Feb 21 MG & Triumph Spares Day Stoneleigh, Coventry Sun April 3 Donington Race Round Donington Park, Leics Sun April 10 MG Era Day Brooklands, Surrey Sat April 16 Pride of Longbridge Birmingham

REGISTER

MG6.3.5

Steve Haines Steve-haines@live.co.uk www.facebook.com/groups/MG635Register twitter.com/635register

Hopefully by now we are emerging from a very wet, windy and dismal winter with thoughts turning to this year’s sunny show season!

We have a very full list of events for the year, which our events Co-ordinator, Sean Round, has been busy organising. We would love to see you all out and about at as many events as you can manage, particularly to celebrate five years of the MG6 and three years of the MG3. We will be supporting Pride of Longbridge on Saturday April 6 in a big way, as well as MGLive! on June 4 and 5 June and Zed15 at Gaydon on July 9, which will be our main Birthday celebrations. We will also be at various BTCC race weekends supporting the MG/888 team and their new drivers.

The first event of the year will be the John Woods Motorcare open day on Sunday March 20.

We will have a stand and parking there, so please come along if you can.

Our updated list of events can be found on the Facebook page or the MGCC web page here: http://www.mgcc.co.uk/mg635-register/.

We would like to encourage as many owners as possible to take part in this year’s Pride of Ownership at MG Live! to make sure the models are well represented. We had one 6 and one 3 last year and had good fun showing them off with the other older models. Please book through the MGLive! web page, which is now Live!

We also realise that not everyone is on Facebook or has use of the internet, so please do contact any of the committee members if you need any information about the Register and what we’re up to. Our contact details are available from Kimber House.

We have finally got an all singing and dancing electronic registration page set up for entering your car’s details into the formal Register. You can

The MG GT made it’s debut in the Costa Rican Touring Cars series

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find it as a link on our Facebook page, or again on our MGCC web page. Huge thanks to Barry Faiers for maintaining the Register and Matt Kimberley for producing the electronic format and database behind it.

Please register your vehicle with us so we can maintain an historical record of the models and assist any future owners with historical queries.

It’s been great to see more worldwide enthusiasm for the latest MG range, particularly in the racing world, where the MG GT made its debut in the Costa Rican Touring Cars series.

This has been well received in the UK, with a great livery on the car! We wish the team and driver Bernal Valverde every success in the 2016 season.

We’re hoping to see you all at an event in the very near future, please come along and say hello at one of the events this year. Make the most of your cars and 6O 3XPLORE !

The online Register form.

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/02/2016 11:36

A SELECTION OF MGTF LE500’S BREAKING FOR SPARES

MG SALES

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

MG MGB FIA Historic Appendix ‘K’ racecar 1964 (B Reg)150 Miles

MG 6 ‘SE’ GT Hatchback (just 27,000 miles)

MG TF LE500 MG Press/showcar (just 23,000miles)

MG TF LE500 #126/500 (1 owner just 49,000miles)

Raced by us and fully rebuilt over the winter of 2014, re-trimmed interior, New Engine is a 1840cc 150 bhp fitted with JE pistons,Carrilo steel conrods,Arrow steel crankshaft, Alloy sump, LW flywheel, Cambridge Race camshaft, Weber 45, LSD, 4 syncro,s/c,c/r gearbox, Alloy race fuel tank,etc As raced in the HRDC & Ecuire GTS series, just 3 races since and just 150 miles usage unraced in 2015. Thousands spent on this Superb condition MGB. Was £26995 Sale price £25995

Here we offer a MG6 ‘SE’ Hatchback model, having covered a very low mileage of just 27,000 miles.

This high spec ‘SE’ model is fitted with Satellite navigation, 17” alloys, air conditioning, cruise control, rear park sensor etc,. Outstanding condition throughout. Special sale price was £6495 .......Now £5795

2008 (08 Reg)Manual, petrol. Finished in Vibrant Orange with Black leather sport seats. Fitted with air conditioning, sports pack 2 ,heated glass rear screen, engine water level censor, etc. These TF’s are fitted with later ‘N’ series engines. Just had a major cambelt service plus new brake disc’s pads and moted. The a/c has also just been serviced.

Superb low mileage example. £6,295

2009 (09 Reg) Manual, petrol. Here we offer a Scorched Red LE500 ltd edition #126/500 .

A one owner car. Full MG main dealer service history (5 stamps) cambelt service at 45,000miles .Air conditioning, colour coded hardtop, black soft top with glass heated rear screen, full black leather sport seats, engine water level censor, wind deflector, full size spare wheel, Superb .Just in. £5,895

MG TF 135 Spark ltd edition.

(69,000miles)

MG MGF VVC + Hardtop (just 40,000miles)

MG TF 135 facelift model (just 53,000miles)

2005 (05 Reg) Manual, petrol. These were the last ltd edition model made by MG/Rover group and are high spec, eg sport pack 2 with 4 pot red calipers and unmarked 16” 11 spoke alloys, Black half leather with grey alcantara inserts, chrome packs, silver interior trim and steering wheel, Unmarked ‘Spark’ salt & pepper hood. We have just serviced this TF and fitted a new headgasket/cambelt/water pump and stainless water pipes plus a new mot.Supplied with our CSA Heritage Certificate. £3,495

2001 (Y Reg) Manual, petrol. Finished in Copperleaf Red/Tan half leather Previously supplied by us. Rare Copperleaf Red (made for just one year). Fitted with Cream Oxford leather sport seats. Colour coded hardtop, black soft top, 16” alloys, roll hoops wind deflector, bright interior pack etc, Full service history, less than 500 miles since new headgasket / cambelt / water pump. £3,295

One of the last made MG TF’s, Facelift model, Full service history. High spec fitted with a Heated glass rear screen, soft ride suspension, unmarked facelift alloys, engine water level censor, full black leather sport seats, Silver interior trim, front fog lights. Colour coded hard top available @ £350+vat. Just been through our workshop, serviced including fitted with a new headgasket/cambelt /water pump brake disc’s and pads . £4,295

MG TF 135 Pre-production Car (just 28,000miles)

2002 (51 Reg) Manual, petrol. Finished in Trophy Blue A very rare MG one of the first made TF’s a Preproduction model TF135, chassis #D000133. Most of these cars would have been used by MG as press cars etc. The MG TF Production line (for selling to the public) starting at chassis #D600160. Full main dealer service history (9 services), MG owned until July 2003, one lady owner since. Outstanding condition, a very original MG, part of MGF/TF history. Colour coded hardtop for £350+vat. Sold with a new headgasket / cambelt etc £3,995 FAMILY BUSINESS ESTABLISHED

This is just a small selection from our stock

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

VIEWING BY APPOINTMENT PLEASE

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_March16_43-98.indd 89

www.churchsquareautos.com MARCH 2016

89

23/02/2016 11:36

LOOKING BACK

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.

This month we are featuring three photos from the lens of Ron Cover, taken at the May 1989 MG Car Club Silverstone Weekend.

We kick off off above with a shot of a beautifully prepared S-type which may have been a late entry for the concours event, as it doesn’t appear in the programme.

YSV 703, entered by H.W. McNich, waits patiently for its outing in the ‘Kimber

Race’ for Triple M Cars. According to our records this was the very last PA to come off the line at Abingdon.

Standing next to the K3 is Count ‘Johnny’ Lurani in deep conversation with someone whom we assume to be a Club member. We’re sure you can tell us who this handsome fellow is. Is the car in the photo the one Count Lurani co-drove with George Eyston in the 1933 Mille Miglia?

I was looking at the article ‘Looking Back’ in the February edition of Safety Fast! and I think I recognise the driver in NFV 360... bottom right on the page of three photos. I think it is Charles Tyrer, brother of Gillie Tyrer, who was a garage proprietor in Liverpool and drove BMW 328s in the early 1950s.

Charlie Tyrer owned a motorcycle business in Preston and was a friend of my father Maurice Akroyd. They used to enter rallies together when they were a test of endurance and navigation. Charlie always provided the cars and they did the RAC, the MCC, Morecambe and probably the Scottish amongst others. I can’t really make out the passenger but from what bit I can see it doesn’t look like my father. The car is registered FV which was 1958 Blackpool, so that would tally with it being Charlie Tyrer as he lived in Chorley near Preston.

I do remember my father telling me about being on a rally at night driving fast down Devon or Cornish lanes with solid banks either side with no run offs or hedges to save you! They used to finish with a Concours on the seafront at Newquay or Hastings with ‘driving tests’ so there was an incentive not to bend it, a bit different from the races they call rallies nowadays.

My father usually drove in a sports jacket and sometimes a tie, and tucked his trousers into his socks to avoid fouling the pedals!

I remember they competed in a Healey, an XK140, a Triumph Mayflower, Standard 10 and an MGA, and they would of course use just one set of cross ply tyres!

Regards David Akroyd

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www.mgcc.co.uk

23/02/2016 11:36

CARS FOR SALE

CARS FOR SALE

BARRY WALKER

How to Advertise Members can advertise their cars free of charge in Safety Fast. The advert will also be posted on the Club website in due course. This is for one insertion only. To place an advert or for additional insertions email 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 ÂŁ20. All adverts should be submitted by the 15th of the month for the

British Motor Heritage approved

.....for the very best in vintage MGs.....Estd.1968

HOW ARE YOUR SHARES AND PENSION DOING......need a change?

MGC GT 1969

Body restoration and suspension mods by MG Motorsport, 210BHP Stage 1 engine and gearbox conversion by Beech Hill. BRG with black interior - new leather seats. Triple Weber conversion and under 10k miles on the engine. Always garaged and rarely sees the rain - excellent condition throughout. This is a fast and sharp handling car. Call Roger on 07921576138 or email roger.mcclure@hotmail.com

following months issue.

MG J2 1933

This is in absolute excellent condition. I had to sell the car for medical 1936 MG NB TOURER. One of the rarest ohc MGs. This reasons. purchased J2 beautifully Irestored Magnettethis with MG its 1300cc straight 6cyl. engine will take you touring both home & abroad reliability, comfort & huge luggage from thewith Naylor Brothers in 2005. space. Two-tone green. Offers close to.............ÂŁ65k Original reg.

No.Spares AKW 67Day, secured and now on car.21st.

See it at MG Stoneleigh, Feb The engine(837cc and 37 HP) has been completely rebuilt en just did 50 miles so the engine is still in his “running-in� status. The car is in Holland. I decided to give the MG J2 a bare metal paint refinishing done by a professional bodyshop. You can 1935 MG PA DELUXE for a properly also find thisSPORTS. MG IfJ2you’re at looking the Triple-M built reliable pre-war MG PA, this is the one to buy.

Built by time-served owner, genuinely register.

Askinggarage price BPit is31.500. original & a superb restoration. Over ÂŁ50,000 spent (bills to hand)...ÂŁ45,000 & worth every penny.

For more pictures and information feel free to contact me on 0031653163341 or email ronnieuwenhuijs@ziggo.nl.

MG Metro 1988

Immaculate, three owners from new and only 50200 miles.

1932 MG TYPEA2-SEAT MAGNA. This beautifully 1933 MG K3 ‘F’ REPLICA. beautiful car originally from the built 2-seat versionstable. of the ‘F’ Magna is one the most Currently fitted with aofafull set of Peter Gregory It has just had rebuilt handsome MGs evergearbox built. Theand onlysupercharger.

6 cyl. road carTested offered engine, o/hauled ZLWK F\FOH ZLQJV ÂżWWHG ZLWK 0*ÂśV PRVW UHOLDEOH HQJLQH DQG at just MG underENV 100mph with more to offer.

Alland genuine Metro Turbo alloys brandindestructible gate-change g’box.

Low maintenance, K type on an original factory N chassis making it UHOLDEOH PRWRULQJ DQG WRWDOO\ UHVWRUHG WR RULJLQDO VSHFLÂżFDWLRQ remarkable valuefor forÂŁ59,500..........................queue money.......................ÂŁ125,000 Straight 6, 2-seater new Falken 165/65 x 13here! tyres.

Original (metric) steel wheels, as pictured, also included in sale. MoT to March 2016. This is one of the best MG Metros around – there’s less than 100 currently taxed according to DVLA. VGC through£3500 ovno.on the More pictures at 1948 MGout.

TC SPORTS. Never before UK market, this all-matching nos. TC has been completely restored. A really enjoyable car to drive; just feels ‘right’. Perfect for http://metro.tmhmail.net.

Contact the coming summer in Old Eng. White with wine leather. A great TC...please view to agree.........ÂŁ32,500 Rod (rod@tmhmail.net) for more info. (North Dorset)

1933 SUPERCHARGED MG J2. This excellent rebuild has a drive chain by Barry Foster (none better), with c/balanced crank, Volumex s/c, and improved clutch. Totally restored, it offers the opportunity for light competition, hill climbs, sprints, rallies or simply exhilarating fast road use. Deep red (NOT orangy as flash photo) with black interior. Real pre-war fun............ÂŁ55,000 1933 MG K3 on a factory ‘N’ chassis. Ex-Peter Gregory. Totally restored. Eligible most events. VSCC buff form, etc. Deep red...ÂŁ125,000

1949 MG TC SPORTS. Just arrived. A just-worn recent restoration that has had the bugs ironed out & with a nice patina. Goes seriously well. Everything works as it should – it’s a car you will USE! Dark red, beige leather, beige roof........................................£32,500

COMMISSION SALES: Our highly regarded service is always available to you.

MGTF 160 MIDGET 1979.

I’ve decided to part with one of my three MGs. Serviced, MoT’d (no advisories) this Midget is smart, sweet-driving and on-the-button. £2995 (members) £3250 (nonmembers) Tel: Richard on 07831 464 199 (Bedford/MK)

In gorgeous Le Mans metallic green with contrasting green hood.Only 36800 miles. Head gasket & cambelt replaced at 31000 miles. FSH, Matching hard top, new hood cover, tonneau, wind deflector, internal boot release. In immaculate condition inside & out. Very quick 160 engine, a delight to drive.

Enthusiast's car, reluctant sale. ÂŁ3795 ono Call 07947244320 (Cheshire).

MGZR STEPSPEED 2003

3 door petrol, silver. MOT until August 2016. Mileage 72750. Fully serviced, clean and tidy, little used over the past 3 years, always garaged. Selling due to owner's advancing years. ÂŁ1600 ono. Tel: 01525 714258.

Bedfordshire (10 mins from M1 J12).

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 ÂŁ20

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_March16_43-98.indd 91

MGTF 160 VVC 2002

X-Power Grey, Black leather. 38k miles. MGSH. MoT 01/17. Colour coded MG Hardtop. X-Power lowered springs, SPAX adjustable shocks, Goodyear GSD2’s 4/5mm, Goodridge hoses. Water pump, Timing belt, Tensioner by Main Dealer. All Discs, Pads, Alternator, Battery renewed c.37k, Brake caliper & Aux belt. Invoices & MoT’s available. Spare & 6mm tyre, two other spare rims. Drives superbly.

Generally good; except cosmetic at wheel arches. ÂŁ1995.

Tel: 07721 048738.

(Helensburgh/Glasgow)

MGF 2000

Tel: 01789 400 181. Fax: 01789 400230. Mob: 07836 244103 A onewww.barrywalker.com owner MGBGT forces me to Email: barry@barrywalker.com Web: sell this lovely MGF that comes complete with hardtop and 94000 miles on the clock. In the last 12 MGTF 1500 1955 months it’s had all its belts replaced, Black with red interior & chrome a new water pump and new headwire wheels.Restored by Naylor enquiries@mgsforsale.com www.mgsforsale.com lights. The previous year all the Brothers 1984 ( see centre page of discs and pads were replaced and Great Marques MG - Chis Harvey ) have covered less then 1000 miles Engine & gearbox rebuilt 2000 since. It also has an excellent set of Laystall head , c.w.p 4-55. stainless almost new Toyo tyres on a nice set steel exhaust, new tyres & lovely to of alloys. There’s a couple of rust drive.Owned for 30 years.History spots, notably on the nearside front & bills. Low mileage in my ownerwheel arch and around the engine ship. £30.000 . ONO. bay air intakes, but nothing that Tel 01822 611154 can’t be fixed relatively easily. The (Devon) car will come with a new MoT. More pics at http://mgf.tmhmail.net.

I think it’s worth £1500 but I might haggle a bit if I like you‌.

Contact Rod (rod@tmhmail.net) MGBorRoadster, bumpers, give me1974, a callchrome on 01747 826148 chrome wire wheels, overdrive, last owner (North Dorset) 29 years, older restoration utilising a new Heritage Shell supplied by Ron Hopkinson in 1992, very good condition light British Racing Green coachwork with Black leather interior trim, Moto-Lita leather steering wheel, mechanically sound with engine producing good oil pressure, history ďŹ le, very nice drive, just arrived, ÂŁ11,750.00

01707 876089

07831 556666

URGENTLY WANTED ANY MG ANY YEAR, ANY CONDITION MGB Roadster 1966

Tartan red, good condition, MOT MGB Roadster, 1973, chrome bumpers, Nov 2016. Wire wheels inc spare. overdrive, excellent condition Bronze yellow Folding hood good waterproof con- coachwork, virtually unmarked original vinyl interior trim, 15â€?1970 chrome wire dition and tonneau cover. Rebuilt BlackMGB Roadster wheels and low proďŹ le tyres recently ďŹ tted, 1980s, converted to unleaded fuel drivesPeter Burgess engine, EZ power delightfully, just arrived ÂŁPOA 1996. FSH. Low miles. Appeared in steering, genuine Minilite wheels, restored Dec 2009, Mohair hood, Classic Car magazine. Formerly K & N airfilters chrome boot rack, owned by past Chairman of MG SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF OUR STOCK bespoke windstop and Club roll Car Club B Register. ÂŁ9,000. over bar. A very reliable, beautiful More info and images car. ÂŁ9,500. Call 01785 851429 or Stephen_herring@sky.com or Do not confuse the above vehicles with cheaper inferior quality models offeredCSHW@aol.com elsewhere. Part exchange email 671912 view.allowances. Discounted cash purchases. any01373 make of Motor Car withtogenerous Viewing by appointment only (Staffs) please (availableSomerset) evenings & weekends) no obligation to purchase. All our vehicles carry a warranty, have an (Frome

www.mgsforsale.com

MOT and are fully serviced prior to collection/delivery.

MARCH 2016

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23/02/2016 11:36

CARS FOR SALE

CARS FOR SALE How to Advertise Members can advertise their cars free of charge in Safety Fast. The be posted on the also advert MGTFwill 135 2002 in due course.

Club Very website good condition for yearThis withis 64000 and 12 months MOT an To place only. insertion onemiles for and full or service history. Head gasket insertions for additional advert replaced at 58000 miles . The car is email Colin Grant at in anthracite black with 16inch colingrant@mgcc.co.uk with details alloys and the twin pot brakes. The togeth60 words, with youriscar, of hood in around good condition a your picture, attachedLots er newwith rearan screen. of other work done with all theprice paperwork . of your information, contact A genuinely good car. £1600 car, the area where you live, and Tel 07773798647 membership number. Cost for nonEmai: Ady.hill@ntlworld.com to advertise is £20. All members (Cambridge) adverts should be submitted by the

MGB Roadster 1966

Tartan red, original 1798cc engine MGC GT converted to 1969 unleaded Bodychrome restoration andpainted suspension fuel, bumpers, wire mods by MG Motorsport, wheels, new tyres, black 210BHP leather Stagewith 1 engine and gearbox converseats red trim, immobiliser and sion by Beech BRG with battery cut-offHill. switch.

MOTblack to interior - new Triple December 2016.leather Goodseats. condition, Weber Please conversion andMartin underon10k £8,000. contact miles07968 on the780858, engine. Always Tel: email: garaged and rarely sees the rain - excellent mrp2909@gmail.com condition throughout.

This is a fast (Sevenoaks, Kent)” and sharp handling car. Call Roger on 07921576138 or email roger.mcclure@hotmail.com

15th of the month for the following months issue.

MG J2 1933

This is in absolute excellent condition. I had to sell the car for medical reasons. I purchased this MG J2 from the Naylor Brothers in 2005.

The engine(837cc and 37 HP) has been completely rebuilt en just did 50 miles so the engine is still in his “running-in” status. The car is in Holland. I decided to give the MG J2 a bare metal paint refinishing done by a professional bodyshop. You can also find this MG J2 at the Triple-M register. Asking price BP 31.500.

For more pictures and information feel free to contact me on 0031653163341 or email ronnieuwenhuijs@ziggo.nl.

MG Metro 1988

Immaculate, three owners from new and only 50200 miles.

Currently fitted with a full set of MG Metro Turbo alloys and brandnew Falken 165/65 x 13 tyres.

Original (metric) steel wheels, as pictured, also included in sale. MoT to March 2016. This is one of the best MG Metros around – there’s less than 100 currently taxed according to DVLA. VGC throughout. £3500 ovno. More pictures at http://metro.tmhmail.net. Contact Rod (rod@tmhmail.net) for more info. (North Dorset)

MGF 1.8 2001 MGTF 1.8 135 2005

Tahiti Blue with black leather seats.

I have owned this car since 2009, the car having had one previous owner. Low 34,000 mileage, it has electric side windows, heated glass MIDGET rear screen 1979. and radio CD. Extras I’ve decided to part onelamps, of my include Lexus stylewith rear three MGs. Serviced, MoT’d side (no internal electric boot release, advisories) is smart, door pocketsthis and Midget a water level sensweet-driving on-the-button. sor kit. It also and comes with a rear £2995wind (members) glass deflector. £3250 It has (nonbeen members) and Tel: serviced Richard by ona07831 maintained local 464 approved 199 MG specialist and has a (Bedford/MK) full service history. It is in excellent condition and a fine example of one of the last UK manufactured MGTF’s. The car will be sold with a new MoT and service.

Private Sale - £2,795 Telephone: 01628 628066 (h), 07833 771943 (m)

MGZR STEPSPEED 2003

3 door petrol, silver. MOT until August 2016. Mileage 72750. Fully serviced, clean and tidy, little used over the past 3 years, always MGTF 135 2004 garaged. Selling due toSunstorm owner's SE + Hardtop.

36,000 miles only. advancing years.

March Starlight air con£16002004, ono. Tel: 01525silver, 714258. ditioning, Smokestone Bedfordshire (10 mins frominterior, M1 Gunsmoke Alcantara/leather seats, J12). body coloured hardtop and black hood, wind deflector. Full documented service history. Headgasket, cambelt, stainless water pipes, new SELLING YOUR front pads and discs, CAR? rear brake As a wiper member of the MG CarinClub pads, linkages - all fitted last can advertise car in Safety 3you years.

Includesyour Stormforce full Fast half for free. email£3,995 your car and car Just covers. no details,Tel:max 01335 60 words, together offers.

346261 or with 385662. a JPEG Email: picture to Colin 07515 Grant at colingrant@mgcc.co.uk. martinbalderson@yahoo.co.uk memberDerbyshire) fee is £20 (Non Ashbourne,

92

MARCH 2016

MG_SafetyFast_March16_43-98.indd 92

No tax or MOT. Selling complete car for spares or project, as I am unable to complete due to ill health.

Car in N. Ireland £250. For further details, please phone Paul (club member) on 02894452222 or MGTF 160 07785900561.NO texts please.

In gorgeous Le Mans metallic green with contrasting green hood.Only 36800 miles. Head gasket & cambelt replaced at 31000 miles. FSH, Matching hard top, new hood cover, tonneau, wind deflector, internal boot release. In immaculate condition inside & out. Very quick 160 engine, a delight to drive.

Enthusiast's car,1954 reluctant sale.

MG TF 1250 £3795 07947244320 MG Red,ono biscuitCall interior.

Owned for (Cheshire).

26 years. Last three years new springs, fuel pump, brakes & 4 tyres (Vredestein sprint classics).

Complete strip, repair, re-spray MGTF 2005 Spark 1998. Average mileage135 1000 pa Starlight owners from including Silver, T-Type two Autumn Tours & new.

36,000 miles, mot 29.7.16. local club runs. (see February 2016 New brakes,report!) pads and discs.

Safety rear Fast, Anglia All origiGlass rearinscreen, windcondition. deflector A in nal spec. first class very good £4000, with genuine clubcondition. car. £29,000 matching 01491 Phone Trevorhardtop. on 01485Tel: 572767 641994, mob: 0779440214 Norfolk, nr. King’s Lynn.

Oxon

MGTF 160 VVC 2002

X-Power Grey, Black leather. 38k miles. MGSH. MoT 01/17. Colour coded MG Hardtop. X-Power lowered springs, SPAX adjustable shocks, Goodyear GSD2’s 4/5mm, Goodridge hoses. Water pump, Timing belt, Tensioner by Main MGB Race CarPads, 1962 Dealer.

All Discs, Alternator, Full FIA Appendix papers. Brake This is Battery renewedK c.37k, one of & the earliest MGBs with a full caliper Aux belt. Invoices & MoT’s history. LHD. available.

SpareIn&immaculate 6mm tyre,conditwo tion. Current UK Drives MOT and regisother spare rims. superbly. tration applied Onlycosmetic for sale due Generally good;for. except at to change of £1995. plans. For more pics, wheel arches. information and price contact Tel: 07721 048738.

Robert on 07870 407111 or email (Helensburgh/Glasgow) mgcarsscotland@gmail.com

MGF 2000

MGTF 1500 1955

Black with red interior & chrome wire wheels.Restored by Naylor Brothers 1984 ( see centre page of Great Marques MG - Chis Harvey ) Engine & gearbox rebuilt 2000 Laystall head , c.w.p 4-55. stainless steel exhaust, new tyres & lovely to drive.Owned for 30 years.History & bills. Low mileage in my ownership. £30.000 . ONO. Tel 01822 611154 MGC GT 1971 (Devon) Fully restored using ex- Californian shell in 2010, over £30000 spent, bills available, Engine rebuilt by Classic and Modern, Triple SU, 6 branch manifold, 123 distributor, Heavy duty 5 speed gear box from Hi gear engineering, Power steering, Up rated front/rear suspension, Kenlow, Hi output alternator, Electric windows, front/rear fog lights, leather seats, Wire wheels with stainless steel spokes, Sat-Nav £18000 contact Phone Mobile MGB Roadster 07958032699 home1966 01189668402 Tartan red, good condition, MOT e-mail: ken.j.lund@btinternet.com Nov 2016. Wire wheels inc spare.

Folding hood good waterproof condition and tonneau cover. Rebuilt 1980s, converted to unleaded fuel 1996. FSH. Low miles. Appeared in Classic Car magazine. Formerly owned by past Chairman of MG Car Club B Register. £9,000.

More info and images Stephen_herring@sky.com or 01373 671912 view.

MGTF 1250to1958 (Frome Somerset) Two owners since 1965. Full rebuild

2004/2005. All bills available Engine and gearbox overhauled converted to Un-Leaded fuel.New green leather seats and new carpets. Beige hood, toneau and side screens.

Electronic ignition Dry use only since rebuild 60K genuine miles.

Drives and handles extremely well.

A one owner MGBGT forces me to sell this lovely MGF that comes complete with hardtop and 94000 miles on the clock. In the last 12 months it’s had all its belts replaced, a new water pump and new headlights. The previous year all the discs and pads were replaced and have covered less then 1000 miles since. It also has an excellent set of almost new Toyo tyres on a nice set of alloys. There’s a couple of rust spots, notably on the nearside front wheel arch and around the engine bay air intakes, but nothing that can’t be fixed relatively easily. The MGB Roadster 1970 car will come with a new MoT. In traditional British Racing Green.

More pics at http://mgf.tmhmail.net.

Owned for 10 years and lovingly I think it’s worth £1500 but I might restored new panels, chrome haggle a bitwith if I like you…. bumpers, fuel tank, dashboard, trim Contact Rod (rod@tmhmail.net) instruments, with orand give me a call onleather 01747seats 826148 green Dorset) piping to match paintwork, (North carpets, shocks, exhaust, windscreen. Electronic overdrive and electronic ignition for economy, unleaded and tax exempt.Waxoyled and undersealed. Full MOT. A beautiful Roadster. £8900 ono email r.j@talktalk.net

MGB Roadster 1970

Peter Burgess engine, EZ power steering, genuine Minilite wheels, restored Dec 2009, Mohair hood, K & N airfilters chrome boot rack, bespoke windstop and1966 Club roll MGB Roadster over bar.bodywork, A very reliable, beautiful Black black leather car.

Call 01785 851429 or seats,£9,500. overdrive, chrome bumper email CSHW@aol.com model. Chrome wire wheels, new (Staffs) hood, Motolita steering wheel, unleaded, tax exempt, Heritage Certificate, history. Appeared in 'Midsomer Murders' and is 50 years www.mgcc.co.uk old on 18th April 2016. Same owner last 7 years. MOT Feb 2017. £14,950. Telephone 07881 487 336 (Henley on Thames).

23/02/2016

MG TF 160 2

Tahiti Blue, blue cover, and blac leather interior December 2016 and back. New ice. Great con House move ono. Tel Colin or email omeg (Wirral or Nor

MG Midget 1

1500cc rebuilt body 1999 co miles since. Thi for use with me hauled or renew sprayed all undersides/hidd chipped/waxoile Thorough Sprin Private sale £70 For details ring/ tom@tommck or Tel: 07796341 (Northamptons 11:36

B15 - Barrie Carter_D MIDDLETON 28/01/2016MGB 09:48Race PageCar 1 1962 Full FIA Appendix K papers. This is one of the earliest MGBs with a full history. LHD. In immaculate condition. Current UK MOT and registration applied for. Only for sale due to change of plans. For more pics, information and price contact Robert on 07870 407111 or email mgcarsscotland@gmail.com

MG Midget 1

CARS FOR SALE MGB Roadster 1966

Black bodywork, black leather seats, overdrive, chrome bumper model. Chrome wire wheels, new MGTF 1250 1958 hood, Motolita steering wheel, Two owners since 1965. Full rebuild unleaded, tax exempt, Heritage 2004/2005. All bills available Engine Certificate, history. Appeared in and gearbox overhauled converted MGTF TF160 1602002 2002 MG MGCGT GT1971 1971 'Midsomer Murders' and is 50 years to Un-Leaded fuel.New green MGC MGB Roadster 1970 MGTF 2005 Spark 135 Tahiti Blue,blue bluehood hoodplus plustonneau tonneau MGB Roadster 1970 MGTF 2005 Spark 135 Tahiti Blue, Fully restored using exCalifornian old on 18th April 2016. Same owner leather seats and newRacing carpets.

Beige Fully restored using ex- Californian In traditional British Green.

Starlight Silver, Silver, two two owners owners from from cover, and black hard top.

Black In traditional British Racing Green.

Starlight cover, black hard top.

Black shell in 2010, 2010,over over £30000 £30000 spent, spent, last 7andyears.

MOT Feb 2017. hood, toneau and side screens. shell in MG TA fitted BUCKLER DD2 1939 TB with a lovely Owned for for 10 10 years years and and lovingly lovingly new. 36,000 36,000 miles, miles, mot mot 29.7.16.

29.7.16. leather interior interior 82000 82000 Miles Miles MOT MOT Owned new. leather bills available, Engine Engine rebuilt rebuilt by by £14,950. Telephone 07881 487 with anbills TC available, 1950 SPORTSignition cycle winged body.

This336 Electronic Dry use only restored with new new panels, panels,chrome chrome New rear rear brakes, brakes, pads pads and and discs. discs. XPAG engine December2016.

2016.

Newbuilt brakes front RACING CAR carNew was many front restored with New December brakes Classic and and Modern, Modern,Triple Triple SU, SU, 66 (Henley on Thames). since rebuild 60K dashboard, genuine miles.

Classic bumpers, fuel tank, trim Glass rear screen, wind deflector in and back.

New cam belt and servand box, Chassis has some years ago in Australia bumpers, fuel tank, dashboard, trim Glass rear screen, wind deflector in and back. New and cam beltknown and tom servbranch manifold, manifold, 123 123 distributor, distributor, Drives extremely well. branch rust,instruments, frontand handles is well daily MGGreat TF 160 160 2002 and leather seatswith with very good good condition. condition. £4000, £4000, with with Thomkins ice. condition, driver.

MG TF 2002 MGCduty GT51971 1971 and instruments, leather seats very ice.

Great condition, daily I driver.

Heavy speedgear gearbox boxfrom from steering suspension, rear axle, the TB register.

MGC GT £30,00.00 To view please phone Heavy duty 5 speed MGB Roadster 1970 MGTF 2005 Spark 135 Tahiti Blue, blue hood plus tonneau green piping to match paintwork, matching hardtop.

Tel: 01491 conversion House move forces sale. £1900 MGB Roadster 1970 MGTF 2005 Spark 135 Tahiti Blue, blue hood plus restored usingPower ex- Californian Californian andrestored gearbox, steering bought it for me, tonneau but green piping to (North match paintwork, matching hardtop.

Tel: 01491 House move forces sale. £1900 HiFully gear engineering, steering, using ex07785 320041 Cheshire) gear engineering, Power steering, In traditional traditional British Racing Green.

Starlightmob: Silver, two owners owners from fromlater TCHiFully cover,Teland and black hard top.

Black carpets, shocks, exhaust, windIn British Racing Green.

641994, 0779440214 Starlight Silver, two ono.

Colin 07801 528It292 292 cover, black top.

Black wheels. rack(s).

Your chance I’veon toohard many toys. shellrated in 2010, 2010, over £30000 £30000 spent, carpets, shocks, exhaust, wind641994, mob: 0779440214 shell in over spent, ono.

Tel Colin on 07801 528 Up front/rear suspension, MGB GTfront/rear V8 3.9 (207bhp) rated suspension, local car to buy an Electronic historic sits 82000 in my garage at MOT Owned for 10 10 years years and lovingly lovingly new. 36,000 36,000 miles, miles, mot mot 29.7.16.

29.7.16.It is a Up leather interior 82000 Miles MOT Owned for and new. leather Miles screen. overdrive and Oxon or emailinterior omegadriving@aol.com bills available, Engine rebuilt by bills available, Engine rebuilt by screen.

Electronic overdrive and Oxon or email omegadriving@aol.com Kenlow, Hi output alternator, and being for its owner. sold this about 4 years ago racing car. with home while I play with it. The car that is....

It is aNew lovelybrakes TB fitted front Immaculate 1969 Kenlow, Hi bright output white alternator, restored with new panels, panels, chrome restored new chrome New rearsold brakes, pads I and and discs.

New rear brakes, pads discs.

December 2016.

New brakes front December 2016. electronic ignition for economy, (Wirral or Northamptonshire) Classic Modern, Triple Classic and Modern, Triple SU, SU, and it is used regularly at local shows. Nicely pattinated, [I and EligibleMidget for many with a mildly modified XPAG engine and steering upgrade, it drove electronic ignition for economy, MG 1971 (Wirral or Northamptonshire) Electric windows, front/rear fog66 bumpers, fuel tank, dashboard, trim Glass rear screen, wind deflector in chrome bumper front/rear model rebuilt and back.

New cam belt and servElectric windows, fog bumpers, fueltax tank, dashboard, trim Glass rearword] screen, wind deflector in equipment and back.

New cam belt and servunleaded and exempt.

Waxoyled hate that and with excellent weather classic sporting fast and well when I last used it.

Our local auction house valued it branch manifold, 123 distributor, branchleather manifold, distributor, unleaded and exempt.

Waxoyled On Sorn, BRtax green, needs new with lights, seats,123 Wire wheels and instruments, leather seats very good condition. £4000, ice.

Great 2011, £40k+ restoration with new leather seats, Wire wheels including a full tonneau. Essentially TB in spec. lights, Not events.

Very at £35K which is par for the course for a condition, TB, and this isdaily unique.driver. andundersealed. instruments, leather seats with very good condition. £4000,awith with ice.

Great condition, daily driver. and Full MOT. AbeaubeauHeavy duty speed gear from Heavy duty 55steel speed gear box box from and undersealed.

MOT. Aproject clutch, roll bar &Full hard top,paintwork, with stainless spokes, Sat-Nav expensive. hardtop. £25,995 very rare. £4,995 I’m not fussed if it goes, but ring if you are interested. £29,950 green piping to match matching House move forces £1900 body shell and numerous upgrades. with stainless steel spokes, Sat-Nav green piping to match paintwork, matching hardtop. Tel: Tel: 01491 01491 House move forces sale. sale. £1900 Hi gear engineering, Power steering, tiful Roadster. £8900 ono email Hi gear engineering, Power steering, tiful Roadster. £8900Telephone ono email type vehicle. Offers. £18000 contact Phone Mobile carpets, 641994, ono.

MGF SEColin 1999on 3.9 V8 contact injection Phone engine with £18000 Mobile carpets, shocks, shocks, exhaust, exhaust, windwind641994, mob: mob: 0779440214 0779440214 ono. Tel Tel Colin on 07801 07801 528 528 292 292 Up rated suspension, r.j@talktalk.net Up rated front/rear front/rear suspension, r.j@talktalk.net 07971 Or 01989 720711. screen.829290.

Electronic overdrive and Oxon 07958032699 home 01189668402 orWedgewood email omegadriving@aol.com In with black leather.

Emerald bespoke ignition, 5Kenlow, ECU, Hihome output alternator, 07958032699 01189668402 screen. Electronic overdrive and Oxon or email omegadriving@aol.com Kenlow, Hi output alternator, electronic ignition for economy, (Wirral or Northamptonshire) e-mail: ken.j.lund@btinternet.com Excellent of this limited Electric windows, front/rear fog speed gearbox, limited slip diff, alue-mail: ken.j.lund@btinternet.com electronic ignition for economy, (Wirral orexample Northamptonshire) unleaded and tax exempt.Waxoyled Electricleather windows, front/rear fog lights, edition.

Service history, head gasket minium radiatorseats, and Wire Kenlowwheels Fan, MORRIS MARSHALL 1958 unleaded and tax exempt.

Waxoyled and undersealed. Full MOT. A beaulights,stainless leathersteel seats, Wire Sat-Nav wheels with spokes, done, glass rear country. window. 12 months stainless steel sports exhaust. and undersealed.

Full MOT. beau-Unheard of in this tiful Roadster. £8900 ono A email with stainless steel spokes, Sat-Nav £18000 Spax contact Phone MOT, 62000 miles. Offers around Uprated suspension, RV8Mobile front tiful Roadster. £8900 ono emailA Tasmanian MGBRace RaceCar Car1962 1962 r.j@talktalk.net MG Midget 1976 car 1976 in lovely £18000 contact Phone Mobile MGB 07958032699 home 01189668402 MG Midget £2000.

Contact Adele Rand on cross member, uprated ¾” anti roll r.j@talktalk.net Full FIA Appendix K papers.

This is 1500cc rebuilt with new Heritage Heritage 07958032699 home 01189668402 Full FIA Appendix K papers. This is e-mail: ken.j.lund@btinternet.com condition.

2.6 Healey engine, 1500cc rebuilt with new 07940 509955 or email bar, poly bushes and disc brakes. one of the earliest MGBs with a full body 1999 completed summer e-mail: ken.j.lund@btinternet.com one of the earliest MGBs with a full body 1999 completed summer arriving shortly. adele1rand@btinternet.com.

Stunning white body work, tinted history.

LHD. In immaculate condimiles since. since.This This car car was was restored restored history. LHD. In immaculate condimiles £12,250 glass, RV8 power bulge bonnet, tion. Current Current UKMOT MOTand andregisregisforuse use withmechanical mechanicalparts partsoveroverMGBRoadster Roadster1966 1966 tion.

MGB RaceUK Car 1962 for with MGB MG Midget 1976 stainless steel racing door mirrors, trationapplied appliedfor. for.Only Onlyfor forsale saledue due hauledor orrenewed. renewed.Body Bodypanel paneloff off Black bodywork, bodywork, black black leather leather tration Full FIA Appendix K papers.

This is hauled Black 1500cc rebuilt with new Heritage MGB Race CarFor 1962 Webasto sunroof. New red leather change ofplans. plans. more pics, Ashley Special MG Midget 1976 sprayed all over with seats, overdrive, chrome bumper one of1936/7 theofearliest MGBs withpics, a fullCleave Brooklands/Shelsey toto change For more body 1999all completed sprayed over summer with seats, chrome previously said myKprice Ashley Cleave special,as raced at Brooklands in 37, is still for sale.

It can be bought as isoverdrive, orROADSTER I can complete it. It bumper FullAsFIA Appendix papers.

This is MGC interior and carpets, heated seats, information and contact 1500cc rebuilt with parts new Heritage undersides/hidden stone model.

Chrome wire wheels, wheels,new new history.

LHD.and In immaculate condiMGTF 1250 1958 information price competitor. contact miles since.(there This are carparts is aofrecognised Brooklands Shelley Special, dominant in trials, circuits sprints, h/c and withmodel. over 500Chrome awards.

Reviewed by undersides/hidden stone wire Professionally rebuilt awas lot ofrestored MGTF 1250 1958 one the earliest MGBs with a full Manual/overdrive and comes with a Moto Lita leather steering wheel, Robert on 07870 407111 or email body 1999 completed summer tion.

Current UK MOT and regischipped/waxoiled Stillrust rust free. hood, Motolita wheel, Bill Boddy in Motor Sport.

It isor eligible for many varied covetedsince races and events, and a possible Goodwood It starts steering atsteering 35k as wheel, Twoand owners 1965.

Fullrebuild rebuild Robert on 07870 407111 email for use to with parts MGBentry.

Roadster 1966 chipped/waxoiled Still free. hood, Motolita Two owners since Full out there) anymechanical specifications – overhistory.

LHD. Inchassis immaculate condihard-top.

Engine rebuild, Heritage and amateurs bare carbon fibre dash, centre mgcarsscotland@gmail.com is withapplied the rollingfor. and the rest negotiable.

I've had for1965.

23available years.

Orconsole you could be a real anorak and buy telligible miles since.

This carBody was &panel restored tration Onlyrestored for sale due Thorough Spring service MOT. unleaded, taxano exempt, hauled orSpring renewed. off Black bodywork, blackHeritage leather 2004/2005.

Allitbills bills Engine mgcarsscotland@gmail.com Thorough service & MOT. unleaded, tax exempt, 2004/2005.

All available Engine please call for further details. £35k but make me an offer. for anything pointy tail pub car for 50k.

Price according to spec when finished, starting at tion.

Current UK MOT and regismetal Newchrome interior, hood, with radio/cd player and instruto change of plans. For more pics, for usesale with£7000 mechanical MGBrespray.

Roadster 1966 Private sprayed all ONO. overparts overwith Certificate, history.

Appeared in seats, overdrive, bumper andgearbox gearboxoverhauled overhauledconverted converted Private sale £7000 ONO. Certificate, history.

Appeared in and tration applied for.

Only for contact sale clutch, carbs, csi ignition tyres/stainment cluster, additional soundinformation price hauled renewed.

Body off Black bodywork, black leather undersides/hidden parts panel stone model.

Chrome wire wheels, new built. This MGTD/C. Thisand is one of the very due rare competition models, with bigger valves, carbs, and'Midsomer twin shocks.

About 1200 of were one isorLHD, easy email: toemail: change, its For details ring/text 'Midsomer Murders' and 50years years MGTF 1250 1958 to Un-Leaded fuel.New green For details ring/text Murders' and isisthese 50 Un-Leaded fuel.New green to change of plans.

For more pics,has ato Robert ongood 07870 or email less steel exhaust, stainless steel proofing.

Graphite minilite MGTD 1952 sprayed chipped/waxoiled Stillover rust free.with seats, overdrive, chrome bumper hood, Motolita steering wheel, interior is and407111 correct, the paint few chips and scrapes, and it wheels. drives very well.old These are very sought after cars and |’m not asking the LHD usualalltop dollar. £22,995.

Two owners since 1965.

Full rebuild tom@tommckenna.myzen.co.uk on 18th April 2016.

Same owner leather seats and new carpets.

Beige tom@tommckenna.myzen.co.uk old on 18th April 2016.

SameHeritage owner leather seats and new carpets.

Beige mgcarsscotland@gmail.com information and price contact brake pipes fitted,and system £21,950, sensible offers considered.

Registered inIf not, thetry UK, matching Thorough Spring service &else.

MOT. unleaded, tax exempt, undersides/hidden parts stone model.

Chrome wirebrake wheels, new free, and 2004/2005.

All available Engine MG T-Types and complete collections purchased in any condition.

Garage clearouts.

Many parts for sale. Collection and delivery arranged world-wide.

Advice ITel: hope,07796341590 correct. someone MGTF 1250 1958 or last years.

MOT Feb 2017.

2017. hood, toneau andbills side screens. or Tel: 07796341590 last 77 years.

MOT Feb hood, toneau and side screens.

Robert on 07870 407111 or email Private sale £7000 restoration, ONO. Certificate, history.

Appeared in overhauled and converted to silicon Contact Peter 07753973507 or number car. Partial new and gearbox overhauled converted chipped/waxoiled Still rust free. hood, Motolita steering wheel, Two owners since 1965.

Full rebuild (Northamptonshire ) £14,950.

Telephone 07881 487 336 Electronic ignition Dry use only (Northamptonshire ) email: £14,950.

Telephone 07881 487 Electronic ignition fuel.New Dry use only For details ring/text 'Midsomer Murders' and 50 336 years mgcarsscotland@gmail.com fluid.

This car has an is extremely to Un-Leaded green peter.ellingworth@abhi.org.uk brakes, new leather interior, new Thorough Spring service & MOT. unleaded, tax exempt, Heritage 2004/2005.

All bills available Engine (Henley on Thames). since rebuild rebuild 60K 60K genuine genuine miles. miles.

(Henley Thames). since tom@tommckenna.myzen.co.uk old on on 18th April 2016.

Sameback owner leather seats and new carpets.

Beige exhausting history file going toin fuel pump newONO. battery. Good Private saleand £7000 Certificate, history.

Appeared and gearbox overhauled converted Drives andhandles handles extremely well. or pressure Tel: 07796341590 last 7Complete years. with MOTnearly Feb all2017.

Drives well. hood,and toneau and extremely side screens.

1979. old oil , body panels and wood For details ring/text email: 'Midsomer Murders' and is 50 years to Un-Leaded fuel.New green £30,00.00 To view please phone (Northamptonshire ) £14,950.

Telephone 07881 487 336 WANTED ElectronicTo ignition Dry use only £30,00.00 view please phone mots collaberating the milage frame in very good condition. tom@tommckenna.myzen.co.uk old on 18th April 2016.

Same owner leather seats and new carpets.

Beige 07785 320041 (North Cheshire) (Henley on Thames). since 320041 rebuild(North 60K genuine miles.

07785 Cheshire) approx.

000. Excellent condition £13250.00 ovno. Car from or Tel: 07796341590 last 7 21, years.

MOT Feb 2017. hood, toneau and side screens.well.

MGBGT GTV8 V83.9 3.9(207bhp) (207bhp) Drives handles extremely MG TDand Mark11 wanted.

Must be MGB 2.

For Telephone more details phone California.

Call 01273 (Northamptonshire ) 945877 for £14,950.

07881 487 336 Electronic ignition Dry use only £30,00.00 To view please phone Immaculate bright bright white white 1969 1969 RHD. Tel 01260 270589 Immaculate 01933318383 details (Henley on Thames).

MG Midget 1971 since rebuild1971 60K genuine miles.

07785 320041 (North Cheshire) chrome bumper model rebuilt MG Midget chrome bumper model rebuilt On Sorn,and BRgreen, green,needs needs new well.

Drives handles extremely MGB£40k+ GT V8 3.9 (207bhp) 2011, restoration with new new On Sorn, BR new 2011, £40k+ restoration with clutch, rollbar bar hardtop, top,project project £30,00.00 To&&view please phone Immaculate bright white 1969 body shell and numerous upgrades. clutch, roll hard MG Midget 1971 body shell and numerous upgrades. type vehicle.

Offers.

Telephone chrome bumper model rebuilt 07785 320041 (North Cheshire) MGFSE SE1999 1999 3.9 V8 injection engine with type vehicle.

Offers.

Telephone On Sorn, BR green, needs new MGF 3.9 V8 injection enginewithwith MGA1650 16501959 1959 2011, restoration new 07971 829290.Or Or01989 01989720711.

720711.

MGB£40k+ GT V8 3.9 (207bhp) MGA InWedgewood Wedgewood with with black black leather. leather.

Emerald ECU, bespoke ignition, 507971 829290. clutch, roll bar & hard top, project In Emerald ECU, ignition, 5body shell andbespoke numerous upgrades.

Built to to 1980’s 1980’s MGCC MGCC MGA MGA Immaculate bright white 1969 Built Excellent example of this limited speed gearbox, limited slip diff, alutype vehicle.

Offers.

Telephone Excellent example MGF SE 1999 of this limited speed limited engine slip diff, alu3.9 gearbox, V8 injection with MG Midget 1971 Modified championship regs.Body Body chrome bumper model rebuilt Modified championship regs.

MGA 1650 1959 edition.

Service history, head gasket minium radiator and Kenlow Kenlow Fan, 07971 829290. Or 01989 720711.

In Wedgewood with black leather. edition.

Service history, head gasket Emerald ECU, bespoke ignition, 5minium radiator and Fan, On Sorn, BR green, needs new & chassis steel as original, ally 2011, £40k+ restoration with new to steel 1980’sas MGCC & Built chassis original, MGA ally done, glassrear rearwindow. window.

12months months stainless steel limited sportsslip exhaust.

Excellent example of 12 this limited speed gearbox, diff, aludone, glass stainless steel sports exhaust. clutch, roll bar & hard top, project doors, boot, bonnetfloors floors etc.Full Full Modified championship regs.

Body body shell and numerous upgrades. doors, boot, bonnet etc.

MOT, 62000 miles.

Offers around Uprated Spax suspension, RV8 front edition.

Service history, head gasket miniumSpax radiator and Kenlow Fan, MOT, 62000 miles.

Offers around Uprated suspension, RV8 front type vehicle. Offers. Telephone width low perspex perspex windscreen, & chassis steel as windscreen, original, ally MGFglass SE 1999 3.9 member, V8 injection engine with width low £2000.

Contact Adele Rand Rand on cross uprated ¾”anti antiroll roll done, rear window.

12 months stainless steel sports exhaust. £2000.

Contact Adele on MGA 1650 1959 cross member, uprated ¾” 07971 829290.

Or 01989 720711. steel rollboot, overbonnet cage bolted toetc. chasdoors, floorsto Full In Wedgewood with black leather.

Emerald ECU,suspension, bespoke ignition, 5steel roll over cage bolted chasMOT, 62000 miles. Offers around 07940 509955 or email Uprated Spax RV8 front bar, poly bushes and disc brakes.

07940 509955 or email Builtall to 1980’s MGA bar, poly bushes and disc brakes. width low perspexMGCC windscreen, sis, removable.

Race proven ExcellentContact exampleAdele of this limited speedmember, gearbox, limitedwork, slip anti diff, alu£2000.

Rand on cross uprated ¾” roll sis, all removable.

Race proven adele1rand@btinternet.com.

Stunning white body tinted adele1rand@btinternet.com.

Modified championship regs.

Body Stunning white body work, tinted steel roll over cage bolted tomodichasengine, steel crank/flywheel, 07940 509955 email edition. Service history,or head gasket bar, poly and disc brakes. minium radiator and Kenlow Fan, engine, steel crank/flywheel, modiglass, RV8bushes power bulge bonnet, sis, all removable.

Race proven & chassis steel as original, ally glass, RV8 power bulge bonnet, fied pistons/rods race cam all lightadele1rand@btinternet.com.

Stunning white body work, tinted done, glass rear window. 12 months stainlesssteel steel sports exhaust. fied pistons/rods race cam all lightstainless racing door mirrors, engine, steel bonnet crank/flywheel, modidoors,balanced boot, floors etc.

Full stainless steel power racing door mirrors, ened etc, Weber Weber carb, glass, RV8 bulge bonnet, MOT, 62000 miles.

Offers around Uprated Spax suspension, RV8 front Please check this proof carefully for errors in style, content and layout. ened balanced etc, carb, Webastosunroof. sunroof.New Newred redleather leather fied pistons/rods race cam all lightwidth lowstraight perspex windscreen, Webasto close ratio cutgears. gears. stainless steel racing door £2000.

Contact Rand on cross member, uprated ¾”mirrors, anti roll Although every care is exercised in preparing your advert, we Adele cannot hold close ratio straightetc, cut MGC ROADSTER interior and carpets, carpets, heated seats, ened balanced Weberto carb, steel roll over cage bolted MGC ROADSTER interior and heated seats, Webasto sunroof.

New red leather Modified brakes, shocks etc,chas6’’ 07940 509955 or email bar, poly bushes and disc brakes. ourselves responsible for anywith inaccuracies you may overlook.

Modified brakes, etc, 6’’ close ratio straightshocks cut gears.

Manual/overdrive andcomes comes Moto Litaand leather steering wheel, sis, all removable.

Race proven Manual/overdrive and with aa Moto Lita leather steering wheel, MGC ROADSTER interior carpets, heated seats, steel wheels with little use.

Avon adele1rand@btinternet.com.

Stunning white body work, tinted Modified shocks steel wheelsbrakes, with little use. etc, Avon6’’ hard-top.

Engine rebuild, and bare carbon fibreleather dash, centre centre console SHOULD YOU REQUIRE ANY ALTERATIONS TO THIS PROOF PLEASE Manual/overdrive and comes with a Moto fibre Lita steering wheel, engine, steel crank/flywheel, modihard-top.

Engine rebuild, and bare carbon dash, console road tyres pluswith setofof wheels with steeltyres wheels little use.with Avon glass,radio/cd RV8 power bulge bonnet, road plus set wheels metal respray.

New interior, hood, with playercentre and instruinstruhard-top.

Engine rebuild, and bare carbon fibre player dash, console fied pistons/rods race cam all lightmetal respray.

New interior, hood, with radio/cd and . _ _ _ _ _ TELEPHONE BEFORE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ AND QUOTE ADVERT NO old racers etc.

All standard lights road tyres plus set of wheels with stainless steel racing door mirrors, old racers etc.

All standard lights clutch, carbs, csiignition ignition tyres/stainment cluster, additional additional soundmetalcarbs, respray.

New interior, hood, with cluster, radio/cd player andsoundinstruened balanced etc, Weber carb, clutch, csi tyres/stainment etc fitted road legal, no MOT or tax old racers etc.

All standard lights Webasto sunroof.

New red leather etc fitted road legal, no MOT or tax less steel exhaust, stainless steel proofing.

Graphite minilite wheels. clutch, carbs, csi ignition tyres/stainment cluster, additional soundMGTD LHD 1952 close ratio straight gears. less steel exhaust, stainless steel proofing. Graphite minilite wheels.

MGTD LHD 1952 etc fitted road legal, cut no tax required because of MOT age. or Last MGC ROADSTER interior sensible and carpets, heated seats, required because of age.

Last less steel exhaust, stainless steel proofing.

Graphite minilite wheels. brake pipes fitted,and brake system £21,950, offers considered.

MGTD LHD 1952 Registered inin the the UK, UK, matching matching Modified brakes, shocks 6’’ brake pipes fitted,and brake system £21,950, sensible offers considered.

Registered required because of age.etc, Last rebuilt/raced 1996, stored since Manual/overdrive and comes with a Moto Lita leather steering wheel, brake pipes fitted,and brake system £21,950, sensible offers considered. rebuilt/raced 1996, stored since Registered in therestoration, UK, matching overhauledand andconverted convertedtotosilicon silicon Contact Peter Peter 07753973507 07753973507 or or number car.Partial Partial new rebuilt/raced 1996, stored steel awheels with little use. since Avon overhauled Contact number car. restoration, new with little road use.

Reg overhauled and converted to Contact Peter 07753973507 or hard-top.

Engine andsilicon bare carbon fibre dash, centre console numbernew car. Partial new with a a little road use.

Reg fluid.

This car car hasrebuild, an extremely extremely peter.ellingworth@abhi.org.uk brakes, leatherrestoration, interior, new new with little road use. since Reg road tyres plus set of with fluid.

This an peter.ellingworth@abhi.org.uk brakes, new leather interior, WWP444.

Owned by wheels me fluid. carhas has an extremely peter.ellingworth@abhi.org.uk brakes, new leather interior, new metalThis respray.

New interior, hood, with radio/cd player and instruWWP444.

Owned by me since exhausting history filegoing going back to fuel pump and new battery.

Good WWP444.

Owned by me since old racers etc.

All standard lights exhausting history file back to fuel pump and new battery.

Good 1977 'ish.

Various spares availabl. exhausting history file going back to fuel pump and new battery.

Good clutch, carbs, csi with ignition tyres/stainment cluster, additional sound1977 'ish. spares availabl.

1979.

Complete nearly all old oilpressure pressure , bodypanels panels andwood wood 1977 'ish.Various Various spares availabl.

Telephone 01206 Fax 01206 500180 etc fitted road legal, no MOT tax 1979.

Complete with oil , body 1979.

Complete withnearly nearlyallallold old £19,000 ono.

Contact me or Eric oil pressure , body1952 panelsand and wood WANTED less steel exhaust, stainless steel proofing. WANTED Graphite minilite wheels.

MGTD LHD £19,000 ono.

Contact me mots collaberating the milage milage £19,000 ono.

Contact me Eric Eric frame in very very good good condition. condition.

WANTED required because of age.

Last mots collaberating the frame in mots collaberating the milage in very good condition.

Hoult on 07872521382 or We reserve the rightbrake to charge for anyframe alteration to this proof which brake pipes fitted,and system £21,950, sensible offers considered.

Registered in the UK, matching Hoult Hoult onon 07872521382 07872521382 oror approx.

21, 000.

Excellent condition £13250.00 ovno.

Car from approx.

21, 000.

Excellent condition rebuilt/raced 1996, stored since approx.

21, 000.

Excellent condition £13250.00 ovno. Car Car from from £13250.00 ovno. ejhoult@googlemail.com is a departure from the originalcar. copy MG TD Mark11 wanted.

Must be overhauled and converted tophone silicon Contact Peter wanted.

07753973507 or ejhoult@googlemail.com number Partial restoration, new ejhoult@googlemail.com MG TDMark11 Mark11 wanted.Must Mustbe be 2.2.

For more details California.

Call 01273 945877 for MG TD For more more details details phone phone California.Call Call01273 01273945877 945877for for with a little road use. Reg 2.

For California.

(Cornwall) RHD. Tel 01260 270589 (Cornwall) fluid. This car has an extremely peter.ellingworth@abhi.org.uk brakes, new leather interior, new RHD. Tel01260 01260270589 270589 (Cornwall) 01933318383 details RHD. Tel 01933318383 details WWP444. Owned by me since 01933318383 details exhausting history file going back to fuel pump and new battery. Good 1977 'ish. Various spares availabl.

1979. Complete with nearly all old oil pressure , body panels and wood £19,000 ono. Contact me Eric WANTED mots collaberating the milage frame in very good condition.

Hoult on 07872521382 or approx. 21, 000. Excellent condition £13250.00 ovno. Car from ejhoult@googlemail.com MG TD Mark11 wanted. Must be 2.

For more details phone California. Call 01273 945877 for (Cornwall) RHD. Tel 01260 270589 MARCH 2016 93 www.mgcc.co.uk 01933318383 details

C ar ter e i r r a B

COMING SOON...

CM02.16/B15/rpa

XPAG engines supplied

1500cc rebuilt w body 1999 co miles since. This for use with mec hauled or renew sprayed all undersides/hidd chipped/waxoiled Thorough Spring Private sale £700 For details ring/t tom@tommcke or Tel: 07796341 (Northamptonsh

MGA 1650 19

Built to 1980 Modified champ & chassis stee doors, boot, bon width low per steel roll over ca sis, all remova engine, steel cra fied pistons/rods ened balanced close ratio straig Modified brakes steel wheels wi road tyres plus old racers etc. etc fitted road le required becau rebuilt/raced 19 with a little WWP444. Own 1977 'ish. Vario £19,000 ono. C Hoult on 0 ejhoult@googlem (Cornwall)

URGENT PROOF

MG_SafetyFast_March16_43-98.indd 93

23/02/2016 11:36

P R OT E C T YO U R I N V E S T M E N T. . . . w i t h Wa xo y l t r e a t m e n t Vehicle Rustproofing Procedure The first thing we’ll do upon your arrival is to give your vehicle an initial inspection and assessment while you are present. We know it can be scary leaving your pride and joy with someone else! We will also answer any questions that you may have.

We will clean the underside of your vehicle, removing all dirt, loose rust or flaking underseal/paint. Any plastic, inner wheel arch covers are carefully removed at this point to gain access to the areas behind which are often secretly harbouring months, if not years of mud and salt accumulation!

Detailed preparation is the key to good and lasting protection.

Brakes and exhausts are carefully masked up before it is coated with durable, black, rust inhibiting underbody wax. Cavity wax is also injected into all the crossmembers.

Tricketts offer a complete service to F and TF owners including headgasket, cam belt and clutch replacements, body repairs including fitting of replacement subframes, carrying out underbody/ cavity rust prevention treatment, MOTs and routine servicing.

Trickett Welding (Poole) Ltd 48a Holton Road Holton Heath Trading Estate Poole Dorset, BH16 6LT Tel: 01202 625050 Mobile: 07831657831 Email: info@trickettwelding.co.uk

What you should expect from your classic car insurer A business you can trust

Independent and family owned since 1965

Speak to the same person everytime

Your own personal client manager

You would expect from a classic car policy

To speak to your personal client manager call now on www.heritagecarinsurance.co.uk

‘We believe that this is expert personal service at its best’ Mark Wilkinson Managing Partner Chris Wilkinson Senior Partner

Heritage Classic Car Insurance, part of Norton Insurance is authorised & regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

94

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MARCH 2016

MG_SafetyFast_March16_43-98.indd 94

03/02/2015 16:22:53

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/02/2016 11:53

CARS FOR SALE

wo owners from es, mot 29.7.16. , pads and discs. wind deflector in tion. £4000, with op. Tel: 01491 9440214

Spark 135

wo owners from es, mot 29.7.16. r 1962 s, pads and discs. papers.

This is ,K wind deflector in ttion.

MGBs with awith full £4000, mmaculate op. Tel: condi01491 K9440214 MOT and regis-

Only for sale due

1s. For more pics,

ng price ex- Californian contact er407111 £30000orspent, email ngine rebuilt by gmail.com ern, Triple SU, 6 123 distributor, ed gear box from g, Power steering, rear1962 suspension, ar tput alternator, K papers.

This is s,t MGBs front/rear with afog full ats, Wire wheels immaculate condiKl spokes, MOT and regisSat-Nav r. Only for sale due Phone Mobile ns.

For more pics, .9 01189668402 (207bhp) me dht price white contact 1969 @btinternet.com 407111 email model orrebuilt gmail.com oration with new merous upgrades. n engine with spoke ignition, 5mited slip diff, aluand Kenlow Fan, sports exhaust. pension, RV8 front rated ¾” anti roll 958 nd disc brakes.

3.9 (207bhp) 1965.work, Full rebuild ght white 1969 ody tinted Engine rrs available model rebuilt bulge bonnet, oration with new hauled converted ing door mirrors, merous upgrades. fuel.New green New red leather on carpets. engine with new ets, heated Beige seats, spoke ignition, 5side screens. rmited steering wheel, slip diff, alun centre Dry use only h, console and Kenlow Fan, Kyergenuine miles. instrusportsandexhaust. s extremely well. dditional soundpension, RV8 front er 1970 w please phone rated ¾” anti roll minilite wheels. tish Racing Green. orth Cheshire) nd disc brakes. offers considered.

MGC GT 1971 Starlight Silver, two owners from Fully restored using exnew.

36,000 miles, motCalifornian 29.7.16.

New brakes, and discs. shell rear in 2010, overpads £30000 spent, Glass screen,Engine wind deflector bills rear available, rebuilt in by very good with6 Classic andcondition.

Modern, £4000, Triple SU, matching hardtop.123Tel: 01491 branch manifold, distributor, 641994, mob: 0779440214 Heavy duty 5 speed gear box from Oxon Hi gear engineering, Power steering, Up rated front/rear suspension, Kenlow, Hi output alternator, Electric windows, front/rear fog lights, leather seats, Wire wheels with stainless steel spokes, Sat-Nav £18000 contact Phone Mobile 07958032699 home 01189668402 e-mail: ken.j.lund@btinternet.com MGB Car 1962 MGCRace GT 1971

MGB Roadster 1970

MG TF 160 2002

Tahiti Blue, blue hood plus tonneau cover, and black hard top. Black leather interior 82000 Miles MOT December 2016. New brakes front and back. New cam belt and service. Great condition, daily driver.

SPORTS CLASSICS 26/09/2012 14:24 Page 1 House move forces sale. £1900 ono. Tel Colin on 07801 528 292 or email omegadriving@aol.com (Wirral or Northamptonshire)

ANY CONDITION

MG TF 160 2002 Fully restored using ex- Californian In traditional British Racing Green. shell in Roadster 2010, over 1970 £30000 spent, MGB Tahiti Blue, blue hood plus tonneau Owned for 10 years and lovingly bills available,British EngineRacing rebuilt by In traditional Green. cover, and top.

Black restored withblack new hard panels, chrome Classic SU, 6 Owned and for Modern, 10 yearsTriple and lovingly leather interior 82000 Miles MOT bumpers, fuel tank, dashboard, trim branch manifold, 123 distributor, restored with new panels, chrome December 2016. leather New brakes front and instruments, seats with Heavy duty 5 speed gear box from MG16 BUCKS SPORTS CLASSICS_BUCKS bumpers, fuel tank, dashboard, trim and back.

New beltpaintwork, and servgreen piping to cam match Hi gear engineering, Power steering, and instruments, leather seats with carpets, exhaust, ice. Greatshocks, condition, daily winddriver.

Up rated front/rear suspension, screen. overdrive and green piping match alternator, paintwork, House Electronic move forces sale. £1900 Kenlow, Hi to output electronic ignition for economy, carpets, windows, shocks, exhaust, ono. Tel Colin on 07801 528 292 Electric front/rearwindfog unleaded tax exempt.Waxoyled screen.leather Electronic and or emailand omegadriving@aol.com lights, seats, overdrive Wire wheels and undersealed. Full MOT. A beauelectronic for economy, with stainlessignition steel spokes, Sat-Nav (Wirral or Northamptonshire) tiful Roadster. £8900 ono email £18000 contact Phone Mobile unleaded and tax exempt.

Waxoyled r.j@talktalk.net 07958032699 home 01189668402 and undersealed. Full MOT. A beaue-mail: ken.j.lund@btinternet.com tiful Roadster. £8900 ono email

07774 484497 • 01923 840236 ejwhitescars@aol.com www.mgandporsche.com Northwood, Middlesex

www.mgandporsche.com

r.j@talktalk.net

Bucks Sports & Classic Car Centre MG TF 160 2002

MG Midget 1976

Specialist in MGA, B, C, V8, RV8, Midgets, and MGF. Specialists in MGA, B, C, V8, Also Midgets specialists in RV8, and MGF. early Minis Also specialists in early Minis

MGB Roadster 1970 Tahiti Blue, blue hood plus tonneau Full FIA Appendix K papers.

This is with new Heritage Fully restored using ex- Californian WE HAVE MOVED TO1500cc NEWrebuilt PREMISES In traditional British Racing Green. cover, and black hard top. Black one the2010, earliest MGBs with spent, a full body 1999 completed summer shellof in over £30000 RABANS CLOSE, HP19 8RS Owned for 10 years and lovingly leather10 interior 82000 Miles MOT AYLESBURY. history.

LHD. In immaculate condimiles since. This car was restored bills available, Engine rebuilt by MG Midget 1976 restored with new panels, chrome December 2016.

New brakes front tion.

Current UK MOTTriple and regisfor use with mechanical parts overMGB Roadster 1966 Classic and Modern, SU, 6 1500cc rebuilt new Heritage bumpers, fuel tank, dashboard, trim and back.

New with camblack belt and servtration for. Only sale due hauled or renewed. Body panel off Black bodywork, leather branchapplied manifold, 123 for distributor, body 1999 condition, completed summer and instruments, leather seats with ice. Great dailybumper driver. toHeavy change of 5plans. more sprayed all over with seats, overdrive, chrome duty speedFor gear box pics, from green piping to match paintwork, Housesince. move sale. £1900 miles Thisforces car was restored information and price undersides/hidden parts stone model.

Chrome wire wheels, new Hi gear engineering, Power contact steering, MGTF 1250 1958 carpets, shocks, exhaust, windono.

Tel Colin on 07801 528 Robert on 07870 407111 or email for use with mechanical parts overMGB Roadster 1966 A80 - SNOWDENS OF HARROGATE_SNOWDENS 16/12/2015 10:17 Page 1292 chipped/waxoiled Still rust free. hood, Motolita steering wheel, Up rated front/rear suspension, Two owners since 1965.

Full rebuild screen.

Electronic overdrive and or email omegadriving@aol.com mgcarsscotland@gmail.com hauled or For renewed.

Body panel off contact Black black leather MG TFbodywork, 160 Thorough unleaded, tax exempt, Heritage Kenlow, Hi output alternator, 2004/2005.

All 2002 bills available Engine friendly advice PeteSpring Gilesservice on & MOT. electronic ignition for economy, (Wirral or Northamptonshire) Private sale £7000 ONO. Certificate, history.

Appearedwith in sprayed all over seats, overdrive, chrome bumper ElectricRoadster windows, 1970 front/rear fog MGB Tahiti Blue, blue hood plus tonneau and gearbox overhauled converted unleaded and tax exempt.Waxoyled For details ring/text email: 'Midsomer Murders' 433550 and is 50 years lights, leather seats, Wire Green. wheels to Un-Leaded fuel.New undersides/hidden parts stoneor Mob: In traditional British model.

Chrome new Tel: 01296 07831 404968 cover, and black wire hardwheels, top. green Black MGTF 1250 1958Racing and undersealed. Full MOT. A beautom@tommckenna.myzen.co.uk old on 18th April 2016.

Same owner withowners stainless steel spokes, Sat-Nav leather seats and 82000 new carpets.

Beige Owned for 10 years and chipped/waxoiled Still rust free. hood, Motolita steering wheel, leather interior Miles MOT Two since 1965.

Fulllovingly rebuild tiful Roadster. £8900 ono email www.mgsonthenet.co.uk www.mgsonthenet.co.uk email: peter.giles@mgsonthenet.co.uk or Tel: 07796341590 last 7 years.

MOT Feb& 2017. £18000 with contact Phonechrome Mobile hood, toneau andexempt, side screens. restored Thorough Spring service MOT. unleaded, tax Heritage December 2016.

New brakes front 2004/2005.

All new bills panels, available Engine r.j@talktalk.net (Northamptonshire ) £14,950.

Telephone 07881 487 336OSIER 07958032699 homedashboard, 01189668402 Electronic ignition use only 10 Rabans Aylesbury.

HP19 BUCKS 8RS UNIT 18,sale PARK STREET IND Close, ESTATE, WAY, AYLESBURY, HP20 1EB bumpers, fuel overhauled tank, trim Private £7000 ONO. Certificate, history.

Appeared in and back. New camDry belt and servand gearbox converted (Henley on Thames). e-mail: ken.j.lund@btinternet.com since rebuild 60K genuine miles. and seatsgreen with For details ring/text email: 'Midsomer is 50driver. years ice.

Great Murders' condition,and daily to instruments, Un-Leaded leather fuel.New Drives and handles extremely well. green to new match paintwork, tom@tommckenna.myzen.co.uk House move forces sale. owner £1900 old on 18th April 2016. Same leatherpiping seats and carpets.

Beige £30,00.00 To view please phone carpets, shocks, exhaust, windono.

Colin(North on 07801 292 or Tel: 07796341590 last 7Tel years.

MOT Feb5282017. hood, toneau and side screens.

07785 320041 Cheshire) screen.

Electronic and Electronic ignition Dry use only MGB GT V8 3.9 overdrive (207bhp) electronic ignition for economy, since rebuild 60K genuine miles.

Immaculate bright white 1969 unleaded and tax exempt.

Waxoyled Drives and handles extremely well. chrome bumper model rebuilt and undersealed.

Full please MOT. A phone beau2011, £40k+Torestoration with new £30,00.00 view tiful £8900 Cheshire) ono email body shell and numerous upgrades.

07785Roadster.

320041 (North 3.9 V8 injection engine with r.j@talktalk.net

Emerald ECU, bespoke ignition, 5MGTF 1250 1958 slip diff, aluspeed gearbox, limited MG Midget 1971 Two owners since 1965. Full rebuild minium radiator and Kenlow Fan, On Sorn, BRAll green, newEngine 2004/2005. bills needs available stainless steel sports exhaust. clutch, roll baroverhauled & hard top,converted project and gearbox Uprated Spax suspension, RV8 front type vehicle. Offers.fuel.New Telephonegreen to Un-Leaded cross member, uprated ¾” anti roll leather829290. seats and new carpets.

Beige 07971 720711. bar, poly bushes Or and01989 disc brakes. hood, toneau and side screens.

Stunning white body work, tinted Electronic ignition Dry use only glass, RV8 power bulge bonnet, since rebuild 60K genuine miles. stainless steel racing1966 door mirrors, MGB Roadster Drives and handles extremely well.

Webasto sunroof. New red leather Black bodywork, black leather £30,00.00 To view please phone interior and carpets, heatedbumper seats, seats, overdrive, chrome 07785 320041 (North Cheshire) Moto leatherwire steering wheel, model.Lita Chrome wheels, new carbon fibre dash, centre console hood, Motolita steering wheel, with player and instruMGradio/cd Midget unleaded, tax 1971 exempt, Heritage ment cluster, additional soundOn Sorn, BRhistory. green, needs new Certificate, Appeared in proofing.

Graphite minilite wheels. clutch, roll bar & hard top, project 'Midsomer Murders' andconsidered. is 50 years £21,950, sensible offers type vehicle. Offers. Telephone old on 18th April 07753973507 2016. Same owner Contact Peter or MGC ROADSTER 07971 829290.

Or 01989 720711. last 7 years. MOT Feb with 2017.a peter.ellingworth@abhi.org.uk Manual/overdrive and comes

£14,950.

07881and 487 bare 336 hard-top. Telephone Engine rebuild, (Henley on Thames). metal respray.

New interior, hood, WANTED MG TF 160 2002 clutch, carbs, csi ignition tyres/stainTahiti Blue, blue hood plus tonneau MG TD Mark11 wanted.

Must be less steel exhaust, stainless cover, and black hard top. steel Black RHD. Tel 01260 270589brake system brake pipes fitted,and years and lovingly leather interior 82000 Miles MOT body work, tinted overhauled converted to silicon 07753973507 or w panels, chrome December and 2016.

New brakes front er bulge bonnet, fluid.

This New car has @abhi.org.uk k, dashboard, trim and back. cam an beltextremely and serv71 ing doorseats mirrors, leather with ice. Greathistory condition, dailyback driver. exhausting file going to n, needsred new .match New leather paintwork, HouseComplete move forces sale. all £1900 1979. with nearly old hard top, project MGC ROADSTER ets, heated seats, NTED exhaust, windono. Tel Colin on 07801 292 mots collaberating the 528 milage Manual/overdrive and comes with a rs. Telephone steering wheel, ic overdrive and MGF SE 1999 or email omegadriving@aol.com approx.

21, 000.

Excellent condition hard-top.

Engine rebuild, and bare h, centre console 01989 on for 720711. economy, (Wirral or Northamptonshire) In Wedgewood with black leather. wanted.

Must be 2. more metal For respray.

Newdetails interior,phone hood, ayer and instruexempt.

Waxoyled Excellent example of this limited 70589 01933318383 clutch, carbs, csi ignition tyres/staindditional soundFull MOT. A beauedition.

Service history, head gasket less steel exhaust, stainless steel e8900 minilite onowheels. email www.mgcc.co.uk done, window.

12 months brakeglass pipesrear fitted,and brake system offers considered.

MOT, 62000and miles.

Offerstoaround overhauled converted silicon 07753973507 or £2000.

Contact Adele on fluid. This car has an Rand extremely @abhi.org.uk exhausting509955 history file going to 07940 or back email MG_SafetyFast_March16_43-98.indd 95 1979. Complete with nearly all old adele1rand@btinternet.com.

NTED mots collaberating the milage

or email Telephone omegadriving@aol.com £14,950.

07881 487 336 (Wirral (Henley or onNorthamptonshire) Thames).

MG Midget 1971

On Sorn, BR green, needs new MGBroll Roadster clutch, bar & hard1966 top, project Black bodywork, black leather type vehicle.

Offers. Telephone seats, 829290. overdrive, chrome bumper 07971 Or 01989 720711. model. Chrome wire wheels, new hood, Motolita steering wheel, unleaded, tax exempt, Heritage Certificate, history. Appeared in 'Midsomer Murders' MG Midget 1976and is 50 years MGF SE 1999 old on 18th April 2016. Same owner 1500cc rebuilt with In Wedgewood with new blackHeritage leather. last 71999 years.

MOT Feb 2017. body completed summer Excellent example of this limited £14,950. Telephone 07881 487 336 miles since. Thishistory, car was restored edition.

(HenleyService on Thames). head gasket

for useglass withrear mechanical overdone, window.parts 12 months hauled or renewed. off MOT, 62000 miles. Body Offerspanel around MGC ROADSTER sprayed all Adele over Randwith £2000. Contact on Manual/overdrive and parts comes with a undersides/hidden stone 07940 509955 or email hard-top. Engine rebuild, and bare chipped/waxoiled Still rust free. adele1rand@btinternet.com. metal respray. New interior, hood, Thorough Spring service & MOT. clutch, carbs, csi ignition tyres/stainPrivate sale £7000 ONO. less steel exhaust, stainless steel For details brake pipes ring/text fitted,andemail: brake system MGF SEand 1999 tom@tommckenna.myzen.co.uk overhauled converted to silicon In Tel: Wedgewood withanblack leather. or 07796341590 fluid.

This car has extremely Excellent history examplefile)ofgoing thisback limited (Northamptonshire exhausting to

edition.

Service with history, headallgasket 1979.

Complete nearly old done, glass rear window. months mots collaberating the12 milage MOT, 62000 miles.

Offers around approx.

21,SELLING 000.

Excellent condition £2000.

Contact Adele on MGTD LHD 2.

For more1952 details Rand phone YOUR CAR? 07940 509955 or matching email Registered in the UK, 01933318383 As a member of the MG Car adele1rand@btinternet.com. number car. Partial restoration, new

Club you can advertise your car brakes, new leather interior, new in Safety Fast for free. Just email fuel pump and new battery. Good car details, 60and words, oilyour pressure , bodymax panels wood togetherin with JPEG picture to frame verya good condition.

Colin Grant at colingrant@mgcc. £13250.00 ovno.

Car from MGA 1650 1959 co.uk.toNon member fee is £20 California.

Call 01273 945877 for Built 1980’s MGCC MGA details championship regs. Body Modified &MGTD chassis LHD steel 1952 as original, ally Registered in the UK, matching doors, boot, bonnet floors etc. Full number car. Partial restoration, new width low perspex windscreen, brakes, new leather interior, new steel roll over cage bolted to chasfuel pump and new battery. Good sis, all removable.

Raceand proven oil pressure , body panels wood engine, crank/flywheel, modiframe steel in very good condition.

CC10.12/MG16/p

park 135

MGC GT 1971

FOR SALE: MG Midget 1976 (Northamptonshire )

1500cc rebuilt with new Heritage body 1999 completed summer miles since. This car was restored for use with mechanical parts overhauled or renewed. Body panel off MGF SE 1999 sprayed all over with MGA 1650 1959 In Wedgewood with black leather. undersides/hidden parts stone Built to 1980’s MGCC MGA Excellent example of this limited chipped/waxoiled Still rust free.

Modified championship regs. Body edition. Service history, head gasket Thorough Spring service & workshops MOT. & in chassis steel as original, ally Detached house with Lechlade, Glos. done, glass rear window.

12 2 months Private sale £7000 ONO. doors, boot, bonnet floors etc. Full MOT, 62000 miles.

Offers around Guide price: £750,000.

For details ring/text email: width low perspex windscreen, Contact Adele 4Rand on 4£2000. bedroom, 4 reception, shower/ tom@tommckenna.myzen.co.uk MGA 1650 1959 or steel roll over cage bolted to chas07940 509955 email bathroom, double garage with or Tel: to 07796341590 sis, all removable. Race proven Built 1980’s MGCC MGA adele1rand@btinternet.com. vehicular access to good-sized (Northamptonshire ) regs. Body engine, steel crank/flywheel, modiModified garden andchampionship workshops (22’ x 12’ & 16’ fied pistons/rods race cam all lightas original, ally x&8’).chassis Ideal forsteel plane/car construction. ened balanced etc, Weber carb, doors, boot, bonnet floors etc. Full close ratio straight cut gears.

Forlowdetails contact maureen@jcliff.waitrose.com width perspex windscreen, Modified brakes, shocks etc, 6’’ steel roll over cage bolted to chassteel wheels with little use. Avon sis, all removable. Race proven road tyres plus set of wheels with engine, steel crank/flywheel, modiold racers etc. All standard lights fied pistons/rods cam all light- FORetc MG race SPECIALISTS OVER YEARS fitted30 road legal, no MOT or tax MGTD LHD 1952 required because of age. Last ened balanced etc, Weber carb, Registered in the UK, matching rebuilt/raced 1996, stored since close ratio straight cut gears. new number Partial restoration, MGA car.

1650 1959 with a little road use. Reg Modified brakes, etc, 6’’ brakes, new leathershocks interior, new Built to 1980’s MGCC MGA WWP444. Owned by me since steel wheels use.Good Avon fuel pump andwith new little battery.

Modified championship regs.

Body 1977 'ish. Various spares availabl. road tyres plus set of wheels with oil pressure , body panels and wood & chassis steel as original, ally £19,000 ono. Contact me Eric frame in very good condition. old racers etc.

All standard lights doors, boot, bonnet floors etc.

Full Hoult on 07872521382 or £13250.00 ovno. from etc fittedlow roadperspex legal, noCar MOT or tax width windscreen, ejhoult@googlemail.com California.

Call 01273 for steel roll over cage bolted to chasrequired because of945877 age.

Last (Cornwall) details sis, all removable.

Race proven rebuilt/raced 1996, stored since engine,a steel with littlecrank/flywheel, road use. modiReg fied pistons/rods race cam all lightWWP444.

Owned by me since Re-shell to a very high standard, 1971 Tartan Red MGB Roadster, ened balanced etc, Weber carb, MOT &spares history going back 16 years £15,950 1977 'ish. Various availabl. close ratio straight cut gears. £19,000 Contact Modified ono. brakes, shocksmeetc,Eric 6’’ 2015 Hoult on with 07872521382 or steel wheels little use. Avon ejhoult@googlemail.com TRADE MEMBER tyres plus set of wheels with road (Cornwall) old racers etc. All standard lights etc fitted road legal, no MOT or tax MARCH 2016 95 required because of age. Last rebuilt/raced 1996, stored since with a little road use. Reg WWP444. Owned by me since Please check this 1977 'ish. Various spares availabl.

23/02/2016 11:36 Although every car £19,000 ono. Contact me Eric

SNOWDENS OF HARROGATE

www.snowdensmgs.com Harrogate 01423 502406

CM02.16/A80/f

MGTF 2005 Spark 135

ANY MG WANTED

UR

PLEASE NOTE: ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

ourselves respons

CLASSIFIEDS

SPARES FOR SALE

MGB (Feb 197

Black vinyl packa minus header rai black metal foldin good condition.

Telephone: 0125 (Holland On Sea

HOW TO ADVERTISE

Members can advertise their spares for sale/wanted free of charge for items up to £250.

Over £250, or for non-members to advertise, there is a charge of £20. To submit your advertisement email Colin Grant at colingrant@mgcc.co.uk. Please remember to include your membership number in all correspondence

MGA

Standard cast exhaust manifold, single box stainless steel exhaust system, radiator grille bars (excluding the shell) £125 the lot or will split. Chris Bone, Swaffham, Norfolk 07963489567 / 01760-722730 Email chrisbone.mg@gmail.com

MGC/B

Soft top hood and frame. To fit >71. As good as new, in excellent condition. Stayfast black fabric. Black pack away frame.

Without header rail. £150. Email john.philps@btinternet.com

MG TA Parts

Pair front wings £450 each Pair rear wings £320 each Doors complete with locks, handles, inner lining £380 each Scuttle top £150 Petrol tank with straps and end panels £250 Front splash apron £200 Steel bonnet £350 Bulkhead body tub with tool box, (no lids) £350 Hood frame £150 Side sceeens frames x 4 £120 All require some refurbishment Please telephone 01833 660000 email: rgb_architects@gmx.com to discuss (Darlington)

MG. TA.

Engine Dipstick stamped 'low/normal/high' and 'engine'.

This is 3/8" dia. With a penetration of 6 1/4" collar to tip. MG medallion on top. £20.

Gearbox dipstick Part No stamped '22125' measures 8 3/4" o/all and 3/8" dia. Stamped low/normal/high. This is a solid dipstick with no middle spring.

MG medallion on top. £15.

Camshaft bronze spilt bearing used condition. Stamped 22083 (clear) and 22082 (probably).

56mm dia. £30.

P&P each item £3.00. Cheque or Paypal. Full refund if part returned at buyers expense.

Tel. 01224 316879 or 07919327724

96

MARCH 2016

MG_SafetyFast_March16_43-98.indd 96

MG Midget MGF/TF Oxford Leather Seats

A pair of Black Oxford leather seats complete with matching door card inserts, in excellent condition with only light wear and no tears, scratches etc. £375 ono. Contact Colin at the MG Car Club on 01235 555552

MGB

MGB Radiator £40 MGB Workshop manuals:Genuine BMC up to 1968, Clean £30 Genuine Leyland up to 1977 “used” £10 Haynes, all chrome bumpers, clean £8 Haynes, all models “used” £5 Tel: 01344 424258 Buyer collects (Bracknell Berks)

Pair of Peter May trunnions. These ted and then rem in as new conditi £120 new - for sa Also rear Spax te absorber convers elliptic cars (ie '6 again fitted and r new, for sale for Collect from Luto at cost. Phone 0 Email: ianhulett@

MG TD/TF

Original parts (di upgrading specif 1500) XPEG Cylinder h with valve gear) Radiator, Prop sh Housing, Gearbo Offers Tel: 020 7 (London)

MGB Roadste

MG TC

Brand New Mohair, Black, 2 Window Hood. Was £460 but I will take £250.

Telephone: 07900 883708 West Sussex

MGB SPARES

BHA4973 rear lamp assemblies 2 Off, good used condition £40 the pair including free delivery UK mainland.

Outer sill panel NS £45 plus p&p, H2A438 Heritage RH chassis leg £160 plus p&p Small section removed from front of leg, so leg is now 36 inches long.

Can bring to MG Live.

Tel Jack on 01280 848529 (Buckingham)

Black vinyl 3 piec trim panels, new. torpedo door mir Front brake disc Lucas sports coil rocker cover, use points oil filter co new. good condit wheel. Gunson c tool used once. P carbs. Job lot £5 07875116803.

(Weybridge Surre

MG VA Parts

Kingpin set (later Timing £30.00 Propshaft UJ £30 All in original pac Tel 07790 03428

1997 MGF VVC Good Home wanted for magazines

Safety fast Bound 1959–1968, 1969-2014, MG Enthusiast 1983–2014, The Automobile 1990–2014, Veteran & Vintage 1966–1979, Motor Sport Bound 1950–1986, 1989-2014, plus some Motor, Autocar, and Classic Cars.

Also very approximate numbers of: Pilot 25 years, Kitplanes 14 years, Aeroplane 6 years, Sport Aviation11 years, Light Aviation 6 years, Popular Flying 12 years. Email Maureen at maureen@jcliff.waitrose.com

From stripped ca are still available 'HAM', trim 'PUU N. Ireland. For f please phone Pa ber) on 0289445 07785900561. N

WANT

WAN

MGA TWIN CAM Block, head, sum folds, carbs, cam WHY?Please cal 9792516.

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/02/2016 11:36

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

CLASSIFIEDS

ord Leather

ord Leather Oxford leather

withLeather matching ord Oxford leather

s, in excellent

withlight matching nly wear ord Leather Oxford leather

s, in excellent cratches etc. withlight matching nly wear act Colin at the Oxford leather s, in excellent cratches etc. nwith 01235 555552 matching nly Colin light wear act at the s, in excellent cratches etc. n 01235 555552 nly Colin light wear act at the cratches etc. n 01235 555552 act Colin at the £40 01235 555552 pn manuals:£40to 1968, up p manuals:£40to 1968, up nd up to 1977 p manuals:£40to 1968, up nd upbumpers, to 1977 pome manuals:up to 1968, nd upbumpers, to 1977 ome dels “used” £5 258 Buyer colnd upbumpers, to 1977 ome dels “used” £5 258 cols) Buyer ome bumpers, dels “used” £5 258 s) Buyer coldels “used” £5 258 s) Buyer colhair, Black, 2 Was £460 but I s) hair, Black, 2 Was £460 but I 00 883708 hair, Black, 2 Was £460 but I 00 883708 hair, Black, 2 Was £460 but I 00 883708

S 00 883708

amp assemblies S condition £40 ed amp assemblies ng free delivery S condition £40 ed amp assemblies ng free £45delivery plus SNScondition ed £40 amp assemblies ng free delivery NSRH £45 plus ge chassis ed condition £40 &p free Small section ng delivery NSRH £45 plus ge ront of chassis leg, so &p Small section ches long.

NSRH £45 plus ge ront of chassis leg, so G Live. &p Small ches long.section 280 848529 ge RH ront of chassis leg, so G Live. &p Small ches long.section 280 848529 ront of leg, so G Live. ches long.

280 848529 G Live. for wanted 280 848529

wanted for nd 1959–1968,

G Enthusiast wanted for 1959–1968, endAutomobile G Enthusiast teran & Vintage wanted for 1959–1968, end Automobile tor Sport Bound G Enthusiast teran & Vintage 89-2014, plus 1959–1968, end Automobile tor Sport tocar, andBound G Enthusiast teran & Vintage 89-2014, plus etor Automobile Sport tocar, andBound ximate teran & numbers Vintage 89-2014, plus rs, Kitplanes 14 tor Sport Bound tocar, and ximate numbers e 6 years, Sport 89-2014, plus rs,Light Kitplanes 14 s, Aviation tocar, and ximate numbers e 6 years, r Flying 12Sport rs,Light Kitplanes 14 s, Aviation aureen at ximate numbers e 6 years, r Flying 12Sport waitrose.com rs,Light Kitplanes 14 s, Aviation aureen at e 6 years, r Flying 12Sport waitrose.com s, Light Aviation aureen at r Flying 12 waitrose.com aureen at waitrose.com

Black vinyl packaway hood MGB minus (Feb header1972) rail but including Black vinyl packaway hoodAll in black metal folding frame.

MGB (Feb 1972) minus header railOffers. but including good condition.

Black vinyl packaway hoodAll in black metal folding812397, frame.

Telephone: 01255 MGB (Feb minus header1972) railOffers. but including good condition.

(Holland Onpackaway Sea Essex) Black vinyl hoodAll in black metal folding812397, frame.

Telephone: 01255 minus header railOffers. but including good condition.

(Holland On Sea Essex) black metal 01255 folding812397, frame. All in Telephone: good condition.

MG Midget (Holland On SeaOffers.

Essex) Telephone: 812397, Pair of Peter01255 May offset top MG Midget (Holland On Sea Essex) trunnions.

These have been fitPair of Peter offsetand topare ted and then May removed MG Midget trunnions.

These have been in as new condition.

They arefitPair of Peter May offsetand topare ted and then removed £120 new for sale for £60.

MG Midget trunnions.

These have been in as rear new Spax condition.

They arefitAlso telescopic shock Pair of Peter May offsetand top ted and then removed are £120 new - for sale forfor £60. absorber conversion semitrunnions.

These have been in as rear new Spax condition.

They arefitAlso telescopic shock elliptic cars (ieremoved '63 onwards) ted and then and are £120 new - for sale forfor £60. absorber conversion semiagain fitted and removed, £264 in as rear new condition.

They shock are Also Spax telescopic elliptic cars (iefor'63 onwards) new, for sale £130. £120 new - for sale forfor£60. absorber conversion semiagain fitted and removed, £264 Collect from Luton or can post Also rear Spax telescopic shock elliptic cars (iefor'63 onwards) new, for sale £130. at cost.

Phone 07785 906062 absorber conversion for semiagain fitted and removed, £264 Collect from Luton or can post Email: ianhulett@hotmail.co.uk elliptic onwards) new, forcars sale(iefor'63 £130. at cost.

Phone 07785 906062 again fitted and removed, £264 Collect Luton or can post Email: from ianhulett@hotmail.co.uk new, forPhone sale for07785 £130. 906062 at cost.

Collect from Luton or can post MG TD/TF Email: ianhulett@hotmail.co.uk at cost. Phone 07785 906062 Original parts (displaced after MG TD/TF Email: ianhulett@hotmail.co.uk upgrading specifications of TF Original 1500) parts (displaced after MG TD/TF upgrading specifications of free TF XPEG Cylinder head (lead Original parts (displaced after 1500) with valve gear) MG TD/TF upgrading specifications of free TF XPEG Cylinder head Bell (lead Radiator, Prop(displaced shaft, Original parts after 1500) with valve gear) Housing, Gearbox steel cover upgrading specifications of free TF XPEG Cylinder head Bell (lead Radiator, Offers Tel:Prop 020 shaft, 7582 8547 1500) with valve gear) Housing, Gearbox steel cover (London) XPEG Cylindershaft, head Bell (lead free Radiator, Offers Tel:Prop 020 7582 8547 with valve gear) Housing, (London) Gearbox steel cover Radiator, Bell Offers Tel:Prop 020 shaft, 7582 8547 MGB Roadster Housing, Gearbox 1980 steel cover (London) Black vinyl 3 piece cockpit Offers Tel: 020 7582 8547 rear MGB Roadster 1980 trim panels, new. Pair of chrome (London) Black vinyl 3 piece torpedo door mirrorscockpit , new.rear MGB Roadster 1980 trim new.shields, Pair of chrome Frontpanels, brake disc new.

Black vinyl 3 piece cockpit rear torpedo door mirrors , new.

Lucas sports coil , 1980 new.

Black MGB Roadster trim panels, new.shields, Pair of chrome Front brake disc new. rockervinyl cover, used. cockpit Set plugs Black 3 piece rear torpedo door mirrors , new.

Lucas sports coil , new.

Black points oil filter condenser all trim panels, new.

Pair of chrome Front brake disc shields, new. rocker cover, used. Set plugs new. good condition Rostyle torpedo door mirrors , new.

Lucas sports , new.

Black points oil filtercoil condenser all wheel.

Gunson carb balancer Front brake disc shields, new. rocker cover, used. Set plugs new. good condition Rostyle tool used once.

Pair of S.U. Lucas sports coil , new.

Black points oil filter condenser all wheel.

Gunson carb balancer carbs.

Job lot used. £50 buyer collects rockergood cover, Set plugs new. condition tool used once.

Pair Rostyle of S.U. 07875116803. points oil filter condenser all wheel.

Gunson carb balancer carbs.

Job lot £50 buyer collects (Weybridge Surrey) new. goodonce. condition tool used Pair Rostyle of S.U. 07875116803. wheel.

Gunson carb balancer carbs.

Job lot £50 buyer collects (Weybridge Surrey) tool used once. Pair of S.U. 07875116803.

MG VA Parts carbs.

Job lot £50 buyer collects (Weybridge Surrey) 07875116803.

Kingpin set (later type) £100.00 MG VA£30.00 Parts (Weybridge Surrey) Timing Kingpin setUJ(later type) £100.00 Propshaft £30.00 MG VA Parts Timing £30.00packaging All in original Kingpin setUJ(later type) £100.00 Propshaft £30.00 Tel 07790 034288 MG VA£30.00 Parts Timing All in original packaging Kingpin set (later type) £100.00 Propshaft £30.00 Tel 07790 UJ 034288 Timing £30.00packaging All in original 1997 MGF VVC spares Propshaft UJ £30.00 Tel 07790 034288 From strippedpackaging car. Most parts All in original 1997 VVC Colour sparescode are 07790 stillMGF available.

Tel 034288 From car. Parts Most are partsin 'HAM',stripped trim 'PUU'.

1997 VVC Colour sparescode are stillMGF available.

N. Ireland.

For further details, From stripped car. Most are partsin 'HAM', trim 'PUU'. please phone PaulParts (club mem1997 VVC spares are stillMGF available.

Colour code N. Ireland.

For further details, ber) on 02894452222 or From stripped car. Parts Most are partsin 'HAM', trim 'PUU'. please phone Paul (club mem07785900561.

NO Colour texts please. are still available. code N. For further details, ber)Ireland. on 02894452222 or 'HAM', trim 'PUU'.

Parts are in please phone Paul (club mem07785900561. NO texts please.

N. For furtheror details, ber)Ireland. on 02894452222 please phone Paul (club please. mem07785900561.

NO texts ber) on 02894452222 or 07785900561.

NO texts please.

WANTED MGA TWIN CAM engine parts WANTED Block, head, sump, crank, maniMGA engineetc. parts folds, TWIN carbs, CAM camshafts, WANTED Block, head, sump, crank, maniWHY?Please call Jim on 0789 MGA TWIN engineetc. parts folds, carbs, CAM camshafts, 9792516.

WANTED Block, head, sump, crank, maniWHY?Please call Jim on 0789 MGA TWIN engineetc. parts folds, carbs, CAM camshafts, 9792516.

Block, head, sump, crank, maniWHY?Please call Jim on 0789 www.mgcc.co.uk folds, carbs, camshafts, etc.

9792516.

WHY?Please call Jim on 0789 9792516.

WANTED WANTED WANTED WANTED

MG_SafetyFast_March16_43-98.indd 97

WANTED

A pair of inside door panels for WANTEDlight colour an MGTD preferably A of inside doorany. panels butpair would consider Canfor WANTEDlight colour an MGTDe-mail preferably collect.

A pair of inside doorany. panels but would consider Canfor johnbeglan@yahoo.co.uk.

WANTEDlight colour an MGTDe-mail preferably collect. telephone 01908 322panels 129.

A pair of inside door but would consider any. Canfor johnbeglan@yahoo.co.uk. an MGTDe-mail preferably light colour collect. telephone 01908 322 129. but would consider any. Can johnbeglan@yahoo.co.uk.

WANTED collect. e-mail telephone 01908 322 129. sales brochure.

MGRV8 johnbeglan@yahoo.co.uk.

WANTED Please telephone John129.

V. Taylor telephone 01908 322 brochure.

MGRV8 on 01926 sales 854456 WANTED Please telephone John V. Taylor brochure.

MGRV8 on 01926 sales 854456 WANTED Please telephone John V. Taylor brochure.

MGRV8 on 01926 sales 854456 WANTED Please MG TA,telephone one brassJohn latchV.forTaylor the on 01926 854456 WANTED tool box lid.

Contact MG TA, one brass latch for the Chris Hames on 07803 616435 WANTED tool box lid.

Contact or 01469 555647 or email MG TA, one brass latch for the Chris Hames on 07803 616435 christopherhames@hotmail.com WANTED tool box lid.

Contact or 01469 555647 or email MG TA, one brass latch for the Chris Hames on 07803 616435 christopherhames@hotmail.com tool box lid.

Contact or 01469 555647 or email WANTED Chris Hames on 07803 616435 christopherhames@hotmail.com MGBGT. Post’68. or 01469 555647 or Condition email WANTED of engine/trans. not important. christopherhames@hotmail.com Condition MGBGT. Post’68.

Car must be complete.

Would WANTED of engine/trans. not important. consider one needing some Condition MGBGT. Post’68.

Car must be Would bodywork, butcomplete. no rotboxes WANTED of engine/trans. not important. consider one needing some please.

Roger.

01205 460048, Condition MGBGT. Post’68.

Car must be Would bodywork, butcomplete. no rotboxes or rogernpenny@btinternet.com. of engine/trans. not important. consider one needing some please.

Roger.

01205 460048, (Lincs) Car must be Would bodywork, butcomplete. no rotboxes or rogernpenny@btinternet.com. consider one needing some please.

Roger.

01205 460048, (Lincs) bodywork, but no rotboxes or rogernpenny@btinternet.com. please.

(Lincs) Roger. 01205 460048, or rogernpenny@btinternet.com.

(Lincs)

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

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 aMG righthand drive US GREEN export and then TF METALLIC - 1954 returned back to the UK in 2002 andMG re-registered in 2004, it has since TF 1954, finished in metallic almond undergone a full body off restoration with photographic and invoice history, nice TF registration it now looks stunning in its gleaming redgreen body with workvery complimented with beige comes with not beige leather interior and matching mohair number, hood andit side screens, onlyhood, does matching green this car look beautiful, but it drives superbly. . . side . . . .screens . . . . . .tonneau . . . . . . and . .£23,995

leather interior. The car is inTax needexempt, of light MGB GT, 1969, British racing green, Chrome Bumper, restorationleaf or can be used it is,front the Overdrive, Wire wheels, Full sunroof, Autumn interior withasnew seat covers, Electronic ignition, Stainlesspaintwork steel exhaust us is dullsystem, in someRestored areas and by there in 2000, Service history, In excellent order. . . . . .signs . . . . .of . . light . . . . .corrosion, . . . . . .£6,500 are some the chassisinterior. is good and so March is the ash frame, MG TF 135, 2003, Dark green, Biscuit leather MOT 2013, Tax Feb. 2013. Radio C/D player, hood cover.

Recent head gasket, mechanically it runs andcoolant drives pipe, well cambelt and clutch. Good service history. . . .some . . . . .chattering . . . . . . . .in . . the . . . gearbox, . .£3,650 but .has

theremoney is also aspent split inincluding the steering wheel.

MG Midget, 1980, Flamenco Red, much up-rated suspension front and back, K & N Filters, new with mechanical parts, TheVarious car comes a history file Full and tonneau,and Motolita steering wheel, pictures It comes a very good service It andwith its MOT and Tax exempt history, Bootrack, Kenwood radio/CD player Black vinyl seats.

Theand carisis wouldand make a very good project MOT'd up to September 2013 and taxed until end of July 2013. . . . . .£3,500 therefore priced accordingly.

MG TF 135, 2002, Silver, MOT July 2013. New head gasket, coolant pipes, £18.995. cambelt and service carried out by ourselves. Navy hood, black cloth seats. . . . . .COPPERLEAF . . . . . . . . . . . . . .-. 2001 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£2,995 MGF

MGF,TF2001, Injection finished MG 115, 1.8 2003, X Power Grey in with grey hood, Has recently had a new headgasket, bottom engine rail,2016.

Stainless steel coolant pipes and full service, Copperleaf Red, MOT’d March MOT to May 2013, Taxed to Feb 2013, 71835 Miles, comes with Radio/CD It comes with Black cloth seats, Heated player. . . . window, . . . . . . . . Radio/CD . . . . . . . . . .player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£2,750 rear glass MGF, 2000,jack, Alumina Green, Green hood, Green leather seats, with ipod stainless steel 62,000mls, sports Chrome rollunder hoops, Recent headgasket exhaust and floor coolant pipes. replacement, Taxed Jan 2013, MOT March 2013. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£1,950

Very tidy car with some history etc.

MGF 1.8i, 1996, British Racing Green, cloth interior. MOT Maarch 2013. Tax end of January 2013. . . . . . .£1,500. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£950 Units 9/10 Fifehead Business Park, Manor Farm, Fifehead Magdalen, near Gillingham, Dorset SP8 5RR

E-mail:mail@mikerolls4mgs.co.uk mail@mikerolls.4mgs.co.uk • www.mikerolls.co.uk E-mail: • www.mikerolls.co.uk Mail Order “Friendly Quality Service”

CM02.13/B32/d

MGB (Feb 1972)

www.mgmecca.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 1953 717618 Fax: (0) 1953 717850

1965 MGB Roadster. BRG, black/white trim, chrome wheels, rare o/drive. Total last nut and bolt renovation, with pictures. Car has matching numbers (engine/box/axle) Heritage certificate, restored to original show standard regardless of cost (would cost easily in excess of £35k). Car is immaculate inside/ underside/outside. A rare car indeed. £24,995.00

URGENT PROO

1960 MGA 1600 Coupe Totally restored, Iris Blue, blue trim. Last owner since 1973. Totally restored chassis, body, mechanicals, suspension. To be finished from £26,500 depending on final spec. £26,500.00

Please check this proof carefully for errors in style, content a Although every care is exercised in preparing your advert, we ourselves responsible for any inaccuracies you may overlook

SHOULD YOU REQUIRE ANY ALTERATIONS TO THIS PR TELEPHONE BEFORE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ AND QUOTE ADVERT

M.G. in North Herts

MGOC Recommended Workshop and Power Steering Installer MoT & Failures Repaired Servicing, Welding, Restoration

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

1979 MG MIDGET Pageant blue, black trim, superb little car, body is in excellent condition, recent respray, all new chrome conversion, new hood, We reserve the rightrecovered to charge new carpets, new dashboard, seats.for any alteration to th Exceptionally pretty car in excellent order. Ready is a departure from the original copy for lots of summer fun. £5,995.00

1939 MGVA. Green, red trim, sunroof. Genuine car, only 3 owners, first was an RAF Officer! MOT’d and taxed. In original condition with lots of lovely patina. Would be a shame to over restore. Will be having new tyres and brake overhaul before sale. £19,950.00

1972 MGB Roadster Flame Red, new black leather seats with red trim. New hood, w/w, boot rack. Much loved and very well maintained. Drives superbly, looks great. FG wings fitted and has a few age related paint blemishes, no rust though. £6,495.00

M.G.A. – B – C – V8, Midget Rear of Langley Garage London Road, Langley, Nr Hitchin, Herts SG4 7PJ

01438 729288 07860 473298 www.mg-repairs-hertfordshire.com

MARCH 2016

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MARCH 2016

MG_SafetyFast_March16_43-98.indd 98

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/02/2016 11:36

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