Safety Fast! May 2017

THE MARQUE OF FRIENDSHIP

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Inside this issue 7 8 60 62 63 64

Club Matters and Kimber House News News Race Torque MGs on Track Luffield Championship Calendar of events

70 72 84 92 98

Overseas Review Centre Updates Register Updates Classifieds Looking Back

Features 12

MGLive! 2017 Biggest MG event in the world, June 17-18

16

The BMC A-Series Engine Mike Allison looks at the long history of the popular A-Series

23

Importing an MG from the USA Nick Gasson on the trials and tribulations of importing his MGA

28

Event Reports The Practical Classics Restoration Show, Brooklands Era Day, FWD Spring Run and the Pride of Longbridge 2017

54

British Touring Car Championship Reports from Brands Hatch and Donington Park

58

Sun Shines on Dazzling Donington Report on the opening Round of the MGCC Race Season

66

Overseas News Kiwi Classics, – The New Zealand Pre-’56 MG National Rally and News from the MGCC Sweden

33

Newsletters 34

Vintage Newsletter The trials and tribulations of owning a Vintage MG

38

T Type Newsletter Report from Rebuild 2017 and looking ahead to future events

45

MGB Newsletter MGB Register Spring Run and a Year in the Life of the Brown B

50

MGC Newsletter A very special shipment, for a very special occasion, what we found in my C-GT during repainting and behind the spray gun

23

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.

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Welcome

The well-used and cherished early MG Metro of Colin Cork enjoying the spring sunshine.

Photo: Auto Bild magazine

16

@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

This month I start with a thank you; a thank you to all of you who volunteer your time, or participate in the events our hard-working committees put on for our benefit. Because of you all, the MG Car Club was recently awarded the prestigious National Car Club of the Year award at an evening gala hosted by the ‘Wheeler Dealer’ Mike Brewer on April 1.

Dave Youngs, from sponsors Lancaster Insurance, presented the award, with the Club being praised for its ability to make sure all aspects of its role are performed seamlessly, as well as the new archive wing that was added to Kimber House.

It’s great to see plenty of MGs out on the road as the weather improves. We still have a lot of visitors coming from far and wide to visit Abingdon to see the Spiritual Home of MG. It’s always great to welcome people to Kimber House, but please if you plan to visit in a group do let us know in advance. That way, we can ensure that you can make the most of your visit by having knowledgeable staff and volunteers on hand to show you round and make sure you’re suitably refreshed with tea and coffee.

The British Touring Car Championship kicked off in earnest in April, with another two fresh faces in the MG888 team, Aron Taylor-Smith and Daniel Lloyd. We wish them the best of luck in their MG6s this season.

It’s hard to believe that MGLive! is just over a month away, time to get your advance tickets is running out, and with a substantial saving on advance tickets as a member of the Club it pays to book them. It promises to be another actionpacked MGCC event, with the Wheeler Dealers Mike Brewer and Ant Anstead in the arena with Russ Swift and his explosive display of how not to drive your MG. There is plenty happening for the motorsport fans as well, with plenty of ontrack action as the MGCC Race Championships take to the Grand Prix Circuit over the two days, the Luffield Sprint Cars head out on the Stowe Circuit on Sunday morning. The Autotest and Autosolo fans won’t be disappointed either, with the California Cup Autotest on Saturday and the popular Silverstone Autosolo on Sunday, both taking place in the heart of all the action. Visit www.mglive.co.uk for all the information.

Until next month, drive safely.

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CHAIRMANS NOTES

BY IAN QUARRINGTON

T

he Future. We talk a lot about the past and present of our Club and our Heritage and History which grow each day, just as our archive is growing at a tremendous pace. And my goodness, how the material keeps coming in. Thank you to everyone who offers us their MG memories and items for the Bill Wallis Wing.

That makes me feel very proud to be part of an organisation that has been established since 1930 and which only a few weeks ago was awarded National Car Club of the Year at the Practical Classics and Restoration show at the NEC, a show we had not attended as a Car Club until this year. What an achievement, and that achievement belongs to every single member of the MG Car Club.

So what next? A summer of activity and many very important and significant anniversaries to celebrate, including those for

KIMBER HOUSE NEWS

T

he dust has now settled on a historic evening at the 2017 National Car Club awards on Saturday April 1, which saw the MG Car Club win the biggest honour of the evening – National Car Club of the Year.

Having been shortlisted in four different categories, the MGCC took home the most prestigious award of them all which recognises the hard work that’s been put into every single aspect of the Club.

From the staff at the Club’s HQ, Kimber House, to the various Club members across the length and breadth of the country – this award represents everyone associated with the MG Car Club.

Over the past year, the Club has enjoyed an incredible period. The Bill Wallis Wing extension was opened at

www.mgcc.co.uk

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the MGC Register, Caledonian Centre, SVW Register and Y Register. In amongst all those are the European Event of the Year in Portugal and, of course, MGLive! and all our racing and motorsport activities, so there is plenty to look forward to and to take part in wherever you are in the MG World.

In the background, the staff at Kimber House and the Board are working not only to support our activity for 2017 but to ensure the future of the Club, both in the short and long term. There are a number of initiatives right now, varying from the work of the Mems and Arts Committee which looks after the structure and, if you like, the “administrative security and wellbeing” of the Club, to the Youth Group who had a gathering at the Donington Race meeting recently. We are planning to make this group into a Branch of the Club at our Council meeting in October. Speaking of which, please look out for details on this, as we plan to combine our meeting and AGM with a Club dinner along the lines of some of the famous dinners of the Club’s historic past.

Back to the future. At our Spring Council meeting we included some easy-to-discuss

points and heard some great presentations and, yes, we had a debate about our ongoing IT project which was lively. Thanks go to the T Register for bringing the motion for debate to Council, which has proved a springboard for us to revisit the question of member access to some of our data, along with the major task of rebuilding the website. A couple of delegates stepped forward to offer their expertise and help to Dave Tynan who leads the IT group, which once again proves that the Marque of Friendship will always come through and support the Club whatever the subject for discussion.

Finally, to put the record straight from me: if you didn’t catch my few lines in the March CRB Bulletin that was released immediately following Council, the Board have taken good note of Council’s response to the proposed increase in subscription levels from next year and to remind you all that there has been no increase since 2014. We will be very quick to bring you the outcome of this and to ensure that whatever we do in terms of the level of any increase, it will be to ensure the good health, wellbeing and future of the Club for us and the generations to come.

Kimber House on May 16, providing the Club with a state-of-the-art archive facility that will preserve MG and MGCC heritage from the past, present and future.

Safety Fast!, the Club’s monthly magazine, underwent a complete redesign in 2016, gathering large amounts of praise from members both new and old. An interesting 12-part series documenting the Club’s 86-year history was lauded by many, as was a two-part feature on the infamous MG Metro 6R4.

The home of British motorsport, Silverstone, was once again the venue for MGLive! 2016 which saw thousands of MG enthusiasts flock to Northamptonshire for a weekend of racing, live arena action and Club displays.

The Club also worked hard to ensure its future was in safe hands by launching the Young Members Group.

Since membership prices for younger members were revised in March 2016, membership numbers for under-25s have more than doubled.

Club general manager, Adam Sloman, said: “It’s been a tremendous year for the MG Car Club and we are delighted to be acknowledged for our hard work with this award.

“I am incredibly proud of the Kimber House team, and every single member of the Club who has contributed to the success we have achieved. This award is a recognition of each and every one of them.”

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NEWS

TRADE PROFILE EAST COUNTY CLASSICS East County Classics were established

by Will and Zean in January this year.

Will worked at the MGOC for 15 years as a Vehicle Technician, where he gained his MG Rover Certificate of Excellence. Before that, he worked at Rover Specialist, Ely Service, where he completed his apprenticeship in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair.

Will has always had a big interest in classic cars, having owned a 1971 MG Midget as his first car. His second car was a project, a 1974 Midget, which was restored whilst Will was working at Ely Service. A selection of cars needing restoration or maintenance came along, including an MG ZR, and (for nostalgic reasons) East County Classics currently have one in their workshop which they’re aiming to get back on the road.

Will’s biggest project to date was an MGB Roadster with a Cosworth V6

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engine which he fully restored himself.

This particular car made it inside the pages of the MGOC magazine as well as Practical Performance Cars.

Currently, as well as the ZR, East County Classics have two Morris Minors they are restoring. One is a 1956 split-screen Saloon and the other is a 1968 Saloon turned convertible.

Their aim is to restore the 1956 Morris Minor to original factory condition as much as possible and to do the opposite to the convertible and have a bit of fun.

Zean has always had an interest in history, having completed a history degree at De Montfort University, Leicester, but her interest in classic cars peaked when she met Will.

Zean currently runs the office side of the business and has gained experience in this and several other admin roles when working in her previous jobs as Production Co-ordinator and Marketing Co-ordinator at Olympia Publishers, as well as being a teaching assistant in Cambridge and Leicester. She enjoys talking to people and organising events.

East County Classics held an open day in March, which was a great success.

They were also the premises for the Anglia MGF Register Hardtop Relay Handover, which raised money for Guide Dogs UK. If you have a new vehicle and would like it to be inspected, East County Classics offer free inspections where they will check over your car and provide you with a detailed list of what may need doing. They believe in being clear and honest with their customers, so if you don’t understand something just ask and they would be happy to explain and show it to you.

Keep checking the blog posts on The Best of Thetford or the website www.eastcountyclassics.com to keep up to date with events and for added information, hints and tips!

M 5

Triple-M Register AGM 2017 Date: June 25 Venue: The MGCC, Kimber House, Abingdon, OX14 1AS Time: 3.00pm Agenda 1. Apologies for absence 2. Minutes of the 2016 AGM 2 (i) Matters arising from the minutes 3. Chairman’s Report 4. Secretary’s Report 5. Treasurer’s Report 6. Election of Officers 7. Election of Committee 8. AOB Nominations for election to the Committee and/or Officers, and any topic for discussion, should be sent by May 31 2017 to: Secretary G Eagle, Foxcote Chase, Leckhampstead Road, Akeley, Bucks, MK18 5HG. Email geaglemgl2@dsl.pipex.com or telephone 01280 860428.

The Committee is urgently seeking nominations/volunteers to replace those Committee members who have expressed a wish to stand down following long service.

All clu IN Ear com Con

M Cra

AA

M Twin Cam Group AGM Date: Saturday June 17 2017 Venue: MGLive, Beer Tent at Silverstone Racetrack. Northamptonshire. NN12 8TN Time: 11.30am (Beer Tent) Agenda: Apologies for Absence.

Minutes of the previous AGM. Matters Arising.

Chairman’s Report.

Secretary’s Report.

Treasurer’s Report.

Election of Officers.

Election of Committee Any Other Business.

Nominations for election of officers and/or committee and topics for discussion under ‘Any Other Business’ should be sent to the Secretary Edward Vandyk, Stockcross House, Stockcross, Newbury, Berks. RG20 8LP, Edward@vandyk.co.uk or phone 01488 608810

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ZR/ZS/ZT Register AGM Date: Saturday June 17 2017 Venue: MGLive!, Silverstone Time: TBC Agenda: 1. Apologies for Absence 2. Agreement of Minutes of Previous AGM 3. Chairman’s Report 4. Secretary’s Report 5. Treasurer’s Report and Adoption of Accounts 6. Regalia Report 7. Events Review 8. Election of Officers 9. Election of Other Committee Members 10. Members Resolutions 11. AOB Any resolution to be discussed or nominations for officers or committee members should be forwarded to the Secretary (Ray Kemble) no later than May 28.

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NEWS

NEW MG COUPE AT THE SHANGHAI AUTOSHOW MG has unveiled, the E-Motion concept, at the 2017 Shanghai Autoshow.

The new coupe adopts the new family front end, first seen on the recently launched ZS compact SUV. Under the skin, the E-Motion is powered by an all-electric drivetrain. The rounded MG logo featured on the concept has drawn comment online, with concerns voiced over a potential loss of the octagon. MG’s brand manager in China, Chris Chen, spoke exclusively to the MGCC to calm any fears amongst diehard MG enthusiasts. “The rounded logo on the E-Motion is to highlight

Y Type Register AGM Date: Saturday May 6 2017 Venue: Elcot Park Hotel, Newbury. RG20 2NJ Time: 4:30pm

MG’s new family design. Future production MGs will definitely keep the Octagon on every vehicle.”

The concept made its global debut at the Shanghai Autoshow, witnessed by the MG Car Club who are at the show, so stay tuned to the Club’s website, social media and next month’s Safety Fast! magazine for more news.

A TB WINS THE FLYING SCOTSMAN EVENT Congratulations to Paul Crosby and Ali Proctor who have won the Endurance Rally Association’s three day Flying Scotsman event in a 1939 supercharged TB. Paul described the win – ‘this was an amazing result for us. Ali did a brilliant job. I’m overwhelmed, absolutely overwhelmed because we never thought we had any chance of coming here and winning’.

A full report of the event can be found on the Events official webpage www.endurorally.com/pages/flyingscotsman-rally-2017-reports

Agenda 1. Welcome and Apologies for Absence 2. Review and Approval of Minutes of 2016 AGM 3. Chairman’s Report 4. Treasurer’s Report 5. Election of Officers and Committee Members 6. AOB The Y Register Committee is looking for a new Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary.

Chris Callaghan, Secretary.

MG Car Club V8 Register AGM Date: Sunday June 18 Venue: V8 marquee, MGLive! event, Silverstone Time: 12.00pm Agenda 1. Apologies for absence 2. Approval of the 2016 AGM Minutes 3. Matters arising 4. Chairman’s report 5. Treasurer’s report 6. Secretary’s report 7. Election of officers 8. Election of Committee Members 9. Any other business Nominations for the Committee to Debbie Brading, V8 Register Secretary, by Saturday June 3 debbiebrading@v8register.net or tel: 07795 227715

SOCIAL MEDIA NEWS As we head towards the nicer weather, the social media sites are becoming awash with MGs soaking up the sun, as Patrick van Domburg’s photo shows. Patrick’s 1979 MGB is currently for sale in the Netherlands for 16,000 Euros. The MGCC Facebook page has been as popular as ever, as we edge ever closer to 17k likes. One of the most popular photos this month has been the presentation of the National Car Club of the Year trophy to the MGCC, received by Chris, Andy, Adam and Lauran on behalf of the whole Club at the recent Practical Classics Restoration Show.

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Thanks to Steve Butler for sending a photo of his 23-month-old son Thomas enjoying Safety Fast! As Steve says: “My son Thomas just picked up Safety Fast! and started shouting ‘car’ – learn ‘em early!”

The young members group is still gathering momentum on all social media platforms, and recently held a meeting at the MG Car Club’s first race meeting of the season at Donington Park. The first of many to be organised by the MG Car Club’s Young Member Group.

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MGLIVE! LATEST With the weeks flying by, the Club’s plans for this year’s MG Live! held June 17 and 18, continue to gather pace, with more announcements on the motorsport action, musical entertainment and the amazing cars on display revealed. Make sure you buy your tickets and don’t miss this fantastic weekend of great cars and good friends. Book your tickets at www. mgcc.co.uk/mglive/ Masters Pre-66 Touring Cars comes to MGLive!

The Masters Pre-66 Touring Cars will be racing at MGLive! alongside the Club’s championships at the home of British motorsport on Sunday June 18. The Masters will have an outstanding line-up of cars racing on Silverstone’s Grand Prix circuit, making it even more special for the competitors.

Broken down into several classes, visitors will get the chance to see BMW 2002s, Alfa Romeos, Lotus

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Cortinas, Ford Falcons and Mustangs battling it out against the evercompetitive Mini Coopers.

The Club’s championships will also be in attendance with some iconic MGs on show. MGBs, MG T Types and more modern MGFs and MG ZRs are just a few of the cars that spectators can expect to see across the weekend.

Race Competitions Secretary, John Hutchison, commented: “Having Masters join us at MGLive! this year is a real coup and we’re delighted to welcome them.”

“We truly believe the Masters offer something completely different for

motorsport fans of all ages. From brutish V8 Fords to classic Minis, visitors should enjoy an eclectic grid of cars that will provide some very exciting racing that will keep them on the edge of their seats,” Hutchison added.

MGLive! is just one of six venues the Masters will be attending in 2017, racing across Europe at destinations such as the Espiritu de Montjuic in Spain, Spa in Belgium and Zandvoort in Holland.

Show-Stopping MGs The MG Car Club’s main marquee will play host to a quartet of showstopping models that demonstrate the motorsport achievements of the marque and its successes.

First up is the famous RMO 699F MGC GT Sebring race car. This car is known as ‘Romeo’ to most MG fans and is number one of two. This car

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/04/2017 17:56

MGLIVE!

was driven in the Sebring 12 hours

by Paddy Hopkirk and Andrew Hedges in 1969.

After the Sebring race the car was sold to BMC North America, returning some years later to be purchased by Colin Pearcey. After some time, Colin sold the car to Michael Darcey who used the car in historic events. The current owner, Dave Saunders, has owned the car since 2003.

Next is the 1939 MG TB Supercharged, recent winner of the Endurance Rally Association’s Flying Scotsman Rally, the UK’s premier rally for pre-war and vintage cars. Owned

by Paul Crosby, the TB fought off stiff competition from the likes of big engine Bentleys and Lagondas to take the chequered flag at the Gleneagles finish line. After three days of intense competition and 750 miles of tough

www.mgcc.co.uk

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navigation, handled perfectly by Ali Proctor, this little belter will take pride of place.

The third car is the highly original ex Tony Pond Metro 6R4, owned

by Michael Kitts and currently residing with the Williams Grand Prix Collection. Williams was approached in 1980 with a brief to produce a competitive rally car for Rover and, as the future of the F1 business seemed clouded with political uncertainty at the time, an arrangement of this nature seemed a shrewd way of hedging their bets.

Completing the line-up is the MG6 GT used in the 2017 British Touring Car Championship, with Aron TaylorSmith and Dan Lloyd at the wheel.

See these cars as well as the ‘best of the best’ from the MG Registers in the Main Marquee at MG Live!

MG Trophy supports Assert The MG Trophy Championship drivers will continue to support the charity Assert for 2017. The chosen charity was inspired by the son of MG Trophy competitor Tim Martin, who suffers from Angelman Syndrome, and the teams will be fundraising for Assert, the Angelman Syndrome Support Education & Research Trust.

Angelman Syndrome is a genetic disorder, which means he was born missing a chromosome, that causes severe learning difficulties and although those affected have a normal life expectancy, they will require looking after throughout their lives.

“William’s a happy lad,” says Tim. “He often comes to the racing with me, in the garages. He loves the noise of the cars and the air guns and stuff, and over the years, the Trophy drivers have got to know him so when we were voting for a new charity, they all wanted to support Assert.

“It shows what the spirit of the Trophy is like; they’re all pretty familyorientated and ask after William, following him on Facebook.”

There’s strong family links for Tim, too, as his dad is his ‘chief finance backer, roadie, and mechanic’ on the team and they have always been around MG cars. Kicking off his fourth season, after 2016 was marred with reliability issues, Tim added: “I blame dad! He’s got an MGA, MG Midget, MGB, MGF and his dad, my grandad, has several models too. We’re a proper MG family, with models under a pile of dust in the workshop.

“Even before I started racing, we all attended MGLive! every year and it was there I was inspired to get involved.

Pete Macwaters and Chris Bray, the most successful trophy driver ever, persuaded me to give it a go, saying it was a cheap way to get into motorsport!”

Find out more about Assert at www. angelmanuk.org and see the exciting round in the MG Trophy Championship at MG Live!

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MGLIVE!

Musical Interludes It’s not only the cars spanning many decades at MGLive! as the musical acts will also take you on a journey with songs from the 1940s right up to the present day.

The Glamophones will be bringing a bit of 40s and 50s swing to Silverstone, while the fantastic Dammit Jack will encourage you to sing-a-long as you enjoy the festival vibe of the Village Green within the main show area.

An all-girl vocal harmony group, The Glamophones are a breath of fresh air in an old-fashioned way, performing songs from the 1940s right through to modern day hits with their own vintage twist.

Covers band Dammit Jack will be playing all your favourites from the 1960s right through to the latest charttoppers. Their varied playlist ranges from the Jackson 5 to Ed Sheeran, Otis Redding to Kings of Leon, and is guaranteed to get everyone joining in.

More musical acts will be announced soon, including the Saturday night showstopper!

Pride and Joy Once again MGLive! will play host to both a Concours and Pride of Ownership competition on Sunday June 18, both supported by Meguiar’s.

MGLive! would not be complete without these popular events, which are organised by the Anglia Centre.

The winning car from the Concours competition goes on to represent the MG Car Club in the Meguiar’s Club Showcase competition at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show in November.

Concours are needed to preserve the originality of MGs and set standards for future generations of members. They

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also provide first-hand reference for members rebuilding their cars.

The Concours Classes are: A: Premier 1955 and onwards, B: Premier Class pre-1955, C: Roadsters pre-1955, D: Roadsters 1955 and onwards, E: Saloons including GTs and Coupes pre-1955, F: Saloons including GTs and Coupes 1955 and onwards.

The Pride of Ownership is open to all models and encourages members to take pride in their MG and present it to best advantage. The spirit of the competition is to encourage new entrants. The Classes are: A: Vintage/MMM/SVW, B: T-Types, C: Y-Types/Z-Types, D: MGA, E: MG Saloons 1959 to 1991, F: Midget, G: MGB Roadster, H: MGB GT, I: MGC/V8, J: MGF/MG TF, K: MG ZR/ZS/ZT, L: MG SV, M: MG6 and MG3.

Supported by Meguiar’s, the MGLive!

2017 Concours and Pride of Ownership are both free to enter. For the Concours, you need to book in advance through the Club’s MGLive! ticket shop. For the Pride of Ownership competition, you can either book in advance through the Club’s MGLive! ticket shop or enter on the

day. For either competition, cars must be driven to and from the event.

To find out more details, including arrival times and when to report, visit www.mgcc.co.uk/mglive/features Trading Up! MGLive! is the perfect place to do business – be it as a trader in our retail village or Autojumble, with a car boot plot in our ‘Silverstone Sort Out’ area, or even trading up for a new model in the Cars for Sale area.

If you are a company or trader, we have pitches within the centre field of the show, as well as a new Live Demonstration area by our Live Arena.

There is also a popular Autojumble. Few pitches remain so be sure to contact Helen Norcombe on Tel: 07545 160353 to book.

Not to be confused with the trade area, Silverstone Sort Out plots are ideal for those clearing out their own garages and can be booked when you purchase your MGLive! tickets.

Owners wishing to sell their cars can do so in our ‘Cars For Sale’ area at just £25 for a weekend pitch. Again, these places can be booked when you purchase your MG Live! tickets.

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/04/2017 17:56

GENER

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21/04/2017 17:56 03/04/2017 17:20:38

FEATURE

THE BMC A-SERIES ENGINE

By Mike Allison

A

The BMC A-series engine featured in the MG Midget and 1100/1300 model saloons, but it was a very versatile unit. This article explores its long history.

new engine was originally projected by the Austin Motor Company as an 800cc pushrod ohv unit to replace the prewar Austin ‘Big Seven’ side-valve unit, which had carried into the ‘8’ model, of which many were built for the military during the war. Design was commenced around 1944 when it was clear that the war was coming to a successful conclusion. The instruction was given

by Leonard Lord, and included in the team of engineers were Bill Appleby and Hubert Charles, who had been working on aircraft engines during the war.

Appleby had been involved with the Austin Twin Cam racing car, and Charles with MG cars. At the same time a larger displacement (1200cc) four-cylinder unit was projected, and a six cylinder of around two litres. These were intended to use as many common parts as possible to keep manufacturing costs as

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Austin A35 A35 A Series engine.

1 Engine Oil filler cap.

2. Dynamo bearing oiling point.

3 Engine oil dipstick.

4 oil filter.

5 Engine oil drain plug.

6 Gearbox oil drain plug

low as was consistent with reliability and servicing costs of the units. The units were referred to as A, B and C-series respectively. In the event, the six-cylinder engine was not proceeded with, as there was already a two-and-a-half litre four which was put into production just before the war, coded BS1. The B and C-series units will be the subject of other articles, and here we concern ourselves with the smallest unit.

The A-series entered production in the Austin A30 model during 1951 and, built in various configurations, was in production until 2000. The bore was 57.92mm and stroke 76.20mm; these apparently odd sizes arising because Austin was using imperial measurement systems, although using SAE bolt head sizes rather than the old Whitworth heads. The crankshaft was a forged steel piece, and forged connecting rods had a diagonal split big end bearing and a split small end with a locking bolt to

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FEATURE

locate the gudgeon pin. This allowed rod and piston assemblies to be drawn through the bores. ‘Thinwall’ bronzebacked bearing shells were used, but at this time Babbitt lined. The camshaft was carried in the cylinder block, driven by a simple chain arrangement, with no tensioner. Hollow bucket cam followers were used and drive transferred to the valves with hollow pushrods and rockers. The unit produced a healthy 30bhp at 5,000rpm, with a torque of 46 ft lb at 2,700. Perhaps the least satisfactory part of the design was nothing to do with the engine itself, but the gearbox used, which was very pre-war Austin, having three fairly close ratios, but all very low, and a direct top gear; all very well in steeply graded areas, but meant that the engine was screaming in the indirect gears, to the detriment of eardrums in closed cars!

In 1953 the amalgamation of Austin Motor Co Ltd and Nuffield Industries Ltd

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MG1100 above and an early MG Midget were the first MGs to use the A series engine.

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FEATURE A Series engine in an immaculate MG 1100.

Photo: Auto Bild

Monte 1964 winners Hopkirk and Liddon with their Mini Cooper

to form the British Motor Corporation Ltd resulted in these engines becoming the power units for the entire small car and light van ranges, chiefly because the existing Nuffield units were all pre-war designs which were reaching the end of their economic life. A-series production was transferred to the previous Morris Engines branch at Courthouse Green, Coventry. The Morris Minor was the first car, apart from Austin cars, to have the Austin 803cc engine fitted from 1953, replacing the side valve unit designed back in 1933.

The first major change to the engine was in 1957, increasing bore size to 62.94 mm, which increased capacity to 948cc, giving a useful increase in engine torque, which was sufficient to allow the change to improved and closer gearbox ratios. At this time, the Minor became known as ‘Minor 1000’ and the A30 designation

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Early Morris Mini Minor

Morris Mini Cooper S MK2 1968 One of the four final edition Classic Minis, produced in 2000

changed to A35. Two years later the A40 and the Austin Healey Sprite were introduced, using the same engine, the Sprite having two carburettors.

Meanwhile the Mini was being designed, originally with the 803cc engine, although by the time the design was finalised, to keep bonnet line low, and the cylinder bore had been increased to 62.94 mm but crankshaft stroke had been reduced to 68.26 mm, and displacement to 848cc. For this car, the gearbox was mounted in unit with and below the engine, and the car was introduced in 1961. The following year the MG Midget was introduced, using the Sprite/A40 mechanical bits but a different, more comfortable and lighter body, which would shortly afterwards be adopted for the Sprite.

These shenanigans were caused by the enormous dealer network inherited when BMC was formed, who kept

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FEATURE

1275cc A Series engine in a 1982 MG Metro. Photo: Auto Bild

Early MG Metro and a 1988 MG Metro Turbo, the last MGs to use the A Series.

their historic identities as either Nuffield or Austin outlets and these required suitably badged models for sale.

Even the Mini was originally sold as a Morris Mini-Minor or the Austin Seven, identical in all but name and badges.

At this time the BMC cars had by far the largest slice of the market, which justified, in part, a little diversity of their product in an attempt to widen that market appeal.

In 1962, a new model small saloon (ADO 16) was to be introduced, and the engine stroke was increased to 83.72mm, giving a capacity of 1098cc, initially as the Morris 1100. The engine was mounted in the car transversely, like the Mini, but an in-line version of the engine for the Minor/A40 and Sprite/Midget models was introduced at the same time. The sports car engine proved to have issues, and the crankshaft main journal size was

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increased in 1964, coincident with various body improvements, making the model Midget Mark II/Sprite Mark III. There was, in addition to the Austin/ Morris versions of the 1100 saloon, also an MG-badged model, featuring two carburettors, also introduced in 1962. Around this time lead/indium metal alloy lined the bearings, which increased durability.

In 1964 both bore and stroke were increased to 70.60mm and 81.28mm, increasing capacity to 1275cc and giving an increase in power, allowing for all the models to be upgraded on internal fittings with no loss in performance.

The above were the main production versions of the engine which covered the bulk of production.

There were, however, other variants of the engine which appeared from time to time, and we will now review these.

In 1962, the Mini-Cooper was introduced as a production model. The Cooper Car Company was involved in building racing cars, famously winning the World Championship in 1959 and 1960, but were building cars for the lesser formulae, including Formula Junior, for which they were using a much modified A-series engine of a nominal one-litre capacity. This engine used the 81.28mm stroke, with a 62.43mm bore, giving a capacity of 997cc. These same dimensions were used for the Mini Cooper, and the car had a strong following, offering, as it did, sports car performance and handling with four seats and a hard roof, even if it was not suited to taking long journeys, offering little comfort.

Racing had always been something of an anathema to the management of BMC, possibly because there was a feeling among them that it

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FEATURE

The engine bay of an Austin Healey Sprite Mk4

encouraged bad driving on the roads, so it mattered little what the Cooper Car Company achieved. In 1964, success in international rally events became a necessity for the BMC publicity boys, and the Mini-Cooper S models were introduced, with no less than three engine sizes made available to fit the various, and at the time changing, capacity classes of these events. In order to comply with the homologation requirements, the cars needed to be production models available on order at sales outlets. The first was a 1071cc displacement (70.61mm bore, 68.26mm stroke), with, early the following year, a 970 (70.61 X 61.91) then the 1275 using the Midget bore and stroke. With the variety of marques being produced (Austin, Morris, MG, Wolseley, Riley, Vanden Plas and Cooper) and the various engine sizes, this was creating pressure on the production lines which sometimes ended with non-catalogued variants

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being built and needing rectification!

In 1966 the Mini Cooper engine stroke was reduced to 76.20mm (3.00”, the original A30 size!) and the bore increased to 64.57mm, giving a capacity of 998cc and at the same time most of the Mini variants were changed to this engine size, while the 1275 size was considered to be the natural size for the 1100 car range, now called 1300. However, this step towards logic was not always followed in the boardroom. BMC bought Jaguar Cars Ltd, and created a financial problem for the whole group, now renamed British Motor Holdings Ltd (BMH). This was exacerbated by changes in taxation laws, which created further problems, and the new model programme was curtailed, which included a new medium-size (1500cc) engine.

Within two years, during which the ailing Rover-Triumph Group had been bought by Leyland Cars Ltd, the truck

manufacturer, and was also lacking financial liquidity, the government of the day proposed nationalisation, the Company name changing to British Leyland Motor Corporation Ltd. Quite how this would solve the problems of the motor industry was never adequately explained, and this is probably not the place to expand on the subject; suffice to our story that the A-series engine continued to be made and used, although no longer in an MG, for that car for emissions homologation reasons adopted the Triumph 1500cc unit.

By 1980 factory reorganisation and production rationalisation had resulted in a sensible new model programme, and while the E-series 1500cc and 2.2 litre engines had been put into production back in 1969, but the new model small car, to be known as Metro, approaching the A-series engine was updated as the ‘A-plus’ unit, with an alleged £30m

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FEATURE

being spent on new tooling and plant at Longbridge, at which plant all BL engines were to be built.

The cylinder block was revised and the oil system, dispensing with the bolt-on filter housing and oil leakage problems, but most of the original layout was kept, although a timing chain tensioner was introduced.

Five main bearing layouts were looked at, but offered no significant improvement. Changes to the inlet manifold and a more modern carburettor allowed for improvements in fuel economy and top-end power with no loss of torque. There was even a turbocharged engine supplied for the MG-badged model as an alternative

Press photo of the engine bay of ADO47, the Mk1 MG Midget.

to the normally aspirated engine. The engine continued mainly for the Mini and Metro throughout the 80s and into the 90s, by which time it was about to have been in production for 50 years, the last units being fitted in 2000. The engine for the Metro was changed to a K-series unit, and the Mini was finally dropped from production.

The ever popular Frogeye Sprite

In 1988 the Company was privatised, with British Aerospace, which was still nationalised, taking a major stake in the motor business… presumably because no ‘private’ investor had much confidence in the chequered history of recent years. Under BAe the old Leyland Company became the Rover Group, and the holding company sought to sell parts of it away, eventually selling to the BMW group of companies, but in the end they only retained the Mini marque, which provided a new model to their existing range. The rest of the Rover Company was sold off to a bunch of asset-stripping people under the company name of Rover-MG. By 2000 the old A-series engine was at the end of its life, not quite making 50 years of continuous production and being replaced by the more up-to-date and efficient K-series engine. The simple design, started in 1944, had had a good and useful life, being used in many applications unforeseen at the time of designing. It was rugged, had a long service life, was simple to maintain and cheap to operate. It was even receptive to super-tuning, and formed the basis of quite a few sports cars, where power was raised to unconsidered levels by the original designers.

TABLE 1: PRINCIPAL STAGES IN DIMENSIONS OF THE BMC A-SERIES ENGINE All dimensions given in metric, but Imperial/SAE dimensions used in design and production Date

Bore

Stroke

Capacity

Applications

1950

57.92

76.20

803

A30, Minor 1953-7

1957

62.94

76.20

948

A35, Minor 1000, Sprite, Midget

1961

62.94

68.26

848

Mini

1962

62.43

81.28

997

Mini Cooper

1963

64.57

83.82

1098

1100, Midget Mk 2, Sprite Mk 3

1964

70.61

68.26

1070

Mini Cooper S

1965

70.61

61.91

970

Mini Cooper S

1965

70.61

81.28

1275

Mini Cooper S, Midget Mk 3, Sprite Mk 4, 1300

1966

64.57

76.20

998

Mini Cooper Mk 2

1980

64.57

76.20

998

‘A-plus’: Mini and Metro

1980

70.61

81.28

1275

‘A-plus’ Metro

2000

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Cessation of production

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FEATURE

The MGA 1600 as advertised in the USA

IMPORTING I AN MG FROM THE USA – ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE! – PART 1 OF 2

By Nick Gasson

www.mgcc.co.uk

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hope that some readers will remember an article I wrote for the March 2016 edition of Safety Fast!, highlighting the ease and enjoyment with which I had imported a magnificent MG TF1500 from the USA, using the excellent services of Ship My Car, alongside the help of good friends who kindly inspected the car for me, and a highly reliable Foreign Exchange company to take away the worry of lots of money ‘in the ether’.

In the final sentence of my article I mentioned that I was in the process of importing another car, this time an MGA 1600 roadster but using a different shipping company, purely because Ship My Car could not deliver the MGA direct to my door (or I would have used them without question).

This story begins quite differently to that of the TF. Rather than a private sale and a full inspection, I saw a lovely,

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FEATURE

The floor rail

Stripped shell ready for the restoration

‘honest’ MGA advertised by a dealer in Rapid Falls, Michigan, and following a long conversation with the dealer (who was charming and very helpful), sight of over 100 photos showing all aspects of the car, an extensive written description, and a video of it running in the showroom, I chose to go ahead with the deal. I should add that the car was a ‘one-family-owned’ vehicle from new, shipped to the USA the day after it rolled off the Abingdon production line in February 1960 and had completed 55,175 miles in the hands of a father and daughter. The risk was plain to see but (pre-Brexit vote!) the Pound stood at around $1.53 and the price negotiated was most appealing, reflecting also the dealer’s desire to find space in his showroom.

The MGA had never been disassembled, though it had been repainted (poorly) once in its life and the interior was in really bad condition – in need of a total restoration. With a very strong and lively-sounding engine, a totally authentic history and looking pretty free of rust, it was all set to be a

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Dent in the front wing

perfect project for me to rub down to bare metal, then either repaint myself in cellulose enamel or, if as good as I hoped, be the subject of a professional repaint. I’ll park that now and get to the shipping bit.

I used Associated Foreign Exchange (AFEX) to do the transaction across

the Atlantic, saved a heap of money compared with bank rates and the process was painless, safe and efficient – I cannot overstate how easy, friendly and reassuring the AFEX service was!

I also engaged a shipping company in East Anglia called SeaKargo to collect and transport the MGA, overland from

Back to bare metal, solid metalwork due to the dry American atmosphere.

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FEATURE

Front wing removed

Michigan to New York, then by sea to Felixstowe, before delivering it to me once the import process had been completed.

The car duly found its way to New York, arriving without incident despite some of the worst winter snowstorms seen on the East Coast of the United States. It then sat for around six weeks awaiting a ship (this is common) before crossing to Felixstowe and arriving towards the end of March. The car made an inauspicious return to the UK after 56 years away, allegedly shedding its engine oil contents on the container floor, but I will say nothing more about that. I will also not comment further on SeaKargo’s performance, except to say that they provided a somewhat different style and service than Ship My Car. So, on serious tenterhooks, especially having not had the MGA inspected, and anticipating a sick engine, I awaited its arrival on the cold, crisp early morning of the last day of March 2016. Having been kept wellinformed by the delivery driver, I was standing in my driveway as the car

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bodywork being fetled

came into view. Full of excitement, I was immediately crestfallen. The tired but original MGA I had purchased had quite clearly been damaged; there were sizeable dents to both front wings and the bonnet that, on later inspection, were undoubtedly caused by a heavy straight object coming into contact. Sadly, I am not permitted to show the picture of the car as it was photographed on arrival at Felixstowe from its transatlantic crossing, but after investigation it became clear that the wooden frame placed around the car to protect it had, in fact, made contact with the front of the car; an example of the damage you can see in the photo. Inevitably, and a well-

known lesson for us all, the photos of the paintwork in the US did flatter the car – close up it was pretty awful but almost entirely rust free, as seen in the bare metal pictures!

In the end, the damage proved less of a problem than it might appear, chiefly because the insurance company (CNA Hardy) were superb from the start. They were supportive, informative and refreshingly proactive, accepted the repair quotes of the highly reputable restorer, Mr Adrian Buckby, near Market Harborough, and in good time agreed for him to renovate and repaint all damaged parts. For reasons beyond their control, a series of investigations and estimates had to be carried out over the alleged oil spill and its consequences.

Suffice to say that this delayed the commencement of repairs for much of the spring and summer. However, it gave me time to look more closely at the car, confirm that its condition was truly excellent (and almost entirely original). This influenced me to have the remainder of the car repainted at

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M

FEATURE

Original interior has seen better days.

The boot before being stripped.

my own expense in ‘clear over base’ paint, inside and out.

As I write, the car remains at the restoration company, where I have placed no urgency on its completion.

I am delighted with the friendly and personal approach of the restorers, who simply could not be more helpful.

They are delighted with the car, which bodily is the best MGA they have seen and they want to make the restoration something of a showpiece. On detailed inspection they found some minor rust around the floor rails, and welded in a fresh set using an NTG kit that was superbly accurate and of a high quality.

The plan is to convert the MGA to chrome wire wheels (60 spoke 5.5inch), fit a new windscreen (the old one sadly has cracks), install a stainless steel exhaust, have all the chrome restored and triple plated, replace all seals and repaint the entire car in Fiat Rosso Red, a shade darker than it was originally, but stunning. Although the engine will not be converted to unleaded, it will be removed, refurbished, painted in MG Maroon, and fully serviced. The running gear, brake discs and drums, plus all bushes, ball joints etc will be replaced or restored. Having had the seat frames renovated and powder coated, I am in the process of retrimming them

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in Jaguar Old beige leather, with the same colour door cards, interior panels, door cappings, and crash roll (most of these parts in vinyl as they would have been in 1960). I am cutting my own floors from marine plywood to ensure they fit the exact shape of the seat-wells and I shall then trim the interior in high quality black carpet, with a leather armrest sewn into the

transmission tunnel piece. Once the whole thing is back together, I will add a coat of clear Waxoyl onto everything I can reach (I’m a bit OCD on this!), before finally putting the car back on the road.

I have included a few photos of the MGA stripped to bare metal and of the interior colour scheme. I will write a follow-up article when the paint and other restoration details are complete.

If you wish to ask questions in the meantime, or to offer advice, I can easily be contacted through the MGCC.

Back to bare metal, and a solid base to work from

MG3 7.7 - 7

Mode the M exclud terms mode mg.co

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/04/2017 17:56

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MG3 fuel consumption: URBAN 41.7 mpg | 6.8 l/100km, EXTRA URBAN 59.6 mpg | 4.8 l/100km, COMBINED 51.5 mpg | 5.5 l/100km, CO2 Emissions: 124g/km. MG GS fuel consumption: URBAN 36.6 - 37.6 mpg | 7.7 - 7.5 l/100km, EXTRA URBAN 53.2 mpg | 5.3 l/100km, COMBINED 45.5 - 46.3 mpg | 6.2 - 6.1 l/100km, CO2 EMISSIONS 139 - 141 g/km.

Models shown : MG GS Exclusive with metallic paint in Spiced Orange at £20,090 and MG3 3Style+ in Newton Black with White Trophy Stripe graphics pack and white wing mirror caps at £12,045.40. †On the road (OTR) price of £8,695 applies to the MG3 3Time with no optional extras and £15,095 applies to the MG GS Explore with no optional extras. OTR prices include VAT where applicable, vehicle first registration fee, delivery, number plates and 12 months’‘Vehicle Excise Duty’. From prices exclude optional metallic paint, accessories and graphics packs. Fuel consumption values shown are based on official EU test figures and are to be used as a guide for comparative purposes and may not be representative of actual driving results. Offer terms and conditions apply: *0% APR: Conditional sale. 0% APR available on all MG3 and MG GS models until 30.06.2017. A minimum deposit of 20% of the cash OTR price applies on all MG3 models and 30% of the cash OTR price applies on all MG GS models. Finance by MG Financial Services, a trading style of GMAC UK plc, PO Box 6666, Cardiff CF15 7YT, subject to status, availability and terms and conditions. Applicants must be aged 18 or over at participating dealers. See your local dealer or visit mg.co.uk/offers for details.

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21/04/2017 17:56

THE PRACTICAL CLASSICS CLASSIC CAR & RESTORATION SHOW 2017

A

superb collection of ‘rust and rarities’ brought in a record number of classic motoring enthusiasts at Birmingham’s NEC for the fourth outing of the Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show, which for the first time opened for three days.

The MG Car Club attended in force, with the FWD Register, now stalwarts of the show having attended all four shows, displaying two MG Metros and an MG 1100. The ZR/ZS/ZT Register also attended, and had two ZRs on display from different ends of the spectrum, with the standard BRG ZR105 belonging to Classic Car Weekly, and Louise Allen’s show-stopping, highly modified and polished ZR. The main MGCC also had a stand for the first time at the show, displaying the Marathon MGB, currently under restoration, the ‘Wheeler Dealer’ Mike Brewer’s MGA and the 1982 Metro

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Photos by Andy Knott and Colin Grant

of 17-year-old Matt Haines. Matt and his dad, Steve, worked on soundproofing the car over the weekend, and drew crowds of people asking various questions and watching them work.

A highlight of the event as always was the UK’s biggest Barn Find display, with an MGA amongst the cars. At the other end of the motoring extreme, the Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership saw 20 finalists battle it out for the visitors’ votes, including the YB of Keith Buckley and the ZB of Dominic Taylor-Lane.

The debut of Classic Car Auctions (CCA) and its biggest-ever sale featuring over 200 cars was a huge success, with 75 per cent of cars going to new homes.

Total sales of £2.4million made it CCA’s highest-priced sale since the auction house was founded.

Around 350 specialist traders were involved with the show, including leading dealers, parts and spares suppliers.

The next Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show will be held from March 23-25 2018.

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/04/2017 17:56

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MAY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 29

21/04/2017 17:57

EVENT REPORT

MGCs gather in front of the Brooklands Museum. Photo: Jo Ruffels

The MGF Register stand. Photo: Jo Ruffels

Y Types ready to enter Brooklands. Photo: Neil Cairns

BROOKLANDS MG ERA DAY

By Neil Cairns

T

he day’s target was to get to Brooklands by 9am to join the Y Register cars. We joined the end of the queue to enter Brooklands, and the number of Y Types was quite amazing. Upon the gates opening we were told to let in the MGCs first as they were in the centre display, but no-one then told us when the Ys were to enter, so we seemed to wait ages. A nice long length of tarmac had been reserved for us and 21 cars soon filled it, with three more arriving later. It was probably the best

turn-out of Ys I had seen since the first Spring Run back in 1996.

Old friends and acquaintances were met, stories told and cars compared.

Oddly enough, the fact I had a child seat in the back of my Y caught quite a few eyes, and I had to explain just how one fits such an item to a car with wooden floors (details on the website). Some were not aware that it is illegal to carry a child under five that is not in an approved seat, no matter what the car; once over five they can be carried in the rear seat without a seat belt if none are fitted,

but NOT in the front seat. (That worried a few Midget owners…) I used the Jackall system on my YB and educated no end of inquisitive visitors as to what it was.

Whilst I was busy with tech stuff, Maggie and Paul Grafham were busy the other end with their gazebo, telling people about the Y Register 70th Anniversary run around the UK. The MGs on display were excellent; as I’ve said before, every year the quality improves. After a superb sunny day we left to travel home, having had a very nice day out.

About to tackle the famous Test Hill.

Photo: Steve Sabine

MGFs and TFs along the famous Brooklands banking.

Photo: Steve Sabine

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A selection of MGs, including a good lineup of Y Types. Photo: David Gregory

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/04/2017 17:57

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MAY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 31

21/04/2017 17:57

EVENT REPORT

T

FWD REGISTER SPRING RUN

his was the third Spring Run hosted by the MG FWD Register and was as much fun to host as the previous two, and hopefully as much fun to be a participant of. For this run we opened it to all variants of the Montego, Maestro, Metro, 1100 and 1300, not just the MGs. This year we were also joined by an MG Midget, an MG3 and even a Maxi! However, the aim of this run is to be fun and friendly and as long as we have spaces available, it’s a joy to be able to welcome other cars and their owners.

The run takes in Abingdon, Cowley and Longbridge, the three UK factories which produced MGs. This year we were blessed by glorious weather, not a cloud in the sky, so consequently by the end we did have rather a few red faces! We started at Abingdon with six cars and convoyed very successfully through Abingdon to reach Cowley, where we stopped for a quick look round MINI Plant Oxford’s recently refreshed small exhibition. At

Setting off from Kimber House, Abingdon

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By Tanya Field

Cowley we met with another seven cars and the 13 of us convoyed to the British Motor Museum at Gaydon for our lunch stop. By the time we left the British Motor Museum a few cars had left us (they had to go to work but still wanted to join us in the morning) but we gained an equal number, so 13 of us headed for the MG Sales Centre at Longbridge.

After a quick look round the MG Sales Centre, the majority of us had delicious tea, coffee and homemade cake served

by Beryl Rudd and her team from St

John the Baptist Church in Longbridge in the Church Hall. Not only was £105 raised for Water Aid from sales of tea, coffee, cake and a small raffle, but this was a lovely and very British way to finish the run.

We are very grateful to Kimber House, MINI Plant Oxford, the British Motor Museum and the MG Sales Centre who allowed us to visit them with no charge. This in turn allowed the MG FWD Register to put on this run free of charge, which was very much appreciated by everyone on the run.

If you would like to join a convoy from either Cowley or Longbridge, there will be convoys which are free of charge to join leaving from both, going to the BMC & Leyland Show at the British Motor Museum on Sunday July 2. The convoy and show are open to all MGs, including those currently being produced. For further details of the convoys, please contact Tanya on either tanyafield@supanet.com or 07929 868284 and for more information about the BMC & Leyland Show please visit www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/events/ the-bmc-and-leyland-show.

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/04/2017 17:57

EVENT REPORT

A good collection of Zed cars at 2017 Pride of Longbridge. Photo: Colin Grant

One of the participants of the many runs organised to POL. Photo: Andy Knott

PRIDE OF LONGBRIDGE 2017

A

By Andy Knott

ll eyes were on the skies on the run up to this year’s Pride of Longbridge, after last year’s event had to be cancelled at the eleventh hour due to the venue being water logged and covered in snow. This year the sun shone all week leading up to the event being held on Easter Saturday, with one minor upset as rain fell on the Friday preceding the event. It wasn’t enough to deter the hordes of Longbridge fans who descended on the famous Cofton Park, located opposite the hallowed Longbridge factory gates. The Pride of Longbridge event was conceived by Gemma Cartwright and first ran in 2006, a year after the factory was shut by

MG Rover, to commemorate the first anniversary of the closure and to remember all those who worked in the factory over the years and those who so sadly lost their jobs in 2005. Gemma and her band of loyal volunteers have been working tirelessly every year since to organise a Pride of Longbridge event. This year’s event officially started at 10.00 on Saturday April 15, but the queues started forming early on.

By 11.00 the Park was filling up with all manner of models, from Austin 7s through to the latest MG GS. The MG Rover-built cars dominated proceedings, though, with the array of bold and brightly coloured Zed and TF MGs scattered throughout the park.

As the sun broke through the clouds, Longbridge-built cars kept arriving,

and those who worked in the factory were reminiscing with some of the 10,000 people who attended the event. During the day over 5,000 cars were counted coming in to Cofton Park. The weather remained dry with sunny spells, which allowed plenty of cleaning and displaying of cars, some of which were totally standard, others highly modified, all wonderful to see. As ever, the Monogram cars had people flocking around them as their colours flipped and sparkled as the sun hit their panels. As people left the Park at the end of the day, social media became awash with positive comments and photos. Gemma and her hard-working team are already well on the way to planning Pride of Longbridge 2018.

Lydia Hammond with her nicely modified Monogram Biomorphic ZT. Photo: Colin Grant

Montegos, Maestros and Metros were all present.

Photo: Andy Knott

SV-R in good company, next to an MG ZS 180

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_May17_3-48.indd 33

MAY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 33

21/04/2017 17:57

VINTAGE NEWSLET TER Peter Jones peterjones1880@me.com

WELCOME TO THE VINTAGE NEWSLETTER

M

anifold are the problems with maintaining ancient machinery on the road – take, for example 18/80 Mk1 rear wheel bearings.

The old law used to go along the lines of “if you get oil on the rear brakes, it’s time to overhaul the engine”! The reason for this seeming non sequitur is that as the engine wears, the crankcase pressure

Spectators car park on the Welsh Trial

increases and it blows oil past the bearing on the gearbox first motion shaft, fills the gearbox and then runs down the torque tube and overfills the differential and so spills through the oil seals onto the rear brakes. So far, so good; indeed, the odd drop of oil sloshing around the rear wheel bearings is, by and large, no bad thing.

However, those who have invested in the ‘axle reinforcement’ engineered

by John Day may find, as I did with

Martin and Rob Constant having a go before the upholstery could be afforded

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my ‘prototype’ modification fabricated

by Fred Body some 10 years earlier, that the long tube is above the ‘tide level’ of the differential oil froth and so rather inhibits this desirable lubrication to the rear wheel bearings.

So it was that some months after going through Alhams Splash on the Kimber Classic (an exercise that often takes the water level above the rear axle) instead of finding a nice oily bearing the incoming water found a comparatively dry one, and what with the uncharacteristic layups this year due to other maladies, the bearing remained wet, oil-less and stationary.

As a consequence all the hardening on the balls and their races rusted. The tell-tale rumbling from the back axle was excused as coming from the tread of my new and most excellent Lucas tyres – until it got too loud for even my deaf old ears to accept this excuse.

When I inherited the 18/80 from Morgan Marshall’s estate, a whole lot of ancient bearings came with it. (Morgan was fond of stockpiling.) So it was with great confidence that I reversed the TC out of the double garage, repositioned the Six in the middle, jacked it up, removed the wheels, brake drums and bearings (with some surprise at the dry, rusty sight that I beheld) and reached to the ‘spares’ shelf for replacements, and it was in that instant that I remembered that most of the spare bearings were for the Mk1 gearbox (that also fit the TC rear axle) and not the double row efforts on the 18/80. I popped along to a couple of local bearing suppliers with the rusted remains of the old ones, but alas there were no visible numbers on the bearing and the counter staff sucked their teeth and pointed out the chamfer on one side of the inner race and said it was ‘unobtainable’.

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/04/2017 17:57

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21/04/2017 17:57

VINTAGE NEWSLET TER

Breakfast in Dieppe Breakfast in Dieppe

Dieppe trafic cop handily stopping traffic for us en route

Welsh trial again—but another hill!

Lunch break on the Dieppe Grand Prix

I learned that Bill Grudgings had an original list of bearing numbers and he kindly looked it up for me. Alas, no one had heard of the number that the manufactures had listed! Now bearing numbers seem to be a law unto themselves. I have read long articles explaining them in intricate detail

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and have ended up none the wiser. I tried several other sources and each time got a different number – none of which were recognised by the modern bearing supplier. Eventually I persuaded John Day to delve in the darkest recesses of his ‘things put to one side’ pile in his garage. He found numbers that were relatively modern on a Hoffmann bearing he had replaced. I contacted that most excellent company and they commented, rather dryly, that they had discontinued them in the 1950s (rather short-sightedly, I felt) but had found one in their deepest vault that I could have for princely sum of £185 plus VAT plus postage – which was rather more than I had hoped.

I emailed round all the 18/80 owners that I had addresses for. Peter Card had some in stock and offered to give them to me out of the kindness of his heart, but alas they turned out to be single race variety employed, apparently, on the Morris Cowley, and to use them on the 18/80 I would have to have spacers machined which would be an added cost in both time and money, as there is not exactly a surfeit of engineering concerns in the gentility of Georgian Bath where I live.

Peter Mace got back to me with one supplier, soon after I found one on the internet. I was eventually quoted £75.00 each, which seemed a better deal, so I ordered a couple.

Later, at the Vintage Register’s AGM, Chris Cook came up and told me that the Morris Register had got some and were selling them for £27.00! Ho hum. At least, three weeks later and £165 lighter, the Six is now back on the road and going like a train.

When we had some new rear hubs made, the manufacturer thoughtfully drilled a convenient hole through them to enable lubrication from the outside, as per the originals. Unfortunately, there was no thread in them to take a grease nipple or, for that matter, enough room to fit one due to its proximity to the side of the hub. On

receiving them, I filled the hole with silicone content to allow the axle oil to do all the necessary lubrication and this worked well on the unmodified side, but less so on the other. Now, however, realising the error of my ways, I have installed nipples by filing a couple of the ordinary sort to be an ‘interference’ fit in the orifice and grinding the hexagon off one side to allow it to line up with the hole before sloshing it in with a hammer. I will let you know how I get on with my rather innovative approach to precision engineering.

In the late 1980s, when I first joined the Vintage Register, there were several times a year that most of us seemed to meet up. One was a trip to Llandrindod Wells to have tea with Phill and Gwen Jennings, a large evening dinner at an often interesting but always economical hotel in the vicinity and then spectate at the VSCC Welsh Trial. The West Sussex lot motored over to the South West, hove to Stanbury Towers overnight and scooped me upon the way to the Severn Bridge. The first time I went was before I had GU on the road, so I passengered Roger Stanbury in MG 1200. On that particular occasion I was to share a room with Peter Hague in a nearby B&B, as the hotel was fully booked. After a good dinner and a copious amount of drinking (the hotelier had gone to bed and asked us to leave money in a bowl for anything we had helped ourselves to from behind the bar), Peter and I eventually left the hotel in the small hours and walked into the blackest night you could imagine. (This was deep in rural Wales and before torches in mobile phones.) Having found the car, Peter cheerfully announced: “You’re driving”, ensconced himself in the passenger seat and began to doze off. I had never driven his car before, only had the haziest idea of where we were, let alone where the B&B was, and I was rather the worse for wear myself. After much wasted mileage we

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/04/2017 17:57

VINTAGE NEWSLET TER

Fred Body with ‘Old Speckled Hen’ prior to restoration Off to supper in a rather overloaded Six—saved petrol but not mine thats all

got there, found the room and Peter settled into a bed that seemed about a foot too short for him, as his feet stuck out well past the end of it. I covered them with the counterpane, fell into the other bed myself and listened all night through to his sonorous snoring.

I have really felt for Susie ever since.

The following year, my car was ‘on the road’, though without the benefit of any trim or weather equipment as the money had run out. We then started the practice of stopping every 20 miles or so during the journey to swap cars and so each got the chance to drive half a dozen or so different 18/80s to compare and contrast. It was then that I, and quite a few others, realised how disastrously inefficient my brakes were!

One of the other exciting events that was a ‘regular’ in the early 1990s was the ‘Dieppe Grand Prix’, first run in 1907. This re-run is organised by the local Chamber of Commerce to help extend the tourist season in the first week of September. One of the sponsors of this jolly was Brittany Ferries, who allowed old cars free passage for this event. The start was a breakfast of coffee and croissant, supplied by the local boulangeries, and was a rather sedate run round the roughly triangular course of the old GP circuit that was all the rage long before they started racing at Le Mans.

We had a number of police motorcycle outriders who zoomed forward to every road junction and held up all traffic as we processed, and then leapfrogged forward again, at impressive speed, to the next intersection. At even the tiniest of villages on the way we were

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_May17_3-48.indd 37

welcomed by Monsieur the Mayor, kissed sweetly by the blushing May Queen and handed a smallish tipple of locally distilled Calvados. There were a lot of small villages on the route.

Lunch was half way round, at a school hall in Eu, and was accompanied by the most delicious local wine and so we progressed round, being waved at, welcomed, kissed and calvados-d for the rest of the day.

In the evening there was a Grand Gala Dinner, with tables groaning with the weight of all the food and drink. Celebration was the order of the day and the idea was enthusiastically embraced by all the crews of the 100 or so veteran, vintage and classic vehicles taking part. I seem to remember that prize-giving was some part of the celebration, and on one occasion I surprised to find that I had won a prize. Now my french is not that good, in fact it is practically nonexistent, and I was puzzled as to why I had won it. Was it for the “Best Open Car” or the “Most Open Car” (as I still hadn’t saved enough to do the interior trim or weather equipment)?

One of the teenage schoolgirls that the organisers had thoughtfully provided as ‘translators’ explained to me: “I think you have won it because you are English”. Rather deflating, really.

Grease nipple fitted.

As I recall, as the ferries were free, the entry was 80ff (that included all food and drink) and the hotel was 30ff so, all in all, it was an inexpensive way to pop across and load up with an economical year’s supply of wine on the return journey.

I remember these days fondly. There are still a lot of wonderful things to do, both here and abroad, but somehow we seem to have lost the spontaneity. Is it because the prices of old machinery have pogoed to quite ridiculous levels and so they are regarded as far too precious to fool about with? Or that the ‘instigators’ who put the energy in to encourage the rest of us have moved on? Or perhaps it is just that in the past 30 years the rise and rise of technology has filled our time with ‘information overload’ that has squeezed out all our spare time? Or, most likely, is it merely that I have got older and energy levels are diminishing?

Whatever it is or may be, I hope that the succeeding generations get the fun of driving, maintaining, competing and going shopping in these ancient machines that have given so much fun and enjoyment to so many over the past 80 years.

With the clocks now moved forward we are well into British Summer time and time to start thinking about getting the MGs out.

It is less than ten weeks until MGLive! and I hope we will see many of you at the Register stand. We hope to have our usual table so please have a look for items to sell. If you are able to help at the event then please can you contact Debbie Brading at debbiebrading@v8register.net

MAY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 37

21/04/2017 17:57

‘T’ REGISTER NEWSLET TER John Ward 01621 773606 johnw.ward@yahoo.co.uk

WELCOME TO THE ‘T’ REGISTER MAY 2017

A selection of T Types that were present at the British Motor Museum for Rebuild 2017

REBUILD 2017 As has become a standard for the T Register, the 2017 Rebuild Seminars took place on Saturday March 25 at the British Motor Museum at Gaydon in Warwickshire for, would you believe, the 37th time!

Over 90 delegates attended on the day and with the weather being kind it encouraged a number of T Types to venture from their winter hibernation and bask in the spring sunshine.

There was a change of format this year, in that the organisers elected to present single sessions during the day, enabling all the delegates to attend each of the presentations. There had often been a problem in the past, where certain people wished to attend specific talks but had to make a choice as to which to attend.

As a result there were four presentations during the day, around

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21/04/2017 17:57

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21/04/2017 17:57

‘T’ REGISTER NEWSLET TER

T Types gather at Gaydon for Rebuild 2017

breaks for refreshment and a lunch stop.

First in the morning we were entertained by Tom Wilson from Indiana, USA, Tom is a very wellknown and respected MG enthusiast, particularly in the field of TCs, but did admit that there were any number of other T types in his stable, many in differing stages of rebuild.

Over the last number of years he has carried out in-depth study and research into the people and characters who were the backbone of MG at Abingdon, especially in the days leading up to the second World War, then through the war years up to the resumption of car production in 1945, and on to 1949 when the ‘modern’ T Types began. These stories and anecdotes were to be the theme of his two sessions at the rostrum today at Rebuild.

His highly entertaining talk, aided and abetted with pictures and captions, was a result of his forays for information in books and archives from all quarters, and most importantly from numerous interviews with the men, and women, who worked at Abingdon through those troubled times, but who still managed to maintain the morale and quality of workmanship which had become synonymous with MG Abingdon.

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Tom Wilson gives his presentation

Geoff Matthews gives his last address as T Type Chairman

At the beginning of the conflict there were about 350 personnel employed in refurbishing tanks salvaged from Dunkirk or North Africa, but by 1944 this number had risen to 1500, nearly half of them women, working on the difficult and complicated task of constructing the cockpit and nose sections of the Albemarle bomber in wood and metal.

Next on the block, pun intended, we had our regular contributor Eric Worpe who once more regaled us with his in-depth study and research, telling us all there is to know about the XPAG cooling system and its foibles and uniqueness. Not many of us can begin to think about such matters as hot water flow and hot spots in various corners and crannies of the block, but as usual Eric considers all such matters and passes on the results of his findings to an attentive audience.

After the lunch break and a very presentable chicken korma, it was back to the conference room where Tom Wilson had elected to take on the ‘after-lunch snooze session’ but no fears – he once again kept us amused and enthralled with all the comings and goings in the corridors of power at Morris Motors during the later years of

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/04/2017 17:57

‘T’ REGISTER NEWSLET TER

FUTURE EVENTS

Tom Wilson and Kenji

New T Register Chairman Ian Palmer

the war, which unfortunately led to the downfall and dismissal of Cecil Kimber from MG. Then on a more practical theme Geoff Thompson from Moto-Build showed us the correct way and sequence to trim out our T Type cockpits. Starting with the seats, of course. Being very experienced and carrying out hundreds of these jobs, he made it all look very simple and proving, also, that having all the right tools and equipment is essential.

As well as our visiting speaker from the USA, we were also honoured to welcome Kenji Matsuoka, the Chairman of Kobe MG Car Club in Japan, so East met West. The Kobe MG Car Club was formed in 1987 and has a membership of about 50 with a wide collective of cars ranging from PA right through to 70s saloons. They meet every two months in a hotel in Osaka and the Club magazine, would you believe, is called ‘Cream Crackers’, however you say it in Japanese!

Early reports indicate that the delegates who attended this year’s Rebuild liked the new format of single sessions and it may well be adopted for the future. Do please let any member of the committee hear your views on this matter and send in suggestions for topics

and subjects for presentations, which are always eagerly sought.

Finally, having quickly reorganised the seating, we swiftly moved on to the business of the T Register AGM. Geoff Matthews opened the proceedings with his long-awaited last address as Chairman, his words not mine, having held the post for six years. He thanked all for contributing and making his time at the helm such an enjoyable experience, in spite of the early difficult days, and with generous plaudits to the committee members who had greatly assisted in his tenure during this time.

Following reports from the officers and secretaries, all of which confirmed that the Register is in good health as an organisation and sound in terms of financial status, the most important task then fell to the outgoing Chairman: the election of his successor.

There being only one nomination, Ian Palmer was duly proposed and seconded as the new Chairman of the T Register. In Ian’s opening address he announced his intention to continue in the good work that had been successfully employed in previous years, no planned or major radical changes and, as all good T Types know, the motto is “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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As you read these notes some of you will be preparing to head East across Europe to the Belgian Ardennes on a trip organised by Bill and Sally Silcock.

About 30 cars and crews will set off on a tour around the forest regions, based at a chateau near Dinant. We look forward to a full report in the next issue of TRN in July.

The annual Silverstone extravaganza, MGLive!, is scheduled for June 17-18 this year, where we are promised a revamped layout and programme.

The T Register allocated car parking location will be in its usual place alongside the MMMs, – look out for our banners. Yours truly will be on hand to guide you in, so please be early to avoid disappointment!

Two weeks later we will be at the rescheduled T Register T Party on Sunday July 9 at the Chateau Impney Hill Climb, near Droitwich, WR9 0BN. In the 1950s and 1960s, the Chateau, now a hotel, hosted the Chateau Impney Hill Climb speed trials.

The first event took place in 1957, and the original course was 550 yards long.

The event attracted some of the biggest motorsport personalities of the day, including Tony Marsh, Phil Scragg and David Good, who was the inaugural winner of the event and despite only having one arm, completed the course in just 24.64 seconds.

On 4 December 2013, the hotel held a gala to celebrate the original speed trials, and to gauge public interest in the potential return of the hill climb.

The event was a success, drawing in over 1,000 attendees and the inaugural revival event took place in July 2015.

There is now a 1,000-yard technical hill climb with classic sports and racing cars built before 1968 and with many pre-war classes taking part, an open paddock, a concours d’elegance and a vintage funfair for you to enjoy, complete with dedicated parking for T Register members.

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‘T’ REGISTER NEWSLET TER

Chateau Impney

important that you contact Grant or Barbara and give them your details for receipt of all further correspondence: grant.chumphreys@btinternet.com or telephone 01253 810288

2018 AUTUMN TOUR – ADVANCE NEWS Already proposals and plans are being drawn up for next year’s event. No final details yet, but it is looking pretty certain that we will be visiting the home counties around Surrey in the second week of September 2018, so watch this space for details.

T REGISTER NEWS

We will be attending as part of their Associated Clubs scheme and 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’.

Note that the offer code will also work on 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 them posted to you. The offer code will only apply to MG Car Club T Register members and will be published in the monthly email

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Newsletter up to and including the July issue. For any other queries about the event contact Alan Wakefield on 01932 873170. People who have attended this event in previous years give it glowing reports, and there are also lots of things to see which might appeal to all.

The April edition of the quarterly T Register News (TRN) is now available online as a free download. Just go online to MGCC T Register and follow the links to T Register News.

2017 Autumn Tour to Lakes and Dales September 1-4 This year’s Autumn Tour sees us once more heading up north, this time to the Lakes and Dales borders. Organised

by Grant and Barbara Humphreys, places as usual have been snapped up fast, but if you want to go it is still not too late. Contact The Shap Wells Hotel, Penrith, on 01931 716628.

The dates are September 1-4 2017 and mention the MGCC T Register upon booking, when they will confirm the rates. Then when you have secured your place it is most

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/04/2017 17:57

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21/04/2017 17:57

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

WELCOME TO THE MGB NEWSLETTER

Spring has sprung, MGBs gather for the MGB Register Spring Run

Spring, and an old man’s fancy turns to thoughts of getting the B out of the garage, giving it a quick rub round with a damp rag and seeing if it will start and continue to run. Mine fired up first go and seems perfectly willing to carry on where we left off in the autumn. Excellent, so far. Where shall we go then? Were I, as 15-odd years ago, residing in the English Midlands or somewhere close, the annual MGB Register Spring Run comes immediately to mind. However, it’s a bit far from West Cornwall to Woburn Abbey and return for a day out, so that is a nonstarter. How about, suggests Graham Dix, the Register Chairman, organising the Spring Run down in the Merry, Merry Westcountree? Again, and for the same reason as above, but in reverse. It is easy to forget, when living up-country, just how long Somerset, Devonshire and Cornwall are. Discussions with the Devon and Cornwall Centre, who

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Enjoying the Spring sunshine

Some of the Register Committee’s MGs

John Watson’s MGB by Woburn Abbey.

organise many events over the year, would suggest the following: this is the UK’s favourite holiday destination, so let us publicise and invite members, of all Registers, when visiting the West to come and join in events organised down here. You can find a great deal of detail on the excellent website www.mgcc. co.uk/devon-cornwall-centre but here

are a few things for you to consider, and also note that local Natter details of local events and contacts are in the current D&C Newsletter on the website, should you find yourself in this neck of the woods.

Atlantic Coast Express Run, Sunday June 11 starting at Okehampton Railway Station, finishing at Petroc College,

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MGB NEWSLET TER

Spring lineup of MGs

Roger Cooper enjoying the lunch stop with friends

Tiverton. Crash Box Club, Powderham Castle Classic Car Show, July 8-9.

Torbay Old Wheels Club Show, Paignton Green, July 23. D&C Centre Devon Day, August 6. MG Car Club Wiscombe Park Hill Climb, September 9.

Tamar Trial, October 22.

I mentioned earlier the Register Spring Run. Roger Cooper has kindly sent me a write-up and some photographs, as has John Watson.

Thank you, gentlemen!

at 8.30 was late for some – we were not the first there!! WOW! Expecting 23 cars – from the list Graham gave us – we retired to the café at 9.00am and set up the signingin desk. Now you would think that 23 route books with a couple of spares would be enough. It almost wasn’t, as one driver who had elected to go direct from home had changed his mind to start from Hatton. We overcame that little problem! Someone else turned up who was not on our list but had all the relevant paperwork so we issued him with route book, rally board and tickets to get into Woburn. Another little problem overcome, but now 25 route books made up, 25 route books allocated or used up.

Joan was getting anxious. “What do we do if we get another unexpected one?” Well they could have my route book as we had elected to drive direct

MGB REGISTER SPRING RUN The day dawned fine and bright and we arrived, as we thought, early, at Hatton, having been slightly fooled by some road closure signs which we ignored without consequence – they may come into effect tomorrow! However, even arriving

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Blue sky and blue Bs, the 2017 MGB Spring Run

via the A46, A45 and M1, so route book not needed. If that was not enough I still had the rough draft route book which the printer used as a guide – but it didn’t get that far, thank goodness.

The route from Hatton to Woburn, marked out on a map, is pretty much a straight line. On the ground it could not seem less like that. Over a distance of 86 miles there are 81 junction instructions and the running time, if all goes well, turns out to be between two and a half and three hours. At a guess probably around 80% of the run is on minor and unclassified roads but most of it passes through some very attractive countryside and architecturally interesting villages.

The comments at the end were very positive and appreciative. It’s nice to know when you get something right!

Once into the Woburn Park we were advised at the gate that the drive to the car park was around two miles. They are not wrong! The drive winds all the way round the park to end up at the back of the house where we had been allocated our own space, away from the general public, on grass at the side the road but still close to all the facilities, and a fantastic view over the countryside.

The weather could not have been better all day – bright sunshine and a gentle breeze. An excellent start to the season!

Apparently, at a Silverstone dinner, remarks were made about brown Bs not being desirable. Heather Charlton disagrees and sent us the following contribution.

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/04/2017 17:57

MGB NEWSLET TER

The well travelled brown B in the Alps.

A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF THE BROWN B The first two months of the year started with the usual two winter road runs and, of course, a local run should the sun come out. But imagine the shock and horror when, in March, a new car was delivered. Not so unusual, you may say, but this was an MG3, apparently an early 60th wedding anniversary present. For the past 21 years I have been the only MG in the family and have covered 132,000 miles in that time in all weathers, so why do we need a new MG? I was soon told that this was a Micra replacement and would be used for all the mundane jobs more suited to a saloon car and it would also be used on those rare occasions when the weather was too bad for me to go on an organised run. So I reluctantly welcomed the new boy, he is an MG after all, though I still had some reservations, what with all the new technology

www.mgcc.co.uk

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The brown B in good company

he sported, ABS brakes, rear parking sensors, automatic lights and wipers, cruise control, electric windows and air conditioning. That, at least, I could compete against with my fully opening top on a lovely summer day. Still, would I be the Number One car for Road runs and Rallies? On that score I was assured that I had already been booked for

several events during the year.

The first event planned was a weekend away starting from Abingdon and going to Stratford-upon-Avon.

I was looking forward to this as it was a Register event and I would be in company with other MGBs. Unfortunately, two weeks before the event it became obvious that one of

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MGB NEWSLET TER

my fuel pumps was playing up. I had been fitted with dual pumps in the days when I had been taken to the Alps for five-day competitive rallies and it was thought that this would ensure that we were not stranded up some mountain with a useless petrol pump.

These pumps had worked faultlessly for 20 years, but now one of them needed replacing, so I was booked in for a new pump in plenty of time for the weekend trip. Something went wrong and I would not be ready until after the weekend. Although I was bitterly disappointed I was pleased that Bill and Heather could go with the new MG3 and he enjoyed driving on roads new to him and had been enthusiastically greeted at the start of the Register run from Abingdon to Ragley Hall, near Alcester. The run was interesting with lovely scenery but the Branz was missed, a clear and accurate machine which shows the miles travelled. This machine had been invaluable in the Alps and still is useful on local runs. The sun shining on the dash of the 3 made reading the odometer more difficult. The 3 was left at the hotel whilst Bill and Heather explored Stratford on foot and then home, via the garage, to collect me.

Apparently the journey out of Stratford is easier with a satnav, which I have.

The next weekend was a local run on a lovely sunny day. Hood down and picnic chairs etc in my boot and off we went. Disaster! Petrol was spilling from a fuel line! Luckily it was spotted and I was quickly returned to my garage. The 3 went on the local run. A few years ago ethanol was added to fuel and all older cars were warned that this could cause damage to fuel lines and components.

This is what had happened to me. I was fitted with new fuel lines and was soon back on the road, this time to be taken for my MOT and complete service which included new brake pads and callipers. My belief was that I was ready for the forthcoming weekend away but, on being taken out for a local run, my brakes squealed so much

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Heather and the brown B.

that I was rushed straight back to the garage where it was discovered that the callipers were faulty! Repairs made, I was ready for the Speckled Hen Run. As always, this was enjoyable starting at Radley College and going to Stoner Park where there was The Great Antique and Vintage Car Boot Sale. This made for an interesting day out before returning to Radley College for cream tea and the drive home to Wimborne.

The following weekend was MGLive!

I have been to Silverstone 18 out of the past 21 years. I used to be entered into the gymkhana class but nowadays I am parked up with all the other MGBs in the Register car park. In the event, Bill and Heather took the MG3 and enrolled him into the 6.3.5 Register, making him a bone fide member of the Club. Whilst there, Bill and Heather looked at a satnav system for the 3 and were given a table marker used at the President’s Dinner.

This is an image of a brown B. The card was used especially with me in mind, as a kind of apology to all MGBs for a rash remark made several years ago at a dinner when the speaker said: “Who would want to own a brown MGB?” This is now attached to my garage wall with Pride.

A week after Silverstone we went to Brittany for a long weekend. The holiday was a great success, though my brakes still squeaked under certain conditions. On return, we were told that the last set of pads, number three, were

faulty and so Bill fitted another set at home. For the next three months I was driven continuously, and my brake pads squeaked occasionally and did not feel as efficient as previously. During this time my pads had been changed three times, I had been fitted with new callipers, new discs and a new servo; still the brakes squeaked. Isn’t there a way of solving this problem?

September sees the annual MGB Register weekend, this time based close to Skipton, North Yorkshire. We set off on Thursday for a night stop in Shrewsbury and did all but 30 of the 330 miles on A and B roads. The Saturday run took us across the North Yorkshire Moors on roads populated with classic cars, motor bikes and cyclists. Lovely weather ensured the day was a success.

Sunday was much the same, with one feature being a long, sweeping road over the high moor punctuated with cattle grids. Bill was getting more and more irritated with my noisy brakes and was even saying he was going to sell me!

Of course, when we got home all was forgotten, particularly when Mike Rolls produced a pair of callipers he had built for me. Duly fitted, and with a winter service, the problem is solved.

My brakes are efficient and no longer squeak. I am confident that I am still the Number One Rally Car in the family!

See you at MGLive! at Silverstone...if we’re spared (as a particularly lugubrious Yorkshireman I knew would say).

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/04/2017 17:57

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11/11/2016 16:46 21/04/2017 18:24

MGC NEWSLET TER Ginny Cartmell Tel: 01208 821552 email: ginnycartmell@btinternet.com

WELCOME TO THE MGC NEWSLETTER By, the time you read this in Safety Fast! there will be a little over a month before the start of MGC50. Things are really going apace and it is great to see entries still coming in. We will be closing the online entry for MGC50 on May 12 2017, so please don’t leave it to the last moment, you might be disappointed...!

A VERY SPECIAL SHIPMENT, FOR A VERY SPECIAL OCCASION...!

The decision to ship my MGC GT to England for the 50th anniversary rally was not made lightly, but I am sure Susan would still want me to go, regardless of our situation. Pressure from other MG Club members certainly had an influence and I quickly decided it was a once-in-a-lifetime chance and I did not want to miss it.

I could go and attend the festivities, but to watch other members driving their cars around and having all the fun did seem like a half-wasted trip. So, to ensure that I missed nothing, the car was part of my luggage!

On top of all that pressure, the chance to bring the car back to the place that Sue and I had bought it new after 49 years was also something special.

First task was to find a shipping agent who was familiar with taking cars from New Zealand to another country, as I thought this was going to be a rare occasion. But no, there are literally hundreds of cars, some MGs, shipped out of this country and back to the USA or Britain. The Club members recommended several to choose from but I picked Grant Hudson from Aironaut who has handling agents and people on the ground at both ends of my proposed journey. There were several special documents that needed to be filed with Grant and these included copies of the ownership papers, a clearance of any finances owning, and a customs declaration for the English customs. Any car shipped by this agent

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to England can be cleared before it goes into its container in New Zealand, and hence is sealed in bond until it is opened in the warehouse in Southampton. The advantages of shipping vehicles to the United Kingdom is that with a maximum stay of six months, the New Zealand registration, the Warrant of Fitness or MOT and the registration plates remain valid and it can be driven on the New Zealand plates as long as there is a sticker on the rear identifying the country of registration.

The agent handles everything relating to the shipment. Marine insurance while it is on the water, the container, and the installation of the vehicle in the container. He also informs me of when the vehicle is needed and the address where the loading of the container will take place.

Costs are very much set by the size of the container and the number

of vehicles in the container. I elected to have a container just for my car as I did not have anyone with a car going at the same time or to the same place. Insurance is calculated on the value of the vehicle. The only hassle is that any vehicle registered to drive on English roads must have comprehensive insurance. This is not a bad thing but does cause some concerns when any insurance company in Europe must have a domicile address for the owner in the UK. This can be overcome if a relation or friend is willing to let them use their address, but in my case I found Peter Best insurance, with strong ties to the MG Car Club, was happy to allow me to use the Club address, which was easier than insuring the car with a New Zealand broker. The only requirement is that the insurance certificate must be carried in the vehicle at all times and will not appear on the insurance database for the UK. At the time of writing this short summary, the car is polished, shiny and waiting for the message to deliver it to the container depot. Perhaps I can give you a follow-up on the hassles of getting it home again.

Harvey Heath – New Zealand

Harvey Heath and his MGC www.mgcc.co.uk

21/04/2017 18:24

MGC NEWSLET TER

WHAT WE FOUND IN MY C-GT DURING REPAINTING Due to rust spots in the roof (turret) of PFT-000 which were initially thought to be stone chips that had not been touched up properly, it became necessary to strip the roof for repainting.

We decided as the factory Low Bake Enamel and acrylic paint on the sides of the car (which was done 35+ years ago) was too far gone to be recovered, that a full strip to bare metal and repaint in modern SpiesHecker two-pack with clear coat was necessary to preserve this original car for the long-term future.

Once the paint was stripped from the roof, two 4mm holes were discovered. The factory head lining was all cracked (front to rear) along the vinyl pattern and required replacing.

Once this was removed and the 8mm foam plastic behind it was gone, it was discovered that the entire roof underneath the metal was covered in sheets of bituminous material, the same as applied to the floor. This was NOT painted, unlike the floor, the doors and the C pillars which were all painted.

The roof was NEVER painted under this sheeting and all the little holes allowed condensation to penetrate through the sheeting and rust the roof. When this was removed the roof looked like a colander. Air conditioning, done more than 10 years ago, accelerated this rusting process.

Later cars were not fitted with this sheeting and under the roof was painted. A different pattern vinyl headlining was applied to a thin fibreglass mat (with no resin in it) and these cars, both B GT and C GT, had no known problems.

We were fortunate enough to locate a wrecked MGB GT which still had this headlining fitted. This was removed, and a motor trimmer removed the stained vinyl headlining

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and replaced it with vinyl that matches the rest of the cabin in the roof area.

Discovery # 2: After the complete outside of the shell was fully stripped, two areas of body damage were discovered in the rear lower sill area in front of the rear wheel arches. The right-hand side was dimpled but not penetrated, but the left side was damaged with big holes in it. The shell must have been caught in a jig and the metal damaged to such an extent that the damaged section was simply cut out. The biggest hole was about the size of an Aussie 20 cent coin.

The factory simply bodged up the damage and the shell was painted.

My retired paint and panel man, who looked after my car from new, never knew this damage was there but did comment that a few MGB GTs they restored had similar shell damage once the shell was stripped. Good old BMC Quality Control at work: just hide it.

Fill it up and paint it, no-one will ever know.

The body damage has been repaired. Metal was replaced and the roof de rusted, neutralised and painted with a few coats of stone guard protection over the paint, before the fibreglass headlining was fitted.

Bruce Ibbotson

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BEHIND THE SPRAY GUN….

The Tartan Red GT my father and I built

My name is Alex Hatcher, and at 22 I have a passion for working on classic cars and returning them to their former glory. I am into classic and retro cars, owning a couple of MGBs, a Maestro van and a VW Mk2 Scirocco.

Although my career in refinishing is still in its early stages (three-year apprenticeship and two years selfemployed) I have been lucky enough to work on five MGCs. The first one was before I became full-time self-employed and helped my father on my days off. This was an F reg Tartan Red GT. The car required a full restoration. We started by putting the shell on a rotisserie getting the shell shot-blasted. Then it was epoxy primed underneath to seal the bare metal, and the seams were sealed to prevent water entrapment. After that, anti-stone chip was applied to (surprisingly) stop stone chips, especially important in the wheel arch areas, and finally, the two-pack top coat was applied. Also, whilst the

The University Motors GT

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The engine bay after restoration

shell was on the rotisserie I took the opportunity to paint the engine bay, so I could reach the various difficult angles. The shell was then taken off and placed on a dolly to move it around easily. Then I painted the rest of the car using high build primer to get the panels straight and then twopack Tartan Red top coat. With this MG, my father and I built the whole car.

Another C I had a hand in restoring was a very special car. It was a University Motors GT. This particular car is the only one in the rather bright Lotus Pistachio Green and also has the benefit of being Downton stage two tuned. This car was in pretty good shape, so only needed light restoration and the exterior resprayed. The same process was followed as the exterior on the red GT previously.

By this time I was getting the hang of C restorations, but now it was the turn of a Tartan Red roadster. This particular car had the panel work done by my father some eight years before I had started, but the previous owner ran out of funds so it wasn’t taken any further. This was also the first C project where I completed the bodywork by myself. The roadster was put on a rotisserie like the Red GT, and was also painted body colour over anti-stone chip. However the owner wanted the interior and the boot compartment

painted too, so I tackled this with the engine bay whilst taking advantage of the rotisserie. Then it was lowered onto the dolly again. Before starting any of the bodywork on the exterior, we always try all the panels to make sure that the panel gaps are perfect before the car is painted. I could then paint the exterior and panels the same as the other cars, taking time to get the panels straight using the largest sanding block I can fit on the panel.

The depth of shine is caused by how flat the panel is, not so much by how ‘shiny’ the paint is.

The latest project I have finished is a Snowberry White GT. The task was to paint the whole shell and panels inside and out, then paint the engine and give it to the owner to ‘build’.

The welding work was completed by my father whilst I helped out forming panels and grinding off. Again, the shell was put on the rotisserie and shot-blasted. Then the epoxy was applied and the seams sealed. This time the owner only wanted the arches and vulnerable areas stone chipped to get a nice finish on the floors and support triangles etc. I then painted the inside and the engine bay and put it onto the dolly before painting the exterior and panels, leaving a fully painted shell.

The project which I am currently working on is my father’s own GT;

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/04/2017 18:24

MGC NEWSLET TER

The MGC Roadster in the paint shop

however this one is a bit different, being a Sebring recreation with an all-steel body. Like all the others, it was painted underneath and inside.

Then the engine bay was painted, which gave us a glimpse of the final colour which is Jaguar Heritage Green metallic. Then the tricky bit: trying to get the arches right. To help with this, and get the panels dead straight, I used a spray filler. This adds a bit more build to block down and get

The painted bodyshell, ready for the rebuild

everything perfect. This is currently the stage I am at with it, but will possibly have an update in the next issue!

There are a couple of Cs for me to do in the future, including chassis number 117: the first production GT. Now, that will be an exciting project!

And with a deadline – this MGC will be attending the 50th Anniversary at Chateau Impney in June, so no time to waste!

Alex Hatcher

The latest project painted, a Snowberry White GT

The Sebring MGC sprayed in Jaguar Heritage Green metallic

www.mgcc.co.uk

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21/04/2017 18:24

BRITISH TOURING CAR CHAMPIONSHIP

ROUND 1

BRANDS HATCH

A

By Paul Goodman. Photo: Martin Cumming

fter a long winter of inactivity, the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship teams assembled at Brands Hatch over the weekend of April 1-2.

The teams had shown their cars and drivers to the media at the Donington Park launch day.

New engines, new Dunlop tyres, new suspension and new manufacturers meant that nobody had any real idea of who would be the quickest when qualifying and racing started.

The two 888 MG6 cars are brandnew cars this year, with full RML suspension, the new ‘TOCA’ turbocharged engine and the wider Dunlop tyres. Sporting a revised livery of white and red they looked the part at the launch. MG also has two new drivers.

Aron Taylor-Smith (the Taylor comes from his recent marriage) has around

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150 races on his CV, including several wins. He put in some spectacular performances in 2016 in the VW CC. Alongside Aron is Daniel Lloyd who is embarking on his first full season in the Championship. He created a stir in 2016 with some impressive performances in a Honda on an irregular basis.

The race meeting format remains unchanged for 2017. There will be three races at each, with the grid for the first decided by qualifying times, the second by finishing positions in the first, and the third by a ‘grid draw’ shuffling the finishing positions of race two. In one of the three races the drivers have to use an ‘option’ tyre, harder or softer than the standard.

The races at Brands Hatch are on the short ‘Indy’ Circuit where the lap time is less than 50 seconds in dry conditions.

Qualifying got under way with the threat of rain in the air. Before anybody could set a time, the red flag came out because a car was stuck in the Paddock Hill Bend gravel trap. The session resumed with all the 30 cars out on track. Just as the times began to fall, another red flag stoppage paused events. The MGs were low down on the grid, and just as the cars were green flagged, the rain increased and nobody could improve their time. Geoff Smith ended up on pole position in the Eurotech Honda. Aron ended up in 19th place with Daniel 25th, leaving the two MG6s with a huge task in front of them on Sunday.

The first race of the 2017 championship began in perfect weather conditions. There was a safety car period after Matt Neal and Colin Turkington’s cars made contact off the line, but contrary to expectations, the rest of the race was incident free. Tom Ingram won, driving his Toyota Avensis, with Gordon Shedden second for Honda, and Adam Morgan challenging Gordon, but settling for a solid third in the Mercedes. Aron had a good race in the MG6 coming through the field to finish fourteenth with a good chance of getting into the top 10 during race two. Daniel suffered some rear body damage on the final lap and just got the car across the line to finish 23rd.

Race two only lasted a few seconds because Jason Plato’s Subaru hit the pit wall. The restart over a shorter distance saw some frenetic racing in the mid field.

The race was won by Gordon Shedden.

Aron almost made it into the magic top 10 but was pushed back to finish 15th, with Daniel suffering from more contact and finishing a lap down in 23rd place.

The final race of the day ran without interruption. Andrew Jordan scored a victory for Pirtek BMW by a short head from Colin Turkington, and Tom Chilton taking a first podium for Vauxhall. Both MG6 drivers had good, clean races and finished in the points, Aron taking 12th and Daniel 15th.

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/04/2017 18:24

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MG_SafetyFast_May17_49-98.indd 55

MAY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 55

21/04/2017 18:24

BRITISH TOURING CAR CHAMPIONSHIP

ROUND 2 DONINGTON PARK

T

By Paul Goodman. Photo Aaron Lupton

wo weeks on from the fraught Brands Hatch meeting, the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship teams assembled at Donington Park.

The MGs have always performed well at Donington Park with some memorable results. Clearly, the key to a good weekend for the team would be to secure starting positions inside the top 10 for the first race.

The competition would be as fierce as ever, with Honda, BMW, VW, Toyota, Vauxhall, Mercedes, Audi and Ford all featuring in the top 10 at Brands. The Subarus had experienced significant problems, with Jason Plato’s serious accident setting him back in his championship bid.

The first of the Saturday sessions took place on a very cold track in blustery winds. By late morning, the temperature had risen and times began to plummet, with five drivers recording times below one minute ten seconds. Both MG6 drivers set competitive times showing that they were gradually improving.

The qualifying session took place in perfect weather conditions. Times were improving, but just as all the drivers were

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about to attack the circuit to get their best lap, fluid was spilt on the circuit, and the red flag came out. The clock stopped with just over six minutes to go.

When the circuit was clear, Aron went out and improved his time and position with a superb lap, with Daniel backing him up. The times were incredibly close and half a second was the difference between pole and Aron’s 13th. The cars were then put through the technical checks and two drivers, including provisional pole man Ash Sutton, were disqualified. This promoted Aron to 11th and Daniel to 16th. The front row would now be Rob Austin’s Toyota and Jack Goff’s Honda Civic.

Low air and track temperatures and threatening clouds greeted the drivers as they lined up for the first race of the day. All 32 cars started the race which provided an amazing sight at Redgate Corner. Both MG6 drivers got good starts and avoided contact with other cars. At the front, Aiden Moffatt took the lead and secured his first-ever race win in his Mercedes at the age of 20.

It all went wrong for the MG drivers at Redgate Corner on lap 13, with several cars coming together. Daniel’s car flew across the grass and into the barrier with damage to the front end and Aron’s

suffered a puncture leading to a pit visit and a finish one lap down.

The start of race two was delayed by a serious accident in a support race.

Everybody was looking at the weather, but the track stayed dry. Another frantic race resulted in a win for Tom Ingram (Toyota) with Rob Collard (BMW) second and Ashley Sutton (Subaru) third. From their grid positions of 23rd and 24th Aron and Daniel drove well to finish 18th and 21st which would be their starting positions for race three.

The expected heavy rain hit the circuit before race three and all the cars lined up shod with the Dunlop wet-weather tyres. The decision was made to start the race, but many cars skittered off the road on the first lap resulting in the race being stopped. After a while, conditions improved and the race was re-started.

Both MG6s seemed to be going well on the wet track. Aron made great progress to finish 10th, but Daniel’s race came to a premature end. Gordon Shedden crossed the line first, but was subsequently disqualified for a technical infringement. This meant that Aron was promoted to 9th with Colin Turkington (BMW) winning from Adam Morgan (Mercedes) and Ashley Sutton.

After what had been a long and difficult weekend for all involved in the Dunlop MSA BTCC, 888 MG maintained fourth place in the manufacturers’ championship, behind BMW, Honda and Vauxhall.

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/04/2017 18:24

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MAY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 57

21/04/2017 18:25

COMPETITIONS

Photo: Mick Edwards

SUN SHINES ON DAZZLING DONINGTON

T

he winter months seem like a distant memory as I sat in a sun-soaked media room at Donington Park, enjoying the opening race meeting of the season. The consensus was that everyone was pleased to be back, as ever, and with new drivers and new cars, it was a fantastic start to the 2017 MG Car Club season.

The College Motors MG Trophy With a 33-car grid, including 10 newcomers, the MG Trophy was set to provide another entertaining performance, and we certainly weren’t disappointed.

Familiar MG Trophy face, Ross Makar, led the way; however it wasn’t long before chief challenger Graham Ross surpassed him for control.

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By Leanne Fahy

Before long, Cole was hot on the heels of Makar, before demoting him to third place. With Ross in his sights, Cole mounted a challenge, which saw him make it a two-way battle for honours. As the pair began their final lap, Ross missed a gear as they lapped a backmarker, allowing Cole to pass for the lead.

Despite landing just inches behind him, Ross was unable to disrupt the result, to claim second place. Makar held on for a third place finish.

Jack Roberts and Paul Luti continued their close qualifying performance, to finish first and second in Class B, whilst Matthew Turnbull dominated Class C. Ross left race two victorious, after denying Cole and Makar the spoils.

The better start fell to Makar as the

race began, who led the way for a number of laps.

With top spot in their sights, the lead trio swiftly left the rest of the field behind. Makar’s lead suddenly came under threat, when Cole and Ross made a bid for glory. As Ross leapt ahead, Cole and Makar endured a slight comingtogether before racing towards Redgate, side by side.

After a few laps the top three separated, for a relatively calm end to the race. Paul Luti claimed Class B honours and Matthew Turnbull doubled his success, with a Class C victory in race two.

The WES MGCC BCV8 Championship with MGCC Thoroughbred Sports Cars A slow getaway for pole sitter Russell McCarthy allowed James Wheeler to

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/04/2017 18:25

Photo: Colin Murrell

take control. A strong opening lap soon left McCarthy in a position to claim the lead, as Tom Smith and Neil Fowler made it a four-way battle.

McCarthy’s advantage was shortlived, however, when smoke made an appearance from the rear of his MGB GT, as he rounded Redgate. Unable to maintain the pace of the lead trio, he suddenly dropped to fourth place.

Bad luck soon found its way to Wheeler as well, as Smith and Fowler began a two-car battle for the lead.

With Smith looking good to repeat his familiar front-running performance, he suddenly pitted into retirement.

This kick-started a chain of retirements, as a number of drivers fell by the wayside lap after lap. With a lack of competition, Fowler steered his way to victory, some 47 seconds ahead of McCarthy. Despite a steady end to his race, McCarthy held on for second place.

Russell McCarthy and James Wheeler provided a thrilling finale to the BCV8 and Thoroughbred Sports Car outing.

Wheeler again had the edge early on, but McCarthy immediately fought back. As the pair lapped, McCarthy continuously attempted to pass at Redgate; however as Wheeler covered the inside line his efforts were denied.

Persistence paid off when McCarthy made his trademark move stick, as he glided around the outside into Redgate.

MGCC Peter Best Insurance MG Cup Alan Brooke’s unmatched performance saw him ease to victory in the opening MG Cup outing. In what looked like an easy race, he stormed from a frontrow start to victory, unchallenged throughout.

Pole sitter David Mellor tried his utmost to dismantle Brooke’s advantage,

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_May17_49-98.indd 59

but settled for second place in the wake of the five-second gap.

It was very much a repeat performance at the front in race two, as Brooke once again stormed to a dominant victory.

MGCC Cockshoot Cup Ashley Woodward narrowly claimed victory in the sole MGCC Cockshoot Cup appearance. After long-time leader Howard Hunt suddenly pulled off track, the door was open for Woodward to claim a victorious start to the season.

Hunt secured the best start to lead the way around Redgate; however a furious opening lap saw pole sitter Ray Collier storm into the lead as the field weaved through the Craner Curves.

Despite leading for much of the first outing, Collier was rapidly forced off the circuit, when his MGZR 190 began to smoke profusely from the back.

In Collier’s absence, Hunt reclaimed top spot, chased furiously by Phil Standish. As Standish piled on the pressure, his MF TF LE500 was seemingly tired, as he pulled onto the grass along the pit straight. Hunt was the next man to suffer issues, when his MG ZS limped to one side, allowing Woodward and Philip Bowden to storm past.

MGCC Drayton Manor Park MG Metro Cup Jack Ashton brushed off his rivals and a safety car to steer to a virtually unchallenged MG Metro Cup victory.

His triumph also deemed him worthy of

not only Driver of the Race, but also our coveted Driver of the Day award.

From pole position, his view of Redgate was untarnished as he led the way around the opening tour. Despite a challenge from team-mate Lee Connell, Ashton managed to fend him off. As the field raced lap after lap, the safety car was suddenly called for when Kyla Birdseye landed against the barrier as she weaved through the final chicane.

Out of the car and seemingly unhurt, her stricken MG Metro was pulled to safety, allowing the race to restart.

Equipe GTS Tom Smith and Mark Ashworth shared control early on, before a well-timed safety car period matched the opening of the pit window. As Smith’s MGB Roadster expired, oil was left on circuit at the Craner Curves, calling for the release of the safety car.

As the safety car was released, a number of cars opted to make their mandatory pit stop, making for a busy pit lane.

As drivers re-joined, the order was slightly jumbled, as everyone fed themselves in behind the safety car. After a lengthy period at simmering pace, the oil was dressed and the race resumed.

Once ahead, Cripps managed to fend off Arculus, by just 1.179 seconds.

MGCC Lackford Engineering MG Midget and Sprite Challenge Stephen Collier demonstrated a dominant performance, to claim an MG Midget and Sprite Challenge victory by just over eight seconds.

Second place was a hive of activity, as Richard Wildman and Edward Reeve battled profusely. Reeve had held the position for much of the race; however he was eventually unable to hold off his fellow MG Midget driver.

A fantastic day swiftly came to an end, in the light of the spring sunshine.

With healthy grids, excellent racing and lots of smiling faces, it’s safe to say that the season opener was a great success.

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21/04/2017 18:25

RACE TORQUE

Photo: Mick Edwards

W

By Ron Gammons

ell, the Club’s race programme got off to a flying start at Donington with a cracking race meeting, excellent grids, close racing, virtually incident-free – what more could one ask for? Club racing at its very best and even the weather played its part, with blue skies and a balmy, warm temperature.

The Club’s Trophy Championship fielded no less than nine newcomers to the Championship in their 33 entries, with a number taking advantage of the Club’s initiative of half-price race entry fees for those aged 25 and under.

It looks like the plan is achieving its aim of encouraging younger drivers to race with us, since a number of other Championships had some under-25 newcomers as well. The other initiative, of a return of a percentage of the entry

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fees for competitors doing all the rounds of their Championship with the MGCC, has a beneficial effect as well. We have to keep the grids full to keep the entry fees at the level they are, as well as encouraging new and younger drivers to join in with racing with our Club.

At Donington the Equipe GTS also did us proud, with a capacity grid of some 40 superbly presented cars and typically there was some great driving as well. This was for a 40-minute pit stop race where single drivers were required to be stationary for 30 seconds while cars doing a driver change could change over and go.

However, in the early part of the race, sadly one car managed to lose most of what was found, subsequently, to be coolant; the first report was of oil!

This spillage was at the most demanding part of the track, the Craner curves, a

very quick downhill section ending at the Old Hairpin.

Inevitably there were cars going in all directions and a Safety Car had to be deployed to try to control the situation.

This then coincided with the pit stop window opening!

That, coupled with some drivers not closing up the train of cars, led to a very confused situation, with pit stops in progress and with pitted cars being prevented from returning to the circuit until the train of cars being led by the Safety Car had cleared the pit exit.

Having finally got some clear space for circuit staff to dress the spillage, racing could recommence. By then some of the leaders who had pitted found themselves near the back of the field and the final result was perhaps not quite what had been anticipated before the start!

We plan a review of the situation with the Equipe GTS to see whether the regulations regarding pit stops could or should be amended in the light of the experience of that race.

It was all very Formula One but without the teams of strategists dictating when to do the pit stop! It was pretty exciting in Race Control, as well!

The Club’s Brands Hatch meeting will be taking place as you read this, so just to say that we have some truly great grids, for instance MMM with 28 entries, Iconics with 25, and Equipe GTS with no less than four races for two groups of their cars. Great stuff. You have to be there to appreciate the quality of the Club’s programmes.

The event after Brands Hatch is, of course, the MGLive! event at Silverstone on June 17-18. This will be on the Grand Prix circuit. Entries open just after Brands Hatch and we certainly anticipate some good grids and close, exciting racing. Quite apart from our own Championships, we have the Masters Sixties saloon race on the Sunday, and also Radicals and Porsche in a jampacked, exciting programme.

We hope to see you there.

Th br De fro

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www.mgcc.co.uk

21/04/2017 18:25

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

on track

SPONSORED BY

SILVERSTONE TRACK DAY

M

Pictures by Duncan Wood

Gs on Track’s muchanticipated event at Silverstone in March opened not with a fanfare of trumpets but with the blare of imaginary foghorns! Whilst not quite a Dickensian pea-souper, the day’s early fog restricted vision sufficiently to delay the start of the track day for an hour until it was considered safe to proceed. Happily, once underway the track surface proved to be dry and grippy, and by the afternoon the sun had also made an appearance and the slow start to the day was forgotten.

Partly due to a very noisy back axle in my Midget, which has now been rectified, and with the certain knowledge that the event would be a rapid sell-out with or without my participation, I had decided not to book to drive at Silverstone.

However, I did arrive in time to enjoy Alan Wilshire’s safety briefing, plus a leisurely breakfast with fellow MGoT members at the circuit’s café; it is the social aspect of our events that makes them extra special.

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MG

As I did not have my own MG, I took the opportunity of taking passenger rides with others from the committee.

Our Chairman Dave Pearce’s MGB GT with 190 bhp K-series and sequential gearbox provided a robust introduction to the circuit. Possessed of exceptional acceleration and road holding, the car allowed rapid progress, although the banging as the gears swapped is alarming at first hearing. This was an exhilarating, if somewhat bruising, experience in a car more suited to the track than a tour of the Cotswolds!

Next I rode in Publicity Officer Nigel Silman’s TF. This is of virtually standard specification, is used as his daily driver, and would be well-suited to the aforementioned touring. However, as we attacked the corners hard and accelerated to speeds in excess of the ‘Magic Ton’, I was reminded that even a

largely unmodified MG can give much fun when freed from the constraints of legal road driving.

Our Secretary James Mumford’s TF has the VVC engine, so does have a bit more outright speed than Nigel’s car. Again, largely unmodified, it bears witness to the versatility of these cars: perfectly suited to a day on track, but comfortable enough for James’s journey back to Devon later in the evening.

My final ride of the day was in the MGF VVC of our President, Dave Livingston. Over the years Dave has subtly altered the car which now boasts increased power, lowered suspension and a somewhat cavalier attitude to track limits...although the last probably has more to do with Dave than the car!

Yet again, an MG suited both to track days and to Dave’s lengthy journey back to Pembrokeshire.

I greatly enjoyed my day out at Silverstone, even as a non-driver. If you have never taken part in one of our events and are not quite sure if it is for you, why not come along to spectate and to talk to some of the participants.

I’m sure that their enthusiasm will persuade you to give a future event a try. Those who have never been on track may also consider attending our Starter Experience day at North Weald. This year it is taking place on July 7. I intend to expand on this event next month, but information is available on our website and it is open for booking.

Other forthcoming events include Snetterton, Croft and Castle Combe, all of which are enjoyable and challenging circuits. The website will confirm if they have availability, but it is always worth contacting the event manager to be placed on the waiting list, even if the event is sold out.

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/04/2017 18:25

MGS ON TRACK – 2017 CALENDAR

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

Please visit www.mgs-on-track.com to register, check availability, or to book a track day.

Registered members will receive regular newsletters and notification of event opening dates.

Snetterton – May 22 A fast and open track Croft – June 23 A shared day with Lotus on Track on a great circuit, set between the Yorkshire dales and Yorkshire moors!

Castle Combe – June 26 The first visit of two regular, annual visits to this very friendly circuit in Wiltshire 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 Hethel – August 5

Rockingham Sprint Sunday March 26 2017 This being the first event in the 2017 Luffield Speed Championship there was a surprisingly good number of MG competitors entered.

The weather for the middle of March was wonderful, as it has been for the last few years, just right for sprinting: cold, sunny and dry.

Peter Clark’s Midget, having had a good engine rebuild by Mr Clark senior, had distributor problems right from the start which could not be resolved – which was a shame as the car looks the business. “I am sure we will sort it,” Dad said!

Good to see some old campaigners out at the beginning of the season: Ian Goddard in his MG PA, David Butler MG Special together with ZRs, TFs, Midget of Neil Walmesley MGBs, the MG RV8 of Dave Morris, and to welcome the new face of Andy Smith in his Midget Mk2.

Without going through the whole MG field for the day the results can be found on our website, or look at most events this year by using www.tsl-timing.com.

Glad to report that all went home safely, ready to compete in the coming busy season.

Rob Orford

Another opportunity to experience the Lotus test track in Norfolk. A great track for all types of MG! Castle Combe – September 11 A second opportunity to enjoy the thrills of this everpopular 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

MG_SafetyFast_May17_49-98.indd 63

Curborough Sprint Sunday April 2 2017 A cold start was followed by beautiful spring sunshine for the Midland Centre’s sprint at Curborough. 29 MG drivers took to the track, with the standard cars leading the way.

The up to two-litre class was populated by the ZR and TF, in this tightly matched group. Terry Piggott débuted his ZR160 and struggled a little with FWD. Andrew Till wrung the neck of his 1400cc 105 ZR, beating a number of 160Ps, ZRs and MGFs for a mid-class result. The top five cars were covered by less than a second. Trevor Clarke was unlucky to miss out on the podium in his TF, as was Graham Cherry in his ZR160, with best runs of 71.85 and 71.77 respectively. I was another tenth of a second up the road in third, driving Helen Waddington’s ZR160, beaten by Nick Arnold in his similar car, on a 71.16. But a blindingly quick final run from Ian Howlett in the MGF Trophy took the class on 70.94.

Nick Walker won the V8 battle in the ‘big bangers’ class.

Nick’s BGT was five seconds clear of Dave Morris in the RV8. The Roadgoing Modified class was a close affair. Mike Cole’s lovely BGT bagged third on 68.73, whilst the B Roadster of Rob Orford was second, stopping the clock at 68.16. But Richard Withers took the win on his first timed run, with 67.39 in the BGT. The Triple M and T Type class went to the TD of David Butler.

Inevitably, Andy Walker took the ‘Fastest MG of the Day’ award in the mighty B V8 roadster, with a best time of 61.48 on his last run of the day.

David Coulthard

MAY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 63

21/04/2017 18:25

CALENDAR

MAY

Friday 5 – Monday 8 MGCC: MGA Register Cheshire Cat Tour Contact: Peter Morgan – mgcarclub_ mgachairman@outlook.com Saturday 6 – Sunday 7 MGCC: Y Register Spring Weekend and AGM Contact: Chris Callaghan – 01865 820312 Friday 12 MGCC: Anglia Centre Needham Market Club Meet open morning Contact: Graham Wills – 01379 890732 Friday 12 – Tuesday 16 MGCC: T Register T Register Trip to the Ardennes Contact: Bill and Sally Silcock – 01525 750468 Saturday 13 MGCC: Anglia Centre Anglia Centre Committee Meeting Contact: Peter Skipper – 01502 731141 Saturday 13 MGCC: South West Centre The Kimber Classic Trial Contact: Alan Grassam – secretary@mgccsw.com Saturday 13 MGCC: Magnette Register Stowe House and Gardens Contact: www.magnette.org Sunday 14 MGCC: Lincolnshire Centre Autosolo Contact: David Stonehouse – 01790 754774 or davidstonehouse1@btinternet.com Sunday 14 MGCC: Yorkshire Centre Wolds Way Run Contact: Chris Moore – camoctagon@gmail.com Friday 19 – Sunday 21 MGCC: Midland Centre Midland Centre Welsh Rallye Contact: Brian Osborn – 0121 445 4889 or brianosbornmg@gmail.com Saturday 20 MGCC: Caledonian Centre May Run and Sail Contact: Jim Greenhill – 01324 825173 Saturday 20 MGCC: V8 Register V8 Technical Day Contact: Roger Aldridge – 07738 679706

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Sunday 21 MGCC: Lincolnshire Centre Social Run Contact: Rob Welch – RJWELCHMIDGET@aol.com

Saturday 17 – Sunday 18 MGLive!

Silverstone Contact: www.mglive.co.uk – 01235 555552

Sunday 21 MGCC: South East Centre Tour of the South East Contact: Derek Edwards – 01737 765891

Sunday 18 MGCC: V8 Register 2017 AGM Contact: Debbie Brading – 07795 227715

Monday 22 MGCC: MGs on Track Snetterton 300 Contact: Martin Holmes – martinh@mgs-on-track.co.uk

Friday 23 MGCC: Caledonian Centre The Curry Run Contact: Eion McLean – 07738 084178

Sunday 28 MGCC: Caledonian Centre Square Riggers Run Contact: Jim Greenhill – 01324 825173

Friday 23 MGCC: MGs on Track Croft Contact: Martin Holmes – martinh@mgs-on-track.co.uk

JUNE

Thursday 1 – Monday 5 MGCC: MGF Register MGF Jersey Tour Contact: Philip Hayward – mgf.events@mgfregister.org Friday 2 – Monday 5 MG Car Club of France 55th Anniversary of the MGB – Bordeaux Contact: Bernard Joubert – bernard.joubert@ mgclubdefrance.com or 0033 676 96 56 76 Saturday 3 – Sunday 4 MGCC: Caledonian Centre Thirlestane Extravaganza Contact: Tony Smith – 07770 927803 Wednesday 7 – Sunday 11 MGCC: MGC Register MGC 50th Anniversary Contact: Ginny Cartmell – 01208 821552 or ginnycartmell@btinternet.com Thursday 8 MGCC: Anglia Centre The MGCC Mid Essex open evening Contact: Dave Tynan – 01795 535776 Saturday 10 MGCC: Anglia Centre Anglia Centre Committee Meeting Contact: Peter Skipper – 01502 731141 Sunday 11 MGCC: Anglia Centre Anglia Centre Mid-Summer Run Contact: Margaret Beresford – 01394 382096 Saturday 17 – Sunday 18 MGCC: South East Centre Brooklands 12/12 Display Contact: Derek Edwards – 01737 765891

Saturday 24 – Sunday 25 MGCC: Magnette Register 21st Z Magnette Day Contact: www.magnette.org Sunday 25 MGCC: Lincolnshire Centre Summer Social Run Contact: Rob Welch – RJWELCHMIDGET@aol.com Monday 26 MGCC: MGs on Track Castle Combe Contact: Martin Holmes – martinh@mgs-on-track.co.uk JULY Sunday 2 MGCC: Abingdon Works Centre Notcutts Classic Car Show Contact: Richard Martin – 01235 529331 Sunday 2 MGCC: Anglia Centre Anglia Summer Picnic Contact: Roger Latham – 01702 580472 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

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/04/2017 18:25

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21/04/2017 18:25

OVERSEAS NEWS

KIWI CLASSICS

– THE NEW ZEALAND PRE-’56 MG NATIONAL RALLY, WHANGANUI 2017

T

his was the 21st Pre-’56 Rally to be held in New Zealand. First started in 1977, the two-yearly rally oscillates between the North and the South islands and involves all the New Zealand clubs. Previous venues have included names familiar to UK members – Hamilton, Christchurch and Hastings – as well as the unfamiliar –Rotorua, Whangarei and Oamaru.

In 1979 the rally was cancelled due to a petrol shortage. Seemingly this was only a local matter, for the New Zealand treasury was attempting to maintain a fixed exchange rate in the face of diminishing foreign currency reserves and the country lacked the necessary US dollars to buy oil.

Consequently, filling stations closed at weekends and there were restrictions on weekdays. The inability to go ahead with longer road events meant the organisers had no option but to cancel.

While always listed as a pre-’56 event, in order to raise numbers the decision was taken some years ago to permit MGAs to participate. Some of the purists, including joint-founder of

By Peter Cook the event Peter Croft (The Godfather), continue to make vocal yet not entirely convincing protests. The week-long event drew 72 cars and about 150 participants. Many had spent the previous weekend in Napier on the east coast where the annual Tremains Art Deco Festival had taken place, in which pre-war cars of all kinds play a major role in the parade. The base for the week’s events was for most participants Whanganui’s Kingsgate Hotel; a very nice and appropriate touch was that the dining room had over its entrance a large bespoke banner declaring that, for this week at least, all the indoor activity was to take place in the ‘Cecil Kimber Pavilion and Dining Room’. This epitomised the welcome attention to detail which the organisers had put into this event.

After Monday’s registration, ‘noggin ‘n natter’, and evening BBQ by the pool, a sunny and hot Tuesday was taken up by the Concours D’Etat scrutineering at Whanganui’s Queen’s Park. MGs were organised in model order. As a lighter side of the often very serious and occasionally controversial business of Concours,

each participant was given a ‘People’s Choice’ voting slip on which their ‘best’ car could be judged by any criteria they chose to apply. Winners would not be announced until the Friday evening dinner. Concours can sometimes be contentious, so in order that excessive competitiveness would not spoil an otherwise amicable event, the organisers devised the following to deal with potential protests: “Only those protests written on black paper with full details handwritten in silver ink on the reverse side of the paper from that of the portrait of Cecil Kimber painted in his 63rd year, and accompanied by a case (12 bottles) of quality red wine from the Gimblett, Gravels or Barossa Valley regions will be considered by the organisers”.

As the arrival back at the hotel was around 4pm, by prior arrangement eight or so cars visited a local care home where the patients were delighted to see the ‘old’ cars. For many, the VAs, SAs, WAs and TAs brought back fond memories of, for them, a happier era.

Wednesday brought the Bill Baxter Observation Memorial Trial.

‘T’s everywhere!

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www.mgcc.co.uk

21/04/2017 18:25

OVERSEAS NEWS

After a safety briefing, cars left at one minute intervals, with passengers both navigating the route and looking out for answers to questions. Traffic was light on these rural yet good standard roads, and the scenery was often breathtaking. The day was broken by lunch at a country house (Bushy Park) set in a location with fantastic views and many opportunities for photographing the cars. The afternoon continued with the need to identify various buildings, including a massive yet now defunct lamb freezing facility, a Maori Pa (fort or settlement), warning signs for horses or kiwis, old bridges, and store names. Overall a fun day out where the cars were put through their paces and the drivers’ and navigators’ wits were well tested.

In the evening Register dinners were held at three different venues for the various classes of vehicles and were well attended.

Day four of the Pre-’56 National Rally involved two contrasting activities.

In the morning in a grassy corner of Whanganui Airport the motorkhana was held. This involved two circuits of four tests, and scoring involved both time to complete each test and penalties for failing to drive the designated route.

As many noted, understanding the route from the diagram and observation of previous contestants was not the same once in the driving seat and on the course. Even so, it was soon apparent that there were a few old hands at this kind of event, and the nimblest cars were not necessarily the same as the winning cars, even though timing was important.

For most, the cars were parked up for the afternoon as a paddle steamer trip had been organised on the Whanganui River. The Waimarie was originally built in 1899 by Yarrow Shipbuilders at Poplar, London, as a shallow-draught, coal-fired paddle steamer to cope with the Whanganui River’s shallows. It was used in regular service until it sank through

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an accident in 1952 where it lay on the muddy river bottom for nearly half a century. In 1992 enthusiasts established a community project to raise and restore the Waimarie. After seven years of fund raising and hard work the steamer was recommissioned on January 1 2000. A company named Puke (yes, really) Coal Mining supplies the steamer’s engine which normally revolves at 47 rpm!

The culmination of the sporting side of the Pre-’56 National Rally was the autocross which was held at a beach car park which had a fantastic view of the beach and Tasman sea, but mostly lost on the keenly competitive drivers. Helmets and overalls were the order of the day, and as with the motorkhana the fastest around the track were not necessarily the highest in the points. Roughly three-quarters of first-round drivers failed to navigate the course correctly and paid the penalty, in spite of the smoke and squealing of tyres. Though competitive, it was a good-hearted event with no casualties either to cars or to drivers. The morning’s autocross was followed by an afternoon bus tour of Whanganui and included a visit to the war memorial on the town’s highest point, and a visit to the Whanganui Royal Opera House which was built in 1899. Of mainly wood construction on a massive granite base to offer some resistance to earthquakes, the theatre is still fully functional today and is, rightly, a building in which the town takes great pride.

The Pre-’56 National Rally’s final event was the last evening dinner in the Cecil Kimber Pavilion and Dining Room where awards were given out for the week’s events, but also to those who had made significant contributions to Club activities over the years. The organisers took the wise decision to announce only winners in the various classes. This meant the closing dinner could be enjoyed, rather than being an award event

Bob and Lynne Douglas’s well-travelled TC – from Barnsley to Beijing

Gary Wall’s rare TA Tickford, driven by Richard Holl

Gary Wall’s splendid WA

interspersed with food and drink.

Saturday morning was breakfast and goodbyes, with some having a lengthy trip driving and then the ferry to the South Island.

This was truly a great event and showed the Marque of Friendship at its best. Although the weather was all one could have wished for, the event’s real success was due to the considerable efforts of the organisers over the previous two years. While there are a number of MGCC activists who could be thanked, two names stand out: Michael and Elaine Anderson. They worked tirelessly to ensure the Pre’56 National Rally was an outstanding success in every way.

MAY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 67

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www.mgcc.co.uk

21/04/2017 18:25

OVERSEAS NEWS

NEWS FROM THE MGCC SWEDEN

W

hen you receive this magazine the Swedish countryside will be covered in lush greenery, full of flowering bird cherries, lilacs, bulbous plants, and hundreds of other spring flowers. An unmistakable sign of spring is all the MGs that can now be seen on the winding country roads. So, these days, the landscape is flourishing, at least in the southern part of Scandinavia, but up in the far north the scenery is still snowy. Sweden is a beautiful and a rather remarkable country, with its major differences between seasons.

The Swedish MG Club is a most social institution and the chairman, Ewa Brander, controls it with a firm hand. The Club is divided into 10 Centres from the deep south to the high north. Every Centre has one or two ambitious Centre Representatives, and also District Leaders in every place in the Centre. Together this group, during the winter months, prepares all the meetings for the coming season, and 2017 is a very special year because it is our 65th birthday.

The Club magazine is called MG Bulletinen (six issues published per year, 70 pages in each issue) and the

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new editor, Tommy Lyngborn, has done a great job developing it.

The Main Event is The Swedish MG Meeting (SMGM), that will take place in the famous Kingdom of the Crystal, which is situated in the region of Småland. Please visit our website to see if there are still spaces available to participate in the event.

Between them the 10 Centres organise and attend around 200 meetings during the summertime.

Why don´t you take a look at our website www.mgcc.se and see what is going on. Click on Centres and you will find the email addresses and telephone numbers of the Centre representatives.

Make contact and I’m sure they’ll be able to help you to find an MG family to stay with. Don’t forget we have lots of different Swedish meetings all over

the country, and you’re welcome to attend any of them. It would be great to meet you in Sweden!

Per de Faire Past President MGCC Sweden

Members gather during an MGCC Sweden event

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

Austin Nippy versus M Type Midget

T

Crowns and Tiaras

he North American Nuffield Cup was awarded to the MGCC Toronto, which deservedly features on the front cover of their magazine, The Octagon. The Cup was presented to the President, John Burrows, at the annual awards banquet by Brian Woodhams in Toronto. The magazine reproduces ‘The History of the Nuffield Cup’ as written by Mike Hawke and taken from ‘The First 70 years of the MG Car Club’.

Like Safety Fast!, all overseas Clubs rely on advertising to support the printing, publication and distribution costs of their magazines and journals.

I carried out a little survey of the 12 magazines used in this review. These advertisements split roughly into two areas of activity: those being exclusively MG restoration and parts suppliers, and those providing general supporting services.

The supporting trades include Tyres, Carburettors, Oils, Insurance, Valuations, Chroming, Exhausts, Trim, Machining, etc.

My survey showed that the two categories had about the same number of advertisements, 60 each, showing that MG and other classic car marques

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support a huge industry of restorers and allied trades around the world.

The Sacred Octagon reports on the New England T Register’s 100th ‘Gathering of the Faithful’ The theme of this event was ‘Crowns and Tiaras’ and all guests enthusiastically entered into the spirit of things. The winners of the ‘Crown’ trophy were Derwood and Beverly Schotberger, who commented: “Thanks to Beverly’s talent and hard work we won the Crown trophy.

The gowns were modified from graduation gowns with fake fur and a multitude of plastic jewels glued to hand-made octagons. The Crown and the Tiara were fabricated from cardboard and papier mâché and Beverly’s Tiara has cut-out letters, NEMGTR, backed with purple felt.

Both have cardboard duplicates of the GOF 100 badge that I fabricated and Beverly hand painted the Register badge, as well as fabricating the tinny gold paper Crown and Tiara.

The Crown has an Octagon base, with eight flared octagon panels featuring our MGTD grille medallion enlarged to fit. Then Beverly adorned this with 100 pearls (to commemorate GOF 100) and then more jewels on gold octagons.”

A truly magnificent effort!

MG magazines turn up in the most unusual places and Wheelspin, the journal of the MGCC Victoria, Australia, reports on the Muhlberg Motor Club.

The members of this remarkable Club had no cars or bikes, as they were inmates of Stalag IVB, situated close to

Muhlberg, from 1944-45. The magazine was titled FLYWHEEL, and as no printing facilities were available all the text and illustrations were hand-drawn.

The copy shown here is sub-titled ‘Memories of the Open Road’ by Tom Swallow, Arthur H Pill and the members of the Muhlberg Motor Club, and features an article based upon Old Number One, FC 7900.

Heritage, the magazine of the MGCC de France, runs an interesting article on the after-market hardtops that were available for the MGA, reviewing tops from four different manufacturers.

Cream Crackers is the twice-yearly journal of the Kobe MG Car Club in Japan, which always features a load of interesting articles – if only we could read them! This is a very active Club with about 50 members owning Triple M cars from the 1930s right up to modern TFs. Featured are two poems about MGB-GTs, one of which was made into a song by Peter Tork of the Monkees.

Following this is a report on their major event, Meet the MG, which takes place in May and in 2016 they celebrated 80 years of the T Types, with 45 cars participating.

A regular item is the MG Quiz, a mixture of easy trivia and some challenging questions on cars and MG history.

A road test was carried out, Austin Nippy versus M Type Midget. It was difficult because of the language to establish what the result was, but I understand it was an honourable draw!

There are also reports on visits to members’ garages, road runs, a piece on badges, book reviews, and a welcome to new members.

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21/04/2017 18:25

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MAY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 71

21/04/2017 18:25

CENTRES

ABINGDON WORKS

GILL MARTIN sfscribe@mgabingdon.org.uk www.mgabingdon.co.uk We recently had brilliant sunshine at MG Era Day at Brooklands and what a difference it made.

Events like this are intended for people to stand and chat to friends they’ve not seen over the winter and to show what they’ve done to their beloved cars while they’ve been off-road. I do hope your MG is back in use and that you intend to join in as many events as possible.

I’m afraid you’ve missed our first event of the year, Drive-it Day, but don’t worry, the AWC have arranged many more fun days out for you to enjoy.

Our Old Speckled Hen Tour promises to be special this year, as it is our 25th run. Who’d have

and Gill Martin as Treasurer, but we now have a new Secretary, as Malcolm Bailey has decided that our Webmaster role is enough for him. I’m not surprised, as he is presently designing a new webpage for us. Thanks for your support as always, Malcolm. Thanks also to Committee Member Sarah Davies, who has “volunteered” to take over the role. We also have a new Member; Linda Cotter, wife of our Regalia (or is it now Merchandise?) Officer Tony. Thanks for joining us, Lin. All this sounds as though we’re overflowing with Committee Members, but don’t be put off if you’d like to join us – there’s always room for new people.

New people mean new ideas and who doesn’t need that?

Want to learn more about skydiving? Then pop along to the Aylesbury Natter at The Five Arrows in Waddesdon for 8.00pm on Monday June 5, where successful National and International competitor, Phil Hartree, will reveal all.

I hope you all know the dates for this year’s MGLive! June 17-18.

Tickets are on sale on the MGCC website. Do try to get there, and remember to visit the AWC stand where you’ll find all our clothing and other merchandise for sale.

Remember to wear your badge with pride. The word ‘Abingdon’ is respected with MG enthusiasts all over the world.

Finally, a warm welcome to all new Centre members, whom we look forward to seeing at an event very soon.

way through the field until the race was stopped following an accident. As the field made its way to the restart, the Lenham developed a problem causing Dave to make the restart from the pit lane. He made his way through the field again, finishing just 1 minute 43 seconds behind the eventual winner.

of our events, such as the Anglia Picnic, Mid-Summer Run and Queen Victoria Concours and Classic Show.

This will understandably necessitate a lot of manning over the weekend. If you feel that you could help with some time on the stand over the weekend, please contact our Competitions Secretary, Mike Pelling, at compsec@mgccanglia.com Helping out on the stand could entitle you to complimentary tickets, too.

Email Addresses A quick reminder to make sure that we as a Centre and the main Club have your up-to-date email address. Many Club Meets keep members in touch with local events via email, so in this digital age an up-to-date email to contact you is important.

MGLive! 2017 The Anglia Centre is going to present an innovative new display this year with a purposedesigned area near to the main marquee. We will have much more room than in the past, which will give us space to display more than one car and give us room to showcase some

Events Planning Mid Suffolk Club Meet are holding their open evening on Friday May 12 at The Lion, Needham Market IP6 8EA. Always a very popular event with many MGs on show, contact hosts Graham Wills 01379 890732 or John Cumming 01359 259717.

thought the event would prove to be so successful when it was first thought up? The fact that we have so many entrants already entered shows us how popular it is.

Download the entry form from our webpage, under events, and send it off to Richard Martin. Any queries please ring 01235 529331.

Our AGM was held at Kimber House this year, with a wonderful talk by Allan Ashenden on his part in the design of the MGF. Thanks to him and Fran for giving their time and expertise to the Centre. We are all now looking at fit lines on every car we see!

Your Officers remain much the same as last year, with Richard Martin as Chairman

ANGLIA

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

Club Meet News One of our smaller Club Meets, The White Hart in Weeley Heath, East Essex, may not have many members; however the members it does have are very active. Not least is Dave Stubbings who races a 1962 Lenham GT. The Lenham is a special bodied MG Midget that had a successful race career in the early 60s. Dave had the privilege of being invited to race his Lenham at the prestigious Goodwood 75th Members’ Meeting.

Entered in the Westlake Cup event for BMC engine A series cars, there was some stiff opposition.

Dave qualified well and made a good start, working his

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Some of the MGs on the Bright Yellow Car Convoy through the Cotswolds

The Anglia Centre Committee meeting is on Saturday May 13 starting at 10.00am at the Limes, Needham Market. Contact Anglia secretary, Roger Moran, at secretary@ mgccanglia.com if you would like anything pertaining to the Centre brought up.

Dave Stubbings in his Lenham at Goodwood

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/04/2017 18:25

2017 MG Car Club Anglia Summer Picnic

MGCC Anglia Summer Picnic at Ickworth House (NT) The Anglia Summer Picnic is being held on Sunday July 2 at Ickworth House, Horringer, Suffolk.

One of the most unusual houses in East Anglia with its huge central rotunda and curving wings in the Italianate style. Inside there are collections of Georgian silver, Regency furniture and old master paintings and family portraits.

The gardens around the house were created during the first half of the 19th century. Further gardens and extensive parkland which has a lake and the remains of a walled garden may also be visited. There are signed walks but you may venture away from these. There is also a shop, a plant and garden centre, cafe and restaurant on site.

Admission to Gardens and Park is at a special rate of £8.00 per MG - yes that’s per car.

Admission to the house is £6.35 per adult and may be purchased direct from the NT on the day.

Note - National Trust Members entry is free with their membership card – but would you please advise me for planning purposes (no SAE required). NT member are asked to make a donation of £2.00 per member, payable on the day.

Note – Entry to this event must be pre-booked.

There will be an exclusive parking and picnic area for MG Car Club members.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Booking Form (a photocopy is acceptable) Name ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Address -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Post Code -----------------------------------Phone --------------------------------- (in case of query) MG model ------------------------Number of adults------------- MGCC membership no --------------------------------------- Number of MG cars ----------------Cheque enclosed for £ ------------------------ payable to - “MGCC Anglia Centre” Please send booking form and cheque – with SAE please to: Roger Latham (MGCC Anglia Centre), 10 Hawkridge, Shoeburyness, Essex SS3 8AU. Phone 01702 580472 (evenings) or email president@mgccanglia.com for queries only, not bookings.

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CENTRES

CALEDONIAN

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

Safety Fast! has recently been coming out just before the publication month, so it’s possible that you could read this and still be in time to take a trip down to the Borders over the first May holiday weekend. 84 MGs of all ages will be touring in the area. And I’m certain as I write this in early April that the weather will be superb! If you want to try to catch up with us then give me a call and I’ll let you know where we will be.

You are now too late to enter the Thirlestane Castle show on June 4, but if you are very keen then try me and if there has been a cancellation we will try to fit you in. You can, however, enter Glamis on July 9, probably

the largest show of its type in Scotland. Always worth a visit and if you haven’t been before then why not this year? Check the website for details or call me!

But this month we have an unusual drive type event involving… water and a boat!

Jim Greenhill has organised on Saturday May 20 a trip to Loch Katrine, including a sail on the Sir Walter Scott. The sail will be about an hour long and during the trip (on land!) there will be a 14-mile run on a private road…

So! An event not to be missed.

Check the website for details.

For those of you into older MGs, don’t forget the Square Riggers Day on May 28 based around Montrose. This is

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

Not much has happened recently except Natter events. On a glorious sunny spring day, 25 cars assembled for the Brian Williams Memorial Spring Run, organised by the North Cornwall Natter, which was in the form of a Tulip Run which was a little bit ambiguous. There was plenty of countryside to see, with trees not in leaf yet and plenty of muddy roads, but a very enjoyable route.

Unfortunately, some went wrong and just found their way to the finish at the Two Bridges Hotel for lunch. The overall winners were Paul and Karen Alderton in their Austin Healey Sprite and the Car of the Day was the MG Magnette ZA owned by Mark

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Reeves, Lucas and Julie who received a trophy and a bottle of Camelford Wine. Thanks go to Rob Constant and his father Martin for all their hard work.

The Horsebridge Natter held its first quiz night, with several rounds to complete: 10 general knowledge questions, 10 sports personalities, 10 situation comedies, 10 music and 10 MG. Well done to Bob and Barb Slatter who won. We went away to Liverpool for a few days and guess what? We had the exact same general knowledge questions but unfortunately could not remember the answers!

Thank you to the new Natter Leader, Ian, for putting this on.

organised by our own Dughall Leask along with our friends in the Octagon Car Club. At the moment there are 21 entries but room for more. But as usual, if you can’t make it in your car but are in the area then come along and meet us! Details on our website.

And now for a commercial break... As you know, the Centre is 25 years old this year. We had a celebratory lunch in March at which member Boyd Tunnock

was the guest of honour and most interesting speaker, but if you would like a personal keepsake of the anniversary then we have commissioned a limited run of engraved whisky glasses which are available in a presentation box at only £6 each.

They will be on sale at our shows, but if you would like to order then please contact myself or Barclay Henderson.

That’s all, folks!

There have been several members who have penned a line to Ted Lawrence for the Centre’s News. Ted would be interested if you have a story to tell about your MG or an event you have entered.

Dates for the Diary June 11 – ACE Run. This run starts from Okehampton Railway Station and the finish is at St. Petroc College, Tiverton. Contact Bob Slatter for entry forms or visit the Centre website.

July 23 – Torbay Old Wheels Car Show on Paignton Green – Alan Turner.

September 10 – Cornish Riviera Run. There are two starts, one from Plymouth Science Park and a later one in Cornwall, at Bodmin Airfield. The choice is yours.

Over the old bridge approaching the finish at Two Bridges Hotel. Photo: Peter Heath

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/04/2017 18:26

18/01/2016 10:43 Page 1

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CORSICA EASTER TOUR April 13th-27th (13 days or 8 days) A 13 day tour, with an 8 day option, to Corsica, France’s beautiful Mediterranean island where we spend a week driving completely around the stunning coast-line as well as driving over stunning mountains and through scenic gorges.

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ITALIAN LAKES TOUR TO THE MILLE MIGLIA May 7th-22nd (15 days or 11 days or 6 days) A 15 day tour, ( with an 11 day option and a 6 day tour option) to watch the nostalgic 2017 Mille Miglia classic rally/historic re-run with 11 days in the Italian Lakes, including 2 nights on Lake Orta, 3 nights on Lake Como and 6 nights on Lake Garda.

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IRELAND ( WILD ATLANTIC WAY ) TOUR June 14th-24th (11 days) An 11 day tour to Ireland starting with 3 days driving a scenic route from Dubin to Cork via Wicklow mountains, Co Kildare and Co Wexford. We then spend 7 days driving the “Wild Atlantic Way” a scenic coastal route incorporating the Beara Peninsula, the Ring of Kerry, the Dingle Peninsula, Killarney, Adare, Connemare, and County Galway, spending the last two nights in a castle.

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CENTRES

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

May Natters: Wolds Wednesday 3; Lincolnshire Poacher Friday 5 (Landlord’s Choice); Abbey Lodge Monday 8 (Landlord’s Choice, sausage and mash available, book by May 2, Dave/ Fran 01507 527945); Wishing Well Wednesday 10 (Social Drive Paul 01780 759100); Three Horseshoes Thursday 18; Admiral Nelson or Bricklayers Arms (check venue Geoff/Vicki 01205 871973).

May Events: Sunday 7 Breakfast/Brunch meet at Ivy’s Farm Shop, Villa Lane, Swineshead PE20 3NG (to give some idea of numbers John 01205 369146 please);

Sunday 14 AutoSolo East Kirkby (David 01790 754774); Sunday 21 Spring Social Run (TBA).

Luncheon Club: Wednesday 17 (Richard/Vicki 01949 844066).

The big event of April, indeed the only event of the month, was the Centre’s AGM, held as usual at the Abbey Lodge.

The assembled members heard reports from the various officers showing that our membership is steady, the finances good and highlighting members’ successes at MGLive! in the California Cup, the Concours and the Sprint. Andy Rake was elected to the Committee. Full details of the Committee in the Spring

MIDLANDS

PAUL HOLLINGWORTH paul_irene@btinternet.com

A busy season is already unfolding in the Centre with lots of events to interest our members. By the time you read these notes the annual Welsh Rallye will be just a week or so away. If you have not yet entered and fancy a fantastic weekend of MG motoring in glorious Mid and North Wales, contact Brian Osborn on 0121 445 4889 to see if there is a late space available.

We are now getting into the social run season and on June 11 there is the Ratae Run; a pleasant drive through the lanes of Leicestershire, and also the Arden Heritage Run, starting from Evesham Country Park and finishing at Stanway House in the Cotswolds. Details of both these

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events are on the Centre website.

The following weekend, June 1718, will be our annual pilgrimage to Silverstone for MGLive! The Centre will be organising the camping again, so drop in and say hello. As well as the racing on the Grand Prix circuit, some of us will be sprinting on the Sunday down on the Stowe Circuit. Come and give us a wave.

We have recently held the first of our two sprints at the Curborough Course, near Lichfield. We were blessed with a dry, sunny day and an entry of just over 40. This was a round of the MGCC Luffield Speed Championship and registered competitors thankfully supported the event in force. The largest

Newsletter which all members should now have received.

The Luncheon Club visited a new venue, the Red Lion in Ruskington, which seemed to meet with the diners’ approval.

A glorious spring day, clear blue sky, warm sunshine, so the TF came out of hibernation again and I opted for the more scenic route. Having encountered extensive road works on the way, I modified the return journey only to face an even longer delay at four-way temporary lights at a crossroads – you just can’t win! When you are reading this we will have held our Drive It Day run to Batemans, proving that the Centre can achieve something in a brewery. This month, as can be seen above, we commence our competition season, with the first rounds of the Landlord’s Choice Pride of

Ownerships and an AutoSolo.

AutoSolos differ from Autotests in that there is no reversing and the route is clearly marked with the cones numbered and which side of the cone to pass indicated by another cone lying on its side, so impossible to go wrong!

As the memory test factor is removed, the AutoSolo is an excellent starter if you have never tried an Autotest, so come and try! You may then be inspired to enter the event at MGLive! as detailed in April’s Safety Fast! page 15. Last year I campaigned the MG3, still making my mind up whether to revert back to the TF. Autotests certainly highlight the differences between front wheel and rear wheel drive.

Details for the Spring Social Run have yet to be finalised, so please watch the webpage and your email inbox.

class was by far Class 1A, for standard cars up to 2000cc. A staggering 20 drivers fought for class honours. Class 1C, for road modified cars up to 2000cc, saw another brilliant battle for class honours. Richard Withers took command in his MGB GT, beating Rob Orford’s B Roadster and the BGT of Mike Cole. We only had three in the T Type and MMM class and, predictably, David Butler took the win in his TD Special. Neil Thomas came all the way from beautiful Tenby to win Class 2A, and in Class 3A we saw one of the best scraps of the day between the very rapid 1964 Midget of John Hawley and the pretty Elva Mk7 sports racing car of Les Proctor. At the end of the day, just 0.77sec separated them in Proctor’s favour, David Tandy finishing third in his Frogeye Sprite.

Andy Walker had a lonely day as the only competitor in Class 4B for Luffield Championship Specials; however, his brilliant time of 61.48sec made him Fastest MG, only just pipped by our only single-seater racing car, the Dempster Ensign of Fyrth Crosse, who posted Fastest Time of the Day with 61.03sec.

So ended a great day’s motor sport and my thanks go to all the officials and marshals who made the event happen. Our next sprint at Curborough is on Sunday August 6. Why not come along and have a look.

Better still, offer to marshal or even enter. If you would like any help or advice about taking up this relatively inexpensive branch of motor racing, you can always contact me. I will be happy to help.

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MAY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 77

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CENTRES

NORTH WEST PAUL GOODMAN 01625 876300

May is going to be a great month for using your MG and attending events. Our social gatherings will be at the Old Hall Farm Pub on Tuesday May 9, the Plough and Flail on Tuesday May 16, and the lunchtime meeting on Wednesday May 31 which will be at The General Elliot, 51 Lord Street, Croft, Warrington, WA3 7DE. We would particularly like new members to come to one of these meetings to get to know us. You will find friendly groups of members with considerable knowledge about MGs. We can usually solve car problems and screwdrivers have sometimes been used to repair minor faults.

No Cockshoot racing is taking place this month, but we

are organising the Scammonden Dam Hillclimb on Sunday May 14. This is a round of the Luffield Speed Championship so there will be lots of MGs competing.

We are also welcoming several guest motor clubs who will bring other makes of sports, saloon and racing cars to the event.

Each car runs up the tarmac road from the base of the dam to the top paddock, level with the M62. We need marshals to help run the event, but also welcome spectators. The hill is accessed from the A640 on the right heading towards Denshaw from M62 junction 23, shortly after crossing the motorway on an overbridge. Paddock parking is tight so we would prefer

SOUTH EAST

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

May kicks off with MGs in the Weald, Sunday May 14 2017 – The Zed Register are holding their event at the Kent & East Sussex Railway in Tenterden.

Whilst a Register event, it is also open to all other MGs. The organisers have arranged for the local micro-brewery ‘Old Dairy’ to open and offer two guided tours to visitors on the day. With a dedicated MG parking area, free entry and discounts in the station café, it is set to be a popular event. In addition, there is a 10% discount on railway tickets – a steam train that goes as far as Bodiam from which the Castle is a short walk. For details see Safety Fast! (March – p91) or contact Paul Money

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(paulmoneymg@gmail.com).

May 21 2017 is the South East Tour, organised by Terry Giles. Just to remind you all, this is a run of some 40 miles starting from Botley Hill Farmhouse, Surrey CR6 9QH, for coffee and breakfast, and finishing at the Gatwick Aviation Museum. The farmhouse is part of the Titsey Estate, dating back to the 16th Century and comprising some 26 cottages and farmhouse in 1,800 acres of farm and woodland.

Queen Elizabeth I herself visited in 1571, albeit not in the luxury of an MG! More recently, the farmhouse is famous for its cream teas and spectacular views over the North Downs. For details and an entry form contact Terry

Adam Key Racing his MGF in the Cockshoot Cup

spectators to park next to the lake and walk through the foot tunnel under the motorway. If you want to get involved or need more information, then please contact Paul Goodman (01625 876300).

Looking slightly further ahead, we will have significant involvement in MGLive!

The Cockshoot Cup Race Championship will be on track on both days and the Centre will be organising the sprint on the “Stowe” circuit on June 18.

There will be a large entry from the Luffield Speed Championship and several invited guest clubs including Lotus, TVR and Austin Healey. If you are prepared to

volunteer to help run the event, then you will qualify for a free weekend ticket. This means that you can be a spectator on Saturday and view all the attractions before moving to the sprint on Sunday. We will require several groups of volunteers to marshal the track and others to help organise and direct the cars before they reach the circuit.

Finally, the Centre has joined the search for MGFs with a racing history. This is to help with the “twentieth” anniversary race planned for 2018. If you have any memorabilia, clothing or know of the location of any cars, then please get in touch.

on terry@wireless-research.co.uk (020 8660 0908). The Aviation Museum offers the opportunity to view a great collection of British aircraft WWII – 1970s.

There is still time to buy tickets for MGLive! taking place on June 17-18 at Silverstone, which is billed as being bigger than ever. The weekend offers cars for sale, Club displays, concours, classic buses, racing, and Register parking. www.mgcc.co.uk/mglive/ features/ A really popular event amongst MG enthusiasts and families, with large savings to be made if ordering tickets in advance online.

Brooklands Double Twelve is also taking place on the same weekend, with the South East Centre having a stand. For information contact John Davies (01737 241971). A two-day event suitable for everyone, it

aims to celebrate the opening of the Brooklands track in 1907. The weekend features speed trials, driving tests, the prestigious double twelve concours and hill ascents, along with family activities. Details: www.brooklandsmuseum.com/ whats-on/the-brooklands-doubletwelve-motorsport-festival Summer gathering at Penshurst Place July 30 2017 – summer gathering at Penshurst Place (Philip Bayne-Powell 01483 811428 philipbp@mgcottage. freeserve.co.uk) The day will include an MG run, Concours and self-judging PoO competition, as well as the sale of regalia and a Bring and Buy stand. House tours will be available from 11.00am with prize giving at around 4.00pm.

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MAY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 79

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CENTRES

SOUTH WEST

JIM LOTT 07773 491953 chairman@mgccsw.com www.mgccsw.com www.facebook.com/MGCCSW @mgccsw Midget Class: Ian Beningfield MG Midget. 1st ‘Others’ Class: Kim Dear MG PB. 2nd ‘Others’ Class: Peter Jones MG TC.

The first championship event of the season has taken place with the MGs on Grass 1 (MGOG1) Autotest. The event took place on April 8 in glorious sunshine, and 12 members and invited guests took part. To make the event more interesting we ran the event as an Autotest and a Production Car Autotest. A PCA allows passengers to be carried and also drivers as young as 14, as long as they are accompanied by a full licence holder. This format will be used again for the MGs on Grass two event later in the year. The results were as follows: Fastest Overall: Ben Delafield MG Midget. 1st Midget Class: John Delafield MG Midget. 2nd

Events for 2017 Here is a summary of the events planned for this year: Sunday May 7– Wye Valley Social Run, Symonds Yat. Saturday May 13– Kimber Classic Trial, start at Lanes Hotel, West Coker, near Yeovil.

Saturday June 17 to Sunday 18 – Bristol Classic Car Show, Shepton Mallet.

Saturday June 17 to Sunday 18 –.MGLive! Silverstone.

Sunday June 25 – AutoAero Social Run from Cotswold Airport.

Sunday July 2 – Mid-Summer Run

TYNE TEES

NOEL LINDFORD noel.lindford@btinternet.com

MGCC Tyne-Tees Centre now has its own Facebook page, a closed group for our members and invited friends. As you may well know, it’s a great platform to post information, photos and video clips, share what you have been up to with your MG, or join a discussion and get info on upcoming events.

Find us at www.facebook.com/ groups/1390089947728946/ Past Events Sunday March 19: Regularity Production Car Autotest held at Seaton Carew attracted seven TTC entries. Our “Testularity” class was run alongside an Autotest organised by our hosts, Hartlepool & DMC. Ken Armstrong won our Regularity event in his MG TF

80 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2017

MG_SafetyFast_May17_49-98.indd 80

160, with Tony Wood second in a Peugeot Coupe and yours truly third in my MG TF 85. Thanks to Tony Coates and Trish Colligan for excellent organisation.

Sunday April 2: Spring Luncheon Run organised by Dennis Hope. This attracted 12 cars and 26 members to the start at Wolviston Services. The splendid 43-mile route took us via Dalton Piercy, Trimdon, Sedgefield and Middleton One Row to the finish at Stainton and the pub of that name for an excellent Sunday lunch.

Events Coming Up A reminder: our Breakfast Meets are the third and fourth Wednesdays of the month in the North and South respectively.

David Alexander and myself can tell you where.

Ian Beningfield about to be sent on his way by Victoria Jones

and Picnic, East Somerset Railway, Cranmore, Somerset.

Sunday July 2 – Scatter Treasure Hunt, Charminster, being organised by the Woolbridge Motor Club in association with the SW Centre.

Sunday July 16 – MGOG2 Autotest, Lower Claverham Somerset.

Saturday September 9 – Wiscombe Hill Climb.

Sunday October 15 – Kimber Car Trial, Pagans Hill.

Details of these and any further events will be available on

the website which will be updated to reflect the changes as they happen. I am sure you will agree that we have a varied collection of events planned for this year and it would be good to see some of you take part.

Many of you will have received my Spring Newsletter by email. However, the SW Centre has over 1,100 members and I only have around 800 email addresses. If you would like to receive the newsletter by email, please email chairman@mgccsw. com and I will add you to the list.

Friday May 12: Fish and Chip Supper Run to a superb fish restaurant on the coast. Meet at Durham Services, just off A1(M) J61 for 6:30pm. More info from Dennis Hope on 07970 115202 or email denhope@hotmail.co.uk Sunday May 14: Regularity Production Car Autotest at Brenda Road, Hartlepool.

Contact Tony Coates at tonycoates2003@gmail.com or call 07470 377317 for details. This is a new venue, and we aim to attract even more entries this time. Come along and have a go…great fun!

Saturday May 20: Northern Natter Treasure Hunt and Supper Run. Organised by John Brown, on 01661 881275. This free-to-enter event needs your commitment at least a week prior, if dining with us at a superb pub.

Menus from John and our website.

Starts at Robin Hood Inn, near Corbridge on the B6318 Satnav

NE18 0LL, where teas and coffees will be available. Meet from 4.00pm for a 4.30pm start.

Sunday June 4: Prince Bishops and St. Cuthbert’s Runs starting from Stokesley and Newbiggin Maritime Centre respectively, and finishing at Durham Cathedral.

Saturday June 17: Scruton Village Fete This wonderful North Yorkshire village show includes a classic car display, and organiser Tony Wood would like to have some MG cars take part.

Contact Tony on 07885 654795.

You need to be there for 1.30pm.

Saturday June 17 and Sunday 18: MG Live! Silverstone Weekend. Tyne-Tees are heavily involved this year, organising the Circuit Tours, California Cup and AutoSolo. If you would like to compete in the California Cup or in the AutoSolo, please contact me asap.

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CENTRES

YORKSHIRE

DAVID COPEMAN 07920 064585 www.mgccyorkshire.co.uk North – Colin Brear Congratulations to Mike and Val Payne who won the Kenning Trophy at the Yorkshire Awards for their hard work, particularly South Wales in 2016.

Gordon May gave an excellent talk on his bike ride ‘Overland to Vietnam on a 350cc Matchless motorcycle’.

The Bowling and Curry night was another enjoyable evening with 30 members attending.

We can look forward to many Summer MG Runs and a Chinese meal at Sweet Basil, Rawdon.

South – Geoff Norcliffe While Malcolm was on holiday Steve took on the role of Natter

leader for the evening and informed us of the upcoming events, not least our celebratory run from coast to coast to mark our 20-year anniversary. A report will appear next month. Marie organised regalia specifically for this anniversary year and handed them over at the Natter.

Check the website for further SY events this year.

East – Chris Moore Thank you to Ray Snowley again for organising an enjoyable, challenging social run finishing off with a lovely meal at the Black Swan, Brandesburton.

Weather was fine and we had great views over the Wolds.

Hoping for 100 entries for the Wolds Way Run, starting and

finishing in Hull, UK City of Culture 2017, with donation to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance with a raffle for Max Appeal.

West – David Copeman The Star was host to the Centre’s AGM with 50 members attending.

David Chapman was presented with the West Yorkshire Enthusiast’s Paragon Trophy for organising the 2016 Daffodil Run. He is also organising this year’s Run. We will have had the Daffodil Run by the time you are reading this, but still just enough time to catch the Wolds Way Run. The evening of Tuesday May 16 will be Pride of Ownership.

Start polishing!

Tiger – Pete Welbourn The first Tiger Natter luncheon run was in March this year.

A beautiful early spring day brought out a good assortment

of MGs and other interesting cars for a 30-mile drive to Bert’s at Brandesburton. The Black Horse at Little Weighton is our next venue, Mel and I have sorted a 50-mile route which goes west to Howden, courtesy of Richard, turns south to the river and back west past George’s.

Vale of York – Ken Cothliff We welcomed new members this month: Angus Sheldon and his wife Anna from Seaton Ross, York, and Colin and Miriam Brear from the NY Natter. The rest of the Natter was taken up with organising our inaugural ‘VoY’ Natter event, the April Fool Run on April 2 from Wetherby to Masham, ending up with a Black Sheep Brewery tour.

A busy summer to come, including Drive It Day, when we join the 24/39 Natter at York Gliding Club and a Pride of Ownership in June.

ULSTER

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

Alex Lyttle at Delamont

The Ulster Centre had a busy March schedule. We held the first round of the autotest championship at Delamont Country Park, near Killyleagh, on March 11. The sun shone, the two main tests were set up and a healthy entry of 25, including five Midgets, a Sprite and three assorted Minis/ derivatives, enjoyed a grand day’s motorsport. For the final Test three, CoC Stephen Dawson joined Tests one and two together for a final blast which

82 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2017

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averaged around 80 seconds or the equivalent of one and a half hillclimbs! Never say the MGCC doesn’t offer good value for £15 entry fees. Tim and Jeremy Tomalin in their respective specials took the top two slots with Richard Earney a close third place in his Mini. The juniors were also in fine form, showing improving driving skills and strong competition.

The AGM was held at Shandon GC on March 23. There was a respectable turnout and lively discussion on the past year’s and future events. Chairman John Clarke is to stand for another year, Garth Maxwell and Carol Willis return as Treasurer and Secretary respectively, with

L-R: Fullerton Jelly, John Moore, Linda and Terry Ingles, Maureen Jelly

Gordon Buckley as Competition Secretary and Stephen Dawson, Malcolm McQueen, George McMillan the other committee members. The Centre has a very active sub-committee headed by Mike Wilson and Mike Armstrong who are beavering away with proposals for various social events leading up to next year’s Ulster Centre 50th Anniversary.

One of the sub-committee’s planned social events followed shortly after the AGM – a lunchtime ‘Noggin and Natter’ at Hilden Brewery, near Lisburn, on

March 29. We haven’t held this type of event for some time, so it was pleasing to see so many old faces along to enjoy lunch, a good chin-wag, a brewery tour and opportunity to sample the excellent Hilden real ales.

Dates for your diary: Tuesday, May 16 2017 Autotest at Morrow’s, Gilnahirk, Belfast.

Sunday May 21 2017 Sunday Run and to include a visit to Rosemount House and Gardens in Greyabbey. Booking is required for this event.

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/04/2017 18:26

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La Foie/The Frenchblatting company

Tel: +44 (0) 1953 717618 Fax: (0) 1953 71785023/06/2010 13:46

1967 MGB GT V8 BRG, Biscuit/green leather trim. Fully restored last nut & bolt 5 years ago. Professionally converted to V8 spec, no expense spared. Webasto roof. Moto Lita wheel.

15” minilites. Fast touring car. Rare early GT. Superb! £23,995

MODELS

www.donhoods.com

Suppliers of parts for • MGA • MGB • MGC • Midget • T Type • MGF/TF

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1967 MGB ROADSTER Nightfire Red, w/w, o/ drive, leather trim, full wood dash. Excellent restored car, s/s boot rack, boot carpets, tonneau. Getting rarer by the year. £11,995

La Foie is a 10 acre farm on the Loire Valley/Brittany Border.

Many MG owners enjoy a week in one of the two gites which have a turnover of £3500-£4000 See the details at: www.frenchblat.com/la-foie.htm

1971 MGB Roadster Teal Blue, Autumn Leaf trim. Excellent interior. New seats and carpets.

Moto Lita wheel, s/s sports exhaust, alloy rocker cover, K&N filters, servo. Body trim excellent.

Reliable car looks great. Great value. £8,995

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

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

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

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_May17_49-98.indd 83

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

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

MAY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 83

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REGISTERS

TRIPLE M

JEREMY HAWKE +44 (0)1225 863934 mgk3007@btinternet.com www.triple-mregister.org Red Face Department It’s time to own up. Far from being a subtle April Fool, I had complete brain-fade in my photo and caption in these notes. I guess you were all just too polite to mention it. There is no explanation really (except perhaps a ‘senior moment’), but the photo I submitted was of Richard Jenkins enjoying himself at the Goodwood Track Day, not Bryan Ditchman. Now, to be fair, Bryan also drives an N Type, just not a blue one. To make amends, this month’s photo is of the real Bryan, driving his car in spirited fashion ascending Fingle on the MCC Centenary Trial back in 2000. This car is built and prepared to the same

spec as the NE Musketeer trials cars and boasts 1408cc of blown “oomph” under the bonnet (which should get you up most things…) and is currently nearing the end of an engine rebuild.

01932 857381 ext. 244).

Other details are available on the museum website: www. brooklandsmuseum.com/whatson/the-brooklands-doubletwelve-motorsport-festival 2017 MMM Touring Event: based in Cornwall this year. Further details can be had from Charlie Cartwright at: charlie.cartwright@ gmx.co.uk with the website at: www.kernow-wheals.com if you’re not too late already.

Kimber Trial: Entries have closed, but the SW Centre would very much appreciate offers of marshals for this long-running

historic event. If you can help, Bruce Weston is the man to contact, with details at: www. mgccsw.com/2017/03/12/kimberclassic-trial-marshals-needed/ or write to Bruce Weston, Paddock Lodge, Cherry Pie Lane, Sparkford, Yeovil. BA22 7AT. Tel: 01963 440941 (home), 07929 497408 (mobile).

And, of course; this may drop on your doormat just before Brands – see you there. If not, read all about it in next month’s big bumper MMM issue which will include tales of J2s being squashed by a tank (amongst other things).

and stamped with the emblem they used at the time. On the right we have a modern nickelplated version stamped ‘Cheney England’. As you can see, the holes don’t quite match up and the styling is a little more basic for mass production, probably in

Toolbox Catches – Part 2 Last month I told you about my initial research into the Cheney

China. The latter are obtainable but require some modification to create the 90-degree angle on the top part. There is a smaller, readily available version produced

by Eyland & Sons Ltd (who have taken on the Cheney brand) in both brass and nickel finishes, that you can also find on eBay, etc. These were used on many products, including record player cases, but are some 30% smaller than the ones on our cars.

The original ones are hard to find and my research brought me into contact with someone who had recently bought a pair for £110. I managed to find a pair of original catches in the USA and, as I only needed one, I now have the one pictured in my spares box. Please contact me if you need one or indeed if you have any available for our members or require any further information.

84 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2017

www.mgcc.co.uk

Upcoming Events Brooklands 12/12: Of interest to MMM owners and enthusiasts will be the Brooklands Double Twelve Motorsport Festival being held on June 17-18, including celebrations for the 110th Anniversary of the Brooklands circuit. If your car has a Brooklands history and you’re thinking of attending, please contact Steve Castle at the museum (stevecastle@ brooklandsmuseum.com,

SVW

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

At last I’ve completed phase one of the planned bodywork repairs on my VA Tourer. After some 120 hours, I’m pleased with what I’ve achieved and have taken lots of photos which I’ll share with you in due course.

By the time you read this, the MG Era Day at Brooklands will have taken place and I hope to report on the SVW attendance there next month. Please see the flyer about the SVW event in July; bookings have been strong and I’m really looking forward to this one.

MG_SafetyFast_May17_49-98.indd 84

catches/latches. The photo shows the original 1930s Cheney version on the left, made in solid brass

21/04/2017 18:27

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www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_May17_49-98.indd 85

MG Motorsport ............................................. 81 MG Sales Centre........................................... 27 MGF Mania ................................................... 43 Midland Classic Restoration .............................3 Mike Authurs Classics................................... 83 Mike Rolls ..................................................... 91 Mike Satur .................................................... 81 Mirror Trim..................................................... 79 Moss Europe Ltd..............................................6 Motor Wheel Services ................................... 68 Norman Verona ............................................. 83 NTG Services ..............................................OBC Oselli Ltd ....................................................... 71 Oxford Wheel Service.................................... 39 Paul Depper MGs.......................................... 85 Peter Best ........................................IBC, 77, 83 Prestige MG .................................................. 55 Rees Bros ..................................................... 94 Retro Sports Cars ......................................... 31 Rimmer Bros Ltd........................................... 29 RJJ Car Shipping and Transportation .......... 77 Robin Lackford Motor Engineering ............... 79 RPS Ltd ........................................................ 79 Runnymede .................................................. 89 Scenic Car Tours ........................................... 15 Skiptune........................................................ 71 SMR ............................................................. 93 South Coast MG Rover ................................. 68 Steve McKie Sports Cars............................... 83 Summit MG .................................................. 81 Sussex Classic Car Parts..................................6 Sussex Sports Cars ....................................... 77 The Hutson Motor Co Ltd .................................3 The MG Automobile Company ...................... 29 Vitesse Global Ltd ......................................... 43

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MAY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 85

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REGISTERS

Y TYPE

JERRY BIRKBECK jerrybirkbeck@btinternet.com www.mgccyregister.co.uk Tel: 01926 258691 Mob: 07855 566325

Ys at Brooklands for the MG Era Day

Great start to 70 Years of the Y Type Two excellent events marked the start of 70 Years of the Y Type.

Over the weekend of April 1-2 Ys had a presence at the Practical Classics Classic Car

Restoration Show held at the NEC Birmingham. And then on Sunday April 2, following a kind invitation by the MGCC South East Centre, the Register was invited to the MG Era Day at Brooklands.

Our YT on the Stewart Miller and Peter James Stand

Practical Classics at the NEC Three Ys were present at the NEC. Keith Buckley’s superb 1952 Y was the first ever YB. It featured at the same event last year as a `Barn Find’. Over the last 12 months Keith has completely rebuilt the car and this was its first major public presence. It featured on the Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership Stand, one of just 20 cars selected for display. I am unsure of the winners at this stage.

On the MG Octagon Stand Bernard Foad’s lovely YA was on show and this drew very favourable comment, and deservedly so.

Our YT was on the Stewart Miller and Peter James Insurance Stand in Hall nine. This was being

used to promote the Round Britain Relay which they are sponsoring and which begins on June 3 from the Lakeside Shopping Centre, London, and finishes on July 30 at Kimber House. This is our major celebration of 70 Years of the MG Y Type. For more details visit our website.

MG Era Day Brooklands This event served two purposes – one, to promote 70 Years of the Y Type and the Round Britain Relay and the second as a memory to Jack Murray. He and Mollie were regular visitors and the 24 Ys present on a glorious sunny day were a testament to our dear friend.

MAGNETTE

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

Events Magnettes and Steam will have been and gone by the time you read this, but you’ll see from the website and email events update that there’s still plenty in store for the rest of the year.

In particular, there’s now a full programme for the 21st European Magnette event in Austria (June 23-25), which you’ll need to book very soon, and look out for more details on the Shropshire weekend, July 15-16. Apart from the usual scenic drives and good company, this will include the Register AGM in Ludlow on the Sunday morning. We also plan to award the NTG Concours Trophy during the weekend. For various reasons, it wasn’t possible to

86 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2017

MG_SafetyFast_May17_49-98.indd 86

organise concours judging last year, but there are certainly enough top-class restorations to make a good competition if we can get a reasonable number assembled in one place.

Farina photos Following the Farina mention last month, Keith Wynn sent some great period holiday photos of his father’s MKIII (hope I’ve identified it correctly, from the division line between the two body colours). Keith learned to drive in it, but sadly neither the Magnette (according to DVLA) nor his father are with us now.

There are though one or two MKIIIs still on the road, although even fewer than the MKIV

Former Peter Tothill ZB at the NEC

which had improved power and handling.

Registrar Cynthia Harris is keeping records of Farina Magnettes that are known to us, so do please use our website form to register yours – we’ve started a new gallery section which hopefully will be added to. Of course the Cambridge and Oxford Owners Club does a great job of supporting Farinas in general and has its own gallery and register, but we know that Magnette owners feel drawn to the MG connection as well, or

very often they have other MG models anyway.

Finally – congratulations to Dominic Taylor-Lane on having his ZB selected for the Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership display, at the Practical Classics Show in March (at the NEC).

Dominic’s car is well-known and well-restored, having previously belonged to his late father-inlaw and MG factory test driver Peter Tothill, who used his long experience to make various performance modifications.

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/04/2017 18:27

REGISTERS

MGA

EDWARD VANDYK 01488 608810 mgascribe@vandyk.co.uk Every Register report will, I suspect, lead on just how fabulous a day was had by all on April 2 at Brooklands annual MG Era event.

The sun shone and there were cars aplenty with a fabulous selection representative of each model. There were too many MGAs in too many locations at Brooklands to give an exact number attending, because by 10.30 all the MGA allocated spaces had been filled and the overflow arrangements seemed to comprise instructions to park as near you can (to the others) and where you can!

Brooklands is a bit of a building site at present during the redevelopment and restoration of the original start/finish straight, so MGAs were privileged to

be allocated the area around Concorde. This made for a memorable display.

I think every MGA factory colour option was represented, along with a few ‘bespoke’ colours as well. There were, of course, roadsters and coupes present and every variant save, I believe, for a De Luxe or a Twin Cam Coupe.

One car that particularly caught my eye was Hugh Davy’s 1959 white 1600 roadster which was fitted with an HRG crossflow head – you will note the carburettors are on the ‘wrong’ side. When I asked Hugh how he had found the car’s performance enhanced by fitting this head he responded by telling me he had never known the car without it.

The serial number of the head, 237/759, would seem to make it contemporary with the car.

An HRG head fitted to a 1600 car and using standard carburettors is said to increase BHP at 5,500 revs from 73.5 to 90 and torque at 4,000 revs from 86 to 100.5 lbs/ft. More

details about the HRG head are available at www.rhodo.citymax. com/f/HRG_Information.pdf The Restoration Show at the NEC did not feature much in the way of MGAs, but one surprise was the appearance of an unrestored white Twin Cam Coupe with green interior, YM2 958, from South Africa. The car had been only the second Twin Cam Coupe exported to South Africa and left Abingdon as a red car with black interior!

MGAs at Brooklands

MIDGET

MIKE PARKER mikeparker78@talktalk.net www.midgetregister.com As you will have read in last month’s notes, there were some changes to the Register committee, with Neil Thomas and Anthony Cutler stepping down. On behalf of the Register I would like to thank them both for all their input during the many years they served on our committee. The good news is that we welcome Iwan Jones and Mark Jackson to the Register. Both have joined us on Register events over the last year in their Midgets and will be at MGLive! to meet you and greet you over the weekend.

Dennis Wharf has kindly offered to help organise this year’s road run on September 3 2017.

Details will be in June’s Safety Fast! with a booking form and on our website, www.midgetregister.com

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_May17_49-98.indd 87

in the next few weeks.

The Register Car of the Month page on our website needs more entries as Peter is running short, so please send in photos and details to him – again details on the Register website.

The date for MGLive! is getting closer and this year the Autotest, on the Saturday, and the Autosolo, on the Sunday, are being held in the infield in the heart of all the action and this year it’s free to enter. It is great fun in a Midget. Details from Colin Grant on colingrant@mgcc.co.uk or call 01235 849733.

The racing over the weekend looks great, with one of the highlights on the Sunday being the Pre 66 Masters Saloon Car Race

Neil Thomas about to enjoy a run up Curborough during a Luffield MGCC Championship event.

which will take us all back a few years. Also on Sunday, and being held on the Stow Circuit, will be the Luffield Sprint. Always a few Midgets in this event, including our very own Neil Thomas, so well worth getting the free bus ride out to watch him! Again, on Sunday, are the Concours and Pride of Ownership which both have a class for MG Midgets, with the overall winner being awarded the prestigious Mike Authers Trophy.

The Register will also be presenting

the Car of the Year award during the MGLive! weekend at Silverstone, so there is lots going on and lots for the Midget owner to look forward to.

Iwan Jones and his MG Midget

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REGISTERS

V8

VICTOR SMITH 0208 392 9434 victorsmith@v8register.net www.v8register.net Skinners Union If you were asked in a quiz what is the connection between carburettors and footwear, you might be tempted to answer leather, but it goes much deeper than that. The Skinner family

was involved with the wellknown footwear retailer Lilley & Skinner and the family wealth was instrumental in keeping the SU Company alive during some of the difficult years in the early 1920s, prior to its purchase by

William Morris. The history of SU is set out in a book by Mike Harvey with the title Skinners Union published by the SU Carburettor Co. Nic Houslip found the book a comprehensive and wellresearched history of the design of a unique type of carburettor, from inception to production, that we still know today: the SU variable venturi carburettor.

From humble beginnings in 1910, the development of the carburettor continued and it was fitted to many cars including Morris, MG and Wolseley for example, continuing to the peak with the HIF and similar versions into the late 1970s, when fuel injection with its superior emission control characteristics became the norm. Technical and non-technical readers alike will benefit from this book, especially

if they own an MG fitted with SU carburettors. For more see: www. v8register.net/more.htm Early RV8 for sale Activity in the MGV8 market has been strong over recent months and an early RV8 was on offer

by Roy Miller who sadly felt the time had come for it to go. A very attractive low mileage car in Le Mans Green.

RV8 25th Anniversary 2017 A supper to celebrate the anniversary of the launch in 1992 will be held on the Friday evening of the MGLive! 2017 weekend.

Details will be on the V8 website and in next month’s column.

V8 Technical Day Unfortunately, this year’s V8 Technical Day has had to be cancelled.

FWD

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

So, the last month has been yet another busy one for the FWD Register. At the end of March we attended the Practical Classics Restoration Show where we displayed three cars on our stand: two Metros and an ADO 16 MG 1100, a car which has just been recommissioned after standing unused for four years!

The weekend was a great success for us, with loads of interest in our cars and many stories from members of the public about the cars and their experiences of them. Many people were saying “this was my first car” or “I learned to drive in one of these”.

As with previous shows, we were made aware of a number

88 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2017

MG_SafetyFast_May17_49-98.indd 88

of cars that people know of that are tucked away in garages and sheds and have not seen the light of day for years. This goes to show that there are many other survivors of our cars out there and, who knows, maybe in a few years they will be seen back on the road.

Our next major event was on April 8 and was our annual Spring run. Tanya Field has done an extra report on this, but all who attended had a great day and I would like to thank Tanya for organising a great route and day. We were blessed with good weather all day and various Metros, Maestros and Montegos, alongside other MG models

The FWD Stand at the Practical Classics Restoration Show

that attended. This year, no one appeared to get lost and we all managed to stick together, but unfortunately we did end up with one poorly Maestro with suspected fuel pump issues.

Looking forward to future events, we have MGLive!,

Manchester Classic Car Show and of course the NEC Classic Car Show to start planning for. If you are interested in displaying your FWD car with us at any of these events please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/04/2017 18:27

REGISTERS

MGF

TIM MORRIS 01932 882467 scribe@mgfregister.org www.mgfregister.org Thank goodness the sun has come out. I mentioned our rather damp Chairman’s Run in the last issue and we are glad to put that weather behind us now as we don our sunglasses and seek out our MGF Register polo shirts ready for the summer. I read on social media that the cars are coming out of hibernation and the hardtops are being stored in the back of garages.

This is something that has become more prevalent as the F/TF becomes less of an everyday car and enters the realm of collectability with prices to follow, no doubt There is plenty to look forward to – check out our regional boards on the MGF Register Internet forum and their individual Facebook pages for updates on what is happening

F/TF-wise near you. Central region co-ordinated our presence at Pride of Longbridge, we’re keeping an eye on the MGCC race meets, particularly Church Square Autos who are competing their orange LE500 this year with MGF Register stickers (David has resisted the urge to spray it red, so far) and we had a good multi-region get-together at Brooklands MG era. There were nearly 100 F/TFs at the show and the Register area catered for about 40 of those who had asked for passes – we’re sorry if you missed out on those but you do need to keep in touch via social media or forum to find out all the latest.

Internationally, the MGFIM on May 25 to 28 is booking now (www.mgfim.org) and I think

Mykel’s Niederrhein tour is now fully booked, as is the Register’s trip to Jersey at the beginning of June. Essex Region are hosting their International Autumn Weekender meeting on September 9-10, and raising funds for the Register’s 2017 charity Prostate Cancer UK in the process. It is filling up well but you might still be able to book in if you are quick – all the details are at www.essex-iaw.org MGLive! is approaching and I’m sure you’ve already got your tickets. We’ll be there in the thick of it again with the evening entertainment on Saturday – which will be in the open air for the first time this year! Expect the usual great mix of barbecues and live bands. We’ll also be hosting the Glo Car competition again, so May could be a month to get all those bits together that you need to make your car fizz with lighting energy

Telephone 01753 644599

Email: martin@runnymede motorcompany.com

– old torches, glo-sticks, whizzy things and some banging tunes to soundtrack it all! No need to book, just turn up on Saturday night with a car resembling the Blackpool illuminations!

The summer edition of the Register’s magazine FasTForward should be out soon. If you have not yet subscribed (there is a £16 cost for four editions) then you can do so via the Register’s online shop at www.mgfregister.org/shop Whilst there, you can also browse the regalia and other items we have in stock and maybe you can buy one of those polo shirts and/or baseball caps ready for Summer – I have! All proceeds go back to the members in the form of events, gazebos, flags, etc, for shows and runs. This is largely how the Register is funded, through these sales, so please support us by buying something from the shop!

Mobile (07836) 222111

www.runnymedemotorcompany.com

Aston Martin in the Thames Valley

1962 MG MGA MkII This is a really beautiful and well cared for MGA MkII with its original 1622cc “B” series engine. The paint work is in excellent condition and the car was the subject of an in-depth restoration in the early 2000’s. It is fitted with an upgraded 5 speed gearbox, giving it a higher top gear, very useful for continental tours. As can be seen from the pictures on the website, the engine bay has been beautifully kept and the engine has the benefit of an oil cooler and an alloy rocker box cover. Recent works carried out this year in readiness for the Spring include a full service and the fitting of new front discs and new callipers. The car comes with a detailed history file, excellent weather equipment which includes a hood, side screens and a tonneau cover and it is a real pleasure to drive. MkII’s are becoming increasingly difficult to find in this condition and the MG car club provides really good support for its members. Not to be missed at £34,950

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

MG_SafetyFast_May17_49-98.indd 89

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REGISTERS

ZR/ZS/ZT

JOHN THOMPSON Tel: 07854 275541 johnt5@btinternet.com www.mgcc.co.uk/zedregister Events and Shows Our April began at the NEC over the weekend of March 31-April 2 for the Practical Classics Restoration Show. This show was a first for us – but all the preparation and behind-thescenes work paid off and we had a very successful weekend.

We had two cars on display: Louise’s stunning Trophy Blue ZR pulled in an admiring audience, as did Classic Car Weekly’s ‘£500 Challenge’ ZR 105 in British Racing Green. We would like to thank David Simister and his team for loaning us their ZR for the weekend. The ‘temporary’ Rover 25 front was very much a talking point from all our visitors. Several new members with Zeds joined

the Club over the weekend, so welcome to all of you. We agreed that the reception of the Zeds at this show in their home town had been fantastic. During the three days, several people stopped to chat and said they had worked on the Zeds at Longbridge, and were delighted to see them so popular and enter the classic car arena.

Meanwhile, on the Sunday, Zed owners headed for Brooklands Museum in Surrey for their MG Era Day. Overall the day was a success with a healthy number of visitors, although we did feel a bit out of the way round by the F1 display.

The following Sunday (April 9), the first rounds of the 2017 Racing Championships took

MG6.3.5

STEVE HAINES Steve-haines@live.co.uk www.facebook.com/groups/MG635Register https://twitter.com/635register Spring has sprung and events have started to happen for the 635 Register.

On Sunday April 20, the 635 Register attended the John Woods Motorcare open day in Mollington, Cheshire. We were given a prime spot to park up and use the opportunity to show off our cars. The event was well-attended by various clubs from across the country and also featured guest star, Fuzz Townshend from Car SOS. There was a lot of interest in the latest modifications for the MG3, including the high flow air filters and exhaust systems. A great day was had by all those who attended and we’d like to extend

90 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2017

MG_SafetyFast_May17_49-98.indd 90

our thanks to John Woods and Mark Burnham of JWMC for their invite. See you again next year!

The 2017 BTCC season has kicked into life with a great media day unveiling the new liveries of the MG6GT along with our two new competitive

Classic Car Weekly’s ‘£500 Challenge’ ZR 105 in British Racing Green attracted a lot of attention at the Practical Classics Restoration Show.

place at Donington Park circuit with what must be a record number of Zeds. No fewer than 61 ZRs and ZSs were entered for the day’s races. All made the grid except for David Coulthard’s ZR 190 which blew its engine in qualifying.

On Easter Saturday, we returned to Birmingham for the Pride of Longbridge gathering.

There will be a full account of this event in the next update, together with the how the racing went and Brands Hatch.

Upcoming events With ‘MGs in the Weald’ only

a few weeks away there is still time to book on one of the two brewery tours taking place that day. Please contact Andy Knott (01235 849730) directly at Kimber House to book your places. We will be having a specific parking area for modified cars, show cars and Monogram cars on the station concourse. If you plan to bring any of these to the event please contact either myself or Paul Money so we can take your details and direct you into position on the day. Paul can be contacted on paulmoneymg@ gmail.com

drivers, Aron Taylor-Smith and Dan Lloyd. Their first, rather public, testing session went well, with both putting in some good times. It’s nice to see both cars in the same livery again and a big support from sponsors. The first weekend of racing was a bit frustrating for MG/888, with both drivers struggling to get through the field after suffering from a rainy qualifying on the Saturday. We are very thankful once again to our friends at MG

Motor for giving us tickets to give away for race days at the BTCC events, which we will be doing throughout the season on our Facebook page.

Events are being planned for the whole summer and are looking to be very popular, judging by the interest so far on the social media sites. The next event is the Register’s support of MG Motor at the BTCC Thruxton meeting on May 6 and 7 where we will have owners’ cars on the MG Motor stand, as we have done for the past three years with great success. Please come along and say hello! Planning is also in hand for MG Live! on June 17 and 18. We are looking for as many owners as possible to take part in the Pride of Ownership on the Sunday this year, so please get your forms in to the Car Club asap to book in.

MG635 Cars at the John Woods Motorcare open day

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/04/2017 18:27

TRADE MEMBER

Specialising in all MG’s

TEL/FAX: 01258 820337

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

2016 201 6

MARTIN SMITH

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

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

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. £6,995.

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

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

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

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

SO

LD

L SO

D

MG 6 TSE GT 5 Door, (top of the range model)

MG TF 135 Spark ltd edition (just 50,000 miles)

MG TF LE500 Pre Production (just 22,000 miles)

2009 (59 Reg) 12,000 Miles Manual Petrol Finished in: Black/Black leather A very very low mileage TF LE500 in Black with a colour coded hardtop, having covered just 12,000 miles full serviced history. Also fitted with air conditioning, soft ride suspension, glass heated rear screen in soft top, 16” 11 spoked alloys, full black leather sport seats, wind deflector etc. Immaculate. £7,895

2013 (62 Reg) 39,000 Miles Manual Petrol Finished in: White/Black leather Top of the range MG6 TSE 5 door, full spec, White with black roof/ Black leather, satnav, 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. £6,495

2005 (05 Reg) Manual Petrol Finished in: Xpower Grey/Black leather grey inserts Previously supplied by us to its last owner in 2010 at 28000miles. High spec Spark ltd edition model eg, sports pack 2 with 16” 11 spoke alloys, chrome packs, front fog lights, black leather sport seats. Mudflaps all round, wind deflector. Just been though our workshop and had a full service with a new Headgasket/cambelt/water pump. Superb condition. £3,895

2007 (57 Reg) Manual Petrol Finished in: Grey/ black leather Just One owner NAC MG UK ltd.

Was used for show days and press releases eg photos etc . Made to high LE500 spec eg with full leather sport seats, air conditioning, soft ride suspension, glass heated rear screen, Wind deflector. Being the later TF LE model it is fitted with the later ‘N’ series engine, fully serviced with a new cambelt etc Sold with 12 months mot. Outstanding condition. £6,795

MG MGF VVC (just 66,600 miles)

MG TF 135 Sprint (just 82,000 miles)

MG TF 115 Convertible (just 38,700 miles)

MG TF 85th+ H/top, MG UK Showcar. (just 31,000 miles)

1996 (N Reg) Manual Petrol Finished in: B.R.Green/ cream leather A very early model MGF VVC with a very low mileage, with fully detailed history from day one invoices old mots huge file, all the original handbooks/owners quick guide/key cards etc. Headgasket /cambelt etc replaced by MGOC Jan 2016 ,over £9,000 spent on keeping this MGF immaculate since December 2014. Removable colour coded hardtop with black soft top fitted with a heated glass rear screen.

Immaculate. £2,995

2002 (02 Reg) Manual Petrol Finished in: Xpower Grey/black leather grey insert TF135 Sprint ltd edition, these were high spec models fitted with black leather sport seats with grey alcantara inserts, sport pack 2 with unmarked 16” 11 spoke alloys, chrome packs, front fogs, Black soft top, wind deflector, sports exhaust, excellent condition, service history, just been though our workshop and fitted with a new Headgasket/water pump/cambelt and new mot. £2,695

2003 (52 Reg) Manual Petrol Finished in: Silver/ Black leather Grey inserts Here we offer a very low mileage TF115 1600cc with just 38,700 miles Full service history with bills old mots and 10 service stamps ,headgasket etc replaced at 20,000m. Silver interior trims, grenadine hood ,alloy wheels and with Mud flaps all round, electric windows, cd, Low insurance and road tax. Outstanding condition. £2,395

2009 (09 Reg) Manual Petrol Finished in: Cassis/ Aubergine Leather One owner Revealed at MG Heritage Festival in Windsor April 2009. Full spec, air con, heated glass screen in black soft top, 85th special uprated suspension, unmarked Twisted pepper alloys etc hardtop being fitted as an extra, Just had full service with new cambelt, disc’s and pads, stainless water pipes, new Falken tyres and mot. £8,295

Units 9/10 Fifehead Business Park, Manor Farm, Fifehead Magdalen, near Gil ingham, Dorset SP8 5RR VIEWING BY APPOINTMENT PLEASE

MG_SafetyFast_May17_49-98.indd 91

This is just a small selection from our stock

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

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

www.mgcc.co.uk

CM02.13/B32/d

MG TF LE500 #372/500+ h/top (just 12,000 miles)

www.churchsquareautos.com MAY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 91

21/04/2017 18:28

wheels, new leather upholstery and in good condition as little used for the last 5 years. Owner for 14 years & stored in a heated garage. Bath, Somerset. Price £27,500. Email derek.hayes@trhayes.co.uk for further information & phone number.

CL ASSIFIEDS

Green, Petrol, Alloy Wheels, Spare Tyre, Mileage 42,000. 12 months MOT. I’m third owner. Soft roof in full working order. Leather interior including steering wheel and original MG gear knob. Luggage rack, CD player. Garaged. £1,600. Contat Marie on 07771504044. (Berkshire)

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.

1958 MGA Roadster

Lovingly owned for past 28yrs.

Most reluctant sale as perfect condition. Re-wired, bare-metal respray, fast B engine, 5 speed gearbox, disc brakes, 72 spoke wheels, white, red interior. Too many extras to list.

This is a rare opportunity to purchase a genuine MG Classic sports car. £29,500. Only serious enquiries please. Full spec. upon request.

01442 890879 or 07885818067

2008 MG80th TF 135 LE500 One MGTF Anniversary of1548 onlyof251600 (Crystal of 500 made.White) Registered Sept limited edition. 46.5K. Matching hartop.

2004. Mileage: 1.8 litre 135 Tonnau and softop cover.

Wind hood. proBHP. Starlight Silver.

Burgundy tector.

Parking Sensors. leather Alcantara/leather seats.Full CD/Radio. black 16 inch alloys.

4 new11 Fog interior. lamps front/rear.

16-inch TOYO Callipers.

Radio. spoke tyres. alloys.Red Toyo T1-R x4 (Aug Electric windows, Glass(Goodyear). rear heated 2016) Full size spare window.

Air Con.Battery Service Exide Premium (Janhistory.

2016).

MOT 33000 miles. Very pretty car.

Headgasket/Waterpump/Cambelt £6500.

07982898707 (Bucks) replaced 41.5K miles.

Sold with MOT. £2950.00. Contact: 01449 613821 (Suffolk)

Owned by me Green Goddess wheels, has an Lumetronic ignitio distribution, Kenlo been converted battery. Good oil working radio, cra or, and three new fitted, with 99200 Offers around 07787999551 (Eas

1978MGTF MGB Roadster White 2003

Two owners frommiles. new, mileage Genuine 42000 Beautifulof 36888 green believed genuine.

All MOTs metallic colour.

I am the third and bills by owner current owner andsince knewpurchased the second owner 1991 18,000 Dry who hadinthe caratfrom Decmiles.

04. Full weather/summer use over service history. Clean car last both20 years.andNever needed anyinterior. restorainside out. Half leather tion work and mechanics Recent new- body hood.

Car coverall completely original. included.

My wife says thatFully it has rust to proofed since new.

Drives as you go - too many cars! £2395. Contact wouldMurphy expect for a car number with this John mobile mileage. £10,000.

Phone: 01344 07774120296. ( West Sussex) 882643.mkeen@brockhill.plus.com (Bracknell, Berkshire)

MGTF 135 20

One of the las opalescent blue HRW. Ex main dea Family owned f mileage but excell service record. H chain etc done. G recent exhaust. M advisories. £20 01670790212 (Tyn

WAN MG Midget o

restoration proj neering college contact Max on

MG TD 1952

MG TF 1500 1955

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

MGF 1.8 VVC 1997 (R Reg)

Green, Petrol, Alloy Wheels, Spare Tyre, Mileage 42,000. 12 months MOT. I’m third owner. Soft roof in full working order. Leather interior including steering wheel and original MG gear knob. Luggage rack, CD player. Garaged. £1,600. Contat Marie on 07771504044. (Berkshire)

01325 311232 2008 MG TF 135 LE500 One of only 25 (Crystal White) of 500 limited edition. Matching hartop.

Tonnau and softop cover. Wind protector. Parking Sensors. Full leather black interior. 16 inch alloys. 4 new TOYO tyres. Red Callipers. Radio.

Electric windows, Glass rear heated window. Air Con. Service history.

MOT 33000 miles. Very pretty car. £6500. 07982898707 (Bucks)

Genuine 42000 miles. Beautiful metallic green colour. I am the third owner and knew the second owner who had the car from Dec 04. Full service history. Clean car both inside and out. Half leather interior.

Recent new hood. Car cover included. My wife says that it has to go - too many cars! £2395. Contact John Murphy mobile number 07774120296. ( West Sussex)

Manual, 79,000 Miles

Recently repatriated into the UK from sunnier and drier climes. This gem of a car is finished in Old English White with contrasting green leather upholstery. Has been the subject of a substantial refurbishment which included:- new seats, carpets, hood, sidescreens, tyres etc. Covered only 79,000 miles and drives beautifully.

£25,995

Very good restored MG TD with matching numbers from 1952 is for sale. The engine has run 4500 miles • Newrenovation. and Second It Hand Parts placed since is always • UK EuropeanMore mail order service on in a &garage. pictures • Full workshop and bodyshop facilities www.vonfut.dk - The car is located in Denmark - Price 25.000 Euro. – Email contact is jesper@vonfut.dk – Phone +45 2894 6694

MGB Roadster 1978

In white with wire wheels and O/D. • Parts counter Mot until Jan service 2018 and service • Vehicleback servicing, restoration, repairs records to the late 1980's.

• Vehicleseats preparation and modifi cations Leather and recent new hood driving all good. Sound car rust proofed from new. £3995 email etypebernard@aol.com.

MGB Roadster 1978

In white with wire wheels and O/D. Mot until Jan 2018 and service MGB GT records backV8 to the late 1980's.

Exceptional original 1974 Leather seats and recent new factory hood white BGT V8. 44,800 from driving all good.

Sound miles car rust new. Superb condiproofed from near new.concours £3995 email tion, cossetted throughout its life. etypebernard@aol.com.

Family owned for its first 28 years. £13,500.00 spent at MGOC Workshop in 2013 on removing engine and gearbox in order to respray engine compartment and re-instate. Full 4 pages of invoices providing detail of all work carried out. Original owner’s manual, service log book. Must be seen to be appreciated. New 12v Batteries fitted 2016. Dry summer use only. £24,000.00 Tel: 01380 728838 (Wiltshire)

WAN PRE WAR MG 6

Enthuisast looking unfinished project restoration but an Tel: Ray on 019 07747 301326 (Su

info@junction59classicsltd.co.uk www@junction59classicsltd.co.uk

2003 MGTF

MG TD – 1952 MG TD 1952

Very good restored MG TD with matching numbers from 1952 is for 1971 MGBGT sale.

The engine hassince run 4500 miles Owned by me 2008, the since renovation. is always Green GoddessIt rides on placed Rostyle inwheels, a garage. pictures head, on has More an unleaded www.vonfut.dk - The car is located Lumetronic ignition, Lucas electric indistribution, Denmark - Kenlowe Price 25.000 – fan, Euro. and has Email is jesper@vonfut.dk – beencontact converted to single 12 volt Phone +45Good 2894 oil 6694 battery. pressure, period working radio, crackle black interior, and three new shock absorbers fitted, with 99200 miles recorded.

Offers around £4750. Tel. 07787999551 (East Yorkshire)

MGTF 135 2005

One of the last. Rare Tornado opalescent blue and blue hood.

HRW. Ex main dealer demonstrator.

Family owned from new. High mileage but excellent condition and service record. Head gasket/timing chain etc done. Good Continentals, recent exhaust. MOT April 2018 no advisories. £2000 o.n.o.

Tel. 01670790212 (Tyne and Wear)

MG MGB GT 1970

MGB Roadster 1973

Owned since 1981 dry stored.

Manual, 24,700 Miles WANTED 5000 hour rebuild on original shell This GT is in need of light restoration but is currently tested.

MG Midget or mymake first (retired engineer). 2700 Priced to sellB andfor would a good useable project. motor These

GT’s are becoming quite sought after, historic restoration early project for my engimiles.

Fulltax, photographic history file chrome bumpers etc! neering college course.

Please on rebuild. A totally hand built £14,995 contact Max on 07720606944.

Roadster. 1860 Ivor Searle Stage II fully balance unit. P.A.S. Damask red/grey leather. Mohair hood/tonWANTED neau. New stainless exhaust sysFriendly and experienced staff always PRE WAR MG 6 CYL. on hand for help and advise. Parts tem. New suspension. Two speed Enthuisast looking for preferably a and Car sales open 6 days a week, heater. Tinted glass. The list is vast. unfinished project or a car requiring Sundays by appointment.

A seriously beautiful ‘B’ Genuine restoration but anything considered enquiries only £24,500. Tel: 07721 Tel: Ray on 01932 355777 mob 399966. (South Birmingham) 07747 301326 (Surrey)

Ketton Garage, Durham Road Darlington, DL1 3LZ

92 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2017

MG_SafetyFast_May17_49-98.indd 92

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/04/2017 18:28

CL ASSIFIEDS

BARRY WALKER British Motor Heritage approved

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

NOW IS THE TIME TO BEAT THE SUMMER PRICES......

MGTF 80th Anniversary

oadster

or past 28yrs. le as perfect conare-metal respray, peed gearbox, disc wheels, white, red ny extras to list. portunity to purMG Classic sports y serious enquiries upon request.

07885818067

1997 (R Reg)

oy Wheels, Spare ,000. 12 months wner. Soft roof in r. Leather interior wheel and origiob. Luggage rack, ed. £1,600. Contat 04044. (Berkshire)

miles. Beautiful our. I am the third the second owner from Dec 04. Full Clean car both alf leather interior. od. Car cover says that it has to s! £2395. Contact mobile number West Sussex)

er 1978

1548 of 1600 made. Registered Sept 2004. Mileage: 46.5K. 1.8 litre 135 BHP. Starlight Silver. Burgundy hood.

Alcantara/leather seats. CD/Radio.

Fog lamps front/rear. 16-inch 11 spoke alloys. Toyo T1-R x4 (Aug 2016) Full size spare (Goodyear).

Exide Premium Battery (Jan 2016).

Headgasket/Waterpump/Cambelt replaced 41.5K miles. Sold with MOT. £2950.00. Contact: 01449 613821 (Suffolk)

Two owners from new, mileage of 36888 believed genuine. All MOTs and bills since purchased by current owner in 1991 at 18,000 miles. Dry weather/summer use over last 20 years. Never needed any restoration work - body and mechanics all completely original. Fully rust proofed since new. Drives as you would expect for a car with this mileage. £10,000. Phone: 01344 882643.mkeen@brockhill.plus.com (Bracknell, Berkshire)

1971 MGBGT

Owned by me since 2008, the Green Goddess rides on Rostyle wheels, has an unleaded head, Lumetronic ignition, Lucas electric distribution, Kenlowe fan, and has been converted to single 12 volt battery. Good oil pressure, period working radio, crackle black interior, and three new shock absorbers fitted, with 99200 miles recorded.

Offers around £4750. Tel. 07787999551 (East Yorkshire)

MGB GT V8

One of the last. Rare Tornado opalescent blue and blue hood.

HRW. Ex main dealer demonstrator.

Family owned from new. High mileage but excellent condition and service record. Head gasket/timing chain etc done. Good Continentals, recent exhaust. MOT April 2018 no advisories. £2000 o.n.o.

Tel. 01670790212 (Tyne and Wear)

restoration project for my engineering college course. Please contact Max on 07720606944.

WANTED PRE WAR MG 6 CYL.

Enthuisast looking for preferably a unfinished project or a car requiring restoration but anything considered Tel: Ray on 01932 355777 mob 07747 301326 (Surrey)

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_May17_49-98.indd 93

1933 CYCLE WING MG J2. One of the finest J2s to come to the market for many years. Built by ourselves to the highest possible standard. Totally correct (with option of chrome or painted h’lamps), this is truly stunning example of this sought after model. Deep cherry red, contrasting Collingburn interior, black ‘stay fast’ roof & tonneau & matching Wilton wool carpets. You MUST view… £48,500

1935 MGPB/Q S/CHARGED SPORTS/RACER. Originally from the Peter Gregory stable, this PB was built to Q spec and subsequently developed and raced (very successfully). Has just undergone a complete refurbishment and is ready for light competition or fast road use. Marshall supercharger with pre-select gearbox. One of the few MGs eligible for the Mille Miglia. Much paperwork, VSCC buff form and offers so many opportunities….£85,000

1937 MG TA. A superbly built, accurate & authentic TA that has more 1934 MG PA A gorgeous example in 2-tone Dublin & Ulster greens than stood the test of time over the last 20yrs. it’s been finished. Older with apple green Collingburn interior. Fully detailed engine bays, paint but it’s quality is proved, as it was chosen as one of the cars for excellent steering, fitted water pump and Blockley tyres. Aero Anders Clauserger’s Book “The Original MG ‘T Series’. Finished in the screens, s/guards, deluxe dash and nice patinised appearance. rare original factory 2-tone grey colour scheme with grey Collingburn Just right….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….£39,950 trim and totally correct weather gear…. One of the best…. £36,500.

COMING SHORTLY: 1933 SLAB TANK K3. New to market from Australia. Superb specification. * 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).

Exceptional original 1974 factory white BGT V8. 44,800 miles from new. Superb near concours condition, cossetted throughout its life.

Family owned for its first 28 years. £13,500.00 spent at MGOC Workshop in 2013 on removing engine and gearbox in order to respray engine compartment and re-instate. Full 4 pages of invoices providing detail of all work carried out. Original owner’s manual, service log book. Must be seen to be appreciated. New 12v Batteries fitted 2016. Dry summer use only. £24,000.00 Tel: 01380 728838 (Wiltshire)

enquiries@mgsforsale.com

MGB Roadster 1973

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

MGTF 135 2005

WANTED MG Midget or B for my first

e wheels and O/D. 018 and service the late 1980's. recent new hood Sound car rust ew. £3995 email ol.com.

1978 MGB Roadster White

Owned since 1981 dry stored.

5000 hour rebuild on original shell (retired motor engineer). 2700 miles. Full photographic history file on rebuild. A totally hand built Roadster. 1860 Ivor Searle Stage II fully balance unit. P.A.S. Damask red/grey leather. Mohair hood/tonneau. New stainless exhaust system. New suspension. Two speed heater. Tinted glass. The list is vast.

A seriously beautiful ‘B’ Genuine enquiries only £24,500. Tel: 07721 399966. (South Birmingham)

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

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

01707 876089

www.mgsforsale.com

07831 556666

MGB Roadster 1967 Heritage Shell Rebuild (XAR300E), wire wheels, overdrive, tax exempt, fully rebuilt on a new Heritage Shell by British Classic Investments in 1997 at a cost of £16,350.

At the time these cars were built ‘as new’ by the company and this particular model was supplied with a high specification that included high back reclining seats, mohair hood and carpeted boot. The British Racing Green coachwork although not perfect is still in nice condition. A history file contains original documentation from the restoration company, old mot’s and a plethora of invoices both past & present. Power steering, a boot rack that also will accommodate the spare wheel, freeing up valuable boot space for those trips away. The boot lid has been fitted with hydraulic struts which make light work when opening even when fitted with the spare, the gearbox is a 4 synchromesh with overdrive and presents a unique opportunity to own one of the early 60’s cars but have some subtle modifications that make ‘lighter work’ of modern motoring conditions, just arrived £17,495.00

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

www.mgsforsale.com

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

MAY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 93

21/04/2017 18:28

CL ASSIFIEDS

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

Any Condition from non runners to rebuilt cars

1982 MG Metro 1300.

12 months MoT. 23,000 miles from new. Immaculate, early-spec black interior. Leak-free sunroof. Cassette or any time on MG16 - BUCKS SPORTS CLASSICS_BUCKS SPORTS CLASSICS 26/09/2012 14:24 PageAll 1 original. Wonderful player. example of an increasingly rare Email: MG. Owned by enthusiasts for most Website: of its life. House purchase forces incredibly reluctant sale. £5,500 (Northwood, Middlesex) OVNO. Call Adam on 07530734044.

Please call Edward 07774 484497 01923 840236 ejwhitescars@aol.com www.mgandporsche.com

Bucks Sports & Classic Car Centre Specialist in MGA, B, C, V8, RV8, Midgets, and MGF. Also specialists in early Minis

10STREET Rabans Aylesbury.

HP19 BUCKS 8RS HP20 1EB UNIT 18, PARK IND Close, ESTATE, OSIER WAY, AYLESBURY,

MGR number plate, and approx.

55,000 accumulated miles.The car has good windscreen frame, EZ power steering, compromotive wheels (which I think look better than the originals), plus the 5 originals. It also has a half tonneau, Clive Wheatley wind stop and twin exhausts, tool roll and repair manual. MOT certificate runs to April 2018. Well maintained, good hood, always garaged. Regretfully selling due to medical reasons at £21,000 ono. Tel. Keith on 01782 643434 (Stoke-on-Trent)'

1936 SA Tickford DHC

CC10.12/MG16/p

For friendly advice contact Pete Giles on Tel: 01296 433550 or Mob: 07831 404968 www.mgsonthenet.co.uk www.mgsonthenet.co.uk email: peter.giles@mgsonthenet.co.uk

1996 MGRV8.

Jaguar Dark Blue/County Cream two-tone with dark blue mohair hood and mid-blue leather interior.

20 year ground-up restoration completed 6 years ago. Full restoration history available on request plus detailed photographs. The car comes with Ace wheel trims as an optional extra. This is a luxurious, comfortable 4 seater DHC with luggage boot.The large doors make it easy to get into and out of, plus the generous leg space makes it a superb long distance touring car.

Offers around £81,500. Contact bobandlynne1950@gmail.com (Barnsley, South Yorkshire)

Chariot Red with beige leather interior all in excellent condition.

Full history since chassis up restoration. Stage 2 1950 fast road engine, 5 speed gearbox with 3.9:1 final drive. Hi lift cam, competition clutch, oil cooler, aluminium rocker box cover, sump, competition radiator, twin Kenlowe electric fans, servo brakes. An ideal car for continental touring and historic rallies. £24,000 Tel 01903 883461 (Sussex)

1938 MG VA Saloon

Reg number BJB 370. For restoration, much work completed on chassis engine and running gear, extensive work needed on body and interior (the body is off the chassis). Any offers considered. e-mail: diparker21@hotmail.com (Berkshire)

94 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2017

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Vermillion 48500 m inal condition, be treated from new. steering wheel (p 10000 miles covere by current owner. G August 2017. Relu retirement and do Contact: Bruce bruceweston@tisc

1960 MGA 160

2005 MG ZT 190+ 2.5 V6

"Face-lift" model in pearlescent black with summit grey interior. 190 horse power engine/five-speed manual box and full '+' specification.

80,000miles, MOT to March 2018.

All cam belts changed at 69850miles. All electric windows, cruise control, xenon headlights, heated electric mirrors, full size spare wheel. Good, usable car. £850. Call: 01793 321113, or email: sanjmgc@waitrose.com (Swindon)

MG TC 1947

1959 MGA Roadster

MGB GT 1980

Part Dismantled, for restoration.

Complete but needs wood. Only 2 genuine owners from new.

Excellent panels, rare km speedo.

Red with black interior. Will make a beautiful car. £10,950.

Phone 01594 835659 or Email baggieslamb@gamil.com

Car was importe from the USA in 2 the car in 2014 an with Bob West c body off restoratio car down and Bob a full chassis re-bu body back onto th repaint. Engine reed, gearbox full trim,hood, screens Bob West. After th to me a full wiring The car is now as n less than 500 mile tion. Would con MGBGT in part ex Price is £35500.00 me Graham 07799416274 graham@reevesma info. (Stratford on

MGTF Sprint

1978 MGBGT

White. Engine professionally rebuilt in 2010 with, unleaded head and K and N air filters. Electronic ignition installed. 5½ J minilite style wheels.

Interior is clean and in good condition with leather seat covers. MOT to October 2017. Car located in Crawley, West Sussex. Offers in region of £2000. Phone Peter Haynes on 07890943489 or 01293 883224.

August 2002. 5200 hard top with HR FSH with some b certificates. MOT £2000. Tel: 07 01865375047 Ema williamjnorton@h

SELLING YOU

As a member of t you can advertise Fast for free. Just details, max 60 with a JPEG Grant at colingr Non member fee i

URGENT PROOF

www.mgcc.co.uk

Please check this proof carefully for errors in style, content and layout.

Although every care is exercised in preparing your advert, we cannot hold ourselves responsible for any inaccuracies you may overlook.

21/04/2017 18:28

SHOULD YOU REQUIRE ANY ALTERATIONS TO THIS PROOF PLEASE

CL ASSIFIEDS

te, and approx. ted miles.The car creen frame, EZ compromotive hink look better ), plus the 5 orighalf tonneau, Clive stop and twin l and repair ertificate runs to maintained, good raged. Regretfully dical reasons at . Keith on 01782 n-Trent)'

Vermillion 48500 miles. Good original condition, believed corrosion treated from new. Motolita leather steering wheel (plus original one) 10000 miles covered in past 8 years by current owner. Garaged, MOT till August 2017. Reluctant sale due to retirement and downsizing. £3850 Contact: Bruce 01963 440941 bruceweston@tiscali.co.uk

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

1996 MGF 1.8 1960 MGA 1600 Roadster

190+ 2.5 V6

l in pearlescent t grey interior. 190 engine/five-speed ull '+' specification.

T to March 2018. s changed at electric windows, xenon headlights, mirrors, full size Good, usable car.

3 321113, or email: e.com (Swindon)

for restoration. eds wood. Only 2 rs from new. rare km speedo. terior. Will make £10,950.

659 or Email mil.com

T

MGB GT 1980

Car was imported by Bob West from the USA in 2013. I purchased the car in 2014 and in conjunction with Bob West carried out a full body off restoration. I stripped the car down and Bob West carried out a full chassis re-build and fitted the body back onto the chassis after a repaint. Engine re-built and unleaded, gearbox fully re-built, new trim,hood, screens and toneau all by Bob West. After the car came back to me a full wiring loom was fitted.

The car is now as new and has done less than 500 miles since completion. Would consider taking an MGBGT in part exchange Price is £35500.00 Please contact me Graham Reeves on 07799416274 or Email: graham@reevesmail.co.uk for more info. (Stratford on Avon)

BRG. One careful lady club owner.

38,000 miles. No advisoroies. Mahogony steering wheel. Sony CD player.

Complete history/documentation. Key card, original handbook etc. Mike Satur hood cover. Garaged. Treasured vehicle.

(Plate not included) Sensible offers please.Tel 07843765257 (Lancs area)

1954 MG TF 1250

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

MGTF Sprint

ofessionally rebuilt eaded head and K Electronic ignition nilite style wheels. nd in good condiseat covers. MOT 7. Car located in ussex. Offers in 00. Phone Peter 0943489 or 01293

August 2002. 52000 miles. Factory hard top with HRW. Half leather.

FSH with some bills and all MOT certificates. MOT until August. £2000. Tel: 07778913220 or 01865375047 Email: williamjnorton@hotmail.com

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

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_May17_49-98.indd 95

MGTF 135 ’04

X power grey & chrome pack in excellent condition with 12 months MOT. I purchased the car in July 16 from John Day MGCC President, who has cherished it from new. 37k with comprehensive history, majority Brown & Gammons. Soft ride suspension, modified head gasket, wind blocker, stainless steel coolant pipes, water level sensor, glass rear heated screen. DAB cd/mp3, and fitted luggage set. Genuine reason for sale. Located Notts / Lincs £3495. Contact Tel 07917500149

MAY 2017 SAFETY FAST! 95

21/04/2017 18:28

CL ASSIFIEDS

SPARES FOR SALE HOW TO ADVERTISE

Members can advertise their spares for sale/wanted free of charge for items up to £250.

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

Safety Fast Magazines.

1962 to 2015, full set, boxed, FREE to Collect by any MGCC or MGOC member. Contact: John P Jenkins 0116 241 6114 (Thurnby, Leicestershire)

MGTD/F and MGB Spares

Set of shackle bolts plus nuts surplus to requirements £10 MGTD Starter cable perfect condition. £10 Two choke cables one large knob one small £15 for the pair. MGTD Core plugs new, two large three small £3 MGTF Links for rear Armstrong shockers pair new £30 the pair.

MGB Flexible break pipes new old stock GBH 159 & 172 rear and front £5 the pair. MGB chrome air intake couple of small pits very serviceable £10. sde@stevedavidellams.co.uk Tel: 01943 872607

MG TD

Interior trim kit in tan vinyl. Contains door cards, front and rear side panels, wheel arch covers, piping and cloth for sidescreen box and lid. £150 Tel: 07711 388857 (St. Albans)

MGB GHN5 (1977) Spares

1pr Tube type axle half shafts (BTB714) c/w as new bearings. £80/pr. 1pr rear wire wheel splined hubs (BTB716/7). £10/pr. 1- OE vinyl hood (BHH905) c/w header rail, rear retaining bar and hood bag. £120. 1- Grey pack-a-way hood frame with bag. (‘77 hood cover fits) £90. 1- Hand brake cable.

(BHH1471) £5. 1- Black rear seat squab (as GT) £20 1- Rear antiroll bar OE £10. 1- Front antiroll bar 5/8” OE £10 2- Elec cooling fans (V8 OE)(BHA5256/13H8238etc) £30ea. 1- Cooling fan guard (OE)(BHH1305) £10 Collection Leicester area due to weight/bulk of most items.

Contact Keith 0116 2898806 or 07551 653890.

96 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2017

MG_SafetyFast_May17_49-98.indd 96

MGB SPARES FOR SALE

MG TA Wire Wheels

1800 complete engine will need a rebuild. A half engine 19500cc good condition. Late steering column. Late braking assembly.

Early gearbox with overdrive, condition unkown. Late dash with instruments. Striped GT seat set good condition. A pair period rally seats. For more info telephone 01805 624078 (North Devon)

2 early TA side laced 19" wheels will also fit J and P types £150.pair. also 2 centre laced 18" wheels these are fitted with very old tyres and tubes. £120.pair These wheels require sand blasting and powder coating.

Buyer collects or arranges their own courier service. Telephone: 01472371448. (N E Lincolnshire)

1970 MGB Roadster

XPAG original rocker shaft as removed over 50 years ago. Still in very good condition £120.

Camshaft used but minimal wear £75. Timing chain cover very good condition, no wear £40.

Late type outer oil filter housing with long fixing bolt and new old stock paper filter £20. Flywheel ring gear, genuine new old stock factory part. Please note this only fits cars with 71/4in clutch £55.

New old stock original British made Tranco exhaust valves and guides. Do not compare these with foreign imports sold today.

Valves £45. Set four, valve guides £40 set four. These are still in their factory packaging.

XPAG distributor, completet with cap. New old stock unused item £135. All the above can be co l lected from Swansea or plus P&P. Contact Phil on 0179287337

Bonnet for sale good condition £60.

Also back lights for MGB roadster £30. Contact Pete Robinson on 01937587480 or 07754959212

MGB

Disc wheel rust free tube axle casing with 3.9 diff, driveshafts, wheel bearings and hub caps £75.

Stephen.meadows@manx.net or 01624 818163

Spridget Parts

All new old stock. LH doorskin £35; LH lower rear wing (square arch) £60; Font valance £25; Blue Tonneau cover (AHA 7785 - Mk. 3 Sprite) £60. Also some used parts - door, wing etc. WANTED: MG YA left hand steering arm. Tel: 01570480149.

MGA

Pair of side screens in black vinyl Some wear and tear but serviceable £100 plus postage Any questions please call me on 07799416274

MGA Hardtop (Fibreglass)

In need of renovation. Any sensible offer. Buyer to collect.

MGA – full set of fibreglass wings. Never fitted. Any sensible offer. Buyer to collect. Phone 01282 779345 or email: roger@rgrans.plus.com (East Lancashire)

MGB

4off 5.5x14 Minator Minilite style alloy wheels complete with centre caps and wheel nuts in good condition, not been kerbed £150 Telephone: 01892 664867 (Sussex)

MGB

Crossmember, wishbones etc, sand blasted and painted. Also including remaining bits for front suspension including king pins, springs & wire wheel hubs. Antiroll bar and L/hand steering rack also available

MGA.

2no 1600 style disc wheels widened to 6J (6” between rims) sand blasted and etch primed.

Also 3off 1500 style wheels in primer. Contact Chris 07714 850045 or email cdashworth@btinternet.com.

(Loughborough)

MG XPAG Engine Parts

MGA SU CARBURETTERS

Pair of H4 MGA 1500 1½” carburetters with linkages. Each stamped AUC 6020. £125.

Contact Graham Ardern on 01903 774770 or e-mail. grahamardern@btinternet.com (West Sussex coast)

Various Spares For Sale

MG D Type 8/33 Midget Rocker Cover £175. 8/33 Midger exhaust manifold £50. MGA Universal joint £20. Lightened Flywheel £50. Crankshaft 1500 and 1600 £100. Cylinder head and guides £50. 1500 Pistons +30, +40 set of 4 £50 per set. Polished cover tunnel £50. Gearbox cover assy £75. Pair SU carbs complete 1500 £100. Brake and Clutch master cylinder (flat top) £100.

Set of dashboard switches £50.

MGF headlight covers £100.

MGZR Dog guard new £10. 2 off Alloy wheels new £40.

Telephone: 07816949402

MGF Mk 1 Seats

For sale, a pair of MK1 MGF cloth seat with green piping.

Wear to the piping on the driver’s seat, passenger seat in excellent condition. £30. For photos please email andy@mgcc.co.uk Collection from Abingdon please.

Phone Andy on 01235 849730

TA/TB/TC Half-Shafts Various Items For Sale

M Radiator and Shell, £800.

MGA Twincam works photo from showrooms, framed B&W £150.00. Ken Rees R Type on brooklands banking limited edition signed. Phone 01594 835659 or Email: baggieslamb@gamil.com.

MG 1935 P-Type Parts

Slab tank with fueline plus tap.

Rad shell with badge. 2 windscreens, headlamps with mechanical dip etc. Offers.

Contact Paul on 01584 861312

Tec Del Minilite Wheels

Genuine. 5 off 14x5.5. No centre splines, although you can buy new splines and fit. Free on collection. Contact Colin Smith on 01680300398. (Isle of Mull)

MG Sales Brochures

MG TF 1250cc. Twin Cam-getting the best from your twin cam.

MG Metro 6R4 order form and factory details. MGA Accessories.

MGA 1500cc. MGA 1600cc. MGA Mk 11. MGB Superlative. MGB sport or GT. MGB Great British Sports car. MGC. Midget 1275cc.

Midget 1098cc. Tuning for Midget and Sprite 948cc. Twin Cam. £110 the lot. Telephone Colin Smith on 01680300398.

New old-stock heat treated EN40B steel half-shafts. £100.00 each (£170.00 pair) 20 units available. 1 pair of the same spec. half-shafts but with Ford splines for use with a Ford 'English axle' final-drive. £400.00. pr. Free delivery to mainland U.K. on all purchases. Email: dereksibthorpe@gmail.com

WANTED MGA Diff

WANTED

4.3 ratio and to suit 25 spline half shafts. James 02476 673894.

MGF/TF

WANTED

Full tonneau cover for and an original MGF/ TF toolkit in its case. Contact Bob on 07870 407111 or email mgcarsscotland@gmail.com

MG Parts For Sale?

As a member of the MG Car Club you can advertise your spare parts in Safety Fast for free. (items over £250 costs £20 to advertise) Just email your spares details, max 60 words, to colingrant@mgcc.co.uk. Non member fee is £20.

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/04/2017 18:28

CL ASSIFIEDS

FOR SALE MGTF 2003 1.8litre X-Power Grey with black full leather interior and alloys

74,600 miles, with 2 previous lady owners from new Extras include chrome door sills, chrome twin exhausts & alloy gear knob Full service history & head gasket replaced in 2010 Kenwood stereo with removable front, plus 6 track CD stack A change in personal circumstances forces sale A tidy example of an enjoyable and fun summer car B15 - Barrie Carter_CLASSIC MOTORING 21/04/2017 15:04 Page 1

£1,450 ono Tel: 07792 422209

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

1977 2CV 6 Special.

Totally restored with a galvanised chassis, new floors and panels. Lovely faux (I love that word) leather seats.

Perfect hood, discs etc. 1 years MOT.£8,995 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 eccentrics dream plus totally practical too. There isnt another one as for as I know.

A joy to drive, quick with great chassis and mechanics, perfect weather equipment and heater. Absolutely unique - a £5,950 go anywhere 2CV. 1 years MOT

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG_SafetyFast_May17_49-98.indd 97

Vauxhall Victor DeLuxe 1962

This seldom seen lovely spacious saloon appears to have covered a scant 60000 miles. Its colour is as offered by the factory and is very attractive. The DeLuxe has the added extras of four speed all synchro floor change, leather seats and a heater! Its engine bay is detailed. Excellent interior and exterior.

All the tools are with it and it drives superbly and sprightly. I love it. A pic in the 1962 Motor Show catalogue depicts it as it is now. What a wedding car lots of room. Be different. £4,995

2.6 Austin Healey/Wolseley Engine Engine Complete with Carbs – very well weathered – Sensible Offers please

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

MGTC Shorrock Supercharged.

One owner for 50 years, this TC is in true oily rag condition. It has been lovingly maintained mechanically with just about everything renewed. Engine rebuilt. Fast road head. Balanced. New wheels. New springs. Uprated steering and brakes, and of course, the very rare now period Shorrock. The interior is original in some parts with new seat and remaining trim still in the box! All the weather gear is new too. The wood is very sound and has been maintained. Completely reconditioned dashboard and instruments at great cost. It is bright but unrestored. I love Ts like this...no tart’s handbag… a real car that performs as it should. £26,000

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+.

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

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

Copyright MG Car Club 2017 Editor: Andy Knott 01235 849730 / 01235 555552 andyknott@mgcc.co.uk Deputy Editor: Colin Grant 01235 849733 colingrant@mgcc.co.uk Editorial Committee: William Ball, Dennis Wharf, Andy Knott, Colin Grant, Adam Sloman, Steve Clark PR and Communications: Lauran Gallacher 01235 849735, Chris Kynoch 01235 849731 Advertising: Hine Marketing 01452 730770 Published by: Hine Marketing, Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton Glos, GL2 9LN. Tel: 01452 730770 Distributed by: Air Business. Merlin Centre, 4 The, Acrewood Way, St Albans AL4 0JY Tel: 01727 890600 President: John Day Vice Presidents: Ron Gammons, Don Hayter, Peter Best, Bill Silcock.

Chairman: Ian Quarrington Vice Chairman: Dave Tynan Treasurer: Richard Colston Directors: Dave Saunders, Paul Plummer, William Ball, Julian White, George Wilder, Dave Tynan and Peter Cook Company Secretary: Colin Grant

T

he Club archive has recently had the good fortune to inherit a large number of transparencies from the Brian Moylan collection. Among these are a set of photographs from the MG Abingdon Jubilee Parade that took place here in Abingdon in 1979. We have selected the following pictures as being typical of the cars that took part. As this event occurred almost 40 years ago it inevitably begs the question “where are they now?”

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! MAY 2017

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

www.mgcc.co.uk

21/04/2017 18:29

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21/04/2017 17:48

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

MG_SafetyFast_May17_covers.indd 4

21/04/2017 17:48