Safety Fast! October 2016 by MG Car Club

THE MARQUE OF FRIENDSHIP

October 2016 Volume 60 Number 10 £3.95

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Inside this issue Regulars 66

Calendar of Events

Out and About

Overseas News – From Portugal

Products

Overseas Review

Race Torque

Centre Updates

MGs on Track

Luffield Championship

Classifieds

BTCC 2016 – Rockingham and Silverstone Reports

Looking Back

Club Matters and Kimber House News

News

MGCC Merchandise

Features 12

Smooth Operator How to organise tours with your MG

National Treasure Part I The development and history of the MG 6R4

Club History Douglas Mickel Trust by Tom Gray

Simply Red A trio of red MGAs

Midget Championship 40 Years on Part II An in conversation special

Wet Oulton doesn’t dampen spirits Leanne Fahy reports on the MGCC race action from Oulton Park

Newsletters 41

Vintage Newsletter Peter Jones reports on Vintage matters

Triple M Newsletter Pre-War Prescott, Three to Le Mans and MMM Circle Luxembourg Event

MG6.3.5 Newsletter MG Owners in Thailand, Zed15 / Saloon Day Report and more

The MG Car Club, Kimber House, PO Box 251, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 1FF Tel: 01235 555552 Fax: 01235 533755 E-mail: mgcc@mgcc.co.uk www.mgcc.co.uk. If visiting The MG Car Club using Sat Nav please use OX14 1AS

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

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Welcome

Front Cover: Michael Kitt’s 1985 Group B 6R4, rallied in the 1986 Monte Carlo by Tony Pond. Photo: Gez Hughes

@mgcarclub

FO U N D E D 193 0

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The offi cial publication of The MG Car Club Incorporating ‘The M.G. Magazine’, ‘The Sports Car’ and ‘Brooklands Track and Air’, Safety Fast! Copyright MG Car Club 2016

When you mention the 1980s Group B rallying, one of the iconic cars of that era that always springs to mind is the mighty 6R4. Our main feature this month details the history and development of this wonderful piece of engineering, with part two following on next month detailing the rallying exploits of the 6R4. I remember watching one of the International 6R4s in action with my dad when I was a boy; the sight and sound is one I’ll never forget. As the nights draw in and some of the MGs get put into hibernation until Spring 2017, the Club’s own motorsport activities continue apace, with the Luffi eld Speed Championship heading to Anglesey, Rushmoor and Castle Combe in October and the majority of our Race Championships head to Snetterton on October 1-2 for their fi nal round of the season, many coming down to the wire to see who will be crowned 2016 Champion. The two MG6s running in the BTCC, although not in the title hunt, ran well at Silverstone in front of a large crowd. The MG Car Club were able to offer discounted tickets for the Sunday race day, which attracted over 250 members with a selection of MGs, including three MG GSs and a plethora of the modern Longbridge built MGs – a great sight to see. The fi nal BTCC round heads to Brands Hatch on October 1-2; we wish the two MG6 drivers Ash and Josh all the best. If racing isn’t your thing, we’ve plenty more events happening over the winter months. The calendar is published on page 66 and also on the comprehensive MG Car Club website www. mgcc.com. One major event that’s growing year on year, and a must-go-to show on many a calendar is the Classic Motor Show at the NEC, held November 11-13. Again, as a member of the MG Car Club, you’re entitled to discounted tickets; full details on page 23. I look forward to seeing many of you at the show. Until next month, drive safely Andy Knott

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CHAIRMANS NOTES BY IAN QUARRINGTON

ommunication. Well, I hoped that my notes in last month’s SF! about MGLive! might have produced reactions from some of you but I am still reeling from the huge response I have received thus far, so Thank You. I am glad to know that firstly, these notes do get read and secondly, there is a great deal of passion among Club members on this subject. I have replied to each email that was sent to me and I have responded to every phone call left on my answerphone. You will all have now seen the attachment about our flagship event sent with the latest CRB Bulletin from Kimber House. The more responses we get to that, the better we can gauge what you would like us to do, so please fill it in and send it back to Lauran at Kimber House. The general well-being of the Club relies of course on many differing factors but communication is surely one of the keys to our continued success. Your CRBs all send out email shots about events and news of new members or perhaps the re-

manufacture of that elusive part. Some CRBs also produce written publications on a regular basis. More recently I have had some comments that generally this communication can be a little one-sided sometimes, and relies on the few working hard on behalf of the many. My first plea therefore to you this month is that where and when you can, please support your CRB committees with your feedback on their efforts and see if you can contribute and thus help to promote the Marque of Friendship. I have mentioned before that Safety Fast! could be the only method of communication the large majority of members have with the Club (and I have been challenged on that, again proof that this column is taken in and digested!) And so my second request to you this month is a reminder that the magazine has a few regular contributors for technical articles of varying degrees of expertise and we will always welcome some more letters and articles to help out these stalwarts. You never know: you may just have the answer to how to fix that apparently impossible fault with your car, and there will be someone in the Club who only ever reads the magazine and who will make use of your advice and be

grateful for it. Of course, many of the Registers have Forums and Bulletin Boards where technical help is readily available, but not everyone can make use of these modern methods of communication. Finally, you should be reading these notes just before the last race meeting of our season is due to take place at Snetterton over the first weekend of October. This is always a fabulous meeting as most of the Championships are decided, and the event always has an extra-special atmosphere. The four-hour relay race on the Sunday afternoon is a classic example of how to get communication right, as the teams have to carefully plan out their tactics and change drivers at the optimum time, and yet the race always finishes with very little time in between the podium places. How do they do that after four hours? Come along and support our racing; I can guarantee you a great time. Don’t forget we have a Welcome Centre where free tea and coffee is available. You can also get close up to the action by being able to visit the pits and paddock areas. You can also sign up to take your car around the circuit for free at lunchtime, race time permitting.

KIMBER HOUSE NEWS

e’ve got some great news for those who haven’t visited Kimber House before. On Sunday October 16, we shall be holding a ‘Coffee & Cars’ morning from 9am–12pm with all members welcome to come and have a tour of the Club’s home here in Abingdon. There’s no fee, and you don’t need to fill out any forms – if you’d like to come along just turn up on the day. We’ll look forward to welcoming you! Like the previous few months, we’ve shown many people from around the world through the doors of Kimber House this month, and at the beginning

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If you haven’t visited Kimber House before, join us on October 16

Mr Hiroshi Tachika, Mr Hiromi Hisada, and Mr Tatsuo Natsume (left to right)

of September we had some special visitors from the MG Car Club of Japan who were warmly welcomed by Overseas Director Peter Cook. After showing them around the Club offices, Peter took them into Oxford for a tour of the city, and even visited the original Morris Garages on James Street and Longwall Street. We’re delighted to report that the

Club’s BTCC event at Silverstone on September 18 was a great success and very well attended, with lots of MGs on show, new members signed up, and record merchandise sales for the event that’s been running for the past five years. We’d like to thank everyone who attended, and hope that you join us again in 2017.

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NEWS

MG DEALER BACK IN ABINGDON Lodge Hill Garage in Abingdon is just a short distance away from the original MG factory where cars were built from 1929 to 1980. The new MGs in the Oxford and Abingdon area have created a wave of interest. Lodge Hill’s Principal, Nigel Murrin, said: “We’ve had a huge response from people wishing us well and saying how glad they are to see the MG name back. It’s just a reminder how much passion there is for the brand.” Lodge Hill Garage is located on the busy Oxford Road in Abingdon, the main commuter route between Abingdon and Oxford. Drivers can’t fail to miss it – because high on a plinth on the forecourt is a full-size replica of an RAF Spitfire! Peter Jewson, the co-director of Lodge Hill, installed the fighter as a tribute to the mainly women pilots who formed the Air Transport Auxiliary. They flew the planes from the UK factories, where they were built, to their operational stations.

MG CAR CLUB SOUTH WESTERN CENTRE The inaugural meeting of the MG Car Club South Western Centre was held at the Weston Hotel, Bath, on October 7 1936 with Cecil Kimber in the Chair. The committee numbered nine; uniquely in the MGCC, and what must have been unusual for a sporting club of any kind at that time, the committee included a lady – Miss Stewart-Black. At the first meeting, Cecil Kimber made available an award for a trial, known as the Kimber Trial and held for the first time on Boxing Day of the same year. It is a matter of pride that the event remains a cornerstone of the Centre’s events programme to this very day. We run an annual drivers championship, open to MGs of every age. A quick glance at the scores at any given point will show the whole range of MGs in the top 10 places – in recent years, the overall championship has been won by an 18/80, a J2, a Metro and an MG TF160. We also run a range of social events, with more than half a dozen Natters around the region meeting monthly, some at lunchtime, and several larger events during the summer. We are proud of our past, but look to the future – we have a comprehensive website, and a Facebook page that is amongst the most popular in the MG fraternity. To celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the founding of the Centre, a social run has been organised for Sunday October 9. With three formal starting locations to the North, South and West of Bristol, the run will send members on a meander through the surrounding countryside ending at Chew Valley Lake for lunch in the tearoom, takeaway fish and chips on the terrace or a picnic – whatever takes your fancy! If you’d rather make your own way there, either individually or perhaps as a small group from your Natter or Register or local neighbourhood, then that’s fine too. All we ask is that you let us know your intentions so that we can manage numbers. Details are on the website www.mgccsw.com and the Facebook page www.facebook.com/mgccsw

ALL-PARTY PARLIAMENTARY MOTOR GROUP LONGBRIDGE PRODUCTION: MGCC STATEMENT The MG Car Club is naturally saddened to learn of the cessation of production at the MG Motor Longbridge Plant, Birmingham. While we are disappointed, we understand that MG is now part of a global family and that UK production for MG motor cars is no longer a given. We would point to the fantastic work carried out by the 400 designers and engineers based in Birmingham, and hope that the engineering and development of MG cars continues to be led by this brilliant team. As ever, the Club will continue to support this and future generations of MG cars regardless of where they are produced.

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On the afternoon of Saturday October 15 The All-Party Parliamentary Motor Group and The All-Party Parliamentary Historic Vehicles Group will continue the 90th birthday celebrations of HM The Queen. 90 British vehicles, representing the cream of the British Motor Industry, will be lined up on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace. The first is a Bullnose Morris Oxford Tourer which was manufactured in 1926, the last a Jaguar F-PACE in 2016, one for each year of Her Majesty’s life. MG Car Club member Jim Andrews will represent 1939 in his MG VA Tickford Coupe. The vehicles will be inspected on behalf of HM The Queen by HRH Prince Michael of Kent.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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NEWS

THE MARQUE OF FRIENDSHIP AWARD The Marque of Friendship award was conceived to recognise outstanding contributions by members within the MG Car Club. With only a small number of awards being presented each year, the fi rst of the Marque of Friendship awards was recently presented to Brian Wright at his local Natter, The Ridley Arms in Stannington.

Brian has been involved with MG Car Club motorsport for nearly 60 years, with over 20 years as a Club member, starting in the days when Gordon Cobban ran most events via his offi ce in Ilford. Brian progressed from marshalling and “being on the bank” to be Chief Flag Marshal and Chief Observer at race meetings and then to being a fully fl edged Clerk of Course. More recently, Brian has been one of the Club’s permanent Stewards, responsible for contributing to decisions

on any matters being brought before the MSA Steward at a Race meeting. Brian, along with his wife Pam, moved to Tyne Tees area to be closer to family. Both have attended many of the Centre’s events, thoroughly enjoying being able to be part of the MG scene in the north of our country. It is diffi cult to think of any other two people who, over such an extended period of time, have contributed so much to our Club, selfl essly giving of their time so that others could partake and have fun.

NEW MG SPOTTED IN TESTING The next MG has been spotted undergoing testing in Austria. The new car, a small SUV/crossover was snapped alongside a new saloon car earlier this month. The new car will sit beneath the GS in the MG range and will be the marque’s second entry into the incredibly popular SUV sector. Though well camouflaged, the shot does show a new family face for the car, one that is markedly different to the existing family face seen on the 3, 6 and GS. Thought to be similar in size to the likes of the Renault Captur and Nissan Juke, the baby SUV is expected to be unveiled in 2017.

SOCIAL MEDIA NEWS At the end of August, the social media world celebrated #NationalDogDay, and we asked MG fans to send and tag us in photos of their dogs in MGs – and they duly delivered. Spaniels, Westies, MGAs, MGF, we got sent the

One of the many photos we got sent for National Dog Day

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lot. We were so impressed that we made a gallery of all the photos on the website, so go and check them out if you haven’t yet seen them. In almost every social media round up we thank the people who have contributed to our channels, and the past month has been unlike any other, with even more pictures shared than normal and from every corner of the world. We love sharing these pictures as they’re so unique, each one telling a different story – so please, keep them coming and we’ll keep posting. On our Twitter page, you may have seen something a bit different. The Club has created its own GIF image! For those that haven’t seen a GIF before, it’s basically a very short video clip that’s in the format of a picture.

We’ll be making more in the future, so look at for those. And fi nally, we shared some brilliant racing photos recently that came courtesy of Colin Murrell and Dickon Siddall. If you like your MGs on the track, you won’t be disappointed.

An MG TC at the Oldtimer GP in Germany, taken by Colin Murrell

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1964 MGB Roadster 1/43 scale model manufactured by Triple 9 in great detail. This iconic British Racing Green model features chrome bumpers, wire spoke wheels and a cream interior. Limited edition model, limited to just 1500 pieces.

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Sweatshirt with MGCC with tone on tone embroidered logo 50% cotton, Available in M,L,XL. Colours available are Navy, Bottle Green and Bordeaux

MGCC Document Folder

A binder to keep all of your car documents in one convenient place. With dividers for items such as Registration Documents, Service History, insurance etc. Supplied with a selection of clear holders in a variety of sizes, for photos, documents etc

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Original Sprite and Midget Book

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Handmade Wooden Car

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FEATURE

eing the person responsible for organising your club trips, events and rallies is a job that few envy and most admire. From a brief weekend away for a handful of members to larger events for a few hundred, the role of the group organiser is more than just piecing together a successful itinerary and getting people to join. Pleasing the masses is a hard job in any organisation yet most readers will know of someone in the Club who, with complete and utter dedication, will spend hours gathering opinion, researching options, contacting destinations, booking, and coordinating plans that will ensure the trip or event pleases everyone. If the to-do list above seems time consuming, this is normally just the start and the hard work of marketing, persuading and galvanizing support is to follow. The unseen qualities of the role will also include, but not be limited to, playing politician, banker, counsellor, travel agent and mechanic!

Photo: Scott Munton

Many clubs will have set and run their own trips for years, yet few are aware that, in accordance with the EC Package Travel Directive, there is also the legal requirement to be fi nancially bonded. This little piece of legislation has been in place since the early 1990s, providing consumer protection to anyone that books any form of combined travel â&#x20AC;&#x201C; put simply, where there are at least two elements to a trip booked together. In most cases, this will

be a hotel and ferry or fl ight. As with all legislation, there are complexities and exceptions bound into countless pages that few outside of the core travel industry will ever bother to read. It is, though, something that organisers need to make themselves aware of to avoid stumbling into the realms of being liable in the event of trips going wrong. Booking travel arrangements through a legitimate tour operator is

SMOOTH OPERATOR HOW TO ORGANISE TOURS WITH YOUR MG

Photo: Scott Munton www.mgcc.co.uk

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FEATURE

M 5

All clud IN Ear com Con

one way to give organisers peace of mind that they are complying with legislation, with the added benefi t of knowing that they have the support and expertise of a tour operator looking after their members’ interests from start to fi nish. There are a number of tour operators that can fulfi ll this role and rather than viewing them as middlemen who will complicate your plans, it is also worth considering what benefi ts they will bring to the success of the trip. Points to consider when looking for a tour operator to help you with your trip: • ‘Brexit’ Exchange rate guarantees – With recent news of the United Kingdom’s imminent departure from the European Union, uncertainty has gripped global markets. The advantage of booking with a tour operator is highlighted more so now than ever, as in most cases the price you are quoted is the price you will pay, regardless of drastically fl uctuating exchange rates – something you cannot guarantee when dealing with individual suppliers on your own. • Financial Security – In many instances, an average-sized group may be collecting funds in excess of £10,000. Using an operator that is bonded or runs client trust accounts will protect the money of members and also fulfi l the legal obligations as mentioned previously. • Getting the best deal – The world is a much smaller place nowadays and booking hotels directly has become easier for all of us. Multiply the numbers of people and the situation becomes more complex.

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•

Many tour operators have unique contracts with hotels in the areas that they frequently visit and in some cases form part of larger travel organisations with much greater purchasing power that will, in most cases, provide customers with pricing that is advantageous. Dedicated support and information – A good tour operator won’t take away your role as the group organiser. If you already know what you want to do, use their expertise and research to support and fi nalise your plans. If you’re not sure where you want to go, they can also provide ideas and suggestions based on your budget, location, timeframe and size of group. Most fi rms will also offer a complimentary roundthe-clock out-of-offi ce emergency telephone contact line. Size doesn’t matter – Tour operators will often work with as few as three to fi ve cars in a group, and these will vary from a bunch of friends in all manner of vehicles to major international rallies. Administration – What is often seen as the most tedious and time-consuming part of the job for organisers, administration is something that tour operators are set up to easily absorb, with dedicated staff and booking systems to control every aspect from start to fi nish. This can include taking the initial booking, tour confi rmations, road books, supplier payments, ticketing, travel documentation and most importantly, chasing members’ outstanding payments.

•

The days of waiting for cheques in the post are over! Marketing support and advice – Use a tour operator to support your promotions with the help of professional artwork, pictures, fl yers and even exposure at shows. In many cases, they can also provide you with your own branded web pages, providing access to online bookings as well as all the trip details.

M Cra

Kieran Line is the Group Relations Manager at Scenic & Continental Car Tours.

For 3

STN

“Having taken part in many trips, it is easy to overlook the work that goes on in the background. From small groups of like-minded friends to national clubs, I have had the privilege of working with some incredible people, all of whom have a passion for driving and exploring. I hope they would say that working with a tour operator has helped them run their trips with ease and most of all, provided some great memories that’ll last forever”. For help and advice in organising your group’s trip, whether it be a weekend away or a more adventurous event or itinerary, contact Kieran on 01732 879172 or email: kieran. line@sceniccartours.com. For more information about Scenic & Continental Car Tours, please visit www.sceniccartours.com

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PRODUCTS

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

MGF/TF FUEL FILLER CAP FROM XPART EXCHANGE SHOCK ABSORBERS FROM NTG Shock absorbers for most T and Y Types available on exchange. Good stocks held, but check availability with us before sending old units. Contact: NTG Motor Services Limited, 282 - 4 Bramford Road, Ipswich, IP1 4AY. Phone: +44 (0)1473 406031, Email: info@mgbits.com, Phone (orders): +44 (0)1473 406031, Email (orders): sales@mgbits.com, Web: http://www.mgbits.com

MG GS FULL SIZE BOOT LINER FROM MG AND AMC PARTS Our Boot Liner covers the whole boot area, is completely waterproof and manufactured from the latest fl exible ABS material. Complete with “GS” embossed into the base. Priced at £49.95 including delivery (In stock now). Contact MG & AMC Parts, The Smithy, High Street, Southwick, Hampshire, PO17 6EB. Tel: +44 (0)2392 220 222. Email: enquiries@mgandamcparts.com Web: www.mgandamcparts.com

14 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2016

XPart have recently purchased a quantity of MGF/TF Filler Caps, without locks. They are able to offer them at a substantial saving compared to the price of a complete unit. This is an ideal opportunity to purchase a new Fuel Filler Cap to smarten up your MGF or TF. You will need to fi t the lock from the old unit. Priced at £18.00 each plus VAT. Available from your local XPart dealer.

MGF/TF HOOD OR HARDTOP LATCH SCREW After being unavailable for approximately 18 months, XPart have been able to source and make available the screws that secure the Hood or Hardtop Latch (three screws are used per Latch) to the windscreen surround on both MGF and MGTF models. After a period of time, the screws have been known to corrode. Replacing them is simple and can immediately improve the appearance of the car interior. The screws are supplied in packs of three, priced at £2.25 + VAT. Available from your local XPart dealer.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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31/08/2016 09:33:30 23/09/2016 17:18

NATIONAL TREASURE

Part 1 - The development and history of the MG 6R4 By Martyn Morgan Jones

n 1982, FISA (Fédération Internationale du Sport Automobile) restructured the rules for international rallying. And this wasn’t some simple rethink: it was a sea change. Crucially, from 1983, Group 4, previously home to the fastest cars, would make way for Group B: a fi rebreathing, no-holds-barred category that would come to epitomise the hedonistic excesses of the 1980s. In penning the new regulations, FISA had been uncharacteristically charitable. Only 200 identical, road-going, examples

16 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2016

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had to be built within a 12-month period. As long as these were produced, FISA would sanction the building of a further 20 ‘evolution’ cars: cutting-edge creations, built purely for rallying, with few restrictions in terms of technical development and materials. International rallying was about to enter a period punctuated by bouts of technological frenzy and innovation. This new breed of artisan-built cars, some benefi tting from Croesus-like resources, bore a passing resemblance

to their road-going counterparts. But, beneath the skin, they had almost nothing in common. Four-thought The new rules were not the only sea change. So, too, was the arrival of the Quattro. Although a rallying newcomer, through its adoption of permanent fourwheel drive, Audi was pointing the way forward. And, it must be remembered, this was some two years prior to Group B’s inception.

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The MG Metro 6R4 undergoing cold testing in the climate control chamber at Gaydon

Finnish rally ace Hannu Mikkola, after just 30 minutes behind the wheel of a Quattro, stated: “I have just experienced a convincing view of the future. Quattro will change the rally scene once and for all.” Even so, some manufacturers still considered four-wheel drive to be too heavy, and too complex to be viable. Seemingly, at this stage, thanks to the efforts of its Director of Motorsports, Jean Todt, only Peugeot Talbot had truly grasped the signifi cance of four-wheel drive. Todt, astonished by the Quattro’s devastating ability, especially on the 1981 RAC Rally, persuaded Peugeot Talbot that

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their next rally car had to be four-wheel drive. As it transpired, Austin Rover would soon be similarly moved. John Davenport, Director of Motorsport at Austin Rover, planned to replace the recently retired TR7V8/TR8 with something akin to Ford’s RS1700T. However, following discussions with Patrick Head, Williams’ Technical Director, and the arrival of the Quattro, the design underwent an about turn. Literally. “The whole 6R4 thing actually stemmed from a number of conversations I had, particularly with Patrick,” recalls Davenport. “In December 1980 we were at Paul Ricard Circuit, testing differential settings on the Rover Vitesse race car. The only reason we were able to test there was because Williams Grand Prix Engineering had hired the circuit. British Leyland was one of Williams’ sponsors at the time. I mentioned to Patrick that we were planning to do something with the new Metro, making it our next rally car, and asked if he’d have a look at it. I went on to say that we were considering rear-wheel drive, with a rear-mounted transaxle. We also touched upon the Quattro, which had just been released on the European market.”

The Quattro proved to be a rallying revelation and Mikkola’s prediction for the sport’s future was soon being borne out on the world stage. In 198 on its fi rst outing, the Jänner Rallye, the Quattro triumphed. It went on to win a couple of World Rally Championship rallies. Audi garnered additional, and eye-catching, exposure when the delectable Michèle Mouton won the 1981 Rallye Sanremo. The signifi cance and effi cacy of the Quattro’s drivetrain was not lost on an increasing number of motorsport’s movers and shakers, including Patrick Head. “Until April/May 1981, we were still progressing along the lines of a front-engined, rear-wheel drive design,” explains Davenport. “Of course, 1981 was the year the Quattro really started to perform. Patrick suggested we go along the four-wheel drive route. This had been in my mind, too. “The change of direction started mid1981, and from there on it was all hard graft. But, I was patently aware of the fact that it would have been impossible to undertake such a specialised VHPD (Very High Performance Derivative) project at Austin Rover. Thankfully, Williams agreed to collaborate. Williams not only had the engineering capacity, it

OCTOBER 2016 SAFETY FAST! 17

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also had the flexibility...and the expertise, of course. The key man at this stage, and who remained pivotal throughout, was George Koopman: Williams’ Finance Director. Somehow, George and I managed to accrue enough money to get the project underway.” If started a year or so later, it would have been possible to base the project around the Maestro, a much easier car to package for rallying...and to convert to four-wheel drive. But the Maestro was still some time away from entering production. Anyway, marketing and inhouse politics dictated that the new rally car be based on, and be reminiscent of, the diminutive and volume-selling Metro. Davenport, albeit appreciative of the Metro’s size constraints, put a positive spin on things when he later declared that “a small car makes a small track look bigger!” It was certainly on the small side, but the rally project, even with collaboration from companies such as Williams, was most definitely a large ask for the newly formed Austin Rover, a company that was in its unwieldy corporate infancy. “It was a slow job in many, many ways,” admits Davenport. “Money was always in short supply. In the early days, no-one in the company would readily open their chequebooks. We had to

Tony Pond testing the Williams GPE designed and built prototype at Gaydon

make do with what we could squeeze out of the motorsport budget. And, when we moved from Abingdon, in 1982, we had an enormous sale and sold off all of the Special Tuning bits. Then Harold Musgrove took over from Michael Edwardes. Under Musgrove, we were given more importance, budgets became a little healthier. We went from being the poor relation, to being relatively well funded. Not that we had the kind of sums Todt had at Peugeot Talbot, of course! But we were certainly in a much better position.” In a better position...and with much of its focus being engine-related. “During the project’s very early days, we’d briefly contemplated fitting a Rover V8,” mentions Davenport. “Of course, it was far too large, too heavy and would have affected weight distribution and packaging. “Thoughts then turned to the soon-to-be-introduced Honda Legend/ Rover 800 V6 engine. However, we discovered that it was a SOHC design

The Clubman version of the 6R4

18 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2016

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with long rockers and very much a road engine. It was never going to produce the power needed. We then asked Honda for information on their 2-litre Formula 2 engine. They sent us all of the parameters. Unfortunately, it was so over-square, and had a very narrow power band. To make it competitive for rallying would have necessitated a huge amount of re-engineering.” Motivation The only solution was to design a bespoke unit; a task that was entrusted to David Wood, Austin Rover Motorsport’s Chief Engineer, and his newly appointed team. The decision was also taken to make it a normallyaspirated engine, thereby avoiding the turbo lag and heat issues that were then typical of turbocharged engines. Turbocharging had been discussed, but it was felt that in such a small car a normallyaspirated engine would do the job admirably. Plus, neither Austin Rover nor Honda had any engine that was vaguely suitable for turbocharging. “David started work on designing the engine immediately,” cites Davenport. “Nevertheless, we were in urgent need of a slave engine to enable us to test the prototypes Williams was building. To facilitate this, David lopped two cylinders off a Rover V8, creating a 2.5 litre V6, dubbed the V62V. The target was 200bhp, but it actually produced 250bhp. “Williams had been very busy too, and three prototype/development cars had been produced, two in kit form and one, effectively the concept car, being fully built and operational, complete with a V62V engine. They were delivered in February 1983. Brian O’Rourke had done a terrific job of designing the monocoque, which had been built by

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/09/2016 17:18

Testing the 6R4 (B197 XUD). Tony Pond, with Rob Arthur won the 1985 Argyll stages rally in this 6R4

Technical drawing of an international spec V6V4 engine and the four wheel drive transmission, laid out for maximum simplicity and durability

Johnny West, Ian Anderson and Derek Jones. The floorpan had been cleverly fashioned into what was effectively a seam-welded tubular chassis and the roll cage was built-in. A fourth shell was later made and this was handed over to us in September 1983.” The first 6R4 (six cylinder, fourwheel drive), chassis, 001, was tested at Chalgrove Airfield, Oxfordshire, in February 1983. John Piper, Design Engineer at Williams, instructed by Patrick Head, drove the car for the first 200 miles before it was handed to Tony Pond for further testing (although Steve Soper drove it once when Tony was ill).

www.mgcc.co.uk

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This testing, and subsequent development, ate into the schedule, which explains why Austin Rover Motorsport didn’t unveil its most-gifted rally progeny until February 1984. Only then, confident that it had a potential winner, did the team go public. The ‘reveal’ of the MG Metro 6R4 took place at the Excelsior Hotel, London, where the paparazzi and guests witnessed Tony Pond drive through a pseudo film screen. Painted classic red with white roof, it was redolent of the works Mini Coopers and Austin Healeys.

Aero Pack Much of 1983 would be spent testing at Chalgrove, Cadwell Park, and MIRA. Gradually, the 6R4’s specification and performance were honed. Most obvious was the way in which its appearance changed. Even allowing for the wider wheelarches, the first iteration was not too far removed stylistically from a production Metro. The soon-to-beadopted aerodynamic package changed all of this. More importantly, the difference the wings made to the car’s stability, and handling, was significant. “The initial aerodynamic improvements came about during 1984, at the suggestion of Patrick,”

OCTOBER 2016 SAFETY FAST! 19

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Technical drawing of the MG Metro 6R4

recalls Davenport. “Williams had huge experience with aerodynamics, of course. We weren’t convinced at fi rst though.” What convinced Davenport and his team was the feedback received from Tony Pond after testing a ‘bewinged’ 6R4 at Oulton Park. John Piper picks up the story. “Aerodynamics was everything to Williams. Patrick had suggested we fi t wings to the 6R4, but Austin Rover wasn’t convinced. So, Brian O’Rourke had a rummage around in one of Williams’ old storerooms and found a rear counterfl ap, the part that’s attached to the trailing edge of the main wing. It was from a FW06 F1 car and approximately the same width as the Metro’s rear hatch. Brian sketched out some crude wing endplates and made them in 10-gauge aluminium sheet to fi x it to that rear hatch. Patrick thought the wing would do fi ne.

“When Tony brought the car in from its fi rst testing session we showed him the wing. He fell about laughing! However, we persuaded him to give it a go...and he was immediately lapping a few seconds faster. But he complained that the car had terminal understeer due to the extra rear grip. So, we dived into our van and pulled out a front splitter which we’d cobbled up from a sheet of aluminium. This was attached to the 6R4, Tony did more laps, and was a few seconds faster still. He raved about it... and subsequently convinced Austin Rover to add an aerodynamic package to the 6R4. Which, thanks to Bernie Marcus, Austin Rover’s excellent aerodynamicist, they did. The car ultimately became much more stable...and much quicker.”

•

Changes In what was a rather bold move, Austin Rover Motorsport announced plans to test the car under competition conditions, ie national rallies. True to its word, the team entered a 6R4 on the 1984 York National Rally (but without the aero package – this fi rst appeared in public on the 1984 Mewla Rally). Having posted fastest times on eight of the 11 stages, and leading by almost three minutes, the alternator cremated itself, bringing the 6R4 to an untimely halt. The team planned to withdraw Pond at the end of the event, as he was needed at Silverstone to qualify his Rover Vitesse in the British Saloon Car Championship. Alternator woes aside, there was no doubting that the 6R4 had the makings of a world-class rally car and further competition outings would accelerate its development considerably. As development gathered speed, and boundaries approached, the umbilical tie between production Metro and rally sibling was stretched to its limit...then severed. In the end, the only familial commonalities were the front grille, windscreen, headlamps, and part of the doors. In total, only 16 panels/parts were carried over. It’s been said that the remaining 347 are unique to the 6R4. The car had grown in stature too… and not just in terms of its rallying prowess; it was much better endowed physically. The front and rear suspension, John Piper’s handiwork (he was responsible for the steering rack’s design too) had been relocated, stretching the

Malcolm Wilson and Nigel Harris competed in the 1986 World Rally Championship in the 6R4, part of a three-car team 20 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2016

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23/09/2016 17:18

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car tours 31/08/2016 17:18:08 23/09/2016 17:18

wheelbase by 5 1/2 inches in the process; the track was wider and the struts were four inches taller. The reason behind the changes? Tyre availability. “At this stage, we were still using 13in wheels,” recalls Davenport. “Pierre Dupasquier, Head of Michelin’s Competition Department, mentioned that if we turned up for the Monte Carlo Rally on 13in wheels, he could only supply road tyres. If we wanted Michelin’s competition tyres, the ones developed for Audi and Peugeot, this would require 390mm (a smidge bigger than 15in) wheels. We had no option other than to re-engineer the 6R4. “Bernie Marcus also had to redo all of the aerodynamics. Interestingly, we’d fi tted NACA ducts to the rear side windows, to draw hot air from the engine compartment. But, when Bernie did his assessments, he found that they were actually pushing air in! At this stage we were still using the V62V engine. This worked remarkably well. But to be competitive in Group B, we needed an engine that produced in the region of 400bhp. David Wood and his team certainly delivered on this.” Bespoke “The V62V had enough power, and was designed to mate perfectly to the 6R4’s transmission,” explains Wood. “This meant that the motorsport team was able to test the car, its transmission, and packaging, in an effective manner. But, to compete at WRC level, at least 400bhp was needed. The management board analysed the plans I submitted for a new V6, quad camshaft, 90-degree,

AT THIS STAGE WE WERE STILL USING THE V62V ENGINE. THIS WORKED REMARKABLY WELL. BUT TO BE COMPETITIVE IN GROUP B, WE NEEDED AN ENGINE THAT PRODUCED IN THE REGION OF 400BHP. four-valve-per-cylinder ‘V64V’ engine and approved it. We had a lot of support from Harold Musgrove. “However, time was of the essence, and there were budget constraints too, so the basic dimensions of the Rover V8 engine were utilised, with the patterning being altered to make them suitable for a V6. Mahle produced the pistons, G&S the valves and Gordon Allen made the crankshaft and rods to our design. The heads, designed in-house by Bob Farley and his small team at Canley, were cast and machined by Cosworth. The valve and throat angles were similar to a Cosworth DFV. “The engine was produced in two guises. International engines had double valve springs, very high-lift camshafts, six throttle bodies and ultimately produced around 410bhp. Clubman engines, which were rev-limited to 7,000rpm and delivered 250bhp, had Rover V8 conrods (but produced in stronger EN24 steel), single valve springs and a simpler inlet manifold and plenum complete with a single 52mm butterfl y from the Rover Vitesse.”

Drive If the engine was a crucial element in the 6R4’s WRC/Group B and national rally makeup, then so too was the transmission system. John Piper elaborates. “There was a main gearbox, more or less central in the car, ahead of which was a step-off unit that also housed a Ferguson Formula viscous-coupling centre differential. Running forward to a front diff, designed by Bob Farley, was a jointed propshaft from the step-off unit. The rear drive was carried through a quill shaft along the right-hand side of the sump and into a rear differential unit cast integral with the engine sump, under No. two main bearing cap, but with its own oil supply. The rear diff and sump were also Bob’s handiwork. “I designed the gearbox casing and the step-off unit integration, with help from Mike Endean on the gearbox internals. Mike worked for Hewland at the time and was contracted in. Although complex, the transmission system was robust and relatively easy to work on. Plus, depending on the nature of the event, the torque-split could be altered.” To be continued....

SIN

Full group B rally spec 6R4 next to a factory Clubman spec 6R4 22 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2016

MG_SafetyFast_Oct16_3-49.indd 22

* lim co

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23/09/2016 17:18

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*Club ticket (adult 16 years+) offer only applies to Saturday and Sunday and only when booked in advance. Club single ticket offer is limited to four tickets per member and the club family ticket offer is limited to one family ticket per member. A family ticket admits 2 adults and up to 3 children (5-15 years). Hand in your ticket stub or print-at-home voucher to your club’s stand and they will benefit from a commission. Calls cost 10ppm plus standard network charges. All bookings are subject to a single transaction fee of £1.50. Tickets include a showguide to the value of £7.50. Entry to the auction requires purchase of a catalogue. See website for all information. All information correct at time of publishing.

MG_SafetyFast_Oct16_3-49.indd 23

23/09/2016 17:18

Gathering of Scottish Centre senior members: from the left Betty Herrald, Douglas Mickel, Bruce Herrald, Ewan Murray

CLUB HISTORY The tenth of the serialised 12-part enlarged and updated Club History

Douglas Mickel Trust by Tom Gray

t the official opening of Kimber House on July 15 1990 congratulations and backslapping were the order of the day. The objective of having our own headquarters in Abingdon had been achieved and, even better, these were near the exit gate of the old factory through which successive MG models had gone on test or been delivered to proud new owners. We were blissfully unaware, however, that in the near future the board of directors would embark on ambitious projects which would almost put the Club on the rocks financially during 1992. The result of this very near miss focused many people on the position of Kimber House. If the Club had foundered, Kimber House would have to be sold to pay off creditors. This would have not only been a

24 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2016

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major disaster but also a breach of faith with the many, and Douglas Mickel in particular, who had given so generously. It was decided that the asset of Kimber House should be placed in trust as soon as the Club’s finances would allow. The process of forming the Trust moved along slowly in line with the gradual improvement of the Club’s finances, but finally the proposal to put Kimber House into trust was debated at the council meeting on March 30 1996. In the meantime, several names of trustees designate had been put forward and the board were overwhelmingly in favour of it being named the Douglas Mickel Trust. Douglas and Marjorie were thrilled. The first meeting of the trustees designate was held on March 17 1995 when it was resolved to seek charitable status from the Charity Commissioners.

In the event this was not obtained, the Charity Commissioners reasoning that “a purpose is not charitable if it is mainly for the benefit of specific individuals”. The aims and objectives of the Trust were however debated at length, tested at council meetings and agreed as follows: 1. To own and manage the freehold of Kimber House and adjoining property. 2. To maintain and preserve trophies and other historic material and archives of the MG Car Club. 3. To encourage and assist research into the history of the MG Car Club and the archive material. 4. To encourage the Club to hold seminars on maintenance/ restoration of MG models. The Trust was up, but not running, by March 29 1996, endowed by Douglas Mickel who generously wrote a cheque equal to the sum MG Car

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23/09/2016 17:18

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OCTOBER 2016 SAFETY FAST! 25

23/09/2016 17:18

Rimmer

CLUB HISTORY

Club had remitted as the first, and only, repayment of the original loan back in 1990; the loan to the Club having been commuted to a gift on March 6 1996. It was not until 1997 that Kimber House and the semidetached dwelling next door were finally gifted to the Trust. The Trust could not have better tenants; they looked after the property as if it were their own! It has been particularly gratifying that the Club in 1999 found sufficient resources to relocate the former tenants from next door, renovate the property to provide additional accommodation for Club purposes, and still have money in the bank. The Trustees are also delighted that their first project is to contribute to the cost of gathering articles worldwide for this book. The original Trustees were: Tom Gray, Chairman. (Scottish Centre), Robert Innes-Ker, Secretary and Treasurer (Abingdon Works Centre), Victor Smith. (South East Centre), Paul Brazier, Secretary (North West Centre), Douglas Mickel, OBE. 1911-2000. Douglas was introduced to the MG marque by his uncle Robert who campaigned in a TA. His proudest MG memory is being presented with his first ever award by Mrs Cecil Kimber, who travelled north with her husband to Taymouth Castle for an MG (Scottish Centre) Weekend Rally on May 20-21 1939 (Third in saloon class, C type Ford!). Douglas had joined the MG Car Club as an associate member shortly before the rally and later was to become, from 1948, secretary of the Scottish Centre for a period of 43 years! But Douglas never owned an MG until he bought one of the last Midgets in 1980. An MG Metro and two MG Maestros followed. His son, Bruce, still has a TD which his parents gave to him on his 21st birthday. Douglas may not have owned many MGs but somehow the Club was in his life-blood.

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The official opening of Kimber House in 1990

The future of the Douglas Mickel Trust Bill Silcock At the start of 2013, the MGCC Board of Directors set out to document the relationship between the Club and the Douglas Mickel Trust (DMT), in order to place this on record for future Board members as an easily understandable reference guide. To aid this, the Board called forward all the papers held by the Club’s previous solicitors. After an initial analysis of the documents there appeared to be some gaps in the information available, so the Board asked the current trustees for their help in understanding the position. After a short time the Trustees, led by Geoff St John-Mitchell, agreed that there were some inconsistencies in the documentation held by each side, and the Club and the Trust decided independently that legal advice was required. The Club and the Trust instructed separate solicitors, and both legal advisors agreed inconsistencies existed, and gave it as their opinion that Barrister’s opinion should be sought in order finally to clarify matters. At the MGCC Council in March 2014 the Club Chairman, Bill Silcock made the following statement: “The Douglas Mickel Trust was set up in 1994 to put Kimber House beyond the reach of any Club creditor in the event of a financial disaster befalling the Club. In recent times it

has become apparent that the Trust was not set up as well as it might have been. The Club and the trustees have independently taken legal advice, and a way forward is being mutually sought. In the worst case, the ownership of Kimber House will revert to the Club and a new trust will need to be established. KH would then be put under the ownership of the new Trust to provide continued protection for the Club.” The Trust then received Barrister’s opinion resolving the situation. This supported the solicitors’ fears that the DMT was not a valid trust in law and had therefore never existed in law. It should be emphasised that the original trustees acted in the light of their advice at the time of the formation of the trust, and no blame attaches to them for this conclusion. After considering Barrister’s opinion, the DMT trustees asked to hand back all the assets of the DMT to the MGCC, and a meeting was convened between the trustees, the Club Chairman Bill Silcock, and the Treasurer Richard Colston on May 14 2014. At this meeting all the DMT documentation and accounts were lodged with MGCC, and the financial assets of the Trust were handed over to the Club. These assets were deposited in a standalone account until the Council approved a proposal for their use.

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CLUB HISTORY

The title to Kimber House was initially left with the four named individuals (all respected MGCC members) who had previously held the property on behalf of the Trust. This was to continue until the Club had taken legal and accountant’s advice as to the position relating to stamp duty liability arising from the transfer of the ownership of Kimber House. The Club received assurances that no stamp duty was payable, and the Club’s solicitors transferred the title in Kimber House back to the MGCC. The Board then took legal advice on the best way to protect Kimber House from any future risks. Its solicitors, Morgan Cole, advised that another Trust or a separate company were inappropriate ways to protect Kimber House, and the recommended way forward was for the Club to have robust management procedures. Our then current Memorandum of Incorporation and Articles of Association, together with the Club Rules, were passed to Morgan Cole to get their recommendation on the amendments necessary. A sub-committee of the Board was created led by Bill Silcock, with the very able support of Richard Colston, Dick Morbey, Chris Hunt-Cook, and Jim Andrews. Their remit was to review and re-draft the Memorandum of Incorporation and Articles of Association, together with the Club Rules, in line with Morgan Cole’s recommendations. It was concluded that the Memorandum of Incorporation need not change, and was an historic document in its own right, and the team concentrated their efforts on the Articles of Association and the Club Rules. Drafts of the revised documents were then circulated and approved by all the CRBs, and an EGM was called to coincide with the next Council meeting in March 2015, when the fi nal revised documents were unanimously adopted.

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The Douglas Mickel Fund George Wilder The Douglas Mickel Fund was established during 2014 to continue some of the objectives set out for the previous Trust. Its structure and procedures were developed by a small working party made up of Ian Lindley (then Chair of the Caledonian Centre), Phil Jukes (then Chair of the 6.3.5 Register), and George Wilder MGCC Director. Their report was accepted by the Executive Committee and put into place so the Fund could operate in 2015. The Fund’s objectives are to support activities which are: • securing the long-term future of the MGCC • developing the MGCC Archive and records • developing the knowledge about MG • developing and enhancing the skills of young people to work on older vehicles • other meaningful projects that support and enhance the use of MG cars. All MGCC Members are eligible to apply to the DMF for assistance whether individually, as a collective, or as a Centre, Register or Branch. The DMF Panel has the option to provide both ‘loans’ and ‘grants’ to applicants, depending on successful consideration of any application. However, in all cases the application must fall within the objectives of the DMF. The DMF Panel is made up of three MG Car Club members, one each of Director, Register Chairman and Centre Chairman and they are elected from suggestions made at Board level. This will be on a rotational role so that no one individual continues for more than three consecutive years. The DMF Panel will report to the Executive Committee on its activities through the nominated Director at regular intervals.

Douglas Mickel was born in 1911 in Cardross in Scotland, educated at Glasgow University and joined the family building company. Moved to Edinburgh to open a new branch of the company later becoming its Chairman. For services to the building industry he received the OBE. His wife Margery received the MBE for services to politics. Prior to World War II Douglas joined the MG Car Club but he did not have an MG and campaigned a Ford saloon. In the War he joined the Royal Engineers and attained the rank of Captain. After the War he joined various local business associations where he served with distinction. In motorsport he became a leading light in the Scottish Sports Car Club and the Royal Scottish Automobile Club. He rejoined the MG Car Club and was to serve as the everenthusiastic Secretary for the Scottish Centre for 43 years. Douglas only gave up skiing and badminton at the age of 80 and maintained a keen interest in the Scottish Centre and the Club until his death in 2000.

The Fund’s fi rst supporting project was to help the SVW Register build an engine stand for the Club’s display VA engine. The cost was split between the Register and the Fund. The engine and stand are now on display in the new Bill Wallis Archive at Kimber House.

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T SIMPLY

RED by Graham Ardern

No â&#x20AC;&#x201C; not the pop group but a trio of MGAs of (almost) similar colour, each in pristine condition and which by an amazing coincidence, can be found within a few minutes walk of each other. 30 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2016

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he village of East Preston between Worthing and Littlehampton in West Sussex has one of several estates which border the sea and one of these is where these delightful, beautifully designed cars are to be found. The three of them are photographed by the river Arun, courtesy of the Commodore & Secretary of Arun Yacht Club. Each of the owners, Adrian Dyer, David Charles and me have provided a potted history of their cars which we hope will be found interesting. David was for me the catalyst, having seen his pristine car parked and over which I drooled. As a previous owner of a 1954 TF for many years, I toyed with the idea of finding another TF or an MGA. With Davidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s help and expertise

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FEATURE

NAS 992: 1959 MGA 1600 Mark 1 Roadster: David

we looked at several (poor body – great engine or immaculate body – lousy engine). As an aside, David numbers a collection of interesting vehicles including four impressive 1920s Austins which he mentions in his later notes. He cossets them, feeds them and regularly exercises them. He is however, most likely to be seen in the MGA which is comfortable, goes like stink and one which he can get into without grunting. David is a gregarious petrolhead and amongst his friends, many own an eclectic range of cars. A group meets once a month for a natter and lunch organised by him in Sussex and Surrey. Adrian’s car is absolutely immaculate and is, in our opinion, 100 points. This is not shared by a very modest Adrian who incidentally may be amongst the longest continuous owners of any

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Although my long term interest has always been Vintage cars, mainly Austins, I had hankered after a 50s British sports car. So evocative and stylish. I looked at Healeys, Jaguars and when I retired in 2008 started to concentrate on MGAs as they seemed to be better value, on a smiles/£ ratio. I discovered my car being sold privately near to where I then lived in Surrey. It was irresistible as it was the right model, the right updated specification and the right colour inside and out. So by June I became the conserver of NAS 992. The history of my MG was that it was dispatched by the factory on November 11 1959 and was a LHD North American Export. Factory-fitted equipment included disc wheels, heater and whitewall tyres. It was repatriated some time in 2001 and was registered for the first time in the UK in 2003. A full body off renovation was carried out and a rebuilt 1800 MGB five-bearing crank engine fitted mated to a five-speed gearbox. The seats were uprated to the thicker deluxe leather seats. Wire wheels were added as well as a brake servo and a Kenlow fan. The car is a brisk performer and following the fitment of new SU carbs

MGA, having bought it in 1967. His account, which follows, will tell you more. Consequently, Adrian’s detailed knowledge of the MGA is amazing and he is a useful person to talk to when things are not quite right. ‘Perfectionist’ is sometimes used in a pejorative sense but in his case perfection means just that. It shows in some of the older Mercedes he treasures and (unusually) in his magnificent Honda 400/4 motorcycle of

returns a steady 30 miles to the gallon (although it demands premium grade petrol). As I have said, my passion is for 1920s vintage Austin cars and I am a member of the Vintage Sports Car Club. It speaks volumes when one learns that many a Bentley/Lagonda/ Bugatti/Aston Martin etc owner has as his alternative ‘driver’s car’ an MGA. Perfect balance, performance, comfort and a classic shape! I have recently added a 190 SL to my stable, also in red, and it is interesting to compare the Mercedes with the MG. The Mercedes two-seater roadster in 1959 cost a massive three times the cost of an MGA, circa £3,000, which was the price of a good threebedroom semi in Surrey. Is the Merc three times better than the MG?

1978, in which each cylinder sports its own carburettor. Lovely to look at and as you would expect, immaculate. Add to this Adrian’s collection of MGA memorabilia detailing, it seems, almost every item of printed material that came out of Abingdon. Factory updates, parts, costs, accessories and even original MGA colour charts. On top of all that, where would you find two spare MGA radiator surrounds on the garage walls?

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FEATURE

103 UMM: 1959 MGA 1500 Roadster: Adrian In February 1967 a work colleague asked me to go with him to look at an MGA for sale at a local garage. He had just passed his driving test and to celebrate, his parents wanted to buy him a car. We went to look at it, gleaming in its Orient Red paintwork, and were both instantly smitten. However his parents were concerned at him driving an eight-yearold car and so purchased a six-monthold MG Midget instead. I did not want to let the MGA go, and so traded in my Morris Minor and proudly drove away in the MG – mine for £369! The car became my regular transport and together we covered many miles. Two years later, I had the chance to buy some original BMC panels from Toulmins of Isleworth. I duly emptied my bank account and purchased four new wings (front £1710-0 and rear £7-2-6 each), sills at

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£2-0-0 each, a front valance at £4-6-0 and many other parts. These were put away until such times as they would be needed. By 1970, I had moved to just outside Eastbourne whilst working in London. The MGA was used for the daily trip to London and then to Cambridge at the weekends where my girlfriend – now my wife – was at university.

In 1975, I was heartbroken to fi nd a hole in the side chassis rail, and knew that the time was fast approaching when I would need to make some fairly extensive structural repairs to the car. The MGA was taken off the road for the strip down to begin. We hadn’t got very far when we decided that a house move was in order, so the car was put back together to make the journey to the new house. The strip down commenced again and the spare bedrooms gradually fi lled with MGA parts. (It is really surprising how much space a small car can take up when taken to pieces.) The chassis was eventually taken for repair and the rolling chassis then reunited with its bodyshell. This was then fi tted with all the replacement panels purchased so many years earlier and sent away for painting. The seats were re-upholstered, new fl oorboards fi tted, new carpets, rewire and much rechroming carried out.

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FEATURE

By 1985, the rebuild was completed, the car MOT’d and available to use once again. With a growing family, opportunities to use the car were relatively few. So little in fact that by the time I retired, the car had travelled less than four thousand miles. I now also had the time to attend more MG events to see the standard of the concours cars and became increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of the rebuild of my car – particularly the door gaps (always the tell-tale sign of a good MGA restoration). So I decided now it was time to carry out the second rebuild, only this time to use the best possible company to carry out the work. Yet again, the car was stripped – so easy this time, due to the low mileage since the last rebuild, and the use of plated nuts and bolts at that time. The rolling chassis and bodyshell were taken to Bob West in Pontefract. James at Bob West’s worked his usual miracles and the car was returned to me some months later freshly painted and ready to be bolted back together. In the meantime, I had been busy having the engine and gearbox rebuilt, and having lots of powder coating and rechroming carried out again. On September 6 2011, the car sailed through its MOT. In 2013 we decided on a move to the coast where I was delighted to find another MGA owned by David, who lived just around the corner to our new home, soon to be followed by another purchased by Graham, a minute’s walk away!

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PCG 439: 1956 MGA 1500 Roadster: Graham Its ‘Happy 60th Birthday’ to this car, born on March 13 1956. When I first saw the car and its condition, I knew it would end up in my garage. Prior to this, the early 60s and 70s saw me with a frog-eye Sprite followed by three Midgets, which were great fun especially when well-tuned. (Downside: Sunday morning, Paris, broke main leaf of a spring whilst trying to beat an Alfa at the lights.) Anyway, I bought the MGA which turned out to have relatively few previous owners and I believed had been well looked after. The file of invoices showed an amazing number of replacement parts, but none were in evidence up to 1978 when a Mr A Gaymond bought the car, owning it until about 1997. He lived in the Solihull area of the West Midlands, as did the next owner, a Mr Double.

A lot of work was carried out in 1978 including various panels, bearings and wiring loom, but the owner then went into overdrive with a bodyoff restoration. Between May and August 1982, work included four new wings, sills, bonnet, bright work and considerable work on key engine parts such as master cylinder and valves, timing chain and clutch. During the next 15 years, wear was clearly taking its toll and the records show replacement work on diff, carburettors and petrol tank but more importantly on the engine itself. As a consequence, in February 1998 the car was given a replacement engine and at the same time, the gearbox was rebuilt. In my ownership the car was examined by Robin Lackford of Lackford Engineering and their expertise found a number of items needing attention. These included work on the front suspension, new rack and pinion, plus a new prop shaft. More recently SUs were balanced leading to much better running and lowered fuel consumption and the car benefited from a new master cylinder. So all in all, a lot of work has been carried out and the car looks great, drives well and as they do, the MGA attracts a lot of attention wherever it goes – especially in convoy with David and Adrian. I’m told that to fit in with the others in the trio, I must grow a beard. But then I don’t want to look old, do I?

OCTOBER 2016 SAFETY FAST! 33

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MGCC Silverstone International 29 May 1971 - the inspiration for a Midget Championship.

THE MG MIDGET CHAMPIONSHIP FORTY YEARS ON

An In Conversation special Part two By Dennis Wharf

s mentioned last month Midget Championship founder Larry Quinn, two of the earliest competitors, Chris Westell and James Thacker, plus Richard Wildman gathered

at the Manor Weston Hotel at Westonon-the-Green in north Oxfordshire to recall some of the highlights from the past 40 years that the series has been running. We finished last time with the series now established, three classes, full

Richard, Larry, Dennis, Chris and James talk Midget Racing.

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grids, and Larry’s original idea proving to be a great success. But as you’d expect, being competitive folks they wouldn’t be racing drivers if they weren’t looking for that something extra, the secret advantage if you like. This of course kept Larry constantly on his toes. Martin Ingle too, for as Larry’s assistant from shortly after the beginning until the mid-90s, he would be found checking four or five class C camshaft profiles every race. But of course the drivers kept an eye on each other also, to see what they might be up to. “We were always looking for that little extra”, Chris remarks, “and one day we thought we might get away with a bit of cheating, as we’d been able to get hold of some 130 octane fuel. Well, we thought we could go one better than this and so mixed it with some methanol. We were at Mallory Park and because methanol stinks like mad, we filled the car up down by the lake.

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IN CONVERSATION WITH

Richard and Larry listen to one of James’ stories.

Larry looks back over his 80s paperwork

Anyhow, we started the race and that first lap was phenomenal! We went past everybody, Ashby, Everitt, Sheppard, all of them, just left them for dead. Next lap along the back straight there were four puffs of white smoke as each of the pistons melted!” As the laughter dies down Richard recalls; “At Cadwell, always hard on brakes, I remember Larry seeing us rubbing oil into the rear brake shoes to help them last longer. When he saw us, he just shook his head and walked away in disbelief, but what you didn’t know,” looking straight at Larry, “was that we’d got an old air Klaxon pump, with pipes feeding into the

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back plates, and wired into the brake lights so it cooled the brakes each time they were applied. That was an idea of David Weston’s, and he was only 13 years old at the time. No wonder he’s so quick now.” James also remembers the overheating class C brakes: “They really did get hot. I remember sometimes after a race the heat build-up was such that the slave cylinder rubbers would start to burn, and if you didn’t keep an eye on it, the whole car could have caught fire.” Mentioned then is the most extreme car to have appeared, that of Richard Ibrahim, who had built his U2 Mk8 Mallock into a Special GT car for

that series. Fitted with Ford Twin Cam engine, and Lotus Cortina gearbox, but still using a Midget 3.9 diff, he had lengthened the tubular chassis, and clothed the car in race-weight glass fibre Midget bodywork. Then, just for the fun of it, entered the car for a round of the Championship at Silverstone. He went through scrutineering, but once returned from practice was informed that the car was supposed to be a Sprite or Midget. “Well,” he asked, “where in the regs does it actually state that?” And for sure he was right: nowhere in the regulation did it mention by name that competing cars had to be MG Midgets or Austin Healey Sprites. Needless to say, they were rewritten pretty quickly thereafter. He was allowed to run in that one race, which he won, but didn’t accrue any points. Although this was simply an amusing incident, the competitiveness has always been very serious, but as Richard points out: “There has always been this tremendous camaraderie and friendship, too, with people always on hand to help if the need should arise. For example, Ted Reeve loaned me his spare wets one time, on which I went out and beat him. What a guy. A true sportsman, he was the first to come up shake hand and congratulate me on winning – and I was using his tyres!” And James agrees: “As Richard says, it’s the common bond between all these people who race a little British sports car. It’s more than just the car, it’s a spirit. As Larry often says, we’re all part of a family.” Larry goes further by mentioning how in 1998, and for the following four years, there was a round at Spa in Belgium where the maximum number of cars on the grid was, he thought, 72, but in the latter years was often was closer to 76 or 77. “I think these events really helped.” James: “Yes I agree. Being abroad brought us even closer together, but it was actually at Spa one year where I had my strangest dilemma. We’d practised on the Saturday, but the race wasn’t until Sunday, so after practice I simply put all my stuff back in the car

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IN CONVERSATION WITH

and forgot about it. Well, on the Sunday as we all came out onto the circuit for the formation lap, I heard a loud clank, and realised I’d left a petrol can in the car! So there I am, racking my brain thinking ‘what can I do?’ The pits at Spa are too long to make a rapid stop, it was a rolling start, I’m near the front of the grid with 70-odd cars behind – it was like a nightmare. On the one hand I’m really looking forward to the race, but on the other I’ve got to stop! But then going round Stavelot I noticed a marshal, slowed down and pointing to the can asked if he’d take it. Looking somewhat bemused and without a word he did, but of course the 70-plus cars came past, and being a rolling start by the time I reached the grid they’d all gone. I did have a lot of fun working my way back up through the field. I think I finished about seventh or eighth, and then on the slowing down lap I collected the can from the same, still somewhat baffled, marshal. I’ve often wondered if he thought I was going to stop for a quick top up!” Then someone remembers another amusing incident that befell Chris some years earlier at Cadwell Park. “That’s right, we’d driven up and enjoyed a very good dinner with probably too much to drink in Louth, but had completely forgotten about the nearby North Sea and how the fog rolls in. Well, emerging into a real pea-souper – you just couldn’t see a

Multi Champion Paul Sibley at Mallory Park in 2015

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Equipe Southcott discuss team tactics, Brands Hatch 2016

thing – and not sure where to go, after a short distance we just pulled up by the roadside, pitched the tent and went to sleep. About dawn we were awoken by the Police who asked if we’d mind moving, please. ‘Why,’ we said, ‘is there a problem?’ ‘Well, yes,’ came the reply, ‘you’ve camped in the central reservation of a dual carriageway…!’ ” The conversation now turns to drivers no longer involved, but memorable for one reason or another. James first recalls Tom Woods. “A very successful Formula Ford driver who had stopped racing for a season or two and then joined the Midget Championship in the mid-80s and thought he’d win. He did do well, but he said he was surprised that the

standard of driving was so high, and not what he’d expected, thinking in a little club series he’d win moderately easily. Another was Chris Merrick, a policeman from Gloucestershire, who went on to hill-climb DFV powered Pilbeam and Gould machines in the National Championships, doing very well, and now drives a Cooper in historic Formula Junior.” Among others who’ve gone on to greater things are Andrew Tart, now running his own historic race preparation company in Kidderminster, Shaun Rainford of course, who races historic cars and runs CCK Historic, which among others things prepares many cars for the Goodwood events, and Mark Hales, a noted historic racer and track tester for

Close action Carl Chadwick and John Bridge exiting Shaws hairpin, Mallory Park

OCTOBER 2016 SAFETY FAST! 37

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David Weston, is he still secretive about brake cooling...? Silverstone 2015

the glossies, who also races exotica for Nick Mason. Another was Rob Gravett, the BTCC driver, and multi race winner Peter Hiley. Keith and Chris Ashby, the only father and son winners, plus Hugh Colman, now racing a Chevron B8 in historics, and Bill Lancashire, driving Caterham Westfi eld and TVR. But no list of Championship drivers is complete without mentioning Steve Everitt who won the Modifi ed Class no less than six times, and an impressive 70 races, and was in John’s words “impossible not to like”. John also recalled that whenever there was a round at Brands Hatch and Brian Jones was commentating, the races enjoyed a particularly good mention. “Steve, Lawrence Cutler and I always did the winter clubbies at Brands, the day usually ending in the Paddock Bar (the black hut in the top corner) where Brian was invariably propping up the bar. As a result, Brian built up a great friendship with Steve, who also loved his beer, so when Steve was having one of his epic battles with Ashby, Cairns, or Sheppard, Brian would get very excited. Great days. Epic races. Epic commentaries.” The annually presented bronze-cast Everitt memorial trophy is treasured by all those who have received it. Having raced in the 80s and 90s, then had a break and now back racing again, I ask Richard if he’s noticed much change. Quick as a fl ash he replies: “Well, yes, everyone’s got a motorhome and a posh trailer! Don’t get me wrong, I’m not being negative, but there is defi nitely a lot more money about now. But has much changed? No, I don’t think it has. It’s the same type of people and the camaraderie and competition is still there. Some are semi-retired now and got grey hair, but the competition is still

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as fi erce, while the friendliness remains as it always was. Lap times are faster because people keep pushing where they can within the rules. So things like spring rates have gone up, experiments with camshaft profi les, everyone, Peter May especially, is looking for where that extra bit of speed can be found, although the cars and engines passed their design limits years ago. This year I’m driving a class B car; now these have moved on a lot and have become quite a handful. With class A it was, and still is, all about smoothness, and not scrubbing speed away, but the Bs are alive and dancing all the time, every lap’s a challenge. We’ve the power of the As but on narrower tyres with slightly more weight, so we can match them down the straights, but have more to think about in the corners – they are exciting cars.” Which bring us to where the cars and drivers are at present: now of course with four classes, catering for the Sprites who joined recently from the Austin Healey Club, along with current series sponsor, historics racer

and classic car restorer, Robin Lackford. Clearly Larry, Chris, Richard and James have enjoyed the chance to meet for a few hours and simply talk about the Championship which brought them all together, for it’s obvious racing has been an important and enjoyable part of their lives. But to fi nish, the fi nal words should be John’s, for I think he summed up perfectly how all the drivers feel regarding Larry and the series he created with the following. “As arbiter, he may have stood on a few toes along the way and probably did regard it as his Championship, but there is no getting away from it that, without Larry, the Championship would never have happened. Both he and Dorothy put in a tremendous amount of work over the years to sustain it. When he announced his retirement in 2012, the drivers unanimously proposed that he should be appointed Honorary President, which shows the high regard that everyone has for him. Larry raced his Irish-registered Tartan Red 1275 Midget in the series, being the fi rst Road-going Champion in 1977, the fi rst year of the Challenge, and subsequently used it as his classic road car. Sadly, he took it out one Saturday morning and parking in his usual spot, returned only to fi nd it had been stolen. He never replaced it; as far as he was concerned that MG Midget was irreplaceable – such a shame.”

Fue (Ma

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Frogeye’s are very much part of the scene today

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VINTAGE NEWSLET TER Peter Jones peterjones1880@me.com

WELCOME TO THE VINTAGE NEWSLETTER This has been a bit of a miserable summer for me. Those of you who have read my previous newsletter notes may recall that I hate doing weddings with my 18/80. It is an open four-seat tourer and people think it ‘ideal’ for such purposes. It’s not all ‘bah humbug’ but it’s just that, as I use it pretty well every day for general use as well as for the odd competition, it tends to get a bit grubby and cleaning cars is not one of my more exercised talents. This year I had two weddings in the space of a few weeks – both for the offspring of very old and dear friends. I couldn’t very well refuse or come up with any believable excuses. So I spent the best part of a day cleaning the thing for the fi rst wedding (and effecting the odd minor repair) and what a wonderful day it was. Then rather that enjoying the glorious summer weather gambolling through the slightly muddy hazel-hedged lanes to the south of Bath where I live, I locked it away, safe and sound, in the hermetically sealed

garage for three weeks, suffering severe withdrawal symptoms, and wheeled it out again for the second. Another wonderful day. One of the minor repairs found to be necessary, and rather beyond my ability as it requires more machining than my Black and Decker is capable of, was an overhaul of the steering box, so I arranged with a friendly engineer who has an eye for these things to take a look at it. To this end, after the weddings I removed the bonnet boards, drag link, dynamo, water pump and bottom radiator hose to gain access to the manual advance/retard and hand throttle connections, not to mention the steering wheel and sundry support clamps, before removing the steering column. Now with all the room available under the bonnet of an 18/80, one can only assume that it was bloody-mindedness on the part of the designers to pack all this vital equipment into such a confi ned and ridiculously inaccessible space.

This is the best angle for my TC - you can’t see half the problems. If you ever wondered what your car would look like if you didn’t wash it for 15 years this is it!

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I gave the engineer a call and to advise him of my imminent arrival but he was sorry to say that he was rushing to fi nish a big piece of work before going on holiday, so it would be at least three weeks before he could even look at it. Woe, woe and thrice woe. ‘Cold Turkey’ for me then…I think I’ll give Fred Body a ring and throw myself on his mercy. The upshot of all this is that I have been using the TC a lot more than ever I have since inheriting the 18/80. Friends in the VR often used to observe that I would probably use the TC less once I had sampled the delights of Vintage Motoring, and they were largely right, too! But driving the smaller car again on a daily basis has not been without its excitement. Getting used to the idiosyncratic brakes once again is interesting. Many, many years ago the T Register printed an episodic ‘Bulletin’ that included a handy ‘problems page’ written by someone who styled himself ‘Vulcan’ (the god of molten metal you may recall). One of the problems raised by a new owner of a TC was that his

Another from that VSCC trial - it was a very wet day on a steep muddy field that they obliged us to enter from the top.

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This is a rather nice publicity shot (before cropping out the background) of a Mk1 in the Abingdon factory. The white chassis was not standard but this was specially ‘shammed’ for the Earls Court Motor Show.

car mostly seemed to pull to the offside when he applied the brakes but, just occasionally, to the near side, which made for interesting journeys. ‘Vulcan’ replied that his car did that, too, and it was largely put down to being affected by which wheel was actually in contact with the road at the time the brakes were applied. Such fun. I was setting off to work one day when performance dropped off, there was a ‘chuffing’ noise from the front and a tinkling from the rear. Now, driving with the windscreen flat, as one does in the balmy summer weather, a large number

of mechanical noises are drowned out by the exhilaration and the rushing wind full in the face but this, I felt, could be a tad serious. I pulled over. Raising the windscreen and opening the nearside bonnet I was surprised to find that No. four plug was missing! I walked back along the road and there it was waiting for me in the gutter. I gingerly picked it up with my handkerchief and screwed it back in the hole (and tightened it this time) and all was well once again. Quite how long ago it was that I last took the plugs out is lost in the mists of time, but this was the first

time in 50 years of driving the car that such a thing has happened. Odd really. Then again, I was surprised a few years ago when, driving up Shaft Road with its gradients and flowing curves with customary gusto, I heard an expensive-sounding ‘knocking’ from the front as I heaved it round a left-hand bend. I slowed down and it shut up. When home, I dipped the oil and yes – it hardly touched the dipstick, so must have ‘surged’ on the bend and left the oil pickup in rather shallow water. Luckily it re-primed itself and the gauge soon flicked back to the 60psi that is its norm. Then recently I was driving home from work, this time up Widcombe Hill. (I live in Bath and, like Rome, it was built surrounded by seven hills, which makes for lots of fun when behind the wheel, but shocking fuel consumption.) The weather was glorious, the screen down, the revs screamed and the populace cheered at my passing. When I was near the top, I just happened to glance at the temperature gauge and the needle was pointing to a bit the wrong side of 212o (the gauge itself came off a WWII American bomber that ditched on Sedgemoor, and this particular part was ‘rescued’ by a relation who gave it to me when I bought the car in 1965). Slowing slightly, I drifted home to find the radiator somewhat low on water. When

This is the Kimber PCT but, alas, not quiet at the top. I ‘double entered’ with Victoria and she was tactful enough not to beat me but did come away with the ‘Ladies Prize’. Marshal/Clerk of the Course Bruce Weston looks on in awe.

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Soon after I got the car ‘on the road’ on the VSCC’s Exmoor Fringe tiral. Alas I had run out of money so no trim or weather equipment then. It pelted down with rain on the way home and washed all the mud off. We had a small problem with the exhaust mounting becoming loose and I was busy fixing it. Roger Stanbury was equally busy watching me - a position he often adopted.

replenished, I assumed things were back to normal again but no, when I went to drive to work the next day the garage floor was wet. The bottom hose was loose. How could that be? It had been fine for donkey’s years. Some of you reading this may wonder how it manages to hang together after all the abuse, but it has been treated thus for the past 50 years and still soldiers on. I last rebuilt the engine just before my son was born and he is now 37… However, all this digresses from the Vintage focus that this piece is supposed to have, so back to the point I come. The only memorable event in the 18/80 this year was the Kimber Classic Trial in April. An event that is truly magnificent and I can’t understand why more people don’t enter. Two years ago, I was beset by mysterious engine maladies and I checked and rechecked everything, replacing various vital bits of ignition and fuel train all to no avail. Some 18 months later, it seemed to get over itself and now works perfectly. I am still none the wiser as to the actual cause of the problem but am content that it may have been the consequence of a number of issues that I gradually worked through. The trial itself is absolutely buckets of fun, gambolling around the tiniest country lanes, starting in the delightfully named village of West Coker. This year there were but 42 entries, mostly MMM and T Types, with a smattering of MGA,

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B and Midgets to brighten things up. There were also some invited ‘others’ like three Austin 7s, two Dellows and a Model A Ford. Having rather misjudged one test, we came joint 14th overall and first in class. (That is to say that I beat the model A who misjudged two sections and was the only other vintage car entered, so I was just lucky, I suppose.) But it does go to show that, whatever MG you own, you can have a wonderful day’s motorsport at a jolly reasonable price, and if a superannuated behemoth like an 18/80 can take on all comers yet still manage to come over half way up the batting order, no matter how badly driven, just think what you could do in your expertly piloted, shiny, wellmaintained machine… Both the TC and the 18/80 have their own foibles but both are a delight to drive, both round town and on the open road. In the past I have driven the TC to Italy on a two-week holiday, and the 18/80 to France (many times) and

Holland. Both have been used in all sorts of motorsport (the TC for many of the more demanding Classic Trials like the famed MCC’s Exeter, Edinburgh and Lands End, as well as the Cotswold and Exmoor Clouds, Allen, Kyrle and Tamar trials for about 15 years – and it is still on the road today!) And I presently use both cars for such things as the Kimber Classic and sundry Production Car Trials, mostly in the South West Centre. - (The organisers always sigh when the 18/80 is entered, as they have to relax the bends so we have a chance of getting round.) Then there are all the Gymkhanas, driving tests and whatnot. I have used both cars to sprint and hillclimb, as well as having dipped my toe into racing in earlier years, but these pastimes are now beyond my pocket – especially as all the regulations require special ‘safety’ equipment, not to mention the entry fees … a pity, really. So, if you have got this far, please enjoy the rest of the year and I would encourage you to enter any events left in your Centre’s calendar. Prizes are not really that important compared to the enjoyment of driving your car and meeting so many other people with a common interest. This cannot be overstated. Soon the 2017 calendar will be published in this very magazine and on your Centre’s website, so read it when you have your diary/calendar/phone/ laptop to hand and pencil the dates into your diary early to give yourself plenty of time to plan weddings, family holidays and other minutiae – then turn up/enter a few and get the taste for it. What have you got to lose? A lovely day out performing wedding duties.

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

WELCOME TO THE TRIPLE M NEWSLETTER PRE-WAR PRESCOTT As promised last month, here are a couple of photos from the Pre-war Prescott event enjoyed by more and more MMM owners and their cars each year. In fact, so many attended this year that your Committee is looking into what can be done to make this a little bit more special next year – watch this space. Our fi rst photo shows John Emmetts’ J0346 (pre-war Trials history and all!) about to leave the line somewhat laden down with passengers. The second shows Frank Ashley (suitably bedecked in his BOC regalia for the occasion) being presented with the MMM Speed Championship award for 2016 by Chairman Dick Morbey. This year our major awards have been presented to unsuspecting winners at suitable venues rather than dinner, Frank having won last year in his embarrassingly rapid M Type which shows a clean pair of heels to a fair number of cars it shouldn’t (on paper at least). Frank Ashley (left) receiving the MMM Speed Championship Award. Photo: Colin Murrell

J0346 about to set off up the hill. Photo: Colin Murrell

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MMM CIRCLE LUXEMBOURG EVENT Every two years the Triple M circle in Luxembourg hold a weekend tour around their small but picturesque country. Ever since we bought our second J2 we have promised ourselves that we would join the event. (The fi rst J2 was 52 years ago, when it cost me £30 but now long gone.) We live in Herefordshire which is 250, mostly motorway, miles to the Channel Tunnel and then a further 250 miles from Calais to Luxembourg, so a trailer for the car was the best solution. After a trouble-free run, we were driving out of Calais six hours later. We had decided on a leisurely route down through Belgium where the poor road surfaces reminded us of home! When we arrived in Luxembourg the roads were a revelation: fairly traffi c-free but smooth and well-maintained. The tour was based at the hotel Bel Air in Echternach in south-eastern Luxembourg in an area known as little Switzerland. We arrived on Thursday afternoon to a car park almost full of trailers being unloaded. 37 cars were due for the weekend and almost all Triple M models were represented. With all the cars unloaded and lining the car park, the trailers and tow cars were moved to an adjacent park and we could then register for the event and sign in at the hotel. The organising team had certainly chosen a fi rst-class hotel with all possible facilities including a magnifi cent spa and health suite.

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Before dinner on the Thursday evening we all met up on the terrace to meet old friends and make new ones. The Luxembourg team were most welcoming and all of them spoke very good English, which was fortunate as our German is almost non-existent. For the Friday route we were given a very high-tech road book, which included distances and photographs of all the road junctions with detailed instructions of the correct route. After a very scenic drive of 80km along smooth roads and past several spectacular castles, we arrived in the market square in Echternach, which had been cleared for us so that all the cars could be seen together. The display seemed to be appreciated by both the locals and visiting tourists, all taking many photographs. We then enjoyed a short reception and welcoming speech from the town mayor in one of the historic buildings which dominate the square, before heading off on a short drive for lunch at a restaurant in Osweiler. The very talented chef had created a most artistic and tasty lunch for us all to enjoy. The afternoon route of 75km took us through some more interesting countryside before we finished at a modern water tower. As we exited the lift at the top we were given a welcome drink to enjoy while we took in the panoramic views. The Saturday route book was more conventional with tulip type directions. All was going well until we came to a diversion, “Umleitung” in German, which we followed, but then there were several other diversion signs which, apparently, we should not have followed. There were two J2s in our very small convoy as we got progressively more lost on the German side of the border. One saving grace was that the other car belonged to a German who could at least ask the locals where we were. Modern electronic devices seemed not to work in that area! Luxembourg had suffered from severe flooding ten days

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Problem solving Continental Style. Photo: Mile Schmit

before the event and several roads and bridges had been washed away, hence the need for many diversions. After directions from a local farmer, we were soon back on the route and met the rest of the group at a hydroelectric power plant (S.E.O.) where we were given a guided tour. The afternoon run highlighted more of the flooding problems, as we had to cross a temporary bridge, but the area had been cleared up remarkably quickly. The highlight of the afternoon was a visit to a museum of historic vehicles in Diekirch (C.N.V.H.). All the vehicles belong to the members of the club that operate the museum and the exhibits are changed regularly, as the owners use most of the cars. The final part of the run was then back to the hotel to prepare for the gala dinner. After we had eaten, Bob Nosbusch and his organising team (Nadia Mangen and Guy Maathuis) who had been in charge of the organisation presented all the entrants with a personalised and signed copy of the event artwork, which had been created by Carlo Schmitz especially for the weekend. It was based on the driver’seye view from a stylised J2 along a

mountain road. Bob then presented a magnificent cake for us all which had been made by his father Max who, in addition to being a third-generation baker, is also a long-standing member of MGCC Luxembourg. The cake celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the Triple M tours in Luxembourg and was most appropriately decorated with small chocolate Triple M cars. After the ceremonial cutting we all enjoyed a generous slice. Finally, breakfast on the Sunday morning, loading of trailers, fond farewells and the long drive home. The nationalities of the visiting participants were interesting. There were several from Belgium, Germany, Holland and Switzerland, one from France and only two from the UK. I think that the country that made the cars in the first place should be better represented, so all you English MMM owners, pencil a date in your diaries for 2018 and we look forward to seeing you there. Our two photos show a nice touch of problem-solving ‘Continental’ style (note the glass of refreshment) and the guilty part – not much doubt about the cause of that one then… John Dorney

Problem Solved. Photo: Mile Schmit

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TRIPLE M NEWSLET TER

THREE TO LE MANS Setting off from Canterbury, Kent, around midday on Wednesday July 6, we were heading for the Le Mans Classic, 330 miles away in the Sarthe, France. Our car, a supercharged 1933 MG J2, registration WV4587, otherwise known as Josephine, seemed to be running perfectly. We had started planning the trip months before. The route had been literally mapped out: no motorways wherever possible, and no satnav to guide us. Photocopies of the road atlas pages, together with bullet-point guidance notes, were bound into a single document for easy reference.

Our starting point, Catching Lives in Canterbury

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Preparations complete, but barely room for us

Our chosen itinerary was: overnight stop in Neufchatel-en-Bray (around 130 miles from Calais); then on Thursday 7, the second and final leg to La Quinte, 10 miles outside Le Mans, where we would be based for the Le Mans Classic in a chateau B&B for four nights. Our departure back to Kent was planned for Monday 11, with another overnight stop at Neufchatelen-Bray, to take the homebound Shuttle on Tuesday 12. Another key element of our trip was to raise money for charity. Charlie Oakes, my good friend (and navigator) had many yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience as a trained counsellor, and one of the charities he had worked for was

Catching Lives in Canterbury (www. catchinglives.org). This charity does excellent work helping homeless people get their lives back on track, so we set an ambitious target of raising ÂŁ5,000 through driving to Le Mans and back without being towed or put on a recovery truck. At this point, I should note that the longest trip I ever made in Josephine was 25 miles. At the Shuttle, the holding area was steadily filling with classic cars of many different marques, including a convoy of gleaming MGBs. On arrival at Coquelles, our route was: first stop Guines, a few miles south of Calais, then on to Desvres (D127), west to Samer and join the D901 to Montreuil. From there, towards Vron, following the D1001 to Abbeville, and from there taking the D928 signposted to Neufchatel-en-Bray (and Rouen). However, immediately after completing the tunnel crossing, our plan started to unravel. The car started to splutter as soon as we disembarked the train at Coquelles. We stop-started around the area of Cite Europe. Apart from developing an engine problem, we could not find the D304/D305 that would take us to Guines. It all looks so clear on a map! For the next few hours, we limped around the surrounding countryside, completely lost (no reflection on Charlie) and with repeated roadside

Changing the coil on day one

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stops. I was trying to eliminate what I thought may be an electrical problem. This entailed systematically changing the coil, contact set, rotor arm, condenser, HT leads, and distributor cap. Off we would go after each component had been swapped with a spare, and sooner rather than later, the old lady would stutter and stop. I had begun to notice that it would happen particularly under load, which could also of course indicate a fuel-related problem. With darkness drawing in, the only option was to find somewhere for the night and work on the car the next morning. Crossing a track through a field (yes, really), we found ourselves in none other than Guines. We came across a camping site (La Bien Assise) just outside the village, and we were allocated what can only be described as Davy Crockett’s wood cabin. Exhausted, we fell into our bunks still dressed in our white, 1930s-style overalls (now significantly less white with oil). Up early, and now a day behind schedule, we set off. This is a beautifully maintained property – tents, caravans, wood cabins and all – so for those looking for somewhere to camp close to Calais, I would certainly recommend this establishment. Leaving Guines, we chanced upon a small rural garage and on an impulse pulled in and discussed the engine problem with a small gaggle of mechanics. I was now looking at fuel starvation as the problem, and I wanted some advice. Naturally, a 1930s MG is not the usual car that pulls in, mostly vans and tractors for

Lunch stop at Monnai

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Our helpful friends in the garage near Guines

repair, but with Charlie’s very good French, we explained the problem. They immediately got to work. The float chamber appeared to be full of sediment, and this was cleaned. I could not work out how the carb had become so dirty. The filter at the petrol tank and in the carb itself should prevent this. After 45 minutes, with our new best friends refusing to take money (Vive La France!) we were on our way. Josephine was running like a dream, and we decided to drive the whole distance to La Quinte in one day in order to recover our schedule. However, north of Neufchatel-en-Bray, on the D928, the traffic ground to a halt with a 10-mile tail-back, so we sweltered in the brilliant sunshine for four hours without having driven more than eight miles. We decided to stay overnight in Neufchatel, and ended up with rooms in the same hotel where we were meant to have stayed the night before. Friday morning, and the weather was again perfect. With the J2 running perfectly, we set off in high spirits after breakfast, and headed

for La Quinte. A fellow J2 owner had suggested avoiding Rouen, heading west instead, then south over the Seine at the Pont de Brotonne. So, heading south from Neufchatel, and at SaintMartin-Osmonville, we took the D929 westbound to Yvetot. Great driving, fairly empty roads, and at Yvetot, south on the D490 to the crossing at Pont de Brotonne, a dramatic cable-stayed bridge spanning the Seine. Heading south-east for Bourgtheroulde Infreville, we then joined the D438 south toward Le Mans, passing among others, Brionne, Bernay, Broglie, Monnai, Sees, Alencon, and then briefly on the D338 to Beaumont sur Sarthe and Le Mans. The D438 (Route Nationale) is arrow straight for mile upon mile (a Roman road originally) with occasional sweeping turns, undulating sections, and beautiful French countryside throughout. We were averaging 45 to 50mph, plenty of waving, tooting and, of course, especially when passed by other MGs on their way to Le Mans. This part of the journey was memorable; the strident exhaust note behind us, brilliant sunshine, great scenery, and a sense of pride and gratitude in being able to drive a beautiful pre-war MG through France. After a quick stop for lunch at Monnai, we set off again for La Quinte and arrived late in the afternoon at the Chateau d’Eporce (our B&B), resplendent in the afternoon sunshine. An interesting and eclectic mix of cars was parked at the chateau, including a works-style MGB, several Lotus models,

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Parking grid at the chateau

and one or two Porsches. On Saturday morning, we drove in convoy with a friend of mine who had arrived in his Lotus Esprit, out to the circuit in Le Mans. A hasty roadside stop on the city outskirts to tighten a track rod on the J2 which was detaching itself, and we were on our way again. This was my first trip to the circuit, and the atmosphere was terrific. Huge numbers of people were there, many of whom were fellow Brits. We watched the start of the 24-hour race, commencing with Grid 1, the 19231939 era cars. MG was well-represented, with the K3 Magnette (K3015/2; D. Morris, P. Dowling, S. Curtis) coming 1st overall in the Index of Performance for Pre-war Grid 1 races, and 12th overall in the outright classification. Le Mans Classic is everything you want it to be, whether you just want to soak up the atmosphere, ogle vast numbers of classic cars, or follow each and every race to the last second. It’s well-organised, and there is plenty to do other than watch the races, if you need a break from the competition. We headed back to La Quinte late in the night, and met up with

Josephine & Italian stallion overnight in Montreuil www.mgcc.co.uk

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Start of Grid 1 race

fellow race-goers at the chateau for a nightcap. Charlie and I held one of our strategy discussions, and mutually agreed to head back one day early for the UK. We were concerned that the J2 would have recurring problems, which as it turned out, proved to be correct. On Sunday morning we headed north (retracing our Friday route in reverse) to Alencon, our destination being Caen. After Alencon, and just before Sees, we headed northwest on the D958 to Argentan and Falaise through charming Normandy countryside. At Falaise, we joined the N158, all the way into Caen. We abandoned the idea of staying at Honfleur, which was part of our original itinerary, and booked rooms at the Mercure Hotel in the centre of town. Next morning, Monday 11, we set off for Sword Beach, and found ourselves unintentionally at Pegasus Bridge on the Caen Canal near Benouville. As readers will know, this was the scene of the landing by gliders of the British 6th Airborne Division on the night of June 5 1944, and the nearby Café Gondree was apparently the first house liberated in France.

We also changed our itinerary, abandoning our plan to head east and re-cross the Pont de Brotonne and retrace our route via Yvetot and Neuchatel-en-Bray. We chose Montreuil not far to the north-east of Berck as an overnight stop. Josephine had developed the same spluttering and loss of power under load, and we had stopped at least twice along the coastal route to re-clean the carb float chamber. After a good restful night, we were up early and cleaning the carb yet again. We now retraced our original southbound route, heading north from Montreuil, but at times, I wondered if we would make it as far as Calais. The car was not running at all well, but eventually, we made it to the Shuttle check-in at Coquelles and caught an afternoon train back to Folkestone. We (just) made it back to my home near Ashford, elated that we had managed to complete the round trip without being put on a recovery truck, and had raised £7,000 in donations for Catching Lives – thanks to the generosity of so many people, including MGCC members. Mark Hollis

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MG6.3.5 NEWSLET TER Steve Haines Steve-haines@live.co.uk www.facebook.com/groups/MG635Register twitter.com/635register

WELCOME TO THE MG6.3.5 NEWSLETTER We have some interesting owners’ views, show reports and an insight into what is going on elsewhere on the planet…

MG OWNERS IN THAILAND MG FC Thailand was founded in 2015 by Norrawat, who is a very proud MG3 owner and MG enthusiast based in Bangkok, Thailand. The aim of the Club is to gather all MG owners and enthusiasts to discuss any topic related to their MGs, especially if a new owner has had any problems and to help solve them quickly. MG FC Thailand also co-operates with MG Dealers and MG Service centres to provide support to all members, and to help raise the brand recognition and experience of all the MG owners to the highest level. Originally the Club was founded by two members who became the administrators of the Club, but within a year the Club has spread widely and been introduced to many MG owners, so the number of members has reached almost 3,000. Since the establishment of the Club, we have created many activities, listed below, to gather all the members and potential members to meets:

MG FC Thailand Members

•

• •

•

Introduction Meeting with MG – Test Drive in Bangkok in September 2015. One Day Trip to Slum Dog Foundation in Chonburi in October 2015. One Day Trip to pay respect to Phra Pathom Pagoda in Nakhon Pathom in November 2015. Meeting and Relaxing Trip to Pranburi Prachuap Khiri Khan in February 2016. Charity Bowling in Bangkok in March 2016. MG Test drive gymkhana at MG Driving Experience range in May 2016. Meeting and Relax Trip to Krabi in May 2016.

MG3s and MG6s line up at the MG driving experience range

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First ever MG Style by MG FC Thailand, which consisted of all MG Lovers and MG Car owners meeting and having a technical session , which attracted more than 130 cars, at the MG Driving Experience range in June 2016. • Trip to Ayutthaya and Tan Land to experience the second capital city of Thailand and to visit the biggest beverage factory of Thailand in July 2016. • Gathering in Phuket in August 2016. All the activities have been supported greatly by MG Thailand and all the partners, including MG Dealers, to make sure that all the members would have highest access to MG knowledge and experience for the best impression of MG as well as a recognition of the brand. This is how we have been founded, how we have established and defined ourselves, and we will continue our journey to expand the Club so that it reaches as many MG owners in Thailand as possible. You can visit the MG FC Thailand Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ MGFCThailand By Norrawat Taokwang •

www.mgcc.co.uk

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MG6.3.5 NEWSLET TER

ZED15 / SALOON DAY REPORT This year’s MG Saloon day was incorporated into ZED15 and this in turn also included some birthday celebrations for the MG6 and the MG3. The MG6 was celebrating its fifth birthday and the MG3 its third birthday; both were well-represented on the day with owners travelling from far and wide. It was an early start for Sean Round to put up the brand-new Register gazebo, which was purchased using a grant from the MG Car Club’s Douglas Mickel Fund. A range of items were

displayed ready for sale, with proceeds going to this year’s charity, Crohn’s and Colitis UK, and in pride of place was the amazing MG6 birthday cake produced by Bev Forbes. The MG Car Club MG6 and Sean’s MG3 were on display on the Register stand, with Sean’s MG3 satnav drawing some interest from fellow MG3 owners, who were interested to hear what his experience of using it was like. A new MG GS was also on display over on the MG stand.

The new 635 Register marquee at Zed15

Cars started arriving well before the advertised opening time of 10am; in fact by the time we arrived to marshal at around 8.30am there were already several 6s and 3s parked up forming a colourful display. A few drivers were persuaded to take part in the Pride of Ownership competition and moved across to the area set aside for this, so a few spaces appeared in both rows, but these were quickly filled with other arrivals. It was great to get to meet so many enthusiastic owners, and also to be able to put faces to some of the names that contribute to the MGCC 635 Register Facebook page. There was a constant flow of visitors to the Register Marquee, and the sale of cakes and other items added a healthy amount to the charity pot. The judging for the Pride of Ownership was completed and the awards were presented. There were three MG6s and two MG3s competing against each other and at the end of the day, our Chairman Steve Haines was rewarded with first place in the MG6 class, and in the MG3 class, Richard Bibby-Brooke was victorious. By Sheila Ballard

MG6 – A BRIEF HISTORY

Early press shot of the Chinese MG6

With the news that the MG6 is to be discontinued in the UK, it’s time for a bit of recent history… The MG6 has been produced by MG Motor from 2010 onwards. It was derived from the Roewe 550, hence

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therefore being distantly related to the Rover 75 sharing its front sub-frame. It was initially announced in April 2009 at the Shanghai Auto show as a hatchback, and in October 2010 at Shanghai Expo as a 4-door saloon model, later

to be known as the Magnette. The MG6 received a facelift in 2015, being available in the GT form and diesel only. The five-door hatchback, known as the MG6 GT, went on sale in the UK in May 2011, and the saloon, known as the MG6 Magnette, went on sale on July 16 2011. A diesel model joined the range at the end of 2012. The first Thai-assembled car rolled off the assembly line on June 4 2014, with a potential for 5,000 cars per annum. Like the Roewe 550, the development and styling of the MG6 were done at the MG Motor UK Technical Centre. The MG6 commenced production in China in 2010 and partially knocked down form at Longbridge, UK from April 13 2011.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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MG6.3.5 NEWSLET TER

The MG6 launch held at Longbridge

Following the hatchback 6GT, the saloon version debuted in June 2011 carrying the Magnette name, which was used by MG during the 1950s and 1960s for its saloon cars, and also in the 1930s for the likes of the MG K type. The MG6 Magnette is identical to the fastback MG6 GT, other than in body style. In the UK, the car was initially launched to the public in May 2011, and the fastback model was announced as the MG6 GT. Three levels of trim were available, with increasing levels of equipment – S, SE and TSE. These all share the same mechanical specifi cation, although the TSE gains 18” wheels over the standard 17”. The launch models were available with the petrol TCI-Tech 1.8-litre engine, 158 bhp (118 kW; 160 PS) (with

turbo). All models are equipped with a fi ve-speed manual transmission, front MacPherson strut suspension and multilink rear suspension. The 1.8 turbo can accelerate to 60mph in 8.4 seconds, has an offi cial combined fuel consumption of 35.6mpg and a CO2 fi gure of 184g/km. Top speed is restricted to 120 mph (193 km/h) to allow the car to be rated a lower insurance bracket. Minor improvements to the MG6 in April 2012 resulted in a fuel economy fi gure of 37.7mpg (offi cial combined) and reducing CO2 down to 174g/km. A 1.9-litre diesel DTi-Tech engine joined the range at the end of 2012, producing 148 bhp (110 kW; 150 PS) and 350 Nm (258 lb ft) and producing CO2 emissions of 139g/km. The diesel engine is mated to a six-speed manual

gearbox, and the steering has changed to an electro-hydraulic powered system. In 2014, the diesel engine was updated, reducing its CO2 emissions to 129g/km. The MG6 was facelifted in 2015, receiving a range of minor exterior and interior changes, including a 75kg reduction in weight. It was unveiled at the Chengdu Motor Show in August 2014. In the UK, the main change was the improvement in effi ciency for the diesel model, and the withdrawal of the petrol version. Initial 2011 sales of the MG6 in the UK were slow, with only 15 units in October 2011. Some cited lack of advertising and low perceived quality as problematic, while the absence of a diesel and an estate option were also mooted. In December 2011, car rental company Avis UK Ltd. announced that it would be running 100 MG6 GTs and Magnettes in its rental fl eet and took delivery of these cars. For 2012, MG sold 782 cars in the UK, with an initial UK production projected in the range of 2,000 to 3,000 per annum. How did the motoring press rate the MG6? • The AA Likes: Sharp handling and good ride, high standard specifi cation, great value for money, good space effi ciency. Gripes: Noisy engine when extended, some low-quality cabin materials, no automatic option. • Auto Express For: Involving handling, performance, standard kit levels. Against: Limited engine choice, poor quality interior, awkward looks. • Auto Trader ‘Despite Chinese ownership, the MG6 is designed and built at Longbridge to take on family cars. It’s a decent drive, with sharp handling, and there’s loads of interior space. Some serious fl aws, though.’ Some interesting reviews!

The MKII MG6, launched in 2015

www.mgcc.co.uk

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MG6.3.5 NEWSLET TER

OWNERS’ VIEWS… As owners of such an under-marketed and underestimated car, we are indeed lucky to be the custodians of one! The motoring press have never been very kind to the 6, trying to compare it to models far more expensive or underspecifi ed as they struggled to pigeonhole it between C segment medium cars, such as the Honda Civic and D segment large cars such as the VW Passat. What is evident when you drive one as an MG enthusiast is that it handles exactly as the SMTC Designers planned it, to make sure it meets the feel of an MG and

what its driver will expect. Hats off to the design team, they really did get it right! It has won several awards in the Driver Power Survey over the years, most notably best handling car in 2013. So, how many are there… A visit to the really useful web page that is www.howmanyleft.co.uk gives the following information on the MG6: 90th Edition 2 BTCC Edition 4 Magnette DTi 35 Magnette S 43 Magnette SE petrol 83 Magnette TSE petrol 73 GT S DTi 3

GT S Petrol 316 GT SE Petrol 453 GT SE DTi 90 GT TSE Petrol 411 GT TSE DTi 189 GT TL DTi 151 GT TS DTi 129 As you can see, some models are already extremely rare and worth keeping, ready for free road tax in 2051…! If you are lucky enough to own an MG6, take good care of it, but mostly enjoy it! By Steve Haines

2014 MG6SE pictured in a tranquil setting. Photo by Adam Sloman

MY MG6 MAGNETTE by Mark Cropper I fi rst saw images of the MG6 online in December 2009. At that time, a fi vedoor hatch was the furthest from my mind as I was looking into getting a new MG TF. However, I did think it was a stylish car, although I was unsure over the rear styling. I was lucky to get tickets to the moving motor show at Goodwood and saw the MG6 for the fi rst time. I was also privileged to go up the hill with Ian Pogson and Adam Sloman and even though it was a left-hand drive we were impressed by the handling. The MG6 was launched to the press with mixed reviews, but Autocar and EVO mag both said it was best in class for ride and handling. The biggest criticisms were

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the poor fuel economy, high rate of tax and certain aspects of the dash. Our fi rst drive of the MG6 in UK specifi cation was at the Pro-Drive test track and in an interview with Clive Goldthorp for AR online, I said I would consider one when we change our Peugeot. However with the TF in for service I was pleased to be given the keys to an orange MG6 GT SE to use. Within a week I decided that I wanted one, it impressed me so much. Having read numerous test drives, I saw a Magnette TSE in Union Blue. I fell in love with the colour and styling, so this is what I collected in December 2011. For me the MG6 is a car that I enjoy driving as much now as the day when

I fi rst purchased it. In just under fi ve years and with the exception of routine service, I have only needed a set of front tyres and an alarm battery backup. Some have said that the pricing of the 6 was incorrect. However to get a car with similar handling and power, I would have to have paid considerably more. To me the MG6 is the best car I have owned. With the 6 now in UK motoring history books, I am sure that in years to come the MG6 will get the appreciation it deserved in the fi rst place.

Mark Cropper’s Union Blue MG6 Magnette

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/09/2016 17:22

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COMPETITIONS

Paul Luti heads the MG Trophy grid into the first corner. Photo: Dickon Siddall

WET OULTON DOESN’T DAMPEN SPIRITS

ith the summer break behind us, the MG Car Club arrived at a very wet Oulton Park for the penultimate round of 2016. We were pleased to be joined by the Sylatech Porsche Club Championship and Aero Racing Morgan Challenge once again. Despite the weather, everyone put on a great show, for some spectacular racing performances. MGCC MG Trophy Championship A few dramas befell the MG Trophy paddock before the race. Problems with his race car and truck saw Paul Luti forced to make some last-minute changes, whilst others suffered problems during qualifying. An engine blow-out for Rob Perkins sent Doug Cole into a spin, when oil on track saw him lose grip. With Colin Robertson out in front during the race, Luti soon found himself under pressure from Graham

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By Leanne Fahy

Ross. Unable to fend off the charging 190 machine, Luti slipped to third for much of the outing. Before long, Chris Bray entered the mix. Despite starting 25th on the grid, Bray managed to weave his way to a third place fi nish. Jason Burgess held on for a fourth place fi nish, ahead of Cole in fi fth, who battled his way through the pack from the very back of the grid. Luti landed in sixth place overall, to also claim Class B honours. Lee Sullivan followed Luti to second in class. Paul Croker was the man to beat in Class C, ahead of early class leader Matthew Turnbull and William Payne. A red fl ag with just one minute 30 seconds left on the clock signalled an abrupt end to the fi nal race of the day. It was Ross who claimed honours this time around, with Robertson close behind in second place. In their second outing of the day, Luti had led the way from pole position once again at the start, as fellow front row starter, Jack Roberts slotted in

behind. Luti’s control soon came under threat, when Ross and Robertson quickly latched onto his tail. Before too long, Ross had manoeuvred his way ahead. Robertson echoed his move shortly afterwards, to settle himself in second place. Shortly before the race end, Chris Bray once again steered his way from the back of the grid to land in third place in time to see the race end. Luti held on for fourth place, to secure a second Class B victory of the day, ahead of Doug Cole and James Cole. Croker claimed Class C honours, ahead of William Payne and Matthew Turnbull. Lackford Engineering MG Midget & Sprite Challenge James Dunkley’s dominant performance ensured he stole the show in the sole MG Midget and Sprite Challenge race. With an eventual four-second gap on his side, despite treacherous conditions, Dunkley

www.mgcc.co.uk

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COMPETITIONS

claimed an unchallenged victory. Andy Southcott steered his way to second place, in what became a strong yet solitary result, ahead of Stephen Collier in third place. Peter Kennerley held on for fourth overall and third in Class B, whilst Stephen Pegram and Richard Wildman completed the top six. John Collinson and Jon Simpson claimed Class E and D victories, respectively. Dunkley’s victory was enough to secure him the championship lead. MGCC Watt Electrical BCV8 Championship James Wheeler and Neil Fowler swapped positions between qualifying and the race end. After claiming control, Wheeler proceeded to launch to a 32-second advantage. Behind, Fowler battled the conditions to steer his way to a second place finish, with a comfortable gap to third-placed man Ian Prior in his MGB GT V8. Jonnie Wheeler and Russell McCarthy finished fourth and fifth, respectively, ahead of Andrew Young. Benjamin Tovey steered his way to a Class B victory, whilst Bob Luff was awarded top spot in Class AB. MGCC Drayton Manor Park MG Metro Cup Andrew Ashton triumphed ahead of Oli Hood in the sole MG Metro Cup pursuit. As the lights went out, it was

Hood who claimed the better start to lead into Old Hall from second on the grid. Despite his early advantage, Hood soon came under threat when Ashton launched an attack. As the MG Metros fired themselves around the challenging Oulton Park circuit, Ashton managed to find a gap alongside Hood, big enough to squeeze his racer into the lead. Once in front, Ashton managed to stretch his advantage to just over five seconds. Behind Hood, Lee Connell completed the top three finishes, ahead of Richard Garrard and early front-runner Dan Willars. Mark Eales completed the top six. MGCC Cockshoot Cup Ross Makar overcame a brief safety car period to secure Cockshoot Cup spoils. Hard work from the MG ZR driver in qualifying gave him the advantage he desired, as he stormed towards Old Hall ahead of his rivals. Regardless of the brief interruption, Makar returned to form at the restart, to steer his way to a commanding victory. Second place was awarded to Gary Wetton, who challenged Makar early on. Behind, the battle for third was a fierce pursuit, with Ashley Woodward eventually claiming the position, ahead of Ray Collier and David Coulthard. Philip Standish had stood himself in good stead for a top three result,

The Midget of Jeremy Toes holding off the hard charging ZR of Helen Waddington during the Cockshoot Cup Race. Photo: Dickon Siddall www.mgcc.co.uk

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Neil Fowler leads a gaggle of BCV8 cars. Photo: Dickon Siddall

however after a side by side moment with Woodward he slipped back to sixth place. MGCC Motoring Classics Thoroughbred Sportscar Championship Neil Fowler dominated in his MGB GT V8, to walk away with his first win of the season. The chequered flag appeared slightly earlier than planned, as officials tried to reclaim lost time from the schedule. But after leading the way from the start, it was Fowler’s race. Ian Prior trailed Fowler’s distinctive white machine for the duration, but as time ran out he was unable to dismantle Fowler’s advantage. Russell McCarthy secured a third place finish, whilst the battle for fourth ignited a fire amongst the pack. Jim Bryan narrowly held on, despite the best efforts of his pursuer, Babak Farsian. The pair had raced mere inches apart for much of the outing, however they settled into a steadier rhythm by race end. Despite difficult conditions at times, we sailed through the penultimate race meeting of the year, quite literally at times. Here’s hoping for better weather at Snetterton in a few weeks time. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible for another great season finale.

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RACE TORQUE

By Ron Gammons

he Club’s last race meeting, due to be held on the weekend of October 1-2 at Snetterton Race Circuit in Norfolk, a few miles southwest of Norwich. Easy to get to with the new bypasses in operation and, with good viewing facilities, well worth a visit. An excellent programme with good grids and, of course, the extra frisson that the event may well see some of the Club’s Championships decided on the last race of the year. In addition, we have our traditional season closer, the British Motor Heritage Classic Four-Hour Relay race. Now in recent years the MGs have not managed to be at the front on scratch, so we live in hope this year! The main award is of course on handicap – glad I don’t have to do the calculations! But, each year we have had some nail-biting finishes. Our old friends the Morgans have, I understand, promised no less than seven teams this year! We will have our work cut out to win, but of course that’s not the real point. The Relay is an end-of-season, let go of all of the Championship worries, because they

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are over for the year; motor racing as it used to be. Just Fun! As one door closes, another opens. Our provisional calendar for next year, 2017, is as follows: April 9 Donington; April 29-30 Brands Hatch; the MGLive! Event, we are told by Silverstone, will be held in mid to late June. After that we have a return to that great driver’s circuit of Cadwell on July 22. Following the summer break we return to Oulton Park on September 2 and round off the 2017 season at Snetterton on September 30 and October 1. Do bear in mind that this is a provisional calendar. Those experienced in this annual merry-go-round will know that there may well be some changes. Those calling for more races for our older cars will be heartened to hear that the MMM aim to support Brands Hatch and the Cadwell event, where they will be able to match up with the VSCC who are there on July 23. Now we need to encourage the T series and MGAs to come in greater numbers and take part as well! Following the Chairman’s Notes last month calling for a review of the content of MGLive! with a debate

scheduled for the Club’s Council meeting on October 15 at Abingdon, we are planning to send a note to all of our competitors asking their views on the race side of the event. While the review called for by Ian Quarrington, our Chairman, is mainly relating to the infield attractions, it’s an opportunity to review the race side as well. Constructive comments, please! While it may take a year or so to incorporate any changes, Ian speaks of a three-year cycle, we want to hear your views. Comments in writing please via John Hutchison at the Club office. The annual Race Co-ordinators meeting will take place one week after the Council meeting, this time at the Club’s Abingdon offices on October 22. If there are items that race competitors want raised please let your Co-ordinator know. One piece of news is that, after an approach from the Club to the MSA, it has, we understand, been agreed to allow a greater time gap in split grids, such as we have used at Silverstone in the past. The rules for 2016 allowed 10 seconds or less, which was so short that we had no alternative on safety grounds but to merge the grids. An unpopular move for sure, and one that we didn’t want to do. So for 2017 we can revert to split grids just as we had in the past, and which enables us to keep the entry fees very competitive indeed. Good news for 2017. Well, we hope to see you at Snetterton, but if not we hope that you have enjoyed the Club’s race meetings throughout 2016. We are pretty unique in that we are the only major single marque club who have such a comprehensive race programme each year. That our Club can run such a programme is down to our competitors supporting the events, as well the team of people who support us in so many ways, whether it be marshalling, race management and administration. Thank you one and all.

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/09/2016 17:22

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DUNCAN WOOD DUNCANW@MGS-ON-TRACK.CO.UK WWW.MGS-ON-TRACK.COM SPONSORED BY

NEW MEMBER.....NEW TRACK.....NEW CAR..... Words: Jonny Silman, Photo: Nigel Silman

ew member Jonny Silman attended a Goodwood track day with MGoT in February 2016 in his newly acquired MG ZS 120+, and he describes his day out with us here. “Accelerating down the Lavant Straight for the first time after being released by the course car which had led the way for the initial sighting laps was, in all honesty, a slightly scary experience. At 110 mph in a car I had only owned for a couple of months, I was heading straight towards a tyre wall as the track curved away into Woodcote, the penultimate corner on Goodwood circuit. I had done track days before, taking my dad’s MG TF for a spin (often literally) around great tracks like

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Donington, Brands Hatch and Castle Combe, but Goodwood was different. This was the first track day of 2016, the first time I had been round Goodwood, and it was also the first time I had driven my ZS 120, recently bought from a fellow MGs on Track member, in anger around a racetrack...and what a racetrack it is! I already knew that Goodwood is a fast circuit, but it took first-hand experience for me to grasp just how very rapid this famous old track actually is; a huge portion of the course is spent with your foot welded to the floor, only interrupted by sharp bouts of braking and tricky double-apex corners like Madgwick and Lavant. It’s a circuit that you can instantly go out and have fun on, but one that is difficult to master, making it all the sweeter when you get

MG on track

a corner or a section spot-on. Doing this was made much easier after an early session with Alan Wilshire, one of the excellent MGoT instructors at Goodwood, who’s input in terms of braking and turn-in points, track positioning, and general driving tips was invaluable, giving me the confidence to really have a good go at the circuit, and also to discover what the ZS could truly do. In fact, the ZS could do a lot – for a car so well mannered on the road, it handled the track with no problems, and in the end it was only the fleshy bit behind the wheel that held it back! Mastering Goodwood was also made significantly easier by the weather. There was bright sunshine for most of the day, and fortunately no snowstorms like some previous years! Additionally, the track’s marshals did an excellent job getting sessions out on time, and the staggered starts from the pit lane allowed you to go around at your own pace, often not seeing another car for the whole session. This meant that I could freely play around with different lines into corners, and there was no one to hit if I

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/09/2016 17:22

MGS ON TRACK - 2016 CALENDAR Please visit www.mgs-on-track.com to register, check availability, or to book a track day. Registered members will receive regular newsletters and notification of event opening dates. Goodwood – October 31 A second visit in case you missed the first due to popularity...be quick! 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!

suddenly ran out of talent! When other cars were around, they quickly got out of the way of faster drivers, and the quicker guys always waited until they were let past to overtake...all very courteous. In the paddock everyone at the event was friendly and chatty, discussing their experiences of the track and their cars, and the committee members worked tremendously hard all day to ensure the event was a roaring success. By the end of the day, the Lavant Straight was no longer scary – it was brilliant, as was my ZS. 110 mph? Easy...I’m going to do it faster next year!” If Jonny’s description of his day has whetted your appetite to drive Goodwood or any of the other venues that MGoT visit in the year, please visit our website to learn more or to register and book a day. Even though we are heading towards this year’s end, we still have three track days to come, including Goodwood. Newcomers to MGoT will find that booking is easy and that you will be made very welcome on the actual day. Helmet hire and instruction are available at modest cost, so you really only need to provide a roadworthy car and enthusiasm for a great day of driving.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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

ince the last article we have visited two very well known events with very good entry levels. The first was our own MGCC Midlands event at Curborough. This was our second visit this year and, as previously, was run on the relatively new figure of eight circuit. The weather, for once, was fine all day and apart from the circuit staff having to remove a fallen tree from the track the whole event ran very smoothly. Good performances were recorded by several of our number. Ian Beningfield managed a maximum score in his group one Midget as did Steve Baker in his group two version. Another notable performance came from Ian Howlett in his group one MGF trophy. Having previously posted a fast time in his class, he managed to exceed that by a considerable margin. Secondly we attended a two-day meeting at Loton Park near Shrewsbury. Loton is arguably one of the best and most challenging hills in the country. It is run by the Hagley & District Light Car Club, and the setting is quite spectacular. The organisation of the event used to be patchy. However, in the last few years the emphasis has been on the competitors and despite a large entry they had no problems getting two practice and two timed runs in before 5.00pm. The weather forecast for the weekend had been dire but in the event there were sufficient dry runs to make the visit worthwhile. The top points scorer of the day was Howard Harman in his special bodied TC. There was the usual epic battle between the fully road-modified MGBs with Richard Withers taking the honours on both days. September was also a busy month with Wiscombe and Gurston Down on the 10-11, and two days at Harewood the following weekend. By the time you read this there will only be our Anglesey weekend on October 1-2, and Rushmoor on October 2. Following that there is the season closer at Castle Combe on October 22.

Ian Howlett in his MGF Trophy at Curborough. Photo: Steve Clark

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23/09/2016 17:22

BRITISH TOURING CAR CHAMPIONSHIP

ockingham Race Circuit was built to replicate the oval track experience found in many parts of the USA. The circuit used by the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship uses one of the banked corners towards the end of the lap with a blast along the straight followed by a challenging hairpin turn and then a tight infield section. The cars have to be set up for a combination of straight line performance and slowspeed corner grip. Dunlop decided that the “soft” alternative tyre would not be suitable for the circuit, so the compulsory option that would have to be used in one of the three races would be the “hard” compound developed for Thruxton. After a grim time at Knockhill, neither of the two 888 MG6 drivers, Josh Cook or Ashley Sutton, were in the fight for the championship and they would not have to carry any penalty weight into qualifying or race one of the day. The MGs have a good record of performing well at Rockingham, so expectations were high. The championship was going to be fought out between the Yuasa Honda drivers Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden and the BMW pilots Sam Tordoff and Rob Collard. The Subarus were also expected to be quick on their first visit to Rockingham. The teams are not able to test at Rockingham, so once again the two 40-minute sessions on Saturday morning would provide essential track time for the drivers to set up their cars ready for Saturday afternoon qualifying. The teams were all concerned about the weather forecast and just before qualifying a thunderstorm arrived at the circuit. The cars headed out on wet treaded tyres, but the rain increased and the session had to be stopped with around 14 minutes still to run. After a short break, the green flag was shown and the drivers headed out again. It was clear that the best conditions were going to be on the last couple of laps. The 888 team timed the MG6 runs to perfection and the drivers delivered brilliantly with

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ROUND 8

ROCKINGHAM By Paul Goodman Photo btcc.net

Josh jumping up to third and Ashley grabbing sixth. The Honda of Gordon Shedden hung on to pole position with Mat Jackson’s Ford Focus completing the front row. Sunday dawned fine and dry so the wet weather tyres were put away. When the red lights went out for the first race of the day (round 22), both MG6s were a little slow away from the line. Gordon Shedden headed off from pole and took the race win. The two MGs were in fifth (Josh) and sixth (Ashley) but had lonely races not able to close on the front runners, but safe from a massive pack of cars battling for the lower places. After the race, Josh was upgraded to fourth after another driver was penalised. Tyre choice came into play for race two (round 23). Josh had opted to use the harder tyres on his MG6, but they proved difficult to warm up. He made a great start, but contact at the first hairpin caused damage which required a pit visit,

the car emerging again late in the race with the front end taped together. Ashley had another lonely race, finishing fifth. The winner this time was Sam Tordoff who drove his BMW from tenth place to take the chequered flag. For race three (round 24), Ashley had the harder tyres and in his pre-race interview on the grid used the phrase “damage limitation”. He was proved correct as he slipped back through the field finally finishing in 19th place. Josh was back on the normal rubber, but stood little chance, starting in 24th place. He drove well, making a lot of overtaking moves and finished 15th. The race was won by Árón Smith driving the VW, a first win for Team BKR. Ashley left Rockingham in 12th place in the championship, with Josh just behind in 13th slot. The 888 MG6 Team has slipped to fourth in the Manufacturers’ Championship behind the BMWs, Hondas and Subarus.

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/09/2016 17:22

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23/09/2016 17:22

BRITISH TOURING CAR CHAMPIONSHIP

ilverstone, the ‘Home of British Motor Racing’, has traditionally been the venue for the penultimate round of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship. So, right on cue, the transporters rolled into the paddock for races 25, 26 and 27 on September 15-16. The BTCC drivers race on the short circuit which includes the awesome Becketts and Maggotts complex but then turns down the Wellington Straight to Brooklands and Luffield. Outright power is very important with handling less of an issue. The 888 MG Team arrived knowing that they were unable to challenge for the drivers’ or manufacturers’ titles. The MG6 cars are always good performers at Silverstone, so the concentration would be on trying to achieve race wins and to run in the top half dozen to get TV exposure. Qualifying took place in good dry conditions. 31 cars on the track meant that getting a clear lap would be a challenge. Ashley was quickly up to speed and jumped to the top of the field. Josh Cook was just behind and an all-MG front row looked a possibility until Tom Ingram in his Toyota split them. He was just four thousands of a second behind Ashley. So Ashley secured his second-ever pole position with Josh just behind in third place.

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ROUND 7 SILVERSTONE Report Paul Goodman Photo Martin Cumming

The 25th BTCC Race of the season was to be the first race of the day. The two MG6s did not make perfect starts and so it was Tom Ingram who grabbed the lead from Ashley, with Andrew Jordan slotting into third place in the Pirtek Ford Focus ahead of Josh. As the race unfolded, there was some great dicing between the four drivers. Ashley managed to get through a tiny gap to take the lead with Josh passing Jordan and Ingram. When the chequered flag fell it was a superb formation finish by the two MG6s, taking first and second places. The awards were presented and then the news arrived that a technical infringement had been found on both cars and that they would be disqualified. An appeal was lodged, but it became clear that the MGs would have to start from the back of the grid for race two and carry the maximum success ballast. Both Ashley and Josh pushed hard from the back of the grid in their second

race of the day. Their aim was to finish in the top 10 and then benefit from the reverse grid rule for race three. They both drove very well with Josh finishing 17th and Ashley 26th after a pit stop. These would be their starting positions for the final race of the day. The race winner this time was Andrew Jordan. The third BTCC race of the day was another brilliant race with Gordon Shedden winning. The two MG6s, now ballast free, were able to complete the weekend by securing top 10 positions with Josh finishing seventh and Ashley securing 10th. If the appeal against exclusion is a success then the race win and second place could be reinstated, but the results in the other races will stand. The 888 MG6 drivers will not be amongst those able to win the championship at the final Brands Hatch meeting, but they will start the weekend ballast free and will be seeking to win races again.

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/09/2016 17:22

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23/09/2016 17:23

CALENDAR

OCTOBER

Sunday 16 MGCC: South West Centre Kimber Car Trial Pagans Hill Farm, Chew Stoke Contact: Jim Lott – chairman@mgccsw.com

Saturday 3 MGCC: Anglia Centre Committee Meeting The Limes, Needham Market, Suffolk Contact: Peter Skipper – 01502 731141

Saturday 1 – Sunday 2 MGCC: Magnette Register Lou Shorten Tribute Meeting Lenwade Contact: David Halliday – 07912 553913

Sunday 16 MGCC: Tyne Tees Centre Autumn Leaves Run Dobbies Garden Centre, near Ponteland Contact: Noel Lindford – 0191 587 0753 or noel.lindford@btinternet.com

Sunday 4 MGCC: South East Centre Black Horse Treasure Hunt Location TBA Contact: Derek Edwards – 01737 765891

Sunday 2 MGCC: Abingdon Works Centre AWC Autumn Leaves Run Abingdon, Oxfordshire Contact: Mike Gething – 01295 254498

Saturday 19 MGCC: South East Centre 2016 AGM The Three Horseshoes, Sidlow Contact: Philip Bayne-Powell – 01483 811428

Friday 7 – Sunday 9 MGCC: Tyne Tees Centre Lakes Tour Contact: David Alexander – 01670 861178 or david.alexander2012@btinternet.com

Thursday 27 – Sunday 30 MGCC Italy Moto-Auto Old Timer Show Padua, Italy Contact: Hakan Sigemark – hakan.sigemark@mgcc.se

Saturday 8 MGCC: V8 Register Committee Meeting and Autumn Curry, West Midlands Contact: Debbie Brading – 07795 227715

NOVEMBER

Saturday 1 – Sunday 2 MGCC Race Meet Snetterton 200 Circuit Contact: www.snetterton.co.uk

Sunday 9 MGCC: South West Centre 80th Anniversary Run Various Start Locations Contact: Jim Lott – chairman@mgccsw.com Sunday 9 MGCC: South East Centre Autumn Naviscat Location TBA Contact: Derek Edwards – 01737 765891 Sunday 9 MGCC: Caledonian Centre One Day Tour South East Contact: Tony Smith – 07770 927803 Sunday 9 MGCC: Lincolnshire Centre Jubilee Trophy Naviscat Rally Wishing Well Dyke, near Bourne Contact: Robert Welch – 01724 764144 Saturday 15 MGCC Club Council and AGM, Sophos, Abingdon Contact: Colin Grant (Club Secretary) – 01235 555552 Sunday 16 MGCC: South East Centre Autumn Leaves Run Location TBA Contact: Derek Edwards – 01737 765891

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Friday 11 – Sunday 13 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show The NEC, Birmingham Come along and visit us on stand number 4-580 Call 0871 230 1088 or book online www.necclassicmotorshow.com Saturday 12 MGCC: Tyne Tees Centre York Social Trip by Train Contact: David Alexander – 01670 861178 or david.alexander2012@btinternet.com Sunday 20 MGCC: Caledonian Centre November Lunch Hunting Tower, Perth Contact: Leslie Duncan – 0141 637 3475

DECEMBER Friday 2 MGCC: Lincolnshire Centre Christmas Dinner Lincolnshire Poacher, Bunkers Hill Contact: Sue and Ian – 01529 497849 Saturday 3 MGCC: 635 Register 2016 AGM and Christmas Dinner Location TBA Contact: Steve Haines – steve-haines@live.co.uk Saturday 3 MGCC: Tyne Tees Centre 2016 Awards Dinner Location TBA Contact: Lyn Ebdon – lyn.ebdon@mail.com

Monday 5 MGCC: Lincolnshire Centre Christmas Dinner Abbey Lodge, Kirkstead, Woodhall Spa Contact: Dave and Fran – 01507 527945 Wednesday 7 MGCC: Lincolnshire Centre Christmas Dinner Worlds Natter, Cross Keys, Grasby Contact: Keith – 01472 602949 Monday 12 MGCC: Midget Register Aldon Rolling Road Shoot Out Aldon Automotive, Brierley Hill Contact: Mike Parker – 01235 525255 Wednesday 14 MGCC: Lincolnshire Centre Christmas Dinner Wishing Well, Dyke, near Bourne Contact: Simon – 01406 381330 or Paul – 01780 759100 Thursday 15 MGCC: Lincolnshire Centre Christmas Dinner Three Horseshoes, Scotton, near Gainsborough Contact: Dave – 01427 668398 or Bob – 01721 764144 Thursday 22 MGCC: Lincolnshire Centre MGF/TF Christmas Celebration Venue info available through contact Contact: Geoff and Vicki Edge – 01205 871973 Monday 26 MGCC: Abingdon Works Centre Boxing Day Run Contact: Mike Parker – 01235 525255 Monday 26 MGCC: Yorkshire Centre Boxing Day Raft Race Scarborough Contact: Alistair Twiby – 01709 862022 Thursday 29 MGCC: Anglia Centre Norfolk Riviera Run Contact: Steve Atkinson – rivierarun@hotmail.co.uk

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/09/2016 17:23

OUT&ABOUT

Alan Dob son’s MG B GTs pictu red at Leed s Cast le. The blue GT is a 1967 Mk1 with genu ine 26,000 mile s from new GT is a 1969 Mk2 with 54,000 mile s. Phot o: Alan and the beig e Dob son

the Adri an Tuck er-Peake’ s MGF atta ckin gwold Cots the on der Lad th swor Nail s mou fa Clou ds trial

Sa m and Kat ie Ga san and ir frie nd Ro b Jon es’ MG B GT as the ir wed din g car earlier the that the y used in the yea r. Sa m has bee n in the Blu for the last seven yea rs, hen ce es & Royals his uni for m. Th ey were ma rried in Mo De von. Ph oto: Ste ve Ha ine s rebath,

t, chee kily The RV8s of Mik e Hau ghto n and Barry Wes day after the Carlo te Mon at no Casi the park ed outsi de West y Barr o: Phot . Prix the Mon aco Histo rique Gran d

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_Oct16_50-98.indd 67

ni ng H en de rso n’ s st un Jim r be em m re e. nt lu Ce Ca led on ia n 59 M G A Coupe in Min era l B ho m e m arket 19de rso n Photo: Jim H en

Mid-mo rning stop at Kirk ha m Abbey, en route to Cast le Howard duri ng the MG A Reg ister’ s Sprin in Nort h Y orks hire. Phot o: Lynn e Qua yle g Wee kend, held OCTOBER 2016 SAFETYFAST! 67

23/09/2016 17:23

Oselli ltd, Greenway Business Park, Winslow Road, Great Horwood, MK17 0NY 01993 849610 or 07831 597424

1959 MGA Roadster Fully restored and finished in Dove grey with Burgundy trim and hood. 1600cc engine with four speed gearbox. Just superb

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Fully restored on a heritage shell this car has covered very little mileage in the last 20 years. Rebuilt to original spec with four speed overdrive gearbox painted wire wheels, three main bearing engine, the car is in first class condition and drives superb. Large history file

£22,950.00

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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:

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www.mgcc.co.uk

23/09/2016 17:23

OVERSEAS

THE EUROPEAN EVENT OF THE YEAR 2017

lease do reserve the dates August 3-6 2017, or more days if you feel that you would like to explore more of Porto and north of Portugal.

Why has Porto been chosen as the base for the EEOTY 2017? The sunny days, the living culture, excellent food and fantastic table wines, and of course the Port Wine, medieval streets and monuments, the cathedral and the Cruise Terminal at Leixões harbour. We’ve booked two fi ve-star hotels, side by side, in the modern region of the town, less than 4.5km from the City Park and the Atlantic Ocean, where you can relax biking or walking. Also, we’ll be located less than 10 minutes’ driving from the old part of town, where you can visit symbolic places like Livraria Lello, one of the fi ve most beautiful bookshops in the world, the Café Majestic, or even walk through the renovated Rua Das Flores, fi nishing the trip at Ribeira for a glass of wine or a typical Portuguese tapas facing the Port Wine cellars on the other bank of the River Douro. The EEOTY 2017 Programme Reception of participants offi cially starts on August 3 2017 at Exponor Congress

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_Oct16_50-98.indd 69

Centre. Here we’ll have the Welcome Desk, and a drink to start the event, and the briefi ng, with details and answers to your questions regarding the following days. Dinner will take place at same premises, and you will drive back to the hotels. Those participants who need to park trailers or trucks can do so at Exponor in a reserved location. The next day, Friday 4, will be a full day out of town, going up to the Douro Valley, a UNESCO world heritage site, where we can take in the vineyards, either by boat and return by train with lunch on board, or by driving your MG on the national roads, including part of the famous EN222, with lunch at a wine farm. The evening will be free to allow you to enjoy Porto by night relaxing or, if you feel a bit more energetic, at the Porto area of “la movida” at Galeria De Paris-Clerigos. On Saturday August 5 we have prepared several trips around Porto, driving your MG, which will give you the opportunity to get acquainted with the countryside, and the Portuguese hospitality and gastronomy, with trips assisted by our volunteers (lunch included).

Livraria Lello, one of the five most beautiful bookshops in the world.

But…we want you back in town soon for a Port Wine Cellars guided visit and to get ready for the Gala Dinner. The Gala Dinner will take place at Exponor Congress Hall, with live music, presentations by the MGCC (UK) and offi cials from the EEOTY 2018. Relax… we’ll pick you up from the hotels by bus to take you to Exponor and back, safely. Then comes the farewell on Sunday morning August 6. The plan is to drive your MG to the City Park in town, park there and enjoy this beautiful park. It is the biggest urban park in the country with 83 hectares (205 acres) and is connected to the ocean side. We’ll have light snacks there, and say goodbye, hoping to see you next year, guess where! More information is available from www.portomgclube.pt

OCTOBER 2016 SAFETY FAST! 69

23/09/2016 17:23

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

The MGB GT buyers guide featured in Bulletinen

MG Collectibles, a popular book reviewed in Bulletinen

n reviewing overseas magazines for this page in Safety Fast! I have been given publications from Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand. The European magazines from Sweden and France remind me I am not a linguist, but it delights me to be able to say that the love of all things MG means I can still enjoy the features and learn something new into the bargain. As an old friend of mine said recently, every day’s a school day. MG Car Club Sweden’s “Bulletinen” devotes an early page to the MG logo, reminding readers that folklore tells us that Ted Frank Lee drew a badge with a ruler and when Cecil Kimber saw it he said: “That’s just the thing”. Four pages are later devoted to an MGBGT buyers guide and another page to “MG Collectibles”. MG Car Club de France’s “Heritage” reports on both MGLive! and Zed15 and it seems Mike Brewer and Wheeler Dealers are well-known beyond our shores. 10 pages are devoted to the 2016 European Event of the Year held at Le Touquet Paris Plage and what caught my attention was a chart breaking down the attendance of 368 by country – 15 in all. Not surprisingly, France (125) and UK (124) top the list, but South Africa chipped in with 6 and even Australia was represented. The restoration of a RHD 1938 MG TA features in the

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Restoration of a 1938 MG TA features in Heritage

Registers section. Crossing the pond takes us to “The MG Driver”, journal of the North American MGB Register, and an article featuring the restoration of the Jean Denton MGB Rally Car by the UK’s MGB Register. A later article devotes four pages to replacing the timing belt on a K Series engine. Now there’s a braver amateur mechanic than me, despite the fact that “it’s a lot easier with two people”. “The Spark” – monthly newsletter of the MGCC Washington DC Centre – reports on the 54th annual Braille Rally, a simple concept that pairs drivers with visually impaired navigators over a 45-mile route on back roads. Sounds like a great event. 14 pages of the New England “Sacred Octagon” are devoted to the Kimber Festival 2016 held in Allentown PA in April. Attendees were encouraged to bring their favourite MG book for the MG Book Extravaganza. The “Canterbury MaG” from New Zealand has six pages on the BMC A Series engine, reminding me of a chat-up line I once used on a young lady with an A35! Despite having the same engine, she agreed my Mk2 Midget was better. MG Car Club Sydney’s “Opposite Lock” features a page asking the question “Do you know the difference between an MGA or MGB assembled

The Jean Denton MGB features in The MG Driver magazine

in Australia and those built in the UK for the US market?” highlighting to me the extent of knowledge available to MGCC members, if only you know where to ask. I’ll close by mentioning an inspirational piece in the MG Car Club of South Australia’s “MG Motoring” by long-time MGB driver, Denise Murison, who lost her husband in 2012. After considering selling the MGB she and her husband had driven for nearly 30 years, she joined the Club with her son, who suffers from autism and who has a special affection for the car. They are now active members and enjoying Club life.

The Kimber Festival features heavily in the Sacred Octagon

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/09/2016 17:23

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OCTOBER 2016 SAFETY FAST! 71

23/09/2016 17:23

CENTRES

ABINGDON WORKS

BRIAN BROOM sfscribe@mgabingdon.org.uk www.mgabingdon.co.uk It has been a year when the joint ‘jobs’ of a volunteer guide at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon, and member of the AWC committee have collided. I went to the BMM to find a group of the Wanderers Natter waiting to visit the revamped main building and the £4 million new Collections Centre. In the Collections Centre there are some fantastic examples of Jaguar concept cars that did not make it, a 1989 MG DR2/PR5 based on a TVR chassis fitted with Rover V8 engine, which would look at home on the road now and some old favourite shapes we have forgotten about.

My own Natter, The NONG (North Oxfordshire Natter for mGs), meets at the Pickled Ploughman, Adderbury, on the first Tuesday of the month; all are welcome. Mike and Jan Gething can be contacted on 01295 254498 for details. Recently, we held our third summer BBQ in the beautiful gardens of Ray and Elaine, where we were joined by members and friends with some interesting cars. MGs of course were in attendance, plus a 1930 Ford AA model truck complete with its load of hay. My AWC duties have included scone slicer, jam and cream spreader, and tea boy at the OSH meeting at Radley College, as

ANGLIA

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

P & A Wood East Cambs Club Meet hosts from The Cherry Tree, John and Vicky Morrill, along with Paul Purnell and originator of the idea, Howard Quayle, arranged a visit to the world-leading Rolls Royce restoration company, P & A Wood at Great Easton, near Dunmow, on Saturday September 3.

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P & A Wood have been restoring Rolls Royce and Bentley motor cars since 1967. Paul and Andrew originally worked out of workshops in Moreton before moving to larger premises at Great Bardfield in 1970, and to their current location, a purpose-built facility, in 1988. With their company motto ‘Attention to Detail’, their reputation for high-quality craftsmanship grew to the extent that, in 2001, they became official Rolls Royce and Bentley Heritage dealers. We arrived at 10am to be greeted by Sarah Sizer with coffee and biscuits, before being introduced to our guide for the day, Stuart Murray.

well as general factotum, sign planter for the Summer Day Out route, and photographer of the arrivals at Broughton Castle. The SDO meeting was, as ever, wellattended with 45 cars having made it to the finish line. I think the pride of place at the SDO has to be given to the 1935 PA, BJO 800, 81 years old and driven by Peter Down who, I am told, is slightly older than his car! A pleasure to see them both. Peter’s grandson was navigating and will, I’m sure, join us in future events. It is the

first time I have seen an MG being driven that is just a few months older than myself! Thank you to all who came, ensuring it was a great day for all – at least, that’s what the comments indicated! So see you all next year. If you’re new to the Centre, we wish you a warm welcome and look forward to seeing you at future events, one of which is the Autumn Leaves Run on Sunday October 2. So if you’ve time after receiving your Safety Fast! give Richard a call on 01235-529331.

Picnic time on the Summer Day Out

Stuart, who started in the company as a mechanic, is now in charge of sourcing many of the rare parts for some of the priceless vehicles, along with special requests for customer cars, such as the reproduction of a 1920s Rolls Royce handbook complete with a leather, gold-embossed cover. We started our tour in the machine shop. This was no greasecovered area, but an area that is so clean, you genuinely could eat your dinner off any of the machines in operation, such as the lever arm suspension damper testing machine that was found derelict and restored to as-new condition. From here, we moved on to the main restoration area, which housed motor cars such as Silver Ghost to Rolls Corniche in various stages of restoration. Then on to the Engine Shop. In here they even had a restored

Avro Lancaster Merlin engine in as-new condition. We then passed the rolling road area where all the vehicles can be tested and went into the main showroom, with both restored and new cars on sale. P & A Wood even supply new Rolls Royces with their own special bodywork. One of those was there, resplendent in silver over British racing green. The company even train their own apprentices and are in the process of building a new classroom area, so that all teaching can be carried out on site. The company motto ‘Attention to Detail’ will ensure that this world class craftsmanship will continue well into the future Snetterton – October 1 and 2. We will have a dedicated Anglia parking area near the Paddock; look out for the Anglia Centre flags.

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/09/2016 17:23

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OCTOBER 2016 SAFETY FAST! 73

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CENTRES

CALEDONIAN

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

We are well into the season of mellow fruitfulness and many cars are being put away for the winter season… But the Caledonian Centre still lives! There is one more run and you are still in time to book. Check the website for information on Tony Smith’s one-day affair on October 9, starting in the Edinburgh area and heading towards Peebles before heading back to Newtongrange for lunch. The new Fun Day held in August proved a great success, with an excellent turnout of cars old and modern. The good news is that it’s likely to be repeated next year. It was a non car damaging event held on grass, our first event of this kind

for a good while. Likewise, the weekend at Bo’ness Hillclimb was very enjoyable, with our largest stand ever at 30 cars, ranging from 1931 to 2014. On the hill itself I suspect that MGs made up the largest marque. There used to be an award for the best MG… maybe I should suggest that it be reinstated! And now that the Bo’ness chairman runs an MGB and is a Caledonian member, it might happen! We’ll see… Next year the event will celebrate its 10th birthday and I expect will have some extra activities and even more cars, so if you have not been before, put the first weekend in September into your diary. You won’t regret it!

New member and new competitor Lorraine Noble-Thompson in her WSM Midget at Bo’ness

As a committee we have been pushing new memberships this year at all of our shows and elsewhere. The response has been good, but to make up for those who drop off because a car has been sold or for other reasons we all need to work at this. If you know of someone with an MG who might join, contact me and we can send out details. One ‘new’ member at Bo’ness was Boyd Tunnock (the one who makes caramel wafers!). He was a member in Scottish Centre days and was for many years successful as a Scottish team member in the California Cup and BMC Trophy competitions in a series of MGAs. Welcome back! The committee are planning next year’s events. Details will be

out soon but I can tell you that there is likely to be a pre-1955 car only event, and also that the Three Day Tour in May when we celebrate 25 years of the Centre will also feature alternative shorter routes for older cars. One problem that has arisen this year is cancellation of entries, particularly for shows. More often now the Centre has to pay for entries in advance of the members paying us, and if a member cancels an entry, then the Centre is potentially out of pocket. We are looking at ways to avoid this, so expect a few changes next year. And I’m still looking for photos, films, etc, from old events. There must be some out there!

her anyway and she had loads of photographs taken and he was interviewed for the GRRC newsletter. There was a great turnout of cars on a sunny Friday evening as a TV crew came to RAF Harrowbeer’s 70th Anniversary Weekend. Also present was a replica of a Spitfire Mk9 which was fired up several times but stayed on the ground. It brought back the noise and smell to some. An interesting explanation of how the wartime bunkers worked followed. There was plenty going on throughout the weekend. The cake and cars event held at Knightstone Café on the edge of

the old airstrip went down like a lead balloon with only six people managing to turn up. The Café owner was not too pleased but understood that many MGs do not come out in the rain!

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

Thanks to Richard Wade, a member of the MGCC and the Goodwood Road Racing Club for the following report on his visit to Goodwood. Although very much tongue in cheek, he thought that it would be a good idea to enter his MGA (Matilda, as his wife calls her) into the Annual Vehicle Display held at Goodwood House on August 14. He duly sent off his application with photograph and description of the car and waited for the rejection email; after all, there were 1,200 applicants and only 55 are accepted. No chance, he thought, seeing that the car would be up against some pretty formidable competition. Imagine his surprise and

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delight when he was told Matilda had been selected. The day arrived and he presented the car at the carriage circle of Goodwood House, to be joined by some superb machinery, like Aston Martin DB2/4, McLaren, Porsche and other exotica. All were lined up with very posh information boards for each car, and they all proceeded to have a great day. The prize, which was for the car voted by the members, was for the car to be shown, for a week, at the Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall. This year it was won by a beautiful pre-war Alfa Romeo Zagato. Matilda did not figure in the prize giving but that did not matter, as he was so proud of

Date for the Diary October 9 – The Exmoor Rut – put on by the Healey Drivers Club – 01822 810001 October 23 – MGCC/Launceston & North Cornwall Club Tamar Classic Trial. A good day out, plenty of sections to watch the trial. Volunteer marshals please contact Colin Bird – info@ tamarvalleymotoringcentre.co.uk

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OCTOBER 2016 SAFETY FAST! 75

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CENTRES

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

October Natters: Wolds Wednesday 5; Lincolnshire Poacher Friday 7; Abbey Lodge Monday 10; Wishing Well Wednesday 12 (Treasure Hunt around Dyke, Paul 01780 759100); Three Horseshoes Thursday 20; Admiral Nelson 27. October Events: Sunday 9 Jubilee Trophy Naviscat Wishing Well Dyke (Ian 01529 497849). Luncheon Club: Wednesday 19. Early November Natters: Wolds Wednesday 2; Lincolnshire Poacher Friday 4.

Held over from last month we have the results of the Wishing Well Natter’s Landlord’s Choice, with the L2 Magna of John Rogers in first place and Nigel Haines’ MGA second. Barry Green’s BGT was third, the MGF Trophy160 of Ian Parsons was fourth and Paul Darley’s MGC Roadster fifth. The Wolds Natter held their Landlord’s Choice event in August with Geoff Hirst’s Midget in fifth place, the TF of Keith Robinson fourth, David Stonehouse’s BGTV8 third, second was the MGB of Phil Drewery and Brian Clifton’s MGB

MIDLANDS

MARTIN PRICE mg.price@btinternet.com

By the time you read this copy of Safety Fast! we will be well and truly in the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, as they say. Summer now seems a distant memory but, on reflection, it wasn’t a bad few months for fresh air motoring. As usual, we have been very busy in the Midland Centre and we held our traditional Summer Sprint at Curborough in early August. This was a landmark occasion for two reasons: first, it marked the 50th anniversary of the Centre running sprints at the Curborough Course, near Lichfield, and second, it sadly heralded the retirement of our fantastic Clerk of the Course, David Whale, who has served the

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Club in this capacity for a large part of those 50 years. David’s expertise in motor sport is not just limited to the MG Car Club. He spent 31 years in a senior role organising the RAC Rally and, more recently, he became the Chairman of the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs. The Centre has always received great praise for the smooth and efficient organisation and running of our sprint events and a huge part of this has been down to David’s outstanding leadership. In the last six or seven years his wife, Barbara, has been the Secretary of the Meeting for our sprints and she too is retiring from her role. Their contribution to the Centre has been tremendous and

took the top spot. This was the final round of 2016, and with a variety of winners it will be interesting to see who will be collecting the trophies at the Annual Dinner. The Centre had its usual display at the Revesby Country Show, with the 20 cars on show attracting a lot of attention and four new members were enlisted. A lovely summer’s day attracted a good crowd. As always there was a lot to see, from the static displays to live action and stalls offering a vast variety of wares. August’s Luncheon Club made a return visit to the Kings

Head at Tealby, where the diners enjoyed a somewhat leisurely lunch. The main event of the month was the Poacher Concours, held again at Doddington Hall, the Elizabethan mansion just outside Lincoln. Some 89 vehicles were on display, with the judges working hard to have all the results ready for announcement mid-afternoon. The results (and a lot of photographs) can be seen on the Centre webpage. Thanks to Geoff and Vicki Edge, and to all the judges and helpers on the day for a very successful event.

to mark this occasion, we held a presentation for them during the lunch break at the August event. David was presented with the P.J. Evans Trophy for outstanding contribution to the Centre. He was given an original pencil drawing of his beloved 1938 Rosengart, and he and Barbara were presented with an engraved cut-glass decanter. They will be sorely missed and leave a huge void to fill. The event itself was enjoyable and benefited from some great sunshine. Unfortunately, the turn-out was not great, having just 35 starters. In the standard class, Jamie Yapp took top honours in his Clio from Mike Chalk’s MGB and Nick Arnold’s ZR160. Mike Cole’s very rapid MGB GT put in a best run of 68.74sec to secure the class, just pipping Rob Orford by a mere 0.04sec.

Chris England brought his TF135 home in third place. In the T Type and MMM class, I was unable to match David Butler’s TD Special, but at least my TA held together, as David broke his clutch and Frank Ashley had a serious misfire! John Hawley took the quick Midget class and it was a fantastic scrap for Fastest Time of the Day between the MGB V8 of Andy Walker and the Westfield MegaBusa of John Phelps. John, eventually beating Andy by only 1.3 seconds for the outright victory, leaving Andy a very creditable Fastest MG. The future of the Centre’s sprints is in some doubt at present, as we are trying to find a volunteer, or volunteers, to take on the role of secretary of the meeting. If you are interested, please get in touch; it is not a difficult role and you will have support.

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MG_SafetyFast_Oct16_50-98.indd 77

OCTOBER 2016 SAFETY FAST! 77

23/09/2016 17:25

CENTRES

NORTH WEST PAUL GOODMAN 01625 876300

This column normally begins with cars and events. Unusually it starts with a person this month. George Dutton is stepping down from leading our Plough and Flail pub meeting after many years. The Centre would like to thank George for all his hard work and all the fun and pleasure that we have had on Tuesday evenings during his tenure. New management is now in place and Laurie Kennard has volunteered to take over. He already has a list of email addresses, but if you are not on it, then please contact him. laurence.kennard@ btinternet.com The first social event this month will be the Old Hall Farm Pub gathering on Tuesday October 11. This will be followed by the

Plough and Flail meeting on Tuesday October 18. There is going to be a quiz during the evening, which will test your general and MG car knowledge, with a winner’s prize and a wooden spoon! Then our lunch meeting will be on Wednesday October 26 at The Church Inn, Church Lane, Mobberley, WA16 7RD. The Club’s Council meeting is being held in Abingdon on October 15 and one of the main topics will be MGLive!. Paul Goodman will be attending this meeting, so please contact him if you have views on the future of the major MGCC event of the year. Looking further ahead, the Annual Dinner Dance and Awards Presentation will be held on

SOUTH EAST

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

It was great to meet a number of you at the Chatham Maritime Summer Gathering. By way of introduction, I thought I would just share my main claim to fame (MG-wise) which is that I owned my first MGB GT at the age of 24. A gorgeous car which I drove on a daily basis and the ownership of which unsurprisingly blossomed into a total love affair with MGs, FRU 191L is still gracing the lanes of Sheppey, although no longer owned by me. August saw the main SouthEast Summer gathering which was held at the Historic Dockyard, Chatham. Whilst starting off with incredible gusts sweeping flags and tents across the parade ground, it turned out to be a very successful

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event; with some 105 cars and around 200 people participating. It was particularly well-supported by the Canterbury Natter and the MGF Register, with even a brand new MG GS SUV also coming along for the occasion. The oldest car on the day was a 1935 NA Allingham owned by Rosemary Bayne-Powell. Pride of Ownership prizes were awarded to John Harrington (TF), Ray Windle (TD) and Michael Wacher (MGA Mk2 de luxe). The Concours winner was Nigel Scutt and Car of the Show went to Richard Thorpe in his MG ZR160. With autumn fast approaching there are still a couple of events to tempt you out in your cars. The SE Autumn Naviscat will be encouraging you to drive along the

Saturday November 19 at the Deanwater Hotel in Woodford. There will be a three-course meal followed by the presentation of the awards for the Cockshoot Cup, Luffield Speed Championship and the Centre Speed Events. Dancing and general conviviality and chat will follow. The event is open to all members and you can either book for yourselves or bring your friends and reserve a whole table. Please email David Rainsbury, david@rainsbury.com to book your tickets. The hotel will give you a reduced price room rate if you tell them that you are attending our function. The Avro Heritage

Museum will be open on Saturday and Sunday. It tells the history of AVRO, you can sit in a Vulcan cockpit and view the newly restored Vulcan outside. It is located five minutes away from the Deanwater. Looking back to August, the Cockshoot Cup drivers put on a superb display of high-speed driving at Anglesey Circuit. Ross Makar and Gary Wetton fought hard through both races taking one win each, only separated by tenths of a second. Mike Peters took two Class B wins in his Midget, whilst Jeremy Toes and Ian Wright grabbed Class A victories.

Cockshoot Cup First Corner at Anglesey Circuit. Photo: Paul Goodman

lanes of Surrey and Sussex before winter sets in. It will follow the usual Naviscat format requiring each team to visit a number of locations of their choice where you will find questions and clues. Newcomers will find the clues reasonably straightforward with the odd mind-teaser to add some fun. All competitors will need a recent copy of the OS186 (Aldershot and Guildford), roamer, pencils and rubber. With an entry fee of £10, the event is open to MG Car Club members and contenders of the Inter Register Championship. Signing on begins at 10am at the very popular Three Horseshoes pub with the route being handed out at 11am. The route finishes back at the pub at 2.30pm. The pub will be serving coffees and lunch can be pre-ordered, with results being announced at the end of lunch. Entry forms or further information available from Roger Thomas at

MGs line up at the Historic Dockyard, Chatham

mmmfixit@hotmail.com or tel.: 01252 316028. Derek Edwards is organising an Autumn Leaves run to be held on Sunday October 16 2016 starting out from The Pheasant at Buckland ,RH3 7BG, and running through the picturesque Surrey countryside, finishing at The Plough, Leigh, Reigate, where lunch is arranged. To book a place please contact Derek on 01737 765891. If you wish to advertise forthcoming events please email me at joruffels@gmail.com. I very much look forward to hearing from you and meeting some of you over the next year.

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MG_SafetyFast_Oct16_50-98.indd 79

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CENTRES

SOUTH WEST

Dave Coppock 01934 834429 dave_coppock_mg@hotmail.com Since the last Centre notes, we have just one competitive event to report on, MGs on Grass 2, and what a cracker that was. Six acres of smooth grass, three timed tests and five runs at each test. And all for £15. What value for money. Overall winner was Jeremy Hawke in his J2, a fine sight to see at full chatter on opposite lock around the cones. Class wins also went to Chris Leverett, Kim Dear, Graham Springthorpe and Neil Lock. One notable entrant this year was the legendary Steve Dear, driving like he had never been away from competing. Everyone went home with a smile on their face. Our premier speed event, Wiscombe Hill climb, takes place just too late to include in these

notes. Full report next month, but results are available via the web page if you need to know. Celebrating the first 80 years of our Centre this year will be a commemorative road run on Sunday October 9, with three starting points at Sparkford, Portishead and Togg Hill, north of Bristol, finishing with a lunch or picnic at Chew Valley Reservoir. Full details of entry are on the website. Now, if your Natter held a small local event this year, we would love to hear from you and can print your report and photos. And here is one such report from the Ring o’ Bells Natter. A group of seven T Types led by Dave Heath took a week out touring Normandy and the Loire

TYNE TEES

NOEL LINDFORD noel.lindford@btinternet.com

10th Hamsterley Hoppings on August 28: Seven MGs entered this swansong Hoppings for George and Irene Stephenson, who organised every one. Regularity Production Car Autotest on August 28 at Seaton Carew: Despite the inclement weather, the event proved to be really good fun, and once again Ken Armstrong took the honours with the most consistent times. 9th Old Speckled Hen Run Sunday September 4 2016: a report by Andrew Kelly A delightful experience in spectacular scenery through which many of us had not driven before,

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or for many years. Departing from the Rokeby Inn at Smallways we drove through Richmond, Reeth and Gunnerside, to Muker, before ascending the Buttertubs Pass. We then descended towards the pretty village of Bainbridge, then onward to Leyburn, for our lunch stop. This was at the renowned Tennants, which combines an auction centre with superb conference and eating facilities, and the car park hosted 100 classic Fords in addition to our 47 cars. The afternoon views, despite occasional showers, up to and through the Stang Forrest were, like the whole of the run, quite superb and the sight when descending of a winding trail of MGs and thrill of the sound of

Valley. The highlight of the trip was a weekend at a small town near Saumur which holds an annual Retro Grand Prix. The town mayor authorises closure of the main streets and local farmers set out straw bales to make a 2km circuit for the many ‘parades’ of pre-war cars and bikes. These continued until after midnight. Local food and wine was plentiful and the whole event ran with a minimum of formality, as only the French can do. We then treated ourselves to a night at the famous Hotel de France at La Chartre-sur-leLoir, Sarthe, where many British manufacturers’ teams stayed during the Le Mans 24 Hour races when there were some notable successes in the 1950s and 60s. They even used the car park to service the cars. The hotel displays many signed photographs of the straight-through exhausts, made one think of days gone by when driving these roads was a bold venture into the beauty of the Dales. We revisited Reeth by climbing to Grinton, then via the Stang, to Barnard Castle, Piercebridge, and the welcoming Spotted Dog pub at High Coniscliffe near Darlington, where run organiser, Noel Lindford, presented prizes to cars chosen by our guest judge. Noel excelled himself yet again, and with trade mark bacon rolls at the start, cream teas at the finish and MGCC camaraderie throughout the day, there was nowhere else I would rather have been. Events Coming Up Friday 7 – Sunday 9 October: Lake District Weekend: We have a good entry, but if you have not entered, there may still be time. Full details are on our website or contact

cars and their drivers. The hotel rooms have drivers’ names on the doors; mine war Roy Salvadori and next was one of my boyhood heroes, Jules Fangio. If you have not taken your MG to France yet you are missing so much, including the opportunity to bring home as much wine and cheese as you have space for.

The famous Hotel de France at La Chartre-sur-le-Loir, Sarthe

David Alexander david. alexander2012@btinternet.com Sunday October 16: Autumn Leaves Run: Starting from Dobbies Garden Centre at Ponteland, this 60-mile run takes in spectacular Northumberland scenery, finishing at the Dyke Neuk Inn, near Morpeth, for Sunday lunch. We need you to pre-book for this event, please. Entry forms with menu options are on our website. Entry fee is just £5 for this run. Saturday November 12: York Social Trip by train: The plan is a social day out in York, boarding a train at a station near you on the East Coast main line. David Alexander has an itinerary which should appeal to all tastes. Contact David on 0160 861178 or email david.alexander2012@ btinternet.com

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23/09/2016 17:25

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1996 MINI EQUINOX 1275CC ﬁnished in dark metallic grey, It has had 4 previous owners and has done just under 24,000mls , it comes with service history and all Mot’s from new, the latest mot runs to Feb 2017. It has excellent interior and good bodywork with only two small scabs on the step sills as per pictures and the passenger window is a little sticky. This is a very nice car which drives well. £4,995

MG TF 135 - 2003, FINISHED IN TROPHY BLUE MG TF 135, 2003 in Trophy Blue, 40,000mls from new, recent new headgasket and cambelt, Black cloth interior and black hood, four new tyres, MOT’d to April 2017. £2,950.

Units 9/10 Fifehead Business Park, Manor Farm, Fifehead Magdalen, near Gillingham, Dorset SP8 5RR

E-mail: mail@mikerolls.4mgs.co.uk • www.mikerolls.co.uk

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Units 9/10 Fifehead Business Park, Manor Farm, OCTOBER Fifehead Magdal2016 en, nearSAFETY Gil ingham,FAST! Dorset SP8815RR

E-mail: mail@mikerolls.4mgs.co.uk • www.mikerolls.co.uk MG_SafetyFast_Oct16_50-98.indd 81

Mail Order “Friendly Quality Service”

M02.13/B32/d

Mail Order “Friendly Quality Service”

23/09/2016 17:25

CENTRES

YORKSHIRE

DAVID COPEMAN 07920 064585 www.mgccyorkshire.co.uk North – Ken Cothliff The August meeting welcomed Richard Hirst, owner of an XPAG Cooper. The meeting’s main programme was directed to organisation of the Dales Run. Entertainment for the evening was yours truly presenting a slide show of a recent five-week trip to Canada, The next meeting will include a presentation of the new MG GS, by the new local dealer. South – Geoff Norcliffe The August Natter had a backdrop of slideshow pictures taken on the European Event of the Year in Le Touquet. While the slideshow went on, the Natter got on with planning the calendar for next

year. There will be a special event to mark the 20th anniversary of the Natter being founded. We have just returned from the Dales Run, superbly organised by North Yorkshire. 23 SY members travelled for the weekend. Accommodation is already booked for next year! East – Brian Rylance The evening social run was wellattended. Another great route, this by Carl and Tash, finishing at the Dog and Duck at Walkington. I noted four cars from the Natter at the Dales Run. Another great run with enough breaks in the rain to appreciate the scenery, West – David Copeman There was a wide choice of MG

ULSTER

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

The Centre ran a second successful Autotest drivers’ tutorial at its new TTS venue at Nutts Corner on August 17. This and the previous tutorial attracted around 20 newcomers to the sport, which was encouraging to see. Eric Patterson of the local Autotest Drivers’ Club commenced the evening with a classroom session before he, Harold Hazard, George and Jamie McMillan and Malcolm McQueen held practical sessions on some of the basic FWD and RWD techniques using some simple tests. It was good to see some lady drivers along, including

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Katie Lemon in her dad, Mark’s modified Midget. She is used to navigating on trials and the tuition will benefit her car control skills for future road driving. By the end of the evening, it was evident that pupil confidence was growing, with exuberant handbrake turns and ‘360s’ being achieved. The Club will have held a third tutorial in early September. A warm autumnal evening heralded the Club’s customary Classic ‘Night’ Trial on September 2. Noel Cochrane and his intrepid team set a challenging

events taking place during August. Pateley Bridge Show proved popular with West members, those who were not entered in the judging ring opting to display their cars on Retro Lifestyle’s stand. One of the last August events in the Yorkshire calendar, the Dales Run, was well attended by West members. Mike Thorpe is organising a canal boat trip in October – should be an interesting day out. During October all the Centre’s Natters will be taking part in the inter-Natter quiz.

member and was driving his TA. If I remember correctly, Jim is 84, his TA is 81 and he thinks it is in better condition. Penelope, a new member, was driving her MGB roadster, back on the road after 10 years and running well.

Tiger – Pete Welbourn A touch of deja vu about the August luncheon run, as last August we followed a route planned by Derek Tucker to the Grapes Inn at Slingsby. We had a good turnout for the run. As well as the usual suspects, we were joined by Penelope and Jim. Jim is a long-term Club

Vale of York – Ken Cothliff Good weather brought out several new members of the Natter, including Robert Ingham, Tim Sherbourne and David Hart. We had a group attendance at the Otley Vintage Extravaganza on September 11, and plan to make a showing at the Golden Lion Hotel event in October, as Northallerton is within our new catchment area. We also think we could do with an end-of-season run before the weather closes in, and a couple of members are looking into this for us. If you feel like joining in, we’ll be happy to see you at lunchtime on the third Wednesday of the month.

blend of 16 driving tests, PCTs and stubble-field slaloms for an excellent entry of 24 MG and BMC-period cars. The event, based at Bryce’s farm Lisbane, provided the first three tests around concrete yards and unforgiving wall-flanked laneways. They were immediately followed by a fast lane test before the entrants headed off around the route set in farmland on the north-western fringes of Strangford Lough. Competition was fierce from the start between Midgets and Minis. Despite some mechanical gremlins, including the MG of the subsequent victor, and some unintended excursions into the scenery, all but one team made it back to Bryce’s about 9.00pm for a final brain-frying test 16, which comprised Tests

one and two joined together, and in the dark. Master-chefs Lucinda and Sharon had the BBQ on full steam for everyone arriving back to the final test, providing everybody with a grand finale to the evening. Will Corry driving with Jay Colville on the maps won the event in Jay’s Ford engine modified Midget with previous multiple winner, James Wilson, unfortunately relegated to fourth place this year after making frontal alterations to his Mini! Thanks to Noel, landowners and all who marshalled or helped at what was another great event. Coming up, we will be running two PCTs, and on October 15 a Club Championship Autotest at a new venue, Moore Concrete, in Ballymena. Stephen Dawson

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/09/2016 17:25

www.mgmecca.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 1953 717618 Fax: (0) 1953 717850

MARTIN SMITH www.usedmg spares.co.uk

1980 MGB ROADSTER Leyland White, black/white leather trim. Boot rack. Wood steering wheel. Elm dash. Superb condition and mostly original. All new chrome. Lowered. Superb car and value @ £11,995.

1967 MGB ROADSTER Nightﬁre Red, w/w, o/drive, leather trim, full wood dash. Excellent restored car, s/s boot rack, boot carpets, tonneau. Getting rarer by the year. £11,995.00

Quality New and Used MGF & MGTF Spares Covering all models from 1995 > 2006

1968 MGB V8 ROADSTER Nightﬁre Red, tan/ red trim. 3.9L injected V8, RV8 running gear & crossmember. RV8 dash, Red Maple wood trim, mohair hood. 15” minilites. Totally rebuilt & restored at huge expense a few years ago. Looks & drives superbly. The ultimate touring MG. £24,995.00

1993 MG RV8 Pearl White, Stone trim. Superb example of an RV8, not concours but excellent. Stunning in Mica Pearl White, tan mohair hood and yes, the registration is really MGR 3.9L (MGR 39L), the ultimate RV8 registration. Unique opportunity to own a superb piece of MG history. £26,495.00

1971 MGB ROADSTER Teal Blue, Autumn Leaf trim. Excellent interior. New seats and carpets. Moto Lita wheel, s/s sports exhaust, alloy rocker cover, K&N ﬁlters, servo. Body trim excellent. Reliable car looks great. Paint has a few knocks and pimples as expected. Great value. £6,995.00

2004 MG TF Yellow, black cloth trim. 32,000 miles from new. Grey alloys. Superb car in superb condition. Interior as new. Maintained regardless of cost. Would be hard to ﬁnd a better one. £3,795.00

All items Supplied - from body panels, interiors & engines to headlights & wheel nuts

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

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

MG TF 135 85TH ANNIVERSARY (20,000 miles)

MG TF LE500 #70/500+H/top ( just 24,000 miles)

MG TF LE500 Pre Production Press car.

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

2009 (59 Reg) Manual, Petrol. Previously supplied by us a superb 85th ltd edition in Ice white with aubergine leather sport seats. Air conditioning, special suspension set up only used on the 85th edition including soft ride suspension. Glass heated rear screen, engine water level censor etc. £7,995.

Immaculate LE500 #70 off 500 made. Complete with removable colour coded hardtop. Very high spec ltd edition model fitted with air conditioning, leather sport seats, park censor, soft top fitted with a heated glass rear screen, engine water level censor, soft ride suspension, wind deflector. Fully detailed service history just moted. Immaculate condition throughout. £6,295

2008 (08 Reg) 23,000 Miles Manual, Petrol, Finished in Grey/Black leather Collectors car ? Just one owner Car is sold serviced with new cambelt and mot. High spec model with air conditioning black leather, glass heated rear screen, 16” alloys, water level censer. Later ‘N’ series engine. MG history. Road tested by ‘Honest John’ (the telegraph) in 2008, This is one of the very last one owner Pre production MG press cars available. SUPERB. £6,695

2011 model year TF135 Style pack. Ltd edition high spec models. One owner from new full service history services and just 23,000 miles. 2011 model fitted with folding door mirrors. Style pack fitted with a heated glass rear screen, remote boot opening, engine water level censor, soft ride suspension, wind deflector, full leather sport seats, silver interior console and trims plus unmarked 16” Twisted pepper alloys and Red 4 pot brake calipers. Superb. £6,495

MG TF 135 Stlye pack (just 29,000 miles)

MG TF 135 Facelift (just 23,000 miles)

MG TF 160 vvc Sprint ltd ed. (just 59,000 miles)

MG ZR EXPRESS TD (just 54,000 miles)

2011 (11 Reg), Manual, Petrol, Finished in Grey/ black leather One of the last MG TF135 made, Style pack model with folding mirrors and just 29,000miles. Soft ride suspension, heated glass rear screen, 16” twist pepper alloys, black leather sport seats,16” twisted pepper alloys, silver console and interior trim, Folding door mirrors. Later ‘N’ series engine. Outstanding . £6,495

Manual 2006 (06 Reg) Petrol Finished in: Sonic Blue/ Black leather This is one of the very last MG/Rover TF’s ever made, having covered just 23,000miles with full service history six services. Finished in Sonic Blue with black leather sport seats, soft ride suspension, glass heated rear screen, engine water level censor, wind deflector, unmarked alloy wheels, just 2 Lady owners, Outstanding. £4,995

2004 (53 Reg) Manual Petrol Finished in: Xpower Grey/black leather grey inserts Previously supplied by us twice. Rare 2004 TF160vvc Sprint ltd edition. Sports pack 2 with 16” alloys, smokestone cockpit, chrome packs, fog lights, Documented service history with bills and every mot, high spec. This superb MG is just going though our workshop and having a new Headgasket/water pump/cambelt and mot. £3,695

2003 (03 Reg) Manual Diesel Finished in: Yellow A rare very low mileage Full main MG supplying dealer service history. Ownership is MG Dealer registered one lady and ourselves, one of only 8 yellow Express vans made, light user only outstanding ideal publicity vehicle for a business, Our reg number P14 CSA is not with the Van. Only selling as have to many MG’s of my own. £2,995

This is just a small selection from our stock

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

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MG_SafetyFast_Oct16_50-98.indd 83

www.churchsquareautos.com OCTOBER 2016 SAFETY FAST! 83

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REGISTERS Jennifer with Alan

SVW

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

In the July edition, Les Bognuda in New Zealand appealed for a VA owner to give his sister (Jennifer) and brother-in-law (Michael) a ride in South Devon. They had sourced many of the parts here in the UK for Les’s VA Tourer restoration and he wanted them to share his joy of riding in an SVW car. Alan Dolman stepped in as he lives in that area and owns a lovely VA Saloon (chassis 2291). As Jennifer recounted: “We spent a most enjoyable morning with Alan and his partner Shirley. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience of riding around Seaton in Alan’s beautifully restored VA and marvelled at his lifetime’s collection of motor memorabilia, not to mention being able to see

Alan’s other classic vehicles. Alan and Shirley showed us warm hospitality and we hope to be able to return the same when they are able to visit us, hopefully in the near future.” I’ve been fettling my VA Tourer following the SVW event in Belgium in June. Goodwood have asked me to display it on the airfield for the third time at The Revival. The final piece of work was on the brakes – one of the wheel cylinders was leaking and had soaked the shoes. The rear shoes had been relined (bonded) a couple of years ago and were already quite glazed. The front shoes were older and a couple were down to the rivets. I decided to redo all of them

T TYPE

JOHN WARD 01621 773606 johnw.ward@yahoo.co.uk www.tregister.org THE T REGISTER AUTUMN TOUR 2016 Dorset and the Jurassic Coast September 2-4 Most of us travelling from far and wide were greeted from 4pm onwards with first a drizzle and then a proverbial downpour, as we peered through the ensuing gloom looking for any sign on the road to or from Yeovil to our designated hotel. But gladly everyone made it safely and soon all was forgotten (well, by most of us) upon the discovery of a local beer from Lyme Regis on tap. Saturday started promisingly, cloudy but bright, and the day’s itinerary was eagerly awaited following an informative briefing from Chris Sundt as to what was in store on the

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day. We would go westwards and then south, down to Weymouth and Portland, then along the coast road high on the clifftop, with stunning views of the Fleet and Chesil Beach way down below, then passing Abbotsbury and a sub-tropical garden visit, and on to Weymouth and Portland and its castle. After lashing down the cars for the night (yes, it rained again quite heavy as we all scurried back from Weymouth through Dorchester). Sunday promised to be a much better day. The early morning mist soon began to clear, and all indication was that it was going to be a much drier day in prospect. Today would be over the heath, then into Hardy Country as far as Wareham and Corfe Castle.

and if I’d had time I would have tried doing it myself. Brake linings with rivets are readily available in axle sets. However, I decided to take mine to Bearings and Belts in South Godstone (Surrey) who turned them around in five days. I opted for bonded woven material with metal inclusions, rather than moulded linings. They came back nicely painted too! There’s also been some discussion between committee

Jennifer and Michael, who has just turned 80

members relating to brake fluid. I’m replacing mine and flushing it through as I unintentionally topped it up with silicone fluid rather than mineral and they’re not compatible. Most of us still use Dot 4 which comes in both mineral and silicone. Some owners are now using Dot 5 which is non-hydroscopic and doesn’t attack paintwork, but its use requires removal of all traces of Dot 4 and replacement of all seals at the same time.

Jennifer looking very pleased with the experience

Soon was the coffee stop at Athelhampton House, and most stopped off to peer at the Cerne Giant standing erect on a hillside. Then, passing through Tolpuddle and the Martyrs Museum, the route took us close by Clouds Hill near Moreton and the MOD Bovington tank training grounds, which are still active. Clouds Hill is the tiny woodman’s cottage where Lawrence of Arabia sought refuge from fame to write and listen to music, before his untimely death on his beloved Brough motorcycle in 1935 at the age of 46.

Moving on, and perhaps going down to Lulworth Cove, or stopping off at the village of Tyneham, where the villagers were turfed out by the military in 1943 with a promise they would be allowed back after the war, but this did not happen. We arrived at Wareham and went on to Corfe Castle. The return journey took us through Wareham Forest, past picturesque villages, back through Cerne Abbas, a splash into a sheep dip (ford) then winding and twisting through Dorset lanes before returning to the hotel.

Much debate going on at the coffee stop at West Bay near Bridport. (Note the unusual number of hoods up!)

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/09/2016 17:27

REGISTERS

Y TYPE

JERRY BIRKBECK jerrybirkbeck@btinternet.com www.mgccyregister.co.uk Tel: 01926 258691 Mob: 07855 566325 In the September issue of Safety Fast! I referred to activities proposed for the 70th anniversary of the Y Type. You will be aware that our year of events will kick off with the Spring Weekend over Saturday and Sunday May 6 and 7. This will be followed by a Register Gathering at Silverstone as part of MGLive!, a date for which has yet to be settled, and finishing with a major gathering on the Isle of Wight in mid-September.

A Round Britain Relay – an idea to celebrate 70 years of the MG Y Type! We asked for ideas for ways to celebrate our 70th anniversary

next year and boy did we get a beauty from Julian Bosworth. As the main concern expressed about national events is that they are too far away, Julian has come up with an idea for an event that comes to you, A Round Britain Relay. But before we go ahead, we need to know if there is enough commitment and enthusiasm out there to get at least one Y Type to take on each of the 37 legs. Maggie Grafham has agreed to co-ordinate entries and we will be contacting you by email/website with all the details of how it will work and a map of the route, so that you can study it to see where is passes near you and email her to

say you would be prepared to take on your local leg. It would mean collecting the baton/travel log and driving about 50 miles and then passing it on to the next car, so you would probably have to drive just over 100 miles round trip. If we could pull it off, it would be a fantastic way to mark our 70th and create some excellent publicity for Y Types.

Little Gem makes a stunning appearance at the MG Midget Event As many of you know Paul and Maggie Grafham (who set up the original MGCC Y Type Register in

MAGNETTE

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

We’re approaching the end of the season’s events, but you might read this just before our Lou Shorten Tribute weekend (October 1-2), so if you haven’t already signed up please check magnette.org for details. Also on the website is an unusual ‘barn find’ Magnette on the Isle of Man in need of restoration. It was brought to our attention by Terry Owen, himself a Manx Magnette owner, after his friend Richard sadly passed away. Richard’s car had been in a shed for many years, which now has to be cleared, and having seen photos and Terry’s comprehensive assessment of condition it’s certainly too good to scrap – hopefully a buyer can be found with a genuine interest in restoring it.

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_Oct16_50-98.indd 85

Stockfest show, August 21 Despite wind and rain the previous day, the MGA Twin Cam Group’s event, to which the Magnette Register was kindly invited, turned out to be a reasonable day weather-wise, with the sun managing to shine through in the afternoon in particular. Whilst we were fairly low on numbers attending, we did have the unusual occurrence of two tin top cars being together at the same event. “Tin-top” refers to the early cars that were fitted with part metal/part Bakelite dashboard painted to look like wood, prior to a full wooden fascia being available in 1955. Also present was Chris Pamplin in his late brother Colin’s very nice red ZB. When Colin

Two tin-tops together at Stockfest

sadly passed away last year, Chris decided the car had too much sentimental value to the family for it to be disposed of. Indeed, Chris remembers going to collect it with Colin in 1974 and recalled that it ended up being somewhat of a bargain as the then owner thought the bottom was falling out of the car, and it was only good for spares. In actual fact, it turned out to be nothing more serious than the underseal peeling away. The car changed hands for the princely

1979) successfully bid for Little Gem at MGLive! in the summer. It was in excellent mechanical state, thanks to the regular maintenance work undertaken by our own Neil Cairns. However, it needed some remedial tidying up and the front seats re-trimmed. Our Secretary Chris Callaghan and wife Annette were delighted to see Little Gem in its new clothes (a re-spray) and the seats attended to, at the finishing point of the MG Midget Event held on September 4 2016. The photograph shows the YA (YJ 9678) driven by Paul and Maggie and the YB, Little Gem MDF 630, resplendent in its new paint finish.

sum of £70 – I’m sure we would all like to find one like that nowadays! Bernard and Sue Jones from Salisbury came in their early 1954 ZA, which is one of the earliest cars known to the Register. They’ve not had the car for long, but are very pleased with it and were clearly enjoying being out and about in it. We were also joined by local man Geoff Knight, who owns a twotone blue ZB Varitone that’s very much a working car and used as a daily driver. The event itself was well-attended with a very good mix of classic vehicles in general. There were several stalls, and a live group singing on a specially constructed stage. Just over the road in the village hall, was an Arts and Crafts fair, as well as refreshments. All in all, a very enjoyable day out, and we’re indebted to the Twin Cam group for making us so welcome. Peter Martin

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REGISTERS

MGA

EDWARD VANDYK 01488 608810 mgascribe@vandyk.co.uk Summer has gone, autumn is here, but at least the summer ended better than it started. MGA day was well-supported with 73 MGAs participating and planning is well under way for 2017 – details in the next issue. The Rare Breeds Tour and Stockfest Car show attracted many MGAs – push rods and Twin Cams - as well as Magnettes and Y types. The sun shone until late afternoon and your scribe, who organised the show, apologises that the beer tent ran dry at about 3pm – the pub was only 50 yards away, though. Thanks for all of you who came. The last major MGA event of 2016, the Autumn Weekend in Norfolk, will be over by

the time Safety Fast! lands on your doorstep. Looking forward to 2017, don’t forget to book for the Spring Tour, ‘The Cheshire Cat Tour’, from May 5 to May 8 2017. Details on the Register website. Breaking News – The MGA Register launches ‘The MGA Owner’s Heritage Pack’. When they were new, every MGA came with a package of information and data about the car. These were issued to the buyer by the local MG Dealership at the time of the sale, or were available to purchase at a later date.

MGB

DAVID BROADHURST 01209 614704 email: newsletter-editor@mgb-register.org Website: www.mgb-register.org Front Suspension Bush replacement By Graham Dix I have recently replaced my front suspension bushes, having been horrified at the deterioration of the ones fitted just six years ago. I have always tried to maintain originality but the poor quality of available

Deteriorated front bushes

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rubber these days seems to make it sensible to look for better options. I settled for replacement polybushes from Autobush.com that are dark blue in colour and thus hard to notice when fitted. These are reasonably priced and, once fitted, have drastically improved the rigidity of the front end. Very impressed.

Over the next 50 or 60 years, most of the original paperwork has been lost, damaged or separated from the surviving cars, although it is possible to find examples for sale at auto jumbles and internet auction sites. A new generation of MGA owners are keen to know more about the history of the model and what it was like to have one of these cars half a century ago. To meet this growing demand, the MGA Register has reproduced this set of six documents. Earls Court price list 1958 – MG Warranty Certificate – Owner’s ‘Operation Manual’ 2nd edition (AKD598) – MGA Service Voucher Book (AKD 727A) Schedule of Repair charges (AKD 873A) – ‘MGA’ 1500 and 1600 Special tuning manual (AKD 819B)

The complete set comes in a presentation folder and is priced at £25.00 + £3.00 p&p to a UK address. To order a set, send an email to mgaregistershop@outlook. com with your name and the address for delivery. We will send you a PayPal invoice for payment by credit or debit card at no additional cost. An appeal – If you are the owner of a blue MGA, Reg. No. XLA 57, or you know who is, a previous owner would like to make contact. He owned the car as a teenager in the 1960s. This would be a unique opportunity for the present owner to learn something of the car’s early history. If you can help, please email our Registrar, Stuart Mumby, mga@live.co.uk

Peter Cresswell added: “Part of the problem relating to the front bushes deteriorating is down to the grip modern tyres can generate, this being much greater than the cross-plys the bushes were designed to cope with, or even the radials of the 1960s/70s. The other part of the problem is down to poor quality, as Graham suggests. Although polybushes are good (I use the dark blue ones as well!) they do induce a degree of harshness that is not present with the rubber bushes, and RV8 ones might be a good alternative. I also believe V8 ones are rubber with a steel sleeve. Incidentally, if you look at the angle of the front wheels from the front of the car they are at different angle on each side (the camber angle) either positive (they lean out at the top) or negative (they lean in at the top). You can correct this using bushes with an offset hole. They are available from

B&G but were out of stock when I enquired recently and I haven’t seen them listed elsewhere. Part number is 8G6210/S and they come as a set of four.” George Wilder added: “I have been using V8 bushes in my MGB front suspension for years and years, it being a standard mod years ago.” Door Rattle I finally managed to locate the source of a frustrating rattle in my driver’s door, having removed the door panel several times and finding nothing. The striker plate on the B Post of the body has a bullet-shaped locator for the door latch. This had become loose. The remedy was to remove the striker plate and, using a ball pein hammer and a vice, to gently tap the rear of the locator to spread it, thus tightly securing it. Rattle cured. Happy days.

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/09/2016 17:27

H1 - CLIVE WHEATLEY_H7 - CLIVE WHEATLEY 26/03/2015 11:29 Page 1

New Replacement MG RV8 Heatshield Fits above catalysts on the underside of the car. Stops heat ingress and paint burning on underside of car £119.50 NEW All Alloy 15 inch Replacement Wheels for the GTV8 £384 With an alloy centre and a highly polished alloy rim. Weighs approx 2kg lighter. No further rusting.

genuine & conversion parts Tel: +44 (0)1746 710810 Fax: 01746 710999 email: sales@mgv8parts.com Highgrosvenor, Worfield, WV15 5PN

Genuine RV8 heater valve (ZKC 5119 - the correct one) £54.95 RV8 Brake Servo. Made by the original manufacturer £118.80

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RV8 Main header rail and filler. £59.95

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RV8 Petrol Tank Sender with Seal & Locking Ring. £59.95

RV8 boot stays. £30.20 each

RV8 Front brake caliper clips & pins. £15.95

RV8 New Polyurethane rear anti-roll bar bushes. £16.70 for the pair

V8 Engine Steady Bar This is the best you can buy for the money! £50.60

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Adjustable on car through 28 different stages £129.00 each (front) £142.25 each (rear) full set £522 - save £20.50

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RV8 front radiator cover Black £199.50 Part Carbon Fibre £227.80

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MG_SafetyFast_Oct16_50-98.indd 87

OCTOBER 2016 SAFETY FAST! 87

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REGISTERS

MIDGET

NEIL THOMAS 07891 684435 ns.tenby@hotmail.com www.midgetregister.com Well, it’s three weeks since our September Run took place and the Midget Register are still delighted at how well it went. We were very lucky with the weather, as the previous day had been wet everywhere, but on the day of the Run it was dry and we even had some sunshine. Stokesay Castle was a great place to start and finish the Run from. With 60 MGs booked in and 58 actually turning up, it was a great turnout. What’s more, we had 25 Midgets and Sprites in the line-up, too. The youngest Midget driver was Tom Bintcliffe,

driving his white ’73 Midget accompanied by his dad, Carl, acting as navigator. Of course it is a Run intended for all MGs and guests, but it was great to see so many Spridgets in the mix. I felt like Brian Hanrahan, but in less austere circumstances, as I counted the MGs all out and counted them back in again. Well, nearly. We lost one when a Midget broke down with an electronic ignition problem and had to be recovered home, and others returned to base having experienced technical problems over the 60-mile route. There

VICTOR SMITH 0208 392 9434 victorsmith@v8register.net www.v8register.net

Eric Pfäendler and Victor Rodrigues from the Swiss MGV8 I/G group arrive at the V8 Tour 2016 hotel in Brockenhurst after a two-day trip from Zurich

88 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2016

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were a number of flat tyres, one being fixed by an aerosol of tyre seal and the other through the help of a friendly farmer who provided a hammer and some compressed air. Then there was another case of bad misfiring, and another with a rear silencer leaving the rest of the system. Then, of course, there was the moment during the Run when the MGs, whilst descending a long 20% hill, with few passing places, met an oncoming parade of 30 tractors on a local tractor

run. The MSA RLO obviously hadn’t received a touring assembly application off them. Nevertheless, the intrepid MGers overcame this and made it back to base. Despite these little issues, everyone reported that they had had a great day out and had thoroughly enjoyed the route, the roads, the views and Bishops Castle, from all directions. From the MR, thanks to all those who took part. We loved putting it on for you all.

V8 Hampshire Tour 2016 The V8 Tour 2016 was based at the Forest Park Hotel in Brockenhurst in the New Forest over the long weekend of Thursday September 1 - Monday September 5 and included visits to a local vineyard, the famous Buckler’s Hard where ships of the line were built, and finished with a buffet lunch on Monday at the Museum of Army Flying at Netheravon, prior to members leaving for home. The flexible routes through the Hampshire countryside were ideal

for MGV8s. The tour was organised by Mike Lane and Jackie Tasker. See a full photo report on the ‘More’ web page. V8 Curry at Knowle We have another autumn V8 Curry at the Lloyds Indian Restaurant in Knowle, near Solihull in the West Midlands, on Saturday October 8th 2016. Please book ahead with Nic Houslip on 07768 766315. Full details are on the ‘More’ web page at: www.v8register.net/ more.htm

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/09/2016 17:28

B8 - Barrie Carter_CLASSIC MOTORING 23/08/2016 12:18 Page 1

VERTISE

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please minilitefrom pat4NR. way 0208

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surplus to 0.00 the pair

MGF/TF

T Type Spares

Black hardtop, black leather XPAW block. Bored to headliner,glass HRW and stand 1500(Edney) with pistons and (good condition) £250 rods £400. Volvo 131 coupe, which I boughtB&G camshaft little and£75. have Alloy rocker cover Black mesh windstop £60 for myself last year used thoroughly enjoyed. One of Rear tonneau cover £30 with ventthe£50. Alloy tappet side last built. 2 door, which for some MGF complete workshop manureason is more plate desirable(Moss) than a 4 £50. Combined door. I expect everyone wants to al £10 oil/temp gauge needs refurb two local Pair black/grey check seats go rallying… Ostensibly £30. New oil pressure regulator owners from new with delivery (excellent condition) £180 docs and some£50. 8inch clutch driven history.New It appears never to have welded and has the later and last, B20 2£20 litre Coversure fullybeen fitted outdoor plate engine which modern. It is in car cover £70performs remarkably, and as well as any ZA/ZB Spares lovely original condition with nice paint work and even has the original MGAparcel WHEELS Unique shelf. The interior has unworn seats and original carpet. Itand has aunobtainable prisAn exceptional Volvo that is modern to drive andnew/ stop, yetunused horn push. set ofnew 4 MOT. 60spoke chrome wire tine retains the classic lines so impossible to repeat now. £7,950 wheels fitted with Goodyear Stored40 years unblemished Grand Prix S 155 SR 15 tyres chrome and badge complete £100 with wiring. Fits ZA flat steering wheel only. £200. Black mesh windstop from Pair new Wire wheel adapt or MGOC for MGB/RV8 £60 hubs bolt on to rear axle £30 Tel 07967742279 Distributor Lucas DM2 with (Tyne and Wear) clamp /leads. Pair front hubs c/w excellent King pins/ bushes, bearings,drums ,linings. Surplus from Wore wheel conversion Midget 1275 £75. New, unpainted steel rear 4 off 5 x 13" Alloys New, Black indicator mounting pods c/w c/w caps and nuts, minilite patindicator lights £55 ZB diff. 4.55 tern, boxed. £130 ratio £30 Final Drive units 4.1:1, 5.3:1, MGB Spares 5.8:1 £75 - £100 each. Can post Please call Philip 07403521034 Pr wire wheel hubs on axle (Plymouth, Devon) shafts for early(banjo axle) car £50 Can post small items. Buyer collects larger items. davidjburgess123@gmail.com MG RV8 or 07768 775600 Pair of door cards surplus to requirements £100.00 the pair

T Type Spares M.G.T.D. XPAW block. blade Bored(not to quite Rear bumper concourse butwith verypistons serviceable) 1500(Edney) and £35.00 rods £400. B&G camshaft little One steel wheel also very servused £75. Alloy rocker cover iceable. £ 30.00 withhand vent steering £50. Alloyrack tappet side Left £ 80.00 plate (Moss) Combined Phone 01943 £50. 872607 email oil/temp gauge needs refurb sde@stevedavidellams.co.uk £30. New oil pressure regulator £50. New 8inch clutch driven plate £20 MGB 1800 engine 1971

either the driver or passenger seat. £45 plus £8 P&P or collect For more information contact Colin at the MG Car Club on 01235 555552. (Abingdon)

Every light on your classic

ZA/ZB Spareswith O.D gearNo RWE-H2061 box inc. and all instruments and Unique unobtainable prisancillaries 34,000 miles stored tine new/ unused horn push. many years. Also full Webasto Stored40 years unblemished roof, tailgate with wipers and chrome badgewheel complete one goodand Rostyle with with Michelin wiring. Fits ZAtyre. flat All steering new XAs must wheel only.to£200. go. Offers 01243 576337 (West Sussex) Pair new Wire wheel adapt or

Morris Marshall 1957 Only 1000 of these very rare large imposing family saloons were made by BMC for the Australian market. Very few remain and this will be the only one in Europe. In store in Tasmania for many years at a tech college, it has now been recommissioned and its 6 cyl Healey 100/6 engine is in fine fettle as is the 4 speed manual box. The car appears to be rust free and very sound throughout. Interior is in red. A rare period car for the family or towing your historic race car. £8,950

WANTED

ANY MG WANTED

New MG

Competition Half Shafts

WANTED

URGENT

www.bighealey.co.uk

Not only are these stronger than the original halfshafts - they are also lighter than any other design available

• Made from brand new forgings of higher grade steel and surface treated.

ANY CONDITION

direct replacement for standard. 07774 484497 •• A01923 840236 ejwhitescars@aol.com PROOF www.mgandporsche.com

MGB sccr gearbox with or with• To suit cars with a Banjo axle and out overdrive bolt-on wheels MGB Aluminium body panels MGPlease ZR Express Bulkhead cage for errors in style, content and layout. check this proof carefully MGB: Midget: MGAlthough ZR Walnut ( pre in preparing everydash care items is exercised yourMCRAX152 advert, we cannot hold ZCRAX152 £245.00 each + VAT facelift) ourselves responsible for any inaccuracies you mayHotline: overlook.+44(0)1543 472244 E-mail: sales@bighealey.co.uk Parts MG ZR Genuine MG mats DENIS YOXALL, BURTON ON TRENT, STAFFS DE13 8NA, UK SHOULD YOU REQUIRE ANY ALTERATIONS TOWELCH THIS MOTORSPORT, PROOF PLEASE Please contact Bob MacGillivray on TELEPHONE 07870 407111 or email_ _ _ _ _ _ _ AND QUOTE ADVERT NO. _ _ _ _ _ BEFORE mgcarsscotland@gmail.com

451GHT

Northwood, Middlesex

www.mgandporsche.com

hubs bolt on to rear axle £30 Distributor Lucas DM2 with WANTED MG BGT V8 Pair front hubs clamp /leads. Pair of sills for 1991 MG Three original King wheels, in bushes, very c/w excellent pins/ Montego saloon. Tel Robert poor condition, especially the bearings,drums ,linings. Surplus 01436860664 or email chrome rims. Would be OK for from Wore wheel conversion Werobertik@btinternet.com reserve the right to charge for any alteration to this proof which email refurbishment. Wheels FREE £75.must New,beunpainted is a departure from the original copy (Nr Glasgow) but collected steel from rear indicator mounting pods883640 c/w Ascot Berks. Tel: 01344 lights £55 ZB diff. 4.55 plus ...... ifindicator interested/need directions. WANTED ratio £30 Many unique products,MG designed by us TC wire wheels. MGB Spares

Upgrading your lights to LED will make more difference, pound for pound, than any other improvement.

TO ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF THE MARQUE OF FRIENDSH IP

June 2016 Volume 60 Number 06

If you have two second hand for you.

Pr wireMGBGT wheel hubs on axle 1970 reasonable wire wheels (2.5" x shafts for early(banjo axle) car Abandoned project breaking for 19", 48 spoke) lurking in the spares has wiresmall wheels and lim£50 Can post items. back of your garage perhaps ited bitscollects stillenquiries@bettercarlighting.co.uk available. Phone you would consider selling Buyer larger items. 01522 727586 (day) 01476 them? I would be most grateful davidjburgess123@gmail.com www.bettercarlighting.co.uk 210191 (eve) for details if you could call. Kind regards or 07768 775600

01789 576115

(Lincoln)

MGTF Daytona Seat Cover www.mgcc.co.uk

Brand new in its original MGRover packaging. Will fitsteel MGA lightened either the driver or passenger ﬂywheel with twin seat. £45 plus £8 P&P or collect so very serv-MG_SafetyFast_Oct16_50-98.indd plate clutch ﬁtted 89 For more information contact

e (not quite y serviceable)

MGTF Daytona Seat Cover

Brand newto in itsupgrade original High power LED bulbs MGRover packaging. Will fit

Austin A40 Somerset historic rally car. This car has had 1 owner for at least 30 years and only for sale due to his age. It has covered many Rallies, Rusticana, Le Jog etc. It is in lovely original condition inside and has upgraded brakes and a modified 1500 MGA engine, suspension, and wider wheels. The engine is at present being rebuilt and can be supplied in any guise. A lovely conditioned useful historic rally car, whose preparation would cost more than the price of the car. £10,250

CM10.16/B8/f

OR SALE

THE

CLUB

CAR LT D

ABINGDON - O N -T H A M ES FOUNDED 1 930

MGLIVE! 201 6 MG_SafetyFast_June

16_Cover.indd

●

GREEN ENVY

●

2 016 R EG E N C Y RUN 16/05/2016 17:23

C O N TA C T U S O N 014 5 2 7 3 07 70

James, tel; 07779423847

THE MARQUE OF FRIENDSHIP

PARTS FOR SALE

OCTOBER 2016 SAFETY FAST! 89

23/09/2016 17:28

REGISTERS

MGC

GINNY CARTMELL 01208 821552 ginnycartmell@btinternet.com

Speedos We have been asked quite a few times this year, about issues regarding fluctuating speedos, which can both divert attention and make life a bit harder observing speed limits. Some use a satellite-navigation to alleviate the issue, but perhaps the following will help in not getting the dreaded points and fine on your licence. So let’s revisit the issue again. Fluctuation of the speedo needle can be caused by a number of things. The inner cable may be too long. This exerts pressure into the drive socket at the back of the instrument and can result into permanent damage. This will happen quite rapidly so when fitting, the following hints may help.

A. The drive end of the outer cable: check it was properly fitted and also that the inner cable end was right home in the drive end socket. B. The amount of inner cable protruding at the instrument end: check that it is less than the depth of the drive socket on the instrument. There must be free space, and the inner not too tight. C. Check to see if a small piece of cable might have broken off and jammed in the drive end socket at the drive end. D. A spray of WD40, or similar, can help sometimes to steady the needle when withdrawing the inner cable. These are just a few hints, but it

FWD

BEN HATTON ben2692@hotmail.co.uk http://www.mgcc.co.uk/fwd-register/

This month Tanya has written to me about FWD Register’s stand at the Manchester Classic Car Show: I have just returned from a very successful weekend at EventCity for the Manchester Classic Car Show. While the Saturday was a little quiet, the Sunday was busy with good footfall and many visitors to the stand. As with last year’s NEC Classic Motor Show, we shared a stand with the Maestro & Montego Owners Club. It just so happened that the cars the FWD Register brought to the stand were both white Maestros, an EFi belonging to Ian Kimpton and a Turbo belonging to Peter Charlesworth. While Ian’s EFi is well-known in the scene, Peter’s Turbo has only been shown once before, and that was a

90 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2016

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couple of years ago at the Pride of Longbridge. As MG Maestro Turbos are both rare and popular, I thought I might write a brief history about the model. It was first shown in a low-key way at the Birmingham Motor Show in October 1988. Essentially, the car was a standard MG Maestro into which the Montego powertrain and suspension was fitted, to create the fastest production MG to date. Cars were assembled with other Maestros at Austin Rover’s Cowley factory before being shipped to Tickford’s Bedworth plant for application of the bodykit and graphics. They were then returned to Austin Rover before being dispatched

Christmas Dinner and Overnight Stay This year the MGC Register will be taking our end-of-year dinner at Wroxall Abbey Hotel. We have an all-inclusive Dinner Bed & Breakfast deal on the night of November 19. At the time of writing, we still have availability for you to join us in this splendid Warwickshire hotel, set amidst 27 acres of beautiful, unspoilt parklands and gardens. The Hotel itself dates back to the 12th Century and was once occupied by Sir Christopher Wren. To book the event, please email me on ginnycartmell@btinternet.com and I will send you an application form.

MGC 50th Anniversary June 7-11 2017 At the time of writing, our numbers for this event had topped the 90 mark and are heading for the magical 100. Anyone wanting to know how to get involved, please just drop me an email and I will be happy to give you the most up to date information with regards to booking, both the event and hotel accommodation. With this being such a huge anniversary for the MGC, we thought it needed a special Anniversary Badge to commemorate the 50 years. With Marcus Brundler at the helm, we knew the design was going to be something special and he did not disappoint. More 50th Anniversary Regalia will be featured in next month’s Safety Fast!, along with the full price list.

to dealers. It was great to have the Turbo on the stand and while modified, these modifications really suit the car, with the majority of people feeling that they were an improvement. Peter has restored the Turbo to a very high standard and it is stunning to look at. Finding owners who have the time to show at indoor shows is always a challenge, so I hope you don’t mind me appealing to the owners of FWD Register cars, particularly Montegos and 1100s

and 1300s to consider putting their cars on a stand. Sadly it doesn’t look like we will have a stand at this November’s Classic Motor Show at the NEC, but I am much more hopeful for a stand the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show at the NEC between March 31 and April 2. This show is definitely not just for the shiny ones! If you would like to show your FWD Register car at an indoor show or would like to find out more about what’s involved, please do get in touch.

may mean that your speedo needs to be sent away for recalibration to guarantee rectification of faults as described above.

Peter Charlesworth with his family stood with his MG Maestro Turbo

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/09/2016 17:28

REGISTERS

MGF

TIM MORRIS 01932 882467 scribe@mgfregister.org www.mgfregister.org Charity Events End We’ve just finished our two main charity events of the year. The first, the Hard Top Relay, has been running for about six months. It was a great way to bring the Regions together and many of them embraced it wholeheartedly, with our Anglia Region even producing their own photobook of their cars with the Top. The relay has finished now, but if you took part and haven’t yet made your donation to the Guide Dogs charity then you can still do so via our My Donate charity page at mydonate.bt.com/ fundraisers/MGFRegister2016. The second event was the Thames Tunnels and Bridges Tour which saw around 70 cars

ZR/ZS/ZT

navigate their way around Central London in the dark. We’ll have a report in next month’s four-pager! Twitter and the Regions I’ve been collecting photos from the Register’s various social media sites to put together a running summary of what we are up to around the country via our re-activated Twitter feed. You can find everything from pub meets to car shows by searching for MGF Register. New Events People and Jersey 2017 We have not one but two willing volunteers who have bravely stepped forward to take on the Events role for the Register.

Thank you Phil Hayward and Ian Wright. They take over from Martin Rees whose work commitments unfortunately meant that he couldn’t fulfil the role to his satisfaction. Thanks for your help, Martin. I’m sure Phil and Ian will be settling in soon. One of them has actually already organised the Register’s trip to Jersey. This is a five-day trip to the International Motoring Festival held on the island. It is being organised through Scenic and Continental Car Tours at a cost of £399 per person. You can book by ringing 01732 879153 quoting MGF Register to make sure you are in the same hotel! 2016 Photographic Competition Our Annual Photographic Competition has now become something of a tradition and it

who after completing her two ‘qualifying’ laps at low speed JOHN THOMPSON Tel: 07854 275541 johnt5@btinternet.com www.mgcc.co.uk/zedregister with the 23 lunchtime parade lap participants, worked up the field to finish 14th out of 21 starters. for Paul Croker in the 160 class. News in brief Moving on to the weekend of Excellent efforts from both Chris WET WET WET, no, not the band October 1-2 at Snetterton, where Bray and Doug Cole who, starting but the weather at Oulton Park on on the 200 circuit most of the from the rear of the grid, showed the first Saturday of September, championships will be decided. just how to overtake to finish third back after the Club’s summer It’s a busy race programme on and fifth respectively in both races. break from racing. An excellent Saturday and Sunday, topped off One round of the Cockshoot Cup, number of Zed entries in both the by the British Motor Heritage fourthe race, sprint and hill climb Trophy and Cockshoot Cup, where hour relay event on the Sunday championship organised by the they seem to have taken over from afternoon. Season-long adversaries North West Centre, this time at the MGBs as one of the ‘chariots get together in teams of four to their local circuit. Pole man Ross of choice’. Two Trophy races win the scratch and handicap Makar’s ZR190 continued its sponsored by local John Wood awards. We are praying for dry domination here as at Mallory Motors took place on a very damp weather! Free Parade Laps, hot and Park, controlling the race from track. Paul Luti, always quick in cold drinks and biscuits for MGCC start to finish ahead of Gary the wet, led the qualifiers in both members on both days. So why not Wetton’s 190. Zeds made up races in his ZR170 and duly won come along and join in. more than half the field with the class, but it was the 190s of Geoff Hirst just one ZS, that of the Register Colin Robertson and Graham Ross Events and Shows Treasurer who finished seventh. who contested the outright lead, As Geoff has just mentioned, the A mention to Maddy Maguire, winning a race apiece by less than final rounds of the 2016 MGCC ZR 160, in her comeback race, a second. Down the field, two wins

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_Oct16_50-98.indd 91

is time to have a look through your stock of pics for the past 12 months and choose your top three to send in. Email them to me (Tim) at timmorris@ mgfregister.org. The only rules are that the pics must be of medium to high resolution and must feature an MGF or TF in some way, and we don’t like outlandish photoshopped pictures (you won’t win if you do submit one of those!) but a bit of cropping or fiddling with colour etc, though, is fine. The top 12 will feature in our 2017 calendar and the overall winner gets their name on our coveted Photographic cup. The competition is open from now until midnight on Saturday November 19. The winning 12 will be announced at the end of that month and the calendar available to purchase just in time for Christmas.

Racing Championships will be imminent when you read these notes. After some close battles throughout the year who will be the 2016 champions? There’s only one way to find out...! At the time of writing, we are hoping to attend the Classic Motor Show in some capacity this year. We feel that there should be some acknowledgment of our cars in 2016 at this prestigious event. An ideal conclusion to their 15th anniversary year. Watch this space! If you still wish to register your car with us, please contact Paul Money at the following: paulmoneymg@gmail.com Paul also has the build data for the entire run of Zeds. If you would like further information about your Zed, contact him at the same email address.

OCTOBER 2016 SAFETY FAST! 91

23/09/2016 17:28

CL ASSIFIEDS

CARS FOR SALE How to Advertise Members can advertise their cars free of charge in Safety Fast. The advert will also be posted on the Club website in due course. This is for one insertion only. To place an advert or for additional insertions email Colin Grant at colingrant@mgcc.co.uk with details of your car, around 60 words, together with an attached picture, your contact information, price of your car, the area where you live, and membership number. Cost for nonmembers to advertise is £20. All adverts should be submitted by the 15th of the month for the

MGRV8 1995

Night fire red with only 22000 miles. Service history and last with Colin Groom, no advisories. Very good condition throughout with a brand new hood. Full original tool roll. Everything including the A/C works well. My advancing years tell me it's time to sell this superb car. £21950 or a sensible offer I can't refuse. Telephone 01548 580655 or 07523950803 or Email nuttallsmith@gmail.com (Devon)

following months issue.

MGRV8 1995

RV8 in Woodcote Green. In excellent condition with full leather interior and burr elm dashboard and door cappings. 25,800 miles. Well cared for car with service history. Good tyres, unused spare wheel and tyre, jack, wheel brace and chocks. Original alloy wheels are in very good condition. Kenwood CD player and radio, tonneau cover, tool roll complete with tools and torch, original MG mats Owner’s handbook. £15,950. Contact Steve on 07787 401214 or stevecowls@aol.com (Oxford).

MGTF 1500 1955

Right hand drive. Red with brown interior & beige tonneau. Wire wheels & in good condition as little used for the last 5 years. Owner for 14 years & stored in a heated garage. Price £27,500. Email derek.hayes@trhayes.co.uk for further information & phone number. (Bath, Somerset)

Wanted

MGZS 180 2004 MGBGT V8 1974

Beautiful black tulip with autumn gold trim. 3.9 litre OSELLI tuned with stage 1 heads, RV8 camshaft etc. producing 226 bhp at flywheel. 5-speed SD1 gearbox. Uprated suspension. Condition 2/3. Full specification on request. Owned 16 years but now need more space. £12250. Fisher 01798 861918 or e-mail: jbrooksfisher@yahoo.com

Mk11 5 door hatchback in metallic maroon. Just under 68,000 miles. Red alcantara seats, slight damage to driver seat bolster. All timing belts changed, lots of history available. £2000.00 ono. For more info email Llwynderw56@gmail.com or call 07548563964 (North Wales area)

Does anyone know of my wife’s MGB GT, 1974, Reg. No. ROC 60M, Colour, Blaze. (Red/Orange). She sold the car in 1995, to a gentleman, name of Tim Collins, from the Stamford, Lincs./East Midlands area.She would now very much like to buy it back. Any information would be greatly appreciated. MGCC member. Telephone 01384 422178, or ldb150@hotmail.co.uk.

MG ZT- T ESTATE 190 + 2002/52

Only 58,000 miles. Full service history with 13 stamps totalling over £8,000! MG + 2 owners. Timing belts replaced at 36,802 miles with receipt. Electric tilt/ slide sunroof Climate control. Rear Parking Sensors. Roof rails. 2 keys. CD stacker. Full size alloy spare wheel All previous MOTs. Very smooth and powerful V6 2.5 litre engine. MG Regn. no. by negotiation. £2750. Please contact on 01292 560200 or 07989 318737 for any more information and lots of photographs. (Ayr SW Scotland)

MG METRO 1989

MGB Roadster 1976 MGF 2000

Very good condition. BRG with green/black leather seats and black/aluminium interior. Only 2 owners from new. Serviced annually with FSH. 4 new Toyos and full size spare. MOT'd 'till March '17. Kept garaged and seldom rained on. Only 48,000 miles, lovely to drive. £1800 ono Tel: 01223 893192 E-mail: jerrypowell@hotmail.co.uk (Cambridgeshire)

Citron (or Chartreuse) yellow. Aldon 1950cc engine with LCB manifold etc. Completely new black leather seats. Last owner for 30 years. Properly restored with new sills, wings etc. Minataur wheels with new tyres. Much history and in excellent condition for age from annual Waxoyling and dry weather use. MOTd and becomes tax empt next April. Am getting too old!! £5,000. Tel 01392 495757 or email rogerlus@talktalk.net for more information. (Devon)

Diamond White, 55,000 miles, good history, rust free, engine and gearbox rebuilt. Featured Classic Car Buyer Issue 17 Aug pg 18. Article says: “A rust free MG Metro is a rare sight but Roger Dyer found one, the previous lady owner didn’t drive it in the rain, saving the Metro’s 55,000 miles for dry days only. £3500 or swap good post 2002 MGF. For full description and photos of floor etc. by email varndells@aol.com or contact Roger on 01903 889903. W Sussex

Wanted

Midget 1275 suitable for hills & sprints. WHY? Email pics and details to Bob. MG ZR Bulkhead Cage For a Express/ Rover Commerce. Send details to Bob on 07870 407111 or email mgcarsscotland@gmail.com

92 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2016

MG_SafetyFast_Oct16_50-98.indd 92

WANTED MGB/GT race prepared standard

Class A car. Will consider a race ready car or a car without engine/gearbox. Please email details to baynam@btinternet.com or call 07871 119785.

MG Midget Mk3 1967

Totally restored rolling bodyshell, save time and money on your restoration,ready to receive all components from your rusty Midget, the shut lines are perfect! This is for sale at a fraction of the price of a new heritage shell, together with V5 in my name. £2995.00 ono. Tel. 07508898817 or Email: awquine@gmail.com (Nottingham Area)

SELLING YOUR CAR? MGB Roadster 1963

Excellent condition, Location in the South West Best offer over £13,000 Telephone 01392 467384 for more information.

As a member of the MG Car Club you can advertise your car in Safety Fast for free. Just email your car details, max 60 words, together with a JPEG picture to Colin Grant at colingrant@mgcc.co.uk. Non member fee is £20

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/09/2016 17:28

BANKS

MGZTT 190 V6 2002

MGTF 160 VVC 2002

MGs 10......................percent

102,000miles; FSH from new; X-Power Grey, Black leather. 38k Starlight silver; Leather/alcantara miles. MGSH. MoT 01/17. Colour trim; dual zone climate control, coded MG Hardtop. X-Power lowdriverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s intelligence pack; xenon ered springs, SPAX adjustable headlamps; SS sports exhaust; shocks, Goodyear GSD2â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 4/5mm, sat.nav; premium sound system; Goodridge hoses. Water pump, CL ASSIFIEDS shark fin aerial; dog guard. Clutch, Timing belt, Tensioner by Main discs, inlet manifold all replaced in Dealer. All Discs, Pads, Alternator last 2 years; workshop manual; done c.37k, Brake caliper & Aux MoT Dec. 2016; ÂŁ1175. belt, New Battery. Invoices & MoTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1935 MG PA SPORTS +HUH LV D ÂżQH GULYHUV FDU QRW Tel. 01291 691279. available. Three spare rims, one with FRQFRXUV EXW LQ H[FHOOHQW RYHUDOO FRQG $ UHFHQWO\ ZHOO Estd.1968 $ EHDXWLIXOO\ UHVWRUHG 3$ ZLWKRXW EHLQJ 1935 MGMGs..... PA SPORTS British Motor .....for the very best in vintage Estd.1968superbly. EXLOW HQJLQH DIIRUGV WKH RSSRUWXQLW\ IRU JRRG UHOLDEOH (Severn Bridge area) 7mm tyre. Drives Heritage Britishapproved Motor RYHUGRQH $ UHDOO\ XVDEOH WKLQJ WKDW \RXÂśOO EH PRUH WKDQ .....for the very best in vintage MGs..... GULYLQJ FRXSOHG ZLWK RXU RZQ UHFHQW ZRUN \RX KDYH WKH Heritage approved A EHLJH BETTER OFFER THAN FROM ANY BANK I KNOW!? SURXG WR RZQ )XOO\ VHUYLFHG HQJLQH UHEXLOW VWHHULQJ GHOX[H Generally reasonably good; FDU HYHU\ERG\ ZDQWV %ODFN ZLWK KLGH QHZ URRI A BETTER OFFER THAN FROM ANYsome BANK I KNOW!? GDVK DHURVFUHHQV VWRQHJXDUGV DQG VXSHUE OHDWKHU LQWHULRU 1933 LE MANS BODIED K3 replica FOR SALE WRQQHDX[ V VFUHHQV LWÂśV D QLFH FDU although cosmetic at wheel MXVW ÂżWWHG WKLV LV UHDOO\ ZRUWK MG ÂŁ45,000 K3 rep. 2-seat SPORTS RACING CAR $OO QHZ ZHDWKHU HTXLSPHQW MG rep.few 2-seat SPORTS CARWilkinson/Bellevue One K3 of very K3 reps. built RACING to theYLHZLQJ Wilkie ÂŁ45,000 (Optional s/charger available at cost) arches. ÂŁ1,295. Tel: 07721 048738. Garage 1930s N Magnette chassis to One of very fewmodification K3 reps. builtusing to thean Wilkie Wilkinson/Bellevue (Glasgow.) take K3 axles & brakes. 1400cc engine, pre-select gâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;box,

BARRY WALKER Garage 1930s modification using an N Magnette chassis to divided track rod steering, Marshall supercharger and full take K3 axles & brakes. 1400cc engine, pre-select gâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;box, K3 dashboard. Total ground-up restoration that has been divided track rod Finished steering, inMarshall supercharger full thoroughly sorted. Monza Red with black and leather, K3 dashboard. Total ground-up restoration haseligible been this awesome 100mph machine is fully MG CC that & VSCC thoroughly Finishedor injust Monza Redexhilarating with black touring. leather, for home &sorted. Int. events, simply Unlikely to last100mph long I think. this awesome machine is fully MG CC & VSCC eligible for home & Int. events, or just simply exhilarating touring. Unlikely to last long I think.

1934 MG PA DELUXE SPORTS. 2QH RI WKRVH UHDOO\ QLFH MG Midget Mark 2. 1098 cc. FDUV ZLWK D JHQXLQH SDWLQD 1RW FRQFXUV EXW SURSHUO\ First Registered 01/09/1966. XVHG PDLQWDLQHG E\ WKH SUHYLRXV IDVWLGLRXV RZQHU 1933 MG J2 DE-LUXE SPORTS 1954 MG TF MG 1250 TC SPORTS. $ YHU\ 1933 S/CHARGED J3/J4 1933 MG SUPERCHARGED J4 rep 1947 UDUH 0* 7& EHLQJ WKH FDU 'HOX[H GDVK EXFNHW VHDWV ZDWHU SXPS IURP QHZ Number D. RED. Former Built in Australia byKYU a top MG753 engineer. I cannot find fault with this car Ex. Channel Islands, low mileage, older rebuild in very Unlike the truly magnificent J4 spec road car adjacent, this has Difficult to describe this other than concours, meant IRXQG GHUHOLFW EXW YHU\ RULJLQDO DQG WRWDOO\ UHVWRUHG IRU WKH - a stunning restoration with c/balanced crank & rods, deluxe dash, original $GGLWLRQDOO\ DHURVFUHHQV VWRQH JXDUGV EUDQG QHZ condition, including factory wire wheels & rebuilt been race & rally prepared. A 70bhp engine with rare high geared correctly when I say it! J4 spec engine, ENV box, Volumex keepers 4. Stored from 1984 until FKDQQHO Âł)RU WKH &DUVÂ´ and periodUHG accessories. Raven Black with full Apple engine. Original RHD 79 in dark red SURJUDPPH with red leather. s/c, 12â&#x20AC;? brakes - itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reallyZHDWKHU fantastic. Numerous prizes - 2 detailed bays ENV gâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;box, this /RYH offers a trulyRI competitive MG, or 0DQ\ highly exciting GRXEOH GXFN HTXLSPHQW 'HHS ZLWK EODFN Green interior & alll w/gear. Fabulous car, at barely restoration cost. RULJLQDO LURQHG RXW 1933 MG J2 DE-LUXE 1954 MG TF 1250 ÂľEXJVÂś KDYH EHHQ IXOO\ 1933 S/CHARGED J3/J4 1933 SUPERCHARGED J4DQG rep BlueWKH tone red, Collingburn trim. IDQWDVWLF YDOXH No offers at. road car.MG VSCC buff form, full history. Ocean with blackFDU leather. 2013 in a drySPORTS garage before I ÂŁ39,750 OHDWKHU QRZ OLNH D QHZ 3RZGHU ZLWK EHLJH Channel Islands, low mileage, older SLQ rebuild in very Unlike the%OXH Difficult to describe this other than concours, meant Built in Australia by a top MG engineer. I cannot find fault with this car Ex. LV truly magnificent J4 spec road car OHDWKHU adjacent, this has it inwith2014. Mechanics anddash, original WDQ URRI V VFUHHQV GRFXPHQWHG KLVWRU\ ÂżOH - aacquired stunning:H restoration c/balanced crank & rods, deluxe condition, including factory wire wheels&RPSOHWH & rebuilt been race correctly MG when I say J4 spec engine,WING ENV box, Volumex & rally prepared. A 70bhp engine with rare high geared 1933 J2it! CYCLE SPORTS. DUH EXLOGLQJ WKLV MGZTT 190 V6 2002 bays andall period accessories. and Raven itBlack with full aApple engine. YLGHR RULJLQDO PDQXDO 1R SHULRG DOO Original RHD in dark red with red leather. RULJ ENVUHJ s/c, 12â&#x20AC;?IURP brakes - itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really fantastic.ZLWK NumerousD prizes - 2 detailed gâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;box, this offers a truly competitive H[WUDV MG, or highly exciting Electrics restored, isrestoration now FDU VFUDWFK IXOO\ UHEXLOW HQJLQH E\ %DUU\ Green interior & alll w/gear. Fabulous car, at barely cost. to sensible offers ÂŁ39,500 LQFOXGHG .......................Open 102,000miles; FSH from new; 1933 MG K3 LE MANS replica. tone red, Collingburn trim. No offers at. road car. VSCC buff form, full history. Ocean Blue with black leather. )RVWHU DQG \RX KDYH WKH RSSRUWXQLW\ WR FKRRVH WKH good runner. till August No â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;ifsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; or â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;butsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;\RX with this car. Checked & registered withMOT the MGCC and 2017 MMM FRORXU WKDW ZRXOG OLNH DW WKLV VWDJH <RX KDYH D register. A proper speciďŹ cation car on factory Starlight silver; Leather/alcantara original KRI series genuine KNew engine + correct axles,:E\ pre-select gâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;box, Adamant steering, Mans body, full dash parts include Clutch and FKRLFH D chassis, GDUN UHG RU 1100cc EHLJH OHDWKHU LQWHULRU 0LNH SHORTLY TOLe ARRIVE trim; dual zone climate control, & Marshall 85 supercharger. Full details of Master this accurate speciďŹ cation available. Original registration from new and ready road &ROOLQJEXUQ 7KH FDU ZLOO EH LQ PLQW FRQGLWLRQ MXVW OLNH WKH Cylinder, Fuel and Water A number type projects. and race prepared for all major The events. DO NOT this with the many questionable K3 repsâ&#x20AC;Śof itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sP the nearest youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get to driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s intelligence pack; xenon price will confuse be approx. ÂŁ42-45,000 3 W\SHV LQ WKLV DG

pump, ....................Under Hoses and Belts, instruction. Electronic Offers invited. (See website for more details). a factory car. ............................................................

1937 MG TA with XPAG-reliability

1933 MG SUPERCHARGED J4 rep

These rarely come 1937 MG T/Q 2-SEAT SPORTS

headlamps; SSNB issports exhaust; up today. They are not of very bitsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; but 1936 MG NB TOURER The â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;bags 6cyl. simply rare. The 4-seat

1930 TRUE VINTAGE MG â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Mâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; TYPE. 7RWDOO\ UHEXLOW WKURXJKRXW Ignition, Wheel cylinone of the best value cars on the market, this is in tourer is a delight in every sense. Powerful 1300cc engine, roomy, Fully overhauled by us, this lovely early TA with fitted TC The best one toBrakes come to theand open market in years. Phoenix Surely sat.nav; premium sound system; original cars with dismantled. the highest std.numbers,simply of the 5patina, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve sold.excellent TA comfortable, WR LPSHFFDEOH RUGHU E\ OHDGLQJ HDUO\ 0* UHVWRUHU $ SURSHU and perfect for touring, be it with friends, dark golf clubs, dogs or eng, & box eliminates the TA engine problems and offers crank, OTHERS AVAILABLE: (MORE NEEDED) 1934 Qcondition, MG PA. Lovely car, nice engine & body. Red brown clutch, manual box,Original Marshall s/c. stunning ders.lightened TyresWULDOV andENVBattery. body work/tuned XPAGopportunity engine & TC box, 90 to the obtain wifeshark & her luggage. Totally restored throughout, 2-tone green MRE D &96&& FDU HOLJLEOH IRU DOO Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s HYHQWV UDOOLHV DQG events. chassis/ fin aerial; dog guard. reliability quality at a sensible price. A quality car. They offer athis,rare a pre-war MG at aClutch, lowwith a proper rebuild. Ready for all MGCC/VSCC 1934 MG PA Deluxe. Red with beige hide, totally restoredâ&#x20AC;Ś ÂŁ45,000 bucket mph, 80bhp,seatsâ&#x20AC;Ś BRG....allÂŁ39,750 and built. green leather & full black weather equipment. France, here we come. RIIHUHG DW OHVV WKDQ WKH UHVWRUDWLRQ FRVW %ODFN IDEULF ERG\ Fabulous blue hide. enginecondition, as farblack as with I know and, hood, discs, inlet manifold all replaced in price for restoration. 1935 MG PA (to PB ON spec). Beautiful restoration, Black with beige hideâ&#x20AC;Ś ÂŁ42,500 ÂŁ29,500 ZLWK JUHHQ KLGH LQWHULRU OUR WEBSITE carry thousands of spares the type of cars weMG sellT/Q is 6cyl. always to The you. FULL We COMMISSION 1937 MG TA DETAILS with XPAG-reliability 1937 2-SEAT SPORTS SALES: Our highly regraded 1936 MG NB service TOURER The NB is available simply very rare. 4-seat 1933 MG SUPERCHARGED J4 rack rep forpresent. tonneau, and luggage last 2 years; workshop manual; (See website for photos) 1922 MGJ2. This car is being totally restored from the chassis up in our own workshops now. Deep red, Collingburn interior. Any inspection invited. Due to be available Christmas. one of the best value cars01789 on the market, is in tourer isMob: a delight in 07836 every sense. 244103 Powerful 1300cc engine, roomy, RING FOR DETAILS Email: www.barrywalker.com Tel: 400this181 Fully overhauled by us, this barry@barrywalker.com lovely early TA with fitted TC The best one to come toWeb: the openand market in years. Phoenix Surely Gearbox is noisy bodywork MoT and Dec. perfect for2016; touring, be itÂŁ1175. friends, golf clubs, dogs or eng, & box eliminates the TA engine problems and offers crank, lightened clutch, ENV manual box, Marshall s/c. stunning condition, the highest std. of the 5 Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve sold. TA comfortable, XPAG &b herl01291 luggage. Totally 2-tone phone green with M Mprice. ISS ION Lscruffy. E S : ÂŁ4500. O u rReady h ifor g01342 h y 893266. r e gevents. a r d echassis/ d sQebody r vwork/tuned ice is aengine l w a&yTCsbox,a90 v athei wife l aTel. e to yrestored o uthroughout, . Please Tel: reliability & qualityC at O a sensible A quality car. S AItâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a proper rebuild. all lMGCC/VSCC 691279. mph, 80bhp, BRG....all this, and built. green leather & full black weather equipment. France, here we come. Fabulous condition, with blue hide. Mobile 07976black 612342 (Severn Bridge area) before visiting FULL DETAILS ON OUR WEBSITE We carry thousands of spares for the type of cars we sell COMMISSION SALES: Our highly regraded service is always available to you.

Tel: 01789 400 181. Fax: 01789 400230. Mob: 07836 244103 Email: barry@barrywalker.com Web:Tel:www.barrywalker.com 65_1162_BARRY_WALKER_ADVURN49853.pgs 11.09.2015 17:01 FMG-Advent Email: barry@barrywalker.com Web: www.barrywalker.com 01789 400 181 Mob: 07836 244103

65_1162_BARRY_WALKER_ADVURN49853.pgs 11.09.2015 17:01

MGZTT 190 V6 2002

102,000miles; FSH from new; Starlight silver; Leather/alcantara trim; dual zone climate control, driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s intelligence pack; xenon headlamps; SS sports exhaust; sat.nav; premium sound system; shark fin aerial; dog guard. Clutch, discs, inlet manifold all replaced in last 2 years; workshop manual; MoT Dec. 2016; ÂŁ1175. Tel. 01291 691279. (Severn Bridge area)

M.G. in North Herts

MGOC Recommended Workshop and Power Steering Installer MoT & Failures Repaired Servicing, Welding, Restoration M.G.A. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; B â&#x20AC;&#x201C; C â&#x20AC;&#x201C; V8, Midget Rear of Langley Garage MG Midget Mark 2.Nr 1098 cc. London Road, Langley, Hitchin, First Registered 01/09/1966. Herts SG4 7PJ

Number KYU 753 D. RED. Former 01438 729288 keepers 4. Stored from 1984 until 2013 in 07860 a dry 473298 garage before I acquired it in 2014. Mechanics and www.mg-repairs-hertfordshire.com Electrics all restored, and it is now a good runner. MOT till August 2017 New parts include : Clutch and Master Cylinder, Fuel and Water pump, Hoses and Belts, Electronic Ignition, Brakes and93 Wheel cylinMG_SafetyFast_Oct16_50-98.indd

MGTF 160 VVC 2002

MG TF 1.8 1352002 MGZTT 190- V6 X-Power leather. 38k Colour LeGrey, Mans Black Metallic Green

102,000miles; FSH 01/17. from new; miles. GarageMGSH. storedMoT with new Colour winter Starlight silver; Leather/alcantara coded Hardtop. X-Power lowstorageMGcover. Waxed chassis. ered dual springs, SPAX adjustable trim; zone climate control, Heated glass rear window and wind shocks, Goodyear GSD2â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 4/5mm, driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stop, 2intelligence owners. pack; MOTxenon till Goodridge hoses. Waterexhaust; pump, headlamps; SS sports 16/03/2017. Full service history by Timing premium belt, Tensioner Main sat.nav; sound by system; MG authorised engineers. Current Dealer. All Discs, Pads, Alternator shark aerial; dog guard. Clutch, ownerfin 12 years with low use done c.37k, Brake caliper & Aux discs, inletCam manifold replaced in mileage. belt inall2009. Mileage belt, New Battery. Invoices & MoTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 39500. Contact 07484641743 or last 2 years; workshop manual; available. Three spare rims, one with derrick.dawdry@btinternet.com MoT Dec.tyre. 2016; Drives ÂŁ1175. superbly. 7mm Tel. 01291 691279. Generally reasonably good; (Severn althoughBridge somearea) cosmetic at wheel

MIDGETS! WANTED

arches. ÂŁ1,295. Tel: 07721 048738. (Glasgow.)

Contact the Midget Specialist MIKE AUTHERS on Abingdon 07703 465 224 CHROME BUMPERED MIDGETS in excellent condition bought up to ÂŁ8,000. View current stock at

www.mgmidgets.com

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 GSD2â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 4/5mm, Goodridge hoses. Water pump, Timing belt, Tensioner by Main Dealer. All Discs, Pads, Alternator done c.37k, Brake caliper & Aux belt, New Battery. Invoices & MoTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s available. Three spare rims, one with 7mm tyre. Drives superbly. Generally reasonably good; although some cosmetic at wheel arches. ÂŁ1,295. Tel: 07721 048738. (Glasgow.)

MGTF 160 VVC

X-Power Grey, Bl miles. MGSH. MoT coded MG Hardto ered springs, SP shocks, Goodyear Goodridge hoses Timing belt, Tens Dealer. All Discs, done c.37k, Brake belt, New Battery. available. Three spa 7mm tyre. Dr Generally reas although some co arches. ÂŁ1,295. Tel: (Glasgow.)

FMG-Advent

MG Midget Mark 2. 1098 cc. First Registered 01/09/1966. Number KYU 753 D. RED. Former keepers 4. Stored from 1984 until 2013 in a dry garage before I acquired it in 2014. Mechanics and Electrics all restored, and it is now a good runner. MOT till August 2017 New parts include : Clutch and Master Cylinder, Fuel and Water pump, Hoses and Belts, Electronic Ignition, Brakes and Wheel cylinders. Tyres and Battery. Original engine as far as I know and, hood, tonneau, and luggage rack present. Gearbox is noisy and bodywork scruffy. ÂŁ4500. Tel: 01342 893266. Mobile 07976 612342

SPARES FOR SALE

How to Advertise

Members can advertise their spares for sale/wanted free of charge for items up to ÂŁ250. Over ÂŁ250, or for non-members to advertise, there is a charge of ÂŁ20. To submit your advertisement email Colin Grant at colingrant@mgcc.co.uk. Please remember to include your membership number in all MG TF 1.8 - 135 correspondence

MGA

Chro 15, si need and p plate 6831

The M Ullyet BMC 4 Cyl ÂŁ15. T David Colour Le Mans Metallic Green How Garagehand stored withparts new winter MGB Mk1 Second (Upda storage cover. Waxed chassis. All in good condition. MG T Heated glass rear window and wind Radiator original ARH260, ÂŁ50. Brook Three blade metal fan MGF stop, yellow 2 owners. MOT till 12H1058, ÂŁ20. Fuel16/03/2017. Pump 23/09/2016 17:28 signed Full positive service history by

CL ASSIFIEDS

MGBGTV8 1977

Reg. No. SOX 417S. The last factory made V8 to be registered, it has its original Chartreuse bodywork and black trim (only 19 V8s were produced in this rare colour) and an interesting Registration Number. The full service history from new is available and was carried out until 1994 by the late Geoff Allen, the former MG factory foreman. Offers over £14,000. Phone Owner on (07803) 131007. Email: david@sporting-eights.co.uk Location: North Bucks. (8 miles from M40 Junction 8A)

MGZB Varitone 1958

I could use pages to describe this car, all I will say here is that there are cheaper cars & more expensive cars but this is neither! It’s one of the best, could easily be made concours, and it’s at a decent price. Oh and it has a 5 speed box… and delivery could be arranged £12500 ono. Call Tony Smith on 07770 927803, aa.jsmith@btinternet.com

MGB Roadster 1967

MGF 2000

In silver. Small project car for next summer. 2 owners full service history. Only 51k miles. Mot Nov 16. Runs very well. Interior excellent. Needs slight attention prior to next mot. Sill repair slight not serious, set of brake discs, 1 ball joint/track rod end. Excellent tyres, exhaust, battery. Perfect soft top hard top included. Tiptronic gearbox great fun to be had. Go on you know she would love it. Pictures on request. £600 OVNO. Tel: 07762611868 (Crewe Cheshire)

1800cc. 4 Synchro with overdrive, Hopkinson handling kit, Fast Road cam, Sports Distributor and Coil, S/Steel exhaust, Unleaded, Leather seats. This MG was restored by me 1989-1993 using a Heritage bodyshell and all new panels except for the aluminium bonnet. It has since covered about 50,000 miles. A very usable motor car, it drives beautifully. Excellent, but used, condition with 10 months MOT, bills and History. £11,000. Contact: 01275 856887 (Bristol)

MG Midget 1098cc 1966,

Mk2 in British Racing Green. Reluctant sale. Owned since Sept 2005 and always garaged. Recent MoT with no advisories. Drives very well, very good condition.Black Hood. Chrome boot rack. BM Industry Heritage Certificate with most receipts from 1992. Other photos available if required. £7900 ono. Contact Iain 07704056716 (Taunton, Somerset)

MGZT 160 Turbo

105,000 miles. Metallic green with green tinted windows. Full service history. Fully serviced and MOT’d in June. Xenon headlights, alcantara seats, Kenwood 6CD interchanger, climate control, spare wheel. Drives superbly, but it must go as I need the space. £1500 or near offer. Contact Ray on 01869337736.

MG ZR 160 VVC MK1 ZR MG TF 1954 1250cc

MG Red, biscuit interior. Owned for 26 years. Sad sale due to age of driver, not car! All original spec & everything replaced as required. i.e. last three years new springs, fuel pump, brakes & 4 new tyres. Average mileage 1000 pa including T-Type Autumn Tours & local club runs. A genuine club car maintained by Halls Garage, Bourne, Lincs & me! Good value at £26,950 Norfolk, Nr King’s Lynn or will meet to view. Tel: 01485 572767

CAR WANTED

MGB GT Chrome bumper model required by MGCC member. Must be red or blue colour, in good condition with sunroof. Contact Paul on 020 8657 4515 or 07768 376775. Email photos and details to eldridge.paul@btinternet.com

66000 miles with only 2 previous owners, and regularly maintained regardless of cost. Head gasket, water pump, cambelt, tensioner, VVC solenoids, SCU all replaced last year. 4 matching tyres, and the tailgate wiring loom has recently been replaced. The standard alloy wheels have been powder coated in gloss black. Brake callipers have been professionally painted in body colour. Full leather interior is as new. A/C has recently been regassed and is ice cold. There is no rust on this car, only a few minor imperfections and stone chips exist. Stainless steel sports exhaust, MOT expires in November but I will put a new MOT on the car for the new owner. £1900ono. Call Martin on 07751075421.

MGB GT 1966

MGB Roadster 1962

Very rare original UK RHD 1962 pull handle MGB, Iris Blue with steel wheels and original Bluemels Steering Wheel, black interior. 1800 3 BRG engine with 4 speed nonoverdrive Gearbox. History paperwork back to 1962. Car holds new MOT and has new floors, radiator and associated cooling equipment. Original car that will make a stunning and rare car when done. Consider sensible offers. £8450ono Contact Jack on 07739 642362, Email: jtmg@outlook.com (Hertford)

94 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2016

MG_SafetyFast_Oct16_50-98.indd 94

MGTF 1.8 VVC 2002

A stunning example in Metallic British Racing Green. Black full leather interior. Remote central door locking. Power steering. Alloy Wheels, leather steering wheel. Twin chrome exhausts Driver and passenger airbags. Head gasket replaced. Stainless steel heater pipes. 47500 miles. Mot June 2017 Matching hardtop with heated rear window. £2200 ono. Contact: 07780880457 (West Yorkshire)

Excellent condition , wire wheels, moto lita steering wheel, overdrive, webasto roof, Excellent bodywork with much work done, MOT with no advisories, Full history with pics, Ron Hopkinson unleaded engine, White with black leather interior, bought for the 2013 European Event and seldom used since, Can assist with delivery. £6450ono Call Bob on 07870 407111 or email mgcarsscotland@gmail.com

SELLING YOUR CAR?

MG ZT-T 260 Mustang V8 2006 One of the last of the limited edition Ford “Mustang” V8 engine ZT-T models. First Registered May 2006. Excellent condition Genuine 28,150 miles. MOT valid until 23rd August 2017. 5 speed Manual Box. Immaculate Alloy Wheels new battery at recent MOT. Kenwood Hi spec CD Player / Radio. Climate control. Load space tray. £11,500. Contact Charles on 07831 861 482 (South Manchester)

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/09/2016 17:29

PETER BEST www.classicinsurance.co.uk enquiries@mgsforsale.com

Call for a quote today

01621 840400

www.mgsforsale.com

01707 876089

MGB Roadster 1973 Old English White (XTW646L) chrome bumpers, overdrive, black powder coated wire wheels, Old English White coachwork now requiring improvement, Black leather interior trim, Mota-Lita steering wheel, vehicle purchased in 2013 from Martlet & Crown at a cost of £8500 and invoices for £4k since, drives nicely, just arrived, £6,495.00

The best policies for either classic or modern MGs

07831 556666

MGB Roadster 1965 Heritage Shell Rebuild (BJK408C) chrome bumpers, overdrive, early 90’s rebuild on a new Heritage Shell by renowned MG specialists Octagon Services with invoices in excess of £16k, British Racing Green coachwork with Black leather interior trim, chrome wire wheels, mohair hood, unleaded cylinder head ﬁtted, original steering wheel, heavy history ﬁle with rebuild invoices and service work since, drives delightfully, just arrived, £13,950.00

URGENTLY WANTED ANY MG ANY YEAR, ANY CONDITION SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF OUR STOCK

www.mgsforsale.com

Do not confuse the above vehicles with cheaper inferior quality models offered elsewhere. Part exchange any make of Motor Car with generous allowances. Discounted cash purchases. Viewing by appointment only please (available evenings & weekends) no obligation to purchase. All our vehicles carry a warranty, have an MOT and are fully serviced prior to collection/delivery.

Mobile (07836) 222111

Telephone 01753 644599 Email: sales@runnymedemotorcompany.com

www.runnymedemotorcompany.com

Aston Martin in the Thames Valley

MGB Roadster, first registered 27-11-1972. (Road tax exempt) finished in Bronze yellow with attractive and contrasting dark blue interior. This is a 3 owner motor car with an impressive specification, presented in condition consistent with light use and great care. The specification includes electronic ignition, a full stainless steel exhaust system with tubular exhaust manifold, unmarked Minilite style wheels, 4 speed all synchromesh gearbox with overdrive, Motolita steering wheel, virtually new hood,, excellent chrome and an odometer reading showing a correct mileage of 79,000. This is a car that we were delighted to take into stock and we consider it to be a credit to its previous owners. The interior is in really excellent condition for a 38 year old open car and is always an excellent barometer by which to judge just how a car has been used. It has equally impressive coachwork and chrome and from conversations with one of the previous owners we have deduced that it was the subject of a restoration some 12 years ago by MG specialists Mechspec of Doncaster. Mechspec were also responsible for a full rebuild of the engine and drive train which included the engine being over-bored by 40 thou and the fitting of a Peter Burgess eco tuned unleaded cylinder head with an uprated Piper 270 mild road camshaft. The gearbox, overdrive and rear axle were also rebuilt about 3000 miles ago and the car has been used sparingly since. Further works have included upgrading the electrical system to take a 12 volt battery instead of the twin 6 volt batteries fitted as standard equipment. This car is particularly nice to drive and the suspension gives a feeling of confidence on the road. It has a current Mot certificate until February 2017 and the car needs no further preparation before enjoying the rest of the summer sun. Realistically priced for one in this condition at £11,950 Please call Edward 07767 414249 when enquiring about this car

Please view our website at www.runnymedemotorcompany.com for further information or contact Martin Brewer on 01753 644 599 www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_Oct16_50-98.indd 95

OCTOBER 2016 SAFETY FAST! 95

23/09/2016 17:29

CL ASSIFIEDS

SPARES FOR SALE HOW TO ADVERTISE

Members can advertise their spares for sale/wanted free of charge for items up to £250. Over £250, or for non-members to advertise, there is a charge of £20. To submit your advertisement email Colin Grant at colingrant@mgcc.co.uk. Please remember to include your membership number in all correspondence

Various Items for Sale

Pair of UNUSED Wiper Wheel Boxes, believed MGB GT £10:00 Bosch Ignition Coil for Lucas 'Opus V8' . unused £15:00 MGB Roadster Storm/Sun Cover by Cover Systems unused. £35:00 Crypton 'Syncrocheck' Model B89. £35:00 Take the guesswork out of synchronising your carburettors! All items offered in good clean condition. P&P at cost or buyer collects from Taunton. Call 01823 335657

MGB Tyres

4 of 165x80R14 Nexen SB802 Tyres ;depth 6mm;dated 2309 Hardly used and well stored off car - no perishing. Buyer to collect Offers to 01379 890732 (Diss Suffolk)

MGTF hardtop

This roof is only 6 years old, little used, you'll be hard pressed to distinguish it from new. Radiant Red Pearl, new storage carrier, glass heated rear window. A bargain at £475 or very near offer, must sell, so make me an offer. Buyer to collect Contact Ray on 07887648127 or 01603 716017. (Norwich area)

Various Items for Sale

MGB Roadster Hood Sun/Storm Cover by Cover Systems. £25:00 Bosch Ignition Coil, Unused & Boxed. Suit V8. £15:00 Monza Fuel / Oil cap with adaptors. Will fit 'B' 'C' Midget or Mini £50:00 Special Adaptor for the above for fitment to V8 Rocker Cover. £15:00 MGB Offset timing Keys, camshaft: 2 & 7 deg £9:00. Post and Packing at cost. Please call Ralph on 01823 335657 or email. ralphc136@gmail.com

MGZS and MGTF Spares

Set of ZS180 front brake pads. Lucas JURID632 005-4. Never used. £15. TF rear mud flaps. Used but good condition. £15. My contact details are: Tel: 01623 461194 / 07804 947080. I will be at the forthcoming hillclimb at Harewood so I can bring them with me there.

Spares for Sal

Head Light Relay Instructions, new MG A and probab other MG variant postage. Oil Pressure gau from 1920/30’s M of gauge has ‘Mo Cowley Oxon’on ground. Calibrati O.I.R.O £60 plus Telephone 01747 (Dorset)

MG Midget

ROLL BAR for sa RWA Midget. Exc in black with blac All fittings include please to David S 675358 or 07740 (N.E. Essex)

MGB/MIDGET

1970 MGB 4 Spe drive gearbox in g 1974 Midget 1275 noisy 1st and rev Buyer to collect. C Email: john@john phone 07973 252 (Meopham, Kent)

Rostyle Wheel

4 with 165 x 14 F sn807 tyres, all h plus 1 Rostyle wi Goodyear Grand contact John 011 email: steve.d996 (Leicester)

MG RV8 Dashb MGA Parts MG ZR / ZS

17 inch alloy wheels. Wheels are in great condition with minimal marks so can be put straight onto a car without the need for a re-furb. Centre caps also included. £100 Collection from Biggin Hill, Kent. Call 07751075421

MG Book

Original 1960 version of Kenneth Ullyett's marque history " The MG Companion" £20.00 Contact Paul 01367 870136

MG Safety Fast Magazines

Moving house, MUST CLEAR approx 200 back issues of club magazine from 1995 to 2016. Twelve complete years plus many others.Invaluable MG information and articles. Sensible offers for complete collection only to. Email: johnbrent2@tiscali.co.uk Buyer to collect, (Kent)

96 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2016

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Chrome wire wheels, four 4.5 J x 15, sixty spoke vgc. MGA grill1588 Crankshaft, needs a grind. Four speed gearbox and prop shaft. Offers. Adrian Price 01590 683120 ajrp44@tiscali.co.uk

MGA Parts

Pair of original MGA Carburettors refurbished new seals etc includes manifold £160. Cylinder Head part no. 1H967 good condition not unleaded £75. Can email photos if required, pick up postcode CM23 or plus postage. Contact Chris 0797 590 7762 or cooper.medley@btinternet.com

Air Flow Air chamber

Will fit MGB or Midget. Price new over £400. Small tear and one pole damaged. £150 Buyer Collects Tel: 01527 544373 (Worcestershire)

This item is nla in dition no rips on l does not come ar £200.00 plus deli Please call Karl o

MGB Spares

MGB Black Paint Cover £10 MGB Black Viny Good condition £ MGB Chrome Air good condition £ 10 Safety Fast Bi condition £12 All the above plus cost. Contact Pau pauldcamp@btint

MGA/MGC Par

MGA Fuel tank m Sportscar Metalw Steering Column Indicator switch £ MGC Painted wir low mileage Avon

tyres £80 each. MGC Brake Calip £40 pair. Telephone 01636

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/09/2016 17:29

CL ASSIFIEDS

6 years old, 'll be hard nguish it from ed Pearl, new glass heated bargain at £475 er, must sell, so er. Contact Ray on r 01603 716017.

s for Sale

Hood Sun/Storm Systems.

Coil, Unused & £15:00 Oil cap with 'B' 'C' Midget for the above Rocker Cover.

GTF Spares

nt brake pads. 2 005-4. Never

ps. Used but £15. ls are: 94 / 07804 at the forthcomarewood so I with me there.

MG Midget

ROLL BAR for sale from 1974 RWA Midget. Excellent condition in black with black vynil covering. All fittings included. Best offers please to David Skinner, 01255 675358 or 07740 636158 (N.E. Essex)

1970 MGB 4 Speed non overdrive gearbox in good condition 1974 Midget 1275 ribbed box noisy 1st and reverse. Offers. Buyer to collect. Contact John, Email: john@johneaustin.co.uk phone 07973 252549. (Meopham, Kent)

Rostyle Wheels

4 with 165 x 14 Falken Suncera sn807 tyres, all have 6mm tread, plus 1 Rostyle with an old Goodyear Grand prixs. £100 ono contact John 0116 2812313 or email: steve.d9960@outlook.com (Leicester)

MG RV8 Dashboard cover

heels, four 4.5 J e vgc. Crankshaft,

rbox and prop drian Price

o.uk

MGA urbished new es manifold Head part no. ndition not Can email phopick up postcode ostage. 797 590 7762 or @btinternet.com

Midget. Price Small tear and ged. £150

73 )

Head Light Relay Kit and Instructions, new, for fitting MG A and probably several other MG variants. £15 plus postage. Oil Pressure gauge Probably from 1920/30’s Morris car – face of gauge has ‘Morris Motors Cowley Oxon’on silver background. Calibration to 100 psi. O.I.R.O £60 plus postage. Telephone 01747 838374 (Dorset)

MGB/MIDGET GEARBOX’S

ng Keys, deg £9:00. ng at cost. ph on or email. ail.com

chamber

Spares for Sale

This item is nla in excellent condition no rips on leather this item does not come around everyday £200.00 plus delivery Please call Karl on 07789264533

MGB Spares

MGB Black Painted Rocker Cover £10 MGB Black Vinyl Armrest in Good condition £5 MGB Chrome Air Intake Grille good condition £5 10 Safety Fast Binders in good condition £12 All the above plus postage at cost. Contact Paul Camp at pauldcamp@btinternet.com

MGA/MGC Parts

MGA Fuel tank made by Sportscar Metalworks £30. Steering Column £60. Indicator switch £60 MGC Painted wire wheels with low mileage Avon 185 65 15 tyres £80 each. MGC Brake Calipers with pads £40 pair. Telephone 01636 676353

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_Oct16_50-98.indd 97

MGB Hardtop Just in time for winter, but I no longer have the car. Black fibreglass. £120.

MG TA BODY FOR SALE

07973 923455 (Watford area)

MGF/TF Hood Rear Window Zip in type black. As new. Plastice £95. Glass heated £150.Tel 01215857210, Mobile 07763226415 (W.Mids Area)

WANTED WANTED MGB Pack Away Hood Frame Preferably an original one in fair condition for a fair price. I have an early car and never use the hood so have decided to get rid of the grey folding frame and put the hood in the boot instead. I will need a hood too, preferably in red. Phone or email: Roger on 07484 602 505 / 01467 641059

MG TA body in structurally very sound condition needing refurbishment, essentially paint. Timbers and panels are good as is scuttle. Includes doors. (Transport frame not included) £1,550 ono. Located North Buckinghamshire Tel 07767 830913

Email: roger@clara.net

WANTED

MG Midget 13in Woodrimed steering wheel C/W boss. Must be in good condition. Ring Tony on 02476412861

WANTED

For 1960 MGA coupe 1600 Looking for foam seats and foam backrests, any condition as I require them for templates. call Bernard 01294 835255

WANTED

Sump and tank guards for 1973 BGT. Contact Paul on 01367 870136

WANTED

Spare wheel cover for TD2. Wheel size 165x15. Black or dark grey and in good condition. Also looking for complete tool roll. Rod Young 07700 336908 or youngs877@yahoo.co.uk.

SPARES FOR SALE

How to Advertise

MGB Mk1 Second hand parts All in good condition. Radiator original ARH260, £50. Three blade metal fan yellow 12H1058, £20. Fuel Pump positive

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX 4Sight Lighting Company................................89 Adrian Flux ......................................................77 Airflow .............................................................81 Aldon Automotive ............................................71 Barrie Carter ...................................................89 Barry Walker ...................................................93 Beech Hill Garage............................................96 Brian Brown Classics.......................................93 British Motor Heritage......................................25 Brown and Gammons.....................................13 Carole Nash Insurance ....................................55 Chertsey Minors .............................................75 Chisbon Restorations.......................................71 Church Square Autos ......................................83 Classic and Retro.............................................34 Clive Wheatley .................................................87 Chrome wire wheels, four 4.5 J x Colin Groom Vehicle Storage ..........................77 College Motors Burford ...................................87 15, sixty spokes vgc. Crankshaft, Colne Classics .................................................73 needs a grind. Four speed gearbox Crown Classic Cars .........................................73 Dennis Welch...................................................89 and prop shaft. New unused clutch Distributor Doctor.............................................73 plate. Offers, Adrian Price 01590 Don Trimming ..................................................73 Evans Division of Hydratech ............................77 683120 ajrp44@tiscali.co.uk Fishers Services...............................................65 Footman James ..............................................63 Frontline ..........................................................51 Halls Garage ....................................................87 Heathrow ...................................75 The MGTransmission Companion by Kenneth Hindsight .........................................................75 Ullyett. £20. MGB Special Tuning by Hoyle Suspension ............................................55 John Woods Motorcare...................................44 BMC. £10. How to Power Tune MGB Just Right Autos Ltd.........................................40 Engineering Ltd ...................................75 4Kimble Cylinder Engines by Peter Burgess. Longstone Tyres .............................................29 £15. Tuning Rover V8 Engines by Luffield Cars Limited........................................71 Manor Garage ................................................73 David Hardcastle (Hardback). £15

MGA Parts

MG Books

Martin Smith Used MGTF Spares ..................83 MG and AMC Parts .........................................44 MG Mecca.......................................................83 MG Sales Centre .............................................39 MGF Mania......................................................65 MGTA body......................................................97 Midland Classic Restoration ..............................3 Mike Authurs Classics (MG Midgets)...............93 Mike Rolls ........................................................81 MJS Auto and Marine .....................................79 Norton Insurance ............................................59 NTG Services................................................OBC Oselli Ltd..........................................................68 Peter Best ..........................................IBC, 75, 95 Engine and non o/d gearbox Rees BrosMGB ........................................................95 Retro Sports Cars ...........................................59 for spares or repair. Midget back Rimmer Bros Ltd .............................................27 axles, many other B & Midget parts. RJJ Car Shipping and Transportation ............75 All cheap to clear,.................65 01494 813903 Robin Lackford Motor Engineering Runnymede Motor Company..........................95 (South Bucks) buyer to collect. Scenic Car Tours.......................................15, 21 Smeg (UK) Ltd.................................................IFV SMR ................................................................95 South Coast MG Rover ...................................79 Original body tub,no doors, Steve McKie Sports Cars.................................75 Summit MG .....................................................71 excellent scuttle top and drip Surrey Sports & Classics .................................75 panel. £175. Phone 01594 835659 Sussex Classic Car Parts...................................6 Sussex Sports Cars .........................................75 The Hutson Motor Co Ltd ..................................3 The MG Automobile Company..........................6 Set of 5 steel wheels (nice condition) Vitesse Global Ltd – AD ...................................34 5 Hub Caps c/w wheel nuts. Webcon ..........................................................68

MGB and Midget Parts

MG PA

MG TD Spares

2 Front brake drums How to give your MGB V8 Power Rear brake drums (Updated) by Roger Williams. £15OCTOBER2 2016 SAFETY FAST! 97 £200-00 the lot. MG TF Workshop Manual. Collect only Stroud, Gloucestershire. Brooklands Technical Books. £15 Contact jack.nora@jaeno.co.uk or MGF & TF Restoration Manual, telephone 01285 760310 23/09/2016 signed by Roger Parker. £20

Wanted

4 x centre (Minilite re Must be in 775183 or

Wanted

Chrome b by MGCC blue colou sunroof. C 020 8657 4 Email phot eldridge.pa

Wanted

Does anyo MGB GT, 1 60M, Colo She sold th 17:29 gentleman,

LOOKING BACK IF YOU CAN TELL US MORE ABOUT ANY OF THESE CARS OR THE EVENTS, WE ARE ALWAYS KEEN TO HEAR FROM YOU AT KIMBER HOUSE; CONTACT THE MGCC ARCHIVIST PETE NEAL ON PETERNEAL@MGCC.CO.UK.

The official publication of The MG Car Club Incorporating ‘The The M.G. Magazine’, ‘The The Sports Car’ and ‘Brooklands Brooklands Track and Air’, Safety Fast! Copyright MG Car Club 2016 Editor: Andy Knott 01235 849730 / 01235 555552 andyknott@mgcc.co.uk Deputy Editor: Colin Grant 01235 849733 colingrant@mgcc.co.uk Editorial Committee: William Ball, Dennis Wharf, Colin Grant, Adam Sloman, Steve Clark PR and Communications: Lauran Gallacher 01235 849735, Chris Kynoch 01235 849731 Advertising: Hine Marketing 01452 730770 Published by: Hine Marketing, Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton Glos, GL2 9LN. Tel: 01452 730770 Printed by: Precision Colour Printing. Haldane, Halesfield 1, Telford, Shropshire TF7 4QQ Tel: 01952 585585 Distributed by: Air Business. Merlin Centre, 4 The, Acrewood Way, St Albans AL4 0JY Tel: 01727 890600 President: John Day Vice Presidents: Ron Gammons, Don Hayter, Peter Best. Chairman: Ian Quarrington Vice Chairman: George Wilder

ere are three more interesting pictures from the Club’s photographic archive. The Sebring MGB GT featured in this Tony Large photo is taking part in the Banjo Road driving test on the 1996 Regis Rally, driven, we understand, by Anne Hutchinson and Chris Foulkes. This early Midget racer clearly has a gearbox issue but doesn’t appear ready to give up the ghost just yet. Can you identify the car and perhaps the event so that we can add some details to the photo?

Treasurer: Richard Colston Directors: Dave Saunders, Paul Plummer, William Ball, George Wilder, Dave Tynan and Peter Cook Company Secretary: Colin Grant Staff Members: Adam Sloman (General Manager 01235 849732), John Hutchison (Competitions Secretary 01235 849738), Andy Knott (01235 849730), Liz Allsworth (Membership Secretary 01235 849734), Colin Grant (01235 849733), Lauran Gallacher (01235 849735), Cherina Scarrott (Finance Officer 01235 849736), Chris Kynoch (01235 849731) and Ineke Sherman (Merchandise 01235 849731) Honorary Members: Michael Allison, Ron Gammons, Peter Best, Don Hayter, John Quenby, Sir Stirling Moss, Paddy Hopkirk, Norman Ewing, Rob Oldaker, Steve Hanegan, Gerry McGovern, June Wallis, Ann Hawke, John Dutton, John Day, Julian White, Bill Silcock.

We also need to identify the event, date and location of the Midget race captured in this excellent Chris Phillips photo. Can you help?

Company limited by guarantee The Club, as a corporate body established as the MG Car Club Limited, is a company limited by guarantee. Every member of the Club undertakes to contribute to the assets of the Club in the event of its being wound up while he is a member, or within one year after he ceases to be a member, for payment of the debts and liabilities of the Club contracted before he ceases to be a member, and the costs, charges and expenses of winding up, and for the adjustment of the rights of the contributors among themselves, such amount as may be required, not exceeding one pound. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information at the time of going to press, neither The Publisher (herein referred to as Hine Marketing), the Editor, nor the MG Car Club can accept any responsibility or loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any material in the publication. The opinions of authors are their own and Hine Marketing, the Editor and the MG Car Club are not bound to agree with opinions expressed herein. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Safety Fast! and The MG Car Club badge are protected through trademark registration in the UK and in the foreign countries where Safety Fast! circulates. Readers are warned that if they attempt any mechanical or other modifications or methods referred to herein, they do so at their own risk and no liability will attach to the MG Car Club, the Editor nor Hine Marketing. Neither shall the MG Car Club, the Editor nor Hine Marketing have any responsibility for the accuracy of the content of the editorial, neither the content of any advertisement published in Safety Fast! It should be noted that neither Hine Marketing, the Editor, nor the MG Car Club make any recommendation in respect of any goods and/ or services advertised or featured in this issue. It is the responsibility of readers to satisfy themselves that the goods or services offered or referred to are bona fide and in no instance shall Hine Marketing, the Editor or the MG Car Club be held responsible for the quality or suitability of any such items.

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

98 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2016

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

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/09/2016 17:29

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