Safety Fast! July 2017 by MG Car Club

THE MARQUE OF FRIENDSHIP

July 2017 Volume 61 Number 07 £3.95

THE

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LT D

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Inside this issue 7 8 11 12 62 64

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

65 66 67 72 84 92 98

Luffield Championship Calendar of events Out and About Centre Updates Register Updates Classifieds Looking Back

Features 14

Scorching Silverstone – MGLive! 2017 A report on this year’s MG extravaganza, MGLive! held at the home of British Motorsport

MGC The Journey from 1972 Cheryl Barry recounts the journey of the MGC GT purchased in 1972 by her father Roger

Event Reports Yorkshire Events, SE Centre Ladies Day, Abingdon Works Centre Old Speckled Hen and the Midland Centre’s Welsh Rallye and Taster Trial

British Touring Car Championship Report from Croft

Sunny Silverstone Report on the MGLive! race meeting

Overseas News Vintage Racing Weekend in Alsace

Newsletters 38

MGA Newsletter MGA Twin Cam Launch re-enactment and track experience event at Chobham and The MGA De Luxe – Some of the Story So Far

Magnette Newsletter Trevor Jones, Magnette two-pedal conversion? and Original Magnette radios

MGF Newsletter Events and Shows and Attention to Detail

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

MG RV8 basking in the Summer Sun at Silverstone during MGLive! 2017. Photo: Andy Knott

@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

The wonderful thing about car clubs, and the reason that many join them, is for the social side. The MG Car Club has a huge range of events on offer for all different tastes. Whether you like spectating or marshalling at the various race tracks throughout the UK, or meeting at a pub monthly for a pint, the MG Car Club has it covered. The various race meetings cater for the majority of MGs, from the supercharged winning Triple M cars from the 1930s through to the screaming, high revving 2000s MG ZRs, and visit tracks from Brands Hatch to Cadwell. Our last meeting, MGLive!, recently took place at Silverstone and what an excellent event it was. MGLive! is so much more than just racing though, with a live arena, a live stage and MGs galore. What’s not to love about it, especially as the sun shone all weekend. In this magazine, you’ll find a full report on the general event, and the motorsport side of the event. It’s not just circuit racing events the Club organises; in this issue you’ll find an article on how to organise a Taster Trial – the Midland Centre ran one recently which was enjoyed by all – and 18 year old Nick Price takes to the track in his dad’s Midget and reports on his excellent day in this month’s MGs on Track notes. Meanwhile, John Willman brings us up to date on the recent Luffield Speed Championship news. The Abingdon Works Centre recently held their popular Old Speckled Hen Run. Over 100 MGs took to the Oxfordshire roads as they left Radley College heading towards Buscot House for lunch, before returning to Radley for a cream tea. A lovely social run where old friends are reacquainted and new friends made, report elsewhere in the magazine. It’s a similar story with the Welsh Rallye: you can read all about that event on page 35. As you can see in this month’s magazine the social and event aspects of Club life are thriving in the MG Car Club. If you’ve never participated in an event why not give it a go and find out why MG truly is the Marque of Friendship. Until next month, drive safely.

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CHAIRMANS NOTES BY IAN QUARRINGTON

lub Treasurer. Please bear with me as I (once again) break with tradition and this time hand over the Chairman’s notes to Richard Colston, our Club Treasurer. Our Chairman periodically asks me how long I will be continuing as Club Treasurer, and my response is I am quite happy to continue a little longer as I very much enjoy having an insight into all of our Club’s activities. Clearly, this continuation is the soft option for both of us, as we know that across the Club it is tough to recruit volunteers for a range of roles and tasks. More pertinently, it is an established rule within the Club that Chairmen are only in position for a maximum of five years, albeit exceptionally this may be extended by a year. This standard is

being extended to other roles around the Club to ensure an incumbent does not dominate a position and there is an opportunity for change, and so it is only appropriate with a key role such as Club Treasurer that this approach is considered. Therefore, a Treasurer who will have been in place for seven years come 2018 is pushing this flexibility! Primarily, this role is to oversee the management and reporting of the Club’s accounts. It is therefore an Executive function, with all the accounting and cash management activities being undertaken by the Club’s very confident Finance Officer at Kimber House, and the Treasurer providing the interaction to the Directors and Council. So why would you volunteer for this position? It is a role where your input is much appreciated and valued

throughout the Club, whilst allowing you to maximise your involvement with the Marque of Friendship. And for those who have recently retired it maintains your interest in all aspects of business life, whilst allowing you to become even more involved in your hobby and the world of MG. As Treasurer, you are an Officer and Director of the Club, so you have an insight into all the activities of the Club and its CRBs throughout the UK and also the support given to Overseas, and the relationship with SAIC in China and their exciting future model developments. The management of the Club’s annual budget is fundamental to the success of all our activities, and the reward is in the achievement of this with a very committed team effort. So with a commitment to budgeting for all events the Treasurer has a full insight into how the Club ticks, whether it is an anniversary celebration, a race meeting or a major event like MGLive!. If this sounds like a role you would like to be involved with, and be a part of the Club’s future success, then drop Ian a line at IanQuarrington999@Btinternet.com

Photo: Stuart Collins

KIMBER HOUSE NEWS

uring June we had visitors every day coming to Kimber House and looking through the memorabilia. A special mention goes to Overseas Director, Peter Cook, who took two sets of visitors from New Zealand and America around our headquarters in the week leading up to MGLive! at Silverstone. With everyone getting ready for the big weekend it was great to have Peter around to give our MG friends from far away a grand tour. Recently we had Classic Car Weekly at Kimber House conducting interviews and taking photos with two members of the Club for a feature they ran in the Wednesday June 21 issue entitled ‘Epic

www.mgcc.co.uk

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Battles: MG Midget 1500 v MGF’. Roy Locock and his 1977 MG Midget 1500 went up against Carol Bradley’s 1999 MGF 75LE in a full two-page spread that covered both of the cars in great detail, along with owner’s views, expert opinions and buying tips. It’s well worth a read if you can get yourself a copy. Mike Brewer’s MGA left Kimber House for MGLive! where it was handed over as part of a special project which will be revealed shortly. Stay

tuned to Safety Fast! and the Club’s website and social media channels for announcements and updates. We’d like to apologise to any visitors who turned up on the Friday before MGLive! as we were shut, due to staff working at the Silverstone event. The doors are now well and truly back open, though, so if you fancy a day trip to Abingdon please come and see us – a friendly welcome awaits.

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NEWS

MG AND TRIPLE EIGHT BTCC NEWS

BARRY SIDERY-SMITH As we went to print we have heard that Barry Sidery-Smith, a longstanding Club member and MGB racer, has passed away. He was at MGLive! 2017 meeting people in his usual cheerful style. Barry Sidery-Smith’s life has been cars, both as a well-known 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 was in fact neat and quick, particularly in the wet. He has been a Club stalwart, too, running a Natter and was an active member of the South East 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. We’ll be running a full tribute to Barry in next month’s issue of Safety Fast!

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The MG BTCC Team recently bade farewell to Dan Lloyd, and wished him all the best in his future endeavours. MG is delighted to join the rest of the team, though, in welcoming back Josh Cook, who will step into the seat for the remainder of the season. Josh was a great ambassador for the MG brand in his first stint in the team and we feel sure that he will pick up where he left off as he joins new teammate Aron Taylor-Smith for the first time. MG’s Events and Sponsorship Manager, Keith Harris, said: “Firstly, I’d like to thank Daniel Lloyd for his efforts supporting my colleagues

and me with the wider activities that we undertake as part of our BTCC programme. He was always a willing participant and brought great colour and character to our dealer-hosted Question and Answer sessions around each weekend. “Whilst it is always sad to say goodbye to a teammate, obviously I am delighted to welcome Josh Cook back into the MG family. He is a driver that I know the MG community really took to their hearts and I feel sure that his return will be greeted as enthusiastically by the MG fan base as it has been by the team.”

WINTER STORMS IN SOUTH AFRICA On June 7 and 8 2017 the Western and Southern Cape were struck by severe storms after a prolonged drought. In the Western Cape it was mainly high winds and rain but was sufficient for people to be sent home from work early. Further along the southern coast on the Garden Route, the heavily wooded area around Knysna and Plettenberg Bay was hit by high winds which fanned forest fires. The area has recently hosted the MG Car Club Cape Centre’s gathering, the Simola Hillclimb in Knysna, and the MMM Register meeting. At the time of going to press, we have heard that Bruce Henderson, the Chairman of the South Cape Centre, has lost his house to the fires, and Peter Vadas has lost not only his house but his MG TC and an MG PB. Our thoughts are with them.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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NEWS

SOCIAL MEDIA NEWS

During MGLive! weekend there was a big buzz about the event on all social media platforms. We uploaded various live and recorded videos over both

www.mgcc.co.uk

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days that included Russ Swift’s Stunt Show, a general overview at Silverstone which included the different aspects at this year’s event, and Wheeler Dealer Ant Anstead’s Father’s Day Relay Race which involved a slalom through cones, a ‘car wash’ area where each driver was soaked and a ‘selfie stop’. If you want to check any of them out, see our Facebook and Twitter pages. We also published a special social wall after MGLive! that covered the best of social media across the weekend, showing what everyone got up to with the top posts across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Thanks to everyone that contributed across both days; we had so much fun looking through all the various pictures and videos.

A big shout-out goes to Krispy Kreme Doughnuts who uploaded a great picture showcasing the van they had set up for the weekend. The MGF Register uploaded an awesome 360-degree photo on Twitter, and all of our bands were in the social swing at Silverstone uploading loads of pictures and selfies.

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

THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE FOR CAR ENTHUSIASTS: FRANCE

MG ROVER TECHNICAL INFORMATION DISCS FROM XPART XPart are delighted to announce the release of the complete range of MG Rover Technical Information Discs. The discs are applicable to vehicles prior to 2005 model year; MG Rover didn’t publish Technical Information for the later models. Previously only available to the XPart Network of Distributors and AutoService centres, these discs, commonly known as RAVE Discs, are full of useful information, typically consisting of a Tutorial Section, Workshop Manuals, Overhaul Manual, Electrical Diagrams, Body Repair Manuals, Owners Handbooks, In-Car Entertainment Handbooks, Technical Bulletins and much more. The discs offer owners convenient access to the detailed information they need to keep their vehicles on the road in top condition. The discs cover the Zed range plus MGF/TF and Rover models. Retail Price: Only £9.99 + VAT. These can be purchased from your nearest XPart Parts Distributor who can be found by using the Centre Locator function on www.xpartautoservicecentre.com

By Julian Parish Reviewed by Colin Grant Having been a traveller to France I wish I had found this guide sooner. It contains everything a car enthusiast looking for an automotivethemed holiday could want. It covers all the things of interest such as museums, Classic and Modern car shows, automobilia, buying car parts, historic and modern motorsport events, race circuits, Rally routes and much more. The guide is divided into five main chapters, each covering a region of France. The headings are colour coded and each section opens with a regional overview map. A QR code is given for each event/venue entry which can be read by a smartphone to access the relevant website for up-to-date information. Priced at £14.99 this unique guide provides you with all you need to know to enjoy a visit to France with a motoring twist and represents great value for money. For more information go to www.velocebooks.com

EXCHANGE TA WATER PUMPS FROM NTG Exchange TA water pumps, reconditioned in our own workshop with new-style seal, new shaft, studs and nuts. £177.60 incl VAT. For more information go to NTG Motor Services Limited, 282 - 4 Bramford Road, Ipswich, IP1 4AY. Phone: +44 (0)1473 406031, web: www.mgbits.com

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POSTBAG

FAKE NEWS, CHAOS OR CONSPIRACY MGA COUPES SEBRING 1961 I refer to an article published on page 50 of the March 2017 magazine. First, to explain. I joined the BMC Competitions Department in October 1960 and was given the task of taking over the process of Homologation – the process of obtaining recognition from the FIA to enable production cars to participate in FIA-approved international rallies and races. As the word Homologation is a mystery to most readers, I will clarify one or two points in the H: 1. The specification of each car is entered on a Form of Recognition always compiled by the manufacturer. 2. The new Form of Recognition produced by the RAC as formulated by the FIA in 1960, comprised eight pages and for the first time 11 photos had to be attached of the car and its main components. This was a move, in my opinion, to make the policing of the specification of production cars more effective. 3. When completed in triplicate, the forms were forwarded to the Royal Automobile Club with a production certificate. In the case of the ‘Grand Touring’ MGA, certifying that 100 identical models had been produced in 12 consecutive months. 4. The forms would then be sent to

Paris to be examined by the FIA Technical Commission and authenticated (or not). Two copies would be returned to the RAC, who would send one original back to the manufacturer with the FIA stamp. 5. The Department at Abingdon which handled the preparation and entry of BMC cars in motorsport was, from 1955, called the BMC Competitions Department. Commenting on the article: 1. I did not attend the race. 2. Marcus Chambers would have masterminded the entry and preparation of the cars with help from Syd Enever. Stuart Turner was now team manager and attended the race which would have been his first Sebring. 3. The three new cars were manufactured 1600 MKII Coupes as MK I production had already ceased. 4. The cars were entered as MGA Coupes with 1588cc engines. 5. The radiator grilles were replaced with MKI grilles with alternate bars removed for cooling. It was the practice in the department at this time that the mechanics building the cars did not build their own engines. Race engines were generally prepared in the Development Department under the supervision of Jim Cox, or Morris Engines at Coventry. 6.Twin circular rear lamps were fitted

MGC 50TH ANNIVERSARY THANKS TO ALL THAT ATTENDED Well, where do we begin... Some three years ago, Barrie and I had this idea of putting on an event that would be totally fitting to our beautiful MGC reaching the grand old age of 50. We wanted it to be big, flamboyant and to attract MGCs from around the world. We know we had a great following as we have always made a big effort to talk with C Registers from all around the globe. We do have this idea of always aiming high, so it was never going to be a small affair. We knew if we wanted a good overseas following we had to get certain things right, to enable them to access an online entry form and be able to pay easily and that was sorted pretty quickly with the help of Willy Scott at the Caledonian Centre (released on good behaviour for around 12 months). We really could not

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to the rear panel to replace the MKII lamp units. To my knowledge this layout was unique to these three cars. 7. The cars were fitted with rear disc brakes. 8. I don’t know why the chassis numbers allocated to the three cars had tourer prefixes, but as far as production control at MG were concerned they were going to be ‘special’ cars and not production MK IIs and would be identified separately. 9. To suggest that the vehicle numbers were attached to the cars for shipment in order to make them look like 1600s and for a new Homologation to be carried out during transit is ridiculous. First, in effect any old number could be attached for shipment to identify the cars for the ships manifest. Second, the FIA Technical Commission only carried out verification of new applications for recognition on about a two- or threemonthly basis, so there was no way that a new car application for recognition would be dealt with during shipment. 10. BMC North America and BMC Competitions went into this event confident that the cars would satisfy the legal requirement of the SCCA. To my knowledge, it was very unlikely that Homologations Forms would have been requested during scrutineering.

have achieved what we did without his help, that’s for sure. Fast winding on to June 2017, we had a participant list of 227 vehicles attending and a venue completely capable of looking after everyone with regards to food and beverage each night, with an overflow hotel just a mile away helping out with accommodation. Bussing up all our participants for dinner each evening was not a problem at all, and it meant everyone would celebrate with a drink or two over their meal. We did inevitably have a few casualties, so on checking in, we did find ourselves slightly short on pre-booked numbers. With the influx of Saturday day visitors, this was soon brought back up and our official total for the full event was confirmed as being 217 MGCs in attendance. This has now been confirmed and we can announce the MGC 50th Anniversary event at Chateau Impney was indeed the largest gathering of MGCs ever in the

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POSTBAG

Finally, I cannot understand why Edward makes reference to “someone at Abingdon” – I had some correspondence with Edward prior to this article being published and would have thought that it was obvious that I was in charge of Homologation, carried out in close liaison with the team manager and technical staff. Don’t forget that all manufacturers were finding the new process difficult to manage and there were a number of queries and anomalies in the early days. I don’t have answers for some of the additional points made about Homologation connected to these 1962 Sebring cars – can you remember what happened in your life over 50 years ago? Perhaps readers would like to look at the successful history of the BMC Competitions Department and reconsider the use of the words fake news, chaos and conspiracy. Readers will have to make up their own minds, or contact an expert. Bill Price Edward Vandyk, the author of the article in question, comments as

follows: Much of what Bill says is true and helpfully adds historical detail. The impression that selfcertification by the manufacturers of both specification and compliance was the order of the day may well have reflected the practical reality, but Appendix J in period actually required the RAC to make the application and certify compliance, not the manufacturer. I think Bill is wrong about the rear light configuration at Sebring in 1961 and 1962. I believe they were identical. I think Bill should give some substance as to why it is, in his view, “ridiculous” to speculate on what occasioned facts that are simply not in dispute. Of course, I accept my speculation may be wrong. The 1962 Sebring cars had VINs which would have identified them as 1600 MkII Roadsters, not Coupes. The homologation that was applicable to the VINs was with a 1622cc engine not a 1588cc engine as entered. In both 1961 and 1962 they were entered simply as MGAs. The elongated FIA time frames for homologation that Bill talks about could not have applied in this case. The RAC letter which accompanied the application and which incorrectly certifies that more

world, surpassing the record set in 1992 of 147. We salute you all for believing in this event and supporting us so early in the preparation stages, some two years earlier. Thank you for making this happen; we hope you enjoyed the event as much as we did. Many trophies were presented and awards given at the event and we will leave our new committee to report back on that in the coming issues of Safety Fast!

than 100 units of the car, the subject of the proposed homologation, namely Homologation 56 for the MGA 1600 Coupe with Dunlop Disc Brake All Round option had been built, is dated March 3 1962 and the homologation itself March 20 1962, two days before the event. When these cars shipped in late February or early March 1962, even with a 1600 MkII Roadster VIN, the cars, as Coupes, would not have been fully compliant with Appendix J, so I do not find Bill’s argument that Sebring would not have required Forms of Recognition attractive. However, whilst I speculated as to what might have been going on, be it conspiracy or ineptitude, there is one fact that Bill both ignores and on which, as the person directly responsible, he might be able to shed some light. Namely: why did MG seek to homologate the MGA 1600 Coupe specifically with the Dunlop Disc Brake All Round option fitted many months after production of the MGA 1600 car had ceased? I think it likely that this had to be connected in some way with Sebring 1962; if Bill thinks differently it would be helpful to have an explanation as to why he holds that belief.

Just before we sign off, thank you to all who contributed to the beautiful gifts that were bestowed upon us at the end of MGC50, along with the Guest Book so many of you signed. All have been gratefully received and very much appreciated THANK YOU ALL. Finally, thank you all very much for the level of support you have shown us over many years. We have thoroughly enjoyed heading up the MGC Register for many years and hand you over to the new committee with great confidence for the future. Please support your new officers as you have us and allow the MGC Register to continue to grow and prosper for many more years to come. Kind regards, Barrie and Ginny Cartmell

www.mgcc.co.uk

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MGLIVE!

Photo: Mick Edwards

MGLIVE!2017 SPECTACULAR,SUNNY SILVERSTONE

he World’s largest MG event, MGLive! saw all variants of the marque descending on Silverstone as motoring enthusiasts from every corner of the globe gathered at the Northamptonshire circuit. A revised event layout and an array of fresh features combined to tempt new faces, which proved so very popular with members of the MGCC, sponsors, traders and members of the public. An excellent weekend of weather enabled all of us to watch the motorsport activities, take in the arena activities, explore the traders stalls, and admire the cars whilst chatting with like-minded enthusiasts, or relaxing

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By Andy Knott Photos: Aaron Lupton with a cold drink on the village green whilst listening to the live bands. As MGs were streaming into the Circuit the ‘Wheeler Dealer’ pairing of Mike Brewer and Ant Anstead took to the Smartdriverclub Arena to officially open MGLive! 2017 at 10.00 on the Saturday morning. The pair kept the buzz going in the arena all day, along with their friend, legendary stunt driver Russ Swift. His spectacular display of motor madness included driving on two wheels, handbrake stunts and parallel parking, reverse spins…not to forget his famous dance routine that well and truly smoked the life out of his MG3 and wowed the crowds. Just as well,

then, that his show came with the health warning of ‘Don’t try this at home!’ The Wheeler Dealers took part in a number of games, including the very first MGLive! Pedal Kart Relay Race, which involved teams slaloming through cones, driving through a car wash where they were pelted with soggy sponges, and stopping for a picture at the selfie stop before crossing the line and swapping drivers. It proved to be a big hit with the crowd, and prizes for each winner included a pair of tickets for the NEC Classic Motor Show in November. The Human Gymkhana was also very popular, with people racing against the clock and completing a number of

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MGLIVE!

tasks, with the winners bagging a £15 voucher for the MG Car Club shop. The Mac Tools Challenge on Saturday was something very special for the crowd in attendance. Former MG BTCC drivers, Jack Goff and Sam Tordoff, were joined in the Smartdriverclub Live Arena with current driver, Josh Cook, to take part in the Challenge. Ant Anstead picked them each a team mate from the crowd as they joined forces to compete for the title of quickest wheel changers. Josh Cook was crowned victorious, and had great pleasure in soaking third-placed Sam Tordoff with a bucket of water alongside Jack Goff, which made for fantastic entertainment.

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The infield area was to play host to the prestigious California Cup Autotests, which made its welcome return to the throng of the event. As tyres squealed and smoked, the crowds gathered, and with a packed entry of 30-plus, action was guaranteed from the outset. The excellent organisation from Noel Lindford and his loyal band of MGCC Tyne Tees helpers made for a real spectacle, with many saying they can’t wait to participate in the Autotest next year. We’ll have a full report next month. Throughout the weekend the Trade stands were open for business – with a great mix of products on offer for visitors to buy and enthralling live demonstrations. The Silverstone Sort

Out Stands also presented a fantastic opportunity for MG owners to track down that elusive classic car part at bargain prices. For those looking for something different, the Lifestyle Marquee was the place to go. From jams to jewellery and entry photos of you and your MG, they could all be found in this Marquee. The Village Green was a welcome addition to MGLive! this year, the large open area really giving the event a festival feel as The Candy Girls UK, Glamaphones, Dammit Jack and Shadow Monkeys took to the live stage during the daytime. They soon had people singing along and dancing. Whilst Mums and Dads, Grannies and Grandads were relaxing on the picnic benches enjoying something to eat and drink taking in the music, the children were able to burn off some of their energy on the free funfair, which was kept busy all weekend.

JULY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 15

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MGLIVE!

It was good to see MG Motor prominently displaying three Chinese MG XSs, in the patriotic colours of Red, White and Blue, as well as having an MG GS and MG3 on display. The feedback from the MG UK staff was very positive with lots of interest and good wishes from members. The MG Motor Stand also played host to ex-MG BTCC drivers Jack Goff and Sam Tordoff and current MG BTCC Driver Josh Cook, with a wellattended Q&A session on Saturday. MGLive! saw some very close racing trackside, and the joy of being able to access the many grandstands was a blessing for anyone with tired feet. The racing proved to be exciting and hugely competitive, with many battles spreading down the entire field in virtually every race (see separate race report for more details). One of the grandstands was conveniently positioned right next to the relocated MG Car Club Marquee which housed the popular MG Car Club shop, a lot of the MGCC Centres and Registers, and a selection of MGs including three motorsport icons, an MGC GTS, 6R4 and a BTCC MG6.

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If your legs were getting weary, you could always hop on one of the classic buses kindly provided by the Tuesday Bus Group. These ran throughout the weekend all around the whole circuit, taking people across to watch the racing and sprint, but for some it was just a nostalgic circular trip.

Saturday evening was concluded with excellent live music from TFI Live, as the burger waggon and Bus Bar were kept busy all evening with revellers and people dancing on the top deck. As the sun set the glo-cars lit the evening sky. Smaller Register and Regional barbecues were evident in the specially designated camping areas. Up and down the pit lane the racers also were enjoying the companionship that arises from the close racing, arguably the backbone to MGLive! As the sun and temperature rose on Sunday morning, everyone knew that Silverstone would be once again bathed in glorious sunshine. As the smell of fried breakfasts wafted across from the campsite, Ant Anstead and Mike Brewer once again kicked off proceedings in the Arena. As the racing started on the Historic GP Circuit there were also 130-plus competitors raring to set their quickest time over on the Stowe Circuit as the Sprint, ably organised by the MGCC North West Centre, also got under way.

www.mgcc.co.uk

22/06/2017 18:22

MGLIVE!

Whilst Ant and Mike were busy in the arena, the Autosolo made its welcome return to MGLive! and was in the capable hands of the MGCC Tyne Tees Centre, as 26 MGs pitted themselves against the clock over various tests. Cars began to assemble on Copse Runway for the Meguiar’s Concours and Pride of Ownership around 10.00am, as the most detailed and immaculate examples of the marque moved gracefully to their judging areas. There were stunning examples of cars on show, ranging from T Types to an SV-R.

James and Edward Wooster I really enjoyed the MGLive! event today. This was my first visit and I’m amazed at the sheer scale of what the MGCC had laid on. I’ve never seen so many MGs in one location! I particularly liked the Wheeler Dealers and Smartdriverclub Arena opening session with Russ Swift – and my son and I were lucky to be ‘picked upon’ for the two-wheel driving and precision high-speed parking. The California Cup Auto Test was also a real eye-opener – I had no idea that you could control Midgets like that. Well done!

www.mgcc.co.uk

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The racing was thrilling as ever, and those who participated in the MGC Anniversary lunch time circuit tour enjoyed their time on the GP circuit. The MG Car Club marquee was busy for a second successive day, with the Centres, Registers and MGCC staff working hard to recruit new members and assist customers with their merchandise requirements. People began to filter away from the circuit around six, as the event drew to a natural conclusion. It had been a bumper weekend of action. The weather had

Harvey Heath This has been a special trip for me. I shipped my MGC from New Zealand to take part in the excellent MGC50 event at Chateau Impney, did a bit of touring around including heading to Abingdon, and then on to Silverstone for MGLive! I can’t believe how friendly everyone has been. I’ve really enjoyed my time over here, it’s a once in a lifetime occasion. The scale of MGLive! has really blown me away. I’ve had a wonderful experience and struggled to take the whole of the event in. I can’t wait to let all my friends in NZ know what I’ve got up to.

been kind, the action plentiful and the sea of cars utterly spectacular. A sizeable sum was raised for the event’s nominated charity, Headway, over the weekend and it was wonderful to have representatives from the charity on site during the two days. As always, the success of the biggest MG event in the calendar was down to the hard work, dedication and enthusiasm of all those involved, for which special thanks go out. MGLive! is proof that the marque of friendship is as strong as ever.

Ray and Kim Windle We’ve been coming to Silverstone for the past four years. We always enjoy the event and socialising with the people we meet. This is the first year I’ve bought my TD. It’s quite a trip for us, so we always make a full weekend of it, which is great. I’ve had a slight running issue with the car, but speaking with other helpful T Type owners, we’ve hopefully rectified the problem. Taking the TD out on the hallowed Silverstone track was something special – top down, sun shining, what a wonderful experience. Great event, we’ll be back next year.

XXXX JULY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 17

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MGC GT photographed in Wales in 1974

MGC THE JOURNEY FROM 1972

n November 1972, Roger Barry bought his first MG, a 1969 MGC GT in Snowberry White, which was bought in part exchange for his Ford Capri from Rudds Ltd. in Southampton.

MGC GT photographed at Exmoor, 1977 www.mgcc.co.uk

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By Cheryl Barry

Roger quickly fell in love with the car and used it regularly to roar around the Buckinghamshire countryside, as well as taking it on several holidays and family trips. Roger frequently told us about how he used to cram his

young family of five into the MGC for the drive across the country to visit his wifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family in Wales. Apparently, his baby twin daughters were placed in carry cots end to end on the parcel shelf with his toddler son in the back seat. There were none of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worries about car seats back in the 70s! But people still stopped to stare to see Roger and his family of five crammed into such a small car. General Maintenance In 1980 the car was taken off the road for some short-term general maintenance and TLC. With the car still off the road, it survived a family house move in 1984 to a now double garage where the beloved C remained just that, garaged. In its new home there were numerous attempts to strip

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The body shell on the way to the restorers

The MGC GT undergoing restoration in 2014

back the paintwork, grit and sand blasting, various chemicals you name it. Roger always planned on restoring his beloved MGC and believed it would be his major retirement project. Despite some minor tinkering, the car remained in pieces, stood as a shell, upside down on a self-made wooden cradle (constructed of parts from an old conveyor belt system) in the garage for the next 34 years. This didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t deter Rogerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love of cars and, specifically, his love of MGs never waned. He had joined the MG Car Club in 1978 and every edition of Safety Fast! since that date is still safely stowed away. He always took an active interest in everything relating to cars, motor racing and specifically MGs, being a regular attendee at the MG weekends at Silverstone. With the MGC still in pieces in the garage, for some reason he went on to buy an MGB Roadster in the late 1980s which, other than the paint job, he successfully restored himself and then there were a couple of MGB GTs the early in 2000s. He went to Le Mans numerous times in the

The MGC in its final stages of renovation

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www.mgcc.co.uk

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80s and 90s, occasionally taking the Roadster packed with all the camping equipment with him. Tragedy On being diagnosed with terminal cancer in August 2014, Roger’s greatest desire was to see the MGC restored to its former glory. In September it was decided that the car would be sent off for a full respray which would then allow Roger to concentrate on the mechanical side of things. Roger formed a close relationship with the owner of the classic car restorer who graciously allowed him the use of the premises to work on the areas of the car he was going to do himself. He got on so well with the employees that, on return from a holiday, one of the guys, Dave, was greeted with a sign hanging above his work area saying “Roger’s Bench!” In reality, this camaraderie gave him a purpose and kept him going through the winter months.

Work to the Car included… By November 2014, the paint job was complete and the gleaming Snowberry White shining like new. In January 2015 the suspension and axles were in place, during February the engine was sitting in the engine bay and around March the wiring loom was going in. On April 2 2015 the car returned home on the back of the truck, but with its own wheels so it could be worked on in the garage. As Roger’s condition deteriorated, work to the car started to slow as he was no longer able to carry on with the task in hand; it looked like he would not see the finished C after all. With the effects of his illness now rapidly becoming more apparent and hopes of seeing the finished car fading, something drastic was needed. On July 2 2015 the very same flatbed lorry collected the car and returned it to the restorers, which, in truth, had seen little progress since April. What happened next still defies belief. The wonderful team worked around the clock to do the unimaginable and

The completed engine bay looking resplendent after the restoration

attempt get the C finished. After much hard graft and calling in many favours, 35 years after it was taken off the road for maintenance, the MGC was finally completed and driven to Willen Hospice in Milton Keynes to show Roger, just a few days before he sadly died on July 19.

The MGC was taken to show Roger outside Willen Hospice just days before he died in July 2015 www.mgcc.co.uk

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MG8 The MGC Register weekend at the MGCC Mallory Park race meeting, July 2016

His family take great comfort in the fact that Roger’s wish to see the MGC restored was met, along with the delight in his face when he saw his beloved car again. The staff at the hospice were fantastic and were so understanding. They made it possible for him to see the car by allowing his bed to be wheeled outside where the C was waiting. Final Journey During Easter 2016, as a final tribute to Roger, his son Jonathan and his wife Christine drove the MGC to Norfolk on its first real run out since the restoration was completed. There, along with 13 other members of his family including daughters, grandchildren, sister and sisters-in-law, we scattered Roger’s ashes on the North Norfolk Coast. It was a beautiful day as part of a lovely week’s holiday and it seemed fitting that the MGC be part of it.

In an ironic twist to the tale, on arrival in Norfolk it was noticed that the rear off-side tyre had been perilously rubbing against the wheel arch to such an extent that the car was no longer safe to drive. As the wheels were knowingly purchased by Roger at a reasonable price (he did like a deal!) as potentially non-MGC wheels, this was always going to be a risk. The result was to dash off to the helpful people at MGB Hive to buy a new set of specific MGC chrome wire wheels and then to fit some new tyres. Roger always did like a car drama, especially around family holidays, and we can recall many other occasions where the car became an issue! Despite the car problems, the week in Norfolk was a roaring success with the C getting to see much of the fantastic coastline, but it was now time for the trip back to Buckinghamshire. Settling into the journey with the C running well and sounding superb,

M 5

a full tank of fuel on board and the prospect of a pub lunch en route, we were looking forward to a pleasant trip after the car problems of the previous week. However, just over an hour from home, there was yet another drama: no brakes! Somehow, and very luckily, we managed to veer the car off the A10 onto a side road where it came to a safe standstill. The sad sight of brake fluid all along the road back to the A10 was clear for all to see. After a long wait for the recovery lorry and some service station sandwiches eaten in the back of the lorry (there was now no pub lunch!) the car sadly and unceremoniously arrived home on the back of the recovery lorry. Roger always said that classic cars need constant love and attention and this just seemed to prove him right! We must add that the problems experienced with the car were nothing to do with the restoration company, but areas of the car where Roger had been involved. Roger’s love of cars, particularly his MGs, will be his great legacy. His son and son-in-law enjoy driving and tinkering with them. And his entire family will ensure that the MGC, MGB Roadster and the MGB GT will all be lovingly looked after.

All clu IN Ear com Con

M Cra

AU v v v v v v v v v v

The MGC at Cley Beach in Norfolk on a family week away 22 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2017

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YORKSHIRE CENTRE EVENTS Daffodil Run 2017 The sun was peeking through the clouds as our 1973 MGB ‘Marmalade’ joined the starters at McDonalds at Clifton Moor, York, for the Yorkshire Area Centre spring Daffodil Run through North Yorkshire and the Howardian Hills. The route was planned by the two Davids, Chapman and Copeman, of the West Yorkshire Natter, with the support of sponsors Retro Sports Cars, and Boom Marketing who produced the route booklet. Some 80 cars had planned to come, and there were a few late additions taking the number a little higher. The route took us north alongside the east bank of the River Ouse towards the village of Helperby Brafferton, past the old RAF stations at Linton on Ouse, Dalton and Tholthorpe, though an area that saw much action with RAF Bomber Command just 75 years ago. We then headed north east toward the Hambleton Hills, through the pretty village of Kilburn, famous for the master wood craftsman Robert “Mouseman” Thompson, and up the steep hill past the “Kilburn White Horse” and Yorkshire Gliding Club on the top of Whitestone Cliff, to the North Yorkshire Moors visitor centre. Here the route took us through lots of small tortuous hills and farm lanes towards Hawnby, and past the wonderful ruins of Rievaulx Abbey to the busy market town of Helmsley.

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Leaving Helmsley, and the excellent selection of pubs, we headed towards the Howardian Hills, through the pretty villages of Harome, and Hovingham. The rest of the run was an enjoyable route around the countryside east of York, past locations featured on TV personality Tony Robinson’s Coast to Coast walk programme on TV only a couple of days before, through more pretty villages, and the Derwent Valley, eventually approaching our destination at Elvington – the Yorkshire Air Museum. Our thanks go to David Chapman for all his hard administration work and car parking skills. Ken and Julie Cothliff Wolds Way Run After the 2016 Wolds Way Run it was suggested we approach the Hull 2017 UK City of Culture organisers to have the 22nd run starting from the city centre. There could only be one location; around the Rose Bowl Fountain, Queen’s Gardens. Special permission was required from the Hull City Council to assemble 100 cars. By early March Christine and Adrian Benson had plotted the route with Geoff and Christine Kirk doing the route book. We had the sponsorship of

Maple Garage, Priestley, the local MG Dealership who again kindly provided the plaques for the route. Christine and Geoff Kirk obtained sponsors along the route for the raffle for the charity Max Appeal and they soon had over £200 worth of prizes. Entry forms came in quickly and exactly a month before the event we had reached our goal of 100 cars. With the BGT packed we set off for the Rose Bowl. It was raining heavily. With ramps, signs and flags in place, the early entrants signing in were welcomed by Jill, June, Christine and Wendy. The Yorkshire Air Ambulance volunteers arrived, put up their gazebo and Maple Garage brought the new MG GS and MG3. The sun came with them. All gleaming, shining, looking fantastic, parked many MGs. The oldest, Giles Peacock’s 1932 D-Type Midget and the newest, Sally Thackray’s MG3. James Hoggarth of BBC Radio Humberside did live interviews on his show and the BBC brought a TV camera. The coverage was twice shown by Look North that Sunday and also coverage of the cars driving across the Wolds. The weather stayed dry and bright with stunning views across the Wolds and its famous big skies. Around lunchtime most of the entrants had reached Sledmere House then turned south for the return trip into Hull, gathering near Victoria Pier. Thank you entrants, sponsors and officials, including the Hull City Council, for enabling The Wolds Way Run to raise over £1,000 for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Max Appeal. Steve and Christine Moore

D 9 O W B

www.mgcc.co.uk

22/06/2017 18:23

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MGCC SOUTH EAST LADIES DAY

he first ladies day kicked off at Frankie’s Farmshop, Staplehurst in Kent, with 16 keen MG enthusiasts. The farmshop, it seems, is a popular venue for clubs, with a Ferrari group pulling in alongside our cars. They were surprised to see all of our MGs driven by women, until we explained that it was a ladies-only event. With plants and other bits purchased and crammed into cars ranging from 1950s MGA Twin Cam, two MGAs, an MG RV8, MGF, MG ZS and a couple of unmentionables, we headed off for the main venue of the day, the Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden. A short drive through the picturesque Kent countryside in all its splendour took us to the Sanctuary, where our exclusive tour had been booked. The Big Cat Sanctuary is primarily open for corporate or wedding bookings, as well as very expensive overnight stays in lodges coming in at an eye-watering £750 per couple. We were treated to an amazing day. It started with a short talk outlining the work of the Sanctuary, from taking in cats from zoos such as Windsor Safari Park, rescuing those poorly treated or abandoned cats, to a full breeding

26 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2017

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By Jo Ruffles

programme of endangered species with the intention of being able to release some cubs back to their natural wild habitat in the future. This was followed by a private tour of the 32 acres of beautifully landscaped and planted grounds, more like strolling around your own garden.

The Centre currently has 50 wild cats with 15 different species, and we were able to see most of these awesome creatures, with our guide offering a very comprehensive commentary as well as personal details of the individual cats and their temperaments. From a Sumatran tiger (hand-fed by Ursula and Pat) through to a pride of white lions, a hybrid white tiger, leopards, snow leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, as well as some smaller less well-known cats such as the Pallas’s cat and the very distinctive lynx, to name but a few. The welfare of the cats is paramount and great attention is paid to their care, reflected in the fact that they house a number of relatively old cats who continue to thrive and appear to be in excellent condition. The ladies day offered a new dimension and gave us the opportunity to meet and make friends with others outside of our usual local groups (and of course gave the boys the opportunity to tinker in their garages unhindered!). It also provided a great drive in our cars along fantastic lanes, free of the usual comments, enabling habitual navigators to have a chance of driving their MG. We all agreed that it was something that we will continue and so we are aiming to hold an annual event. We would, of course, welcome ladies from areas other than the South East if they are able to join us or are holidaying in the area.

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EVENT

Signing on at Radley College

THE 25TH OLD SPECKLED HEN RUN

he Abingdon Works Centre-organised ‘Old Speckled Hen Run’ is always an exceptional event and this, the 25th edition, was no exception. Taking place on the warm and sunny Sunday of the late May Bank Holiday weekend, the traditional start point for the run was the imposing Radley College on the outskirts of Abingdon. Having collected the error-free Route Book, drivers and navigators had the opportunity to inspect the 86-mile route, whilst taking tea and biscuits in the cricket pavilion. There was also plenty of opportunity to peruse the cars, from 1935 PA to 2017 GS, and all models in between. At 10.30am, the first of the cars took the starter’s flag, ably waved by the Deputy Mayor of Abingdon, Councillor

28 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2017

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By David Coulthard

Margaret Crick. Initially, the route skirted Abingdon, along a short section of the old factory test route, before fringing the Vale of the White Horse, all the while accompanied by circling red kites, which stayed with us for the whole journey. We then climbed to the top of The Ridgeway, (Britain’s oldest road?)

to reveal the stunning views across the North Wessex Downs. Our route looped under the busy M4, before entering the self-proclaimed ‘Valley of the Racehorse’ and passing through the village of Lambourne, with its racing stables and gallops. Continuing through the Lambourne Downs, fabulous views across the Oxfordshire plains distracted the crews as we continued north west. The lunch halt was taken at the impressive Buscot Park, near Faringdon in Oxfordshire. The AWC marshals directed the crews to a dedicated parking area, just a short stroll from the tea room, gardens and house. The Italianate-style Buscot House was built by Edward Loveden between 1779 and 1783. In 1887, Buscot was sold to city financier Alexander Henderson, the 1st Lord Faringdon, who added paintings by Rembrandt and Reynolds to the

www.mgcc.co.uk

22/06/2017 18:24

Part of the Buscot House Gardens

The scenic start location, Radley College

collection. Gavin Henderson, the 1st Lord Faringdon’s grandson, remodelled the house by removing the Victorian additions. In 1956, the estate was bequeathed to the National Trust and the present Lord Faringdon administers the estate on behalf of the NT. Unfortunately, the house is currently being re-roofed, so was closed and shrouded in scaffolding and plastic sheeting. However, the jewel in the Buscot crown is the extensive pleasure gardens that surround the house. To the west is the walled Four Seasons garden, with its fountains and wisteria. To the east, woodland paths lead to a water garden, lake and parkland. The gardens are full of sculptures at every turn, including replica Chinese ‘Terracotta Warriors’, Egyptian sphinx and modern art installations. The shorter return route gave the cars chance to stretch their legs, with long straights and sweeping bends. Running to the south of Brize Norton airfield, we continued east through the gravel pits of the River Windrush valley and eventually back to Abingdon. Having successfully completed the route and returned to Radley College once more, entrants were rewarded with the traditional cream tea on the college lawns. A fitting way to round off a beautiful day.

Old and new MGs ready for the off

Chinese ‘Terracotta Warriors’ at Buscot House

Deputy Mayor of Abingdon, Councillor Margaret Crick flags the MGs off

MGA prepared for the lunchtime stop

www.mgcc.co.uk

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EVENT

Sarah Skelton piloting an Austin 7 Sports Special. Photo: Martin Price

MIDLAND CENTRE TASTER TRIAL – AN ORGANISER’S EXPERIENCES

he Midland Centre is the oldest of the Centres, formed in 1933 and one of the most sporting of all the MGCC Centres, running two Sprints at Curborough, plus a couple of single-venue car trials. Last year, after a successful clubman’s production trial at Burton Dassett Country Park supported by entrants from many motor clubs, it was mooted that the 2017spring trial might be run as a Taster event with the aim of encouraging newcomers into the world of trials. All sports and activity clubs that find themselves stagnating or facing a decline in interest need to find ways to reach out to those who might be curious but

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By Tony Lake remain apprehensive about taking the plunge… “so I’m interested in motor sport, I’m going to need fireproof clothing, a fancy helmet, a race licence and a super-tuned car, right?” Emphatically, No! The MSA Go Motorsport initiative provides affiliated clubs with a simple and supportive framework that waives club membership for the day for a taster event. www.msauk. org click on Clubs and Organisers. There are 12 taster disciplines that attract that waiver; none of them fall into the category of speed events, so entrants do not need an MSA licence. An MSA permit allows a club to invite newcomers at minimum

personal expense to a fully authorised and insured event. The Regional Development Officer for the West Midlands, Bryn Pound, was a useful sounding board for queries. In taking this new event forward, the Midland Centre were fortunate to stand on the shoulders of the Midland Automobile Club Clee Hills Trial team, led by Adrian Tucker-Peake, who had drafted such a plan back in 2015. Publicity was key; we canvassed support from past entrants to our trials and 15 clubs who are also supporters. We had publicity from Safety Fast! plus supporting promotion from MAC, the Motor Cycling Club’s News of the Week, Mike Leete’s Classical Gas, the BTRDA, VSCC

www.mgcc.co.uk

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and PWA7 club. MSA had the date on their calendar. The Midland Centre website and Facebook page covered it. Motor clubs’ standard regulations and entry forms are pretty formal, prescriptive and expect considerable motorsport awareness. Because it was not a serious competitive occasion, we abandoned all references to classes, which typically run to eight for a production car trial with copious associated detail. We wanted novices to turn up in their daily drivers and have fun. We were also targeting young drivers, aged 14 and upwards so the indemnity document carried all the detail to cover drivers who don’t hold an RTA, as prescribed in the MSA Blue Book in T4 3.1. Entrants were notified in the final instructions that scrutineering would be a check on car safety: steering, hand and foot brakes, tyre and body condition. It was not for eligibility, no arcane FIA or marque rules to worry about. They were reminded to remove any loose items from inside their vehicles beforehand and to bring their MOT certificate. A keen local farmer in Bromsgrove, just round the corner from Clerk of the Course Adrian’s home, who has a long history of allowing motor clubs use of his land, welcomed the Centre for a modest per-capita fee. Clerk of Course used a couple of grassy, undulating hillside fields, with shrubs not trees, to set out eight varying sections, plus a flat area for a timed run. Strictly non-

Marie McCance in her MG ZS. Photo: Martin Price

damaging, and with space for safe separation and return runs. Any outdoor visitor attraction provides catering and toilets, so we laid on a good burger van and a couple of Portaloos, and notified our entrants who were delighted with the amenities. On the day, we had 23 drivers in 13 cars, 18 of whom were first-timers. The considerable thought and planning of 2015 paid off on the day. Each driver had a map of the fields and, blessed with six experienced coaches in their own trials cars, we managed to get a match-up of 1:1 with the novices, so that a consistent relationship could build between them and drivers were always ‘on the go’ without hanging around for changeovers. Round one, involving attempts at eight sections across both fields, was not marked, and each section was repeated once so that our coaches’ tips from the first attempt could be applied promptly on the second go. This approach established some familiarity with trials driving, an appreciation of what is possible with the cars, and safety awareness around the site – watching out for others. We did time the special test from the outset, so drivers could relish seeing

Kevin Grainger and Mark Grainger reach the top of a trial in their MGF. Photo: Martin Price

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the measured improvement in their driving skills from beginning to end. During the lunch break Adrian tightened some of the routes and added two restarts, briefed the marshals and we observed the afternoon’s two rounds to form a short competition. The day was wrapped up by 4.00pm, nicely timed as distant rain clouds gathered! We broadcast the afternoon’s results promptly and circulated a quick ‘one liner’ feedback sheet around the drivers; it was seen as a resounding success. We naturally wanted to showcase the accessible enjoyment of trialling through the driving experiences, but also to lead some of our guests towards considering further participation. Each entrant took away a goodie bag, partly as a memento of their own initiative, but also to stimulate possible next steps for some of them. The MCC provided back numbers of Triple magazine, MAC donated Restart magazines, MGCC provided Safety Fast! and a Club membership application form and Neil Mackay the BTRDA driving guide and annual events calendar. Costs were modest: hire of the field, Portaloos, MSA permit and insurance costs plus some awards in the form of a coffee mug with a photo of the competing car and driver came to just under £400, which, with an entry fee of £15 for under 21 and £20 for the others just balanced the books. Would recommend any Centre that wants to regenerate interest in low-cost grassroots motorsport to take a look at the MSA website. The Taster event club membership waiver is a gold-plated opportunity and there is plenty of MSA experience on hand.

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Lunch stop at the Oakeley Arms

MIDLAND CENTRE WELSH RALLYE 2017

he current series of Midland Centre Welsh Rallyes (with an ‘E’) commenced in 1997, having previously run from the early 1950s, and thus our 2017 event marked the 20th anniversary of the current era. Originally one-nighters, in recent years our members have indicated that they enjoy a two-night weekend, and so it was arranged for two nights at the Metropole Hotel in Llandrindod Wells, a hotel we have used on several previous occasions, and which is popular with classic car clubs. Indeed, this year we shared the hotel with members from the Manx Classic Car Club. The Welsh Rallye team had set a route following some roads we had used in the past, but attractive nonetheless, and so worth a repeat

By Andy Robson

visit. And so it was that 42 cars lined up in the hotel’s car park to be flagged off by MGCC stalwart Paddy Wilmer. It has to be said that not all were MGs, the interlopers being a TR6, a VW Karmann-Ghia coupe and a Renault 12 saloon in remarkable condition. The day started off dull but dry-ish, and most of the roadsters managed to drop their tops. The route opened with a fast run into and through Rhayader, then following the scenic River Wye and into Llanidloes. There, we diverted onto minor roads, swooping down over the Clywedog reservoir dam and into Llanbrynmair to join the pretty country lane leading through Pandy and past numerous small cottages and farmsteads to join the main road near Mallwyd, where we headed for the Brigand’s Inn for our morning coffee stop.

Once refreshed, the cars then took a route which is an old favourite, through the village of Dinas Mawddwy and up over the top of the mountains via the Bwlch-y-Groes pass (Pass of the Cross) where colleague Martin Price had ensconced himself to take photos of the cars. Unfortunately, at that point the weather took a turn for the worse, and rain was accompanied by low cloud, making it difficult to see what would otherwise be some of the best views in Wales. Nevertheless, everyone ploughed on, dropping down the valley towards Lake Bala (Llyn Tegid), then took a narrow country road over the hills to eventually rejoin the main road near Trawsfynydd. It was then just a few miles to reach the midday lunch stop at the Oakeley Arms Hotel at Maentwrog. It must be said that Paul Humpherston addressing the group at Abbeycwmhir

The Hall at Abbeycwmhir

www.mgcc.co.uk

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The MGC of Phil & Jackie Fellows is flagged off by Paddy Wilmer

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EVENTS

Pete Cresswell and his MGB

F & TF crossing the bridge at Pen-y-Bryn

MGA of Geoff & Sharon St John Mitchell at Bwlch-y-Groe

John & Marie Burton’s MGC at a very wet Bwlch-y-Groes

they served us with a splendid lunch, leaving some guests to wonder if they should have had rather less of that big fry-up at breakfast! After an hour’s break, it was time to head off again, this part of the route taking the cars up and over the hills overlooking the Traeth Bach estuary and dropping down into the back of Harlech, passing the entrance to the famous castle. We then had a run along the coast road, into and through Barmouth, to reach the small toll bridge at Pen-yBryn where we crossed the Mawddach river into Penmaenpool, where the old railway line used to run alongside the river between Dolgellau and Barmouth. We then had a scenic run over the hills to Corris where we paused for afternoon tea at the Craft Centre. Fifteen minutes later, and everyone was off again, through Machynlleth, and then diverting onto the mountain road which rejoined our outbound route after Dylife. We then repeated part of that outward route, but in the reverse direction, until we reached Panty-Dwr where we turned off to follow the country lanes past Abbey-Cwm-Hir (Abbey of the Long Valley). It was then just a quick run back to Llandrindod Wells for some well-earned liquid refreshment at the Metropole. Once showered and changed, everyone headed for the David Spencer

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Cars awaiting scrutineering

suite for the Saturday evening dinner, many guests electing to adopt the Fancy Dress theme for this year: ‘Vicars and Tarts’. Our guests always display fertile imaginations with our Fancy Dress themes, and this year was no exception. In fact, it was occasionally difficult to tell who was the ‘Vicar’ and who was the ‘Tart’! Heaven knows what the other hotel guests must have thought. Once the delicious three-course dinner had been served, eaten, and cleared away, the DJ fired up the disco and guests wound their way onto the dance floor. However, it was clear that the day’s strenuous driving had taken its toll on some of our group, who decided to make it an early night. Sunday breakfast was the usual excellent hot and cold buffet, after which it was time for the traditional Sunday excursion. This year, it was decided to return to a location we had visited a couple of years previously, this being the Hall at Abbey-Cwm-Hir. The large country house is famous for its 52 rooms, all beautifully designed and filled with antiques and curiosities, tours often being led by owner Paul Humpherston with his humorous commentary. This house is always worth a return visit, and especially so as many people had missed viewing the extensive gardens on the previous occasion due to bad weather.

After an entertaining couple of hours, it was time to head back to the hotel for Sunday lunch and the traditional awards presentations. This year the list read as follows: The Wilf Hale Trophy for their contribution to Centre activities by a non-Committee member for 2016 – Lech Zakrzewski. Welsh Rallye Car of the Weekend 2017 – the Malcolm Knowles Trophy went to Pete Cresswell for his immaculate rally-prepared MGB. Welsh Rallye Car of the Weekend – Runner up – Geoff St John-Mitchell for his lovely MGA Coupe, again rallyprepared. (Do you detect a theme here?) In the Fancy Dress categories: Best Male –Peter Chapman Best Female – Leonie Tromans The P.J. Evans Trophy and Chairman’s award for 2016 had already been presented to David Whale at our April sprint meeting at Curborough. And so that rounded off the Rallye for this year. Once lunch had been completed, it only remained for everyone to say their ‘Goodbyes’ and head for home. Plans are already afoot for the 2018 event, so we would advise anyone who might be interested in signing up for next year to keep an eye on our ‘Safety Fast!’ notes and our website.

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22/06/2017 18:25

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MGA NEWSLET TER Edward Vandyk Tel: 01488 608810 email: mgascribe@vandyk.co.uk

WELCOME TO THE MGA NEWSLETTER It was good to see so many MGAs, of all colours and configurations, at MGLive! and I hope you agree with me that the new format certainly invigorated the event. In August we have two Register events. The first is MGA Day on August 13. The annual gathering of MGAs will be at Croome Court, near High Green, Worcester, Worcestershire, WR8 9DW. Visit the home of the Earls of Coventry, stroll through the parkland laid out by Capability Brown, then discover the secret wartime airfield. Visit the website www.nationaltrust. org.uk/croome to see more about Croome Court. The MGA Register has secured a reserved parking area for the day next

to the Visitor Centre and Museum. If you wish to be part of the display of cars, you need to arrive by 10.00am (gates open from 9.00am) because the National Trust wants to limit vehicle movements in this busy area, once the public begin arriving in numbers. Display cars should follow the signs to Orchard Parking. There is no restriction on the time when you may depart. Arrivals after 10.00am will be directed to the nearby public parking areas. Those parked in the reserved area will be asked for a small voluntary contribution to cover the administrative charge levied by the National Trust. Secondly an event, organised by your Scribe, on August 20 designed to attract as many MGAs as possible but open to all MGs and indeed all classic cars.

The Stockfest Car Show and Rare Breeds Tour, now in its third year, is supported by the MGA Register and MGA Twin Cam Group and is designed for drivers and navigators alike. There will be an MSA exempt Tour in the morning, the Rare Breeds Tour, returning to the car show at lunchtime, having stopped at the Whitchurch Silk Mill for coffee and a shopping opportunity. The show will feature food, a beer tent, live music, a craft and vintage fair as well as an open garden. Booking for the Tour is essential. Details of the show and Tour, including booking forms, are available from www.stockfestcarshow.co.uk, www.rarebreedstour.co.uk and www.stockfest.co.uk

MGA TWIN CAM LAUNCH RE-ENACTMENT AND TRACK EXPERIENCE EVENT AT CHOBHAM Advance notice of a unique opportunity and event in 2018. On Saturday July 14 2018 it will be the 60th anniversary of the launch of the MGA Twin Cam as described in Motoring, the Nuffield House Magazine. http://mgaguru.com/ mgtech/twincam/pdf/motoring_1.pdf This event took place at Chobham and the test track is still (just) there beside the M3 and is used for many of the photo shoots in the glossy magazines (you may have wondered how you can get a photo of four cars on what appears to be a public road

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together) as well as a film set (Star Wars etc.). The track is available to rent and the MGA Twin Cam Group have arranged to hire it for the morning of July 18 2018 to enable the circuit to be used by not more than 40 cars – this is not a track day, more a track experience, but be aware that McLaren use it as a test track! It is envisaged that there will be four 15-minute sessions, a total of one hour on track. There will also be a short re-enactment of the launch followed by a lunch at a local pub. MGA Twin Cams and push rods MGAs, as well as Magnette,

were there on the day and all are very welcome. The final programme, and thus cost, is yet undecided and will depend on numbers, but is likely to be in the order of £130 for car and driver. Further details will become available on the MGCC Twin Cam Group website or contact its chairman, Mark Hester. I say ‘just’ because a planning application for residential development has been made for the Chobham and is likely to proceed, so just how long after 2018 the track will still be there is conjectural!

www.mgcc.co.uk

22/06/2017 18:25

MGA NEWSLET TER

THE SPIYDA FUEL GAUGE WIZARD My thanks to Richard for bringing this useful piece of kit to our attention. Richard submitted an article for publication in Safety Fast! because he thought that other MGA drivers might like to hear of his experiences with the MGA’s infuriating fuel ‘guessometer’ As Richard pointed out, getting the gauge to work as original is one thing but getting it to work better is something else. The gauge stays on the ‘Full’ stop for perhaps 100 miles, then drops suddenly to under the ‘Half Full’ mark, at which time it starts flicking from ‘Empty’ to ‘Full’ as petrol sloshes about during cornering. At the last Classic Car Show at the NEC Richard came across a gadget called the Gauge Wizard Sender/ Gauge Matcher sold under the Spiyda brand name www.spiyda.com/ magento/index.php/fuel-gauge-wizardmk3.html by inventor Chris Home. Current price is £44 plus £4 p&p but see below for the special offer for the dedicated MGA-only version. The device is the size of a large box of matches and Richard secured it to the inside bulkhead with Velcro, just to the right of the bonnet release. I chose the back of the dash just above the radio blanking plate but there are many under dash flat surfaces that will work. It requires a live feed from the ignition, and connections to earth, the sender and the gauge. The installation guide is available at:www.spiyda.com/magento/ media/catalog/product/pdf/ PicWizardThreePagesV3.2a.pdf There is already a live feed and earth connected to the fuel gauge as well as a connection to the sender, so rewiring is minimal. If you want a low fuel light, which flashes when very low, this simply connects between the live feed and a terminal on the device. Richard’s first job was to synchronise the device to the sender. He described the process in the

www.mgcc.co.uk

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following terms: starting with an empty fuel tank and pressing a button on the device to get four flashes of an LED will register it to an empty tank. Then add 2.5 gallons and getting five flashes will register a 1/4 full tank. A further 2.5 gallons added and six flashes to register a 1/2 full. And so on until a full tank registered. On reading this I realised that emptying fuel tanks and measuring fuel was going to be the drawback here. However, I had made a fuel gauge tester using Barney Gaylord’s instructions (http:// mgaguru.com/mgtech/electric/fg_07. htm) which gave the all-important resistance figures from the sender. So I contacted Chris and a new purchase option appeared on his site: the device specifically programmed for the MGA. No more messing around with fuel. Richard then went on to run the separate programming operation whereby the gauge is synchronised to the device. In a similar way to synchronising the device to the sender, which is not now necessary, the gauge is adjusted to the Empty, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and Full positions with the use of + and – buttons which move the gauge needle onto the appropriate mark. The final programming is to be able to set to low or high anti-slosh which dampens the needle movement. I bought a dedicated MGA Spiyda unit and it took me 45 minutes from start to finish to install and calibrate it. You need four lengths of wire, about 50cms, in three colours (ie two lengths in one colour). I choose stranded wire, and you will see later why stranded is important, in red, black and (2x) white. Put connectors on the red and black wires to enable them to be fixed to the back of the gauge. Turn off the ignition and pop the gauge out of the dash. On the back (in my loom at least) there are three green wires on one terminal and a single green/black wire on the other. The green wires are the live (12v) feed.

Add the red wire to the live feed. Cut the green/black wire so you can access the loom end through the dash hole and fix the white wires to both cut ends – noting which is from the gauge and which from the sender. Finally, reinstall the gauge putting the black wire on the earth connection behind the gauge bracket securing screw. You can test you still have a functional fuel gauge circuit by temporarily joining the two white wires and turning on the ignition. You now have four wires hanging from behind the dash. A live feed, an earth, a wire from the sender and a wire to the gauge sender connection. Connect them to the Spiyda unit as per the wiring diagram. However, using stranded wire to get good connections on the gauge leaves you with wires that are too thick to fit the Spiyda unit but, being stranded, it is simple to trim them down to size. Calibration was easy, essentially requiring only an ability to count up to 14! Fix the unit in place and tidy the wires with Velcro and cable ties. Chris has agreed to make the MGA-only version of the Gauge Wizard Mk3 available to MG Car Club members until the end of August 2017 at a special price of £40 + £4 p&p. www.spiyda.com/magento/index. php/vehicle-electronics/fuel-gaugeelectronics/fuel-gauge-wizard-mk3.html Richard Homer with a bit of help from your scribe, Edward Vandyk

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MGA NEWSLET TER

THE SINGLE WINDOW HOOD My appeal for pictures of the single window hood produced a photograph of his father’s car on delivery in 1956 from Robin Barker. It appears that only approximately the first 10,000 cars were produced with this hood. Incidentally the film ‘The Challenge’, which features about five minutes of single window hood MGA footage, is now available on DVD as part of the Renown Picture Crime Collection volume 1. http://www.renownfilms.co.uk

THE MGA DE LUXE – SOME OF THE STORY SO FAR For the last year a group of committee members of the MGA Register and the MGA Twin Cam Group, along with John Barrett, the De Luxe Co-ordinator, have been working on producing a definitive, or as definitive as possible, history of this somewhat elusive and certainly the rarest variant of the MGA, the MGA De Luxe. We expect to publish this in Safety Fast! later this year. We seek to delineate fiction from fact and, where conjecture has become in danger of turning into fact, particularly by repetition, make this clear. However, the story continues to be incomplete, particularly in respect of the UK market, and in sharing with you some of the story so far, we would also like to ask for your assistance. First an overview of some of what we think we know in respect of both what an MGA De Luxe was and why MG produced it. Indeed, what is its proper title? A De Luxe, De-Luxe, deluxe, some other variant or even some other name altogether.

‘A blue De Luxe from the University Motors dozen’

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We have found Dick Cheney’s analysis of known knowns, known unknowns and unknown unknowns a useful template from which to try to construct the picture. What is an MGA De Luxe? Surely that must be a ‘known known’. It is an MGA 1600 or 1600 MkII which has the Dunlop Disc Brakes All Round option fitted. Accompanying the disc brakes inevitably would be Dunlop knock off wheels, peg driven steel wheels held in place by a single spinner, and probably, but possibly not inevitably, Dunlop Road Speed Tyres. Dunlop Disc Brakes All Round required a separate brake master cylinder which, of course, meant a separate clutch master cylinder. This setup required a different pedal box which in itself meant different pedals. All of this as per the MGA Twin Cam which was phased out in 1960 as the De Luxe became available. The different pedal box accompanied by a heater configured for a push rod car meant that neither the Twin Cam nor

the standard heater shelf would work, so a De Luxe body is unique insofar as its heater shelf is bespoke to the option. It is also noteworthy that this unique panel does not appear in any of the contemporary MGA Service Parts Lists. All of this mounted on a Twin Cam chassis – something that will clearly tie in with ‘Why the De Luxe?’ However, from an engineering perspective, does this have to be – I believe not. You can mount the brakes on, and modify the heater shelf of, a standard car and there are instances of this being done. Does that make the car a De Luxe? We think not, because we believe a De Luxe had to be produced in the factory as a De Luxe and delineated as such in the production records – however, you will see this again leads to an anomaly. However, was it always a Twin Cam chassis? The answer is both no and yes. ‘No’ insofar as the 1600 MkII De Luxe had a different chassis part number from the 1600 De Luxe chassis part number, which was the same as the Twin Cam chassis and ‘Yes’ in a practical sense insofar as the only difference we have been able to ascertain is that the 1600 MkII had built-in safety belt mounting points. The Twin Cam chassis, after the first hundred or so cars had been produced, was modified by having five extra holes drilled in the front cross member. De Luxe cars with the Twin Cam chassis (ie 1600 cars) come with either the additional five holes or without in random fashion. The same part number applies to both versions

www.mgcc.co.uk

22/06/2017 18:25

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MGA NEWSLET TER

as it did at the start of Twin Cam production. 1600 Mk II De Luxe cars do not have the five holes. A Twin Cam chassis mounts the steering rack further forward and has a different steering rack where the grease nipple points downwards not upwards. Early De Luxe cars have this different steering rack; my late 1600 Mk II De Luxe Coupe does not – did it originally? Early De Luxe cars had true Twin Cam bodies, albeit with both the modified heater shelf, and the Twin Cam wheel arch removable panels. Later 1600 and all 1600 MkII De Luxes did not have the wheel arch panels. There are further minor differences between a De Luxe and a push rod car. All De Luxes had common features, and yet essentially all De Luxes had variations which initially appeared random but later became more structured. An early 1600 De Luxe could be said to be truly a Twin Cam with a push rod engine, but as production continued this became less of the case. Why the De Luxe? This a bigger and more challenging question altogether. At first glance the answer seems obvious: to use up spare parts left over from the recently ceased Twin Cam production. In particular bodies, chassis and Dunlop brake/wheel units. However the facts do not support the spare parts story in its entirety because it is clear that Twin Cam chassis were used up at least by the time the 1600 MkII came along and Twin Cam bodies, with the wheel arch removable panels, some time before that. Maybe there were a number of Dunlop disc brake units and wheels sitting at Abingdon. The position on the brake units may well, and this is conjecture, hinge more on a contractual liability by MG to take a minimum number of from Dunlop over a certain period. Being both an assembly plant and always short of cash, it would seem unlikely Abingdon would have wanted to store, and pay for, more units than immediate production needs required.

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However, where that can reasonably be said to leave the position is that at the introduction of the De Luxe in 1960 utilisation of surplus Twin Cam parts was certainly the driver, whereas at the end of production in 1962 that would seem to not be the case, other than to possibly fulfil, in whole or in part, a contractual obligation to Dunlop. Although it is tempting to add the number of De Luxes to the number of Twin Cams produced, which comes to very close to 2,500 units, and draw conclusion from that number, there is no basis in fact from which to do so. It is, however, relevant in considering the commercial aspects of any possible contractual commitment for the Dunlop Disc Brake and wheel units to bear in mind that both the MGA and the MG Magnette used Dunlop tyres as standard. Nearly half a million tyres by 1962 would seem to have likely outweighed and precluded any hard negotiation on a few thousand Dunlop Disc Brake units. It appears De Luxe cars were largely built for stock, as in the 12 cars featured in the Autosport advert by University Motors on 29 July 1960, or the long production runs of US specification cars which are a feature of the last few months of MGA production in 1962, rather than to fulfil specific orders. If the motivation to start De Luxe production seems clear then the motivation for carrying on at the end of production is less so. Competition was another potential reason, as De Luxe cars competed at both 1961 and 1962 Sebring. However, despite looking, we have yet to find a UK or US price of the Dunlop Disc Brake All Round option or even a priced MGA option list. MG published accessories lists (travel rugs and the like) but apparently dealers

produced their own priced option lists. Helpfully, the Autosport advert lists a price, £1,031 4s 5d, and at that time discounting by manufacturers was uncommon. The standard MGA Roadster was £940 7s 6d with no extras at that time. The three colours being red, white and blue. This is an appeal. If anyone has any MGA dealer options lists, priced up or otherwise and from whatever period, we would like a copy. Contact details are at the top of this article. If it contained the Dunlop Disc Brake All Round option so much the better. Likewise, any purchased from new MGA invoices with listed options would be appreciated. Since we know the identical options fitted to all 12 cars we presume to be the subject of the advert, four red, four white and four blue, not only from the advert but also from the production records, we should be able to get as accurate a price for the Dunlop Disc Brake All Round option as possible by deducting the known price of those options. Not perfect but far better than nothing! A word of caution. Based on our research so far it will be no use looking for an in-period price presented as being for the ‘De Luxe’ in any guise, shape or form – just why that is will be clear from the article! Finally a plea from the editor of the MGA Register eNewsletter. Over a period, a number of subscribers to the eNewsletter have had to be deleted owing to delivery failures. If you have ceased to receive the eNewsletter and would like to recommence, please contact Stuart Mumby at mga@live.co.uk with a valid email address. If you have never been on the subscriber list and would like to be added, then please similarly contact Stuart.

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“THE CAR AS ART” The MGA Register has produced this set of three posters presenting the MGA as illustrated in the hand-drawn sales brochures of the 1950s. These are evocative images to delight all MGA enthusiasts. Printed on Reeves art paper with a matt finish, each poster is A3 size 297 x 420mm (11.7 x 16.5 inches). They are ideal for framing to hang in your garage, workshop or study. Price £15.00 per set + p&p £3.60 UK, £5.00 Europe and £6.00 rest of the world. Each set of three posters will be delivered in a strong cardboard tube. Details on the Register website or contact George Dutton on 01925 756305.

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MAGNET TE NEWSLET TER Stephen Tickell 01737 760330 stephen.tickell@gmail.com www.magnette.org

WELCOME TO THE MAGNETTE NEWSLETTER TREVOR JONES Many Magnette enthusiasts will by now have heard the sad and totally unexpected news that Trevor Jones died on June 9 after a heart attack. All of us on the Register committee are shocked to have lost a dear friend so suddenly, and it’s obvious from tributes on the mgexp.com forum and elsewhere that he meant a great deal to the wider Magnette community, in the UK and around the world as well, including many who hadn’t met him in person. Hopefully we’ll be able to collect some of the tributes together in due course for a fuller appreciation of Trevor. Certainly his committee title of ‘Technical rep’ doesn’t do justice to his enthusiasm, dedication and unfailing generosity with time and advice given online, by phone and in person, based on his long experience of MGs and other classics. If you encountered a problem with a restoration, getting something to fit or to work properly, Trevor could always offer suggestions,

or help to source difficult parts. He was a mechanical genius, using his professional engineering skills to develop improvements for the Magnette (such as the anti-roll bar and tubular manifold) and putting significant personal efforts into making them widely available. But much more than that, he was a ‘great bloke’, as David Halliday describes him, who got on well with everyone and would always have a story or opinion to share over a drink. As a committee member Trevor was always involved in discussions, and ready to help with running events, taking particular responsibilities for judging competitions and for the Magnette 60th and Register 40th celebrations. Very poignantly, in the days immediately before passing away, he’d been working on our behalf to finalize arrangements for the July Wiltshire weekend. As I’m writing this to a deadline it’s too soon to properly contemplate that event, so

I trust by the time you read this any changes will already have been notified by other means, along with funeral arrangements. No doubt things will continue, more or less as planned, but it’s difficult at this moment to imagine Trevor not being around. We’ll miss him hugely, and our thoughts are very much with his family and particularly Rosie, who’s our treasurer as well as Trevor’s wife.

STOWE HOUSE AND GARDENS, MAY 13 As we drove to Stowe we skirted a rain shower – would the 13th of the month prove to be unlucky? No, 10 immaculate, shiny Magnettes and one TF paraded in front of the house, drawing many questions. On entering the house we were welcomed with coffee and biscuits before taking a guided tour. Stowe House and landscape gardens were built in the 18th century by the powerful Temple-Grenville family. In a familiar story of the times the way to rise through the ranks

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of society was for a son to marry a rich heiress. That part of his mission accomplished, the first Duke of Buckingham, as he became, went on a spending spree and by the 1820s had amassed a debt of £70,000. Not to be outdone, his son achieved a £1.2 million debt by the early Victorian period. His downfall came after a visit by Queen Victoria in 1845 and from then on it was downhill all the way. In 1922 the building was facing demolition but was saved by being converted to a boys’ school.

Stowe House Preservation Trust was established in 1997 to restore the house and now works in collaboration with Stowe School and the National Trust. On leaving the house we proceeded to Stowe Gardens, meeting

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up with more Magnette owners. In all 11 Magnettes and the TF were parked in-line astern with a flag at each end. The wise members of our party went to the restaurant for lunch, but the more spartan ones stayed to eat picnics, at the same time fielding questions from the public. This break

gave Martyn and Ann Collett a chance to chat with Rich Symonds, who now owns their old car 176BUR. David King, and Paul and Ann Stone, who are still working on their cars, took the opportunity to study the examples provided. Their verdict was that no two cars are the same, something that

Magnette owners are well aware of. After lunch it was time to explore the gardens – 250 acres landscaped with the help of Capability Brown and dotted with temples. From reception a half mile walk (or buggy ride) took us to the shores of the Octagon Lake, from where three walks emanate. We eschewed the Path of Vice, choosing instead the Path of Virtue although we could have taken the Path of Liberty, or just wandered at will. From the path it was possible to view Stowe House within the magnificent park. The tranquillity of the countryside was only broken by songbirds as we walked through the Elysian Fields towards the Temple of British Worthies. Finally, over the Palladian Bridge, past the Temple of Friendship, and back to the buggy terminus for a welcome ride back to the reception centre and a cup of tea with new friends. John and Cynthia Harris

REMEMBERING DAVID JOHNSON Following the news last month that David Johnson had passed away, Warren Marsh kindly provided some more photos. He and David took part in a rally to the Baltic and the Arctic Circle in 2000, and also the ‘Trial to the Nile’ in 2002, overcoming numerous navigational, terrain and mechanical challenges in Warren’s ZA, KCF 51. I was particularly struck by this passage in Warren’s account of the latter rally, especially as it describes their journey through Syria: “Another early start heralded a

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new phase in the Trial: it was time for our first uncharted route in the desert. The screen of our GPS was only 6 x 4cm. Extreme concentration was required to avoid pressing the wrong buttons as the car was bouncing around whilst the driver was constantly seeking the best stretch of sand and stone to drive on. Most cars returned to the tarmac without too much difficulty but some got stuck in soft sand for the first time. It was just after this when our Magnette lost power and we suspected a blown

David with an Argentinian competitor on the Trial to the Nile, 2002

head gasket. ‘Jingers’ Riley in one of the two back-up vans soon came to our rescue and we were towed

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100km to Damascus. There we were extremely lucky to find a very competent garagiste with a technical English-speaking father who, in earlier employment in a government department, had once visited Solihull to buy 200 Land Rovers. Five hours later with a newly skimmed head, new head gasket, oil change and refilled petrol tank, not to mention innumerable cups of coffee, we were

on our way again. The whole exercise had only cost us £100. Somewhat unconventional methods of road use and irregular vehicle lighting systems meant we had a fairly hairy drive through the night to rejoin the others in Amman. One could not fail to be impressed by the efficient use of the GPS as David guided us directly to our hotel at midnight without the benefit of any road map.”

David with Jan Pearce on the Baltic trial, 2000

MAGNETTE TWO-PEDAL CONVERSION? I was contacted by Philip from Cheshire who owned a Magnette in the 1960s, and hopes to repeat the experience – however he’s unable to operate a clutch pedal due to a recent amputation. The Z Magnette was never available with a normal automatic transmission, but he was aware of the ‘Manumatic’ clutch offered as an option when new. In case you haven’t come across this, there was a conventional gearbox but no clutch pedal, using instead a centrifugal clutch and an electro-mechanical vacuum servo system to control engine speed, triggered by a small switch in the gear lever, so that smooth changes could be made with only the lever. I’ve never actually seen a Magnette with working Manumatic, and unfortunately there’s only one or two examples still known to exist (but not actually on the road). The complexity of the system required a service manual section of over 30 pages and was too much for the average garage technician of the time to correctly diagnose the frequent problems. Even when working correctly owners could be caught out by the clutch engaging unexpectedly, so although several hundred Manumatics were sold, most were later converted to conventional clutch. MkIII and MkIV Magnettes are better in this respect, as a conventional automatic was available when new, in

Manumatic system – service manual

common with the other marques that shared the same body and mechanicals, but Farina Magnettes are much rarer now than the ZA/ZB. Before Philip gives up on owning a Z again, I thought it was worth asking if anyone in the UK has succeeded in converting to automatic, or perhaps fitting a hand-operated clutch (there are apparently one or two automatic conversions in Australia using engine/transmission combinations commonly found there).

ORIGINAL MAGNETTE RADIOS For many Magnette owners, the sound of a well-tuned B-series is sufficiently musical to make further in-car entertainment unnecessary. However there was a recent enquiry on the forum about the most authentic type of radio for the Magnette, a subject which may be of general interest, so here’s some of the information I assembled, based partly

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on my own car – no doubt others can expand or correct some of the details. In contrast to Jaguars of the period, where radios were often factoryfitted, it is believed that MG dealers normally installed the radio when this was specified as an option on a new Magnette (the speaker grille was standard, and if the radio aperture was

not used a blanking plate was fitted to the dashboard). I haven’t yet come across much dealer documentation, but it seems in the UK at least that a Smiths ‘Radiomobile’ type was the standard fitment. During most of the car’s production this would have been the 200X dashboard-mounted valve radio, with a separate power supply/amplifier. The 200X was also fitted to the MGA

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at more or less the same time, therefore much useful information is available on sites such as mgaguru.com. In the website version of this article I’ve additionally included a Radiomobile document intended for technicians fitting a 200X to the Riley Pathfinder – presumably there was also a Magnette version, but in any case the installation is very similar.

200X receiver mounted in dashboard

Dashboard unit The 200X long- and medium-wave receiver unit contains four valves, which are miniature types and remarkably robust – after all, there had been more than 50 years of development in valve technology by that time. The unit mounts in the dashboard aperture on brackets which were fitted to all cars, whether or not a radio was specified. A separate fused supply connection is required (not part of the standard loom). Amplifier Normally a Radiomobile type XB (about 10W output power), the amplifier is usually installed under the dashboard on the driver’s side, above the parcel shelf, and has a multi-way cable connection to the receiver unit as well as output

XB amplifier below dashboard

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to the speaker(s). It uses a vibrating switch to generate AC which is then converted by a transformer to the approximately 200V required by the valves – this voltage is not particularly hazardous due to the low current. Positive/Negative earth Magnettes were originally wired positiveearth, but many by now have been converted to negative earth, either to allow fitting of an alternator, or safe use of modern electronics. As the case of the radio is generally also its earth, this must be at the same voltage as the rest of the car. Interestingly the 200X/XB combination isn’t polarity sensitive, due to the vibrator/transformer high-voltage power supply which works the same on either positive or negative earth (in fact the 12V supply is connected directly to the valve heater filaments, but these also work fine either way). It should be added that not all valve-radio voltage converters are the same, and transistor radios will always be polarity-sensitive. Aerial It’s not clear whether dealer installations followed the same recommendation of a wing-mounted telescopic aerial as for the Pathfinder, and whether there was a standardised position for such a mounting. A survey of Magnettes at events shows the majority in fact have the aerial just above the windscreen, conveniently positioned at centre-front so the

underside of the aerial can be accessed by removing the interior clock, and the cable fed down the windscreen pillar. Compared to wing mounting there are certainly advantages to this position, being less susceptible to rust and dirt, but it’s also more vulnerable if passing under a low obstacle! Speaker The speaker is not mounted directly behind the dashboard grille, but instead on an angled baffle plate. This was presumably done to improve sound quality by allowing the use of a larger speaker – mine has a six-inch unit although it’s not the original one. As suggested in the Pathfinder fitting instructions, one or more speakers could also be fitted under the rear parcel shelf, where there are already cut-outs in the metal beneath the fibreboard trim panel. Newer radios From my own experience, a Radiomobile 200X in good working condition still provides reasonable MW and LW reception, that unmistakable ‘warming-up’ valve sound when turned on, and nearly sufficient volume for driving at speed! By the time Z Magnette production finished, car radios with transistors were starting to appear and might well have been fitted by a keen DIY owner, although the models produced till the mid1960s often still featured valves in the receiver part. Those that were all in one

Roof mounted aerial

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Speaker mounting and receiver brackets

unit generally offered rather modest output power – but they may be more easily available on eBay, etc, than the Radiomobile 200X.

To get significantly more power, or FM reception, you’d probably have to look at late 60s/early 70s radios, most of which are still similar in appearance to the earlier models and quite in keeping with the car. Bear in mind the previously mentioned caution about negative vs positive-earth; however many transistor car radios of this period were fitted with a polarity selection switch anyway, because the car industry was then in the middle of changing over to negative earth. Some owners have opted for a totally modern radio/CD mounted in such a way that it can be easily concealed when originality is important, for example by hinging the original dashboard filler panel for the radio aperture, or putting it behind the glovebox lid. Alternatively, you could consider buying a period radio which has had the internals replaced with modern electronics, which may

well include the facility to connect a smartphone or other external audio, as well as vastly increased output. There are several suppliers such as Vintage Car Radio, but expect to pay at least £500£600 depending on options. This company and others will also restore an original valve radio – or if you have a non-working one and are reasonably handy with a soldering iron and multimeter it’s quite feasible to have a go yourself. Original service documents can often be found on the web, and there are numerous vintage radio websites that provide useful information about repairs. The most frequent points of failure are capacitors (condensers), especially the paper type coated in brown wax – prone to melting from the heat inside the radio – which can be easily replaced with more modern parts of the same value. Stephen Tickell

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MGF NEWSLET TER Tim Morris 01932 882467 scribe@mgfregister.org • www.mgfregister.org

WELCOME TO THE MGF NEWSLETTER AROUND THE REGIONS It is hard to keep track of all the events that are happening within the MGF Register as summer arrives. There are just so many being organised around the country, you are lucky to be a member of such an active Club. The main Register has just come back from a fantastic trip to Jersey with the help of Scenic and Continental Car Tours. It was a very relaxed and well-organised tour, which you can read about in this fourpager. I am sure we shall be looking at more of this type of event in the future and the Register owes a big thanks to Ian and Angie Wright for getting it all together in the first place. The Yorkshire

Region have organised a trip to Wales for the last few years, but in 2017 they went further north by arranging a trip to join in the Caledonian event in Scotland and in this edition Mike and Lesley Nixon recount the weekend. The South East Region took up the reins in Wales with a weekend at Llanerchindda that you read about in last month’s issue, and a couple of weeks after that the Central Group went for a day trip to the very same territory with a run around the Elan Valley Loop. Register Members have been out and about on other organised events, with Regional Members going to Scotland for the

MGFreedom Highlander event based at Nethy Bridge. Then there have been the European events, including the MGFIM which members of several Regions attended in Belgium, and some big UK events such as MGs in the Park and the Pride of Longbridge Rally, both of which had a Register presence through our Regional groups. Wherever you are in the country you are welcome to join in any of our Register and Region events – wherever they may be held. I know it can be intimidating to first meet up with a group but all of our Regions are friendly and we hope will make you feel welcome.

YORKSHIRE MG TF TRIP The MGCC Tweed Valley 25th Anniversary Three Day Tour

This year, instead of our annual visit to Wales, we decided on a change, so it came about that four TFs, their drivers and navigators (Tim and Hazel, Adrian and Christine, Cliff and Janice, and Mike and Lesley) headed in the opposite direction and set off from York for an overnight stay at the Premier Inn at the Metro Centre in Newcastle. It was a lovely morning – some braved the elements with their hoods down, others were not so brave (just in case it rained)! We headed up the North-East coast, using the famous Transporter Bridge at Middlesbrough and stopping off at Hartlepool Harbour by the Wingfield Castle, enjoying the bracing sea air. After a refreshing night’s rest, we set off for the short journey to

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Stop off at the Angel of the North before the Premier Inn!

the Vallum Tea Room, just the other side of Hadrian’s Wall, for breakfast. We headed off at short intervals for our main meeting point in Kelso and joined with the other entrants who had arrived from the Caledonian area and beyond. We all met in the main square where parking had been arranged for us, but the locals had got there first and taken much of the car

park. However, we did manage to find spaces as Nancy was doing a brilliant job as a car park attendant. The drive to the Cardona Hotel, near Peebles, could be either the long version or short one. The hotel was in a lovely setting on the golf course (wild and windy) but with great facilities. On Saturday night we all mingled at a drinks reception and had a very

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Lunch at Dryburgh Abbey – L to R Tim, Michael, Lesley, Adrian, Christine, Janice, Cliff and Hazel

enjoyable meal in the large restaurant where we could all eat at the same time with our own regional travelling companions and others. We had another choice of a long or short drive the next day, with lunch at the Dryburgh Abbey Hotel, before returning to the Cardona for our 30s-style Gala Night 30s. Everyone made a real effort to dress up in their own version of 30s fashion (some looked a lot more comfortable than others!) We all socialised with Club members from the many different areas, which made for an interesting evening, whilst a jazz band played. Monday gave us another choice of a long or short drive to our lunch venue at Manderston House at Duns for a soup and sandwiches (plus cake) lunch. There was an opportunity for a special viewing to look around the house and its sumptuous interior, including a silverplated staircase, after lunch, but some of us wanted to head for home as there was still a long journey ahead of us.

Crossing the Tees via the Middlesbrough Transporter Bridge

Parked up with the whole group at Manderston House

All in all it was a very enjoyable weekend away with lots going on, great scenery and even better company. Mike and Lesley Nixon Stop off at Hartlepool Harbour

RETURN OF THE REGISTER WINTER ‘DO’ This year we are hoping to reintroduce a winter event back to the Register calendar. It has been a few years now since we met at the Dog House, near Abingdon, for a Christmas lunchtime gathering and members with long memories will recall those events were also combined with our annual prizegiving, now moved to the Chairman’s Charity weekend held usually in March. Well, this idea picks up on that end of year get-together but will

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be a little different, encompassing a one-night stopover at a hotel with an evening gala dinner and dancing and, who knows, maybe Father Christmas will also put in an appearance! It is planned to take place at the Cricklade House Hotel in Wiltshire on Saturday November 25 and the cost is £145 per room (two people), single rooms at £97.50. This is great value and includes a pre-dinner drinks reception, threecourse meal and full English breakfast

on Sunday morning. We realise that many will have put the F/TF away for the winter but this is not a driving weekend, so you can come along in anything you like. All you need to do now is let ‘Worzel’ know that you would like to join us, and there will be a £50 deposit with the rest payable in October. So check out the announcements section of our Internet forum and email Ian as soon as you can at events@mgfregister.org

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LOOKING AHEAD TO 25 YEARS It is a couple of years now since the 20th Anniversary of the beginning of the MGF range which was celebrated at Gaydon in 2015 and the 15th anniversary of the TF in 2016, but we are now looking forward to 25 years and MGF25 which takes place in 2020. You may consider that it’s a bit early to be thinking about that but it’s not – MGF20 took over two years to organise and so we are now looking to

put together an organising team for the silver anniversary which we are hoping will be an even bigger event. To do that, it would be great to have some new ideas on board from members around the country and the continent. If you would like to help organise MGF25 at the planning stage then please get in touch with the Chairman and we can hopefully get the wheels in motion before the end of the year – chair@mgfregister.org

South east and Thames Valley Regions at the International Motoring Festival. Photo: Tim Morris

BOOM BOOM!

– The MGF Register visit to Jersey Basil Brush was an unexpected bonus of the MGF Register’s overseas trip to Jersey. The small, red, bushy-tailed fox was the star of the first night’s entertainment at the Merton Hotel in St Helier, our base for the next few days. You may, or may not, think that was a good start to our sojourn on this pleasant Channel Island but it did set us up nicely for a visit to the Jersey Zoo the next day, famous as the home of Gerald Durrell’s conservation collection. It is currently enjoying a boost in popularity and there were plenty of references to the popular ITV series “The Durrells” to be found in the gift shop too! Just under a dozen cars from the Register took the trip across the Channel on a millpond sea with barely a ripple as the high-speed ferry roared its way to

Parked up at Jersey Zoo. Photo: Tim Morris

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its first stop at Guernsey. St Peter Port looked very nice as a group of Vintage Car Club cars poot-pooted on to the quayside for a rally around the island. It was a real treat to watch these pre WW1 cars board and disembark and then disappear up the hill to be absorbed by Guernsey itself. On to Jersey, and a sense of anticipation as the ferry glided into St Helier and we drove off straight onto the only dual carriageway on the island and plenty of busy traffic. Slightly disorientated, we all managed to negotiate the one-way systems and turned up at the Merton Hotel, not necessarily all at the same time though! The Merton was a good base with splendid carvery “as much as you can” meals each night and, yes, some of us did take full advantage of this.

The ‘excuse’ for the visit was the 40th International Motoring Festival but, to be honest, we didn’t spend a lot of time here as we were busy touring Jersey itself. Being quite compact, we managed to fit in a lot of tourist hotspots – Jersey Zoo, Orchid Foundation, Mont Orgueil, Elizabeth Castle, Corbiere Lighthouse, Pallot Steam Museum, Jersey War Tunnels, Glass Church and Jersey Pearl all in one breath. Despite visiting lots of places and driving along small lanes, we were surprised to find that in all our time there we only covered about 50 miles. This is in direct contrast to many other events at home and overseas, where hundreds of miles are often chalked up and was actually quite a pleasant change – the longest drive we managed was under 10 miles – but then Jersey is only 45 square miles in size. The Register cars split into two main groups along Regional lines when out and about – the South East and Thames Valley; others explored the island singly and our Lancashire Reps became honorary South Easters for the weekend! Just as well we didn’t go out in bigger groups, as parking is a genuine issue on Jersey and they have an idiosyncratic system of parking tolls, whereby a book of parking tickets had to be purchased in advance – OK but, as tourists, most of us didn’t use them all up! We did get to the Motoring Festival at various points, as it took place over four days and included two hill climbs, a moonlight sprint, arena events and car demonstrations around the streets of St Helier, as well as a static car show which we became part of on one day. There was a good selection of cars

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22/06/2017 18:20

MGF NEWSLET TER

South East contingent at La Corbiere

and some live action, particularly a devastatingly loud Ford Capri fitted with a dragster engine! The driver assured us it had been de-tuned to just 600bhp from a possible twice that amount. It was just about in walking distance of the hotel for the fitter amongst us, but Scenic and Continental Car Tours had provided a parking area for us so it would have been rude not to take advantage of that. The team from S&CCT were great, with two reps being with us all weekend. Around 50 cars travelled with them, including us and the Riley Register and an assortment of other solo cars. The organisation was spoton and the only hiccup was on the way back, when it started to look as

THE REGIONS We are always on the lookout for MGCC members to run our Regional groups. Take a look at our Internet forum which lists all the Regions and if there is not one in your area then please get in touch with the Chairman and offer your services. Running a Region can be pretty much what you make it, from the occasional Sunday lunchtime pub meet to a full year of social activities throughout the year. Once the seed of the group is sown, you’ll soon find out what your members want from it. Groups these days tend to be run on a separate Register Facebook page, but you can also communicate with members via the main Register Facebook page, Twitter, email lists, Safety Fast!, FasTForward or the Register’s main Internet forum. That’s probably all we ask, apart from being

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Boom Boom! It’s the Basil Brush show! Photo: Tim Morris

Mont Orguell – plenty of steps to get to the top. Photo: Tim Morris

if the ferry would be cancelled due to an approaching storm. It would seem that we would not be enjoying the sun-soaked millpond sea of our outward voyage. Condor Ferries risked it by moving the sailing forward and cutting out the stop-off at Guernsey so, with a strong wind behind us, we virtually flew all the way back to England arriving at the same time as the storm. We disembarked to howling winds and lancing rain and sat in a quayside queue for what seemed like hours, trying to keep the water from dribbling down the F’s window edge. The drive home was interesting, to say the least, with plenty of standing water and dislodged branches. Just as well we weren’t an hour later or that storm

would certainly have caught us too far out in the channel. The Jersey adventure was a bit of an experiment for the Register, but as it turned out to be a great success I have a feeling we shall be travelling with S&CCT again, hopefully next year when a suitable trip can be found. Watch this space. Tim Morris Photos: Tim Morris, Ian Wright, Ian Trevena

an MGCC member – keep in touch via social media, keep the main Register and your members updated, and have fun with the cars. I recently heard some unfounded criticism that the Register is outdated and does not use social media – what utter nonsense. I’ve just had a quick count up and, with the main and Regional Registers, we have 13 MGF Register Facebook pages, four Twitter feeds and an Internet Forum with over 4700 members. All in all, we are recording ‘likes’ and ‘followers’ amounting to around 10,000 people through our Internet presence, which is not too shabby, and that’s not including our actual paid membership through the MGCC, FastForward subscribers or taking into account the myriad other MGCC social media pages. So, if you hear this type of criticism on other social media groups,

then bear in mind that you are part of the original MGF community founded with the car itself in 1995 and the Club has always been at the forefront of Internet communications, as has the MGCC itself. Nigel Williams recently stood down from the East Midlands area, and we thank him for his help here and in his previous North Wales Region, so we are looking for a new Rep to take this area over. If you are too far from your Regional meets then we are experimenting with subregions and currently have two – one in the South East (Maidstone area) and one in Dorset and Somerset (Dorchester area). If you are interested in becoming a group leader (rep) in an underrepresented area then please get in touch with the Chairman at chair@ mgfregister.org

Extremely noisy Ford Capri on the streets of St Helier

JULY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 53

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22/06/2017 18:20

BRITISH TOURING CAR CHAMPIONSHIP

ROUND 5

CROFT

By Paul Goodman. Photo: Dickon Siddall

he Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship headed north to Croft Circuit, near Darlington, for rounds 13, 14 and 15 on the weekend of June 10-11. All the teams had worked hard during the three-week break and some had enjoyed some private test sessions. Croft is a track based at the site of a former bomber airfield and so, like Thruxton, has some very fast sections, particularly the ‘Jim Clarke Esses’ which are flat out. It also has the slowest corner in the championship, the hairpin bend onto the start finish straight. There are several gravel traps close to the track edge which penalise drivers veering off the tarmac. There had been further changes to the 888 team of MG6s. Daniel Lloyd had decided to part company with the team. 24 hours later the news broke of the return of 2016 driver Josh Cook for the remainder of the 2017 season. Josh would join Aaron Taylor-Smith at Croft. The cars had been rebuilt and previous testing at

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the venue had yielded valuable data. The leading drivers in the championship would carry significant weight penalties in the first race of the weekend. The grid positions after qualifying on Saturday would have a major impact on race positions. All eyes were on the weather forecast as Croft often experiences changeable conditions. The usual two 40-minute sessions were made available to the drivers to adjust their cars to the track and the conditions on Saturday before they headed into the hectic timed qualifying. The first session on Saturday started, and continued, with a very wet track surface. All the drivers were experimenting with suspension settings and were in and out of the pits. The MG6s looked good in the conditions with Aron finishing eighth and Josh 12th. It was still wet at lunchtime for the second outing. Aron clocked the seventh-fastest time at the end of the session, with Josh right behind by a few hundredths of a second.

There was no change in the weather, so the qualifying session would be wet. All the cars were on the circuit as soon as the green flag was shown. Both MG6s were quickly into the top 10, but then the red flag was shown as several cars hit the barriers after a fluid spill onto the track. Aron was involved and his MG6 was badly damaged. He was taken to hospital and diagnosed with a fractured leg and concussion. This would mean just one MG6 on the starting grid with Josh in fifth place. Racing got underway on Sunday with race one of the day (round 13). On a dry track, Ash Sutton got a superb start in his Subaru to lead from start to finish. He was harried all the way to the flag by Colin Turkington driving his BMW. Matt Jackson secured his first podium of the year in the Shredded Wheat Ford Focus. Josh held onto fifth place for quite a few laps before having to yield to a gaggle of rear wheel drive cars as their tyres came up to temperature. A collision eliminated the two Subarus ahead of him, resulting in a ninth-place finish. The second race of the day (round 14) resulted in a reversal of finishing positions, Turkington winning from Sutton with Rob Collard’s BMW finishing third. Josh was running well, but was given a stop and go penalty because the mechanics were checking a car problem after the grid should have been cleared, and so finished 23rd. The final race of the day was close. Matt Jackson won for Shredded Wheat Ford Focus but only by a tiny margin from Ash Sutton’s Subaru. Jason Plato took third right at the end of the race from Rob Austin’s Toyota. Josh got caught up with some other cars and had to visit the pits to change tyres during the safety car period, finishing in 24th place. The 888 MG team were pleased with the pace of the MG6 and confident for the second part of the season after the seven-week break.

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MGLIVE!

SCORCHING SILVERSTONE FOR MGLIVE!

By Leanne Fahy Photos Dickon Siddall

GLive! came and went in the blink of eye, but what a weekend it was. With 16 races, over 300 drivers, and a mixture of 10 different championships and series, it was a spectacular weekend, both on and off circuit. As well as the MG Championships we had the Petro-Canada Lubrications Porsche Club Championship with Pirelli, Radical Challenge Championship and Masters Pre-66 Touring Cars. Their reports can be found on www.mgcc.co.uk/motorsport/ Equipe GTS With a sizeable entry for the Equipe GTS Series, once again drivers were separated into two races, Group A and Group B. Group B was the first to race, with polesitter Graham Pattle taking honours.

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Pattle’s pole position pace was certainly reflected in the 30-minute mini endurance, as he steered his way to a commanding victory. Behind, Rob Cobden had looked strong for a second place finish; however a determined Ross Milner elevated himself to second place on the final lap. A mid-race roll from Paul Whiting raised cause for concern; however as he jumped out of his slightly battered MGB Roadster, the race resumed without issue. David Russell-Wilks provided an outstanding performance, to race his way from 28th place on the grid to a strong fifth place finish. Pattle recovered from a steady getaway to reclaim top spot in race two. His pole position start didn’t quite give him the launch he desired.

However, after an impressive recovery drive, he was ahead to steal the win by over 19 seconds. From second place, Milner tried his best to hold onto Pattle’s coat tails, but after a mid-race-spin he suddenly slipped to third place. In his wake, Babak Farsian was in a prime position to take second place, which he held until the very end. Luke Spencer steered his MGB Roadster to a third place finish, ahead of Milner, Richard McKoen and Oliver Friend, from the back of the grid. The opening Group A race saw Mark Cole sign his name to the spoils, after a commanding lights-to-flag performance. Although sat with the upper hand firmly in his grasp, Cole was hounded throughout by Rod Begbie. By way of a fastest lap, Begbie reduced the 2.4-second deficit, to finish just 1.8 seconds adrift. After seemingly struggling, regular front-runner Tom Smith steered his way to third place, ahead of Wilf Penrose, Simon Cripps and Brian Arculus. Mark Cole was another double winner, after a commanding performance in race two. Finishing some nine seconds ahead, Cole’s race was unchallenged from start to finish. Although Cole’s race was slightly uneventful, the same cannot be said for the rest of the field. Starting with

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second place, Begbie slotted into position, with Penrose and Smith hot on his heels. However, as the latter pair battled, Begbie was able to enjoy a bit of breathing space. Being separated by less than half a second for much of the race gave Smith the chance to make a bid for third place. After passing Penrose, Smith set his sights on Begbie’s second place, which he claimed in time for the chequered flag. Penrose held on for a third place finish, whilst Begbie slipped to fourth. After sailing through the field at a rate of knots from the back of the grid, Rob Cull eventually landed in fifth place. MGCC BCV8 Championship with MGCC Cockshoot Cup Rob Spencer claimed a victorious start to his MGLive! weekend with a commanding BCV8 Championship win in race one, and Driver of the Race. After an early safety car period to rescue the stricken MG Midget of Ian Whitt, Spencer held on for a dominant victory. Behind, Russell McCarthy’s MGB GT V8 filled Spencer’s mirrors, determined to muscle his way ahead, with Ian Prior in tow. Unable to distract the leader, both McCarthy and Prior held on for a second and third place finish, respectively. Race two was slightly more eventful, with Russell McCarthy enjoying a triumphant finish this time around. It was a familiar sight at the front early on, when Spencer, McCarthy and Prior mirrored their race one performance. With the top two emulating one another’s speed, lap after lap, it was

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Howard Hunt steered his way to third place, ahead of Jonathan Harker, Mike Peters and Peter Burchill. Although he missed out on the race win, Collier was awarded Driver of the Race. Collier doubled his success with an untroubled race win in the second appearance. Woodward had followed him in second place for much of the outing, however not as closely as during race one. As Woodward’s MG ZS suddenly slowed, he was forced to vacate his second place, with Howard Hunt in prime position to collect it. A good race from Peter Burchill saw him claim third place, whilst Woodward eventually crossed the line in sixth. difficult to find a gap between them. Before too long, McCarthy managed to edge ahead; however Spencer did fight back to lead once again, albeit briefly, before a mishap dropped him to fourth place. In his absence, an outstanding start from the back of the grid saw Jonnie Wheeler race his way to an eventual second place finish, much to his delight. Wheeler was sitting comfortably in fourth place after the opening laps, before perfect opportunistic manoeuvres launched him into runner-up spot. Prior managed to avoid the chaos around him to cement another third place finish, whilst Spencer crawled into the pits on the final lap, to take the flag and fourth place in the pit lane. Our commentary team awarded the Driver of the Race award to Spencer McCarthy. Ashley Woodward narrowly claimed a Cockshoot Cup victory in the opening outing, as he and Ray Collier raced their way through a challenging pack. After seizing pole position, Collier led the way, hounded by Woodward lap after lap. As the pair navigated their way through backmarkers, it was Woodward who exited with the upper hand, to steal control in the dying seconds.

MGCC MG Trophy Colin Robertson triumphed in the opening MG Trophy Championship race, from a record 42-car grid. In a bid to make Pete Macwaters’, MG Trophy Championship Co-ordinator, final season in charge a memorable one, the Club and drivers worked tirelessly to ensure a record entry for this weekend. Together with many of the regular competitors, it was great to see a number of familiar faces returning, as well as some new drivers, one of whom travelled all the way from South Africa. As the race began, it was Graham Ross who jumped into the lead, as pole-sitter Jason Burgess fell by the wayside. Behind Ross, it was Colin Robertson and Ross Makar, as the Scottish trio set the pace. Ross’s lead was suddenly disrupted, evaporating into Robertson’s hands. Oil on the circuit caught Ross off guard, handing position to Robertson. Once in control, Robertson held on for race victory, even completing an extra lap when officials missed him with the chequered flag. Despite narrowly missing out, Ross finished second, ahead of the recovering Burgess in third, Gary Wetton in fourth place and Ross Makar in fifth place.

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

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JULY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 59

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Class B was a hive of activity as ever, with Paul Luti once again at the helm. As he raced towards the chequered flag, he was hounded profusely by chief rivals Andrew Rogerson and Jack Roberts. Before long, Andy Mollison made it a four-way scrap, with Luti forced to work hard in the searing heat. Despite fierce pressure in the form of a three-car train, Luti finished ahead of Rogerson, Roberts and Oli Hood. Luti was also awarded the Driver of the Race and Driver of the Day awards. Matthew Turnbull added to his class victory tally with Class C honours in race one, ahead of Andy Spencer and Paul Croker. Spencer narrowly missed out on a class win, finishing just 0.3 seconds adrift of Turnbull. Ross’s determination paid off second time around, as he crossed the line to take the win, in what was an eventful outing. As the 41-car field thundered towards Copse for the first time, a problem for Will Payne saw him left behind, unable to get away. Luckily missed by those behind him, officials quickly pushed him back into the pit lane, before the pack completed lap one. Back at the front, Ross held onto his lead for the 20-minute duration, challenged by Robertson, Cole, Makar and Wetton, whilst Rogerson led a 14car train in Class B. As Robertson toured he suddenly began to slow, before dropping down the order. Despite managing to carry on for a short while, he was eventually forced into the pit lane and out of the race. Upon closer inspection, it was found that Robertson’s MG ZR had dropped to two cylinders, a fault that appeared in the first race. Although

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it rectified itself in race one, it was a terminal issue second time around. With a clear space between him and Ross, Cole slotted into second place, whilst Makar aligned himself third and Wetton in fourth place. As the race entered the final 10 minutes, an unexpected safety car appeared, simmering the pace for a number of laps. With stricken cars rescued from the sidelines, the race resumed, for just two final laps. With Class A decided, all eyes were on Class B, as Rogerson continued to lead from Luti and Roberts. With just two laps to settle the battle, it was a frantic dash to the flag. Despite Luti’s best efforts, Rogerson claimed the win this time around, with Luti second, Andy Mollison third and Hood fourth. Driver of the Race was awarded to Rogerson. Andy Spencer was crowned victorious in Class C, narrowly ahead of Turnbull, whilst Paul Croker collected third place, and Tylor Ballard finished an impressive fourth.

MGCC Iconic 50s Series Steve Watton claimed Iconic 50s honours just millimetres away from Jonathan Abecassis, in a furious last-lap thriller. Abecassis had led the way early on, but lost out to Watton as the end neared. Determined to reclaim his position, Abecassis fought profusely to the bitter end. Although he missed out on the race win, Abecassis did enough to be awarded Driver of the Race from our commentary duo. Neil Cawthorn steered to a third place finish, ahead of Scott Quattlebaum, Robi Bernberg and Pal Kennelly. MGCC Lackford Engineering MG Midget and Sprites Challenge Stephen Collier won the sole MG Midget and Sprite Challenge outing, after a sombre end to the day. After gaining the lead early on, Collier remained in front, despite the race ending behind the safety car. As the 26-car field lapped towards the chequered flag, the safety car made a brief appearance. With limited time left, the chequered flag was waved as the train followed the safety car, to end what had been an exciting outing. Unable to attempt an overtaking manoeuvre, Stephen Watkins claimed second place, ahead of early second-placed man Ed Reeve, Paul Campfield and Andy Southcott. With fantastic racing, and perfect weather, the weekend couldn’t have been any better. A huge thank you to everyone at the MG Car Club for putting on yet another spectacular event, and of course to all drivers and teams for providing the high-speed entertainment trackside.

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RACE TORQUE

Presentation to Steph Gammons for all her hard work at the Race Meetings. Photo: Mark Baulch

By Ron Gammons Photos Colin Murrell

y very special arrangement with the Editor I am able to open with a few paragraphs relating to the Club’s major race meeting at Silverstone on the Grand Prix circuit, included within the MGLive! event last weekend. Well, just what a weekend: wallto-wall sunshine throughout, fantastic grids, terrific close racing, very few incidents, and some excellent driving. Our guests, Porsche, Masters with their pre-66 saloons, Radicals with their very quick machines, all said they were surprised by the size of the meeting, the packed paddocks, and the infield events. However, all of their grids were dwarfed by the gargantuan entry from Equipe GTS with their pre-66 sports cars, who amassed an amazing 85 entries of which half were MGs, mainly MGBs all to FIA specification. A terrific entry and some really great racing. All our own

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Championships had good entries, but particularly the Trophy had great grids with 45 at one point, although a few fell by the wayside before race start. Pete Macwaters, their Co-ordinator, who is retiring at the end of the year, can be justly proud of his promotion of the Championship in the 10 years of his tenure. Well done, Pete. His successor is Bruce Woods, who will be known to many competitors since he has been working alongside Paul Stilling, the Club’s Chief Marshal, for quite some years and has often been sorting out the Paddock and scrutineering queues. No prisoners taken! Bruce runs a ZR and ZT-T V8 and is very knowledgeable. Good luck, Bruce. Pete is a very tough act to follow! Both days had very tight programmes, but with the kind assistance of Silverstone finished minutes after the curfew on both days. We had

great support from the marshalling fraternity, despite the heat and despite the sheer volume of events that they are now being asked to support. Our thanks to them included the traditional BBQ on the Saturday evening, which was wellattended and had a great atmosphere. At the meeting in the British Motor Heritage-sponsored MGCC Welcome Centre, where the presentations all took place, there was another retiree, one who has been a very familiar face to all competitors, members and friends over many years. That was Steph Gammons, who has provided a smiling face behind the hospitality tables while dispensing teas, coffees, biscuits, etc. A really good round of applause and the presentation of a bottle of bubbly and flowers marked her handing over the responsibility to… well that will be revealed at Cadwell!! Now speaking of Cadwell, entry forms are out, and we are looking for John Hutchison’s email box to rapidly fill with them. Why? Well, the event is on the July 22, that’s why! Those who have not been to this idyllic circuit in the Lincolnshire Wolds are certainly missing a true Club racing circuit. It’s known as the mini Nürburgring, with good reason! A true driver’s test around the scenic 2.2 miles with elevation changes, sweeping corners and tighter ones! Why not come up and make a weekend of it. We have our own MMM cars there, as well as the Iconic series. The Metros are out to play, as are the Midgets, BCV8, PBIC, Cockshoot and, to top off the entry, our old friends the Morgans. I for one am looking forward to seeing our own V8s and the Morgan V8s around this tight and twisting circuit. Well worth a visit.

www.mgcc.co.uk

22/06/2017 18:20

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JULY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 63

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

on track

SPONSORED BY

HAPPY TRACKDAY TO YOU...

Report by Simon Prince. Photo: Duncan Wood

magine my surprise when having asked my son Nick what he would like for his 18th Birthday his reply was: “Well actually, Dad, what I’d really like is a track day in the Midget!” I’d had a little play a few years earlier at one of MGs-on-Track’s fun starter days at North Weald, but had never got as far as a full-blown track day. Although he was probably only 10 or so at the time, Nick obviously remembered my enjoyment of the day and thought he’d like to have a try himself...that and the fact that at 18 it was probably the only way he was going to get his hands on the MG! The car is a 1972 MG Midget 1275 in Bronze yellow, which was only my second car when I bought it in 1985, and since then it’s always been in the family, either with me or my brother. It’s been restored twice in that time and has

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some very mild modifications. At the last facelift, as well as a respray it also had an engine rebuild, together with a fivespeed gearbox, Peter Burgess Econotune head and 123 electronic ignition. While always being well maintained, it’s by no means mollycoddled or kept for best, gets pressed into service as a commuter when the need arises and is taken out rain or shine, so the prospect of a track day wasn’t unduly worrying. So, onto the MGoT website to find a suitable event and venue we opted for Snetterton. One driver, an additional driver, instruction and two loan helmets were duly booked, with plenty of time to think about preparing the car and travelling to the track. Come the day we had an early start and a good run, meaning we were first to arrive! We were sharing the track that day with the Morgan Owners Club

and a general open session run by MSV who operate the circuit. Each group had 20 minutes of track time an hour, giving a total of two hours track time over the day, more than enough for us and the car. We were made very welcome by everyone we met, both from MGoT and the circuit staff and officials. After booking on, collecting hired helmets, and a noise test, it was off to the drivers’ briefing which was very conveniently held in the track restaurant. The first session on track comprised sighting laps at controlled and reduced speed behind the safety car. Now when I say controlled and reduced speeds, I have to say it all seemed entirely fast enough to me … after all, my son was doing all the driving and it was his first time behind the wheel of the MG. What do you mean, it’ll only get faster! Nick was driving the car well and thoroughly enjoying himself, and his second session was with Stuart, the instructor. Off they went, my wife and I standing on the Pit wall watching them go by faster and faster for the next 20 minutes. When they came back into the pits it was clear from the big grin on his face that Nick had thoroughly enjoyed the training, and it was evident from my next two sessions with him that it had been a good investment! In fact, we arranged for another instruction session for Nick after lunch, which was equally worthwhile, and although we never did get to overtake anyone in the remaining sessions we were no longer being lapped and the other cars were finding it harder to get away from us. Many thanks to the MGoT team who helped contribute to a truly memorable 18th birthday present. It was great to explore the limits of the car and driver in such a safe and friendly environment; at no time did I feel unsafe or unduly worried, and I think we both learned a lot from our experience. I have no doubt we will be back and in the meantime our car will wear its MGs-on-Track stickers with pride, and you never know, next time I might have to have a go myself!

www.mgcc.co.uk

22/06/2017 18:20

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.

North Weald – July 7 An introductory activity day for those who have not yet tried a full track day. A chance to explore the capabilities of driver and car in complete safety. 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 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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April, May and early June have been very busy months for our competitors and they have risen to the challenge with great gusto. There have been nine events in the period since April 23 up to June 10. There are too many to give a comprehensive report on each one, so here are the highlights. Goodwood and Rushmoor both had respectable entries from our Southern region competitors and their continuing popularity will ensure their inclusion in future years. Our annual visit to Anglesey circuit was a great success with a full entry for both days. Unfortunately, the bulk of the entry was from other clubs and the MG contingent was rather poor. Despite my continuing enthusiastic promotion of this event, our members don’t seem to be prepared to travel. It is only because of the persistence of Russell and Tracey Hunter and David Rainsbury in ‘selling’ the event that it was viable at all. I fear that its continuation will be a matter for review. Shelsley Walsh attracted its usual high turnout of MGs. In fact, we were the largest one-make club in attendance. I am happy to say that the organisers had addressed the previous year’s problems and the resultant changes made for a very smoothly run event. Our first visit to Wiscombe ended on a sour note when a young lady competitor has a nasty accident in a vintage 500cc car. As a result of this, and the fact that she was injured, the event was called off. On the same weekend, we had the NW Centre’s Scammonden hillclimb. It has become traditional that this event, though popular with MGs, does not attract a huge entry. Consequently, competitors get a huge amount of runs. It is not unusual to miss one run when a visit to the portaloo is required. Prescott was the next event, and, like Shelsley, attracted 30 MG entrants. Everything went smoothly and some very good times were posted. Bringing up the end of this period was the popular Abingdon Carnival event. This is a unique sprint set on an airfield at Dalton Barracks, on the outskirts of Abingdon. It is run to raise money for armed forces charities. The sprint consists of two separate courses. In the morning one half of the entry competes on one course and the other half on the second course. In the afternoon they swap places. The resultant scoring being the aggregate of both runs. I competed briefly. About 100 yards from the start on the first run I heard the unmistakable sound of a big end clack. Hey ho, back to the workshop.

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CALENDAR

JULY

AUGUST

Sunday 2 MGCC: Abingdon Works Centre Notcutts Classic Car Show Contact: Richard Martin – 01235 529331

Tuesday 1 MGCC: Anglia Centre Longham Club Meet Pride of Ownership Contact: William Ball – 01508 471506

Sunday 2 MGCC: Anglia Centre Anglia Summer Picnic Contact: Roger Latham – 01702 580472

Thursday 3 – Sunday 6 Porto MG Club European Event of the Year Contact: Rua Gonçalves Zarco – (+351) 913 825 051 or geral@portomgclube.pt

Sunday 2 MGCC: T Register T Register T Party Contact: Bill and Sally Silcock – 01525 750468 Sunday 2 MGCC: MGA Register South West MGA Day Contact: Peter Morgan – mgcarclub_ mgachairman@outlook.com Tuesday 4 – Thursday 6 MGCC: SVW Register Notcutts Classic Car Show Contact: John Dutton – 01959 522548 Friday 7 MGCC: MGs on Track North Weald Contact: Martin Holmes – martinh@mgs-on-track.co.uk Saturday 8 – Sunday 9 MGCC: Caledonian Centre Glamis Show Contact: Robert MacGillivray – 07870 407111 Sunday 9 MGCC: Anglia Centre Queen Vic Classic and Sports Car Show – Billericay Summer Fest Contact: Tony Batson – 07958 381470 Tuesday 11 MGCC: Tyne Tees Centre Afternoon visit to Rokeby Park Contact: Tony Wood – 07885 654795 Saturday 15 – Sunday 16 MGCC: Magnette Register Shropshire Weekend Contact: www.magnette.org Saturday 22 MGCC Racing Cadwell Park Contact: www.CadwellPark.co.uk Sunday 23 MGCC: Caledonian Centre One Day Run Contact: Lorraine Noble-Thompson – 07882 377422 Sunday 30 MGCC: Abingdon Works Centre Hampshire Hog Run Contact: Malcolm Bailey – 01425 616896

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Saturday 5 – Sunday 6 MGCC: Tyne Tees Centre Croft Nostalgia Weekend Contact: Noel Lindford – 0191 517 2804 or noel.lindford@btinternet.com Saturday 5 – Saturday 12 MGCC: Caledonian Centre Seven Day Tour Contact: Douglas Arthur – 01360 550535 Sunday 6 MGCC: Midland Centre Summer Sprint Contact: Simon Morris – 07788 168488 Sunday 6 MGCC: MGB Register MG Summer Picnic Contact: John Watson – john.watson@mgb-register.org or 07770 575236 Sunday 13 MGCC: MGA Register MGA Day at Croome Court Contact: Peter Morgan – mgcarclub_ mgachairman@outlook.com Sunday 20 Abingdon Works Centre Summer Day Out Contact: Mike and Jan Gething 01295 254498 Monday 21 MGCC: South East Centre Club Meet BBQ Contact: John Morgan – 0208 657 2714 Sunday 27 MGCC: Caledonian Centre Fun Day and BBQ Contact: David Reid – 01383 727695

Saturday 2 MGCC Racing Oulton Park Contact: www.oultonpark.co.uk Saturday 2 – Sunday 3 MGCC: Caledonian Centre Bo’ness Show Contact: Robert MacGillivray – 07870 407111 Sunday 3 MGCC: Midget Register 2017 Midget Register Road Run Contact: Mike Parker – 01235 525255 Thursday 7 – Monday 11 MGCC: V8 Register 2017 V8 Tour Contact: Ken Clayton – kenclayton@mail.com Sunday 10 MGCC: Lincolnshire Centre Autumn Autosolo Contact: Sue Mackenzie – 01529 497849 or maccav8@aol.com Sunday 10 MGCC: Tyne Tees Centre 10th Old Speckled Hen Run and Road Safety Trial Contact: Noel Lindford – 0191 517 2804 or noel.lindford@btinternet.com Monday 11 MGCC: MGs on Track Castle Combe Contact: Martin Holmes – martin@mgs-on-track.co.uk Friday 15 – Monday 18 MGCC: MGB Register Lincolnshire Weekend Contact: Graham Dix – chairman@mgb-register.org Saturday 16 – Monday 18 MGCC: Caledonian Centre Three Day Tour Contact: Barclay Henderson – 01292 560200 Saturday 23 MGCC: Anglia Centre Anglia Centre Committee Meeting and AGM Contact: Peter Skipper – 01502 731141 Sunday 24 MGCC: Midland Centre Autumn Trial Contact: Tony Lake – 01604 589104

Sunday 27 MGCC: Yorkshire Centre Dales Run Contact: Paul Croft – 01274 783442/ 07836 335855 or presgo@blueyonder.co.uk

Sunday 24 MGCC: South East Centre Autumn Gathering Contact: Andrew Mitchell – 07703 138419

SEPTEMBER

Saturday 30 – Sunday October 1 MGCC Racing Snetterton (200 Circuit) Contact: www.snetterton.co.uk

Friday 1 – Monday 4 MGCC: T Register Autumn Tour Contact: Bill and Sally Silcock – 01525 750468

Saturday 30 – Sunday October 1 MGCC: Magnette Register Lou Shorten Tribute Meeting Contact: www.magnette.org

www.mgcc.co.uk

22/06/2017 18:20

OUT&ABOUT

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Richard and Ge org ina Eva ns’s MG B GT V8 and Ge org e Wilde tak en out sid e Otley Ha ll, Otl r’s RV 8 ey, century moated hall not oft en opeSuf folk. Otley Ha ll is a 15t h/16th n to the public. Ph oto: Ro b Da vie s

stea m Jim And rew’s MG VA spott ed at an MGs and shire. ester Leic in n railway event at Quor Phot o: Ann Murray

erchi ndd a Sout h East regio n of the MGF Reg ister at Llan t even Farm duri ng a recently held www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_July17_50-100.indd 67

MG TF and two MGFs surrounded by stun ning scen ery In the Ca mbri an Mou ntain s duri ng an MG F Reg ister event JULY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 67

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www.mgcc.co.uk

22/06/2017 18:21

OVERSEAS NEWS Some of the collection housed in the Bugatti mansion in Molsheim.

VINTAGE RACING WEEKEND IN ALSACE

he little exclusive club European Vintage Racing recently held their second meeting during May 12-15, this time meeting in Alsace and Molsheim, which was to be the starting point for the whole weekend. We left Spain on Thursday morning with 1,600 km in front of us, and stopped for a few hours sleep in Narbonne, France, ready for the early run on to Molsheim next day. We arrived at 17.30 on Friday. After we checked in, we all met at the bar for a review of the weekend’s programme. The roadbook and plans were to travel on Saturday north of Alsace, and on Sunday go the southern part. We would run over as many tops as possible to enjoy the view. We also got nice magnetic signs and good wine; the marque of friendship shone through. Many of us had met at the first meeting at Silverstone in 2013, when we had eight Vintage Racing MGs on site, but this meeting

www.mgcc.co.uk

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By Hakan Sigemark and Lotta Hollström was more ‘intimate’ and we got to know each other much better than at Silverstone. Participants were: Ola and Annie Troedsson # 5/30, Sweden Bernard Douchet with wife # 8/30, Switzerland Marina and Christian Gourdin # 14/30, Belgium Andre and Simone Pons # 15/30, France Antoine Breton with his brother # 16/30, France Daniel Vauchelles # 23/30, France Thierry Bourdois with wife # 29/30, France Håkan Sigemark and Lotta Hollström # 24/30, Spain

Up in the mountains

André Frick with wife # 26/30, France and who was also the organiser of all the routes and an excellent roadbook. The departure was set for 9.30am Saturday to make sure we had time to take in all the sights and stops along the way. We started off in convoy, but after a while it was ‘pedal to the metal’ and we saw André and Bernard disappear in all the winding curves. Our first stop was at a canal ‘Le Plan Incliné de SaintLouse Arzviller’ which is an inclined plane taking boats up and down on a rail. After a cup of coffee, we drove further on to a small village for lunch. After lunch, we continued the tour on beautiful winding roads and it was so nice to see these nine striped cars when they came running. We arrived back at the hotel at 6.00pm, with time only to shower and change for the rally dinner. Over dinner we discussed multiple items, including creating a wider database so we can keep the register up-to-date of all

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OVERSEAS NEWS Vintage TFs in a row.

On the way home heading south

All in a row

Attracting interest

Grand Ballon

The first dinner

participating cars, and even try to get information on the cars we only know owners of. At the moment, we know 17 of the 30 cars that were produced. We often get requests from members around Europe who want to acquire a Vintage Racing MG TF and join this exclusive club but it is not easy to find them. If you do have thoughts about getting one, contact us and we will see what we can do. The only thing we can say straight away is that it will take a long time to find one! We started early on Sunday morning and then drove south around a loop which was about 240 kilometres, so it was good that we set out early. As on Saturday, it was a coffee stop and then lunch at an alpine restaurant at the Grand Ballon, which is one of the highest peaks in Alsace. After the lunch stop, it was once again on to the beautiful winding roads

down South in Alsace with the last stop in Riquewihr, which is a great city in the heart of Alsace and very well known for its famous wine houses, its city walls and the main street that runs through the whole city, where restaurants are in abundance and street performers entertain. French hospitality with extremely beautiful houses – we can really recommend a visit here. After this stop, it was a free ride home with a photo stop at the Bugatti mansion in Molsheim which is very nice and extremely famous. Here you have to make an appointment for a guided tour and the waiting time is six months! Quick shower and then dinner in an old majestic building in the square of Molsheim, with a large farewell party and thanks to André and his wife for all the planning of this Vintage Racing weekend. We also started planning for the next meeting that

probably will be in 2019. Someone mentioned the Marseille area, but we’ll see. In 2018, most Vintage Racing MGs will probably participate in the EEOTY in Flims, Switzerland. After breakfast on Monday we started our return to Spain, but we had decided to take it easy going south and the first stop was 100 kilometres south in Mulhouse, and the famous Museum Schlumpf Collection. This is one of Europe’s finest car collections with great focus on the Bugatti, but does incorporate other marques. However, we could not find any single MG but it doesn’t matter, the collection is hugely notable and unique. We then headed to Provence and visited Orange, Chateauneuf du Pape, Avignon, etc, for more good French food and wine. It became a very successful tour of the 3,780 km. We now look forward to the next Vintage weekend!

Vintage Racing TFs below the Grand Ballon

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www.mgcc.co.uk

22/06/2017 18:21

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CENTRES

ABINGDON WORKS

JAN GETHING sfscribe@mgabingdon.org.uk www.mgabingdon.co.uk For just one fantastic afternoon we were transported back to the 1930s. The scene was so reminiscent of the painting by Kevin Walsh depicting an M-Type beside a village green. In our case it wasn’t an M-Type but John Venables’ iconic 18/80 that was parked beneath the trees, beside the verdant playing field in which white-clad figures batted, bowled and fielded, the serenity of the afternoon occasionally shattered by the cries of “owzat?” followed by polite, restrained clapping, “well done old chap, a jolly good innings” as the crestfallen batsman made his way off the field. On the balcony of the Edwardian pavilion cream teas were the order

of the day. This was the Works Centre’s Old Speckled Hen Tour: out through the rolling Oxfordshire countryside to the fine home of Buscot Park and then back to the splendid Radley College for afternoon tea and, importantly, presentations. This was the 25th anniversary of the first run and this was acknowledged by presentations to the run’s founders, John Watson and Dave Smith. John Venables was presented with the Centre Member of the Year award, the Charlton Shield. Well done to all three! A full report appears elsewhere. Goodwood’s Festival of Speed will be taking place over the first weekend in July, but this year, on

ANGLIA

ROB MUIR 01206 862619 scribe@mgccanglia.com www.mgcc.co.uk/anglia-centre

Snetterton With Silverstone and MGLive! in full swing this month, it can often be overlooked that regular competitors in the various MGCC Championships have been working their socks off, keeping their race cars up to the latest specification and have been chasing championship points since early March. At Snetterton, just one week before MGLive!, many of the Anglia Centre drivers were fighting it out on track to keep themselves in contention as the series approaches its mid-season point. Following races at MGCC Donington Park and Brands Hatch, Snetterton saw rounds five and six of the MGCC Peter Best Insurance Cup. Alan Brook was along with

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his very special self-built MG Metro, accompanied by brother David, who is not only a past champion of the Peter Best Cup, driving an MGB V8, but is also host of the West Hertfordshire Club Meet at Redbourn. Although David has not raced for a few years, he keeps his hand in, helping Alan build and prepare the Metro. Practice started at 10.15 and saw Alan qualifying on pole position. Race one saw Alan scorch off into the lead before falling off at the esses, putting himself back to fifth place, before charging back through the field to win, also gaining fastest lap in the process. In race two, following a long hard day, he had a copybook

Sunday July 2, it has a rival event, the Notcutts Classic Car Show at Nuneham Courtenay, just a short drive from Abingdon. Well, perhaps it won’t be a serious rival to Goodwood but certainly worth thinking about if you can’t go to the real thing. Just sneaking into these notes, on Sunday July 30, is the Hampshire Hog Outing at Breamore House, dating from 1583. All details and entry form are on the AWC website. If I count correctly (I get confused when I run out of fingers) there are 15 Natters within the Centre and of these, two, the Wanderers and New Forest are lunchtime Natters, a great excuse to sneak off, away from those household chores. Three of the Natters are having a Pride of Ownership during the month – The Five Arrows on

Monday 3, the Bell Inn on 13th and Prince of Wales on 27th. I wonder how many restorations are taking place within the Centre? One of our committee members is restoring, or rather rebuilding, a BGT. I would have thought that B parts would be easily obtainable but that is certainly not the case. He was eventually able to track down a couple of elusive bits far away in sunny Oz. Brian’s timing was impeccable: some of the local Club members are coming over for MGLive! and able to bring the bits with them. Luckily, it wasn’t an engine or body shell; might have a bit of trouble bringing those in as hand luggage. As usual, the committee extends a very warm welcome to all new members and, of course, their cars.

drive, leading from lights to flag and extending his lead in the championship. If you get the chance, wander over and say hello to the talented brothers and take a look at their fantastic little Metro, all of which is home built.

country fare stalls and refreshments. There is also the annual Concours and Pride of Ownership that you can enter.

Queen Vic July 9 sees the annual Queen Vic Classic and Sports Car Show, Billericay Summer Fest. All in aid of charity and with free entry and parking, details can be found on the dedicated website, Queenvic. mgccangliacenter.org.uk or contact Tony Batson via events@mgccanglia.com or on 07958 381470. Not only classic cars to see, but in the arena there are such things as dog agility performances and demonstrations from emergency services. All this along with live music on stage, plus craft and

Anglia Summer Picnic The Anglia Picnic is on Sunday July 2 at Ickworth House, one of the most spectacular stately homes in the country and a National Trust property, Entry forms are in the May edition of Safety Fast! and can also be found on the website. Club Meet News Looking ahead to August 1, we have the Longham Pride of Ownership, held at the White Horse Club Meet. Contact William Ball 01508 471506 if you would like to attend. Each year the meet produces a splendid display of cars at this well-attended meeting, so please go along and give them your support.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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CENTRES

CALEDONIAN

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

Have just returned from our first show of 2017 at Thirlestane Castle and pleased to report that we were awarded the prize for the second best Car Club stand entry. The weather was kind and with MGs from 1931 to 2016 we were only beaten by a much larger consortium of Jaguar clubs, so we are well satisfied. Thanks to Glenn Neilson for coming up with the theme of ‘MG the iconic British sports car’ and for designing all the bits and pieces on the cars and all of the team who put the whole thing together! If you missed that show you might just be in time to enter Glamis on July 9 where the theme will be repeated. Give me a call if

you are looking for a place and I’ll let you know. Bo’ness is not far away either; we had a large turnout last year and are looking for something similar this year. This is the 10th year of this event and we have attended every year. It gets bigger, better and more varied every year! But as usual we need a full spread of MG models and years, so let’s be seeing your entries. There is plenty to look at over the weekend, so you have no excuse for not attending! Again, we would like a good selection of older MGs as well as more recent examples, and if you have any competition MGs they would be especially welcome. There is always a good number of MGs on the hill and details of this

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

Powderham Castle Classic Car Show. Bob Slatter is co-ordinating the Club stand. We have 20 passes for each day. The Main Club is bringing the Club gazebo and regalia, etc, from Kimber House. Bob is looking for volunteers and particularly older vehicles to make a really good display on the stand for either or both days. To book

your place on the Club stand, contact bobslatter@hotmail.com Camping with showers is available at Powderham for Friday/Saturday nights at a cost of £20.00 per pitch. For those camping overnight there will be entertainment and food and drink available. Ian’s Drive-it-Day format was a great success, with cars from most of our Natters following their own

D&C members enjoying the Brian Williams Spring Run.

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Photo: From our Thirlestane stand

exciting event are on the website so take a look. We will also be at the Ignition Show at the Glasgow SEC in conjunction with Bo’ness Hillclimb. Only five cars on the stand, but this was a good show last year so take a look at our website for details and also for an offer on discounted tickets. Dates are August 4, 5 and 6. If you attend, then look us up. Don’t forget the Argyll-based run on July 23. There is a choice of a short or a long route and a

choice of three eating places, one of which specialises in seafood… my kind of place! And the roads are great, too! Check the website. Also that month, but the following week, on Sunday 30, George and Wendy Rome have organised another MGA run, this time based around South Lanarkshire. If you have any variant of these iconic sports cars then you are welcome. This is always a popular event which books up early, so don’t delay! Check our website for details.

routes to Lifton Strawberry Fields Farm Shop for social gathering and lunch. 90-plus people and 50 cars caused quite a stir locally. The South Hams Natter organised a road run in memory of the late Colin Groom. Leaving his local in Ipplepen for Exmouth sea front in open-top cars and then along the coast to Axminster. Visiting many seaside towns, Shaldon across the bridge to Teignmouth and Dawlish, Budleigh Salterton, Sidmouth, Beer and Seaton. Up hill and down dale with excellent views of the sea, although a few were getting lost by not paying attention! The finish was at a pub for a late lunch, with 12 cars assembled. A lovely day had by all. Exeter and East Devon arranged a trip around Exeter Cathedral, the roof and tower included in the tour.

Dates for your diary August 6 – Devon Day, contact Ian Cameron. August 12-13 – Ex-RAF Harrowbeer Airfield, Yelverton – Vintage and Classic Cars welcome. September 10 – Cornish Riviera Run – one start at Plymouth and another at Bodmin Airfield. Baps and tea/coffee at Bodmin, the choice is yours. See advert in June Safety Fast! or contact Sue Heath. allegropeter@aol.com

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CENTRES

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

July Natters: Wolds Wednesday 5; Lincolnshire Poacher Friday 7; Abbey Lodge Monday 10 (Games Night); Wishing Well Wednesday 12 (Visit to Grantham Classic Car Club); Three Horseshoes Thursday 20; Admiral Nelson Thursday 27 (Landlords Choice). July Events: Saturday 8 MG

and Rover Display East Kirkby (Kevin 01529 460169); Sunday 9 On the Green Car Show Allington (Richard 01949 844066); Saturday 15 Gordon Smith Memorial Run (Keith 01472 602949); Saturday 22 MG Races Cadwell Park; Sunday 23 W H Brand Carfest Whaplode Drove.

MIDLANDS

ANDY ROBSON www.mg-cars.org.uk/mgccmidlandcentre midlandcentre@mg-cars.org.uk

As you will have read in previous SF notes, we opened our events for this year not with a Trial proper, but with a ‘Taster Trial’, something which novices and first-timers could have a go at. And it really did go very well. Even this scribe, brought up around race circuits and with the smell of Castrol ‘R’ in his nostrils, had a very enjoyable time

Karmann Ghia mixes it with MGs during the Welsh Rallye

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as a marshal. The winner got a free entry to our regular Autumn Trial at Burton Dassett in September. We may hold something similar next year, so keep an eye on these notes and our website for any future information. Thanks to everyone who helped make the day a success, and to the MSA for making it easier for young drivers to participate. We have just seen our 2017 Welsh Rallye weekend pass by and it all seemed to go without problems, this being the 20th anniversary event of the modern era of Rallyes. This year we were based at the ever-popular Metropole Hotel in Llandrindod Wells, and the service was up to its usual excellent standards. Typically, the Welsh weather was variable,

Luncheon Club: Wednesday 19. The Landlord’s Choice Pride of Ownership series got under way this month, the first at the Lincoln Natter. Not well attended, this one, and resulted in a tie for first place between the BGT V8 of Andy Rake and Kimm Rake’s F 160, and with Ian Mackenzie’s ZT third. A better turnout at Abbey Lodge a few days later, when first place went to the B Roadster of Kirk Field, second to the BGT V8 of Peter Ellis, with Len Hartley’s TF third, Kimm Rake’s F 160 fourth and husband Andy’s BGT V8 fifth. The AutoSolo on the 14th took place in warm sunshine and attracted a few new faces. The preponderance of specials resulted in just two classes – specials and the rest. In spite of the cones being lettered and another cone on its side to indicate the route, mistakes were made, but all had a great

time. First in the amalgamated class was Mike Peters in his BV8 Roadster, second Bryan Pack (Midget), third John Hebb (MG3). Malcolm Clark (Midget) was first in the specials class, Rhys James (Midget) was second and Phil Mayne (Midget) third. First overall and Fastest Time of Day achiever was Ian Webb, also in a Midget. In contrast to the AutoSolo’s sunshine, the Luncheon Club trip to the Old Red Lion at Bicker was in incessant rain and a puncture didn’t make the day any brighter for me, although luckily it happened just outside the pub. A phone call after the meal brought Green Flag speedily to the rescue. The tyre had a split in the sidewall, so the can of sealant so beloved of car manufacturers would have been of little use – give me a spare wheel every time! The photo shows a sunnier lunch at the Railway Tavern at Aby.

but those of us with folding roofs managed to keep them lowered for most of the weekend. We were able to entice Paddy Wilmer to flag off the cars at the start, and he also chose Pete Cresswell’s rally-prepped MGB as the Car of the Weekend. A more extensive report on this event appears elsewhere in Safety Fast!. Plans are already in place for the 2018 event. Looking at some forthcoming events, we have the Joint Natter which this year will be on Wednesday July 12, at the Rose & Crown in Severn Stoke, same location as last year. The Midland Centre Summer Picnic revisits Shelsley Walsh on Sunday July 23, where we join up with the Midland Automobile Club for their marvellous Classic Nostalgia weekend. MGCC Midland Centre members can benefit to the tune of 20%

discount off the normal ticket prices by using a dedicated coupon code – please contact the Centre email address for further information, and visit the MAC website for details of this year’s event. Looking further ahead, we have the Summer Sprint at Curborough on August 6, followed by the Autumn Trial on September 24. Entry forms for both events are available on our website. Further details of these and many other events can be found on our website. Finally for now, we are hoping to offer Club members a more indepth view of the Midland Centre, its history, and what it does, this to appear in a later issue of the magazine. This is intended to show that there is more to Centres and their activities than may sometimes be immediately visible.

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CENTRES

NORTH WEST PAUL GOODMAN 01625 876300

July is high summer and a fun month for the North West Centre. First special event is at The Old Hall Farm Pub on Tuesday July 11, when a slot car racing track will be arriving in a special lorry. There will be a small charge and a prize for fastest time of the evening. Then, a week later, on Tuesday July 18, we will be enjoying the evening sun at the Plough and Flail. We are going to have another swap/sell/ give-away evening. Please bring anything that you don’t have a use for anymore – models, books, parts, jigsaws, etc. They don’t have to be car related! The Cockshoot Cup racers will also be celebrating summer at the Club race meeting at Cadwell Park on Saturday July 22. Cadwell is an

incredible circuit for spectators and it is worth the drive from the North West to watch. If you want to make a weekend of it, the Vintage Sports Car Club will be taking over the circuit on the Sunday. Then, two weeks later, the race drivers will be performing at Anglesey Circuit over the weekend of August 5-6 at a meeting organised by the British Racing and Sports Car Club. Our lunchtime gathering will be on Wednesday July 26 at The Miners Arms, Wood Lane North, Adlington, SK10 4PF. Looking further ahead, we have been asked to display our cars at the Oulton Park Gold Cup on Sunday and Monday August 27 and 28. Each MG driver will be entitled to a free entry ticket to what is

SOUTH EAST

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

Forthcoming events: Penshurst Place summer gathering is taking place on July 30; a great venue and plenty of events planned for the day. Application forms are available: www. mg-cars.org.uk/mgccse/events. html or from Philip Bayne-Powell (1942mgman@gmail.com) It is also possible to show up and pay on the day. There are also two Pride of Ownership events in July, the first on Sunday 2 at Lingfield and the other on Monday 17 at the Three Horseshoes, Sidlow. Information on both of these is available from John Morgan (johnv.morgan@ btinternet.com 0208 657 2714). Marches raid August 26-28 on web page.

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The autumn gathering is being held at Chiddingstone Castle – Sunday September 24 2017. This is a ‘turn up and pay on the day’ event at £15/car, with the gates opening at 10.30am and the Castle itself opening from 11.30am. There will be PoO and Concours events as in previous years. For more information contact: Andrew Mitchell (Andrewmgfvvc@gmail.com) Items to note: The setting-up of a new lunch time

MGs in Line for Action at Scammonden Dam Hillclimb. Photo: David Coulthard

always a very special weekend of historic motorsport. To book your place please email your car details, including registration number, and postal address to paul. goodman7@ntlworld.com by the end of July. Entries are beginning to arrive for our annual photo competition. You have two more months to submit entries either by email or by giving access to a ‘cloud’ file.

Finally, please make a diary entry for our Annual Dinner Dance and Awards Presentation. This will take place at the Deanwater Hotel, Woodford, on Saturday November 25. We are planning some different things for this year, in addition to the meal, awards and dancing. We will be able to make tables available for groups, so why not consider getting a group together with members and friends.

Natter in the West Surrey area – anyone interested needs to contact Philip Bayne-Powell on his new email 1942mgman@gmail.com Work is continuing on the MGCC SE web pages, undertaken by Ben Hill working with Colin Reynolds, and we hope that this will be launched shortly.

venue and we were treated to an amazing day, as well as a private tour of the 32 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds housing some 50 cats (15 different species). It was felt that the day offered a new dimension and gave us all the opportunity to make new MG friends outside of our local groups. We will be looking to hold further annual events and hope that more ladies from all areas will join us, offering habitual navigators the chance of a great drive through the English countryside. The ZRZSZT Register event in Tenterden proved to be a very successful day, with surprisingly good weather and a good turnout of Zeds and other MGs, and with people travelling from as far away as Petersfield and Lincoln for the event. Tours of the railway and the local microbrewery proved very popular.

Round Up: The first ladies’ day proved to be a great success, with cars ranging from 1950s MGAs and including Twin Cam, RV8, MGF and MG ZS. For some reason the sight of ladies driving through the countryside in these great cars caused quite a stir. The Big Cat Sanctuary is a one-off

Photo: MG Ladies Day, May 2017. Photo: Elaine Lawford

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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

SOUTH WEST

ANDREW OWST 01761 221893 andrewowst@hotmail.com Website www.mgccsw.com Two major events in the South West Centre Calendar took place in May, the first being the Wye Valley Social Run on Sunday May 7 2017 starting at Symonds Yat in the beautiful Wye Valley. We entered in our Midget for this event as we usually cover around 200 miles in the day, living in Somerset. The Midget gives us open-top motoring yet is reasonably long-legged for the longish drive back to Somerset in the early evening. The weather was glorious and Terry and Freda Davies had mapped out a super scenic route as usual, this time following the course of the Wye north of Chepstow and crossing virtually every single road bridge towards Whitney-on-Wye. Lunch

was at Weir Gardens, a few miles west of Hereford, and sadly that was as far as we got because, half way round the morning run, the Midget started to misfire and splutter and despite all the help and brains available at lunch, our journey home was courtesy of AA. I have still not sorted the problem, but a great day out and a deservedly popular event. Grateful thanks to Terry and Freda and all their helpers. The Kimber Classic Trial took place on Saturday May 13 2017. The start was at Lanes Hotel, West Coker, Yeovil, where many competitors were staying and Alan Grassam had laid on the usual dinner following the trial. There were 36 entries,

TYNE TEES

NOEL LINDFORD noel.lindford@btinternet.com

Sadly, we have recently lost two of our treasured Tyne-Tees Centre ladies. Helen Bolton, the very supportive wife of David, passed away in May. As some of you may know, Helen fought a long and brave fight against cancer, stayed resolute and positive, supported by David and family, never giving up. We also lost Irene Stephenson, wife of George, another resolute

lady who fought a brave fight against cancer, and who will forever be remembered as the driving force behind the Hamsterley Hoppings, an event for which Irene and George worked tirelessly. Irene was a good rally driver in her younger days, so the attached photo from 2014 of a beaming Irene, in her immaculate MG Montego Turbo is appropriate!

Irene Stephenson in her MG Montego Turbo at ‘Classics in Corbridge’ 2014. Photo: Noel Lindford

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mainly MMM cars, although the oldest car was Peter Jones’s 18/80. There were two Austin 7s, two Midgets, one MGB, and three T Types, including Derek Pearce’s Cream Cracker which was driven by previous owner, John Barnacott, who restored this car many years ago. It is good to see it still being used regularly in trials. The run through Dorset and Somerset was around 90 miles of glorious countryside with 11 observed sections, including the infamous Alham Splash. The superb weather meant many more competitors than usual cleared the hills, so the timed tests came into play when calculating the results. The Kimber Trophy was won by Edward Wilkins in his TC, and special congratulations to Edward as it was his first trial. Many thanks to all those

who entered, especially the drivers and passengers of seven cars who came all the way from Holland, as it makes all the organisation worthwhile. Particular thanks to all those who turned out to marshal and thanks to Alan Grassam and particularly Bruce Weston. On Sunday July 2, there is our Summer Run and Picnic at the East Somerset Railway, Cranmore, near Shepton Mallet; BA4 4QP, from 10.30am onwards. An easy day out and a pleasant ride on a steam train, with museum and engine shed. Details on the Centre website. On Sunday July 16 there is a chance for a romp around a nice level field at the MGs on Grass Two autotest at Claverham, North Somerset. Once again, details are on the Centre website.

Past Events Fish and Chip Supper Run: attracted nine cars on May 13 for a very pleasant early evening run from Durham Services to the Surfside Restaurant at Seaton Carew, which serves sublime fish and chips. Well done to Dennis Hope for delivering such a good driving route.

Northern Natter Supper Run and Treasure Hunt: 14 cars and crews met up at the Robin Hood Inn, near Corbridge, at teatime on Saturday May 20. The 40+ mile route was a delight to drive, peppered with many clues along the way. It finished at the Plough Inn, Stamfordham, where after an excellent supper, Nick Owens (MG TC) was declared winner of the treasure hunt. Well done to John Brown and Ian Fair for such a superb event!

Regularity Production Car Autotest (PCA): took place on May 14 at a new venue in Hartlepool and attracted four cars from MGCC for the PCA class, a separate set of test layouts from the regular demon autotesters, and more suited to our cars. Ken Armstrong won the PCA in his TF160 with Ian Whyte second in his Sprite, but the real star was young Lucy Armstrong, driving Ian’s Sprite very competitively!

Events Coming Up Croft Nostalgia Weekend: August 5-6: Only a few spaces left, so if you would like to be part of this superb weekend and have yet to book your tickets, please do so asap and advise me. The booking form is on our website at www.mgcc.co.uk/tynetees-centre/future-events/

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CENTRES

YORKSHIRE

DAVID COPEMAN 07920 064585 www.mgccyorkshire.co.uk North – Colin Brear We changed the MGCC North Yorkshire ‘Pride of Ownership’ entries into three year-ofbuild classes. The system worked with a winner per class, Alan Dakeyne’s MG VA, Dale Efemey’s MGB Roadster and Paul Fletcher’s MG RV8. Congratulations to Dale, the overall winner, for the most votes with his lovely 1970 ‘B’. North Yorkshire cars were featured on BBC Look East News, as they drove round the beautiful roads of the MGCC Wolds Way Run, back in May. South – Geoff Norcliffe Despite some regulars being on holiday, it was standing room only

at the May Natter as we welcomed new members and some returnees. Bob and Lynne Douglas arrived from New Zealand with their SA, ready for a two-month tour of Europe, taking in MG events as they go. The Chill Weekend, this time with an optional trip to the Classic Motorcycle races at Cadwell Park, will take place at the end of June. East – Chris Moore The Wolds Way Run kicked off on what at first seemed to be a rainy, wet morning. Upon our arrival this magically changed into a glorious sunny day. Over 100 entered the event, raising over £1,000 for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Max Appeal. Our thanks to Maple Garage who

ULSTER

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

The sun shone for our May evening autotest at Morrow Contracts, where we had a strong entry of 24 competitors tackling three tests three times each. John Morrow, a keen racing competitor, has been happy for us to leave black streaks in his yard for several years now, and with the dry evening, the changes in surfaces between slippy and grippy were challenging. With bays for stone products, storage of two-metre high cable drums and works signage, the yard layouts permitted the setting of tricky tests between some very unnatural hazards. Competitors had to have their wits about them to avoid bodywork alterations! Marshalling

82 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2017

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turned out to be not a problem with vital reinforcements turning up on the evening to make running the event a breeze for the CoC. Fastest three on the night were Paul Lowther - Stryker, Richard Earney - Mini, and Crawford Ewing in a modified Nova.

provided the rally plaques and brought the new MG GS and MG3 at the start for all to view. We had great coverage from BBC Look North and James Hoggarth on Radio Humberside. West – David Copeman After a very wet day, the weather faired up for the May Pride of Ownership, with 25 cars including new member, David Casswell, in his TF. The display ranged from a 1939 VA to the latest MG3, plenty of choice for the members to judge. Robert Dickinson’s BGT – 1st Place, Alan Dakeyne’s VA – 2nd Place and Eric Batchelor’s B Roadster – 3rd Place. The President’s Choice this year was James Crow’s ZT V6. Tiger – Pete Welbourn Thanks go to Terry for organising our May luncheon run ‘Holderness II’, this time a scenic tour of north Holderness to the Gardener’s

Country Inn. The weather was not good, rain throughout the day. I chose to drive my old Mercedes coupe as it is better at keeping out the rain than the MGA. Arriving at the meeting point I was humbled to see the TA, MGAs and MGBs being driven by my fellow travellers. Vale of York – Ken Cothliff The Natter at the Mason’s Arms, Hopperton, was well attended again in May and we were glad to welcome a new member to the MGCC, David Casswell from Bradford. It was agreed that the meeting on June 15 will include an informal pride of ownership with judging by our hosts Kim and Cerys at the Mason’s. All welcome to join. Several Natter members will be attending car club events at Harewood House (July 2) and Newby Hall (July 16).

The sun also shone for our visit to Rosemount – Grey Abbey House - organised by Noel Cochrane. We had a great turnout, 51 members with friends and lots of MGs which parked outside the front of the beautiful home of Bill and Daphne Montgomery. We were split into two groups for the tour of the house and gardens. It is an absolutely fascinating family history, beginning in 1605, with the house still being lived in and

cared for by the Montgomery family. There will be quite a few photographs to peruse on our website, both of the house and gardens. We are always looking for people to help out at our autotests and trials and would be delighted for any of you to volunteer. It’s a good way to get involved with events in the Club and get to know other members, so if you would be free to assist at any time please contact Carol, her details are shown above. Dates for your diary: July 9 Sunday Run to Sentry House, Carnmoney August 13 BBQ at Gordon and Ruth Buckley’s - Killinchy September 1 Ulster Classic Trial (Noel’s event) September 3 MG Day and Picnic – Transport Museum, Craigavad

www.mgcc.co.uk

22/06/2017 18:22

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REGISTERS

VINTAGE

JOHN VENABLES 01865 862573 johnandtriciav@gmail.com

We’ve just come back from an exciting MGLive! the sun shone and the Vintage cars gleamed. It was wonderful to see Ruud Vinke and Ruudi De Vries from Holland in their Mk11 18/80 and 14/28s and John Day’s 18/80 sitting pride of place on

the veranda of The MG Car Club Marquee. I’ll report on MGLive! in more detail next month. This month I thought I’d finish with a couple of interesting Vintage photos from the archive taken in 2009 at the Windsor MG Heritage event.

John Day’s 18/80 on the veranda at Silverstone. Photo: John Day

Ruud Vinke and Ruudi De Vries from Holland with their MGs. Photo: John Day

TRIPLE M

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

It has been a hectic month in the Hawke household since the Kimber, with the poor old J2 still not fully cleaned and checked over. Meanwhile, optimistic plans to extract J2192 from middle earth for display at Silverstone have also amounted to nothing. As they say “the best laid plans of mice and me…” Brands Hatch – What I forgot to mention… Was that it was all made possible through the generous help of Marty Harris Trophy race sponsors, Baynton Jones, purveyors of engines, etc, to the motoring fraternity. Our photo this month shows an example of their handiwork, or as they say

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“one they made earlier”. It is the engine bay of Malcolm Hills’ Ex Sumner/Templeton KN s/s built up back in the 80s from a box of bits (no live MMM harmed in the making of this film vehicle). After several years running the J.H.T. Smith K3015, a much-modified and successful s/s, Bob Jones built a few “improved” cars for customers. This one was the last and featured a rear-mounted blower to give better weight distribution and handling. I think I’m correct in saying that this car has demonstrated the theory by putting up the fastest time of any MMM car up the hill at Wiscombe (a test of both car handling and driver ability if ever there was one). As Malcolm gets

to grips with the car this year, we are surely in for a treat. Kimber Trial results As promised last month, here are the MMM results of the Kimber Trial: 1st MMM (2nd Class 2): Tim Beckh – PB 2nd MMM (3rd Class 2): James Mather – J2 Charles Shepstone Trophy: Robert Billson – NA Team Award: Team Phoenix (George Ward – PA / Colin Butchers – PA / Jeremy Hawke – J2 Upcoming Events: The MMM Summer Gathering on July 9: you might just squeeze in if you haven’t already entered. Details are up in the events section of the MMM website (www.triple-mregister.org/events. asp) with links to entry forms. Alternatively, give Peter Green

a call on 01753 643468 and he will sort you out. Lastly, please don’t forget to let me know of any MGCC Centre events that you have attended with your cars that may be of interest to other owners. They don’t have to be competitive, just anything that may be of interest to those outside your own area. After all – we have to spread the word.

The Engine Bay of Malcolm Hills’ KN s/s, s/c

www.mgcc.co.uk

22/06/2017 18:22

REGISTERS

SVW

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

With great sadness we have to report the death of Alan Richards in a fire at his home in France at the end of April. We have few details at this time, but his friend Stephen Banks contacted us with

Alan Richards, France 2013

the news and recounted that Alan used to run Tower Cycles, a Birmingham cycle shop, and was himself a record holder. Many of you will remember that Alan organised the 2013 SVW Weekend in Normandy. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Some time ago we had our father’s cine-8, VHS video and slides converted to DVD, which has provided an amazing source of material and memories. Not least is a clip, originally recorded on an 8mm spool, shot by my father shortly after I purchased my VA Tourer in 1968. At the end of May I got to grips with basic video editing and managed to extract said clip. If you’d like to see the result, search

T TYPE

JOHN WARD 01621 773606 johnw.ward@yahoo.co.uk www.tregister.org The 2017 T Register T Party Chateau Impney Hill Climb – Droitwich WR9 0BN – Sunday July 9 This is your last chance to book to attend the annual T Register picnic It is the first time we have arranged to visit this increasingly popular event and much effort has been expended to get us in as a Register in their Associated Clubs Scheme. All the details were in the May Safety Fast! Notes but a brief recap: it is a 1,000 yard technical hillclimb for classic sports and racing cars built before 1968 (sorry, too late for us to enter now!). There will be an open paddock, concours, a vintage funfair and a dedicated T Register

www.mgcc.co.uk

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parking area, so something for all. The cost will be £22.50 per person. To apply for discounted tickets you will need the T Register’s own offer code and then visit their official website. Contact David Wardell 01908 990741 to obtain the code, quoting your MGCC membership number, or go on the T Register website www. mgcc.co.uk/t-register On the Chateau Impney website choose the Sunday ticket and then on the next screen where it says ‘Select Ticket Type’ enter the code before you select the ticket type. On the next screen enter the number of tickets you want next to ‘Promotions and Special Offers’ and then click ‘Find Tickets’.

Paul Campbell and VA Tourer, 1968

on YouTube for ‘1938 MG VA Tourer Woking 1968’. I did have hair in those days! Next year my VA Tourer will be 80 years old and I will have owned it for 50 years. I’m sure many of you will be celebrating your own anniversaries or have already done so. It’s hard to choose the date to celebrate – build date June 9 1938, first registered December 31 1938, purchased by me on May 23 1968. Perhaps it’s best to celebrate all

three dates, so look out for photos next year! When you receive this at the beginning of July many of us will be undertaking final preparations for the SVW Event at Stoke-by-Nayland which begins in earnest on July 4. Wishing you a good journey to the venue and looking forward to seeing you there. I leave you with a (low quality) still shot of me in the VA taken from the video clip.

Note that the offer code will also work for the Weekend ticket option as well, should you wish to spend Saturday and Sunday there, and reserved parking for T Register cars will be available on both days. You can print your tickets yourself or for an extra charge have these posted to you, although time may be running out for this facility to be available. The offer code will only apply to MG Car Club T Register members and will be published in the monthly email Newsletter up

to and including the July issue. See you all there. The T Register Spring trip to The Ardennes All accounts confirm that a great time was had by all on this event in mid-May. The weather was kind and the driving, scenery and hospitality typically Ardennes. Already good news for next spring: for all those who like a trip to the Continent, watch out for announcements shortly.

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REGISTERS

Y TYPE

JERRY BIRKBECK jerrybirkbeck@btinternet.com www.mgccyregister.co.uk Tel: 01926 258691 Mob: 07855 566325 Start of the Round Britain Relay Saturday June 3 marked the start of the Y Register Round Britain Relay and the event inspired by Julian Bosworth and implemented by Maggie Grafham had an encouraging start from Tesco Lakeside in North London, with

four teams – two travelling north taking the anticlockwise route (Brian and Kaye Moyse, together with Paul and Maggie Grafham) and two travelling south on the clockwise route (Keith Powell and Julian Bosworth). The gathering and send-off is best described by Maggie:

Handover at Bury St Edmunds

MGB

DAVID BROADHURST 01209 614704 newsletter-editor@mgb-register.org www.mgb-register.org • mgbforum.mgb-register.org Flaming June! I can see why it is so called as I look out at horizontal rain. It is so often a bit rough at the beginning of June, witness D Day 1944 Landings in Normandy being postponed for 24 hours. Hopefully, it can get all of this inclement stuff

out of the way before we all go to Silverstone for MGLive!, as Silverstone and mud has proved an interesting combination in the past. However, by the time you are having your snifter and perusing this edition of Safety Fast! it will all be over. I will have

My car on a rather nice day, at Bassett Cove, close to Portreath, Cornwall 86 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2017

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Day one could not have gone better – more cars and people than we were expecting – everyone keen/enthusiastic. Still a long way to go, but it’s great that the planning is over and we are on the roads. Who then added: Just staggered in from a 450-mile round trip to start the Relay. Start went fine – five Ys on the start line. We joined the anticlockwise group and met up at Chelmsford with another three enthusiastic Y owners and spouses, leaving them to go on for a pub lunch whilst we headed for Herefordshire. Pretty impressive trip by Paul and Maggie in Little Gem, the YB owned by the late Tim Pennicott and held in the care of MGCC until the Grafhams acquired the car at last year’s MGLive! and undertook a sympathetic

rolling restoration. The YB was in excellent mechanical condition and was maintained by the Register’s Technical Guru Neil Cairns. Indeed at Silverstone Neil, himself the owner of an excellent YB, commented on just how good the engine was. So 450 miles was a pretty demanding test – well done to all, especially the participants. More photos can be seen on the Y Register and MG Octagon CC websites and Facebook pages and photos will be added as they are forwarded by participants.

lots of photos for you to look at in the August edition four-page MGB spread and, hopefully, some good comments. I had an interesting call the other day from a member wondering where he could source a new carpet set for his MGB. I suggested that he consider a visit his local carpet warehouse. I needed some bits for my car a couple of years ago and could not warrant buying the complete lot. So, I took a bit of carpet with me and asked if they could match it. Astonishingly they could, well,

as near as dammit. So, I bought a runner, about four metres long, made up some paper templates and spent an afternoon on my hands and knees with a Stanley knife. The bloke at the carpet warehouse offered to bind the edges for me at reasonable cost. I feel that this is a perfectly reasonable solution. It could even be that you could acquire an end of wool carpet, Axminster or Wilton or similar, rather than having the nylon mix that everything sticks to, which is the more normal alternative used in vehicles.

MGBs head in to Silverstone for MGLive! 2017, more photos next month.

www.mgcc.co.uk

22/06/2017 18:22

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MG Summer Picnic Sunday August 6th 2017

10am – 4pm Millets Farm Centre Frilford nr Abingdon OX13 5HB The MGB Register invite all MG models and other Classic Cars

Millets Farm Centre and Frosts Garden Centre offer various attractions and restaurants, something for everyone. For more information visit www.milletsfarmcentre.com To help us plan the space required please email john.watson@mgb-register.org with your car type and registration, or text or call John Watson on 07770 575 236 www.mgcc.co.uk

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REGISTERS

MIDGET

MIKE PARKER mikeparker78@talktalk.net www.midgetregister.com It was wonderful to see the russet brown MG Midget of John and Jackie Hodcroft on the recently held Old Speckled Hen Run. John and Jackie had driven all the way from Holmes Chapel, near Manchester, on the day to compete in the 25th Anniversary OSH Run; that’s dedication to the marque. MGLive! was a great success, hopefully you noticed a lot of MG Midgets participating in events over the weekend on and off the track. I will bring you up to date in our August notes, which is the four-page newsletter. If you have any Midget-related articles suitable for the spread please feel free to send them through to me. We’re always grateful for any contributions.

After MGLive! the Register committee are in full flow, and planning our September Road Run to Upton House on Sunday September 3 2017, supported by British Motor Heritage of Witney. Booking forms are published on our website www.midgetregister. com or in last month’s Safety Fast! Other events the Register is attending are Kop Hill Climb 2017, where we have a stand for MG Midgets, and if there is room other MGs are once again joining the MG Magnette Register for what will be a great day with many different classic cars, not just MG. The date for this event is September 16-17. Pete Chaundy has booking forms coming in already; again, full details on the

MGC

MIKE HAUGHTON mgc_mike@btinternet.com

Well, it’s a time of change in the MGC Register after the elections at the AGM. Unlike some other recent elections, this had a friendly outcome, as Barrie and Ginny wanted to ‘retire’ after some 25 years of service to the C Register. They will be a hard act to follow, but luckily for us ‘newbies’, they aren’t leaving the country, and remain in the committee group. I’m sure all readers, and C owners especially, will be thanking them heartily (or will already have done so at MGC 50!) for their wonderful contribution to the Register! A suitable presentation was made at MGC 50. The new appointments were: Chairman – Colin Howes, Secretary – Mike Haughton. Angie Haughton

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was re-elected as Treasurer. We will do our best to look after you C owners for the next few years! Details of the full committee will be added to the main Club website – C Register section. Many of you will have attended MGC 50 last month – with 220 MGCs booked in for the show day! A new ‘world record’ gathering. But writing these notes two weeks before the event is a slightly nervous moment. It will have been a truly momentous occasion, its success largely down to Barrie and Ginny (with suitable help and support from a committee). A full report will be in the September Safety Fast! Back in April, to help start the 50th Anniversary celebrations,

Register website. Our last event is the very popular Aldon Rolling Road Shoot Out organised by Dennis Wharf. This date is Saturday October 28 2017, again details on the website. Places are limited and a few cars are booked in already, so early booking is advised. There are many other events where our little cars are welcome – just have a look on

the main Club website or in the Safety Fast! calendar of events. I hope to meet a few of you at events during the year. I’ll leave you all with a few photos of 2008 MGLive! at Silverstone, taken by Graham Springthorpe. Can you tell me any more about any of these cars? I am always keen to hear from you with info – email at the top of the notes.

53 Cs were in the main display area at Brooklands MG Era Day in April. A great start to the year! Several members also attended the MGCC South East Centre Dinner Dance – thanks for the invite and a great evening! Then in May, there were nine Cs at the Downton Engineering Works show, amongst lots of other interesting machinery, including (obviously) some Downton Minis. A Sunday road

run saw your new Secretary win a prize for his (surprising) skill in a novel driving challenge involving driving a course in a car park, with passenger balancing a tennis ball on a racquet. New challenge for C days in the future? As a new committee, we welcome any ideas and suggestions for events, and also stories for publication in Safety Fast! Contact Mike with any details at mgc_ mike@btinternet.com

www.mgcc.co.uk

22/06/2017 18:23

MARTIN SMITH www.usedmg spares.co.uk

Quality New and Used MGF & MGTF Spares Covering all models from 1995 > 2006 All items Supplied - from body panels, interiors & engines to headlights & wheel nuts Harrogate MG Owners Show Sun 6th August

Tel: 07722 175473 East Lydford, Somerset Email: smudgemg@yahoo.co.uk

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

MG TF /MGF’s. Large choice of low mileage cars

MG TF LE500 + H/top (just 34,900 miles)

MG 6 TSE GT 5 Door (just 39,000 Miles)

MG TF LE500 +H/Top #298 (just 30,000 miles)

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

Top of the range low mileage MG6 TSE Petrol 5 door, full spec MG, White with black roof/ Black leather, satnav, Climate control A/c, cruise control, rear parking camera,18” alloys, heated electric seats, etc etc, just 39,000 miles 2 private owners full service history, Outstanding. £5,995

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

MG TF 135 High spec (low mileage just 25,400 miles)

MG MGF 1.8i VVC Convertible (just 80,000 miles)

MG ZT 190 + 2.5 V6 Saloon (Outstanding)

MG ZR 105 A/C 3 door (1 owner 27,000 miles only)

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

This outstanding MGF VVC has just been though our workshop and had a full service including a new Headgasket/cambelt/water pump. Full service history with bills and even the original bill of sale. Full handbook pack will a huge history file. MG club members car . Under 4,000 miles a year, Immaculate condition ideal show car. £2,395

A superb ZT190+ with full service history and just moted. High spec model with black leather seats with grey alcantara inserts, 18” alloys, air conditioning, De chromed, Boot spoiler, traffic master, front fogs, Outstanding condition. £1,995

2006 (56 Reg) Manual Petrol December 2006 registered MG ZR 105 1.4 3 door, just 1 owner from new having covered just 27,000 miles, fitted with air conditioning (just serviced). Documented service history ,immaculate condition (seats are all unmarked, very rare). This is one of the last to be registered , low insurance group £2,995

This is just a small selection from our stock

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

www.mgcc.co.uk

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www.churchsquareautos.com JULY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 89

22/06/2017 18:23

REGISTERS

VICTOR SMITH 0208 392 9434 victorsmith@v8register.net www.v8register.net V8 prices continue to rise Whilst there are signs that the effects of the ‘alternative investment’ activity in the classic car market have reduced over the 12 months to May 2017, our analysis of our online MGV8 Pricewatch reports indicates MGB GT V8 Condition one prices have risen by between 7% and 10% to £21,330 for a chrome bumper example. Condition one RV8 prices have risen by 8% and 11% to £18,445 for a Woodcote Green example and £20,000 for ‘other colours’. ‘Exceptional’ cars are more. A key feature is the relatively small supply of cars on offer in the market, particularly good quality examples. So, potential buyers have to work hard to

keep up with the adverts and auctions, and also the various online websites where MG V8s are advertised, not least on the V8 website, and then visit cars promptly to view them before they are sold. See our market reviews and price charts for both models on the V8 website and follow our online MGV8 Pricewatch reports via the links on our ‘More’ web page at: www.v8register.net/ more.htm RV8 at Shelsley Walsh Nic Houslip has been competing for two years in hillclimbs and sprints in his RV8 which was formerly owned by his good friend, the late Bill Wallis, who

FWD

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

For any of you that know me, you will know my love affair with anything BL, BMC, MG and Triumph. A love affair that started at an early age, as my family is from Longbridge in Birmingham and, yes, my Grandad worked for the transport division at ‘The Austin’ as it was known locally. Rewind 27 years from now: my Mum has a 1984 Mk1 MG Metro. This would be the car that I learnt to drive in. I loved it, not only because it was British but it had red seat belts! I passed my test and at every opportunity I would steal Mum’s car and go out for a spin. I loved it. Sadly Mum and Dad decided to sell both cars and buy one between them as my Mum hated driving. As much as I wanted

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to keep the MG Metro for myself, it was deemed too expensive to insure. The decision was made to sell my Mum’s beloved MG Metro and that instead I would buy my Grandad’s 1.3 HLE Metro instead. The love affair with the MG Metro never really went away and I said one day I would have one. Time moves on, you buy a house etc, etc, but that desire to own one, one day, still slow burnt in the background. Fast forward 23 years to my 40th Birthday and having just a Triumph Spitfire (another passion that I had) the year before, the desire to get another MG Metro was stronger than ever and the memories of those first few month of having a driving licence

was President of the MG Car Club. The RV8 (photo alongside by Derek Hibbert) performed well at a Shelsley Walsh hillclimb in June when Nic did his bestever time of 44 sec, breaking his handicap twice in one day. He broke it in practice and then got a new one after lunch which went on the first competitive run. Nic mentioned “they had the Aston Martin Vulcan there for a demonstration run. It’s a 7 litre naturally aspirated V12 with only 820 bhp – the sound was

glorious. The war began as he left the line – after the battle of wills between the 345-section rubber, the tarmac and the traction control and the rev limiter (I think it was a draw for all of them), it wailed up the hill, down the box into bottom Esse and then coming out of the top Esse, we could hear it bellowing from the paddock. Politically incorrect, completely impractical as anything other than a track day car, but it would have been rude not to enjoy it!”

came flooding back. I noticed that someone in one of the clubs I belonged to was selling a late 1989 Black MG Metro. It looked stunning. I mentioned it to my other half, who looked back at me with a blank expression on his face. Nothing more was said or done. The following week, the week before my 40th, he came home and announced that I would need to go to the West Midlands that weekend. When I asked why, he informed me that he had in fact bought the MG Metro for me as a present for my 40th birthday. To say I was over the moon was an understatement. So that Saturday morning we hot-footed it up the M40 and took delivery of this shiny black MG Metro. I was like a kid in a sweet shop. When I got it home, I noticed that it had been registered new at Vale Garage in Cowbridge, South

Wales, the same town that my aunt and uncle have lived in since 1969. I also found out that my cousin worked at that very garage at the same time as my Metro would have been registered. My MG Metro is not concours by any means, but it did win runner-up at MGLive! in 2015 for best MG FWD car. I called my MG Metro Freddie, after my Grandad, not only because of the Longbridge connection, but because I had bought his Metro at 17 and also the registration of the MG is FDW, Fred Webb. Since joining the MG FWD Register, I have made new friends and joined in several activities. I think these cars, along with others in the MG FWD category, should be cherished as much as the other models under the MG Marque. Alan Webb-Moore

www.mgcc.co.uk

22/06/2017 18:23

REGISTERS

ZR/ZS/ZT

success for the Register in this, our second anniversary year! JOHN THOMPSON Tel: 07854 275541 johnt5@btinternet.com www.mgcc.co.uk/zedregister If you still wish to register your car with us, please contact Paul Money at the following: main marquee to the adjacent Events and Shows paulmoneymg@gmail.com stand to watch the Trophy race in Having just returned from AGM the shade. It was good to catch MGLive! at Silverstone to Whilst at Silverstone we held up with familiar faces and to complete this month’s notes I our AGM after hours on the introduce ourselves to new ones, can use three words to describe Saturday. The Chairman’s report to enable us to keep moving the the weekend: hot, hot and hot! concluded that the Register has Register forward. A number of We’ve had all weathers over moved forward significantly in people joined the Club during the years but this time we were the last 12 months. Our numbers the weekend and registered their blessed with the hottest days of have increased, and we’ve built Zeds with us at the same time. the year so far. This was reflected new relationships with people Thank you to committee member in gate numbers and turnout of and organisations within the Louise Allen for displaying her Zeds. We had close to 80 cars classic car world, which will Platinum Silver ZS 180 in the in our parking area on both enable us to continue moving marquee over the weekend. It days, which was fantastic. In the forward. We’ve taken the Zeds took pride of place on the timemarquee, we held a celebration to new places and events, and road. Congratulations, too, for of our own, as it was 15 years will continue to do so. We aim to Louise in taking the ‘1st in Class’ ago at MGLive! that the first build on these experiences during prize in the Pride of Ownership meeting to create the new ZR/ZS/ the forthcoming year. We would on the Sunday with her stunning ZT Register was held. The revised like to welcome Karen Stone to Trophy Blue ZR. We agreed that layout of the site seemed popular, the committee. Karen will be the weekend had been a great too, with many walking from the

MG6.3.5

STEVE HAINES Steve-haines@live.co.uk www.facebook.com/groups/MG635Register https://twitter.com/635register There has been a lot going on in the world of MG6, 3 and 5s this month. The BTCC, whilst not so great for the team on track so far this year, has been very well supported by loyal fans. There was a great turnout of owners’ cars at the rounds Oulton Park on May 21 with

some very rare BTCC Editions, a former MG Motor BTCC replica and interesting MG6s getting together at the circuit. Sad news from the BTCC that Dan Lloyd has left the team in early June. We all wish him well for his future and thank him for all of the effort he put in whilst at the MG/888 team,

BTCC Editions at Oulton. Photo: Chris Scragg www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_July17_50-100.indd 91

especially the time given to us owners at dealer talks and at the tracks in 2017. Shortly after this news was some better news: that Josh Cook has returned to the team! Let’s hope the future is brighter for the rest of 2017 as the team works hard to find the right setup for the MG6 GT. Another great get-together for the latest MGs was the Cars in the Park Cotswold Wildlife Park MG meet on June 4. This year there was a huge turnout of 3, 6 and GS models, with several being represented in the Pride of Ownership competition. Congratulations to Emily Ingall who won the class in her lovely modified MG3. It’s nice to see the more modern MGs present at a lot more events around the country. If you have any recommendations for a good

taking on the role of Regalia Coordinator. In the coming months, we will be sourcing some new clothing, introducing some new smaller items of regalia and co-ordinating our efforts with Kimber House and the online shop. Ian Kimpton, who joined our committee at our last AGM, will be taking on the role of Social Media Co-ordinator and will be looking after our website. The remainder of the committee will be continuing in their current posts. UPCOMING EVENTS With the main event now behind us, our busy year continues with three events taking place during the month. For the racing fans amongst you, the Club Championships continue on July 8-9 in Scotland at the Knockhill circuit in Fife. Later in the month a further racing round takes

modern friendly event, please post it up on the Facebook page or let us know so we can publish it and get lots of owners involved. Enjoy the rest of the summer events!

Emily and her MG3 JULY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 91

22/06/2017 18:23

CL ASSIFIEDS

Manor Garage & Sons! Tel: 01235 767751

CARS FOR SALE How to Advertise Members can advertise their cars free of charge in Safety Fast. The advert will also be posted on the Club website in due course. This is for one insertion only. To place an advert or for additional insertions email 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.

Failing 6v batteries? Fit Manor Garages twin 12v conversion.

Still 12v but with double the capacity. Fits existing battery boxes, with minimal extra wiring. Reliable starting power after your MG has been parked up. KIT £150 +vat.

Visit our website: www.manorgaragewantage.co.uk

MGF Steptronic 1999

1796CC. Reluctant sale. Red. Genuine Mileage 30278. MOT April 2018 No advisories. Garaged. Tonneau cover and boot rack. Tel: 07967274510. (Gloucestershire)

MGTF 1250

1954 MG TF 1250

MGRV8 1995

1954 MG TF 1250

In pageant blue with black interior, excellent condition throughout including perfect hood and tonneau cover. Full mechanical overhaul in 2011, including replacement engine and back axle. Little used in last 13 years, garaged with new mot. £3995. Mobile 07967 966765 Email: timfrench175@gmail.com

MGA Twin Cam

Historic pre production car used by the MG factory for development, including Dunlop disc braking . Buff log book, first registered keeper 22/01/1958 MG CAR COMPANY. Google ORX885 for various web references / technical info and photos. Racing history. Lemans spec engine, alloy wings and body skin comprehensive records. Potentially eligible for historic events. A rare opportunity to acquire part of MG history. Serious enquiries to devondon@hotmail.com

92 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2017

MG_SafetyFast_July17_50-100.indd 92

Silver, milage 71,00 head gasket. Cam Water pump, Stai floor pipes, ther Brake disc's & pad links, ball joints & rear colour code wind breaker, 6 wa & JVC head unit w pod port's, stee Electric heated m minilite allows wi caps. Good clean d clear rear sceen. £ madigital@outlook 07889063339. (N

BRG.Chrome wire wheels, new hood, screens, drives lovely. £22,500 Tel: 01548 531574 or email jbishop27@hotmail.co.uk (Kingsbridge South Devon)

Green with tan interior, RHD, wire wheels, 5 speed, electronic ignition. Restored, buff log book, history file, stored in heated garage. Little use over last 2 years; reason for sale – age! Price - £29,500. Email: tjrmillward@me.com for more details. (Shropshire.)

1980 MGB Roadster

MGF 2001 Mk

5 Speed. Peter Edney engine rebuildNew wires/tyres. Recent new hood, side screens, interior and half/full tonneau. Recent brake overhaul.Chrome luggage rack. Reliable well maintained car, with huge history file, service and handbooks. Owned the last 11 years by MG Car Club member, entering many rallies in the UK and abroad. Price £24,000. Contact details Tel: 01622 880691 email: richardjeffree@yahoo.co.uk

Ex-Japan export, 2001. First registe Production No. 14 Green, 48,000 mil ice history. MOT Fitted with electro ing and enhance by MG Japan. engine manageme pressure fuel f Magnetec ignition Suspension has shock absorbers, springs and polyur the vehicles front immobiliser insta additional heat an tion, cd changer a ing. New starter m were fitted 2 m £19,990. Telephon (East Riding)

1972 MGB Roadster

86,500 miles. Wire wheels, Overdrive, Unleaded conversion, All-synchro gearbox, Soft top, Tonneau cover, Wood dash etc.... Owned and cherished by me for over 20 years. I had my MG fully renovated when I first got her & kept her garaged all the time only using her on dry days. Recent work includes ; New rear springs & Shocks, New Discs & Pads & Wheel Bearings. Tel: 01482883259 (Beverley, East Yorkshire)

MGTF 1250

Good usable car i condition. Older with a few paint b reflected in the pr engine. Large hist half tonneau, side hood. Call 07955 402455 or e-mail k £20,000. (New For

www.mgcc.co.uk

22/06/2017 18:23

CL ASSIFIEDS WANTED MGB GT V8 Factory Car

for private buyer. Good home guaranteed. Condition 1 or 2 and good history preferred. Cash waiting for the right car. Call me on 07870 594723 or Email colin@houseandhome.biz

nic 1999

nt sale. Red. 30278. MOT April sories. Garaged. d boot rack. Tel: oucestershire)

BARRY WALKER .....for the very best in vintage MGs.....Estd.1968

British Motor Heritage approved

DOWNHILL TO SUMMER NOW... AND THESE ARE ALL READY

MGF 2001 Mk2

Silver, milage 71,000. New uprated head gasket. Cam belt & Tensioner, Water pump, Stainless steel under floor pipes, thermostat, Battery, Brake disc's & pad's all round drop links, ball joints & tyres. Extras inc, rear colour coded boot spoiler, wind breaker, 6 way speaker system & JVC head unit with CD,USB & I pod port's, steering wheel tilt, Electric heated mirrors, 8 spoke minilite allows with MG logo dust caps. Good clean dry convertible & clear rear sceen. £1,800. Email: madigital@outlook.com Telephone, 07889063339. (N/Ireland)

ire wheels, new ves lovely. £22,500 4 or email ail.co.uk h Devon)

1933 CYCLE WING MG J2. Another magniﬁcent, original example of the c/wing J2, just fully serviced & refurbished in our own workshop. Restored fully in the early 2000s but sparsely used since. A sharp car with a gentle patina. British Racing Green with Collingburn Apple Green interior & full black canvas weather equipment……… £42,500

1953 MG TD. Unusual for us, but the quality of this rebuild is to the standard we offer. An all matching numbers car owned for over 30 years by the previous owner, restored by him & detailed & serviced by us. Deep Emgee Red with beige leather & weather equipment. Drives quietly & smoothly and does what it says on the tin! ………£28,750

1937 MG TA. I rarely describe a car as ‘Concours’ but this is very close. A total and accurate all-matching Nos, rebuild in Oxford & Cambridge blues, Cerulean blue leatherwork by Collingburn and magniﬁcent unused navy weather equipment. For someone who wants the best. … £42,500

1946 MG TC. One of the most pleasing and pleasant TC’s that I’ve driven. Totally restored from the chassis – up some 20yrs ago, PROPERLY, probably accounts for why it is still so good today. Recommend you try this. Sequoia cream, red leather and beige weather equipment. Lovely car. … £33,950

1960 MGA 1600 Mk 2

Superb low-mileage example of classic , featured in the BBC drama series The Outcast. Chassis no: G-HNL/83641. 72,000 miles only. All original engine & gearbox, plus 72-spoke wheels, radio and boot rack. Reimported from USA in 1989. Full history. Heritage cert. A genuine car in excellent condition, with hood, side windows, tonneau cover and antique leather boot case, this car is being sold due to owner’s ill health. £27,500. Telephone: 01264781066 Mobile: 07561111-838 (Hants)

1937 MG TA. A superbly built, accurate & authentic TA that has more than 1934 MG PA A gorgeous example in 2-tone Dublin & Ulster greens stood the test of time over the last 20yrs. Since it’s been ﬁnished. Older with apple green Collingburn interior. Fully detailed engine bays, paint but the car’s quality is proved, as it was chosen as one of the cars for excellent steering, ﬁtted water pump and new Blockley tyres. Aero Anders Clauseger’s book “The Original MG ‘T Series’. Finished in the rare screens, s/guards, deluxe dash and nice patinised appearance. original factory 2-tone grey colour scheme with grey Collingburn trim and Just right….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….£39,950 totally correct weather gear…. One of the best…. £36,500 * Spare parts with most cars above. * SUPERCHARGERS (nose or side mounted) available for all the MGs we sell. * ORIGINAL TOOL KITS FOR ALL PRE-T SERIES & TA/B/C/D MG models (no reproduction).

COMMISSION SALES: Our highly regarded service is always available to you.

MGRV8 1995

1250

y engine rebuildNew t new hood, side nd half/full tonneau. haul.Chrome luggage maintained car, with vice and handbooks. 1 years by MG Car ering many rallies in oad. Price £24,000. 01622 880691 email: oo.co.uk

Ex-Japan export, re-imported in 2001. First registered in 1995 with Production No. 1433. In Woodcote Green, 48,000 miles with full service history. MOT until April 2018. Fitted with electronic power steering and enhanced cooling system by MG Japan. An RPI Tornado engine management chip, constant pressure fuel feed valve and Magnetec ignition leads are fitted. Suspension has uprated to gas shock absorbers, heavy duty front springs and polyurethane bushes at the vehicles front. A Toad vehicle immobiliser installed. Wind-stop, additional heat and sound insulation, cd changer and air conditioning. New starter motor and battery were fitted 2 months ago. Price £19,990. Telephone 01964 534821. (East Riding)

Tel: 01789 400 181. Fax: 01789 400230. Mob: 07836 244103 Email: barry@barrywalker.com Web: www.barrywalker.com

URGENTLY WANTED MGA/MGB/MGC/V8/ MIDGET/SPRITE ETC

2003 MG ZT-T 190

Good condition 73000 miles with services up to date. No known problems. Cambelts and water pump done. 6CD autochanger. MOT December, no advisories. Wonderful handling drivers car, big, comfy, fast and reliable. Priced for quick sale £850. Bill 01993 891713 or 07710 278624 (Witney)

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

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

The Great British

oadster

Wire wheels, aded conversion, rbox, Soft top, ood dash etc.... rished by me for had my MG fully I first got her & all the time only days. Recent work rear springs & s & Pads & Wheel 82883259 rkshire)

MGTF 1250

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)

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_July17_50-100.indd 93

13:0

Steering Wheel

The Brooklands We manufacture the BROOKLANDS

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

2008 MGTF LE500

Having recently obtained a later model limited edition TF good home wanted for my all black LE 500. Usual 500 spec, air con, colour coded hard top, leather seats, windbreak, heated rear windows etc. Extras include 76mm Stainless exhaust, custom made colour coded rear spoiler, rear mud flaps, uprated music system, choice of rear lights. Invoices/history, MOT April 2018, 40,000 miles £4250. Ring 01636 821558. (Lincs/S Yorks)

26/10/09

Ww14” ENo Nalso in W

NO ABLE Ivo AILry AV

Now also 15½ inch wheel

BROOKLANDS AEROSCREENS are made using laminated glass to original specification to suit all vintage and sports cars.

john@johnkimble.co.uk

K KIMBLE

EST 1969

Tel: 01803 835757 Fax: 01803 834567

Unit 5, Old Mill Creek, Dartmouth, Devon TQ6 0HN.

JULY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 93

22/06/2017 18:24

TRADE MEMBER

Specialising in all MG’s

TEL/FAX: 01258 820337

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 8am-6pm, Wed: 8am-5pm, Sat: 8am-1pm

CL ASSIFIEDS

MIKE ROLLS

2016 201 6

1998 MGF

SERVICES FOR MGs

TRADE MEMBER

Specialising in all MG’s

TEL/FAX: 01258 820337

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 8am-6pm, Wed: 8am-5pm, Sat: 8am-1pm

MG Midget 1500

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

WANTED

GOOD CHROME BUMPER ROADSTERS FOR SALE.

Class winning Lackford Sprite Midget Challenge race car. Built by Peter Hiley and championship winner in 85,86,88,89. For Bill Lancashire it won the championship in 96,97,98. It then won the Cockshoot cup for Saun and Mike Peters and in 2014 won class C of the Sprite Midget challenge for Carl Chadwick. The car is a 1500 engine with twin 11/2” SU carbs, competition inlet and stainless exhaust. Blueprinted gearbox and diff, competition halfshafts and minilite wheels on new Yokohama A048 tyres. Race components include instruments brand new Cobra seats, battery. FIA fire extinguisher etc.clutch and all suspension is nylatron bush. Ready to race £9,995 ONO. Carl Chadwick on 07817 012057

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

51 Reg. Silver with black interior. Part leather seats. Only 9500 miles from new!! Immaculate interior & bodywork. Full service history & invoices. Currently being recommissioned after storage, with new multi layer head gasket & 12 months MOT. Available for viewing from mid July with substantial spares package. Investment opportunity £6950. Richard Martin Tel 07921 588060. (NW Herts)

E-mail: mikerolls4mgs@compuserve.com • www.mikerolls.co.uk Mail Order “Friendly Quality Service”

01707 876089

www.mgsforsale.com

07831 556666

MGB Roadster 1971 Older Restoration (WAW197K) wire wheels, overdrive, tax exempt, double duck hood & cover, British Racing Green coachwork, Black leather interior trim, older restoration previously supplied by us, history ﬁle with specialist invoices including MGOC workshop, drives nicely, images 24-30 were taken when we sold previously in 2008, still in nice condition, just arrived £13,995.00 MG VA Tickford 1.5 Litre 1938 (CFS898) older early 90’s body off rebuild with costs circa £22k, achieving winner and 2nd in ‘The Golden Eagle’ in its day, delightful Blue coachwork now requiring some improvement, nice condition Navy Blue leather interior trim, good sound chassis, heavy history box ﬁle containing a plethora of invoices many from SVW Services, an original green log book, period workshop manual and service documents, old mot’s and other documentation back to the 90’s, vehicle is running and driving after some light re commissioning following a short hibernation period, ideal opportunity for enthusiast or investor to further improve and realise its full potential with these rare Tickford bodied MG’s, just arrived £31,995.00

E-mail: mikerolls4mgs@compuserve.com • www.mikerolls.co.uk Mail Order “Friendly Quality Service”

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.

94 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2017

MG_SafetyFast_July17_50-100.indd 94

CM02.13/B32/d

Uniwww.mgsforsale.com ts 9/10 Fifehead Business Park, Manor Farm, Fifehead Magdalen, near Gil ingham, Dorset SP8 5RR

2005 MGTF 13

Stunning Ignition and Interior good Rear screen, 4 N April 2018. New Cambelt and Wa (still under warr Brakes, Service miles £4000. 3867400 or (Durham area)

1997 MGF1.8VVC

SUPERCHARGED. Genuine 20K,

NightFire Red /Cream Leather. Rottrex supercharger & engine mods by TurboTechnics. Suspension lowered & mod by TechSpeed. 215/40x16 Goodyear F1 on Rover Multispokes, EBC discs & pads, splitter, SS exhaust & heatshield, SS grills. 12 month battery, Windshield, Long MOT. Not raced. garaged. Excellent condition, £2500. Standard MGF Wheels/tyres available separately. 01664 840267, (07967 122261) (Leicestershire)

1996 MG RV8

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

Factory car in Harvest Gold. 81401 miles. Very good solid original car but has had a few modifications. Opportunity for someone. This is lower condition 2. Have owned for 15 years and it has become stuck in my garage.....Not used for 5 years but passed MOT with no advisories last year but the downpipes started to blow so that needs sorting so I've GIVEN UP but I have looked after it. It will need a respray. Heritage certificate. No MOT. £10950.00 ono. Tel: 07881804937 or 01628 824588. Email: john.toomey563@talktalk.net (Maidenhead)

2001 MGF Steptronic

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

enquiries@mgsforsale.com

1975 MGV8

One owner from n regularly serviced, Flame Red, Blac upholstery, boot carrier, wind def MOT and Tax t brochure etc. On is that at 82, it is t out of the car. £ 717480. shirley@ (Bucks)

Woodcote Green MG RV8 in excellent condition. 37,500 miles. 2 owners from new, reimported from Japan in March 2006 by present owner Rare Krafthaus hard top. New tan mohair hood. Half and full tonneau covers, windstop, boot luggage rack. Power steering, aircon. Optimax chip and ignition amplifier. Original windscreen surround, wheels and woodwork Reconditioned rear axle and radiator. New tyres, brakes, stainless steel liners to front callipers, new clutch master and slave cylinder New alternator. Waxoyled. £19,000. Contact Roger Butler on 07799117670 or email roger@highwaysoftware.co.uk. (South Devon)

1961 MGA Mk

1600 Coupe. Ol red interior and g this a very pretty Solid and rust fre gearbox, Kenlowe ignition, other Heritage Certifi history file. MOT’ since. Owned an for 7 yrs, reluct £14000. Please e johnhoulgate@bti for further info. (N

1969 MGBGT

Tartan Red MGBGT which has been owned by me for the last six years and selling as we are moving to Spain. Plenty of documented history and bills for this car, which is in sound condition and nicely sorted. Wire wheels, new tyres, new carpeting, recent batteries, healthy oil pressure and regularly maintained by local garage. MOT'd, tax exempt, dry weather use only and garaged. £5250. Tel 07816 891306. (South Bucks)

MGTF1500

Extensive restora 90's with a good invoices. Finished i a Red leather inte with a nice pat screens and Tonn Drives very well. I ship for 40 plus ye Telephone 07802

www.mgcc.co.uk

22/06/2017 18:24

CL ASSIFIEDS 1998 MGF

rvest Gold. 81401 solid original car ew modifications. someone. This is 2. Have owned for s become stuck in used for 5 years with no advisories downpipes started needs sorting so but I have looked need a respray. te. No MOT. Tel: 07881804937 8. Email: @talktalk.net

One owner from new. 43,000 miles, regularly serviced, anti-lock brakes, Flame Red, Black Hood, Black upholstery, boot mounted luggage carrier, wind deflector, air bags. MOT and Tax till 2018, original brochure etc. Only reason for sale is that at 82, it is too difficult to get out of the car. £1950. Tel: 01494 717480. shirley@willcox.me.uk (Bucks)

2005 MGTF 135 FACE LIFT

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 £4000. Contact 0191 3867400 or 07789498118. (Durham area)

1959 MG Magnette ZB

Varitone, Maroon and Kashmir beige. registered 21-1-1959, engine 1622cc. Extensively restored including bare metal re-spray and new leather seats, mechanical overhaul including suspension, brakes, exhaust and electrical re-wire, receipts for over £12000. This car has been certified by the BMI Heritage Trust as the eight to last Magnette manufactured. Original log book an drivers handbook. £12450. Contact: Roger Tel.07596965422

2002 MG TF 135

VVC

D. Genuine 20K,

/Cream Leather. harger & engine chnics. Suspension d by TechSpeed. year F1 on Rover discs & pads, split& heatshield, SS attery, Windshield, t raced. garaged. ndition, £2500. Wheels/tyres avail01664 840267, Leicestershire)

1961 MGA Mk.II

1600 Coupe. Old English White, red interior and good patina makes this a very pretty and useable car. Solid and rust free. Ford 5 speed gearbox, Kenlowe fan, electronic ignition, otherwise original. Heritage Certificate and large history file. MOT’d April, 350 miles since. Owned and enjoyed by me for 7 yrs, reluctantly selling for £14000. Please email johnhoulgate@btinternet.com for further info. (N. Norfolk)

GT which has been the last six years we are moving to ocumented history s car, which is in and nicely sorted. w tyres, new cartteries, healthy oil gularly maintained MOT'd, tax exempt, only and garaged. 16 891306.

X-Power grey with black hood, 61,500 miles, recent service and MoT until October with no advisories. MLS head gasket, bolts, belts and updated oil rail fitted at 55,000 miles. Exhaust and catalyst recently replaced. Stainless steel coolant pipes, tonneau cover. Summer use only and always garaged. £1900 Tel: 07709196797 (Northampton)

1970 MGB Roadster

Tartan red, California Classic rebuild in 2000. Owned for 12 years garaged. 20000+ miles. Unleaded, 123 ignition, overdrive, detailed engine bay. Chromed wires, S/S exhaust, luggage rack, burr walnut dash, Motalita wheel, air horns, silver hardtop, duck hood, tonneau and hood cover. MOT 12months History and photos. Email: twindwhistlecott@aol.com or Tel 01305 871513 (West Dorset)

MGTF1500

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

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_July17_50-100.indd 95

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

JULY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 95

22/06/2017 18:24

CL ASSIFIEDS

www.mgmecca.co.uk

SPARES FOR SALE

Tel: +44 (0) 1953 717618 Fax: (0) 1953 717850

HOW TO ADVERTISE

1978 MGB ROADSTER Flame Red, Black/red Leather trim. Power steering, this makes the car very light to park and drive. O/drive. Sports leather seats, w/wheels (new) s/s boot rack, K&N ﬁlters, Revotech cooling, s/s exhaust. Superb order, very tidy engine bay, tonneau, a super car ready for summer fun. £9,995

1971 MGB ROADSTER, BRG, Black trim, w/w, s/s boot rack, older restoration, totally solid. Paint is ok but has some orange peel and micro blistering, car looks great though, drives superbly, o/drive, new u/l engine. Fantastic value be quick £5,995 (no offers) or from £9950 with bare metal respray. £5,995

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.

MG XPEG Engine 1955

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

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

1975 MGB ROADSTER Black, Autumn Leaf trim. Bare shell rebuild, with photos, about 10 years ago and still excellent. All new chrome. Super condition. Recent retrim. Wood dash and console. Lovely gleaming black MGB ready for summer fun! £10,995

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

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

M.G. in North Herts

MGOC Recommended Workshop and Power Steering Installer MoT & Failures Repaired Servicing, Welding, Restoration M.G.A. – B – C – V8, Midget Rear of Langley Garage London Road, Langley, Nr Hitchin, Herts SG4 7PJ

01438 729288 07860 473298 www.mg-repairs-hertfordshire.com

No car drying – ever ! Filter out all dissolved minerals for NO water spots

Refillable filter produces enough pure water to rinse c. 70 cars

Running well minus sump and carbs offers invited, lots more 1500 parts available. Tel 01548 531574 email jbishop27@hotmail.co.uk

Various Parts for Sale

MGF Manufacturer's Workshop Manual £20.MGA Workshop Manual (Haynes) £8. MGB Guide to Purchase & Restoration (Haynes) £4 MGB Exhaust Mounting Kit (GEK 1002) new £8. TD/TF Pair door hinges, new (401-960 & 980) £40. Pneumatic indicator switch with knob & bezel (AMK 5607 & 11K9308) £20. Rear spring centre plates, pair (266450) £10. Rear hub seals, pair (GHS 179) £2. TC Gearbox dipstick, new (440-360) £20. All plus post.Please telephone 01204 494597 (Bolton)

MGYB and TD Parts

MGYB block XPAG SC2 +40. £200. Alloy non-finned sump. £30. XPAG head casting 22952. £150. Also assorted stuff, inc window glass, door woodwork (no NSR), 2 windscreens + 1 1/4" H2 carb (no top cap). Incomplete TD rear axle. £100 Other odds and ends free/cheap.Phone or email for details.Nigel 0151 327 6776 or ncwpratten@btinternet.com

MGB Roaster

Resin refills only £45 – reduce long term costs 4 Star AutoExpress & Evo reviews ‘The best car cleaning product I have bought in my entire life. Wish I’d bought one years ago’ J.Longden, Huddersfield. ‘Brilliant product and great service from Race Glaze’ T Blanks, Herts. ‘Can’t recommend this product enough!’ J Weaver, Bristol Race Glaze Ltd, +44 (0)1780 749449, www.raceglaze.co.uk

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The Magic of MG by Mike Allison £15 MGA Owners Workshop Manual Haynes £11 The MGA Factory Workshop Manual to include MGA, MGA 1600, MGA 1600 MK2, Issue 5 40954. £25 Great Marques MG Chris Harvey £5. All Plus P&P Contact Jeremy Bouckley on Tel. 01213131609 Mobile: 07807418736

MGC SPARES

3 Original steel disc wheels, require attention £25 each. Original 6 cyl Distributor, for parts only £20. Kenlowe fan kit, complete never installed £80. Paul 07941-029343 (South-West London)

MG TF / F Parts

Wind Break & Screws, Black - £75 Hood Cover / Tonneau, Black - £75 both in excellent condition. McGard Locking Wheel Nuts - £25 New in box. Original TF Shocks & Springs F&R - £35 Photos available by e-mail if required All plus Delivery or Collect. Tel: 07721 048738 (Central Scotland)

T Type Spares

TC rear axle A1 condition TC Gearbox Remote bare but with rod polished aluminiumNew Large capacity sump New Ray Sales unused Rear Brake back plates c/w handbrake guides -pair Brooklands Aeroscreen c/w brackets etc new Other parts available. for more info tel 0787 6220175 happypeople222@gmail.com (W.Yorks)

MGF Spares

Auto Pack Hard top quality wall hanging storage bag,as new.£99. MG Rover workshop manual MGF as new,£ 30. Rear Hood Cover for when hood is down.£10. Tel: Maurice Lack 01278 459201.

Luggage rack fitted to spare boot lid. Leather covered roll bar and fittings. Reasonable offers accepted. Buyer collects. For more details telephone Malcolm. 01494768651(Bucks)

MGB

MGA and MGTF spares

Midget Spares

No pressure loss, easy to connect Simply wash ‘n’ go – leave car to dry in bright sunshine

Books For Sale

MGA boot lid used, originally from a 1500. Has been dry stored for over 30 years. MGTF spare wheel, unused. Goodyear GT3 tyre - 175/65R14. Unused aerosol can of X-Power grey paint and opened X-Power grey touch up pencil. Tel: 07828 799475 or email robertr.gaze@gmail.com

One pair MGB crome bumper blades front also complete back bumper for rear in chrome oe original condition reasonable. buyer collection 01202 511812. (Bournemouth area) 5 Silver wire wheels for Midget as new £150 2 Rear wire wheel axles for Midget complete £120 each 1-1098cc Engine in running order when removed from car £150 1 smooth casing gear box for Midget (FIA) £150 Ring 07831536890 or 01379 652369. (Norfolk)

www.mgcc.co.uk

22/06/2017 18:24

PETER BEST www.classicinsurance.co.uk

The best policies for either classic or modern MGs

B15 - Barrie Carter_CLASSIC MOTORING 21/04/2017 15:04 Page 1

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

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 is an eccentric's dream plus totally practical too. There isnt another one as far as I know. A joy to drive, quick with great chassis and mechanics, perfect weather equipment and heater. Absolutely unique - a go anywhere 2CV. 1 years MOT £5,950

2.6 Austin Healey/Wolseley Engine Engine Complete with Carbs – very well weathered – Sensible Offers please MX5 Mk1 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 its 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 and water pump. Its wheels have been powder coated not just painted. 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 £5,250 now.... More next year. 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, etc. Bad bits: it needs a hood and some paint is faded but it hasn’t any rust that I can see and drives perfectly. Only £950.

MGTC Another oily rag car that has had over £22k spent on it over the last 15 years. Originally from Scotland, then 40 years in Barbados followed by Mustique. A three owner car. With masses of history and pics before coming back here. It drives great and true, with an uprated steering box. And a strong engine...not rotten but a little used. And only £19,500 XPAG flow competition exhaust manifold New. £525 Wade Supercharger R10 Complete with pulleys. £999

XPAG engines built to any specification – supplied or exchange

CM05.17/B15/pd

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+. 1982 2CV, restored with new chassis some years ago. Little used since. Nice history file. New MOT. Extremely nice to drive. £6,250

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX 4Sight Lighting Company............................... 61 Don Trimming................................................. 81 Motor Wheel Services .................................... 54 Adrian Flux .................................................... 71 EJW Classic and sports.................................. 93 NTG Services ...............................................OBC Aldon Automotive ........................................... 77 Evans Division of Hydratech ........................... 37 Oselli Ltd ........................................................ 63 Barrie Carter .................................................. 97 Fishers Services ............................................. 75 Oxford Wheel Service..................................... 59 Barry Walker ................................................. 93 Footman James ............................................. 41 Paul Depper MGs........................................... 63 BCC Parts ...................................................... 57 Frontline ........................................................ 10 Beech Hill Garage .......................................... 95 Get Patina ...................................................... 31 Peter Best .........................................81, 97, IBC Brian Brown Classics ..................................... 96 Halls Garage................................................... 89 Prestige MG ................................................... 63 British Motor Heritage ....................................IFC Heathrow Transmission .................................. 81 Raceglaze ...................................................... 96 Please 23 check Hoyle this proof carefully........................................... for errors in style, content and Brown and Gammons.................................... Suspension 75 layout. Rees Bros ...................................................... 92 Although care is exercised preparing your advert, we34 cannot hold Bucks Sports and Classic............................... 81every Just Right Autos Ltdin....................................... Retro Sports Cars .......................................... 68 ourselves for any inaccuracies you may overlook.93 Carole Nash Insurance ................................. 49responsible Kimble Engineering Ltd .................................. Rimmer Bros Ltd............................................ 43 SHOULD REQUIRE ANY............................................ ALTERATIONS TO THIS PROOF Country Lane Tours ........................................ 79YOU Knight Industries 18 PLEASE RJJ Car Shipping and Transportation ............ 81 Chertsey Minors ............................................ 81 Manor Garage TELEPHONE BEFORE _ _ _............................................... _ _ _ _ AND QUOTE ADVERT 92 NO. _ _ _ _ _ Chisbon Restorations ..................................... 83 Martin Smith Used MGTF Spares .................. 89 Robin Lackford Motor Engineering ................ 61 Church Square Autos ..................................... 89 MG Mecca ..................................................... 96 RPS Ltd ......................................................... 77 Classic & Sports Cars (Essex)......................... 44 MG Motorsport .............................................. 61 Scenic Car Tours ...................................... 27, 37 Classic Driving Development Ltd ................... 18 MG Sales Centre............................................ 33 Skiptune......................................................... 61 Classic Oils..................................................... 83 MGF Mania .................................................... 57 SMR .............................................................. 94 Clive Wheatley................................................ 59 Midland Classic Restoration ..............................3 South Coast MG Rover .................................. 71 College Motors Burford .................................. 87 Mike Authurs Classicsfor (MG Midgets) .............. 96proof which We reserve the right to charge any alteration to this Steve McKie Sports Cars................................ 81 Colne Classics................................................ 81 MikeisRolls ...................................................... a departure from the original copy 94 Crown Classic Cars ........................................ 75 Mike Satur ..................................................... 71 Summit MG ................................................... 77 David Manners............................................... 25 Mirror Trim ..................................................... 87 Sussex Classic Car Parts...................................6 Dennis Welch ................................................. 81 MJS Auto and Marine .................................... 54 The Hutson Motor Co Ltd ..................................3 Distributor Doctor ........................................... 77 Moss Europe Ltd...............................................6 Vitesse Global Ltd .......................................... 68

URGENT PROOF

www.mgcc.co.uk

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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

n this month’s Looking Back we feature three photographs from the Brian Moylan Collection which has been recently bequeathed to the MG Car Club. First up is the exciting-looking supercharged J-Type standing out in the rain (sans registration) with its extremely proud owner. We then come up to date with an MGF whose driver is deep in conversation with the late Bill Wallis whilst Lord Montagu of Beaulieu looks on. Lastly, we see what appears to be a GTS on the line at Silverstone. Does the number five relate to the row on the grid or the time to the start of the race?

Company Secretary: Colin Grant

As none of these photos are captioned it would be of great assistance if anyone could give us any further information regarding these cars and where and when they were taken.

Staff Members: Adam Sloman (General Manager 01235 849732), John Hutchison (Competitions Secretary 01235 849738), Andy Knott (01235 849730), Liz Allsworth (Membership Secretary 01235 849734), Colin Grant (01235 849733), Lauran Gallacher (01235 849735), Cherina Scarrott (Finance Officer 01235 849736), Chris Kynoch (01235 849731) and Ineke Sherman (Merchandise 01235 849731) Honorary Members: Michael Allison, Ron Gammons, Peter Best, Don Hayter, John Quenby, Sir Stirling Moss, Paddy Hopkirk, Norman Ewing, Rob Oldaker, Steve Hanegan, Gerry McGovern, June Wallis, Ann Hawke, John Dutton, John Day, Julian White, Bill Silcock. Company limited by guarantee The Club, as a corporate body established as the MG Car Club Limited, is a company limited by guarantee. Every member of the Club undertakes to contribute to the assets of the Club in the event of its being wound up while he is a member, or within one year after he ceases to be a member, for payment of the debts and liabilities of the Club contracted before he ceases to be a member, and the costs, charges and expenses of winding up, and for the adjustment of the rights of the contributors among themselves, such amount as may be required, not exceeding one pound. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information at the time of going to press, neither The Publisher (herein referred to as Hine Marketing), the Editor, nor the MG Car Club can accept any responsibility or loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any material in the publication. The opinions of authors are their own and Hine Marketing, the Editor and the MG Car Club are not bound to agree with opinions expressed herein. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Safety Fast! and The MG Car Club badge are protected through trademark registration in the UK and in the foreign countries where Safety Fast! circulates. Readers are warned that if they attempt any mechanical or other modifications or methods referred to herein, they do so at their own risk and no liability will attach to the MG Car Club, the Editor nor Hine Marketing. Neither shall the MG Car Club, the Editor nor Hine Marketing have any responsibility for the accuracy of the content of the editorial, neither the content of any advertisement published in Safety Fast! It should be noted that neither Hine Marketing, the Editor, nor the MG Car Club make any recommendation in respect of any goods and/ or services advertised or featured in this issue. It is the responsibility of readers to satisfy themselves that the goods or services offered or referred to are bona fide and in no instance shall Hine Marketing, the Editor or the MG Car Club be held responsible for the quality or suitability of any such items.

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

98 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2017

MG_SafetyFast_July17_50-100.indd 98

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

www.mgcc.co.uk

22/06/2017 18:25

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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

Authentic panel and seat kits available in original colours, leather/vinyl sample pack on request. Quality carpets and weather equipment also supplied. Ring for a chat about your requirements

K950D Disc brake conversion - disc wheel - MGA 1500 £585.00 inc VAT

A574C Air cleaner TD with modern K & N ﬁlter £150.00 incl VAT

Exchange shock absorbers available for most models

S106B Fine adjustment control - steering box TA/B/C

£86.40 inc VAT

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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