Safety Fast! August 2017 by MG Car Club

THE MARQUE OF FRIENDSHIP

August 2017 Volume 61 Number 08 £3.95

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Inside this issue 7 8 12 58 60 61

Club Matters and Kimber House News News Postbag Race Torque MGs on Track Luffield Championship

62 70 72 84 92 98

Out and About Overseas Review Centre Updates Register Updates Classifieds Looking Back

Features 14

A tribute to Barry Sidery-Smith ‘In conversation’ article between Victor Smith and Barry ‘Sideways’ Smith from 2011

Small Wonders Part I A potted history of the Triple-M Midgets, from the M Type to the J Type

Importing an MG from the USA – Another Perspective – Part 2 Nick Gasson tracks the MGA through its restoration, identifying lessons, some familiar, some perhaps less so

Event Reports 2017 Bristol Classic Car Show and 2017 Charnwood Caper Run

Spotlight on… The Midland Centre From History, Sporting Activities to Social Events and lots more

California Cup Autotests and AutoSOLO Noel Lindford reports on the MGLive! Autotests and AutoSOLO

Wet Cadwell Park doesn’t dampen spirits Leanne Fahy reports on all of the MGCC action from Cadwell Park

Overseas News MG 2017 – National Meeting Adelaide and news from MG Club of France

Newsletters 33

Midget Newsletter Reacquainted with an old friend, news from Neil and Chairman’s Chat

MGB Newsletter Reflections on Silverstone and The Marathon MGB update

V8 Newsletter MGV8s at MGLive! 2017, Concerns with LED bulbs, Do ‘wanted’ adverts work?

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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Welcome

Mark Hillier’s Small Wonder, a 1934 MG PA Midget. Look out for the second part of the Midget History, featuring Mark’s car in the next issue of Safety Fast! Photo: Gez Hughes

@mgcarclub

FO U N D E D 193 0

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The official publication of The MG Car Club Incorporating ‘The M.G. Magazine’, ‘The Sports Car’ and ‘Brooklands Track and Air’, Safety Fast! Copyright MG Car Club 2017

Those of you who have visited Kimber House during the past six months, or visited the NEC for either the Classic Car Show or Practical Classics Restoration Show will have seen the MGA belonging to ‘Wheeler Dealer’ Mike Brewer. Mike found the car in California and had a yearning for another MGA after restoring one on his show. Following a public vote at the 2016 NEC Classic Motor Show, the MG Car Club is teaming up with TV’s Wheeler Dealer, Mike Brewer, Rally Preparation Services (RPS) and Moss Europe to restore Mike’s A. Starting in the next issue the rebuild and restoration process will be covered in Safety Fast! giving MGCC members an unparalleled insight to the rebuild of the A. Alongside the features in the magazine, the Club will be working with Mike, RPS and Moss to create video and other online content to keep MG fans and enthusiasts involved in the project. The MGA will also be present at various shows the Club attends during the season, too, meaning members will be able to check out the project’s progress for themselves and offer their opinion on what the finished car should look like. The final reveal of the finished car is planned for MGLive! 2018. As you’ll see from our Kimber House News page, we were recently visited by a group of 14 Australians who have just completed an absolutely epic and gruelling 25,000km journey, setting off from Bangkok, travelling through 18 different countries in their MGBs before reaching Abingdon 102 days later. On our website we’ve got lots of photos and a video interview with the intrepid Australians. It always astounds me to hear of these types of journeys people undertake in their Classic MGs; take Roy Locock and his round the world adventure in Bridget the Midget, 38,500 miles, and Bob and Lynne Douglas who drove their MG TC from Barnsley to New Zealand, clocking up about 30,000 miles. It just goes to show, as MG used to say in their advertising campaigns, you can do it in an MG. Until next month, drive safely.

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CHAIRMANS NOTES BY IAN QUARRINGTON

upport. Any visitor to our major event at Silverstone in June will have seen the banner proudly proclaiming our heritage and with the words “Supporting you and your MG since 1930”. These words are seemingly everywhere and quite rightly so: they are sign written on the back of our motor sport Safety Car and they appear in our literature including our welcome pack to new members, on our website, and even on sail flags we use at events such as the NEC Classic Car show. What precisely do we mean by this, though, and how do we all put it into practice? For me, it is one of the key elements to what we all do as a Club and as an organisation. The prime directive of the staff at Kimber House is to directly support you, the Members. This team is then supported by the myriad of volunteers who come into Abingdon almost daily to take on tasks such as working on our archives or showing visitors around or preparing the Club for exhibitions, for example. Then there are the many subcommittees whose work is to support the Board by taking on tasks as diverse as organising our six race meetings each year or revisiting and updating the documentation in our Articles of Association and Memorandum. These are just a few examples of the many supporting structures that make up our Club.

KIMBER HOUSE NEWS ur biggest visit in July was the group of seven MGBs from Australia that travelled from Bangkok to Abingdon across the Silk Road, completing 102 days and 25,000km in the process – a simply incredible adventure. Upon arriving the group embraced one another with a mixture of emotions, sighs of relief, and sheer joy. After group pictures the 14 visitors enjoyed a buffet lunch and afterwards were given a tour of Kimber House – a first for all involved.

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Then there is the huge world of the MG Car Club that is the volunteer task force that takes on the work and responsibility of Officers in our Centres, Registers and Branches and on the committees that support them on a daily basis. Where is all this leading me to? I am going to quote from an email sent to me via a well-known member of the Triple M group. The support of the MGCC makes more things possible than you realise: like having an influential voice on the FBHVC, which helps stop politicians messing with our hobby out of misinformation or ignorance; having the status to obtain permits for our events; staying close to the new owners of MG to remind them that we have direct access to a very large number of potential buyers. I can assure you that every ‘single-interest group’ within the Club has expressed sentiments about support at some time or other. The simple fact is that MG’s longevity means that the octagon is found on cars produced over a massive span of our history and of automotive technology, so inevitably the needs of various members are diverse. If you add to this the differences, even within model groups, between racers, rallyers, polishers and the ‘armchair member’ then the challenge for the Club’s voluntary and employed officials starts to take on the Throughout the trip they met various international branches of the MG Car Club including MGCC China, MGCC Iran and MGCC Thailand. During their visit in Shanghai, the group was given a warm welcome by SAIC and MG officials whilst receiving an exclusive tour of the factory located in Lingang, providing an insight into how modern MG machinery is built. Each and every pair described the 102 days as being a journey of a lifetime, providing them with life-changing experiences – all of which happened in seven MGBs. An evening at the Doghouse Inn at Frilford Heath followed a memorable

characteristics of wrestling an octopus. This single marque Club seeks to support all these diverse needs as best it can. One of our great strengths is that we are a single marque Club. We have a big presence in the vintage and classic car movement. The octagon and the wish to see it live on is perhaps the one single thing we all as members have in common. Unless, of course, you enjoy meeting a range of friendly people with similar interests in a variety of social or competitive circumstances. Would you rather have MG suffer the fate of Austin, Morris, Wolseley and Riley? Disappearance was the alternative to China taking on MG as a car manufacturer and whilst there is still a factory putting out cars bearing the octagon, there is a very strong chance one of them will eventually be a sports car. Indeed, they have just exhibited an experimental model. It won’t be long before there is a big enough Chinese population looking for fun in owning an MG motor car as well as utility that the current range provides, just as our forebears did. The fact remains that each Register, Centre and Branch IS the MGCC. It is the part of the Club which specialises in providing support and services to owners of MG cars, just as your local Centre provides support and services to members in the same geographical area.

We’ve made it!’ – The group line up at Kimber House day for the group that have now gone their separate ways as they embark on the short trip home to Australia. You can find out more information on the trip by visiting our website which has a full report from the day with pictures and a video.

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NEWS

PAUL HIPKISS NDD, ATD, RBSA It is with immense sadness that the Midland Centre Committee announce the death of their Chairman, Paul Hipkiss. Paul finally lost his brave battle against serious illness after a period of almost two years. I first met Paul in 1970, after I was appointed to teach art in Birmingham, only about three miles away from the school where Paul was head of Art and Design and we met regularly at Art meetings in the city. Our conversations inevitably ended up revolving around motor cars and motor sport. I changed my career direction in 1981 and lost touch with him for a couple of years, until Paul obviously ‘saw the light’ and bought an MG and joined the MG Car Club. Over the years he enjoyed a wide range of MG motoring, having owned a couple of Midgets, Maestros, including a Maestro Turbo, a ZS and, probably his favourite pride and joy, a superb MGA 1600. Only a few months ago, he completed a superb restoration of his Midget and I know he was really looking forward to driving it this summer. He joined the Midland Centre Committee 15 years ago and from the

outset, it was clear that he was not going to take a back seat. He became our regular photographer at both competitive and social events and many of his outstanding images have appeared in Safety Fast! over the years. He used his artistic experience and skills to lay out and produce the Centre’s annual calendar of events and was also responsible for organising the Centre’s awards. In addition, Paul has been a member of the Welsh Rallye subcommittee, where he helped devise the route, organise the accommodation and many other aspects of this popular annual event. Even after a lengthy stay in hospital and following major surgery, Paul still involved himself in Centre affairs and continued to meet his committee responsibilities. Paul was an outstanding artist, having trained at Stourbridge College of Art, specialising in ceramics, and he went on to teach art in Birmingham. He was head of Art and Design at Shenley Court School for 30 years. In the early

KNYSNA AND PLETTENBERG BAY FIRE STORM The dreadful fire storm that engulfed the Knysna and Plettenberg Bay areas over the period June 7-10 has left a trail of total devastation. Seven lives have been lost, more than 400 homes razed to the ground, up to 10,000 left homeless, possessions, treasured cars, infrastructures destroyed, animals dead and forests and vegetation destroyed. It is hard to put into words the extent of the destruction caused by the ravaging fires which were fought by 1,100 brave firefighters. It is a memory that will not easily be erased from the people of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. As the reality and the scale of the loss sets in, many people will have to deal with the

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trauma that follows. Knysna area has also now been declared a disaster area. The Garden Route Motor Club and MG Club members have unfortunately also felt the effect of this devastation. Nine members have totally lost their houses and possessions, with many more suffering damage and loss. To compound the sadness 21 treasured cars have been lost in the fire and these will be extremely hard to replace. The fire was so fierce and moving at such pace that the affected members had to flee with only the clothes that they had on. Very, very sad. The spirit of Club members has been unbelievable and all those members affected have been accommodated. The

1980s, Paul was inspired to become a printmaker and he has shown his work in several prestigious exhibitions, including the Royal Academy and London’s Mall Gallery. In 2001, he was elected as a member of the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists and he has, since that time, been their Honorary Curator. Paul’s interests went beyond art and motor cars. He played rugby for many years and loved being in the British countryside. He had a fantastic sense of humour, he willingly gave up his time to help others and his friendship has been valued by many. Paul will be greatly missed, not only by members of the MG Car Club, but by colleagues, ex-pupils and everyone who met him, but none more so than his family. Our thoughts and condolences go to Mag, his wife, Steve, his son, and all of his family at this sad time. I, for one, have been grateful to have known Paul and to have called him a great friend. Martin Price

road ahead is going to be a long one, as these members battle to move forward and to rebuild their lives. Our prayers and thoughts remain with them. Peter Pretorius The members of the MG Car Club UK send their condolences to all those who have been affected by the devastating fires that swept through Knysna and Plettenberg Bay areas.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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NEWS

SOCIAL MEDIA In this month’s Social Media News, we have something a bit different. Robson Field has quite an unusual MG ZT-T that won the Young Members’ Facebook Group’s Car of the Month Competition, and below he explains what he’s done and his passion for MGs. I had a £500 Rover 75 V6 as a cheap runaround before I spotted this ZT-T for sale. I travelled from County Durham to Oxfordshire to make the purchase. Within the ﬁrst hour of picking it up, we had a little bit of a breakdown – a blown-out tyre. I believe the car was craving some major TLC, and that’s basically what I have given it over the past year or so. Although not to everyone’s taste, I love the look of the Premium bumper as found on the Rover 75 V8 so I had to get one to replace the pitted MK1 bumper.

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I have been an enthusiast of both MG and Rover since about eight years old when my dad bought his ﬁrst Rover 75 Tourer. Naturally, Rover led me to MGs and I’ve been fond of the marque ever since. Seeing any MG is such a rare sight on the roads now, so I also applaud SAIC’s efforts with MG Motor UK for manufacturing cars with that iconic Octagon badge, so that it’s not forgotten by the upcoming younger generation. I would like a more typically ‘classic’ MG in the future. Something like a nice white BGT comes to mind.

This car has been my pride and joy and it’s taken a lot of man-hours and a lot of money to get it looking like it does today. The future of the car with me as the owner doesn’t look great. I may be in the position of selling the car, as I have obtained an MG ZT-T 180 V6 in Monogram Twilight as the Typhoon’s replacement. I’d love to keep both but at 20 years old, it’s not ﬁnancially viable. But I’ll be sad to see it go, and it MUST be sold to an enthusiast! The ‘Z’ range of cars (ZR, ZS, ZT) is fast becoming scarce and will soon become the classic of tomorrow. Finding a good one is already a challenge, so my advice to anyone who’s thinking of buying one of the vehicles manufactured by the MG Rover Group is to do so now, because it’s already becoming too late.

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NEWS

TRIPLE-M REGISTER YEARBOOK 2016 The arrival of the British summer conjures up images of cricket on the village green, a cool satisfying pint in the Dog and Duck, Wimbledon with its strawberries and cream, not to mention our very own MGLive! Another fine annual tradition is the eagerly awaited arrival of the Triple-M Register Yearbook. Steering the ship this time is newly appointed Simon Johnstone, seamlessly slipping into the editor’s chair whilst maintaining the high standard set by his predecessor, Cathelijne Spoelstra. True to its name, the second part of the Yearbook is devoted to a profusely illustrated review of the Register’s competition events for the year 2016. Bearing in mind the considerable value ascribed to these remarkable cars these days, Club members are to be congratulated on their willingness to put their vehicles to the test in trials, hillclimbs and on the racetrack with seemingly gay abandon! Returning to the first part of the book, we find it filled with a series of interesting and well-researched articles to gladden the heart of anyone keen to learn more of the early history of our famous marque. In

MG CAR CLUB 2017 GALA DINNER On Saturday October 21 the MG Car Club is hosting a gala end-of-season dinner at the De Vere Staverton Estate, Daventry Rd, Daventry, NN11 6JT. Timed to coincide with the October Council meeting, the Dinner will host the Club’s end-of-season awards, including the prestigious Gold Cup and the Member of the Year Award. Alongside this will be new awards celebrating the Club’s centres, registers and branches. Tickets for the dinner are available at £35 a head from the Club’s online shop – shop.mgcc.co.uk or from Lauran at Kimber House – 01235 849735 or lauran@mgcc.co.uk Dinner

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pole position is an in-depth biography by Register President, Mike Allison, of the MG Car Company’s first official chief draughtsman, Hubert Noel Charles. Charles, a graduate engineer from University College London, was given a fairly free hand by Cecil Kimber to develop the range of MG sports cars that led up to the remarkable and forward-thinking R-type racing car. Given a season on the track to fully develop his complex suspension system, Charles could then have applied the unique design to MG production cars, leaving their competitors in their wake. Instead, damned out of hand by Cowley management, it was left to Alec Issigonis some 10 years later to apply the IFS Charles had designed and patented, to underpin his popular postwar Morris Minor. Sam Christie does his best to unravel the various codes applied to Triple-M engine and transmission components originating from Wolseley in his article entitled ‘Codes and Secrets’, whilst Denis and Desna Jury take the reader on ‘An Antipodean Adventure’, being the story of the survival of MG L0658 ‘down under’. Ted Hack gives the reader a

will be three courses, followed by a short presentation of awards. We are currently planning some additional entertainment, and will announce more details shortly. Rooms are available from the hotel directly, at an exclusive rate of £79.00 per room per night. We have reserved 20 rooms for members attending the Council meeting and/or the dinner, but can increase this number if needed. To make a reservation, please call the hotel directly on 0871 222 4816 and quote MGCA211017. We hope to see as many of you as possible with us for the dinner and if you’re bringing a partner who has no involvement with Council, they’ll

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comprehensive review of the many books that relate to Triple-M cars, which is followed by an eminently readable article written by the late Michael Wylie detailing the motor racing career of Irishman and MG driver Hugh ‘Hammy’ Hamilton, entitled ‘The Wild Man of Ards’. This section of the Yearbook closes with a well-illustrated item on the various steering mechanisms to be found on Triple-M cars, whilst last but by no means least is a reprint from the October 1964 Safety Fast! of the late and much-missed Mike Hawke’s highly entertaining article entitled ‘Life with a J2’. The 2016 Triple-M Yearbook can be purchased directly from the MG Car Club Triple-M Register website www.triple-mshop.org/products-page/ yearbooks-and-register/

be well catered for during the day on Saturday – Staverton Park boasts a gym, swimming pool and 18-hole golf course. The hotel has offered the Club beneficial rates for the course if members wish to take advantage of the greens. We are happy to look into arranging an additional activity or trip for partners during the Saturday, but this will depend on the level of interest. Please inform Lauran on 01235 849735 or lauran@mgcc.co.uk if your partner would be interested.

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MARQUE OF FRIENDSHIP IN ACTION Long-time MGCC member from Kobe (Japan), Hiroshi Tachika, had a problem with his MG 1100’s speedo which put the car off the road under Japanese regulations. The MG 1100’s speedo is of the rare elongated design and quite unlike many of the other speedos fitted to the 1100 range. Having become aware of Hiroshi’s predicament I contacted Derek Edwards at the 1100 Owners’ Club. He happened to have one of the speedos in his loft and very kindly donated it and charged only for postage. As it happened, Hiroshi was going to attend the Natmeet in Adelaide so I thought the best thing to do was to take the speedo in my luggage. Security at Gatwick were suspicious (probably because none of them were born when the 1100s were made) and so the speedo was x-rayed and tested for explosive substances. Appropriately, I handed Hiroshi his replacement speedo at the Presentation Dinner and it is an understatement to say he was very pleased. His MG 1100 is now back on Japanese roads. Peter Cook

MG E-MOTION To see the new MG E-Motion warms my heart a little as a sign of a new sports car in the offing. Mainly because it is remindful of an MGB GT, one of which I bought in 1975 and drove for 40 years of trouble-free motoring. Sheer pleasure! The last classic car rally that I drove in when I was 90 years of age was the Regency Run, eight years ago. All my life I have looked upon an MG as the only marque of a real sports car from my school days in the 1930s. Not until after the war could I afford one, but later on I had a 1945 TC (number seven off the line), a 1970 MGB GT and a 2001 ZS 180, all at the same time. The TC and the B GT were used in many, many classic car rallies at home and abroad with my son Martin as my navigator. My ownership was 1945 TC 28 years, 1970 B GT 40 years and my 2001 ZS 180 10 years (from new). The B GT was the last to go. But an electric sportscar is difficult to imagine. Surely now that petrol is back in fashion a well-tuned V8 is

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Presenting the speedo to Hiroshi in Adelaide

the ticket for long-distance motoring, but no doubt the E-Motion will be subjected to more development. The B GT covered 127,000 miles and never let me down. After 90,000 miles the original engine was replaced by a rebuilt unit from OSELLI. My star turn was the Stevia Pass. I have a lovely photograph of the pass and one of my arrival at the top. Ironically, it was the same day as the Twin Towers in New York were hit. An eventful day, always remembered.

Now that I have nearly 100 years of memories, I cherish my MG experiences. I maintain my membership of the MG Car Club to keep up-to-date with new ideas. Let us hope that the E-Motion can become a new MG Sports car to maintain the marque in world motoring. With very best wishes to all in the Club. Yours Sincerely, Richard Garrard

Photo: Adam Sloman

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24/07/2017 17:27

POSTBAG

MGC 50 I think that thanks are due to you for organising such a remarkable event, not to us for simply turning up! We joined our first car club back in 1990, and over the years have taken part in a variety of events organised by a variety of clubs, as our interests and friends evolved. But without doubt, the MGC 50th has been the best, so Ginny, Barrie and your team should take a bow. It was brilliant. We have done some event organising ourselves, so have a good awareness of the workload, and can appreciate the sheer scale of the undertaking. The attention to detail was top-class, and the whole team worked together to make all those details happen. Very well done to you all. We signed up to MGCC on Saturday, so this will not be the first, and last, CC event we take part in. Looking forward to future events and meetings. With thanks and regards, Tim and Jenny Murray Sincere congratulations on the resounding success of MGC50. I have been involved in organising quite a few events over the years (though nothing near the scale of MGC50) and know these things do not succeed without determination, persistence and masses of time. It is gratifying that the effort put in by Ginny, Barrie and the others on your team paid off in such a spectacular way. We were concerned at the weather forecasts in the lead up to the event but even that worked out OK. The fact that owners, and sometimes cars, came from all over the world is a tribute both to your efforts and to the affection in which our once-maligned cars are now held. The number that attended is little short of amazing, given the limited production run and the fact that so many fell by the wayside before the C was acknowledged as the classic it is.

Ginny and Barrie, you did us all proud. It was a pleasure to be there and be among so many knowledgeable enthusiasts. I went home and made a few updates to my C. Your tireless attention to detail in organising all aspects of the five-day event was enthusiastically received by all and made the rally an outstanding success. Here’s to the 60th, if I am still around! Best regards to you both, Jim Corbett What a collective achievement to have set a world record for ‘C’s in one place. Whilst we may have brought our cars to add to the numbers, it is the drive and vision that Ginny and Barrie have both had and shown over the last three years that has inspired us all to help, and/or participate in what was the best-organised event that certainly Joan and I have been to, and that is not just talking of the MG world. You both deserve to feel very proud of your efforts to make such a wonderful success of the MGC 50th celebration. Many congratulations and thanks. Take care, John Weston

Very best wishes, Richard and Brenda Stewart-Jones

Photos: Colin Grant

www.mgcc.co.uk

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Barry in his B. Photo: George Woodward

A TRIBUTE TO BARRY SIDERY-SMITH In last month’s issue we reported on the sad news of Barry Sidery-Smith’s passing. In 2011 Safety Fast! ran an ‘in conversation’ article between Victor Smith and Barry. As a tribute to Barry the

article is republished below.

arry Sidery-Smith’s life has been cars, both as a wellknown MG trader with an uncanny knack of finding cars for fellow enthusiasts and as a very skilled motor racing competitor for over 50 years. Although known as “Sideways” to many, his racing style is in fact neat and quick, particularly in the wet. He has been a Club stalwart, too, running a Natter and an active member of the SE Centre committee for many years, a joint founder of the BCV8 Championship in late 1973 for a first season in 1974 and organiser of Club test days at Goodwood. But what lies behind the familiar bespectacled smile seen in the paddock at so many race meetings and other Club events? Well, I was keen to learn more of a fellow Club member and his enthusiasm for MGs.

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Barry’s interest in racing began as a boy when he helped out an amateur racing driver as his pit crew at race meetings. Barry had got chatting with him as he passed by on his paper round in Long Ditton and as soon as he was old enough to drive, talked the owner into letting him enter a race with the car, a Parker JAP Special. That uncanny knack has served Barry well over the years! In 1959 Barry bought a Healey 100/4 and his first race was at Goodwood, with another at Brands Hatch all over the same weekend. He went on to race Healeys and TRs for many years until his first association with MGs when he bought and raced a former works MGB – 94 HJJ – in 1970. On returning from National Service with the East Surrey Regiment in 1955, Barry joined his father running

a successful small car-hire and trading business in Surbiton, near Kingston, in Surrey. Barry had wanted to go into the REME so he would be involved in vehicles, but as was frequently the case he was disappointed – instead he was packed off to an infantry regiment and posted to Germany. Nevertheless he ended up running the motor transport section. But it was not all cars – Barry was a keen and able football player for many years. He was trialled with Fulham and Queens Park Rangers and often played three times a week for various teams: the Surrey county team, the Old Kingstonians or a local team in Molesey. Barry can reflect on many high points over a long motor racing career: racing in the early 1970s in the popular BRSCC Prodsports series in his semiworks MGB JYH 770 D with the TVRs, competing in the BCV8 Club events with the ex-Colin Cork and John Carter MGB prepared by Gerry Brown and supported by Brown & Gammons, and participating in the annual classic car race meetings on European circuits like Zolder, Zandvoort and SpaFrancorchamps with the generous support of DAF. Barry is particularly proud of a Francorchamps trophy he

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24/07/2017 17:27

IN MEMORIUM

Barry by his MGB displaying the Dutton Forshaw BCV8 Championship plaque.. Barry won the overall Championship in 1977.

Elsie Cobham presents Barry with an award at an MGCC Dinner.

received in 1980 for finishing third overall against some very powerful machinery in a race which suffered torrential rain throughout. Yet again, the combination of the MGB handling and Barry’s skill at racing in the wet brought success and a presentation from Fangio who had come over at the invitation of the Belgian Automobile Racing Club to open the shorter 4.5mile circuit for its first event. Barry has played a major part in taking a party of historic cars there each year since. Another magical moment for Barry was taking his ex-le Mans MGB to the 24 Heures du Mans in 2002 for a supporting eight-lap Motor Racing Legends race before the main event starting later that Saturday afternoon. “It was a phenomenal experience thundering around that eight-mile circuit, racing against a pre-1966 field of E-Types, Astons, Ferraris, Maseratis, Jaguar C and D Types and, of course, Cobras. It was a race, not a parade as in earlier years, where the MGB touched almost 135mph at points round the Sarthe. Andrew Hedges,

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the driver who had raced the car with Paddy Hopkirk to a second in class and 11th overall in 1965, came into the pits to say hello and talk of the car.” Back in 1965 the car had a special nose for the Le Mans race, which had to be removed for other races each season and was stored with Syd Enever. Barry says it has vanished after it was sold to the late Bill Nicholson and went to one of his customers. Later, Barry entered his le Mans MGB for the 24-hour Classic Le Mans events and in 2002 met with an uncharacteristic accident when during a night session he was pounding down to Indianapolis from Arnage with a gaggle of cars ahead. A car clipped the edge of the track where there is a slight kink on the circuit and wobbled, causing an E-Type on its tail to brake heavily and end up stationary across the circuit. Barry hit it broadside on and instinctively in a half daze turned off the ignition to avoid a fuel fire. Sitting there in pain his mind thought: “without lights the next gaggle that came through Arnage in the pitch dark would see nothing of the accident until they are on top of us!” So he heaved himself out of the car and ran leaping over the Armco barrier into the trees – and passed out. He came round thinking he was in heaven, with a buxom French lady marshal over him assessing his injuries – a broken sternum and more. The strong MGB structure had been his saviour. He was taken off in an ambulance for treatment and then taken home by Dr Rod Longton and others on a double bed in a motor home. Julius Thoroughgood organised a campaign and raised £20,000 generously donated by supporters so the car could be rebuilt by Surrey Sports Cars at Ripley with support from the BMH Body Plant at Witney. Then, with new aluminium wings found in Germany, it was back at the Classic Le Mans event in 2004. The Goodwood Revival has been a favourite meeting for Barry. In recent

years he raced Steve Dixon’s Le Mans MGA and then his Le Mans MGB in the Fordwater Trophy in a race with Stirling Moss who was driving the exPat Moss Sebring Sprite. Barry is well-known for his generosity of spirit especially when it comes to his fellow racing companions, not only on the track but also those who do more menial jobs to make up a successful event. His contribution to the Club’s successful BCV8 Championship has been valuable over the years, originally as co-founder with Victor Smith, but memorably as chairman presiding over wild end-ofseason dinners at the Bookham Grange hotel! A remarkably genial character, enlivening any Club gathering. Meeting Barry was an enjoyable opportunity to learn more of a welcoming and most amusing Club personality with a passion for the marque and racing MGBs.

Barry in his B at Classic Le Mans. Photo: Colin Grant

John Yea of British Motor Heritage and Barry at Le Mans. Photo: John Watson

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FEATURE

M Types being worked on at the Edmund factory

SMALL WONDERS-PART I A POTTED HISTORY OF THE TRIPLE-M MIDGETS, FROM THE M TYPE TO THE J TYPE.

lthough its stand at the 1930 Motor Show was home to such ‘largesse’ as two new 18/80 models, the Mark 1 Speed and the Mark II De Luxe Saloon, the public perception of MG, a soon-to-be-great marque, was shifting. Indeed, few people were now associating it as a manufacturer of large, well-appointed and relatively costly cars. Rather, MG was being perceived as a company with a penchant for smaller, nimbler, and exceptionally successful and very sporting cars. Cars such as the

Prototype M Type

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Magna, Magnette and, importantly, the recently arrived ‘baby’ of the family, the 8/33 M-Type Midget. 8/33 M-Type Midget A 1929 model, the new Midget was first shown to the public at the 1928 Motor Show, at Olympia. Pressure to get the car to the show, as well as into production, meant that its narrow, two-seater ‘boat tail’ body was a very simple affair, being very light and utilising an ash frame that was covered with a Rexine-type fabric. The low, partially-frameless

M Type Sportsman Coupe

George Tuck driving an M Type, note the registration number

www.mgcc.co.uk

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FEATURE

M Types stream down Cemetery Road in Abingdon past the MG A Block.

windscreen could be capped with a fabric top that otherwise lived under the rear deck (also home to the spare wheel, tools and luggage). Despite the haste, the Midget turned out rather nicely indeed ...and very well received. In fact, The Auotcar pronounced: “The MG Midget will make sports car history.” Which, of course, it did. And, it was the car most responsible for pinning MG to the automotive map ...as well as setting the company on its road to future successes. Since most MGs were Morris derivatives, Cecil Kimber’s decision to base the Midget on the recently introduced Morris Minor was hardly surprising. Even so, to ensure that it met with his criteria, in that it had the characteristics of a sports car combined with the low running costs and reliability of a touring car, there were significant differences. Although the Midget’s chassis was ‘borrowed’ from the Minor, the springs had decreased camber and the steering column was more steeply raked. Suspension was by shackled half-elliptic leaf springs front and rear, Hartford friction shock absorbers, bolt-on 19-inch wire-spoke wheels, and stopping was taken care of by rod-operated (later versions had cables) eight-inch drum brakes. Power was provided by an 847cc, fourcylinder, ohc engine. Derived (via the Wolseley Ten) from the Type W4A Hispano-Suiza aero engines that Wolseley built under licence during the war, it was a very fine design. The

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single overhead camshaft was driven by two sets of bevel gears via the vertically mounted generator and the crankshaft was supported by two main bearings. The front main bearing was a ball race design, the rear was a white metal-lined bronze sleeve. Fuelled by a single SU carburettor, this free-spirited creation made 20hp at 4,000rpm, which was fed to the rear wheels through a non-synchro, three-speed manual with a dry clutch and spiral-bevel rear axle. A figure of 20bhp may not seem like much. But, in a car that tipped the scales at a smidge over 10cwt, it was sufficient. The ‘benchmark’ 60mph being achieved

very quickly from a standing start. Motoring magazines of the time were full of praise for the Midget, The Autocar stating: “Sixty or sixty five miles an hour are not adventure but delight, acceleration is very brisk, altogether an extraordinary, fascinating little vehicle.” Late in the production run the fabric body was replaced by a steel-panelled equivalent, although the factory offered a number of fabric body options. MG also offered a closed body, two-seat, ‘Sportsman's’ Coupe. Few were built, and only a handful survive, but this stylish car (with sunshine roof) made a great impact upon its introduction. One notable customer was Henry Ford’s son, Edsel, and the car created much interest amongst his industry and society acquaintances. Yet, unsurprisingly, it was the Midget that became the star seller. With its attractive lines, peppy performance, and retailing at a modest £185, the Midget sold like the proverbial hot cakes! And, much of the enthusiasm for the car was due to the rapid growth of motorsport. MG was not only up and running, it was also racing ...to the front.

M Type on test, 1928 Sportcar Magazine

A C Type in preparation in the Racing Department

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FEATURE

George Eyston in EX120 at speed at Montlhery

12/12M By the tail end on the 1920s, motorsport was being indulged in by more and more privateers, successfully too (five privatelyowned M Types gained Gold Medal awards at Brooklands in June 1929, when they competed in The Junior Car Club’s Members’ Day). The ensuing positive publicity inspired Cecil Kimber to channel efforts and resources into motorsport. A small racing department was formed at Abingdon, its attention initially focussed on developing the Midget for competition use. In 1930 an extra seven bhp was extracted from the 847cc engine and, so powered, and kitted out with special Brooklands exhaust systems, larger fuel tanks and slightly revised bodies with lower cutaway doors, a five-car works team was entered for the Brooklands Double Twelve Race in June 1930. Although a good number of their rivals had a distinct power advantage, the five Midgets won through to take the team prize. It was a result that got tongues wagging, garnered many column inches in the motoring press, and undoubtedly helped define MG as a sporting brand. As Motor Sport enthused in its reporting of the race: “MG Midgets surprised everyone with their turn of speed, and winning the team prize was as popular as it was well-deserved.” As a direct result of its success in the Double Twelve, MG produced a run of 21 12/12 replicas, all paying homage to the five M-Type racing Midgets that had scooped the team prize. Built between August and

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December 1930, they cost a not-inconsiderable £245, but all were soon snapped up by enthusiastic amateur racing drivers. And, in a move aimed at inspiring more enthusiasts, and racing enthusiasts, to purchase MGs, it was in late 1930 that Cecil Kimber adopted the slogan “Safety Fast”, a slogan which perfectly encapsulated the marque’s values and appeal. Many improvements were made during the production life of the M-Type Midget, and after appearing at the 1931 Motor Show (for the fourth time) it was eventually phased out in 1932, by which time 3235 had rolled off the production line. Approximately 500 (including eight 12/12s) are thought to have survived. C-Type In addition to the production cars, several special Midgets were created (based on the M-Type) for record breaking attempts. During 1930 the factory produced a lightweight prototype, designated EX120, which was destined for MG’s international speed record attempts, and marked the beginning of MG’s hugely successful record-breaking era. It had a slightly lengthened chassis (6' 9" wheelbase) and the main chassis members swept up over the front axle but passed below the rear axle. This new design not only made the car more rigid, it also lowered the centre of gravity. It was rather good. As was the engine, a much-modified M-Type engine (with its displacement reduced to 743cc) that was boosted by a small Powerplus supercharger. Intent on taking

as many MG Class ‘H’ (750cc) records as possible, MG took EX120 to the Autodrome de Montlhéry, just outside Paris. There, late in the evening of February 16 1931, George Eyston took four records, including the record over 5km (at 103.13mph). To capitalise on these headline-grabbing achievements, a 746cc production version (soon to be dubbed the ‘Montlhéry Midget’) was soon announced. Built along the lines of the record-breaker, and available in blown and unblown form, 14 examples were produced in just 14 days ...and just in time for them to compete in the Brooklands Double Twelve. An incredible feat. And the company, and its dedicated workers, most of whom travelled to the event, were duly rewarded by seeing their handiwork take the first five places, with March/Staniland getting the outright win. The team prize was scooped by MG, too. The ‘Montlhéry Midget’ was a very fine car indeed, and received many plaudits from the motoring press. Autocar was particularly enamoured and began its November 1931 road test review by saying: “Whatever one’s experience of cars may be, there is a thrill in handling the Montlhéry Mark II Midget, especially the supercharged model. It is not a question of how extremely well this car goes, but, by contrast, how extraordinarily good is this car among cars as a whole.” In addition to the record-breaking runs at Montlhéry, there were many other triumphs, including wins in the Irish Grand Prix, Ulster

C Type at Donington, 1933

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FEATURE

Tourist Trophy, B.R.D.C. 500-mile race etc., helping establish the model as MG’s most successful racing car. A C-Type would also record MG’s first finish at Le Mans, in 1933, winning its class and finishing sixth overall. The production C-Type Midget, which arrived mid-1931, and which too was developed from the record-breaking EX120, was the first production model to benefit from the improved chassis. Marketed as being ‘race-ready’, the C-Type boasted, amongst other things, a new design of front and rear axle (produced by Wolseley for MG), and the rear springs were mounted in split phosphor bronze trunnions. This effective set-up, which imbued the C-Type with excellent handling characteristics, not only allowed the springs to slide and rotate as they deflected under loading, it also curbed the lateral movement of the axle. Plus, to highlight this model’s racing intent, MG had even gone so far as to drill and split pin all of the chassis bolts. It was a light car too. When raced, the bodyshell was typically fashioned out of aluminium, and was minus any internal framework, resulting in a weight reduction of around 200lbs. Early cars relied on eight-inch brakes; later cars featured far more effective 12-inch items. As the engine in EX120 was an expertly crafted and assembled one-off, and fitted with many special parts, it was not production-viable. Instead, the M-Type’s 847cc engine was used as the basis for the C-Type motivation. Even so, almost every design detail was different ...and the stroke was reduced, dropping the cubic capacity to 746cc. There were numerous other engine revisions too, mainly concerned with reducing internal friction losses. As alluded to, the C-Type could be ordered with a factory-fitted supercharger (a Powerplus No. seven running at engine speed), making it the first MG production car to be so equipped. Power was 44bhp blown (37bhp unblown). Part way through the production run, the non-crossflow ‘AA’ cylinder head made way for a new ‘AB’ crossflow design, a design feature that was to remain with MG production until the muchlamented demise of the OHC engine in 1936. Power was 53bhp blown (44 bhp unblown). The gearbox was a four-speed, straight-

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cut, ‘crash box’ manufactured by ENV (Morris didn't have a four-speed gearbox at the time). Many regard this gearbox, although very expensive, to be the nicest ever to be installed in a Triple-M car. Between May 1931 and June 1932, and including the first batch of 14 cars, 44 C-Types were produced. It’s a much-coveted and sought after car. Currently, the Triple-M Register knows of 24 survivors. D Type Introduced at the London Motor Show in October 1931, the D-Type was, in essence, a four-seater M-Type built on a slightly longer

criticism is unjust. It was very unusual at that time for any small capacity car to exceed 60 mph, the M-Type being exceptional in that respect, so D-Type owners were probably quite happy with the 45 to 50 mph top speed of their purchase. The biggest disappointment would have been the retention of the M-Type’s three-speed gearbox. To improve driver satisfaction, many owners subsequently fitted a four-speed unit taken from later MG models. The open four-seater version proved the most popular, with 208 being made, whereas only 37 closed versions (Salonette) found buyers. The four-seat survival rate was good, and many are known to the Register.

MG D Type Midget

C-Type chassis. The engine, transmission and brakes were lifted straight from the M-Type, but the car was equipped with a very attractive open four-seat body with front-hinged, slightly cut-away doors. Due to there being no ‘boot’, the spare wheel was attached to the rear of the body. The front cycle wings were covered on their inside which prevented a lot of the road dirt being sprayed over the driver and front passenger. Usefully, the electrics were upgraded from 6 to 12 volt, which became standard on all of the later Triple-M cars. The D-Type was also available as a four-seat saloon, known as a ‘salonette’ on account of its very compact size. Not many were built. Of course, the D-Type’s extra weight and, potentially, extra passengers, took the edge off performance, leading to it developing a reputation for being a tad ‘gutless’. However, taken in the context of the early 1930s, this

J Type In essence, the J-Series cars, a 1932 introduction, which utilised the same basic chassis design, replaced the M, C and D Types. The chassis, which was lubricated by a Tecalemit oiling system, was a great improvement over its predecessors. Lighter too. The J1, the four-seater variant, retained the D-Type bodywork, but was blessed with an uprated 36bhp version of the 847cc OHC engine (featuring a crossflow cylinder head and twin SU carburettors). Regrettably, the weak two-bearing crankshaft was carried over. On the other hand, the Wolseley-derived four-speed gearbox, having being essentially designed for trials use, was rather robust. Plus, it weighed less than the ENV gearbox and was equipped with an aestheticallypleasing and effective cast aluminium remote gear change mechanism. Production lasted for approximately 12 months with 262 being

D 9 O W B

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FEATURE

J2 Chassis ready for display at a motorshow

Press photo of a rare MG J4

built. MG also produced an attractive, albeit quite heavy, closed version (Salonette). It was quite popular too, with 117 being sold. The very popular J2 (2,061 were produced), the two-seater variant, with its cycle wings, absence of running boards, rearhinged, cut-away doors, stylish scuttle humps and shapely fuel tank, was a very stylish creation which set the fashion for many future MGs. Circa 1933, the J2’s cycle-type wings were replaced with longer, swept versions. With more power than the J1, the J2 was also a brisk performer. However, as with the J1, it was stymied by the fragility of its twobearing crankshaft. The J3 retained the two-seater bodywork, but was powered by the C-Type’s 746cc engine, complete with a Powerplus 6a supercharger. Power depended on specification, but 70bhp was typical. Just 22 were built.

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Marketed as the racing variant of the J-Type range, at a cost of £495, the J4, which had a doorless version of the J2 body, was adorned with all the necessary racing accoutrements. It, too, was powered by a supercharged 746cc engine, complete with an eight-port crossflow head. Mercifully, in light of any racing activities, the crankshaft was counterbalanced. The gearbox was the C-Type’s ENV unit. To cope with the J4’s prodigious pace, the brakes were 12in drums and, to reduce ‘kickback’, the steering was uprated to incorporate a new, split track rod system. Only nine J4s were made. There is no doubt that the arrival of the J-Series cars had a huge impact on the success of the MG marque, helping cement its reputation as a manufacturer of first-rate sports cars. In February 1932, Motor Sport wrote: “The MG factory at Abingdon is chiefly notable as a proof of the fact that for real enthusiasm in motoring a sports car is essential. It is furthermore a proof of the fact that the demand for ‘sports cars only’ is enough to cause ever-increasing space to be required for their construction. From the day when Mr. Cecil Kimber first appeared with a hotted-up and very much modified Morris Cowley, and competed so successfully in trials with this car, the marque has never looked back.” To be continued….

THE MG FACTORY AT ABINGDON IS CHIEFLY NOTABLE AS A PROOF OF THE FACT THAT FOR REAL ENTHUSIASM IN MOTORING A SPORTS CAR IS ESSENTIAL

The popular cycle winged MG J2

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24/07/2017 17:27

SCCT C

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24/07/2017 17:27 03/07/2017 15:34:02

FEATURE

IMPORTING AN MG FROM THE USA – ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE – PART 2 OF 2

irstly, I hope you had a chance to read my first article in the May edition of Safety Fast! and that I haven’t put you off. The article finished with the MGA imported, restored from its transatlantic damage, stripped of every removable piece and every square inch of paint. The bodywork underneath the paint was very good and the car had benefitted from a thick layer of underseal very early in its life. In this

Panels stripped off exposing the botched sill 24 SAFETY FAST! AUGUST 2017

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By Nick Gasson

article, I’ll track the car through its restoration, identifying lessons, some familiar, some perhaps less so, and address these in a detailed summation at a later point. So, buoyed up with great optimism and much relief at not finding anything sinister on ‘strip down’, I was not well prepared for the bombshell as the restorers started to ‘gap’ the car prior to painting. I am not an MGA aficionado and did not realise that what appeared to be sound sills were,

in fact, an elaborate botch carried out in the 1980s. Authentic-looking sections had been pieced together with great care but nothing had ever been welded, just held in place either Meccano-style with hidden bolts or simply pop-riveted. All was hidden from view by carefully applied filler and large quantities of underseal. Despite the appearance of a solid frame, the car was, in fact, in need of a complete sill restoration involving major surgery. The Lesson in six-foot-high neon lights is that there is no substitute for a thorough examination. But the caveat is that only an expert would have been likely to able to spot that fault in my car; and there was no evidence elsewhere on the car to suggest that this problem was lurking. In my case, I was lucky as the decency and honour of the restorer came to the fore. We had discussed my hopes, expectations and budget in detail to avoid too many surprises or possible disappointment and having initially found almost no structural or panel rot, we had spent much of the pot allocated for that on mechanical restoration and an engine bay that was probably better than when it rolled off the production line. With this in mind,

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FEATURE

Red top coat being applied in the spray booth

MGA looking radiant in red www.mgcc.co.uk

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Adrian Buckby offered to carry out the repair for just the cost of the parts and these were supplied promptly by NTG Services, who I know are wellrespected in MGCC circles. Adrian’s attitude was uncommonly open, responsible and constructive, which is another compelling reason why I can recommend him without reservation. Once the ‘botch’ was cut away, it was obvious that whoever had fitted the so-called sills had imagination but no welding expertise and no understanding of physics or safety – so clever was the disguise, I doubt if the previous owner or the dealer who sold me the car had any idea what had been done. All this built a delay of several weeks into the schedule but gave the peace of mind that we all prefer in knowing that the structure was now absolutely solid. And I’ll admit that I derived a strange satisfaction in photographing the new sills from every angle at the various stages of fitting, since they would

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FEATURE

Stripped down ready for the assessment of the MGA Replacement panels being fitted, new sill in place

Inner wing painted ready for the panels to be refitted

soon be well hidden once the car was put back together. The painting process was perhaps the most instructional period for me. I claim to be a fairly decent spray painter, having completed several amateur restorations. However, I have never ‘bare-metalled’ a car, nor have I the facilities or skills to achieve the finish that you see in the photos. The paint is ‘clear over base’ which presents a very robust deep finish that I prefer to Two-Pack. With the amount of time, effort and love lavished on the MGA, we agreed to commission a professional delivery service to transport the car to my home and at this point the baton was handed to me to manufacture, assemble and fit the components that would give the car its full character. I have described the interior on purchase as ‘worn out and then treated to a grenade”! Most of the

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interior and cappings, as well as the main floorboards and back board, had to be abandoned as beyond economical repair, but I did not dispose of anything except the threadbare carpets until the replacement part was in place. Nowhere was this more beneficial than with the trim pieces that I had ordered from the well-respected Midlands trimmers Aldridge’s. By clamping the 57-yearold trims to the newly manufactured ones, I could see instantly where tiny adjustments might be necessary and take a very good ‘steer’ on where retaining screw holes should be drilled in the new trim. With care and a determination that no day must pass without at least the addition of one part to the car, I set about the task. Without a doubt, the most important quality (and one I usually lack) was the patience to measure, template, measure again, and trial fit where

possible before committing to the Stanley knife, stapler or drill. Even so, I feared I might get it wrong and was repeatedly reassured by Nick at Aldridge’s whenever I asked yet another daft question; he could not have been more supportive. Another obvious lesson but I’ll say it anyway – always seek advice – someone will have done it before! I had opted for the highest quality of carpet available from Aldridge’s and there is something unnerving about cutting holes in carpet, even when you know it’s imperative to have the seat rails attached directly to the wooden floor. Again, Aldridge’s were on hand to advise and it was comforting to know that they would have been prepared to send a single piece of carpet if an unrecoverable error occurred. Having read about the transmission tunnel getting hot enough to scorch

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FEATURE

a leg, I carefully fitted a fire retardant layer of heat dispersing, foil-covered underfelt before installing the centre carpets. One of the most demanding procedures was putting together and covering the various door cappings and crash rails. For a professional it must be routine, but for me, especially with the strange ‘distorted hockey stick’ pieces that fit to the top of the doors, the precision required and the penalty for cutting in the wrong place led to much procrastination and feeble attempts to create geometric models out of paper and the rails from an old wooden bench. The Lesson here is always to assume that things will need replacing and build in a decent reserve of cash – it will likely be needed. Without doubt, the biggest challenge for me was the electrics. Having changed from left-hand drive headlamps and US front side lamps to halogen UK type, several wires were already going to be different, and although the overall loom was in good condition, I managed to burn out the wire on the rear number plate lamp, which in turn shorted out the entire rear electrics. In addition, I could not make the headlamps work until I discovered that I had installed the

Engine bay painted and engine being reinstalled

dipper switch incorrectly. The (to me) magic of seeing the headlamps light up and having fully functioning indicators would have made an auto electrician cringe with embarrassment, but we all have our blind-spots and electrics is mine. The brilliant Jack Harman from Predator of Peterborough built me a new rear loom and even fitted it on a Bank Holiday, as well as giving me lessons in electrics that should be compulsory for all novices! The car is now prepared for its first-ever MOT, fingers crossed, before

Trim starting to be refitted to the MGA www.mgcc.co.uk

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it can finally go through the DVLA registration process. My intention is to write a short final article on lessons anyone might draw from my experience and to show some photos of the finished car, including the interior. If you have any comments or queries in the meantime, I’d be happy to take them through the good offices of Andy Knott andy@mgcc.co.uk at Kimber House.

Front suspension rebuilt, inner wing repaired and primed ready for top coat AUGUST 2017 SAFETY FAST! 27

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EVENTS

BRISTOL CLASSIC CAR SHOW

he MG Car Club South Western Centre provided a stand at this prestigious car show for the west of England. The stand was in the Showering Pavilion in the usual place and four cars were presented: Sue Owst’s MGB GT, Rob Griffiths’ MG TD2, Kingsley Beck’s MGA 1600, and Paul Phillips’ MGB Roadster. As usual there were lots of people asking about the cars and the Club activities over the two days, which kept the members manning the stand very busy. On Sunday the winners of the judging were announced and Kingsley Beck’s MGA won the runner-up in the Best Sports or Convertible category. The stand was then awarded third place in the Club Stand category and I received the trophy on behalf of the

Club, along with a certificate. I would like to thank Dave Mothersdill for transporting the stand components to and from the showground and assisting in putting up and taking down the stand, Andrew Owst for his assistance on Friday, and manning the stand on both Saturday and Sunday, Sue Owst, Rob Griffiths, Kingsley Beck and Paul Phillips for the loan of their cars all weekend. I would also like to thank Dave Heath and Dave Jacobs for manning the stand on Saturday and Ian Whitfield for assistance on Sunday. Without this assistance the show would not be the success it has been and I am grateful for their help. Jim Lott Chairman MGCC SW Centre

2017 CHARNWOOD CAPER RUN

n early May, over 80 cars took part in the Charnwood Caper Classic and Sports Car Run, an annual event organised by the North Leicester MG Club since 2004. Each year a different route of around 80 miles is devised by the Club, largely along country lanes, terminating at a place of interest within, or just outside, Leicestershire. This year, the run started at Quorn and Woodhouse station on the Great Central heritage railway. The drivers were flagged away to begin their 40-mile journey through northwest Leicestershire and south Derbyshire to Bretby Garden Centre for a half-way break. The run’s 35-mile second leg finished at Elvaston Castle Country Park in Derbyshire. Cars from every decade since the 1930s turned out, the oldest being a

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1938 MG VA Tickford, and the newest an MG TF LE500 from 2010. Participating crews had travelled from 12 different counties to take part, with three covering over 80 miles to get to the start venue. The longest journey was undertaken by Trevor and Sue Taylor, who received a prize for their 96-mile drive from Shropshire in their 1979 MGB Roadster. At Elvaston, a dedicated parking area was provided, which allowed

for the cars to be lined up on either side of one of the park’s roadways. Here, the display of classics attracted a lot of interest from the country park’s many visitors. North Leicester MG Club chairman, Colin Readwin, said: “The meticulous planning by a dedicated team of Club members has delivered another successful Charnwood Caper, which will enable us to make a substantial donation to this year’s nominated local charity, Steps Conductive Education Centre.”

A 1954 MG TF arrives at Elvaston

Cars line up for the start at Quorn station

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SPOTLIGHT

MGs lined up at a Joint Natter

SPOTLIGHT ON…

THE MIDLAND CENTRE

hilst most MGCC members will know that the Club consists of Centres, Registers and Branches (or ‘CRBs’) the predominance of articles relating to Registers and Branches within the pages of Safety Fast! might cause members to ask: “What do Centres actually do?” So, we at the Midland Centre thought it might be helpful to put together a few words to give members an idea of what we get up to.

By Andy Robson

A Brief History The Midland Centre was the first geographical Centre to be formed by the Club. Its inaugural event took place on July 9 1933. For the next four years the Centre organised a variety of treasure hunts, gymkhanas and dinners. In 1950, the first Welsh Rally was organised. This competitive event started in Birmingham and covered more than 270 miles through the Midlands and into the mountains of North Wales. Competitors finished at Criccieth on Saturday evening with

Our Trials are normally non-damaging! Adrian Tucker-Peake launches his MGF

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a Dinner Dance, followed by timed driving tests on the sea front during Sunday morning. Black and white movie footage from those Rallies can be seen in the TV documentary “The Golden Age of the British Sports Car” which is screened periodically on BBC4. The Welsh Rally continued as a ‘touring assembly’ into the 70s, together with events such as the Spring and Autumn Trials and Curborough sprints, and these are still held today. Two other Midland Centre events have now become national or even international. The MG Silverstone Meeting was run by the Midland Centre in the 50s and 60s but was later taken over by the main Club. In 1958 the Midland Centre organised the first California Cup. Former MGCC President, Bill Wallis, who served on the Centre’s Committee for many years and eventually became Chairman, acted as the Clerk of the Course for 17 years. The Centre is still regularly involved with organising many events, both competitive and social, and has 17 active groups throughout its area which comprises the eight counties of the English Midlands region, as symbolised by our Centre logo. At present the membership of the Centre

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SPOTLIGHT

Country Park, near Gaydon, and we may repeat the exercise in 2018.

1950 Welsh Rally at The Lion Hotel, Criccieth

1951 Welsh Rally Invitation

stands at over 1,400, making us the second largest Centre. Sporting Activities We organise one Production Car Trial and two Sprints each year. The Sprints are held at Curborough, near Lichfield, and are part of the Luffield Speed Championship. For many years until recently, the Clerk of Course was David Whale, Chairman of the FBHVC. And although we no longer organise MGLive! we still play an active part by handling camping control. As you may have seen in last month’s issue of Safety Fast! in April we hosted what we called a ‘Taster Trial’ with the intention of attracting younger drivers and novices to the noble art of production car trials, in an attempt to draw young people into a cheap form of motorsport. It proved to be a great success, the winner gaining a free entry to our proper Trial in September, held at Burton Dassett

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Social Events Our flagship event, the Welsh Rallye is now held each May, the 2017 event being the 20th of the current era. Now a two-day weekend event, it regularly attracts more than 50 cars. During the summer, we host our Summer Picnic at a selection of venues, most recently visiting the Midland Automobile Club’s ‘Classic Nostalgia’ weekend which has proven to be very popular. In mid-July, we meet up with other car clubs in the Worcs/Hereford/Gloucs border area for a joint gathering at a suitable pub. As well as social events arranged by the Centre committee, many of our area groups organise extremely popular social occasions, including the Charnwood Caper (North Leics MG Club), Ratae Run (South Leics MG Club), Heritage Run (Arden MG Club), and the Shropshire Lad Run (Shropshire MG Club), to name but a few. Whilst the Centre wouldn’t lay claim to these events, we do assist with aspects such as MSA permits, where necessary. … And other things we do include • Assisting motoring magazines with locating cars and owners for articles • Attending various motoring events to help publicise the Club • Helping members to sell and buy MGs through interaction with local MG groups • Issuing email bulletins carrying news items to our regional groups • Operating a website which carries latest news and information from Kimber House, from around our region, and further afield • Producing an annual Calendar of Events • Receiving and monitoring membership reports from Kimber House • Assisting members with enquiries • Offering Club clothing with various

embroidery options • Liaising with motoring organisations like the MSA and FBHVC And lots more … So, we hope this all-too-brief feature will help members to appreciate that there is more going on within Centres than might be realised solely from the half-page of ‘Notes’ that appear each month in Safety Fast!. Visit our website regularly for further information: www. mg-cars.org.uk/mgccmidlandcentre and check out your own Centre’s website to see what they do.

2010 Welsh Rallye at The Lion Hotel, Criccieth

Centre committee member Tony Lake tackles the hill at Shelsley Walsh

MGCC members at the Pershore Plum Festival

Martin Price in his TA Sprinting at Curborough

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MIDGET NEWSLET TER Mike Parker mikeparker78@talktalk.net • www.midgetregister.com

WELCOME TO THE MIDGET NEWSLETTER REACQUAINTED WITH AN OLD FRIEND I would like to introduce myself, having just brought ONP 848T to the Register. It’s a very long story, but I first bought ONP 848T in 1980 when she was just six months or so old. At the time I was 20 and the MG was part of a deal with my parents to get me away from motorbikes. It all started when I expressed a strong wish to race bikes for the RAF and was poised to buy a Laverda Jota for the job. My father had raced bikes himself (Velocettes) and then went on to race home-built cars (Austin 7-based). I can just about recall his last racing car in the early 60s, when I was not much more than a toddler, which looked a bit like a small Shelby Cobra. Back to 1980, and I was home on leave one Sunday when ‘The Money Programme’ was on TV, reporting on the mess that BL had found itself in and the impending closure of Abingdon. My father said: “Get yourself an MG – you’ll have as much fun with one of those as you will with any motorbike!” I wasn’t very impressed and went back to base completely uninterested in the idea. However, a colleague had a very new Midget in Brooklands Green.

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I remember finding him one sunny afternoon outside the back of the hangar polishing it and enquired how he got on with it. He told me he really liked it and had no regrets at buying it. I explained my parents’ feelings about the bike, and he offered to take me for a ride out in his MG that afternoon. It was RAF Brawdy in South Wales, and we set off, roof down, around the Pembrokeshire coast roads on this gorgeous day. I was smitten, and the Laverda idea started to fade. I even remember the registration of that car to this day: FEX 419T. Sadly, I don’t think it has survived – at least, looking on the DVLA site it says there is no record of it. My parents were in Cleobury Mortimer in the 1980s, and at the time I began looking for a suitable Midget there was a local newspaper printing strike on. My younger brother had a paper-round and recalled delivering just one local paper, (which my father went and asked to borrow). In that solitary paper was just one MG Midget for sale – I think it was seven or eight months old, white, and in Kidderminster. My father arranged a viewing but it was too new and out of

my pocket. However, the bank of Mum and Dad came up trumps and bought the car for me. It was garaged at my parents for a while so that I could start paying for it. In the meantime, my first car (Escort Mk1 estate) was up for sale to help raise funds. I finally got the MG on the road just after my 21st birthday. ONP 848T stayed with me until 1999 when I regretfully parted company with her to help fund a house when I left the RAF. She was sold to a chap in Bicester who was under strict instructions to contact me first if he was going to sell her. Frustratingly, he never did and I lost contact with the car’s whereabouts. All I knew was that she was declared SORN and it was like this for years.

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MIDGET NEWSLET TER

...Until Friday April 7 2017, when I almost spat my coffee out and fell off my chair – because there she was, for sale on eBay! I managed to scrape together some funds, and a few days later we were reunited. I drove her back with the biggest grin on my face ever, and she now sits on my driveway at last, still in remarkable condition; almost as good as the day we parted company.

For some reason, a new owner had dry-stored her on axle-stands since 2003. This was in Woodstock, just outside Oxford, so I had unknowingly driven past her for years! A lad from Bicester bought her and she was duly recommissioned, but eventually put up for sale, which is when I found her. Urgent preparations are now under way to make some space in my garage/workshop for this old friend.

My garage is where I’m restoring a 1930s Midget (J2) bought in the mid-80s after MG had become part of my DNA. I’m stunned to get this car back after so many years. My parents will be even more stunned when they hear of my news (and no doubt think I’ve lost the plot) but they started it all when they suggested I got an MG instead of another motorbike! Mark Devereux

CHAIRMAN’S CHAT

5 and Sunday 6. Then later on in the month, over the August Bank Holiday, Monday 28, we move down to the South West to Castle Combe where we have two races on the same day. They are not Car Club meetings but details are on the Register website. The Midget Register road run on September 3 2017 is filling up well, so get your entry form to Dennis as soon as possible, so we can sort out the route book for the day. All details

on the Midget Register website or the advert in this copy of Safety Fast! As you would have read in this Newsletter, there is a report on the MGLive! Sprint by Neil Thomas. There were lots of Midgets participating in this event, as well as watching from the banks. This may have accounted for so few Midgets in the Register Park on Sunday and, even worse, not many competing in the Meguiar’s MGLive! Pride of Ownership and Concours – only two I am told. For the first time the Mike Authers Cup returned to Kimber House with no name on it for this event, which is very sad as we see a lot of great Midgets on our trips on Road Runs and Natters. Is there a reason you don’t enter this event? If you send me details at the above email address, it would be great. Did any of you members take part in the California Cup on Saturday or the Autosolo Competition on Sunday? If so, can you send me a report on the event from your perspective. I would like to thank Noel Lindford of the Tyne Tees Centre and the Team from the Hartlepool Motor Club for coming down to sort the event out. Noel’s penned a report on the event elsewhere in this issue. As this is the time for the local Natters’ Pride of Ownership, if you see a Midget in the event why not take photo and send it to the Register for the Facebook page or email it through to me and Peter will put it on our Register website for you. Mike Parker

With MGLive! over, we move into the second part of the season, and by the time you read these notes the Club race meeting at Cadwell Park will also be over. But, something to look forward to: we do have two races for the Midgets at the Croft Nostalgia Weekend, which they say is the Goodwood meeting of the north, over two days in August, Saturday

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MIDGET NEWSLET TER

NEWS FROM NEIL In the March edition of the Safety Fast! Midget Register notes I told you how I was going to get involved in Sprints and Hillclimbs this year. I also explained how easy it is to do this. Well, it’s happening and I’m loving it. A prime example of a really rewarding and fun experience was the Silverstone Sprint, run on the Stowe circuit on the Sunday of MGLive! weekend. Entry to the Sprint cost £140 and this included a weekend pass for two people at MGLive! This was great value for money for a whole day’s motorsport and a weekend of entertainment. I travelled up to Silverstone from Tenby on the Saturday morning. The weather was glorious and the forecast was very promising for the Sunday, too. Upon arrival, I pitched the tent and met up with my MG friends. These included Tim Dalton, Anthony Cutler and Scott Dempster. Rob Armstrong, from Yorkshire, was competing with me in his first-ever Sprint in his 1.4 K Series Midget. His wife, Jenny, would be joining us on the Sunday. Dave Hunt and Issie were there, too, in Dave’s 2.0 litre Zetec powered Midget and we were to be joined on the Sunday by Pete Adamson in his fire-breathing 1.8 K Series Turbo Midget monster. Four friends competing together and not forgetting Danny Cusworth and Ian Hodkinson, also present, although they were competing on the main circuit on both days in the Cockshoot Cup. That is more serious stuff than sprinting. During the Saturday afternoon we wandered around the site for a bit and watched Danny racing, before taking our cars up to Stowe for signing on and scrutineering for the next day. A sociable BBQ in the evening capped a very pleasant day. Sunday dawned in full sunshine. It was going to be a hot one. We got up to Stowe early and ready for the briefing. I sneaked a quick walk of the circuit before the briefing. The chicane on the back straight looked interesting.

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Rob, Pete, David and Neil

Rob Armstrong in his Midget, with Pete in the background by his Midget.

There was a large entry of some 140 cars taking part in the event, with lots of different cars entered in their various classes. For myself, Rob, Dave and Pete, we were in the Group four Road Going MG Specials class. Our first practice Sprint Run was at 10.00am followed by another at 11.30am. These practice runs don’t count towards any points but are for participants to get used to the circuit and to fine-tune their cars. Between runs I had a look around the pits at the cars taking part and there were lots of very nicely prepared Midgets and Sprites. We were joined in the morning, too, by other friends who had come to watch us take part. Tim and Anthony, of course, Rob Lewis and Suzanne from Bridgend who kept us supplied in iced water and ice-creams, Steve Gooding came up from Reading and was going to join Rob and Issie in doing some marshalling in the afternoon. Steve has just bought Kate Andrews’s Tifosi Frogeye with the monstrous 200 bhp K series engine in it. John Austerfield and John Heap also came along to support us. It was also a pleasure to see John Shepherd and his wife again with their lovely teal blue Midget. Danny also

popped up after his early morning race. The camaraderie engendered through our interest in these little cars is fantastic and lifelong. Another good reason to get involved. After lunch the serious stuff started and we gave it our all to get the fastest times around the circuit, with lots of banter and mickey-taking after each run. It was hot and must have been in the mid-30s that day. It takes its toll on both the cars and the person but all survived without any problems. It shows how resilient the cars are. And us, of course! By around 5pm all the runs had been completed and it was the award ceremony. None of us received an award but we had had a great afternoon. Also, some of our group, through the wonders of modern technology, were posting live video feeds during the afternoon to our other Spridget friends around the country and further afield. The replies coming back were that they too were going to be joining us in future events and couldn’t wait. We had succeeded in inspiring others to take part and I hope by reading this, you might be inspired, too. Neil Thomas - Pembrokeshire

MG UR

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Midgets line up at Stowe

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MGB NEWSLET TER David Broadhurst 01209 614704 newsletter-editor@mgb-register.org • mgbforum.mgb-register.org

WELCOME TO THE MGB NEWSLETTER REFLECTIONS ON SILVERSTONE

Good selection of MGBs in the Equipe GTS at Silverstone. Photo: Dickon Siddall

Busy grandstands during the MGLive! weekend. Photo: Dennis Wharf

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My last notes for July, written in early June, were composed as I contemplated horizontal rain and remembered previous visits to Silverstone and the glutinous quality of the mud. The track there tends to hold water and so does all the grass parking. The F1 Grand Prix was moved to March one year, against all the local advice and, living in the area at the time, I watched with a certain amount of satisfaction, with all the other locals, as vehicles were still being recovered after two days. Even Bernie Ecclestone couldn’t overrule the weather. Living in the area, as we did for some 15 years, did have its advantages as well as some disadvantages associated with the circuit. I knew where to park to be able to get to a race and be home within 20 minutes of its conclusion; we could pick up Silverstone TV (i.e. what is transmitted to the huge trackside monitors) on our domestic TV, and we accommodated various soaked and muddy friends once they had given up the idea of camping; plus, it was always interesting to see personalities like Damon Hill or Eddie Irvine. He nearly ran over one of our dogs with a purple Ferrari whilst on his mobile phone. So, the MGB GT checked out, wind in the tyres and a fantastic weather forecast on offer, I set off from West Cornwall for our old stamping grounds around Buckingham with the promise of a bed for the night with long-standing friends, a good meal and some Black Sheep bitter at the Queen’s Head in Chackmore and an interesting Saturday at Silverstone with more old MG friends, of whom I don’t see enough.

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MGB NEWSLET TER

MGBs and V8s overlook the Silverstone infield from the banking. Photo: Damien Jennings

I departed at 10.45am. I considered that even though it was Friday I should be past Exeter by 1.00pm and going around Bristol by 2.30pm. Oxford would be busy about 4.00pm but by then Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m almost there. My master plan came unglued almost immediately. After an hour and a half I had covered 35 miles instead of the nearly 100 I had assumed. Someone had dropped some hay bales in the massive road works on Bodmin Moor and the traffic build-up was solid. However, engine temperature 165Â° Fahrenheit and oil pressure 65 psi so all OK; what is that horrible smell and why does it feel like I have a puncture? Applying the brakes nothing happened other than the pedal going to the floor. The air turned a pale shade of blue as I examined my options. I was not far from home so turn around, go home and then think. I am not abandoning the weekend yet. Once I was heading back west in light traffic I aimed for a layby to see what was what and immediately noticed that the brake pedal was as it should be, I had full braking efficiency again! Having checked the levels of hydraulic

MGB Committe talking to visitors on the MGB stand. Photo: David Broadhurst

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fluids and found them normal I continued home in 35 minutes. I now rang the technical guru, Roger Parker,

The rush hour traffic was, as usual, dire. I got to Buckingham at about 8:15pm. That Black Sheep and a rare rump steak were beautiful. Saturday morning was, again, a glorious prospect. An easy drive up past old haunts of Stowe and Dadford and on to Silverstone. Neil Hyett was directing traffic to appropriate Register car parks. So odd seeing Neil. It had been Bernard Rennger for so many years. At least he had a straw hat on. I also felt strange parking with the MG3 contingent rather than the Bs. Everything else looked familiar.

Stephen Dawson from the Ulster Centre competing in the California Cup. Photo: Mick Edwards

who told me what had happened. I had managed to boil the hydraulic fluid. The brake line to the nearside front brake passes very close to the exhaust. In virtually stationary traffic on a hot day things were getting warm around that area. So why did it boil? Brake fluid is hydroscopic, it attracts moisture. With enough moisture content and a sufficient temperature brake fluid will boil and no brakes are the consequence. A subsequent test of the fluid with a meter showed three amber lights. OK for local pottering but not good enough for a protracted motorway journey with a high risk of encountering major traffic hold-ups. It was obvious that I could not take the MGB to Silverstone. I had lunch, went supermarket shopping with my wife and then, at 3.45pm, got in our MG3 and went. I was past Exeter by 4.30pm, on the M5 and up to Bristol.

Stalls selling unknown parts, food and beverage purveyors, the Club marquee where I thought that I should report. Henry Cole used to delight in going to bother Don Bishop, when he was Registrar, with all his enormous files. The Register is on a laptop now, nothing like as cumbersome. It was good to see that guru for all things MGB, Danny Waters, there and have a natter. The Jean Denton Marathon car

Flags flying over the MGB Register parking area. Photo: Andy Knott

AUGUST 2017 SAFETY FAST! 39

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is coming on a bundle and raffle tickets were being sold to help towards the cost of the ongoing restoration work. Colin Goodey, Clive Wilday and John Watson were doing sterling work on the stand so, as I was scheduled to be on duty 1.30-4.30pm, I went and had a look at the new, small MG SUV to be

Just some of the MGBs in the register parking area at MGLive! Photo: David Broadhurst

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released later this year. A quite feasible replacement for our MG3 eventually. Went and stood with Neil and tried not to interfere with his directing of traffic. At lunch Henry Cole and David Askew showed up, along with Roger Boys. The cold beer was appreciated and past Silverstone events remembered. We had a busy couple of hours on the stand in the afternoon. It was nice to meet with members, some of whom had come a long way, Australia and Canada, for instance. The MGCC Chairman, Ian Quarrington, and John Watson drew the raffle at about 4.30pm as Heather and Bill Charlton joined us to do a stint manning the stall. Regretfully, I said my goodbyes. It’s a long drive back to the west and I got home at about 9.00pm having eaten, at Taunton Deane services,

MGB committee with the Marathon car.

what I was told was a genuine West Cornwall Cornish Pasty I bought off a stall at Silverstone. When I had bought it I had said to the man: “I will eat that on my way home to Camborne.” “Where’s that?” he asked. “West Cornwall,” said I. I don’t think he was from down here. My MGB now has new DOT4 brake fluid and replacement braided brake lines.

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24/07/2017 17:28

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MGB NEWSLET TER

THE MARATHON MGB UPDATE Did you visit us at MGLive! and see the progress made with the car? We were hoping to drive it to Silverstone, but as with all restorations we ran out of time. You would have seen it now with a nicely prepared and painted engine bay. Steve at Abingdon Car Restorations had to spend more time than was thought to bring it back to the condition we wanted it to be. The newly built engine and gearbox were installed, as well. Our aim is to have the car completely finished by the year end; we may even get it finished by the November Classic Car Show. 2018 is the 50th anniversary of the London to Sydney Marathon and we will be showing it around the country. Money is the main problem; so far, the MGB Register has spent over £6,000. This is from our funds, as well as the donations and the very valued support from the main MG traders and suppliers, mainly British Motor Heritage and Moss Europe, that have been given and sent to us, which we thank those contributors for. At MGLive! we ran a raffle, £1 a ticket. Over the two days we raised £615, so thank you to those 615 visitors. We estimate we still need around another £7,000 to complete the project, so if you would like to donate please get in touch with us. John Watson – Mobile 07770 575236

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www.mgcc.co.uk

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V8 NEWSLET TER Victor Smith Tel: 0208 392 9434 victorsmith@v8register.net • www.v8register.net

WELCOME TO THE V8 NEWSLETTER MGV8S AT MGLIVE! 2017 MGLive! was very warm this year – an unusual experience when at Silverstone, on the site of a former RAF airfield up on a normally windswept plateau at 500ft. The tasty refreshments provided by Debbie Brading and the comfort of the seating in the V8 marquee were popular with V8 members and friends, providing an opportunity to meet up and chat. Our guests in the marquee this year were the members of the Vintage Register. Peter Jevons (photo alongside) arrived in his RV8, clearly enjoying his drive to Silverstone on a fine day. A rare RV8 in Flame Red was on display in the Club’s main marquee to mark the 25th anniversary this year of the launch of the RV8. The car was provided by Richard Homer with the help of Chris Wilkins delivering it to the circuit as Richard was involved in getting his race-prepared Midget to the circuit. An MGB GT V8 was on display in the V8 marquee, a car in the Citron

www.mgcc.co.uk

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Photo: Motorsport in Focus

colour for so long vilified by many, but now much sought-after by enthusiasts looking to get an MGB GT V8 as it’s seen today as a colour so much of the period – BL in the 1970s. The car was provided by David Halliday and was formerly owned by the late Ron Armstrong. On Sunday at the V8 AGM Nic Houslip was elected our new V8 Chairman, along with fellow officers

Debbie Brading (V8 Secretary) and Richard Homer (V8 Treasurer). The contacts for the other six members of the V8 Committee are available via the ‘Contact Us’ link at the foot of the V8 website homepage. On the Friday the traditional lunchtime gathering at Hook Norton was as popular as ever and in the evening the RV8 Anniversary Dinner was held at the Star in Sulgrave.

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V8 NEWSLET TER

DO ‘WANTED’ ADVERTS WORK? One method of finding a good MGV8 is through a ‘wanted’ advert on the Cars for Sale web page on the V8 website, and there are signs that type of advert is proving to be an effective way of attracting interest from owners of MG V8s who are beginning to think of selling their car. Most have owned and cherished their MG V8 for many years but typically, as they are becoming elderly, tend to feel the time is nearing when they should sell their car but would like it to go to a good home. As they think of selling, they may feel they do not want the hassle of ‘tyre kickers’ and dealers rolling up at their home, but the alternative of their responding to a wanted advert and dealing with an enthusiast who would give the car a good home seems a great deal better. Many buyers prefer direct contact with the owner of a car from whom much information can be obtained, enabling

an opinion to be formed of the care and maintenance the car has received over the years. An example of how a wanted advert has worked well has been the recent experience of a long-time RV8 owner, Angus Munro, in Norfolk. He felt he needed the additional space an MGB GT V8 would provide for his dog and luggage, so decided to sell his RV8 and try to find a good GT V8. His approach was to place a sensitively drafted ‘wanted’ advert on the V8 website. His aim was to make direct contact with an owner who might want to sell their car so he specifically said “no dealers”. The advert attracted several responses including, interestingly, a referral to the specialist MG trader Brown & Gammons who had on offer a good condition, one chrome bumper MGB GT V8 in Glacier White. B&G were handling the marketing and sale of

WHAT IS A COMMISSION SALE? Under a commission sale arrangement between a private seller and a specialist trader, the trader advertises the seller’s car for sale, responds to potential buyers by providing them with any additional information, arranging viewings of the car, negotiating a sale and then handling the payment, necessary paperwork and the handover of the vehicle to the buyer. The sale proceeds are then paid over to the seller, less an agreed commission for the trader. All the terms and conditions for the arrangement and the scope of services provided by the trader are set out in a commission sale agreement between the seller and trader. Leading traders offering commission sale services will have their standard agreements setting out their role (usually on a sole basis), the display period, any additional services and costs, the duties of the seller and of

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course the fee and payment terms. For a private seller there are many advantages with this type of service: the specialist trader can advise on pricing the car, the car gets visibility in the trader’s showroom, in their advertising in commercial magazines and on their website and the private seller avoids the hassle of prospective buyers visiting their home to inspect, test drive and haggle for the car. Engaging a specialist trader can transfer that role for an agreed commission, usually as a “success only” fee. What are the additional services? A specialist trader does not provide a warranty for a classic car sold on a commission sale basis, but quite clearly a reputable trader does not want to be associated with poor quality cars in terms of mechanical defects,

the car for a long-standing owner on a “commission sale” basis. They wanted it to go to a good home as B&G had restored it some years before and were about to start the recommissioning process following a long period of storage by the current owner. Angus made contact, viewed the car and the transaction was concluded through B&G with the owner who then sent Angus a full set of photos of the earlier restoration.

roadworthiness or poor presentation. Clearly there is a common interest as both parties want to achieve the best sale price, so in addition to basic checks of condition, roadworthiness and preparation for display for sale, other services or work may need to be agreed. That work will probably include servicing the car, possibly dealing with necessary repairs or parts replacement, but it may also include addressing aspects which could discourage buyers or cause them to haggle over the price to take account of, for example, dents in the bodywork, stone chips needing touching up, torn seat covers or scruffy carpets. Clearly, with a classic car nearing 45 years old neither the private seller nor the trader can guarantee nothing will go wrong – an alternator or cooling fan motor could fail without notice. Where a car has been regularly serviced by the trader, they will have a good knowledge of the condition and

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V8 NEWSLET TER

maintenance record of the car, so will be able to market the car well. Transparency over the sale price A reputable commission sale trader will provide transparency over the sale price. An understandable concern for the private seller is that a less-thanscrupulous trader might sell the car and collect the proceeds but disclose a lower sale price to the seller, thereby paying over a lower net amount to

the seller. With a transparent process a reputable trader will disclose to the seller the sale contract made with the buyer which will include the buyer’s contacts, so if the seller wishes to make checks with the buyer to verify the sale price that is open to them. Feedback from members suggests they have found commission sales services from reputable specialist traders both good quality and effective, but of course they incurred the cost of the commission.

halogen bulbs and now LED upgrades. But what are the concerns?

CONCERNS WITH LED BULBS Lighting standards in modern cars have improved with the greater use of halogen bulbs and developments like daytime running lights or DRLs. The beneficial effects have been improved visibility for drivers after dark or in poor conditions and better daytime ‘relative visibility’. Classic cars with original light fittings with incandescent bulbs and no DRLs have become less visible compared with modern cars. So ‘relative visibility’ has become a real concern for classic car enthusiasts. An additional factor has been that modern cars are much bigger today, so consequently MGB models feel relatively smaller. So many classic car enthusiasts have considered lighting improvements with

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Concerns with LED bulb upgrades Concerns with upgrades on classic cars were highlighted in an article in Classic Car Weekly earlier this year, which noted: “classic car owners should not replace exterior bulbs with LED items because it has been discovered no LED replacement bulbs on the market in the UK can comply with legally required UK technical standards. Only LED bulbs in purpose-built housings are legal. Used in original bulb housings some modern replacement bulbs can dazzle oncoming traffic, while others are too dim”. Here, Nic Houslip says if you are suffering with headlights on your MG V8 that are dim, all is not lost. He outlines the essential features of lamp technology and the concerns when considering an upgrade from the original incandescent bulbs originally fitted to MGBs. Key features of lamp technology The incandescent lamp is a muchunderappreciated device that few really understand and has that

Selling at a classic car auction would also have incurred a commission. The useful advantage for the trader with a commission sale is that they do not have to fund the commission sale stock because their customer owns the car. But as the car will need to be with the trader for a commission sale, it is worth checking that when it is in their care it is fully insured under their trader’s policy. Some traders may not have enough insurance cover.

name because the filament, made of tungsten, is heated to a very high temperature inside a glass bulb and becomes incandescent. The bulb has its air evacuated and usually a little inert gas, such as argon or krypton, is added. The filament runs at white heat, typically between 2000 to 3000°C and is the source of the light emitted. With the filament operating near to its boiling point, small amounts of metal boil off during use and condense on the relatively cooler glass bulb. This produces a familiar blackening of the bulb which prevents the light getting out to where it is useful. Side, tail and stop lamps often suffer this blackening, so it is a good plan to replace the

H4 headlight reflector

bulbs regularly, probably every two to three years. It’s always worth checking frequently as any corrosion can be spotted and cleaned up. The side and tail light units fitted to MGBs are

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susceptible to water ingress, which can be prevented by replacing the foam gaskets every now and then. Personally, I always use a little WD40 on the base of the bulb and on the contacts, as it displaces moisture and helps prevent corrosion. Originally, the MGB and MGB GT V8 had sealed beam headlamps which are no longer available. By modern standards they seem like candles today. Halogen bulb and reflector upgrades use halogen headlamps in which the reflector and lens assembly is designed to take an H4 bulb, but there are some points to note that can help with getting more light on the road. Halogen bulbs are like regular lamps but have a small amount of a halogen compound added inside the quartz bulb. This enables any tungsten

H4 Bulb

that boils off from the filament during use to condense back onto the filament instead of the inside of the bulb, thereby improving its life. To do this the bulb needs to work at a very high temperature, so the bulb must be made of quartz rather than glass. You should not handle the quartz bulb with your fingers, since any oil on your skin will leach into the quartz and shorten the bulb’s life. Halogen bulbs do lose light output after prolonged use, so changing them can make a considerable difference. Most lamp manufacturers offer higher light output versions of the

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standard 55W/60W H4 halogen lamp. Halfords has a range of better bulbs with up to 130% more light output for the same input power in watts. There are higher-wattage versions of most halogen bulbs, but these are illegal in the UK for road use. They are intended for competition and off-road use only. These are probably best avoided as they will draw much more current and your ageing electrical system may not be able to support this. Making sure all the electrics are in tip-top condition is important. The MGB fuse box is a common culprit and if it is corroded or the fuses are loose, there will be a voltage drop across the contacts that can reduce the voltage available at the bulb. If you have converted to halogen lamps it may be worthwhile adding two relays, mounted near the headlamps, fed with a new fused supply from the battery. This will ensure that the lamp runs at its intended voltage. Light output is proportional to voltage, so it is best to keep it at its design maximum at the bulb. Curiously, under running a regular incandescent bulb will increase its life considerably, but the reverse is true for halogen bulbs, when under running may shorten their life. You may be tempted to think about some of the HID or High Intensity Discharge bulbs that are on the market, but like the LED versions, these cannot be used unless the reflector and lens assembly has been specifically designed for that bulb. The light source in these is an electrical arc across a gap between two electrodes contained in a quartz tube filled with xenon gas. The operating voltage needed to strike the arc is very high

LED Bulb

and is potentially lethal, so great care must be taken when working on or near these lamps. “Why can’t I use alternative light sources?” I hear you ask The reason is quite simple. When designing a lamp, the bulb is considered an Isopolar emitter (emits light in all directions) and the job of the reflector is to capture and reflect as much of that light as possible out through the front lens as a focused beam. That beam is also ‘shaped’ by the features moulded into the glass lens. For any reflector and lens combination there is only one specific point in space where the filament of the bulb can be located. Typically, the filament is a small surface area, usually a coil of coiled wire about 1 mm in diameter and about 5 mm long. The job of the reflector designer is to arrange the curvature to ensure that where the rays from the filament strike its surface they are reflected forward through the lens. It is not a simple curve, often a greatly modified parabola. Look at a replacement LED headlamp or an LED bulb for a side or tail lamp and you will see a typical cylindrical assembly with LEDs affixed to the surface. LEDs emit light only in one direction, at right angles to their surface. The rays of light will be reflected in many different directions than the reflector designer intended, and although you may get more light on the road, it’s a fair bet that there will be a lot of stray light going where

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V8 NEWSLET TER

it shouldn’t and causing dazzle to oncoming cars. There is more on LEDs in many references, but the best I have seen is on Wikipedia at: https://en.wikipedia. org/wiki/Light-emitting_diode Can I upgrade side lights to LEDs? I think upgrading to LED for side and

tail has some advantages for visibility and I doubt a roadside police check would attract concern with them; however I would caution that unless the lamp assemblies are in good condition (in particular they are not corroded) there may be difficulty in maintaining good electrical contact, as LEDs draw a much-

DVLA MAINTAINS VED EXEMPTION ARRANGEMENTS Good news: DVLA has altered its systems to enable it to continue to record the correct build date of a car if it was first registered in the subsequent year to the year in which it was manufactured. For cars first registered in 1976 and subsequently, the system previously assumed the car was built on the date of first registration. As cars usually took a month, or indeed several months, to be sold and then first registered, this would have meant many cars eligible for VED exemption on the

rolling 40-year basis would have been denied the exemption and have had to wait a further year for DVLA to accept their eligibility. Classic Car Weekly had previously reported that some owners of classic cars manufactured up to December 31 1976 but not taxed until the following year were experiencing problems in gaining VED exemption. Following one of their regular meetings with DVLA covering a wide range of issues of concern to

MISTAKE IN THE RV8 MANUAL OVER SETTING THE TIMING Mike Macartney and Nic Houslip believe the description of setting the distributor in the RV8 Repair Manual AKM7144 is not correct. The correction is needed on page seven of the Maintenance section of the manual – see extract and correction alongside. A copy is available on our ‘More’ page which you can download to place in your manual as a reminder. Rotate anticlockwise to advance or clockwise to retard

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MG Safety Fast_August2017_1-49.indd 49

reduced current. For Indicator bulbs, the OEM flasher unit sets its flash repetition rate by the current drawn by the bulbs. So if one bulb fails, the flash rate increases. Fitting LED replacements will usually mean that the flasher unit needs to be replaced as well so it may not be worth an LED upgrade.

historic and classic car enthusiasts, the Federation for British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) heard the good news from DVLA that they had fixed the technical problem. The FBHVC expressed their gratitude that, despite the very small proportion of DVLA’s large workload represented by the historic vehicle sector, the department were willing to invest considerable time and effort in solving a difficult problem and quickly too. For further developments see our ‘More’ web page at www.v8register. net/more.htm

V8 ANNIVERSARIES IN 2018 In 2018 we have two major anniversaries: the 45th anniversary of the launch of the MGB GT V8 in 1973 and the 40th anniversary of the formation of the V8 Register in 1978. A compact programme of anniversary events is planned, probably with eight core events, and outline details should be available later this month. Already Steve Newton has plans for a V8 Technical Day with speakers on a range of topics on MG V8 maintenance and new products, and also a visit to the BMHIT museum at Gaydon, and Ken Clayton is planning the next annual V8 tour in Derbyshire for 2018.

AUGUST 2017 SAFETY FAST! 49

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Philip Bayne-Powell in his NA concentrating during the California Cup. Photo: Mick Edwards

CALIFORNIA CUP AUTOTESTS AND THE AUTOSOLO

he California Cup Autotests and the AutoSOLO both took place in the heart of MGLive! at an expansive tarmac arena which could showcase both of these exciting â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;grass rootsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; motorsport events to the public, as well as offering a dynamic driving experience. The course layouts had to be challenging enough for experienced competitors, but not too onerous for the newcomer, and allow for the wide range of turning capabilities of our favourite cars spanning several decades! That was the challenge I set myself, also being mindful that the California Cup Inter-Centre Challenge Trophy has been continuously competed for since 1959, so I had to ensure the event lived up to expectations. As well as the California Cup, there were a number of other team and individual trophies up for grabs, so key to the success of the event was ensuring we had sufficient teams with the right mix of MGs, requiring a healthy entry list which we eventually got. Teams from Ulster, Lincolnshire and Yorkshire Centres contested the California Cup and, challenged by some Register teams, all the other trophies.

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By Noel Lindford

9.00am on a sunny Saturday morning at Silverstone, everyone having read my Final Instructions, all arrived on time for scrutineering, sign-on and a chance to walk the course. In this case two courses (separated by barriers) set out side by side, which looked rather similar, but were not. Following my drivers briefing, running orders were established and the competition got under way. 29 cars ranging from a 1934 MG NA Magnette to a number of modern TFs did two alternating runs each at test layout in entry order. These provided plenty of scope for the quick cars (not least the modified Midgets) and drivers, to demonstrate their ability, enthralling the crowds with their speed, handbrake turns and reversing manoeuvres. Following a short break whilst the layout was modified and an added area of the test site brought into play, test layout three added more stop-astrides, and reversing into and out of two cone garages, for one very expansive final set of tests, attempted twice. These really did provide a challenge, even for the most experienced drivers. Not overly complicated, but with a wide range of flowing elements over such a length of

David Stonehouse pushing his TF hard during the California Cup. Photo: Mick Edwards

Ena Fox taking part in the California Cup.

Tanya Field in her Maestro 1600 pushing hard during the California Cup. Photo: Mick Edwards

test, the fastest drivers were timed at just under 80 seconds, all within good viewing range of the public. When the scores had been finalised and double-checked, the Ulster Centre came out victorious, winning the

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24/07/2017 05/04/2017 17:17 15:54

CALIFORNIA CUP

California Cup with two modified Midgets and a potent MGB. Lincolnshire Centre teams ran them close, but they took the BMC and Longbridge Trophies, with teams of Midgets and modern TFs respectively. Meanwhile T-Types took the Register Trophy after a good contest with the MMMs. Stephen Dawson (Ulster) got the Fastest MGB Trophy, Helen Blake (Yorkshire) took the Fastest Lady Award with her MGF and Bryan Mutch (Ulster) took FTD in his modified Midget. Good opposition also came from the FWD Team of MG Maestros. Following a lot of work in the evening to rebuild and test drive the course (in my ZT-T), we were ready on Sunday morning to scrutineer our 26 competitors for the AutoSOLO. Not having competed in an AutoSOLO myself, I took a fresh look at this, guided by examples from the past, and given the large test area, designed one long, flowing test that came out at just over 600 metres in length which, being all-forward, took cars round 29 numbered gates, comprising slaloms, tight turns, two large carousels (one with our ‘ConeCam’ in the middle), and a ‘lazy S’ double chicane, ending with a flying finish, followed by an often-spectacular stop-astride. It is customary on AutoSOLOs for all competitors to take a turn at marshalling. I took it one stage further and asked for volunteers to act as navigators for those drivers who felt it would help (some already had one). True to the spirit of all concerned I quickly signed up a pool of eight! Ian Quarrington, competing in his MG RV8 in maybe his first AutoSOLO; was just one who gladly took up the offer. The course-walk raised a few eyebrows and comments, but concerns were allayed once they did their first run at the course. Following the drivers briefing, and marshals posts assigned, the event kicked off, on the understanding that each batch of nine cars would have three runs at the test layout, with the best two scores to count. This worked very well, and many taking part had done the

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Autotest the previous day, so it all ran well and to time. Although a different discipline in some respects, the quick guys shone again, adapting well to the need to navigate a much longer course, and still have FUN. At the end of an enjoyable competition, Matt Walbran got fastest Jordon Fox in the modified Midget. Photo: Aaron Lupton clear run in a Midget, Helen Blake got Fastest Lady Driver in her Midget, and Ian Webb was awarded first overall, also in a Midget. Both Matt and Ian were presented with Tyne-Tees Centre ‘Spirit of the Event’ Awards. All class winners got awards as well. I have to thank Hartlepool and District Motor Club for kindly facilitating this event with their fully kitted-out support Gordon and Andrew Kelly (TF1500) on the AutoSOLO. vehicle, Tony Coates and Tricia Colligan Photo: Chris Kynoch from Tyne-Tees, who led the timing and start line teams plus managed all the entries and results, Mervyn Gillespie and Ken Armstrong (both Tyne-Tees) for scrutineering, and all the volunteer marshals, including the amazing Drake Family from Yorkshire Centre! Holding these events in the central arena made all the difference in terms of public spectacle and awareness. If the very positive feedback from the spectators is followed up, we could well see more entries for both events next year, not just from those who competed, but also enthusiastic young (and young at heart) members who may never have competed in their MG before, in what Helen Blake receiving Fastest Lady Driver award for the really are very enjoyable, low-cost California Cup from Club Chairman Ian Quarrington. forms of motorsport. Photo: Chris Kynoch

The winning Ulster team of Gordon Buckley, Bryan Mutch and Stephen Dawson. Photo: Chris Kynoch

www.mgcc.co.uk

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WET CADWELL PARK DOESN’T DAMPEN SPIRITS By Leanne Fahy Photos: Dickon Siddall

It doesn’t seem long since we were celebrating MG Live! at Silverstone, just a few weeks ago, and yet on July 22 Cadwell Park played host for the fourth round of the MG Car Club championships and series. MGCC Peter Best Insurance MG Cup Andy Spencer controlled the pace from the very start to lead the way untroubled. Behind, Ashley Woodward slotted into second place, as championship leader, Alan Brooke, harassed him from third place. The battle for second place was put on hold with a surprise appearance of the safety car. As the field weaved their way around the Lincolnshire circuit, Brooke suddenly slowed and pulled off, just before Hall Bends. With the circuit cleared, the action resumed, to see Spencer immediately settle back into a dominant lead role.

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In Brooke’s absence, Woodward engaged in battle with Richard Buckley, for a two-lap dash to the flag. As the pair immersed themselves in battle, Buckley managed to cement himself in second place. Declared a wet race, race two saw Spencer double his success with another victory. Again chased by Woodward, the latter managed to hold onto his second place this time around. As some of the MG ZR fraternity got caught out due to the wet conditions, Alan Brooke managed to steer his way to third place, and the Driver of the Race award. MGCC WES BCV8 Championship Neil Fowler claimed opening BCV8 Championship honours, after a frantic race. A pole position start gave him the edge he needed to lead the way into the first corner, ahead of nearest challengers Ian Prior, Russell McCarthy and Jonnie Wheeler. Despite starting fourth on the grid, a fantastic getaway launched Prior into an immediate second place. As the lead quartet toured, McCarthy encountered trouble, forcing him to pull off the circuit and out of the race. Prior collected second place and Driver of the Race, for his outstanding start, ahead of Jonnie Wheeler in third. Ollie Neaves steered to a fourth place finish ahead of Le Mans racer, Ben

Barker, who switched his Porsche race car for an MGB Roadster this weekend. Barrier repairs from the penultimate race meant the final BCV8 race was delayed. Ignoring the treacherous conditions, Fowler and Wheeler battled profusely lap after lap, with the pair side by side and sideways for much of the outing. As Fowler jumped into the lead, the pair continued to scrap. As both fell foul of the conditions, Prior launched through and into the lead, chased by Ollie Neaves. Despite Neaves’ best efforts, Prior held on for the race win. Neaves claimed second place, ahead of Ben Barker. Barker was also awarded Driver of the Race, whilst Prior was awarded the Driver of the Day. MGCC Lackford Engineering MG Midget and Sprite Challenge Stephen Collier transferred his MG Midget and Sprite Challenge second place start into a race win, with a comfortable 22-second gap to protect him. After claiming the race lead immediately from pole sitter Carl Chadwick, Collier was untroubled throughout. Behind, Martin Morris slotted into a solitary second place, to finish ahead of Chadwick. Ed Reeve had a spectacular start, to see him weave his way from a seventh place start to land in a fourth place finish.

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Despite missing out on the win, Chadwick was awarded the Driver of the Race award.

Hardman’s victorious efforts also deemed him worthy of the Driver of the Race award from our commentary team.

third place, ahead of Andrew Ashton and Richard Garrard, who also claimed Driver of the Race.

MGCC Cockshoot Cup Phil Standish scored a successful end to his Cockshoot Cup outing to steal honours, after early leader Ashley Woodward suffered a problem. Although Woodward led the way from the start, his speedy launch was deemed to have been too eager, giving him a 10-second penalty. Although Woodward was still ahead on the road, his position soon came under threat, when an apparent issue saw him pull out of the way. In his absence, Standish happily took over the prominent lead spot, to finish ahead of Mike Peters and Brian Butler It was a great race for the girls, with Maddy Maguire crossing the finish line just ahead of Helen Waddington, following an epic battle. Standish’s efforts were also worthy of the prestigious Driver of the Race accolade.

MGCC Drayton Manor Park MG Metro Cup Lee Connell triumphed in a frenetic MG Metro Cup race, despite pressure from championship stalwart Mike Williams. As championship pretenders Jack and Andrew Ashton seemingly entangled with one another, it was Connell who dictated the pace. Williams had looked primed to steal the lead spot with five minutes to go; however as the last few laps came into sight, the gap between him and leader Connell increased once more. Despite the gap, a slide of his Metro into the Mountain section of the circuit saw Williams fight hard for his second place finish. Dick Trevett had sat comfortably in third place for much of the race; however as the recovering Ashton duo stormed back towards the front, they quickly sent him down to an eventual sixth place finish. With championship points in their sights, Jack Ashton steered his way to

MGCC Iconic 50s Series Bruce Riches grasped the Iconic 50s race victory, just 0.6 seconds ahead of nearest challenger Peter Edney. Despite a smaller grid, the action more than made up for the numbers. Riches led the way from start to finish, in his Elva Mk 5 Sports machine, despite constant harassment throughout. Peter Hiscocks had followed in second place early on; however as Edney stormed through, the latter certainly made second place his own. After losing second place, Hiscocks held on for third place, ahead of Graham Coles and pole sitter Bob Lines. Edney’s sterling performance deemed him worthy of the Driver of the Race accolade. Despite a damp start to the day, the sun shone through, making it a fantastic day. We are now staring straight into the summer break, and look forward to the next round of the MG Car Club championships, at Oulton Park on Saturday September 2.

MGCC Triple M Register “Baynton Jones Historic Motorsport” Challenge Tom Hardman enjoyed victory in the Triple M Register outing. A spectacular 24-car grid saw these fantastic machines thunder around the Cadwell Park circuit for 10 glorious laps. Despite the best efforts of David Seber, it was Hardman who stole the lead from his rival, to sweep past the chequered flag first in his MG Bellevue Special. Seber held on for second place, just inches adrift, with Harry Painter and Mike Painter in third and fourth places.

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RACE TORQUE T

By Ron Gammons Photos: Dickon Siddall

he Club’s race meeting at Cadwell due on July 22 will be over by the time members read this. However in the run up to it we have had some good strong entries, with an outstanding entry from our own MMMs, not quite at the circuit limit of 28 but very close indeed. PBIC, Cockshoot, Metro, and Midgets have all done well, but we could have had greater support from BCV8 and the Iconics. However, everything is in place for a good meeting; all we need is the weather! The next meeting after Cadwell is our event at Oulton Park on September 2. This scenic track, near Chester, has seen some titanic battles in the past and we certainly expect much the same again this year. Our guests for this meeting are our old friends Porsche, and Equipe GTS. The grid max on the International circuit is only 38, and if the entry from Equipe at Silverstone of over 80 is anything to go by, they will be seriously into reserves. All of the Club’s Championships bar one are present, so MG Trophy, BCV8, Metro

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Cup, and PBIC and all except Metro and Cockshoot have two races apiece. There is excellent viewing around the circuit, with some demanding corners to watch our drivers perform – well worth a visit if you haven’t been before. While the planned timing is tight, as normal to try to keep the race entry fees down, we are planning an opportunity for a limited number of members in MGs to drive the circuit in the lunch break. Details on the day. The event after that is our season closer, at Snetterton on September

30 and October 1. The final race is our very own Four Hour Classic Relay race, sponsored by one of the Club’s most loyal supporters, British Motor Heritage Ltd. It’s for teams of up to six cars, preferably of similar make/ model (although this is not essential). It’s performance controlled, with no car allowed to lap sub 1 minute 20 seconds, and only 26 teams of cars are allowed, to ensure no crowding on the track. It has over the years earned an excellent reputation for sensible driving, which is good. It’s an endof-season event, no Championship points, let you hair down and have a good old-fashioned day of proper Club motor racing. Everybody helps in the pits, with families included, and the day ends with the very well-attended prize giving in the BMH hospitality suite. The right way to end a season of Club motor racing. Many will be saddened to learn that a few days after Silverstone Barry Sidery-Smith sadly passed away. A true MG stalwart and great character, he had raced MGs almost exclusively over recent years, but hitherto had started in Healeys. He had been a very familiar sight with his ex-works Le Mans car, DRX 255C, at just so many circuits both in the UK and Europe. I believe that a full tribute is being published elsewhere in the magazine, but would say that all of our thoughts are with Pam, Barry’s wife, and daughter, Heidi, in their loss.

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D U NC A N W O O D DUNCANW@MGS-ON-TRACK.CO.UK SPONSORED BY

MGS ON TRACK AT MG LIVE!

Words by Nigel Silman, Photo by Damien Jennings Photography

am sure much will be written on the many different facets of MGLive! by members of MGCC’s various Branches, Registers and Centres. In years past each exhibitor in the main marquee has had the opportunity to have one or two representative cars on their stand to attract visitors to stop by for a chat, and an open bonnet would usually lure the unwary onto the MGs on Track stand and the joys of our enthusiastic sales pitch! However, this year the stands were arranged around the outer edge of the marquee with cars displayed in a double line down the centre of the marquee so, in part resulting from these layout changes, we at MGoT felt that a revised approach might now be needed to encourage potential new members into our lair. So, how to attract the punters this year? Well, being the branch of the Club dedicated to getting everyday MG cars and drivers out onto the track without the need for race licences, fire proof suits, or substantial budgets, we wanted to do something which we felt represented our key activity and

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so decided to hire a performance car simulator for the weekend. We proposed to use the simulator to attract visitors to the stand, with the added hook that anyone posting a time on it over the weekend would be entered into a draw with a free MGoT trackday as the prize. Curiously, the simulator did not have the option of any MGs as the car to drive; the selection being generally much more exotic and expensive! We settled on a Ford Focus RS as it was 4-wheel drive, and under rigorous testing (well, a few laps on Friday afternoon) proved to be one of the easier, if not the fastest, car for all-comers. The track? Well, it had to be Silverstone, and we decided on the National circuit as the system allowed for timing over three full laps and we wanted to ensure that no-one was waiting too long to try their hand. In case you haven’t already heard, the weekend of MG Live! turned out to be one of the hottest of the year so far and consequently the temperature in the marquee during the three days (yes, we all set up on the Friday) was nothing short of a sauna! Despite, or perhaps

MG on track

because of, the excellent weather and forecast, visitors started to stream into the marquee just after 9.00am on the Saturday morning and we were soon being asked how much for a go on the simulator. The answer was nothing at all, as we wanted to offer visitors some extra entertainment and fun over the weekend whilst at the same time promoting our events. What became very clear early on was that those too young to possess a driving licence were by far the fastest around the simulator circuit! A slight modification to the rules of engagement was therefore needed and to qualify for the free trackday draw entrants had to be in possession of a driving licence! This did not stop us, however, from running a ‘fastest lap times’ board over the weekend, and we had some impressively quick laps over the two days. I managed (what I thought) was a reasonable time of 3’44’’ for the three laps, which stood in the top five times until Sunday, when two very swift times were posted and the fastest time was eventually brought down to 3’30’’. Of course, the track was very wet when I set my time! The winner of the free trackday was drawn randomly from all of the entries (times posted) over the weekend, and was won by Jake Stubbings who drives an MG Midget. Well done, Jake, we look forward to welcoming you to a trackday with MGs on Track. MGs on Track events are open to all MG drivers, and are a sociable, safe and inexpensive way to drive your car on many different circuits. To take part you just need a normal driving licence and a roadworthy car; helmets can be hired at the time of booking. See our website for lots more information. Incidentally, the photo shows MGs on Track’s Chairman Dave Pearce (no hat and no beard), and John Robertson (hat and beard, but no trousers) who, together with Brian Goodban, have very recently joined the MGoT committee. A warm welcome to John and Brian who both had the chance to run but bravely chose to remain!

www.mgcc.co.uk

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MGS ON TRACK – 2017 CALENDAR Please visit www.mgs-on-track.com to register,

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

check availability, or to book a track day. Registered members will receive regular newsletters and notification of event opening dates.

Blyton Park – August 21 Heroically filling the gap left by the cancelled Hethel event, Blyton Park, near Gainsborough, is a fun test track in similar vein to the Lotus facility but without the Armco! A dedicated MGoT day with numbers limited to just 18 in total, and only six cars on track per session. Castle Combe – September 11 A second opportunity to enjoy the thrills of this ever-popular track which includes a couple of chicanes and technical corners! Donington Park – October 2 A flowing, historic circuit in the Midlands, featuring the super Craner Curves and Old Hairpin sequence. Anglesey – October 13

June 17-18 was the premier MG event at Silverstone, MGLive! The Stowe circuit played host to the Sprint on the Sunday. As you can imagine, the organising required to put 132 cars onto a track for five competitive runs was quite a feat by the North West Centre. Because of the efforts of the Clerk of the Course, David Rainsbury, the event has become a favourite with not only the MG contingent but with the Austin Healey club, the TVR’s, Westfield and many and varied other marques. Some really magnificent machinery was to be seen tackling a demanding course which offers just about every type of corner you could wish for. The results are available on the website, but it is worth mentioning that Andy Walker carried off the coveted Ian Beresford award for the fastest NW Centre competitor. The following week we provided nine entrants to the Liverpool Motor club Aintree sprint. Top honours for that event were awarded to Ian Howlett in his MGF trophy. July 1 should have been the Barbon Manor hillclimb, near Kirby Lonsdale. In 2016 this event was plagued by the most horrendous rain. Lightning cannot strike twice in the same place? Oh yes, it can. Due to a very wet week preceding the event we all received a phone call to say it was cancelled. July 8-9 was our annual visit to Castle Hillclimb in Cornwall. Despite the distance for many people there was a good MG presence of 11 cars. This is a lovely venue in a very pleasant part of our fair land and the organisers are very welcoming and efficient. Results are not to hand at this time. The season marches on with Three Sisters sprint, Curborough and the Loton Park weekend all to come in August.

Experience this challenging circuit on a day shared with the Lotus 7 Club. Overlooking the Irish Sea and with views to Snowdonia this track offers something for all. Goodwood – October 31 Our second visit of the year, in case you missed the first due to popularity! Brands Hatch ‘Indy’ – December 4 Our last event of 2017. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy this undulating circuit including Paddock Hill Bend!

www.mgcc.co.uk

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MGLIVE!

OUT AND ABOUT AT Photos Damien Jennings, Andy Knott and Mick Edwards

IT WAS A FANTASTIC WEEKEND, PROBABLY THE BEST SILVERSTONE WEEKEND IN 20 YEARS

NICE TO SEE THE MG BTCC DRIVERS GET INVOLVED WITH ALL THE NEW

THE FUN. ROLL ON MGLIVE! 2018

LAYOUT WAS VERY GOOD WITH THE VILLAGE GREEN AT THE CENTRE OF EVERYTHING.

GREAT DAY AT MGLIVE! IT SEEMS TO GET BIGGER AND BETTER EVERY YEAR WELL DONE TO ALL THOSE WHO HELPED ORGANISE THIS GIANT OF AN EVENT. HAD A TRULY BRILLIANT TIME

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www.mgcc.co.uk

24/07/2017 17:18

MGLIVE!

GREAT DAY, GREAT WEATHER AND EVEN GOT MY ENTRY

FAB

PHOTO SIGNED BY ANT ANTSTEAD

AND G

THE LIVE MUSIC WAS VERY

FAB WEEKEND. GREAT

GOOD, HAD IT BEEN A MUSIC

WEATHER, GREAT PEOPLE

FESTIVAL I COULD HAVE SIT

AND GREAT CARS!

AND LISTENED ALL DAY

MGLIVE! WAS A BLAST. MIKE BREWER WAS BRILLIANT, AND RUSS SWIFT WAS AMAZING

DESPITE THE FANTASTIC HEATWAVE IT WAS SUCH A ‘CHILLED’ DAY, WILL DEFINITELY CAMP OVER NEXT YEAR.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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OVERSEAS NEWS

Magnettes awaiting Concours

MG 2017 NATIONAL MEETING

(NATMEET) ADELAIDE

By Peter Cook

ustralia’s 48th National meeting was held in Adelaide, the capital of South Australia. The city is named after Queen Adelaide, consort to William lV, and was founded in 1836 as the planned capital of South Australia. Unlike most other Australian cities Adelaide was not founded as a penal settlement, but instead as a city for free immigrants, and promised an absence of religious

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persecution. Colonel William Light, the first Surveyor-General of South Australia, designed the city on a grid system with wide boulevards, large squares, and with the centre surrounded by parklands. The city is close to, but inland from, the sea. Given its location and its history it is no surprise that Adelaide invariably features in any index of the world’s top 10 best cities to live in. Roughly 75 per cent of South Australia’s citizens live in Adelaide. An entirely

TFs awaiting Concours

fitting venue for Australia’s MG community to meet. For those who arrived on the day before Natmeet registration, the local MGCC put on a welcome in the club room where snacks and drinks were made available. Most MGCCs in the southern hemisphere have their own club house where socials take place and trophies are kept,

www.mgcc.co.uk

24/07/2017 17:18

OVERSEAS NEWS

and where there is a library for members to consult. Good Friday registration and scrutineering for those entering some of the timed events was followed by a “Noggin ‘n’ Natter” in the evening. Finger food was provided and the main activity of the evening was Rocker Cover Racing. This is something which seems to have had less appeal in the UK in recent years, even though UK weather is more suited, but it remains very popular at MG gatherings in North America and the Southern Hemisphere. Adelaide’s event was keenly, though amiably, contested. The eventual winner was Heather Bennett from South Australia. One of Natmeet’s sponsors, Kevin Weeks of the Weeks Group, provided a Lamborghini for the two lucky winners of the ‘Hot Laps’ raffle. This entailed a fast trip around the Mallala race track. Saturday brought the Concours event held at Wigley Reserve, Gleneig, on the coast just outside Adelaide. The event took up much of the day, from a 9.15am start. Vehicles arriving at the venue on trailers were required to be offloaded on the public road and then driven on to the concours site. Not permitted were judging aids, mirrors, ramps or stands. Judging commenced at 10.00am for the first stage and class finalists announced at 2.00pm, with outright judging completed by 3.30pm. As is usual, final winners were to be announced at Monday evening’s Presentation Dinner. In total 214 cars were entered for 30 classes, and while the great majority were ‘Abingdon’ cars, 36 were postAbingdon. The weather remained overcast but warm for much of the day, so fortunately neither marquees nor umbrellas were needed. The overall winners of the final three classes were: Jason Edwards (SA) with his TF for the pre-MGA Trophy, Allan Fabry (Victoria) with his MGC

www.mgcc.co.uk

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Natmeet panoramic view of Concours arena

GT for the post-MGTF Trophy, and Mark Dilger (Tasmania) with his MGF TF for the Modern MG Trophy. The Saturday evening dinner included an ‘MGM Theme’, and although ‘MGM’ was described in the programme as ‘Morris Garage Movies’, it became apparent that most participants interpreted the theme very broadly. Consequently there were two Charlie Chaplins, a youngish TD owner in black ladies underwear representing the Rocky Horror Show, and various characters from Star Wars, The Wizard of Oz, and, with a local feel, a good imitation of former Australian premier Gough Whitlam. With good food and copious amounts of liquid from Australia’s vineyards, it was a fun-packed evening. Sunday brought two alternative events, a Motorkhana held at Port Adelaide, and the Kimber Run which started from Glenelg. Organised by classes, the 93 Motorkhana entrants were faced with three contrasting tests – multiple loop, gables, and a straight slalom. As is usually the case, successful completion was as much a feat of memory as it was of driving ability. All vehicles were scrutineered, and all drivers had to attend the briefing prior to competing. The

overall winner was Stephen Jones from the Hunter region in his 1973 Midget. The alternative event, the Kimber Run, was in clear contrast to the Motorkhana. At 190km it was a non-competitive drive through some of South Australia’s iconic areas of the Adelaide Hills, the McLaren Vale wine growing area (which took in the Jacob’s Creek winery and estate), and the Fleurieu Peninsula. The Australian Automobile Association provided a vehicle to follow should anyone need it, and both coffee and lunch breaks were well provided for. Basically, this was a relaxed drive in good weather on mostly country roads. A very enjoyable day out for the less competitive, and which lessened the risk to engines and drive chains which the Motorkhana may have offered. The title ‘Kimber Run’ not only carried the name of MG’s founder, but included another MG milestone, the site of Australia’s first legal road race – retrospectively designated Australia’s first Grand Prix. On Boxing Day 1936 the first road race using public roads was held in the Port Elliot – Victor Harbour circuit. The 7.8 mile race had 27 starters and was held over 32 laps (approx. 250 miles). Featuring a

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handicap start, the winner was Les Murphy in an MG P-type at 3h 57m 36s, followed by Tim Joshua, also in a P-type, at 4h 7m 40s. Murphy took home £200 in prize money and had the satisfaction of knowing that MG had beaten a Riley Special, a Ford V8 Special and an Oldsmobile Special, among others. The organisers of the South Australia MGCC provided two further opportunities for the different motoring constituencies on the Monday. This was in the form of a Super Sprint and an Observation Run. The Super Sprint took place at the Mallala Motorsport Park, roughly 50 km north of Adelaide. This was an early start which was necessary for driver briefing and car checking. A practice time determined one’s place on the 12-car grid for the first timed round on the 2.6km circuit. Grids of 12 similarly timed cars were formed with each driver completing four timed flying laps for each of two runs. The overall winner was Matt Blanch, another entrant from Hunter, who achieved the best time of 1:24.2.

While the Super Sprint was in progress those who fancied a gentler Bank Holiday outing attended the Observation Run. Basically, it was a scenic tour of about 110 km with questions to answer. Observation rather than speed was the order of the day, especially as the South Australian speed limit is 50km/h unless otherwise signed. All questions could be answered by looking out the left side of the vehicle, and ample parking places were available for the few questions which required getting out. The weather was, as usual, warm and dry. Those who just wanted to drive followed the planned route without the questions and finished the run at the S.A. Company Store at Angaston. The Observation Run winners were Forbes and Anne Watson in their RV8. The final event of 2017’s Natmeet was the Presentation dinner. The organisers sensibly planned a reasonable number of awards to fit the time available and the wish to get through a three-course dinner. The John Wratten Memorial Trophy was awarded to the Queensland

Club as the club obtaining the most points over all four competitive events. The calculation includes a ‘fudge factor’ – a misnomer as there is no ‘fudge’ as such, but clubs receive a weighting based upon membership and proximity. The Nuffield Oceania Trophy was awarded to the Tasmanian Club, and again, there is a weighting factor. The Jean Kimber-Cook Perpetual Trophy recognises the most successful junior competing at the Natmeet and was this year awarded to Alexander Reeves from Newcastle (MGB GT V8), with Ghemma Beet of Victoria taking second place (MGB GT). Finally, the Hard Luck Trophy was awarded to Graham and Bev Hoyle from Queensland who were unable to attend due to their house and car being damaged by Cyclone Debbie. Overall, a splendid event which benefitted from good weather, very competent organising, and fraternallyminded participants. For 2018 it is the Tasmanian club’s turn to host.

Jason Edwards’ TD at Motorkhana

Natmeet 2017 future members?

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Natmeet 2017 1100s

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OVERSEAS NEWS

Peter Coulson’s ZR at Motorkhana

Mark Dilger’s Concours winning Modern MG TF

An Australian KN My wonderful hosts for the Adelaide 2017 Natmeet were Shelley and Bob Bazzica, long-term supporters of everything MG. Apart from a DB5 Superleggera, they own a J2 and an RV8, all of which are roadworthy. Tucked away in their garage, though,

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is another interesting MG, a KN (KN 0386) which about four decades ago became a ‘barn find’. The car was registered in the UK on September 27 1935 as BCE 186. The last UK owner was a Mr. Kramer of Mill Hill, London, in 1963. It is believed that the importer, Phil Redhead of Sydney,

may have imported a K1 at the same time. Bob bought the KN in pretty poor but original condition from someone in Melbourne for A$10,000 in 1987. This owner had bought the car with the intention of restoring it, but for various reasons had made little progress. Before retirement Bob owned a garage specialising in MG and other classic car restorations, so bringing a KN back to life is not a difficult challenge for him. So far the restoration has covered most of the mechanicals – including the remanufacture of two crankshafts by Peter Brady, owner of the Prince Bira K3. The original crank was broken. As we know, most KNs were modified in one way or another so that originals are thin on the ground. Bob plans to turn his KN into a replica of Cecil Kimber’s Corsica-bodied Magnette and hopes to finish this project by the end of this year. The final colours will be primarily deep maroon plus black. Bob is mindful that few KN saloons survive, so he has put the body, including the roof and the doors, in storage. The car can be returned to original in the future if need be. Given the state of Bob and Shelley’s J2, I suspect that their Corsica will be a real eye-catcher at MG and similar events sometime soon.

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OVERSEAS NEWS

MGB 55 anniversary at Bordeaux

he MG Club of France continues to flourish, surpassing 1,000 members this year to make it the fifth largest club in France in terms of numbers of members. It is divided into 21 Regions and eight Registers. At the recent annual general meeting Philippe Aubry was re-elected as president and Patrice Peret and Christian Lissot were elected joint vice-presidents. The success of the 2016 MG European Event of the Year and the award of the Nuffield Cup have both contributed to a high level of enthusiasm and enjoyment within the Club. We have made a 3D copy of the Nuffield Cup so that it can make a “Tour de France” this year, crossing the “hexagon” visiting the events during 2017 for people to be photographed with it for a future special Nuffield Cup edition. The cup has already completed

MG CLUB OF FRANCE By Wendy Packer Overseas coordinator MG Club of France wendy.packer@mgclubdefrance.com

MG Sport team at Spa Classic

many kilometres since its pilgrimage to Abingdon in January and appearances at motor shows in Paris and Reims, before arriving at the annual general meeting. You can find details and pictures of the Club, and follow its journey on the website and Facebook pages. At the initiative of the FFVE, a nationwide festival for historic cars was launched this year on the last Sunday of April, which will become an annual event. This event was clearly a reflection of the British historic car day, Drive-it Day, which has equally been a great success in the UK. Each Club encouraged their historic car owners to exhibit them everywhere they can, parade them, or offer rides to admirers. Similarly, many cities now organise classic runs across their cities, originally created to celebrate the

Nuffield Cup with MGCF at Abingdon

millennium in Paris. A new feature to the MG Club of France this year is dedicated to MG Sport, for those people wishing to do more lively activities such as track days and regularity rallies. A varied and comprehensive programme has been put together for this inaugural year, which has already been a great success. The MGB celebrated its 55th anniversary in June in the beautiful city of Bordeaux. The wet weather in May did not deter 25 T Types and MMMs from testing their waterproofing to tour the coastal towns around La Baule, Batz sur Mer and Le Pouliguen. The highlight of the weekend was a visit to the vast naval shipyards in Saint Nazaire to view four huge cruise liners currently under construction. Photographs of them were forbidden but the MGs were determined not to be upstaged by modernity.

For more information and photos of all the many events in France see the website: www.mgclubdefrance.com or follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MG-Club--de-France French MGA at SPA

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

Cream Crackers, from the Kobe MG Club of Japan, is our opener this month, and it’s the first time I’ve seen this excellent publication. The only friends I have who might be able to translate for me are in Australia, so I’m limited (by my ignorance) to the text in English and the self-explanatory photographs. On the first page is their slogan “The club for those who practise driving as an art”. They go on to say: “We are proud of the spirit and maintaining the breed. Home away from home for those from Abingdonon-Thames.” Lavishly illustrated with photographs of various events, including a visit to the UK, which took in Kimber House and the Motor Museum at Gaydon. I think I also spotted MGCC Overseas Director, Peter Cook, introducing the visitors to the delights of English beer. I trust that it was Old Speckled Hen and suitably cooled! A congratulatory letter from Peter is also included in the magazine. HERITAGE, from the MG Car Club of France, includes a three-page spread on engine lubrication systems, with some well-detailed drawings, showing how oil circulates, pressure is controlled and the liquid is cooled. I noted an item on re-trimming an MGA, clearly to a very high standard, and another about a 1956 MGA, with bodywork extensively modified at some time by Bob Lester of

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Chicago, in the USA. From a photograph, it also seems to have been fitted with a Supercharger. Their “T Series” and MGB Registers had well illustrated items, the latter on the evolution of the body shape to that which we all recognise today. MG KURIER, from the MG Car Club of Germany, includes a piece on one of my favourite (but not yet owned) models, the One and a Quarter Litre saloon. Aptly titled “So: Y not?” it has photographs of the saloon and convertible versions. I also enjoyed the photograph associated with an article on drum brakes, as the mechanic appeared to have two pairs of hands! Haven’t we all wished for that, at some time! A pretty much self- explanatory title of “Das Blaue Wunder” over a picture of a 177PS MG ZS, no doubt extolled the virtues of that superb model. Also included was an item on the Bremen Classic Motorshow and three photographs of an MGA, first stopped in a lay-by, then on the back of a recovery truck, and finally, with its differential in pieces. No translation required! Lastly were details of the many regalia items available to members. G-TORQUE, from the MG Car Club, Geelong, was an entertaining read, and my attention was

immediately caught by the photograph of an MGB parked outside an exhibition called “Night Life”. Closer inspection showed it to be about evening wear. A “B” is, of course, for any time of day or night! The club’s Librarian muses on which 10 people he has admired, have influenced his life, and whom he would invite to dinner. Included were Cecil Kimber and John Thornley, both of whom could, I guess, have influenced everyone who is a member of our Club. It’s a fun game; do try it. The report on their “Winch Run” to Winchelsea was notable, because it started at The Flying Brick Cider Company. I’d love to know how that got its name! Finally, a tongue-incheek piece explained that MGs do not actually leak oil, but that it’s a carefully designed system to coat the underside and thereby prevent corrosion. I doubt that many of our wives would accept that as reason for oil on the driveway! The final read, this month was THE CANTERBURY MaG, from New Zealand, which included an item titled “My 20 Plus MGs” by a member who clearly has “caught the bug”, and several reports on social events which have taken place, as well as a list of those planned for the future. Their President commented on the onset of autumn, which made me think as I write this article in England, at the beginning of summer. We are clearly all part of a world-wide club and, whatever the season is where we live, have this common interest, the Marque of Friendship, and the desire to practise driving as an art, to link us together. Long may it continue!

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ABINGDON WORKS

TONY COTTER sfscribe@mgabingdon.org.uk www.mgabingdon.co.uk I hope you’ve all recovered from the mini heatwave we experienced during MGLive! Gosh, wasn’t it hot in the Car Club marquee? The AWC was well positioned, sharing a pitch with our Midget Register friends on one side, and our B Register BEST friends on the other. Of course, all CRBs are our friends: after all, MG is the Marque of Friendship. However, the B Register had brought along an electric fan from which we could benefit. That’s why they are our BEST friends (at least for now). During the weekend, we were delighted to have so many people stop by for a chat and look through our merchandise.

ANGLIA

Remember, you can purchase AWC merchandise next time you visit Kimber House, as well as via our online store at www.mgabingdon.co.uk Having spoken to a few people during and after the Silverstone weekend, the general feedback is very positive about the changes made to this year’s format. In particular, the open-air Village Green seemed to be very popular, giving more of a festival feel to the event. The location of the Club marquee seemed to surprise a few this year, but being closer to the racing circuit had its advantages, even if a little noisy at times. Loud engine noise at a racetrack – whoever would have

ROB MUIR 01206 862619 scribe@mgccanglia.com www.mgcc.co.uk/anglia-centre Roger reports for us. MGLive! Great day, great weather The Anglia Centre had what was and a great line-up of MGs. On possibly the best-ever stand at a lovely summer’s day we met at MGLive! Space was shared with the National Trust Ickworth House The Caledonian Centre, and in Suffolk. visitors flocked to see the display An excellent area on grass all weekend. Thanks must go to had been set aside for our use, the hard-working members who close to all facilities and the house worked tirelessly answering the and gardens. questions of visiting guests. Present were 50 MGs. These Mike Pelling, our events ranged from T Types through organiser and competition MGA, B, C, GTV8, Midget, secretary, did a fantastic job in Magnette, RV8, modern TFs and Z organising the display for us, for cars, through to the latest MG3s. which the Anglia Centre can truly Wow, some display indeed, which be proud. was much admired by other visitors to Ickworth. Anglia Picnic At lunchtime groups of The traditional Anglia Centre members were seen enjoying their Summer Picnic was once again food and drink around their cars organised for us by Roger Latham in the glorious sunshine. and was as popular as ever, as

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thought it? The format changes were subtle enough to be successful, and not so radical as to spoil a winning formula. MGLive! was preceded by an informal Natter at the Westwood Hotel, Hinksey Hill, Oxford, on June 13. There was an excellent turnout, including some AWC members who haven’t attended a Natter for many years. We all sat and chatted in the glorious evening sunshine on the hotel terrace. Very nice! On the subject of Natters… I recently needed some respray work doing on one of my ZTs, and after a visit to my usual supplier, noticed that the estimate was very expensive, and much more than I had paid previously for a similar-sized job. It turns out that the owner of the family firm had retired,

and the bodyshop had been taken over by a chain, hence the increase in price. So, at a local Natter, I asked if anyone could recommend a good-quality paint sprayer in the area. One company was suggested and after a visit to their premises, near Wantage, I was given a much more competitive estimate. They were given the job, and I’m absolutely delighted with the finished work. So, you see, Natters are more than just a social gathering of like-minded MGers, they can actually save you money, too. This month sees the AWC Summer Day Out on August 20. This will be a run from Abingdon to Charlecote Park, a 12th-Century country house in Shakespeare country. Contact Mike and Jan Gething on 01295 254498 for details.

This most interesting house was there to view, for those who desired, together with the magnificent and colourful garden. I don’t suppose I was the only one who got a bit pinker than anticipated, lulled by the summer breeze! Next year’s venue is not yet in the planning stage but suggestions are welcome. Roger Latham

splendid collection of MGs took part.

The Anglia Summer Run Such is the successful year for Anglia members that the Summer Run, organised by Margaret Beresford and Barbara Pratley, was full before the closing date for entries. Run as a touring assembly, starting at Melton in Suffolk with a picturesque route of 55 miles and finishing at the Museum of East Anglian Life, with lunch at the Osier Cafe, a

Events Planning The Helmingham Hall Festival of Classic and Sports Cars takes place on Sunday August 6. The Anglia Centre will have a presence there and entry to the event with your MG is £10.00 for the car and two people with an extra £7.00 for each additional person or £3.00 for children. John Cumming 01359 259717 or Mike Pelling 01366 286944 would need to know as soon as possible if you would like to display your classic car so an email ticket could be arranged. AGM Please note that the Anglia Centre AGM set for Saturday September 23 will be at a new venue, The Anchor, Stratford St Mary, near Colchester, CO7 6LW.

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CALEDONIAN

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Tåhe show season is well underway. We had a great time at MGLive! even though we were a bit down on numbers. Sharing with Anglia Centre we were well situated just outside the main Club marquee and spent time promoting our three- and fourday tours. Next year we expect to repeat the process and hopefully more CRBs will take the plunge and put on their own ‘mini show’. We would also like to try to get a team organised for the (non-car damaging!) Autotests. Look out for more on our website about a possible practice session for this. MGLive! 2018 dates are not yet announced but when they are put them in your diary and let’s make a Caledonian weekend of it! In a few days’ time we will be at the Ignition Festival of Motoring at the Glasgow SEC,

joining forces again with Bo’ness Revival. Look us up if you attend. I think we are outside in the ‘Paddock’ area! Our offer of discounted tickets might still be available; check our website. And Bo’ness looms on the September horizon! Entries will close in August (at time of writing this I’m not sure when) so do check. We expect to have 30-plus cars, including some from Octagon and also some competition MGs on show. It’s always a great weekend with plenty of track action and the Classic Car Show grows every year. This is the 10th year of the event and the organisers have some special features lined up. Don’t forget the Fun Day and BBQ on July 27 at Yetts o’ Muckhart. Meeting at 11am for some (optional!) driving tests organised by Andy Baillie, with

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The ACE RUN – signed on at the Okehampton Railway Station with a full English breakfast and a mug of tea, a good start to the day. Flagging off was at intervals but having a high number meant we were up later and arrived when most cars had gone. One owner told his son and navigator it was the week after, so he had to follow a car in front. Lots of new faces I did not recognise, probably from the Exeter area. With the sun shining and the car roof down, another

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trip around the headlands of Devon with glorious views to stop for a picnic lunch. One village we drove through was having its scarecrow competition, with Bob the Builder just finishing a house, a witch flying from the roof of a house, and one scarecrow made entirely from grass, all very impressive. After negotiating the many roundabouts in Tiverton we finished at St Petroc’s College for a cream tea, two cups of tea and scones done the Cornish or Devon

The Anglia Centre and Caledonian Centre stands at MGLive! lunch and BBQ at 1.00pm, this is just a relaxing day where you can meet other members and chat about everything and anything! Check our website for details and do come along. You will enjoy it and might be surprised to find that the driving tests can be fun too! And they might be good practice for MGLive! next year! Our Curry Night and Run in June was well supported and we may try to have another one or two evening events. Our August and September runs to Arran and Orkney are fully booked, so your next opportunity for a run is Tony Smith’s October Tea and Rails day on the 8th. It’s filling up quickly so if you would like to attend

please book very soon! For those of you who would like a proper run then the European Event of the Year locations for the next three years have been announced: Switzerland next year with applications opening on September 1, Spain in 2019 and Germany in 2020. I doubt if I’ll make next year but Germany in 2020 will be in my diary! I will be organising our annual Newsletter shortly. If any of you would like to submit an article, perhaps on an MG event you have been on or regarding your own MG, then please get in touch. A volunteer is better than two conscripts!

way and plenty of room to chat to people. Thanks to Bob, Barb with Vic and Margaret for putting this run on. We recently had an unexpected meeting of the clans in the A & E! Mick Warne had a big lump on his forehead, Conner Cather nearing 100, and a founder member of the Devon and Cornwall Centre, one shot knee, and Peter Heath with four broken ribs. What an exciting time. The South Hams Natter had a few days away to visit Abingdon and Head Office, Kimber House, to see the finished Bill Wallis Wing and also visit the Kimber Stores shop. Afterwards, lunch at the White Horse before a journey along pretty back roads to end up

at Leamington Spa for the night. One person ended up at Warwick Castle, the views too good to miss. The next day, a visit to the Motor Museum at Gaydon was organised to see the vast array of motor cars. Dates for the Diary August 13 – Devon Day – see website. September 10 – Cornish Riviera Run. Hope to have a few more entries for this event. Do not forget the closing date of August 15. This is for the plaques to be printed in time for the event. October 22 – North Cornwall and Tamar Trial. If anybody is free to marshal for Bob Slater he will be pleased for any help or to hear from you.

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May 10 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 24 2018

The Country Lane Tours Targa Sicilia last May, tying in with celebrations marking the 100th running of the Targa Florio and the 110th anniversary of its inception, was voted a tremendous success by all participants. The event was oversubscribed so it will run for the second and last time in 2018, with entries restricted as previously to fifty cars. Starting with the overnight ferry from Genoa, the tour begins with two nights in Villa Igiea, a stunning hotel overlooking the bay of Palermo and originally owned by the Florio family. Small car, small engine - no problem! From Palermo the tour follows the coast to halts in Mazara del Vallo, Agrigento (Valley of the Temples), Ragusa (Montalbano country!), Siracusa and Taormina before skirting Mount Etna and calling in at Autodromo di Pegusa on the way back to Cefalu and the ferry. With brilliant driving roads, including the Targa Florio itself, stunning scenery, and numerous amazing attractions, this is a holiday of a lifetime with your vintage or classic car, especially as you can drive the Targa Florio route and Automobile Club Palermo will be opening up the Floriopolis Pits and museum especially for us. To receive a full detailed information pack, including a FREE DVD of last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tour, email your postal address to countrylanetours@gmail.com or call Ian on 01824 790280, but hurry as entries have already been received, including one from a participant last time!

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CENTRES

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

August Natters: Wolds Wednesday 2 (Landlords Choice); Lincolnshire Poacher Friday 4; Wishing Well Wednesday 9 (Social Drive); Abbey Lodge Monday 14 (Table Top Rally); Three Horseshoes Thursday 17; Admiral Nelson Thursday24. Early September Natters: Lincolnshire Poacher Friday 1. August Events: East Kirkby Air Show MG Display Saturday 5; Revesby Show MG Display Sunday 6; Boston Classic Car Show Sunday 13; Poacher Concours Doddington Hall Sunday 19. Luncheon Club: Wednesday 16. The big event in June was, of course, MGLive! Centre members

were active in most disciplines. Mark Bellamy entered his ZR in both Cockshoot Cup races, winning a first in class in one and a third in class in the other. In the Concours Arena Dean Smith’s MG TF was second in the Post '55 Roadster Class, Vicki Edge’s MGB Roadster was second in the Premier Class and the MGA of Geoff Edge was awarded the NTG Garage Trophy for Best MGA. The California Cup Autotests were held inside the circuit this year, which attracted a larger entry than in previous years, so well done the team of Nigel Pack, Bryan Pack and Matt Walbran for winning the BMC Trophy, and the team of David Stonehouse,

MIDLANDS

BRIAN OSBORN 0121 445 4889 brianosbornmg@gmail.com www.mg-cars.org.uk/mgccmidlandcentre

Hooray! Summer is here, or at least it is as I write and was for those on some recent MG events, like MGLive! and the last Arden MG Heritage Run on Sunday June 11, when a very good turnout of MGs headed through the country lanes from Evesham to Stanway House. I am hoping it continues for the Joint Natter on July 12. Maybe I saw you there? Andy Robson mentioned our Welsh Rallye on May 19-21 in the last notes, so all I need to say is thanks to all who went. I believe you enjoyed the 20th Anniversary of this event as a challenging, noncompetitive touring run. The organising committee is already planning next year’s event

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and is looking at heading to other parts of Wales for a change. The consensus at this year’s event was for a two-nighter again and we are currently checking hotel availability for May 11-13 and 1820 2018. More on this later, but rest assured it will be good value once again. Also in the near past is MGLive! on June 17-18 and our camp marshals were busy again. It went well, under the guidance of our new team headed by Scott Munton. Thanks to all those who helped. As mentioned earlier, in July there was the Annual Joint Natter when the Worcestershire, Warwickshire and Hereford

Robert Taylor and Ena Fox, winners of the Longbridge Trophy. Individual awards to Bryan Pack Class five winner, to Robert Welch Class eight winner, to Robert Taylor Class seven winner and to Malcolm Clark Class nine winner. The California Cup itself was won by the Ulster Centre. A new event on Sunday was the AutoSolo, which also attracted a large entry. In theory, this is easier than the Autotest

as the cones are all numbered and with a pointer to show which side to pass, but looking at the results there were quite a number of WD (wrong direction) penalties. Matt Walbran achieved the fastest single run and Ian Webb the fastest combined time over the three runs. The Luncheon Club had a visit to the Grange and Links Hotel at Sandilands where members enjoyed a nice meal in very pleasant surroundings.

Jordan Fox cutting it too fine in the California Cup!

Natters all meet up. This year we again gathered at The Rose and Crown, Severn Stoke, WR8 9LQ (Map Ref (150) 856441). The Centre’s Summer Picnic was at Shelsley Walsh once again when we joined in with the MAC’s Nostalgia Weekend on July 23. Hopefully, we had a dedicated MGCC parking area, depending on how many booked tickets in advance on our code. More next month. Then we will be into August and our Summer Sprint on Sunday August 6. For those speed merchants out there, the Regs and Entry Forms are already on our website – look under ‘Events’. We will be using the figure of eight course again as we did in April and it should make for a competitive day again. Last April saw the most spectators for many a year; it

must be getting around that it’s free admission for our event. Then it’s our Autumn Trial at Burton Dassett, which is scheduled for Sunday September 24. After very many years of us holding this event at Burton Dassett Country Park, near Gaydon, the County Council have advised that as from 2018 they will not be allowing any motor events. Shame! So this will be the last of this popular trial, so if you want to be part of it the Regs and Entry Form are on our website, under ‘Events’. More info from Tony Lake on 01604 589104. To end on a very sad note: the committee have just said a final goodbye to their late Chairman. Paul Hipkiss lost his battle with the big C and his funeral and wake were on July 11. More on this elsewhere, but RIP Paul.

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CENTRES

NORTH WEST PAUL GOODMAN 01625 876300

Our August events begin with the Cockshoot Cup. There will be races on August 5 and 6 at the scenic Anglesey Circuit at a meeting run by the British Racing and Sports Car Club. Then we have several social meetings with the first being The Old Hall Farm Pub on Tuesday August 8. A week later, we will be holding our summer gathering at the Plough and Flail on Tuesday August 15.

The lunchtime pub meeting will be on Wednesday August 30 at The Parr Arms, Grappenhall, Warrington, WA4 3EP. We will be displaying a superb line-up of cars at the Oulton Park Gold Cup on Sunday August 27 and Monday August 28, so drop by for a chat if you are spectating. Look out for our green flags. Then we will be back at Oulton Park on Saturday

MGA Luggage Racks at the Plough and Flail Concours. Photo: Paul Goodman

SOUTH EAST

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

The summer is rushing past, with a significant number of sunny days for classic car motoring. Forthcoming events in the South East: August sees the European Event of the Year being held in Porto, Portugal, August 3-6, contact geral@portomgclube.pt August 25-28 – The Marches Raid/Rally is being held in Shropshire. It is hoped that some MGCC SE members will be able to travel up for this event, organized by some former SE members. The weekend includes a mini naviscat, dinner in a local restaurant, a drive to Croft Castle for a tour and a visit to the Spaceguard Centre. For full

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details see the programme on the MGCC SE web page and contact Nick and Laura Rowlatt to confirm your attendance. It is recommended that you book accommodation soonest, as the event is being held over a bank holiday weekend. September 24 is the autumn gathering at Chiddingstone. This is a pay on the day event being run by Andrew Mitchell. Andrew is still looking for volunteers to help out on the day, too. (andrewmgfvvc@gmail.com) Tickets are priced at £15/car with gates opening at 10.30am. There will be a PoO and Concours running on the day. October 8 Autumn Naviscat being run by the infamous Leigh

September 2 for our own race meeting. There will be races for most types of MG and a round of the Cockshoot Cup. There will be the opportunity to drive round the circuit at lunchtime in a convoy, Register parking overlooking the circuit and an MGCC stand. Tickets can be purchased in advance from the circuit, giving a significant discount on the entry price. Parking and child admittance are free. Please come along and support one of our major North West Centre events. Our stand at the EventCity Classic Car Show has now been confirmed for September 16-17. This means that you have just a few weeks until the end of the month to submit your photo competition entries. The shortlist will be displayed and visitors invited to vote for the winner.

Looking back to June, the Cockshoot Cup races at MGLive! were won by Ashley Woodward driving his MG ZS and Ray Collier in his MG ZR. Class winners were Ian Wright’s Midget and Brian Butler’s MGF on both days, with Class B going to Mike Peter’s Midget and Mark Bellamy driving his MG ZR. Ray, Mike and Ian won the Tim Forwood Trophies for their aggregate performances. The Sunday sprint was a huge success with 123 drivers all having five runs on the Stowe Circuit. The Centre Committee would like to thank all those members who worked so hard on the day and particularly David and Pat Rainsbury. The Plough and Flail concours had a record number of cars on display with more than 70 MGs filling the pub car park, with a substantial number of other marques as well.

team, Chris and Janice, who have a particular skill for winning these events – please keep the date free, full details to follow next month. There are plenty of local events to attend, too, all of which are on the MGCC SE webpage. For those wishing to tick items from their bucket list, Doug Bush from Australia continues to run a very hectic schedule. June saw a really successful MGLive! event at Silverstone, with spectacular racing and a much-improved family show and great new layout. MGCC’s order of full sunshine was delivered on time, resulting in an excellent couple of days. The South East stand saw many visitors from far and wide including Sweden, New Zealand, USA, Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Scotland and Wales. This year we had

handouts for all of the SE groups and so were able to give these out, hopefully encouraging some new members. Thanks to all those who volunteered their time.

MGCC SE Stand at MGLive! Photo: Ian Ailes

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CENTRES

SOUTH WEST

DAVE COPPOCK 01934 834429 dave_coppock_mg@hotmail.com Bristol Classic Car Show. Our stand in the centre of the main hall at the West of England showground once again featured four well-presented cars. Bob Griffiths’ MG TD2, Sue Owst’s '’high mileage'’ MGB GT, plus Paul Phillips’ MGB roadster. Finally Kingsley Beck’s much admired MGA 1600 which won the runnerup award for best open sports car at the show. Congratulations to him. The Centre’s stand was judged third overall and chairman, Jim Lott, received our award plus a £100 cheque towards Club funds. A big thank you to all who helped over the weekend at this prestigious event. Aero Day. British planes, British cars and British weather.

The Beagle pup light aircraft is celebrating its 50th anniversary and scheduled a day of flying activity based at Kemble airfield. The ever-enthusiastic Tony Blake arranged our visit, followed by a drive out into the Cotswolds. Unfortunately the poor weather did not permit any take-offs on the day. Big disappointment. However, a few cars took a drive out across the hills in between the showers, proving once again that “you can do it in an MG”, even in the rain. Our main summer picnic event a week later was held at the West Somerset Railway Centre, near Shepton Mallet. The sights and sounds of working steam engines made a suitable atmosphere for us to enjoy the day with something

TYNE TEES

NOEL LINDFORD noel.lindford@btinternet.com

Past Events Skylive! at Durham Tees Valley Airport: This year I was asked to co-ordinate the classic car display, a multi-marque display of up to 200 cars of all ages. I did make sure that MGCC had a very varied and creative display of 23 MGs, including some from our good friends in Yorkshire Centre, not least Ken Cothliff, who did all the commentary on the flying displays throughout the day. Prince Bishops and St. Cuthbert’s Runs: These simultaneous runs attracted a combined entry of 60 cars, with the PBR starting from Stokesley in the south, and the northern SCR starting from the Maritime

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Centre at Newbiggin. Ian Whyte put together a superb SCR run that took the cars on a 90mile route, with the morning section heading west across Northumberland to a lunch halt at Kirkharle Courtyard. The afternoon section took the cars south, well west of Newcastle, before crossing into the Land of the Prince Bishops and on to Durham City. The PBR entrants did the whole of the 99-mile route in glorious sunshine, with new sections not driven before, on a varied driving route via Northallerton, to the lunch halt at Richmond, with reserved parking. The afternoon section took the cars north west into County Durham,

of interest for everyone. The MGA Register south west road run also finished here, making a fine turnout of cars. After a day of exceptional sunshine we all went home very happy. For those of you residing in the west of our region, you are reminded of our long association with the friendly and very active Woolbridge Motor Club, www. woolbridge.co.uk We are invited to many of their events, including their forthcoming road run on Sunday August 13. A 70-mile drive from Wiscombe Park, near Honiton, and finishing at the Fleet Air Arm museum, Yeovilton. Entrants will receive a route book, rally plaque, an observation quiz sheet and a free run up the Wiscombe hill climb. This event comes strongly recommended and will be supporting multiple sclerosis research.

Our premier speed event at Wiscombe Park, Honiton, will be on Saturday September 9. Entries have nearly reached the maximum of 145, which includes rounds of six additional one make club championships. Lots to see, and the best way to see the action is to volunteer as a marshal for the day. You will gain free admission, a privileged track side view of the action and even a free lunch. Phone Jon Pittard 01275 879632 to learn more.

skirting Hamsterley Forest, up to Wolsingham and Tow Law, then on to the finish at Palace Green opposite Durham Cathedral. Here all cars came together for a very welcome cream tea. The chosen car awarded the Prince Bishops Trophy was the blue MG1300 Mk2 of Ken Armstrong, whilst Sean Morton picked up the Prebends Trophy for his Oxford Blue MG RV8. The Spirit of the Event award went to Rob and Jane Parry for ‘Zip’, their superbly restored Amaranth preproduction MGF VVC (with race history) which they had driven up from the West Midlands.

Hamsterley Hoppings: Sunday August 27. Tyne-Tees Centre will have a stand at this excellent village show, which raises so much money for local charities. To display your car, please contact Dennis Hope on 07970 115202 or email denhope@hotmail.co.uk

Events Coming Up Croft Nostalgia Weekend: August 5-6. Bookings are now closed, but why not join us anyway, as a public entrant, and visit us on our stand of 30 MG cars. An event not to be missed!

The Bristol Classic Car Show

10th Old Speckled Hen Run and Herriot Road Safety Trial: Sunday September 10. This special event incorporates the Herriot Road Safety Trial, which will include one or two manoeuvrability tests, observed sections on the route, and the odd question or two from the Highway Code, as well as driving and navigating your way across three dales on superb quiet roads, in sublime scenery. An engaging road trip with a mildly competitive element, ideally suited to MG cars. An entry form should be in this issue of Safety Fast!

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The 10th Tyne-Tees Old Speckled Hen Run and 35th Anniversary Herriot Road Safety Trial Sunday September 10 2017 ENTRY FORM This year’s event is a 96 mile tour of Swaledale, Wensleydale and Teesdale, starting from the Rokeby Inn, west of Scotch Corner on the A66, and finishing just west of Darlington. The Herriot trial is a mildly competitive element of this event including manoeuvrability tests, and motoring questions at points on a route that takes you into some of the most stunning scenery and amazing driving roads you will ever encounter in Northern England. Your details: Mr/Mrs/Ms First Name Address Email: MGCC Membership No: (if applicable) Your car’s details: Make

Model

Surname Home Tel. No.

Year

Postcode Mobile:

Reg. No.

Entry fee: £17.50 per car for MGCC members or £20.00 for non-members. All entrants receive a Rally Plate, Route Book, and based on 2 per car, a drink at the start & light afternoon tea at the finish. Breakfast rolls are available at the start and these can be pre-booked. Please insert requirements for bacon / or sausage butties at £2.50 each and include with your entry fee. Refreshments for extra passengers are charged at £5 per person, so please include with your payment. *MGCC Tyne-Tees Centre Members only: Redeeming your Loyalty Reward Voucher, for discounted entry? Y/N Total payment (entry fee + any pre-paid breakfast items) = £……….. Make cheques payable to MGCC Tyne-Tees Centre. If using Internet banking the details are as follows: Sort Code: 40-43-13 Account No: 41051067 quoting TTOSHR and your surname. Please send your entry form to Noel Lindford, 3 Springbank, Peterlee, Co. Durham SR8 1FA or email to: noel.lindford@btinternet.com Further information is available from Noel on 0191 5870753 or 07432 152095 Closing date for entries is September 1 2017. This Touring Assembly will have MSA Approval www.mgcc.co.uk

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CENTRES

YORKSHIRE

DAVID COPEMAN 07920 064585 www.mgccyorkshire.co.uk North – Colin Brear June Natter enjoyed a scenic run to Malham, returning via Settle to the Tempest Arms. Members visited the Donington Grand Prix Collection, followed by a trip round the Norton Motorcycle Factory nearby. The Hardwick Inn provided a superb meal. We hosted the Compass Run (Sunday July 30) following Paul Croft’s route to Lotherton Hall, Aberford. The event was a great success, bringing all Yorkshire’s MGCC together. This year’s Dales Run is on Sunday August 27. Telephone Paul Croft NOW to book: 01274 783442.

South – Geoff Norcliffe Enjoyed by our Natter members in June were the Prince Bishop’s Run by the Tyne Tees Centre and MGLive! at Silverstone where some of our members were giving a helping hand on each day. Alas, our Pride of Ownership for the Douglas Cup became a victim of the weather and is held over to the July Natter. One new and one returning member were welcomed to the Natter. East – Brian Rylance The first social run of the year took us on a guided tour of Lincolnshire speed traps! To their credit, several members are still talking to the organisers. Pride of Ownership results are: Class 1 Jill and Greg

ULSTER

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

A small but effective Ulster Centre Team headed south to the California Cup Autotests and AutoSOLO at MGLive! 2017 in mid-June. Noel Lindford and his Tyne Tees team had produced three challenging tests right in the middle of the Arena, so many spectators enjoyed the fray and applauded the quick or (over) exuberant runs. Stiff but sporting opposition came from Lincolnshire’s three teams and Yorkshire Centre. The Lincolnshire top team comprised drivers of three fast Midgets and competition with Ulster was nip-and-tuck. At the end of the nine runs, only a whisker of 20 seconds separated the two teams, but this year the

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California Cup was won by the Ulster Team who also picked up FTD and the MGB Register Trophy. The AutoSOLO next day proved to be more of a ‘brainteaser’ for the Cali-Cup veterans who all failed the first run! This left Roger Dawson, who had never driven his dad’s MGB before, as the only Ulster driver to pull off three clear runs. His resulting ninth in the Rear Wheel class out of 23 was a very creditable performance for his first outing in an MG. The Centre’s June Autotest was held at a new venue, Carlisle Fuels depot near Crossgar. We had previously used the site for a Trial and had recognised its potential for autotesting. For the evening,

Thornton, MGB. Class 2 Keith Dixon, MG Midget. Class 3 Steve Mills MG TF. Best in Show receiving the Ray Cook Trophy, Keith Dixon. West – David Copeman We had a new member at the June Natter, although it will be a while before he drives an MG: 3-week-old Archie Johnson brought his parents to the Natter. David Caswell concluded the evening with a short general knowledge quiz. Plenty of MG events in August (see website). Tiger – Pete Welbourn The Natter leader’s decisionmaking reached an all-time high in early June; in place of our normal Wednesday run it was changed to Thursday to avoid a clash with a local car show. Wednesday was a beautiful summer day, and of

course Thursday was the start of monsoon season. The run itself to the Goodmanham Arms was planned by Derek and Chris, and had it not been for the low cloud and drizzle would have afforded wonderful views of the Wolds. Vale of York – Ken Cothliff June Natter was our first Pride of Ownership event, and the best number of MGs attending so far – 19 in total. However, there were 16 different models of MG, quite remarkable. I think it is unlikely that many other Natters could match that. The winner was Terry Hartley with his PB, second Tony Hay’s NA, and third Rob Lowery’s YB. Tony also won the ‘hosts award’ from Kim at the Masons, our venue. Thanks to all who took so much trouble to take part, and Chas Hills for putting it all together.

Gordon Buckley had set the three tests of increasing difficulty but handed over CoC duties to enable him to compete. The first test for the 19 entrants involved a twolap sprint around a warehouse incorporating a slalom and a ‘figure eight’ which generated much ‘full of the rack’ sideways action. Test two centred on a box formation laid out on smooth concrete and the final and most difficult test was in the confines of coal yard. Top slot went to Richard Earney in his Mini followed closely by Gordon Buckley in his Midget who successfully fought off the

Japanese onslaught from Andrew Earney and Mark Francis. Our thanks must go to Carlisle Fuels and we certainly hope to use their premises again in the future. Dates for your diary: August 13 BBQ at Gordon and Ruth Buckley’s – Killinchy (Please return emailed booking form and money) September 1 Ulster Classic Trial (Noel’s event) September 3MG Day and Picnic – Transport Museum, Craigavad (friends with an MG, whether member or not, are welcome)

Ulster Centre winning California Cup Team – Gordon Buckley, Stephen Dawson and Bryan Mutch

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REGISTERS

VINTAGE

JOHN VENABLES 01865 862573 johnandtriciav@gmail.com

When I learnt at the Council meeting last October that the MGLive! event was undergoing some significant changes, I had an idea to bring two Registers together at the event. People may think that the Vintage Register and the V8 Register is an unusual alliance (although maybe not in today’s political climate) but it does show the true marque of friendship. The V8 Register invited us to join them in their marquee. It was a hot weekend but the combination worked well and, despite a low turnout of Vintage cars, the Register was able to add to its funds selling items and spares. It seems the Registers may have become trendsetters, as some other CRBs are looking into the same idea for next year.

The marquee was set out with tables and chairs, providing tea and home-made cakes and was a welcome respite from the heat. John Day’s 18/80 was on display in the main marquee and attracted a lot of interest. Our thanks go to the V8 Register for offering their support. John Day was able to present a Marque of Friendship award to Victor Smith, the outgoing V8 Register Chairman, during the V8 AGM in recognition of his work with the Register. The MGB Register are holding a summer picnic on August 6 at Millets Farm Centre, near Frilford, OX13 5HB, and have invited the Vintage Register to attend. There is plenty to see and do at the farm centre, with activities for all ages.

TRIPLE M

JEREMY HAWKE +44 (0)1225 863934 mgk3007@btinternet.com www.triple-mregister.org

Continued work commitments mean that I’ve had my head down last month. Silverstone and the Summer Gathering (as I write these notes) were both missed, so I rely on others for a few words and pictures. However, all being well I should be along to

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Pre-War Prescott where there is a bumper MMM entry looking to have fun trundling up the hill and generally having a good time. Silverstone Information and photos courtesy of George Eagle. Our photos show the PB Airline, PB0608 owned by Ron Looms, on display on the Saturday looking absolutely immaculate, and one of our Register marquee (J2529 lurking in the foreground). On Sunday the car on display was Colin Butcher’s much-travelled PA, chassis PA1185, which he has owned for about

Please contact John Watson from the MGB Register if you would like to book a place; advert in last month’s Safety Fast! Plans are beginning to take shape for the Spring Tour 2018 to Yorkshire. Provisionally based in Pickering, the tour will incorporate the many varied activities the area

60 years! After many years ‘in rebuild’ Colin is making up for lost time, currently putting some serious miles on the clock and many of the rest of us to shame. The marquee proved to be popular and was both a focal point for people to meet and also help themselves to tea/coffee/ soft drinks/biscuits. Given the hot weather the soft drinks were the most popular. An added attraction was the display of castings put on by Andy and Angie King. Rich Stott, Librarian, reported that the new Yearbook sold well – total sales were £1,700. The attendance of Triple-M owners was noticeably smaller than usual, and the number of traders, including Sports and Vintage Motors, was also down. On Saturday I counted only 13 cars in the allotted Register parking area. Regular overseas

has to offer, including road runs and a trip to the steam railway. Please look out for more details to follow in the coming weeks. The last three years have seen tours based in the south of the country and Guernsey and they have proved very popular with Register members. Debbie Brading

members visiting include Roby Cruswage and Walter Kallenberg. We also had a MMM presence in the main Club marquee, with the recently rebuilt ex-demonstrator PB 4-seater, chassis PB0295 owned by Bryan Ditchman, on show. See you all out and about (when I get the chance)!

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REGISTERS

SVW

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

When you receive this at the beginning of August, the SVW event at Stoke-by-Nayland will have been and gone and, if Robert and Jane Crayston’s excellent pre-event organisation is anything to go by, it will have been a super event. The September edition is our bi-annual four-page spread, so we should have plenty of photos to show you.

restored his own VA Tickford (chassis 1813) with details of how he had to fashion components locally, often without a template – photos next month. I also met Chris Mayes at Brooklands, who lives in Thailand and is currently rebuilding another VA Tickford that was severely fire-damaged. Quite a story to come in due course.

Tickfords Abroad I’ve had recent contact will fellow SVW owners in unusual locations this month. Having posted on social media the video of me driving my VA Tourer at the age of 18 (see last month), I was contacted by Manreet Sarkaria in India who has

NZ VA Tourers Change Hands The NZ SVW Newsletter reported some changes of ownerships. Terry Beresford has now sold VA Tourer (chassis 1075) to Rod Naylor, which remains in NZ. Keith Barclay has sold VA Tourer (chassis 1756) to Martin Campbell of California. Remarkably, Martin is the son of

T TYPE

JOHN WARD 01621 773606 johnw.ward@yahoo.co.uk www.tregister.org All that planning and hard work and suddenly the T Register calendar of events for 2017 has passed us by for another year; that is, with the exception of the Autumn Tour. The two recent events, MGLive! at Silverstone and the T Party at Chateau Impney, were

held in glorious sunshine and very well supported by the T Type fraternity. There were over 50 Ts at Silverstone on the Saturday by 11.00, and what a change – parasols in lieu of umbrellas. All change in the layout this year, with the MGCC marquee sited

Paul Critchley in TD MNE 4, giving it all in the California Cup competition

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Paul and his VA Tourer at Brooklands Double Twelve Event

Brooklands Double Twelve A recent highlight for me was at Brooklands on June 17, my birthday. Coincidentally, Brooklands first opened on June 17 1907, so 110 years ago. For some time, Brooklands had been working towards this date to re-open the finishing straight that was hidden under a huge WW2 hangar which housed several

aircraft exhibits, including a Wellington bomber. The turnout of pre-war cars was amazing, several of which had been selected to drive on the hallowed concrete after it was officially opened by Lord March. Seeing the original ‘big beasts’, such as Brooklands’ own Napier-Railton and BABS – the 1926 27-litre land speed record holder – coaxing their aero engines into life and putting them through their paces was something to behold. I leave you with a photo of my VA Tourer there on the day.

in the proximity of Brooklands adjacent to the arena, and the T Register given a prime location for positioning, the Specials marquee. On the competition front, the most exciting news was that the T Register team of Paul Critchley, Brian Goodban and Richard Hirst

carried off the Register Trophy in the California Cup. It is the first time we have entered a team for a number of years, so many congratulations to them. The 2017 T Register T Party at Chateau Impney – a full report in the next edition of Safety Fast! and in the July edition of TRN.

the first owner! Also in NZ, Bill Brehaut is selling his VA Tourer (chassis 1609), which is still available.

The new-look ‘T’ Register stand; note the superb backdrop which is available as a limited-edition poster. Go to the website or Facebook to find out more.

AUGUST 2017 SAFETY FAST! 85

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REGISTERS

Y TYPE

JERRY BIRKBECK jerrybirkbeck@btinternet.com www.mgccyregister.co.uk Tel: 01926 258691 Mob: 07855 566325 MGLive! How often have we experienced the vagaries of British summer at this annual gathering? Too often – rain, wind, occasional sun, muddy underfoot, with at times conditions more akin to a wet Glastonbury. However, this year it was sunshine all round with temperatures in the high 20s. Traditionally Mike and Sue Silk bring down all the regalia to spread out on the Club stand. However, after taking less than a tenner last year, they decided that on this occasion it would be no more than a virtual display, where items could be ordered and future needs discussed. The Committee fully endorsed their decision.

The Saturday was by far the busiest and with examples of each of the marque present (YA, YT and YB) we shared experiences with a number of keen and prospective owners. Gary and Sue Gibbs bought their lovely two-tone YA and, of course, Maggie and Paul Grafham had Little Gem at the centre of attention. This was the YB that was willed to MGCC by the late Tim Pennicott, who was a good friend of Maggie and Paul and therefore fitting that they are now the owners of this rather special car. One of the agreements made by MGCC about the sale of Little Gem was that a painting would

MAGNETTE

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

As expected, there was a good turnout of Magnettes and other classics for the gathering at Wroxall Abbey Hotel on July 5 to celebrate the life of Trevor Jones, who sadly passed away in June. With around 100 friends and family present, Peter Martin spoke about Trevor’s contribution to the Register committee, and how they first met nearly 20 years ago. Grant Howlett

photo: Magnettes at Wroxall

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(who kindly hosted the event) read a moving appreciation from Steve Kirby and the Z Magnette Group of North America, highlighting the breadth of technical knowledge that Trevor contributed, in particular on the ZMG mailing list/ discussion group. I’m not certain if Trevor would altogether have appreciated being the centre

be undertaken and be hung in Kimber House. Register Chairman, Chris Callaghan, made a presentation of an excellent interpretation of the car by the artist Kevin Parrish* to Club President, John Day, who was very impressed at the outcome. Round Britain Relay The Round Britain Relay has reached the halfway stage and on the clockwise route is as far as Warwick. The anticlockwise stages are near Halifax, as I write this. By the end of July the final stage from Rugby to Abingdon will take place, along with the Warwick leg. All cars meet at Kimber House on Sunday July 30, with a celebration taking place from 1.00pm onwards to which all Y owners are welcome. It will be a special occasion to mark

of attention – when putting a slideshow together from the Register archive there weren’t many photos of him in the limelight. But Rosie and the family felt it was the ideal way for everyone to share their memories and express their gratitude for having known Trevor, and I’m sure all present would agree. Norwich weekend As mentioned previously, the Lou Shorten Tribute event (September 30-October 1) will include dinner at Wensum Valley Golf club/ hotel, after the traditional open house in Lenwade. John Harris has arranged for the golf club to provisionally reserve rooms on the Saturday night; however you need to confirm with the hotel directly, as soon as possible, if you intend to stay there.

70 years of the Y, with special thanks to Brian Rainbow and the MG Octagon Club and sponsors Stewart Miller and Peter James, with particular emphasis from Show and Event Manager, Phil Beck. Certainly, without Brian and Phil’s outstanding help this whole initiative would never have got off the ground.

*Kevin Parrish is a well-known railway and media artist and copies of Little Gem and his other work can be viewed and purchased from his website – www.kevinparrish.co.uk

John Twist at Wroxall North American MG expert, John Twist, is visiting the UK in October to hold a series of technical seminars in association with MGOC, The Octagon Club and the T Society. Well known for many years for various publications, and running University Motors, you may also have benefitted from his YouTube maintenance videos. Of particular interest to Magnette owners, the seminar on October 21 will cover MGA and Magnette tune-up, and is to be held at Wroxall Abbey. Even better, there will be a dinner following, at which John is again speaking. Full information and online booking (cost £90 per seminar) is available on the MGOC website (or phone 01954 231125), although if you want to stay at Wroxall afterwards you’ll need to book that directly with the hotel.

www.mgcc.co.uk

24/07/2017 17:18

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MG Safety Fast_August2017_50-100.indd 87

AUGUST 2017 SAFETY FAST! 87

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REGISTERS

MGA

EDWARD VANDYK 01488 608810 mgascribe@vandyk.co.uk The weather continues to be kind and long may it continue. This month sees both MGA Day on August 13 and after that I hope to see a lot of MGAs at the Stockfest Car Show on August 20. There is still time to sign up for the Rare Breeds Tour that morning – www.stockfestcarshow.co.uk MGA South West day was a great success. Alan Whitfield reports as follows: “The MGA South West run took place on July 2. 17 cars took part from Terry Drinkwater’s Garage in Lower Wear to East Somerset Railway at Cranmore. The weather was good all day, which is more than can be said for my route planning. Eventually all the cars arrived at Cranmore to join up with

members of the South West MG Car Club and totalled nearly 50 MGs of all variants. Many enjoyed the train rides, the refreshments available and the, as ever, friendly MG camaraderie.” Many thanks to Alan for organising the day. The MGA day for Scotland will be taking place at about the time this copy of Safety Fast! lands on your doormat. I hope to carry a report in the September edition. The MGA was built as a ‘Positive Earth’ car as I suspect all MGA owners who are MGCC members, and thus Safety Fast! readers, know. However, so many of our cars have been converted to ‘Negative Earth’ that it is has become in effect the New Normal, to use current jargon, and I need

MGC

MIKE HAUGHTON mgc_mike@btinternet.com

At the time of writing we are some three weeks after MGC50, and from the feedback it has been incredibly well-received and a truly fitting occasion for the 50th Anniversary of the ‘C’. The official count on the number of ‘C’s present was 217 which is unarguably a world record and surpasses the previous record of 147 cars held by the 25th Anniversary. We were graced with Royal presence, having Prince Charles’s GT on display alongside a fitting tribute from RMO and Tim Hodgkinson’s prototype and, as with many aspects of the celebration, all this was down to the tremendous effort and hard work from Ginny and Barrie.

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A full summary of the anniversary will be published in next month’s Safety Fast! where there will be more space. Within the new committee we are considering new ideas for the Register, which include increasing our activities on social media and possibly creating a Flickr, or similar, account which can be accessed by Register members to view and perhaps upload photos of our events. Mike and I are both keen photographers and will have much to contribute in this area. Just don’t get caught in any compromising situations, that’s all! (If you do, copious quantities of Old Speckled Hen usually have the desired effect of bribery!)

to draw your attention, along with an apology, to my omission from the article about the Spiyda Fuel Gauge Wizard which should have said that the device will only work with negative earth cars. My articles about the MG and the MGA at Sebring in 1961 and 1962 along with the exchange with Bill Price have generated some interest, including a lengthy exchange with Anders Clausager, one of the most knowledgeable MG, amongst other marques, historians. Anders pointed out to me that the FIA homologations for the push rod cars that I referred to in the articles are available online at http://historicdb.fia.com/ He also pointed out that MG had homologated the MGA 1600 engine for use in the 1600 MkII, thus making the 1962 Sebring cars notionally Appendix J compliant. He agreed with me

that MG had never offered the 1600 MkII as an option with the 1600 engine and it does further illustrate what MG were trying to do with the late De Luxe homologations. Unfortunately for MG, and unsurprisingly, a letter from the RAC just before homologation 51 was granted specifically did not confirm that more than 100 1600 MkII cars had been built with the 1600 engine! From my perspective therein the peculiar genesis of homologation 56 continues to lie. Anders is starting work on his latest book on the MGA, which has a working title of ‘MGA in Detail’ and which will be a follow-up to his 1992 publication, and the bible of MGA restorers, ‘Original MGA’. I am sure we will all look forward to publication of ‘MGA in Detail’ which will be another ‘must-have’ book.

Equally, we would very much like to receive your input and ideas to enhance membership of the Register. A few words about yours truly. Married to my longsuffering wife, Lindsay. I have owned my roadster for 33 years now, and carrying out a full nut-and-bolt restoration some time ago, I consider myself to have finally graduated from my ‘C’ apprenticeship, but still yearning to learn more. Music is one of my other passions, especially American soul, blues and Motown, so expect to see some musical connections in future editorial. Lindsay and I look forward to meeting you and your cars at events over the forthcoming years. Just a quick reminder on the 50th anniversary regalia – we are now running low on polo shirts

and caps. When they’re gone, they’re gone, and we will not be re-ordering these designs, so if you would like to treat yourself or someone else please don’t delay. Happy ‘C’ motoring. Colin Howes, Chairman

www.mgcc.co.uk

24/07/2017 17:19

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MG Safety Fast_August2017_50-100.indd 89

AUGUST 2017 SAFETY FAST! 89

24/07/2017 17:19

REGISTERS

MGF

Concours – and are busy working towards their own ‘International’ event in September. You might still be able to book on that – go to www.essex-iaw.org Central have been busy with MGs in the Park and a special visit to the Car SOS Workshop with Fuzz Townshend. Our team met lots of members at MGLive! It was certainly a warm one and we enjoyed some good evening entertainment on Saturday and the lightshow of the entries in our Glo-car competition – congratulations to the winners. As many members will know, we hold detailed build data for all MGF/TFs built by MG Rover. However, we do not hold similar information for the MG Motors post-2007 MG TFs. We are therefore building a database based on information supplied by members for the ‘Chinese’ cars. If you own a post-2007 MG TF it

would be very helpful if you could supply the following information on your car: Registration, Model, Date of ﬁrst registration, VIN, Engine number, Body number, Colour, Interior Trim, Paint Code Interior trim, Interior trim code, Original Supplying dealer The paint and trim codes can be found on a small plaque under the bonnet on the driver’s side of the car. The aim of the MGF Register is to keep a complete record of the MGF/TF for future car historians, so that as complete a picture of all the Fs and TFs can be built as possible. This will be kept by the MG Car Club as the ultimate source of information on these cars for the future. If you could please email the details to registrar@mgfregister. org – in return I’ll email you back a certiﬁcate similar to the ones issued to owners of MG Rover cars.

the racing championships continued at the Cadwell Park JOHN THOMPSON Tel: 07854 275541 johnt5@btinternet.com www.mgcc.co.uk/zedregister circuit in Lincolnshire. We were there, of course, organising the lunchtime parade laps, but also organised by the Club, a further EVENTS AND SHOWS with our gazebo and regalia two races from the Trophy July was another busy month to promote the Register in the Championship took place over for Zed owners and it began area. We then returned to Kent the weekend of July 8-9. Later in Scotland at the Knockhill at the end of July as we joined the same month on 22nd, circuit in Fife. Although not

the South-East Centre for their Summer Gathering at Penshurst Place, near Tunbridge Wells. There will be a full account of these latter events in next month’s update.

TIM MORRIS 01932 882467 scribe@mgfregister.org www.mgfregister.org I mentioned in last month’s Safety Fast! about our Winter Weekend event on November 25-26. We needed 25 rooms to be pre-booked to ensure we had the whole of the Cricklade House Hotel in Wiltshire to ourselves. I’m pleased to say that we made it in between issues, but that does now mean there are extra rooms available. “Hurrah,” I hear you say, “that means we can come along too.” Yes you can and all you need to do is let Ian know at events@mgfregister.org and pay a £50 per room deposit via the Register shop as soon as you can. It’s more of an end-of-season bash combined with an early Christmas do. Double rooms are £147 and include drinks reception, gala dinner, entertainment and full

English breakfast. You can come on your own, too, as single occupancy is £97.50. No dress code as such, but minimum smart standard for the dinner should be OK – although if you want to dress up, feel free! That’s winter taken care of, but we are now in the height of summer and our Regions are getting busier and busier. In the South East we’ve just come back from the Macmillan Classic Car Show at Clandon Park, and we’ll be joining other Regions at the Uxbridge Classic Car Show, and then back home to Brooklands for our Classic Car Show and Jumble where we’ll be defending our Best Club trophy. Essex have been to their home event – the long-standing Queen Victoria

ZR/ZS/ZT

Trophy Cars battling it out at Knockhill. Photo: Dickon Siddall

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UPCOMING EVENTS We take a breather from events during the holiday month of August, before heading to Oulton Park, in Cheshire, for the next rounds of the racing championships on September 2. If you have recently joined the Register and wish to register your car with us, please contact Paul Money at the following: paulmoneymg@gmail.com We also have the build-data for the entire production of Zeds if you wish to know more about your car. For further information and up-to-the-minute Register news please visit our Facebook group.

www.mgcc.co.uk

24/07/2017 17:45

REGISTERS

MG6.3.5

STEVE HAINES Steve-haines@live.co.uk www.facebook.com/groups/MG635Register https://twitter.com/635register MGLive! was a very wellattended event by MG6, MG3 and GS owners last month, with our Register parking being full to the brim on both days. It was nice to see new, old and potential owners and MGCC members on the stand in the marquee, with lots registering their vehicles for the first time. There is an increasing amount of modified 3s and 6s about and there were more traders offering parts and upgrades to the models at this year’s event. Russ Swift was doing his thing again in the MG3. It’s always good to see him there, especially in the 3. Register merchandise sales were very good over the weekend, as was the

interest in the Register rafﬂe. Congratulations to all of the winners and huge thanks to our prize suppliers, particularly MG Motor for the pair of VIP tickets to the BTCC at Silverstone in September. We raised a total of £200 for this year’s charity – MIND UK. We were once again very lucky to have Josh Cook’s current BTCC MG6 GT in the marquee with us, and a surprise in Jack Goff, Josh Cook and Sam Tordoff on the stand to sign autographs and give a very interesting talk earlier in the day on the MG Motor stand. The Pride of Ownership competition had three MG3s and one MG6 on display. It would be really nice to get a few more

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

Modern MGs on the Devon and Cornwall MGCC stand at Powderham Castle

Our next big get-together will be the BTCC event at Silverstone on Sunday September17, where you can take advantage of the MGCC pair of adult tickets for just £25, which includes infield parking. We will have the gazebo set up and are looking forward to catching up with everyone at this great event. Enjoy the remainder of the summer!

involved next year, but well done to those that took part and represented the models. The Facebook page has been very busy with owners attending local runs, meets and events over the summer period. It’s good to see the newest models being a part of the traditional MG meets. There was a good representation at Powderham Castle, near Exeter, on the Devon and Cornwall MGCC stand earlier in July.

MARTIN SMITH www.usedmg spares.co.uk

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Original MGF/TF Specialist holding a large selection of hand picked, lowest mileage, high spec, historic, ltd edition and ex factory models. Supplied with our own Nation Wide Warranty (not a warranty company) no other MG dealer offers this! Also our ‘While you wait’ exchange remapped/ upgraded ECU’s ,upto 10% extra power for your late MGF & all TF’s. We can also supply Hardtops, Wind deflectors, Sports exhausts, Mud flaps etc to your new car, plus a wide range of items as a Xpart dealer . Phone for details. £POA

A low mileage LE500 Previously supplied by us. #273/500 with removable colour coded hardtop, full service history 8 services, cambelt /water pump fitted by us last year @ 33,415 miles. Fitted with air conditioning, black leather sport seats, soft ride suspension, 16” 11 spoke alloys, heated glass screen with black soft top etc, Air con just fully serviced with new condenser. Car just serviced and moted .Choice of silver or black alloys, Superb. £6,495

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2003 (03 Reg), Manual, Petrol. Fitted with unmarked Black leather sport seats with blue leather inserts, 16” alloy wheels, two tone steering wheel, Blue hood, wind deflector. FSH 10 services with old Mot’s plus old road tax disc’s ,new water pump/cambelt, headgasket replaced last year at 24,889 miles . Superb very low mileage TF. MGCC / MGOC members car. Under 1,900 miles a year and serviced on average every 2,540 miles! (MG TF services intervals are every 15,000 miles).£3,995

2009 (59 Reg), Manual, Petrol MG TF LE500 #298/500, A one owner very low mileage LE500 with a colour coded Hardtop. Fully service history having had seven service including cambelt service. These are full spec models fitted with air conditioning (just serviced and fitted with a new condenser) black leather sport seats, soft ride suspension, engine water level censor, 16” alloys, glass heated rear screen. Choice of silver or black alloys £6,995

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MG Safety Fast_August2017_50-100.indd 91

Harrogate MG Owners Show Sun 6th August

Tel: 07722 175473 East Lydford, Somerset Email: smudgemg@yahoo.co.uk AUGUST 2017 SAFETY FAST! 91

24/07/2017 17:19

CL ASSIFIEDS

URGENTLY WANTED

CARS FOR SALE

How to Advertise MGA/MGB/MGC/V8/ Members can advertise their cars free of B32 - MIKE ROLLS SERVICES_MIKE ROLLS SERVICES 13/12/2012 09:50 Page 1charge in Safety Fast. The advert will also MIDGET/SPRITE ETC be posted on the Club website in due course. This is for one insertion only. To place an advert or for additional insertions email colingrant@mgcc.co.uk with details of your car, around 60 words, together with an attached picture, your contact information, price of your car, the area where you live, and membership number. Cost for non-members to advertise is All adverts should be submitted by 26/10/09 £20. 13:0 the 10th of the month for the following months issue.

Any Condition from non runners to rebuilt cars

Please call Edward 01923 840236 or any time on 07774 484497 Email: ejwhitescars@aol.com Website: www.mgandporsche.com

Kimble-SF_Nov-09.qxd:Kimble MGE 1_8 col 3.3 (Northwood, Middlesex)

The Great British

Steering Wheel

MIKE ROLLS

1968 MGC Roadster

Beautiful and sort after sound original 6 cylinder tourer - 72,000 miles with o/d, large history file. Drives/revs and corners beautifully, lovely light steering. Loved and maintained, much admired, MOT May 2018. Works hard top. Very reluctant sale £22,500. Tel: 07507 638002. rj@richardjenkins.co.uk. (Hants)

2002 MGZR

Almost concou Automatic. One la years. 62000 mile Complete service h This car has alway which explains th condition and rust £1100. Telephone (Bromley)

The Brooklands We manufacture the BROOKLANDS

Steering Wheel from the original BLUEMEL tooling. It is not a Far Eastern copy and is made using the original methods and traditional materials. The CENTRE BOSS fixing kit, again from the original tooling, not only fits the MG TC and pre-war MGs, but the TD, TF and MGA. There are boss kits for other makes and kit cars too.

2016

SERVICES FOR MGs

Now 4” NEW 1 in W

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also TRADE MEMBER Ivory NO ABLE AVAIL

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TEL/FAX: 01258 820337 KIMBLE john@johnkimble.co.uk

EST 1969

K Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 8am-6pm, Wed: 8am-5pm, Sat: 8am-1pm Tel: 01803 835757 Fax: 01803 834567

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2000 MGF 1.8

In Alumina Green. 1 lady owner since 2003 as a second car. Mileage 45000, 11 months MOT, garaged, good condition, leather interior, matching hard top, toneau cover, recent head gasket replacement, radiator and exhaust silencer. Personalized number plate. Valued at £5000 ono Contact number 07878876018 (Bedfordshire)

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2016 201 6

SERVICES FOR MGs

TRADE MEMBER

1960 MGA Roa

1954 MGTF

Right Hand drive in Olive Green. Used on short road rallys very reliable and fully serviced. This car needs some TLC but is in good condition generally. Replaced front and rear bumpers from Moss. Comes with a spare back axle, side screens and a history file. The car has been dry stored from 1974. Price £18500. Contact David on 01325 463127. (Darlington)

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WANT

1953 MGTD

MORRIS 8 CALSHOT, 1932

Stunning Morris 8 Calshot, 1932, Sporting body by Cunard Coachworks of Acton. Restored by GB Engineering back in the 90’s and recently re-commissioned by ourselves, the car is believed to be only one of three remaining and has been in the same family for many years. The car is in beautiful condition and drives well, there is some history including the history of this particular model and invoices of the restoration and other work carried out over the years. Comes with full wet weather gear. This is a very beautiful car. £21,995

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GOOD CHROME BUMPER ROADSTERS FOR SALE.

MGB ROASTER 1975

MGB Roadster, 1975, Rubber bumper, Tax exempt, ﬁnished in Black, it comes with Overdrive, Alloy wheels, Tan leather interior, Motolita wood rim steering wheel, Mohair hood with single rear window, Louvered alloy bonnet, Roll hoop, Electric windows, Performance engine with piper camshaft, Stainless performance 3 branch exhaust system, K & N Filters, Electronic ignition, Electric cooling fan, Silicone hoses and some service history. The car is MOT’d to April 2018 and has been de-seamed on the rear wings, the paint has blistered slightly on the offside seam and has been touched in by hand , this is a structurally sound car with good performance and is a great drive. £6995

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92 SAFETY FAST! AUGUST 2017

MG Safety Fast_August2017_50-100.indd 92

Red with beige trim. 3 bow hood with side screens and full and half tonneau in tan double duck as new. Stainless steel luggage rack. Unleaded head, new carburettors, new brakes. gearbox rebuilt with new clutch. All major components restored or replaced. Dry use only. Excellent condition. Current owner 12 years. £23,000. For more details contact Richard 07885493673 or 020 8308 0926 (Kent)

LHD 1800. Re Upgrades, most com include 5 speed back axle, front a tyres, electronic ign ter, dynamator, rec exhaust, halogen hood and sidescre with Heritage Cer Iris Blue and blac MOT, no advisories to drive. Viewing mended. £24,99 Call Jack on 0773 Email: jtmg@outloo

1974 MGBGT

White, used daily, Electronic power steering, uprated engine, and overdrive gearbox. Kept in garage and taken part in many MGB Register events. Rebuilt on a new shell. MOTd. Registered as Historic Vehicle, no tax. Autumn leaf leather upholstery. Tyres good £5500 Email: pat.kimber@ntlworld.com Tel: 01920 420642. (Hertfordshire)

I would like to pu for personal use, p ster in usable con Kent. Please call 07 Email: keith@macp

1939 MG TA Ti

1968 MGC 2912cc

BRG. Recent bare metal respray. Softop, wires, o/d on 3rd and 4th. MOT until June 2018. Lots of new par t s £15, 950 ono. For more information phone 07478443675 (Monmouthshire)

1978 MGB GT

Part restored engine & front suspension rebuilt, welding done lots of new par t s, n eeds fin ish in g. £1,200.00 . Phone 01406 821588 or 07943 306977.

Probably the pret pre-war MG. Beaut with matching num tered in Somerset 90k miles, original e beautifully. Recent e overhaul. Excellen Lovely patina and k original condition. sale £39,750. Tel; 07 Email: rj@rich (Hants)

www.mgcc.co.uk

24/07/2017 17:19

or keith.newell12@btinternet.com (Walsall, West Midlands) A35 - Barry Walker_CLASSIC 20/07/2017 10:20 Page 1

number t Contact after sound origedfordshire) urer - 72,000 miles ge history file. corners beautifully, ering. Loved and h admired, MOT ksT hard top. Very y, Electronic power 22,500. Tel: 07507 8 d engine, and overchardjenkins.co.uk. en. 1 lady owner Kept in car. garage and econd Mileage any MOT, MGB garaged, Register hs T leather interior, on a& new shell. ngine front sustrim.toneau 3 bow cover, hood op, red as done Historic welding s andreplacement, full and lots half sket Autumn leaf leather needsduck finishing. ouble as new. exhaust silencer. es 01406 821588 or good £5500 luggage rack. mber plate. Valued er@ntlworld.com new carburettors, Contact number rbox rebuilt with edfordshire) 42. (Hertfordshire)

major components aced. Dry use only. on. Current owner 0. For more details 07885493673 or Kent)

e in Olive Green. ad rallys very relierviced. This car but is in good contrim. 3 bow Replaced fronthood and s and full and half om Moss. Comes T duck as new. ouble axle, side screens ngine & front susluggage rack. .new The carburettors, car done has been welding lots rbox rebuilt with om 1974. Price needs finishing. 912cc major components on 01325 e David 01406 821588 or are metal respray. aced. Dry use only. on) d on 3rd and 4th. on. Current owner

Lots of new 0.2018. For more details ono. Fo r m o or re 07885493673 one Kent)07478443675 )

SEPTEMBER 2ND & 3RD 2017

THE

STAND IS HERE

include 5 speed box, overhauled back axle, front anti-roll bar, 195 1968electronic MGC Roadster tyres, ignition, spin-on fil139 4 34711 Wire Wheels, soft top, Beautiful and sort after sound origAlmostmiles,concours condition. 138 ter, dynamator, recored 5radiator, ss 137 Tonneau cover. MOT at point of inal 6 cylinder tourer - 72,000 miles Automatic. One lady owner for 13 6 exhaust, halogen headlamps, new 136 7 sale. 07539954257 with and o/d,sidescreens. large history file. years. £14,495.00. 62000 miles from new. 135 hood Car comes 8 TO RED & YELLOW FIELD Drives/revs andCertificate. corners 9beautifully, Complete service history record134 (West Midlands) S with Heritage Original 133 10 lovely light steering. Loved and This car has always been garaged Iris Blue and black interior. New 132 RED much admired, 11 maintained, MOT which explains the immaculate 12 pleasure MOT, no advisories, a real RED May 2018. Works hard13 top. Very condition and rust free underside97 toFIELD drive. Viewing strongly recom-(A) FIELD 96 14 reluctant sale £22,500. Tel: 07507 £1100. Telephone 02084602354 95 mended. £24,995ono.15 94 638002. rj@richardjenkins.co.uk. (Bromley) 16 Call Jack on 07739 642362 orRED (A) 93 17 FIELD (Hants) Email: 18 (Herts) 1960jtmg@outlook.com MGA Roadster

9 10

MARQUEES (BLUE)

80 79 78 77 76 75 74 73 72

81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89

96 95 94 93 92 91 90

GREEN (B) FIELD

130 157 131 156 132 155 133 154 134 153 135 152 136 151 137 150 138 149 139 148 140 147 141 146 142 145 143 144

MARQUEES (BLUE)

170 195 171 194 172 193 173 192 174 191 175 190 176 189 177 188 178 187 179 186 180 185 181 184 182 183

Stunning in Le-Mans green with matching hood. A concours winning GREEN (D) FIELD car with only 18,000 miles and full 1 16 17 32 48 stainless 49 64 65 service2 history. Fitted33with 15 18 31 34 47 50 63 14 19pipes, MOT steel water to May 66 46 51 3 13 20 30 35 45 52 62 2018. (no Half leather 67 4 12 advisories) 21 29 36 44 53 61 68 5 the 11 22car 28 is 37 interior, immaculate 43 54 60 in 69 10 23 every 6aspect. £3,795 42 55 9 24 27 38 41 56 59 70 7 8 211889 25 26 or39 Tel; 07973 01922 40 57402345 58 71 or keith.newell12@btinternet.com (Walsall, West Midlands) 124 163 125 162 126 161 127 160 128 159 129 158

BANKING

57 63 62 58 61 59 60

163a 202 164 201 165 200 166 199 167 198 168 197 169 196

164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 1 173 1

121 152 122 151 123 150 124 149 125 148 126 147 127 146 128 145 129 144 130 143 131 142

82 108 83 107 84 106 85 105 86 104 87 103 88 102 89 101 90 100 91 99 92 98

RED FIELD

69 68 67 66 65 64

51 52 53 54 55 56

75 74 73 72 71 70

76 114 77 113 78 112 79 111 80 110 81 109

115 157 116 117 156 118 155 119 154 120 153

1 15 16 16 16 163

BE SURE NOT TO MISS IT. STANDS R60-63. RIGHT BY THE ENTRANCE 2003 MGTF 135 Sprint 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

GREEN FIELD

93 118 94 117 95 96 97 116 98 115 99 114 100 113 101 112 102 111 103 110 104 109 105 108 106 107

GREEN FIELD

able and condition. fully serviced. car original Very This reluctant 1974some MGBGT needs TLC but is in638 good consale £39,750. Tel; 07507 002 or White,generally. used daily, Electronic power dition Replaced front and Email: rj@richardjenkins.co.uk steering, uprated engine, andComes overrear bumpers from Moss. (Hants) drivea gearbox. Kept garage and with spare back axle,inside screens takena history part in file. many Register and TheMGB car has been events. Rebuiltfrom on a1974. new Price shell. dry stored £18500. David 01325 MOTd. Contact Registered as onHistoric 463127. (Darlington) Vehicle, no tax. Autumn leaf leather upholstery. Tyres good £5500 1939 MGA MG TA Tickford Email: pat.kimber@ntlworld.com 1960 Roadster Tel: 01920 420642. (Hertfordshire) Probably the and 2015. rarest LHD 1800. Restored Advertise toprettiest How

CARS FOR SALE

pre-warcan MG. Beautifully Upgrades, most completed recently, of free car cars their original advertise Members with matching numbers. First include 5 speed box, overhauled also charge in Safety Fast. The advert willregistered inonSomerset inwebsite earlybar,1939 duein 195 the Club posted beback axle, front anti-roll 90k miles, engine andonly. drives To insertion for one isoriginal This course. tyres, electronic ignition, spin-on filbeautifully. Recent engineradiator, and brake insertions additional or for advert an place ter, dynamator, recored ss 1974 MGBGT overhaul. Excellent oil with pressure. details colingrant@mgcc.co.uk email exhaust, halogen headlamps, new White, used daily, Electronic power Lovely patina and60 kept in itstogether proper words, around car, your and ofhood steering, uprated engine, and oversidescreens. Car comes drive gearbox. Kept in garage and original condition. Very reluctant contact your picture, attached an with with Heritage Certificate. Original taken partprice in Tel; many MGB saleBlue £39,750. 638Register or area the002 car, your of 07507 information, Iris and black interior. New events. Rebuilt on a new shell. number. membership andGT live, you where Email: rj@richardjenkins.co.uk 1978 MOT, noMGB advisories, a real MOTd. Registered as pleasure Historic Part engineto& advertise front susis non-members forrestored Cost (Hants) to drive. strongly Vehicle, noViewing tax. Autumn leaf recomleather pension rebuilt, welding done lots be submitted should All adverts £20. upholstery. Tyres good £5500 by mended. £24,995ono. of10th n ew pthe ar month t s, ne efor d sthe finishing following. ofpat.kimber@ntlworld.com the Email: Call Jack on 07739 642362 or or £1,200.00 Phone 01406 821588 Tel: 01920 (Hertfordshire) issue. . 420642. months Email: (Herts) 07943jtmg@outlook.com 306977.

www.mgcc.co.uk WANTED

I would like to purchase an MGA for personal use, preferably a roadT ster in usable condition. I live in , Electronic power MG Safety Fast_August2017_50-100.indd 93 Kent. Please 2000 MGFcall 1.807808 403555. engine, and over912cc

draught carb,use, new upholstery, Aero foranpersonal preferably a roadcontact picture, attached with back axle, front anti-roll bar, 195 difficult Tickford partsyour much work screens. Rad surround needs rester in usable condition. I live in tyres, electronic filthe area your car,spin-on price of ignition, information, done.Please 99.9%£15,500. complete -403555. needs Kent. call 07808 chroming. Phone Bobwork on ter, dynamator, recored radiator, ss number. live, and membership you where and assembly. V5. Listed with Email: keith@macpart.co.uk 01253 701157 (Lancashire) exhaust, halogen headlamps, is to advertisenew for non-members Cost Tickford Register. £16500 hood and sidescreens. Car comes by £20. All adverts should be submitted with Heritage Certificate. Original (Hants) for the following month the002 10th of638 the07507 Iris Blue and black interior. New months issue. MOT, no advisories, a real pleasure to drive. Viewing strongly recommended. £24,995ono. Call Jack on 07739 642362 or 1965 MGB MK1 Roadster Email: jtmg@outlook.com (Herts)

with o/d,A and large history file. Maintained driven by myself. Project. wonderful opportunity Drives/revs and corners beautifully, Large history file + the Heritage to rebuild probably most cert. rare, lovely light steering. Loved and 34711 miles, Wireand Wheels, soft top, charming, lovely pretty, original maintained, muchMOT admired,point MOTof Tonneau cover. pre-war MG. A fine andat rewarding May 2018. Works hard top. Very sale. 07539954257 project£14,495.00. for the gifted amateur. reluctant sale £22,500. Tel: 07507 (West Midlands) Rolling chassis, with original 638002. rj@richardjenkins.co.uk. Tickford body MPJG engine and the (Hants)

difficult Tickford parts much work done. 99.9% complete - needs work and assembly. V5. Listed with Tickford Register. £16500 07507 638 002 (Hants) British Racing Green, I have owned Please check this proof carefully for errors in style, content and layout. for 17 years in very good condition. Although every care is exercised in preparing your advert, we cannot hold Maintained and driven by myself. WANTED ourselves responsible for any inaccuracies you may overlook. 1939 MG TA Tickford Large history file + Heritage cert. I would like to purchase an MGA 1938TOMG TAPROOF TICKFORD 2000 MGF 1.8 SHOULD YOU REQUIRE ANYrarest ALTERATIONS THIS PLEASE Probably the prettiest and for personal use, preferably a road34711 miles, Wire Wheels, top, Project. A wonderful opportunity MGC Roadster 2002 MGZR In1968 Alumina Green. 1 lady soft owner pre-war MG. Beautifully original car TELEPHONE BEFORE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ AND QUOTE ADVERT NO . _ _most _ _ _rare, ster in usable condition. I live in 1931 M-Type to rebuild probably the since 2003 as a second car. Mileage Beautiful and sort after sound origAlmost concours condition. Tonneau cover. MOT at point of 1954 MGTF with matching numbers. First regisKent. Please call 07808 403555. charming, and pretty, original 45000, 11 months MOT, garaged, Fabric body, external exhaust, down inal 6 cylinder tourer -07539954257 72,000 miles Automatic. One ownerGreen. for 13 Right Handlovely drivelady in Olive sale. £14,495.00. teredcondition, in Somerset inhistory early 1939 Email: keith@macpart.co.uk pre-war MG. A finerallys and very rewarding good leather interior, with o/d, large file. years. 62000 miles from new. Used on short road relidraught carb, new upholstery, Aero (West Midlands) 90k miles, original engine andcover, drives project the gifted This amateur. matching hard toneau able and for fully serviced. car Drives/revs andtop, corners beautifully, Complete service history record screens. Rad surround needs rebeautifully. Recent and brake Rolling chassis, original recent head gasketengine replacement, needs some TLC but iswith in good conlovely light steering. Loved and This car has always been garaged chroming.and £15,500. Phone Bob on 1931generally. M-Type overhaul. Excellent oil silencer. pressure. Tickford body MPJG engine andand the radiator exhaust dition Replaced front maintained, much admired, MOT which explains the immaculate Fabric body, external exhaust, down 01253 patina 701157 (Lancashire) Lovely and kept in top. itsValued proper difficult Tickford parts much work Personalized number plate. rear bumpers from Moss. Comes May 2018. Works hard Very condition and rust free underside draught carb, new upholstery, Aero done. 99.9% complete - needs work at £5000 condition. ono £22,500. Contact original Very number reluctant with a spare back axle, side screens reluctant sale 07507for any £1100. Telephone 02084602354 We reserve the right toTel: charge alteration this proof whichrescreens. Radto surround needs and assembly. V5. car Listed with 07878876018 (Bedfordshire) sale £39,750. Tel; 07507 638 002 or and a history file. The has been 638002. rj@richardjenkins.co.uk. is a departure from the(Bromley) originalRegister. copy £16500 chroming. Tickford dry stored£15,500. from Phone 1974. Bob Priceon Email: rj@richardjenkins.co.uk (Hants) 01253 638 701157 07507 002 (Lancashire) (Hants) £18500. Contact David on 01325 (Hants)

59 84 60 83 61 82 62 81 63 80 64 79 65 78 66 77 67 76 68 75 69 74 70 73 71 72

55c 55b 55a 55 54 53 2

87a 56 87 57 86 58 85

88 123 89 122 90 121 91 120 92 119

BEER

T O I L E T S

33 32

OAK 1965 MGB MK1 Roadster LHD 1800. Restored 2015. TREE British Racing Green, I have owned GONE! Upgrades, most completed recently, for 17 years in very good condition. include 5 WANTED speed box, overhauled 28 Maintained and driven by myself. axle, anti-roll an bar,MGA 195 Iback would likefront to purchase 29 1938 MG TA TICKFORD 30 Large history file + Heritage cert. for personal use,ignition, preferably a roadtyres, electronic spin-on filProject. A wonderful opportunity 31 34711 miles, Wire Wheels, softrare, top, PUBLIC 32 ster in usable PUBLIC condition.radiator, I live in ter, dynamator, recored ss to rebuild probably the most 1968 MGC Roadster 2002 MGZR 2003 MGTF 135 Sprint 33 Tonneau cover. MOT at point of ENTRANCE Kent. Please callENTRANCE 07808 403555. new charming, lovely and pretty, original exhaust, halogen headlamps, 34 Beautiful and sort after sound origAlmost concours condition. Stunning in Le-Mans green with 35 sale. £14,495.00. 07539954257 Email: keith@macpart.co.uk pre-war MG. A fine rewarding hood and sidescreens. Car comes inal 6 cylinder tourer - 72,000 miles Automatic. One lady and owner for 13 matching hood. A concours winning (West 62000 Midlands) project for the gifted 1960 MGA Roadster with o/d, large historyOriginal file. years. miles from amateur. new. car with only 18,000 miles and full with Heritage Certificate. 1954 MGTF 1965 MGB MK1 Roadster CAR SALES plus accessories for the M,history. D, F, J,Fitted K, L,with P,stainless N, TA, TB, TC, TD. Rolling chassis, withmodels original Drives/revs andblack corners beautifully, Complete service history record service LHD 1800. Restored 2015.we sell: Iris Blue and interior. New Right Hand drive in Olive Green. Britishwater Racing Green,MOT I have owned lovely light steering. Loved and This car has always been garaged steel pipes, to May original tool kits, Side and nose mounted superchargers (incl. all fittings), original badges, Upgrades, most completed recently, Tickford body MPJG engine and the MGOC. MOT, on no short advisories, a realvery pleasure Used roadadmired, rallys relifor 17(no years in very good condition. OCC. maintained, much MOT which the immaculate 2018. advisories) Half leather includeexplains 5and speed box, overhauled luggage racks, mascots manuals. difficult Tickford parts much work to drive. Viewing strongly recomable 2018. and fully serviced. ThisVery car Maintained by myself. May Works hard top. condition and rustanti-roll free- underside interior, the and car driven is immaculate in back axle, front bar,work 195 done. 99.9% complete needs needs some TLC but is inTel: good conTEL: 01789 400181/FAX: 400230 mended. £24,995ono. Large aspect. history file + Heritage cert. reluctant sale £22,500. 07507 £1100. Telephone every £3,795 tyres, assembly. electronic ignition, spin-on filand V5. 02084602354 Listed with dition generally. Replaced frontor and Call Jack on 07739 642362 34711 miles, Wire or Wheels, top, 244103 638002. rj@richardjenkins.co.uk. (Bromley) Tel; 07973 211889 01922soft 402345 MOB: 07836 ter, dynamator, recored radiator, ss Tickford Register. 2002 MGZR 2003 MGTF 135£16500 Sprint rear from Moss.(Herts) Comes … for www.barrywalker.com email (Hants) keith.newell12@btinternet.com Tonneau cover. MOT at point of barry@barrywalker.com Recommended the veryhalogen best in vintage MGsnew … Estd. 1968or Email:bumpers jtmg@outlook.com exhaust, headlamps, spares supplier 07507 638in002 (Hants) are close to Stratford-on-Avon) Almost condition. Stunning Le-Mans green with with a spareconcours back axle, side screens (Walsall, West (we Midlands) sale. £14,495.00. 07539954257 hood and sidescreens. Car comes and a history The owner car hasfor been Automatic. Onefile.lady 13 matching hood. A concours winning (West Midlands) with Heritage Certificate. Original dry stored from from 1974.new. Price years. 62000 miles car with 18,000 miles andNew full SALE CARS Iris Blue only andFOR black interior. £18500. Contact David on 01325 Complete service history record service history. Fittedawith WANTED MOT, no advisories, real stainless pleasure 1939 TA Tickford 463127.MG (Darlington) to drive. Viewing strongly This car like has always been garaged steel water pipes, MOT torecomMay IProbably would to purchase an MGA 1938 MG TA TICKFORD the prettiest and rarest Advertise How to mended. £24,995ono. for personal use, preferably a roadwhich explains the immaculate 2018. (no advisories) Half leather Project.canAadvertise wonderful pre-war MG. Beautifully original car cars free of their opportunity Members Call Jack 07739 642362 or in ster matching in usable condition. I live in charge condition and rust free underside interior, theon car is immaculate with numbers. First registo rebuild probably the most rare, will also advert The Fast. in Safety Email: jtmg@outlook.com (Herts) Kent. Please call 07808 403555. £1100. tered inTelephone Somerset in02084602354 early 1939 charming, andwebsite pretty, in original due Club the £3,795 on lovely postedaspect. beevery 90k miles, original engine and drives Email: keith@macpart.co.uk (Bromley) Tel; 07973 211889 or 01922 402345 To only. insertion for one This isMG. course. pre-war fine and rewarding 1960 MGA ARoadster beautifully. Recent engine and brake 1968 2002 MGZR 1954 MGTF or keith.newell12@btinternet.com insertions additional for or advert an place 1965MGC MGBRoadster MK1 Roadster project for the gifted amateur. LHD 1800. Restored 2015. 1931 M-Type Beautiful and sort after Isound origAlmost concours condition. WANTED Right HandExcellent drive in oil Olivepressure. Green. overhaul. details colingrant@mgcc.co.uk email British Racing Green, have owned (Walsall, West Midlands) Rolling chassis, withwithrecently, original Upgrades, most completed Fabric body, external exhaust, inal 617 cylinder tourer - 72,000 miles Automatic. One lady owner for 13 Iyour would to 60 purchase an down MGA Used shortand road rallys very reliLovelyonpatina kept in its proper 1938 MG TA TICKFORD for years in very good condition. together words, around car,5like of include speed box, overhauled Tickford body MPJG engine and the

years. 62000 miles from new. Complete service history record This car has always been garaged which explains the immaculate condition and rust free underside £1100. Telephone 02084602354 (Bromley)

CM09.17/A35/ddf

op, toneau cover,is Autumn leather advertise to leaf bers ssket £5500 by submitted bereplacement, uldgood exhaust er@ntlworld.com following nth for the silencer. oadster mber plate. Valued 42. (Hertfordshire)

CL ASSIFIEDS

BEAULIEU INT. AUTOJUMBLE

25 38b 26 38a 27 38 28 37 29 36 30 35 31 34

e in Olive Green. Advertise oad rallyscars veryfree reliof tise their This car will also The advert .serviced. but iswebsite in goodincondue Club Replaced front T insertion To only.and one y, Electronic power rom Moss.insertions Comes r additional engine, andscreens overdetails with axle, side 8kgcc.co.uk Kept incar garage and together 60 lady owner e.en. The1words, has been any second car.Register Mileage contact your picture, om MGB 1974. Price MOT, onDavid a car, new shell. area the your ofths ongaraged, 01325 leather interior, red as Historic number. membership ton)

Stunning in Le-Mans green with matching hood. A concours winning car with only 18,000 miles and full service history. Fitted with stainless steel water pipes, MOT to May 2018. (no advisories) Half leather interior, the car is immaculate in 1965 MGB MK1 Roadster every aspect. £3,795 British Racing Green, I have owned Tel;17 07973 01922 402345 for years211889 in veryorgood condition. or keith.newell12@btinternet.com Maintained and driven by myself. (Walsall, West file Midlands) Large history + Heritage cert. 2002 MGZR

45 46 47 48 49 50

OR SALE

2003 MGTF 135 Sprint

Almost concours condition. Automatic. One lady owner for 13 years. 62000 miles from new. Complete service history record This car has always been garaged which explains the immaculate 1960 MGA condition and Roadster rust free underside LHD Restored 2015. £1100. 1800. Telephone 02084602354 Upgrades, most completed recently, (Bromley)

44 43 42 41 40 39

Club website in due serviced. This car one insertion only. To but is in good conr additional insertions Replaced front and mgcc.co.uk with details om Moss. Comes 60 words, together k axle, side screens your picture, . The car hascontact been area car, thePrice of omyour1974. membership David on number. 01325 mbers ton) to advertise is ould be submitted by nth for the following

2002 MGZR

19 20 21 22 23 24

oadster

rt after sound origurer - 72,000 miles ge history file. cornersSALE beautifully, OR ering. Loved and ch admired, MOT Advertise ks hard top. Very tise their cars free of 22,500. Tel: 07507 in Olive will also advert Green. t.e The chardjenkins.co.uk. oad rallys very reli-

2003 MGTF 135

Stunning in Le-Man matching hood. A con car with only 18,000 service history. Fitted steel water pipes, 2018. (no advisories) interior, the car is every aspect. £3,795 Tel; 07973 211889 or or keith.newell12@b (Walsall, West Midlan

URGENT PROOF

463127. (Darlington)

1939 MG TA Tickford

Probably the prettiest and rarest

2003 MGTF 135 Sprint

1960 MGA Roadster

Stunning in Le-Mans green with

LHD 1800. Restored 2015. matching hood. A concours winning Upgrades, most completed recently, car with only 18,000 miles and full include 5 speed box, overhauled service history. withbar, stainless back axle, frontFitted anti-roll 195 steel electronic water pipes, MOT to May tyres, ignition, spin-on fil2018. (no advisories) leather ter, dynamator, recored Half radiator, ss interior, halogen the car is immaculate exhaust, headlamps, newin every and aspect. £3,795 Car comes hood sidescreens. Tel; 07973 211889 or 01922Original 402345 with Heritage Certificate. or keith.newell12@btinternet.com Iris Blue and black interior. New (Walsall, Midlands) MOT, no West advisories, a real pleasure to drive. Viewing strongly recommended. £24,995ono. Call Jack on 07739 642362 or AUGUST 2017 SAFETY FAST! 93 Email: jtmg@outlook.com (Herts)

1965 MGB MK1

British Racing Green for 17 years in very g Maintained and driv Large history file + 34711 miles, Wire W Tonneau cover. MO sale. £14,495.00. (West Midlands)

1938 MG TICKFORD pre-war MG.TA Beautifully original car

with matching numbers.opportunity First regisProject. A wonderful tered in Somerset to rebuild probably intheearly most1939 rare,1953 MGTD 90k miles, original engine and drives charming, lovely and pretty, original Red with beige trim. 3 bow beautifully. Recent engine andhood brake

WANTED

17:19 I would like to purchase an MGA 24/07/2017 1938 MG TA TIC for personal use, preferably a roadProject. A wonderf

CL ASSIFIEDS

enquiries@mgsforsale.com

www.mgsforsale.com

01707 876089

07831 556666

MG BGT 1972 Heritage Shell Rebuild (RJY319K) Chrome rostyle wheels, overdrive, tax exempt, older restoration utilising a fully panelled Heritage Shell, Trophy Blue coachwork, Navy/Black interior trim, some coachwork imperfections but very sound and body coloured underside, clean engine compartment, history ﬁle with Heritage Shell invoice dated 2003 and many component rebuild invoices including engine, itemised spreadsheet, old mot’s etc. etc. drives extremely nicely, just arrived £10,995.00 MGB Roadster MK1 Pull Handle Model Light Restoration (AJB221B) Overdrive, original steel wheels, older early 90’s restored vehicle with invoices documenting replacement of sills, castle sections, jacking points and repair sections, still structurally sound and mot to May 2018, Black coachwork now requiring some light restoration, Black leather interior trim also requiring some rejuvenation, clean engine compartment, history ﬁle with older restoration invoices, including some mechanical works of engine and gearbox, original green log book, old mot’s and numerous invoices dating back to the early 90’s, drives nicely, just arrived £9,750.00

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.

2005 MG TF Spark 135

Reg is M9 TFD it has 46,000 miles on the clock, Petrol, and it has private number plate on it also the plate is stopping on. MOT till March 2018. It's very low milage for the year and excellent condition. £2,000. Please ring 0780322694 for more information. (Boston Lincolnshire)

MGTF1500

1968 MGC Roadster

Tartan Red. Manual/overdrive. Reclining leather seats.Walnut dash. 11k miles since full engine rebuild, Kent cam, lightened flywheel, gas flowed head, 6 branch manifold, twin SS exhaust. Uprated suspension, anti role bar, Bildstein shocks all round. Late 80’s full restoration, recent minor body restoration and full repaint. New clutch just fitted. Car in excellent condition and runs superbly. Price: 21,750. Contact David 07872664863. 01259781559 davidchapman262@btinternet.com (Central Scotland)

MGTF 1250 1954 MGTF 1250.

RHD vehicle that has spent most of its life in Australia. Drives well. Seats very good. Paint looks good from 20 feet but it would benefit from a respray hence the price of £19500. No offers. Viewing recommended. Tel 01452 525079 or Email: vlea1938@gmail.com (Gloucester)

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

MG Midget 1500

Original UK car (RHD 1976) exported to Holland in 1979. One owner since. Due to passing away of the owner I am selling this car for his wife. The car is in excellent condition and driving very well. Dutch MOT till April 2019. A spare trunk lid in colour with luggage carrier is included. Email: hans@maathuis.eu or phone +31165384118 for more details.

MGC GT 1970 University Motors. 1969 MGB GT BRG, black trim. Retrimmed leather seats. O/Drive, w/w, lovely spec car and the best year for MGB 68-69. Recent re-commission, over £9,000 spent. Super classic GT. £8,995

1968 MGC GT Mineral Blue, Black leather trim, blue pipe. Restored car in superb condition, nice engine bay, original steering wheel, minilites. Superb classic sports touring car with the desirable o/drive for long distance. Great investment. £18,995

1967 MGB GT V8 BRG, Biscuit/green leather trim. Fully restored last nut & bolt 5 years ago. Professionally converted to V8 spec, no expense spared. Webasto roof. Moto Lita wheel. 15” minilites. Fast touring car. Rare early GT. Superb! £23,995

Grampian Grey/Black Leather, rare disc wheels, original vinyl roof, overdrive, heated rear window, slatted grill. Renovated interior, with rebuilt/recovered seats, and new headlining and carpets. Fully overhauled brakes and suspension, with new torsion bars, telescopics, quick steering rack, HR tyres. SS exhaust. Excellent condition. £25,000 ono. Paul 07941-029343 London.

MGC ROADSTER Snowberry White, rebuild work by MG Motorsport. MOT; 5000 miles since the body rebuild, 1000 miles since the engine rebuild; ﬁve-speed gearbox New speedo-cable, brake servo, dinitrol anti-rust, hoses; fan belt; seals for clutch and brake masters. Two spare wheels and a rain-cover. £34,995

2005 MG135 FACE LIFT

1960 MGA 1600 COUPE Iris Blue, blue leather trim, Fully restored car from bare shell, Fully rechromed, all new trim, repaint. New wings. Unleaded rebuilt engine. 5 speed gearbox conversion for effortless touring. Last owner since 1973! Would cost over £60k to restore MGA Coupe like this. £32,500

94 SAFETY FAST! AUGUST 2017

MG Safety Fast_August2017_50-100.indd 94

1955 MG TF 1500 Ivory (Old English White), red trim, tan hood/tonneau. Original R/H/D car (not converted). Immaculate restored car. Immaculate underneath. Hard to ﬁnd a better example. Super door ﬁt. Chrome new or replated. Superb example of most desirable MG TF. £36,995

Extensive restorati with a good histo Finished in Birch Gr interior and Carpe Hood, Side screen excellent. Drives ownership for 40 p Telephone 07802 6

Stunning Ignition Blue. Black Hood and Interior good condition. Glass Rear screen, 4 New tyres. MOT April 2018. New Head Gasket, Cambelt and Water Pump. (still under warranty) New Rear Brakes, Service History. 59000 miles £3250. Contact 0191 3867400 or 07789498118. (Durham area)

Good usable car condition. Older with a few paint b reflected in the p engine. Large his half tonneau, side hood. Call 0795 402455 or e-mail £20,000. (New Fo

2001 MGF TR

Only 46,500 MILE 2018. Upgrade s.s.pipes. All belts replaced. New b April 2017. Pione Excellent conditio 01485 572767 (N

1961 MGA Coupe 1600cc Dove Grey, red interior. This car is in near concours condition and has had much time, money and effort given to it. Engine, gearbox, rear axle professionally overhauled 600 miles ago and still running in, almost all parts replaced, too numerous to itemise here, bare metal respray 21 years ago, heritage certificate, negative earth, electronic points. Genuine reason for sale. £23750 ono. Tel: Chris 07810296725

SELLING YOUR CAR?

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

1963 MGB FI

Road Rally prep FIA HTP until 20 Early car. Pull original shell. Iris top. 3 bearing, 3 rebuilt banjo, 72 Big valves, Piper maniflow Zircote ½ Roll cage, FH Moto Lita, Passe 2.Ideal longer ra member. Needs Email: toftsbank@ (Tyne Tees)

www.mgcc.co.uk

24/07/2017 17:19

CL ASSIFIEDS

oadster

Manual/overdrive. seats.Walnut dash. ull engine rebuild, ned flywheel, gas branch manifold, Uprated suspenr, Bildstein shocks 0’s full restoration, dy restoration and w clutch just fitted. condition and runs 1,750. Contact 863. 01259781559 2@btinternet.com d)

500

ar (RHD 1976) land in 1979. One to passing away of selling this car for s in excellent cong very well. Dutch 019. A spare trunk h luggage carrier is hans@maathuis.eu 5384118 for more

MGTF1500

1952 MGTD2

MGTF 1250

WANTED ALL MG MODELS!

Extensive restoration in the mid 90's with a good history file and invoices. Finished in Birch Grey with a Red leather interior and Carpets, with a nice patina. Hood, Side screens and Tonneau all excellent. Drives very well. In original ownership for 40 plus years. £28500. Telephone 07802 637896

Good usable car in all round good condition. Older restoration now with a few paint blemishes, which is reflected in the price. Good strong engine. Large history file. Full and half tonneau, side screens and good hood. Call 07955 767674, 01425 402455 or e-mail krg969@sky.com. £20,000. (New Forest, Hampshire)

In British Racing Green. I have owned the car for the last 20 years and within that time have restored it. Originally exported and returned to the UK by the owner. Black hood and toonal cover. I will supply 12 months M.O.T. with the car. £28,000.00 ono. For more information contact Gill on 07970 105 208 or gillhayward50@hotmail.com (Gloucester)

All conditions wanted, from barn ﬁnds to concours. Complete collections purchased. Cash buyer. Discretion assured. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you are interested in selling your MG and are looking for a prompt hassle free cash buyer! Please feel free to contact me for a no obligation friendly chat. I am especially interested in the following models: MG TC, MGA, MGB, MGC, MGB V8, Magnette and Midget.

CALL DIRECT ON: 07787 528131

2001 MGF TROPHY 160

Only 46,500 MILES. MOT until April 2018. Upgraded head gasket, s.s.pipes. All belts, water pump etc replaced. New battery, rear brakes April 2017. Pioneer Radio/CD. Excellent condition. £3,600 01485 572767 (Norfolk)

MIDGETS! WANTED

Contact the Midget Specialist MIKE AUTHERS on Abingdon 07703 465 224 CHROME BUMPERED MIDGETS in excellent condition bought up to £8,000. View current stock at

www.mgmidgets.com

Coupe 1600cc

nterior. This car is condition and has money and effort ne, gearbox, rear ly overhauled 600 l running in, almost , too numerous to e metal respray 21 e certificate, negaectronic points. for sale. £23750 07810296725

OUR CAR?

the MG Car Club your car in Safety st email your car words, together picture to Colin rant@mgcc.co.uk. is £20

CARS FOR SALE How to Advertise 1963 MGB FIA.

Road Rally prepared with current FIA HTP until 2025. Rebuilt 2003. Early car. Pull handle, excellent original shell. Iris Blue with White h/ top. 3 bearing, 3 synchro with O/D, rebuilt banjo, 72 spoke w/wheels. Big valves, Piper 270, 1 ¾ SUs, maniflow Zircotec, comp exhaust. ½ Roll cage, FH belts, FIA cut off, Moto Lita, Passenger f/rest, Brantz 2.Ideal longer rallies. Active MGCC member. Needs use ! £24,995 or Email: toftsbank@btinternet.com (Tyne Tees)

Members can advertise their cars free of charge in Safety Fast. The advert will also be posted on the Club website in due course. This is for one insertion only. To place an advert or for additional insertions email colingrant@mgcc.co.uk with details of your car, around 60 words, together with an attached picture, your contact information, price of your car, the area where you live, and membership number. Cost for non-members to advertise is £20. All adverts should be submitted by the 10th of the month for the following months issue.

1968 MGC Roadster

2002 MGZR

Almost concours condition. Automatic. One lady owner for 13 years. 62000 miles from new. Complete service history record This car has always been garaged which explains the immaculate condition and rust free underside £1100. Telephone 02084602354 (Bromley)

2003 MGTF 1

Stunning in Le-M matching hood. A car with only 18, service history. Fi steel water pipe 2018. (no advisor interior, the car every aspect. £3 Tel; 07973 211889 or keith.newell12 (Walsall, West Mi

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2000 MGF 1.8

CL ASSIFIEDS

SPARES FOR SALE HOW TO ADVERTISE

Members can advertise their spares for sale/wanted free of charge for items up to £250. Over £250, or for non-members to advertise, there is a charge of £20. To submit your advertisement email Colin Grant at colingrant@mgcc.co.uk. Please remember to include your membership number in all correspondence. All adverts should be submitted by the 10th of the month for the following months issue.

Safety Fast 1959 – 1965.

MG Car Club Denmark is working on making a complete collection of Safety Fast in their archive. Do you have any for sale or if you would donate some copies we would be happy. We are missing the following; year 1959, 1960, 1961,1962, 1963 and 1965. Further 1966 issues January, February and March are missing. Contact Gert gert.joergensen@mgcc.dk or +4540416793 after 19.00.

MG parts for sale

5 alloy wheels for 2004 MG TF, 8 spoke Minilite style, two with 185 x 15 tyres, two with 205 x 15 tyres and one bare rim. Buyer collects £50.00 o.n.o. Chassis for M type MG, post 1929. Buyer collects. Offers in excess of £250.00. Classic motoring book - Full Throttle by Tim Birkin. 1946 edition. No dust jacket. £20.00 o.n.o. For more details contact David on phone: 01403 64548 Email: dr.gjazz1@timetalk.co.uk

Supercharger

Based on an Eaton M60 running at engine speed and complete with 1.5" SU HIF carburettor, manifold to S/C, manifold from S/C to c/head (with pop-off valve), idler pulley & brackets as fitted to my own TC.My understanding is that the conversion had run less than 500 miles prior to my returning the car to a preferred traditional carb setup.For photos of the setup for sale and as previously installed on the TC. offers in the region of £2,000. Please email me at: chrisbone.mg@gmail.com (Norfolk)

MGMidget Spares

1 pair of reskined door shells, £50 each.Buyer to collect. Hood frame with header rail and hood from 1275cc. £50 Buyer to collect. MG Midget T Type TF models by Corgi. Red and British racing Green, mint and boxed £15 each plus P&P. Tel: 01494 813903

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MGB

New starter motor GXE4441. Original bought for my MGB GT but then it wasn't required and has remained in it's box ever since. £60ono + P&P Mark Peters 07952 350761. m a r k c a p e t e r s @ Ya h o o . c o . u k (Near Lincoln)

MGTD Spares

Lucas Magneto less points cover. Taken from working TD four years ago and would probably benefit from check over by magneto specialist. £30 TD cast iron exhaust manifold, good condition. £35 Set of Terrys Aero valve springs in original box. No rust. £25 TD metal instrument panel. Good condition, enamel scratched, bulb holder still attached. £3 All post free (some items heavy) Tel 01680 300398

MG TC/D SPARES

TC engine block, 1350cc. Needs resleeving. TD gearbox complete with bell housing, speedo cable, mounts and prop. shaft. Noisy first gear. Various spares to suit both cars, including wind wings, sun visors etc. All best offers Phone John on 01944 758888. (N. Yorks)

MGC

Two pairs Twin 2”hs8 carburettors modified from jaguar xj6 with throttle and choke links replaced to give full manual operation. £700 each set. Link sets can be supplied. Inlet manifold can be supplied bored for 2” on exchange for £40 either English or American. Two sets Kenlow electric fan for MGC with special brackets that mount on radiator fittings. £40 each set. Stainless steel front downpipes second hand and new offers. Koni adjustable shocks absorbers front and rear from lowered car. Front closed 9.5” open 13” rear closed 9.25” open 12.5”all in excellent condition. £60 each set £100 both sets. FREE MGBGT / MGCGT rear tailgate plain glass just collect. FREE MG T-type Xpag camshaft and bearings removed for cam upgrade. Please collect carriage extra if needed. Five Jaguar pepperpot polished alloy wheels supplied with tube bolts. For more information contact Tel: 01737551141 or 07831701028. Email: vjyoung@btconnect.com

XPAG Engines

I have in build a 1380cc, lightened and balanced, stage 11 unleaded, 8” Clutch, lip sealed, fast road cam. TD/TF engine. Future build of same spec, TC, TD and TF engines and one off, same spec, sleeved to 1500cc either TC,TD or TF. Tel: 01422 823649

Jaeger Clocks/Other items

Original MG TF clocks. These are unrestored items and have been in my loft many decades. Speedo (no time clock) £250 Taco, with rear dash lamp £250 Three gauge housing fitted with oil gauge £175 Oil Gauge on its own. £85 Time clock on its own £80 Spare, new old stock glass to fit speedo, taco, gauge unit £15. Stage two cylinder head to fit XPAG engine. Modification work carried out by Peter edney £475. MG Dealers inturnally illuminated corded show room sign £525. For more details contact Phil on 01792587337 or 07074760536. All above can be collected from Swansea or plus P&P.

Montego Turbo

Dealers demo tape rare £10 Post free. Tel: 01680300398

MGA

4 glass fibre wings. Best Offer. Tel: 01892722370. Buyer collects. (Kent)

MG Midget Parts

2 reskined door shells. 2 doors complete. Early hood frame packaway type. Later hood frame with header rail. Windscreen and many other parts. Please call 01494 813903

MGA SU CARBURETTERS

Pair of H4 MGA 1500 1½” carburetters with linkages. Each stamped AUC 6020. £75. Contact Graham on 01903 774770 or Email: grahamardern@btinternet.com (West Sussex coast)

MGA

A pair of white Fibre glass front wings There are a few scuffs and scratches, but generally they are in sound condition and have been stored in the dry for over 30 years. £30, buyer collects tel. 01279 730716. or Email: stevesue16@aim.com

1924-2004

Boot

Badge

(DAH000190MMM). I have commissioned a small quantity of new UK manufactured 80th anniversary badges and can offer some for sale at £55 each. Can possibly have another batch manufactured depending on demand. Phone 07912066269. or Email: richardperren@hotmail.com for images.

Midget Parts

4 alloy wheels " Minatour" (Minilite pattern) with serviceable tyres £120. Wooden steering wheel in very good condition £45, Alloy rocker cover £20. Reconditioned steering rack (unused) £10. Many other Midget parts including dashboards and windscreens. Contact David on 07896304108. Or email: rdtskiclub@gmail.com. (Oxfordshire)

MGA/TD/MGF Parts

MGA new pair of chrome bumper overridders £45. collect or plus postage. MG TD inner steering column. No Longer Available. £80, collect or plus postage Flywheel for earlyTD with 7 1/4 clutch. £85, collect or plus postage. MGF set of 4x 16inch 6 spoke alloy wheels from a MK 2 MGF, with 3 reasonable tyres £160 Small size get you home spare wheel as new £25. Tel. Jack on 01280 848529 (Buckingham)

MGA

Standard Radiator. Bought new and fitted but only used for 200 miles. £65. akroyd44@gmail.com 01162865776 (Leicester)

MGB Wire Wheels

Five painted wire wheels, size 14inch x 4.5 from 1968 MGB GT. All fitted with reasonable tyres. Wheels are in need of refurbishment, so only asking £20 for the lot. Also original 16.5-inch wire steering from same car complete with original large central horn button. £100. Phone 0121 4531595 for details.

WANTED WANTED

Pair of aper+rubber+mesh filter elements for large type Vokes air cleaners as originally fitted to MGA. NOT felt type please. Please phone Dave on 01672 520975

WANTED KIENZLE DASHBOARD CLOCK Rectangular,overall

size 6.5 wide x 4.5 cms high. In good working order please, to fill the hole a previous owner hacked out of the dash on my 1975 MGB. Please c o n ta c t R o b i n o n 0 7 7 2 1 834477 (Evenings) or e-mail lizcovell@talktalk.net

WANTED

ZA MAGNETTE 1956 Hockey stick wanted (nearside LH) Must be undamaged (chrome not important, will be re-chroming). Happy to buy a pair. Tel. Iain on 0141 334 5090 or 07824 793459 email: iainwright3@aol.com (Glasgow)

WANTED MGB Gearbox for 1971-72

Roadster 4 speed with O/D. Must be in excellent condition. Willing to collect within reasonable distance from High Wycombe Bucks. Please phone with details 01494 813903

www.mgcc.co.uk

24/07/2017 17:19

PETER BEST www.classicinsurance.co.uk

B13 - Barrie Carter_CLASSIC MOTORING 24/07/2017 10:28 Page 1

The best policies for either classic or modern MGs

Call for a quote today

CL ASSIFIEDS 01621 840400

Due to rude anonymous email picture collectors who don’t bother to reply, I will only send details to those who have supplied a telephone number

1982 2CV Restored with a new chassis some years ago. Little used since. Nice history file. New MOT. Extremely nice to drive. £5,995

CANNON GT 1964 I bought this wonderful sports race car to race at Angouleme. Built by Mike Cannon in 1964 to beat divas. It is fitted with a 1098 Screamer. Superbly presented and prepared. Eligible for many series maybe even Goodwood. Be unique and call for more details £27,950. MX5 Mk1

And now for people like me who want something different here’s my lovely Jeep lookalike 2 CV 6. Built for off road use and sand dunes it’s an eccentric’s dream plus totally practical too. There isnt another one as for as I know. A joy to drive, quick with great chassis and mechanics, perfect weather equipment and heater. Absolutely unique £4,950 - a go anywhere 2CV. 1 years MOT.

These cars are one of the best values for money in a sports that you can find. I have one of my own and three more. I see them for sale for £12K and more... They are timeless and appreciating. This V spec one is impeccable. A Mk1 that has been cosseted by it’s last professional owner. It’s as lovely as you can get. Beautiful bodywork, new heated rear window hood, interior subtly trimmed in black leather with red stitching... all in excellent order. Air con. Radio. CD. Uprated suspension and brakes. Its 1800 engine pulls like a jet and it is superb under the bonnet. It recently had a new head gasket, belt andwater pump. It’s as good as mine... but mine’s green... I like green... Cheaper than any comparable sports car and timeless. New MOT... no advisories. Wonderful history... all mots and 1,000 miles in the last five years £4,250... More next year.

MGTC - ARRIVING SHORTLY PROBABLY THE BEST I’VE EVER SEEN.

MGA race car 1959 I bought this very well known twice ex championship winning car to use at Angouleme this year. I mechanically rebuilt it with engine being prepared by a leader in race engine building. It is built to FIA 1650 spec . Lightweight pistons, steel crank and special rods, full race big valve head and weber, special manifolds , spyder steel flywheel and cintred twin plate clutch, all balanced and properly prepared . Much quicker than my last championship winning A. GRP wings, ally doors boot and bonnet, race seats and cage. ZF LSD and special half shafts, Rebuilt early straight cut close ratio rare early competition box, cage, FIA belts, Three pot incredable brakes, polibushed, Wets and dries. very reliable. Second in class at Angouleme It would take very little to convert to an FIA spec car. It has the potential for many events from club rallies, h.c. and sprints to international raceing. At 76, I am about to say enough. It cost a fortune. Your gain is my loss at £27,950. I may part exchange. MX5 Mk2 I sold this to a friend three years ago and he hardly used it. It sat outside his home. It has a lovely cloth interior, radio, new hood, wind deflectors. New MOT - no rust. Drives perfectly. Only £1,500.

XPAG flow competition exhaust manifold New. £525 Wade Supercharger R10 Complete with pulleys. £999

XPAG engines built to any specification – supplied or exchange

CM08.17/B13/s

As of course you can see I have other interests as well as MGs. So here is my rather lovely collection of 2CVs- all of which I drive. Prices are rising quickly and restorations are selling for £12K+.

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX 4Sight Lighting Company................................ 81 EJW Classic and sports................................... 92 NTG Services................................................OBC Adrian Flux ..................................................... 68 Evans Division of Hydratech............................ 71 Oselli Ltd......................................................... 59 Aldon Automotive............................................ 71 Fishers Services.............................................. 83 Paul Depper MGs............................................ 73 Barrie Carter ................................................... 97 Footman James.............................................. 41 Peter Best..........................................89, 97, IBC Barry Walker .................................................. 93 Frontline ......................................................... 32 Prestige MG.................................................... 79 BCC Parts....................................................... 73 Get Patina....................................................... 29 Prostate Cancer UK......................................... 51 Beech Hill Garage........................................... 95 Halls Garage................................................... 87 Raceglaze ...................................................... 89 British Motor Heritage.....................................IFC Heathrow Transmission................................... 89 Rees Bros....................................................... 87 Suspension. ........................................... 79 layout. Brown and Gammons..................................... Please11 checkHoyle this proof carefully for errors in style, content and Sports Cars ........................................... 77 Although every care is exercised in preparing your advert, we cannot hold Carole Nash Insurance .................................. 53 Just Right Autos Ltd........................................ 54 Retro ourselves responsible for any inaccuracies you may overlook. Rimmer Bros Ltd............................................. 53 Chertsey Minors ............................................. 89 Kimble Engineering Ltd................................... 92 SHOULD YOU REQUIRE ANY ALTERATIONS TO THIS PROOF PLEASE RJJ Car Shipping and Transportation ............. 89 Chisbon Restorations...................................... 83 Knight Industries............................................. 43 TELEPHONE BEFORE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ AND QUOTE ADVERT NO . _ _ _ _ _ Church Square Autos...................................... 91 Manor Garage ................................................ 87 Robin Lackford Motor Engineering ................. 57 Classic Driving Development Ltd .................... 43 Martin Smith Used MGTF Spares ................... 91 Scenic Car Tours....................................... 19, 23 Classic Oils...................................................... 81 MG Mecca...................................................... 94 Skiptune ......................................................... 68 Clive Wheatley................................................. 44 MG Sales Centre............................................. 37 SMR ............................................................... 94 College Motors Burford................................... 87 MGF Mania..................................................... 57 South Coast MG Rover ................................... 44 Colne Classics................................................. 89 Midland Classic Restoration...............................3 Steve McKie Sports Cars................................. 89 We reserve the right to Classics. charge for any alteration to this Authurs .................................... 95 proof which Country Lane Tours......................................... 75 Mike is a departure from the original copy Summit Garages............................................. 73 Crown Classic Cars......................................... 83 Mike Rolls....................................................... 92 David Manners................................................ 21 Mike Satur...................................................... 57 Sussex Classic Car Parts....................................6 Dennis Welch.................................................. 89 Mirror Trim...................................................... 71 The Hutson Motor Co Ltd...................................3 Distributor Doctor............................................ 79 Moss Europe Ltd................................................6 Torro Sports Cars Ltd...................................... 95 Don Trimming................................................. 89 Motor Wheel Services..................................... 68 Vitesse Global Ltd ........................................... 77

URGENT PROOF

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG Safety Fast_August2017_50-100.indd 97

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

The official publication of The MG Car Club Incorporating ‘The M.G. Magazine’, ‘The Sports Car’ and ‘Brooklands Track and Air’, Safety Fast! Copyright MG Car Club 2017 Editor: Andy Knott 01235 849730 / 01235 555552 andyknott@mgcc.co.uk Deputy Editor: Colin Grant 01235 849733 colingrant@mgcc.co.uk Editorial Committee: William Ball, Dennis Wharf, Andy Knott, Colin Grant, Adam Sloman, Steve Clark PR and Communications: Lauran Gallacher 01235 849735, Chris Kynoch 01235 849731 Advertising: Hine Marketing 01452 730770 Published by: Hine Marketing, Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton Glos, GL2 9LN. Tel: 01452 730770 Distributed by: Air Business. Merlin Centre, 4 The, Acrewood Way, St Albans AL4 0JY Tel: 01727 890600 President: John Day Vice Presidents: Ron Gammons, Don Hayter, Peter Best, Bill Silcock. Chairman: Ian Quarrington Vice Chairman: Dave Tynan Treasurer: Richard Colston Directors: Dave Saunders, Paul Plummer, William Ball, Julian White, George Wilder, Dave Tynan and Peter Cook Company Secretary: Colin Grant

e know that the group pictured outside the Devonshire Arms were attending a dinner party and that the superb MG TF belonged to Norman Brock at that time. What we would like to know is when this splendid event occurred. The hairstyles and dress code suggest 1960s/70s. Were you there? If so, or recognise any of the group, please let us know.

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)

We are pretty certain that the location for our next two photos (by the everpresent Mike Wray) is Wiscombe Hillclimb, but there is no indication of the date of this meeting. Can you help us to update our files?

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

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

98 SAFETY FAST! AUGUST 2017

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

www.mgcc.co.uk

24/07/2017 17:19

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Parts for TA to TF 1936-55, YA YB YT, MGA & Magnette. Secure online shopping at: www.mgbits.com or by phone. Worldwide shipping. Free CD ROM catalogue on request

Mike (with TD) & Paul (with MGA) outside our Ipswich premises

T&YT

Exchange shock absorbers available for most models, complete with arms, links, bushes and pins where applicable. Check with us for stocks before sending your old units.

ype

Briti ritag sh Mo e Ap tor prov ed

mg He

bits

.co

m r in ou Now ition 21st ed

A selection of our extensive range of MGA body panels New MGA & Z and T&Y Type

Catalogues ÂŁ5 each - post free

NTG Motor Services Ltd 282-284 Bramford Road Ipswich IP1 4AY Tel: +44(0)1473 406031/2 Fax: +44(0)1473 742087 sales@mgbits.com British Motor Heritage Approved - founded 1966

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