Safety Fast! September 2017

THE MARQUE OF FRIENDSHIP

September 2017 Volume 61 Number 09 £3.95

THE

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ABINGDON-ON-THAMES FO U N D E D 193 0

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Inside this issue 7 8 16 56 58

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

59 61 72 84 92 98

Luffield Championship Out and About Centre Updates Register Updates Classifieds Looking Back

Features 16

Small Wonders Part Il Second part of the potted history of the Triple-M Midgets, from the M Type to the J Type

24

Project MGA Part One First of a new series following the restoration of TV personality Mike Brewers MGA

28

Event Reports 2017 Showcase Classic and Sports Car Gala

30

MG Y-Type 70th Anniversary Relay report

52

British Touring Car Championship Snetterton Report

55

British Touring Car Championship Knockhill Report

62

MGs in California Brian Woodhams reports on the NAMGAR Annual Gathering

68

Japans Kobe MGCC Peter Cook joins in the Thirtieth Anniversary celebrations of the KOBE MGCC

16

Newsletters 33

SVW Newsletter 50th Anniversary of the SVW Register

38

T Register Newsletter T Types to the Ardennes and the T Register T Party at the Chateau Impney

45

MGC Register Newsletter 50th Birthday bash at the Chateau Impney

49

FWD Register Newsletter Cowley Centre Display

28

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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www.mgcc.co.uk

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Welcome

Mike Brewers MGA pictured at RPS and forming part of a new series of articles on its restoration

62

@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

We may be in to September but that’s no excuse to start thinking about putting your car away yet. There’s still plenty going on as the event calendar in this magazine and on our website shows. One major event that’s growing year on year, and a must go to show on many a calendar is the Classic Motor Show at the NEC, held November 10-12. The MGCC will be there with a special display, and as a member of the Club if you book your tickets in advance there’s quite a substantial saving. Tickets are on sale now from www.necclassicmotorshow.com or the official ticket hotline 0871 230 1088. A single ticket is £21.50 (quote code CSCMS17) and a family ticket is priced at £48.00 (quote code CFCMS17).

I was traveling around the UK a fair bit during the summer holidays. It was great to see more and more modern MGs on the roads, the MG3 being the most common one I saw.

One thing that is noticeable is that there seems to be fewer Z and MGF/TFs on our roads than a few years ago. Is this because they are now being cherished and used as a second car; or is it because more are being broken for spares as they’re currently worth more as parts than a full car, which consequently means fewer cars on the road? I’m pleased to say though that, at last, good quality, low mileage examples of the MG Rover cars are starting to increase in price, with the rarer Monogram examples fetching a premium. Hopefully this will mean fewer perfectly reasonable cars being broken, and people will start investing more to keep their MG Rover cars on the road.

The all new MG XS is due out later this year. Three left-hand drive examples have been touring the country, visiting and being displayed at MG dealers for MG enthusiasts to peruse. The UK press launch for the XS is scheduled for late October, as ever Safety Fast! will bring you a review with photos soon after the launch.

Until next month, drive safely

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CHAIRMANS NOTES

BY IAN QUARRINGTON

Directors. Very recently I had an approach from a member asking about the roles of Directors at the Club and it struck me that most members will have little vision of this topic. In the news recently there was an item quoting the former prime minister on visibility to the public on government spending (apparently you can now go online and search for any Government spending exceeding a certain figure). Mr Cameron’s agenda was rather more important than ours when put into perspective but I can assure you all that we have to hand the Director’s Duties and induction papers prepared by the M’s and Art’s committee.

Before we go any further, these papers do include a significant number of items designed to restrict the working of the Board to protect the Club and to ensure the Directors will always be accountable to the membership through the work of Council.

Just to show that these notes do get read we have received a number of enquiries following Richard’s words in

O

KIMBER HOUSE NEWS

n Sunday July 30 the Y-Type Register completed their Round Britain Relay commemorating 70 years of the popular MG saloon, the MG Y-Type. Starting on June 3, the Relay consisted of MG Y Types travelling the length and breadth of the country to celebrate the car’s birthday. More than 50 Y Types took part in the celebration that covered an undulating 1,834 miles, driving one of the 37 stages.

this column for applications to succeed our Treasurer and this has led to us revisiting the job specification for this role. The only role for which there does not appear (yet) to be a specification is...Chairman! I can tell you straight away that I had already spotted this and have arranged for some former Chairmen and Vice Chairmen to attend a meeting in late October where we will take this opportunity to hammer out a job role not only for my successor but for any future Chairman.

Each Director, in addition to working within the guidelines I mentioned has at least one portfolio to manage and two if not three CRBs for whom he has responsibility.

The objective with the CRBs is to keep in very regular contact with these groups and for information to be fed both ways. It is one of my key messages to the Board to keep this communication going all the time as it provides a significant amount of ideas being exchanged which benefit everyone in the Club. It also allows us to deal quickly with any difficulties that may arise or any questions that are raised.

The portfolios range from support for Motorsport activities to IT, to editorial,

Setting off near Dartford nine weeks ago, the group split into two different routes, both of which met for the first time since June when the Relay came to an end at Kimber House. A bespoke baton was made and split into two parts for each route, which was also reunited in Abingdon. A host of cars and members were present to celebrate the completion of the Relay, including Club Chairman Ian Quarrington.

The summer months are the busiest times for visitors calling into Abingdon, with members from the UK and across the world

finance, Kimber House, overseas, to name just a few. And then along comes a new issue or a project that needs managing. There are some examples I can give you where the Directors are currently preparing the way for some new objectives. We have to assess what if any effect there will be on the Club when the General Data Protection Regulations come into being in May 2018. We are looking at a complete review of how we manage support for our overseas members.

One of the biggest tasks we have as a Board, apart from continually ensuring we are serving you the members to the best of our abilities, is keeping the Board fresh as well as having some continuity and experience of Club life. Each Director has to stand for re-election every three years and the three Officers of the Club every year with the maximum tenure of the Chairman being five years. We are always looking for new people to join the group. Yes, it is hard work sometimes but so very rewarding. At the time of writing I am preparing to go to Abingdon to meet the Y Register as they complete their Tour around Britain as part of their 70th year anniversary celebrations. I am very much looking forward to it.

Come and visit the Club’s home in Oxfordshire

flocking to the spiritual home of MG. If you haven’t managed to get to Kimber House before, feel free to visit us throughout the week from 9am – 5pm Monday to Thursday, 9am – 4pm Friday and at the weekends by prior appointment.

The Y-Type Register celebrated 70 years of the Y-Type at Kimber House www.mgcc.co.uk

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NEWS

MG SV 15th Anniversary – Shelsley Walsh Event The MG SV was first launched by MG Sport and Racing at the NEC Motor Show in November 2002, making this year the 15th anniversary. To mark this an event is being arranged by the MGSV Club (www.mgsv-club.com) at the Shelsley Walsh hill climb venue in Worcestershire on Sunday September 24 2017.

There were around 60 RHD cars produced in both the SV and the more Anglia Centre AGM On Saturday September 23 the MGCC Anglian Centre will be holding their Annual General Meeting at The Anchor, Stratford St Mary, Suffolk, CO7 6LW at 2.00pm. All members of the MGCC Anglian Centre are cordially invited. If you wish to attend or require further information please contact Roger Moran, Secretary, MGCC Anglian Centre. We look forward to seeing you there.

Agenda 1. Apologies for absence

Norman Brock 1921-2017 It is with great sadness that I have to announce the death of my father, Norman Brock who, at the grand old age of 95, had been a member of the MGCC for many years.

Dad always looked forward to receiving Safety Fast! and enjoyed some of the restoration articles, and even in his later years would comment on how members would use so many trades to restore their cars. As dad was a coachbuilder he would do it all, and

8 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2017

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powerful SV-R variants and at the moment 11 cars are signed up for the day. As there are believed to be 25 or so cars currently on the road in the UK there are still plenty more around that would be very welcome to participate!

Lunch is being arranged by Shelsley Walsh (must be pre-booked) and those that wish to participate can also take a couple of runs up the hill.

The MG SV was designed by Peter Stevens who also designed the Jaguar XJR-15, Lotus Elan M100 and many MG/ 2. Approval of minutes of last AGM (10 September 2016) 3. Matters arising 4. Chairman’s Report 5. Secretary’s Report 6. Treasurer’s Report and adoption of accounts for year ending 31/12/2016 7. Election of Officers 8. Election of Committee 9. Any other business Roger Moran Secretary, MGCC Anglian Centre Tel: 01502 722122, Mobile: 07920 054422, Email: secretary@mgccanglia.com ended up spraying the car outside in the sun with cellulose hoping the flies didn’t settle on the paint work.

Dad has owned MGs all his life; he has raced K3s Magnettes around Goodwood, brushing shoulders with Stirling Moss, and has owned most of the pre 1960s MGs but always had his favourite, which was the NA Magnette.

In 1952 he drove his PA to St Ives, one of the few sports cars seen in the area at that time. It was here that he met my mother, after which they enjoyed an adventurous life together for the next 65 years.

In recent years I would take dad to the shows in our TC which we have owned for the last 44 years. He would sit next to the TC, proud that he restored it all those years ago, and she still looks great.

We miss him but celebrate his life as he lived it to the full.

Rover cars but is probably best known for his work on the McLaren F1. Peter will be at the event along with Harris Mann who also worked on the car’s development so it is a great opportunity to talk to the people who know most about the cars.

For further details please contact Marc Hanson at m.hanson68@btinternet.com NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE 2017 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE MG CAR CLUB LIMITED WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY OCTOBER 21 2017 AT DE VERE STAVERTON ESTATE, DAVENTRY RD, DAVENTRY, NN11 6JT COMMENCING AT 4:00PM 1. Apologies for Absence.

2. To approve the minutes of the AGM held October 15th 2016.

3. To receive the Financial Statements for the year ending December 31st 2016 together with the Reports of the Directors and Auditors thereon and to reappoint Messrs Wilkins Kennedy as Auditors.

4. To elect the Chairman of the Club for the coming year.

5. To elect the President of the Club for the coming year.

6. To elect en bloc the current Vice Presidents of the Club for the coming year.

7. To elect the Vice-Chairman of the Club for the coming year 8. To elect the Treasurer of the Club for the coming year 9. To elect other Directors of the Club 10. To transact any other ordinary business of an AGM that may properly be considered.

There will be an open forum following the close of the AGM. Every member has a statutory right to appoint another person as his proxy to exercise all of his rights to attend and to speak at a general meeting of the Club. Please note that only the elected CRB Representatives have the right to vote at such meetings on behalf of members.

Issued by Colin Grant Company Secretary

www.mgcc.co.uk

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NEWS

SOCIAL MEDIA

Mike’s video has gone down a treat with MG and classic car enthusiasts

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The biggest aspect of the Club’s social media this month has revolved around #ProjectMGA – the Club’s tie-up with Moss Europe, Rally Preparation Services (RPS) and Wheeler Dealers presenter Mike Brewer.

During August we used various graphics and gifs to tease what was coming up – a full five minute video with Mike getting a tour at Moss Europe and picking up parts for his 1959 MGA project. Within four days of the video going live it racked up over 160,000 views on Facebook, with more being added on the version uploaded to the Club’s YouTube channel. If you haven’t managed to check the video out yet be sure to do so, and keep an eye out for the next video which will be uploaded very soon.

The staff at Kimber House proudly supported local members Mike Parker and Pete Chaundy as they held their fourth annual Pride of Ownership at the Prince of Wales pub in Abingdon, and a selection of photos from the evening were uploaded to our social media channels. If you’ve organised an event recently, and have a selection of photos you’d like to share, email Chris Kynoch (chrisk@mgcc.co.uk) with the details, and we’ll be happy to spread your news.

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NEWS

Abingdon Works Centre MG display Sunday September 10 at Yarnton Nurseries (just North of Oxford), Sandy Lane, Yarnton, Kidlington, OX5 1PA www.yarntonnurseries.co.uk. For MGs of all ages, this will be from 10.00am to 4.00pm, however, cars may arrive and leave whenever they wish. We’ll have our own dedicated parking area and it’s planned to have categories for

prizes. Also the Nursery is generously offering the driver and passenger discount on food and drink in the restaurant.

We’d be delighted to have your support and if you can let me know beforehand, so that I can gauge numbers, that would be great. Further details from Richard Martin 01235 529331 or r.martin@ mgabingdon.org.uk

Peter Tipton Peter Tipton – ex-General Secretary sadly passed away on June 14 2017 at his home in France.

Peter Tipton joined the MG Car Club 55 years ago, initially as a member of the North East Centre. Shortly afterwards, Peter, along with a few other members formed the MG Car Club Tyne Tees Sub Centre as it was then known, now the Tyne Tees Centre. This new Sub Centre was given all the support needed by Doc Jack Armstrong and Alan Dakayne.

Peter was an active member of the Tyne Tees Sub Centre for many years and was delighted when they received full status as the Tyne Tees Centre. He and his wife Christine competed in all activities the centre organised and they were both known for marshalling at Silverstone back in the 1960s.

Peter enjoyed his classic car racing and both he and Barry Siddery-Smith were great rivals at Croft, Silverstone and Brands Hatch. They both also enjoyed attending Car Club events overseas and visiting other MG Clubs, including one particularly enjoyable event in the Hausach Rallye.

In the early 1980s Peter was appointed to General Secretary of the MG Car Club at their new premises in Boston, Lincolnshire. His dear friends John Thornley and Bill Wallis both persuaded him to take on this role which he thoroughly enjoyed. When the Car Club relocated to their present premises, Peter moved on and Christine held the reins for a while until the move was

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completed.

Very early on, as new members of the MG Car Club, both Peter and his wife Christine attended the annual MG Car Club dinner dance held in The Park Lane Hotel in London arriving in their beloved MGA Twin Cam. Both Peter and Christine attended many “Noggin & Natters” and exhibitions promoting the MG Car Club all over the UK. Peter also travelled to Johannesburg on one occasion to speak at a local event and enjoyed Norman Ewing’s company and hospitality.

Peter retired to France with his wife Christine, where he continued to enjoy tinkering with his MGs, and taking part in local car club events. Peter lived life to the full to the end, and suffered a very short but aggressive illness. He was a very enthusiastic MG Car Club member who will be sadly missed by all those who knew him. Peter leaves his wife Christine, daughter Cara and son-in-law Greg, and son Gareth and daughter-inlaw Tash and grandchildren Keeley and Aidan. We are pleased to report that Peter’s family still have MGs in their barn.

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End of Season Awards Dinner For the first time in many years, the MG Car Club will be hosting an End of Season Awards Dinner. This will be taking place on Saturday October 21 at the De Vere Staverton Estate, Daventry Rd, Daventry, NN11 6JT. This event is scheduled to run in the evening, with the Club’s Council meeting and AGM taking place at the same venue during the day.

Tickets for the dinner are available at £35 a head from the Club’s online shop – shop.mgcc.co.uk or from Lauran at Kimber House – 01235 849735 or lauran@mgcc.co.uk. Dinner will be three courses, followed by a short presentation of awards. We are currently planning some additional entertainment, and will announce more details shortly.

Rooms are available from the hotel directly, at an exclusive rate of £79.00 per room per night. We have reserved 20 rooms for members attending the Council meeting and/ or the dinner, but can increase this number if needed. To make a reservation, please call the hotel directly on 0871 222 4816 and quote MGCA211017.

We hope to see as many of you as possible with us for the dinner and if you’re bringing a partner who has no involvement with Council, they’ll be well catered for during the day on Saturday – Staverton Park boasts a gym, swimming pool and 18-hole golf course. The hotel has offered the Club beneficial rates for the course if members wish to take advantage of the greens. We are happy to look into arranging an additional activity or trip for partners during the Saturday, but this will depend on the level of interest.

Please inform Lauran on 01235 849735 or lauran@mgcc.co.uk if your partner would be interested.

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OPENING HOURS: Mon-Fri 8.15am-5.30pm Sat 9.00am - 1.00pm All prices are correct at time of going to press but may be subject to change.

PLEASE MENTION THIS ADVERT WHEN PLACING YOUR ORDER TO OBTAIN THESE PRICES. All orders subject to availability. All prices include VAT @20%. CARRIAGE EXTRA

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Black leather seats, Mota-lita S/ wheel, Walnut dash, overdrive, chrome luggage rack, MoT to April, Tax exempt £15,995

MG TD 1952

US car, total frame off restoration 200 miles ago, engine, g/box and diff rebuilt, lovely car, stored in dry desert climate. Can convert to RHD £28,995 for extra £1000.

For up-to-date listings on our cars for sale visit www.ukmgparts.com

STOCKISTS OF:

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S O M E T H I N G D I F F E R E N T F O R E V E R Y M G E N T H U S I A S T....

D I S C O V E R K I M B E R S T O R E S O N L I N E AT W W W . M G C C . C O . U K O R VISIT THE MG CAR CLUB HE ADQUARTERS IN ABINGDON 12 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2017

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www.mgcc.co.uk

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To O r d er, pleas e visit shop.mgc c.co.uk or phone 0 12 3 5 8 4 9 7 31 T he M G C a r Club 12 C emet e r y Ro ad, A bingdon, O xon OX14 1A S www.mgcc.co.uk

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

NEW FROM MG AND AMC PARTS

FRONT SPLITTER/ SPOILER FOR MGTF FROM RPS

RPS has recently developed a new front splitter/spoiler for the MGTF. The panel is a very easy fit and will come with all necessary fixings and will be supplied in a white or black gel coat finish for spraying. Prices are still to be confirmed but they are likely to be in the region of £95 to £100. Panels will be available to order at the end of September 2017.

The photographs show the prototype panel fitted on the development car. Contact RPS on Tel: 07900 431244 or 07868 131906. Or Email: enquiries@rps-ltd.info Website: www.rps-ltd.info

MG GS complete set of Pocket Mats in Rubber.

Available in Red – Blue or White.

Price £14.95 plus P & P. To order or for more information contact Roger Briscoe at MG and AMC Parts on MG & AMC Parts, The Smithy, High Street, Southwick, Hampshire, PO17 6EB Tel - +44 (0)2392 220 222. enquiries@ mgandamcparts.com

TCs FOREVER AND MORE FROM NTG.

Now in stock: the bible for TC owners “TCs Forever” £98 and now “TCs Forever - More” companion and aid to survival in the 21st Century £69.80. Essential information for the serious restorer by world TC authority Michael Sherrell. Free UK shipping if both purchased at once. Contact NTG Motor Services Limited, 282 - 284 Bramford Road, Ipswich, IP1 4AY, Email: info@mgbits.com Phone +44 (0)1473 406031, www.mgbits.com

14 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2017

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www.mgcc.co.uk

23/08/2017 18:28

David Manners Group supplying quality genuine, oe & aftermarket

parts & accessories

Working with MG Owners to keep the Marques alive

Special discount on parts & accessories for official MG Car Club Members To see the full range of parts we supply for your car please contact us to request a free pricelist

www.davidmanners.co.uk enquiries@davidmanners.co.uk

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David Manners Ltd 991 Wolverhampton Road Oldbury West Midlands B69 4RJ

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POSTBAG

CAN YOU HELP? Do you recognise this car? And if you do recognise it, do you know any of the history of my MG WA Tickford, registration number BMO 759. It left the factory on February 15 1939. We know it first went to Salmons and Sons to have its Tickford coachwork fitted, then it went back to Abingdon and was registered new at the Berkshire Records Office on April 5 1939 by MG for their own use. The colour is recorded as black with tan hood and red leather interior.

BMO 759 was then used by MG to illustrate the Service Manual and for other publicity material, and at some point it was sold, but to who and when there is no record. Neither the excellent SVW Register archives nor the County Councils have details.

From March 1958 onwards up to the

FAMILY AFFAIR We thought Safety Fast! readers might like to see the attached photo of us all with our MGs. I purchased the MGF from a local garage after spotting it on eBay advertised for “spares and repairs” as a 50th birthday gift for my wonderful husband, Simon. It wasn’t drivable and was delivered by transporter. Since its purchase in April 2015 he has changed the head gasket; fitted stainless steel water pipes; new radiator and Toyosport stainless steel back box for a sporty sound. I cannot access our garage at the moment because he has purchased two sub-frames from an MG TF to convert from the hydro

present day, I have a lot of information on owners, colour scheme, condition and whereabouts. I know that John Shute the founder of IAD bought the car from the US and that he lived in a house previously owned by Norman Wisdom. I know the name of the ship it sailed on when it left the UK in 1972 bound for the US, I even have a description from the manifest: “one unboxed MG”. But from April 5 1939 to March 1958 this is all I have, which I got from the Kithead Trust:

gas and undertake general under body restoration so it is due to be SORN again after a tour of Scotland in September 2016 which was our Honeymoon.

My daughter Amy is on the far left picking up her brand-new Ruby Red MG3 Style Plus. I am next to my Yellow MG3 Style which I purchased in October 2016 and in between the two vehicles is our trusted salesperson Alan.

We are all happy MG owners and it’s turning into a family concern. We have a Son, Joshua, currently learning to drive so he may be another addition.

Best wishes Linda Foxall

‘to Kent in December 1939, to Holland (then a separate county in Lincolnshire) in Jan 1942, to Middlesex in July 42, to Herts in April 46, to Dorset in April 47, to London in September 54 , to Middlesex in October 56.’

Each move indicated where the vehicle file was currently being held and hence where it was licenced. But we don’t know if each move was a change of owner or one owner moving address.

Although the Kithead Trust tell me the balance of probabilities is very much towards changes of owner. I would love to know who owned the car, and how it was used. What happened to it during the 1940s? Large cars like the WA were often requisitioned by the Military, was BMO 759? If you have any information please do contact me, Christopher Rowe, 07843 074700.

Yours hopefully Christopher Rowe

JULY LOOKING BACK The top photo in the July Looking Back feature is J3 3756 when owned

by Walter Magilton in Warrandyte, Victoria, Australia. I lived near Rod Hiley in Queensland and helped in its restoration. I recall it won its first concours at the Botanical Gardens in Brisbane. The judge commented the locking wires on the engine bolts should be stronger. Walter sold the J3 to the Morgans in Gippsland, Victoria.

Rod Hiley sold all his MMM cars by sending them to auction in the UK, but this was the one which stayed out here.

Best wishes Peter Kerr

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www.mgcc.co.uk

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In the trenches all around Ypres extremely bloody battles were fought. Many of these battlefields have left their traces in the landscape around Ypres. Visit the various Ypres Battlefields and discover how the profound impressions of the Great War remain today. Don’t miss the ‘Last Post’ ceremony at the Menin Gate Memorial which takes place every evening at 20h00.

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Being close to the French border, Ypres (Leper) in Belgium is known by both names and visitors will find it signposted in both Flemish and French. During the entire war period, from 1914 up to 1918, Ypres was the scene of some of the most important battles in the first World War, later referred to as the Great War. The Ypres Salient is the area around Ypres in Belgium which was the scene of the heaviest battles during the Great War.

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18 20 When the First World War was declared in August 1914 the town was known by it’s French name of Ypres. Now the town is formally known by the Flemish name of Leper and Flemish is the local spoken language.

It was built by the German occupation forces in the period 1941-1944 along the coasts of France, Channel Islands, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Norway and Denmark. The main goal was to prevent allied landings on the shores of these countries. During this period a total of 14.000 heavy, concrete bunkers were built.

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The Normandy region combines a 360-mile dramatic coastline, including the evocative World War II landing beaches. The German ‘Atlantikwall’, one of the last major defence lines of this century.

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car tours MG-SafetyFast_Sept2017_1-48.indd GENERIC AD (NEW 2018 LAYOUT) A4 217Aug 2017 V3.indd 1

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FEATURE

Captain George Eyston in an R Type on the Brooklands banking

SMALL WONDERS-PART II A POTTED HISTORY OF THE TRIPLE-M MIDGETS, FROM THE PA TO THE R TYPE.

By Martyn Morgan Jones

PA MG was very much looking to the future. In March 1934, a new Midget, the P-Type, was introduced. Even though it took many engineering and design cues from its predecessor, the P-Type sported a slightly longer wheelbase, the chassis was a tad sturdier, there was a little more interior space, the level of standard equipment was improved and the bodywork had more flowing lines.

Press photo of an MG PA

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Offered in open two- or four-seat form, the P-Type proved very popular, with 1,396 two-seat sports and 498 four-seat sports finding homes. A svelte ‘Airline’ fastback coupe model, produced by H W Allingham of London, was soon offered and, at £290, commanded a £70 premium over the two-seater. Records show that 28 were produced. Other fixed-head coupes were offered by Cresta Motors of Worthing and University Motors.

Significantly, the P-Type was the welcome recipient of a new, 847cc engine, the design of which was rooted in the Magnette’s six-cylinder unit. The previous two-bearing, fourcylinder engine, already at the limit of its development, had an alarming propensity for snapping crankshafts, particularly if it had been reground (which led to MG issuing a ‘must-read’ service sheet that highlighted the fact that these crankshafts should not be reground). Replacement was the only option. The crankshaft’s frailty was particularly evident under racing conditions

The workings of a PA

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FEATURE

Fortunately, the new engine featured a new crankshaft ...one that was supported by three main bearings (including a strong, steel, centre main).

Although it wasn’t counterbalanced, it was immensely robust. And, its life was further extended thanks to the redesigned engine’s much-improved lubrication system (with external and internal filters). Power was 36bhp at 5,500rpm.

To garner the greatest potential from the PA however, many owners resorted to supercharging. Kits were offered by a number of specialist manufacturers. Unusually, MG even went as far as honouring the car’s warranty if a supercharger was fitted ...but added a crucial caveat: working at its maximum, the supercharger was not to exceed 6psi.

MG had also fitted 12-inch brakes which were far more effective than the previously-used 8-inch versions.

And, the transmission system had been modified and strengthened.

Even though the P-Type was not designed for racing, many examples ventured onto the circuits. When it was raced, its nemesis was the Singer Nine Sports. Blessed with a jewel-like 972cc overhead cam engine, the light and nimble Singer had the measure of the 847cc P-Type. Of course, this was largely due to the P-Type’s avoirdupois.

At Le Mans, in 1935, a team of six female drivers, nicknamed the ‘Dancing Daughters’, entered and finished the gruelling 24-hour event, albeit quite some way behind a trio of Singers which took first, third and fourth places in the 1,000cc class, averaging over 10mph more than the MGs. PB It was this drubbing at Le Mans, along with other factors such as press criticism of the car’s performance, that prompted the arrival of the PB in August 1935. However, MG still had 27 P-Types (which were now referred to as PAs) in stock. Keen to

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Press photos of an MG PB

Q Type MG

dispose of them, they were offered at a Substantially reduced price. Nonetheless, there were no takers, the upshot of which was that all were later converted into PB models.

To improve performance, the engine in the PB was bored out to 60mm, resulting in a capacity of 939cc and an output of 43bhp. Not only did it have more power, the power was more accessible thanks to the gearbox being fitted with the J-Type’s closer ratio gears.

Even so, as with the PA, many owners elected to fit a supercharger. And, MG continued to honour the warranty if a supercharger was fitted ...but, as before, only if didn’t exceed 6psi.

Interestingly, thanks to the harvesting of the endangered Sequoia Redwood tree having been banned, with the introduction of the PB, the dashboard fascia now featured burr walnut veneer.

In production for almost seven months, 408 two-seaters and 99 four-seaters left Abingdon. Also, H W Allingham made a PB ‘Airline’, selling 14.

The survival rate (PA and PB) is excellent.

Q-Type Aimed squarely at the racing customer, although listed in MG’s general car catalogue (at a cost of £550), the Q-Type of 1934 was a very limited run.

Just eight were produced over a fourmonth period.

Powered by a short-stroke, 746cc

engine, that was topped off with Zoller supercharger boosting at an incredible 25psi, and with 113bhp at its disposal (equating to approximately 151bhp per litre) the Q-Type was a rather fast car.

Thankfully, the two-bearing crankshaft was not carried over. The engine was suitably uprated with a three-bearing P-Type block, P-Type cylinder head and featured a counterbalanced crankshaft and stronger connecting rods (which were further strengthened later in the production run).

Unfortunately, the chassis, which was a curious melange of previous designs, was not quite a match for the engine’s performance. As a result, the Q-Type never quite delivered on its promise.

R-Type Which, by default, is a criticism that could also be levelled at the Q-Type’s successor: the R-Type. By 1934, the effectiveness of independent suspension was being realised by several manufacturers, MG included.

Doreen Evans in her R Type

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FEATURE

Indeed, MG had done some ‘in-house’ experimentation with independent front suspension as early as 1933, although it was only in 1934 that H N Charles, MG’s Chief Designer, started working officially on an all-independent suspension car: the R-Type The only way to enable independent suspension to work properly was if the chassis was rigid, a characteristic that was completely lacking in most car frames of that time, MGs included.

To counter this, Charles designed a Y-shaped frame, completely boxed in, which was immensely strong and rigid, but relatively light. The engine, essentially a Q-Type unit, was mounted in the ‘fork’ of the Y and the suspension was by double wishbones, of unequal length at the front but equal at the rear, connected to steel bars held in torsion and running the length of the boxed chassis. The body was an elegant singleseat affair.

A noticeable improvement on the Q-Type, the R-Type, which was less of an evolution, and more of a revolution

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in chassis design, had huge potential.

But the design was in its infancy of course, and although the wheels remained upright during enthusiastic cornering, the body leaned alarmingly.

A combination of the early design of fluid dampers, equal length wishbones, rather soft rear torsion bars, and a roll centre that was close to the ground were the main problems. Problems that could have been easily, and cheaply, rectified.

Nonetheless, by this date, William Morris had sold MG to Morris Motors.

Morris Motors promptly issued an edict that all work on racing cars, and all racing activities, were to cease, with

immediate effect, thereby curtailing any development of the R-Type. Then, to rub salt into MG’s wound, the design team at Abingdon was disbanded and all subsequent MG products were designed at Cowley, the Morris main works.

While many regret the passing of the OHC engines, and other changes, it was this rationalisation and the forced switch to using standard Morris components ...and the arrival of cars such as the soon-to-be-celebrated T-Series Midgets, which ensured MG’s survival. Had the changes not been implemented, it was quite likely that the MG factory would have ceased to exist by 1946.

A PA TODAY Photos by Gez Hughes

AFC 634, a 1934 PA, first registered in June of that year, belongs to Mark Hillier. Mark has a long association with classic/vintage cars and, in particular, vintage motorbikes. He currently owns a Series One Land Rover, a 1929 Model A Ariel, a 1935 Matchless 500, a 1937

Ariel Red Hunter and a 1951 Triumph TR5, two HT 500 Ariel trials bikes, one with a sidecar, two 1960s Triumphs, one is a 500, the other a 750.

He’s no stranger to the MG marque either, having owned a number of MGBs, an MGC GT Automatic, an

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FEATURE

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FEATURE

MGC roadster (which he kept for 30 years) and, more recently, two early MG TAs, but this is the first Triple-M car he has owned. Records show that it left the factory as a four-seater.

“It was later converted to a twoseater,” explains Mark. “Apparently, this was quite a common practice.

The first owner was a Mrs Piggott and the car was in her possession until 1936, when it was purchased by a Mr Jackson. In 1946, the car was bought by a Mr Anscombe and it seems as if he kept it until it was purchased by a Mr Wardle. Between 1974 and 1980, Mr Wardle restored the car. During the restoration, it was fitted with a new ash frame. In 2009, the car was sold via Chapterhouse Auctions to a chap in Devon, Christopher Lambert, and he sold it to Barry Walker in 2015. I bought it from Barry in October 2015.”

A numbers-matching car, AFC 634, chassis number 1063, is a very fine example and is meticulously maintained by Mark. Originally blue

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with blue trim, it was painted black some time ago, long before Mark bought it. Otherwise, it’s in remarkably original condition, even down to the fact that it doesn’t have a water pump ...common practice at the time.

Nonetheless, fitting one is on Mark’s ‘to-do’ list.

“Generally, the engine runs at the correct temperature,” he elaborates.

“But occasionally, especially when in traffic, it can get a little warm. Fitting a water pump makes sense as it will help when dealing with stop-start traffic. The engine’s actually designed for a water pump, and everything’s in place for one, but it wasn’t a standard fitment. I’m not a purist, but I like to keep the car as original as possible.

However, I am prepared to make subtle changes that will benefit the car.”

MGs are drivers’ cars, of course, and Mark is very pleased with the PA’s road manners. “For a car of its era, it drives remarkably well,” he enthuses. “It steers very nicely, with great handling, and the brakes are very good. Much better than the TA’s. The trick with the PA is to get the cable adjustment spot-on. The performance is pretty good, too. That said, unlike my TAs, which had the XPAG engine, and would pull strongly from low revs, you have to rev the PA’s OHC engine hard to get the performance, and hills are a bit of a challenge!”

Mark, who mentioned that he’s never at ease, and never sleeps well, if his garage isn’t home to an MG, is very happy with his PA. It’s a keeper, too. “I hope to keep this car as long as possible,” continues Mark. “I just want to use it ...and cherish it.”

Thanks to: Triple-M Register - www.triple-mregister.org/ Mark Hillier

SEPTEMBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 23

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FEATURE

SUPPORTED BY

PROJECT MGA PART ONE

After turning heads at the 2016 Classic Motor Show, Mike Brewer’s Project MGA is ready to go, but first TV’s Wheeler Dealer lifts the lid on why he wanted to tackle an MGA in the first place…

H

is TV shows have seen him tackle everything from a Mini Cooper to a Dodge Charger but Mike’s always had a special affection for MG and in particular, the MGA. “Of all the cars MG have ever built, the MGA is for me, the best. Now don’t get me wrong – I can see the appeal in a Triple M, I know the MGB tends to be people’s goto MG and I’ve enjoyed

a ZR 160 or two in my time, but for me, the MGA is the one,” says Mike. “With the MGA it’s got such a great story with it – from the legendary EX cars that entered into Le Mans, the twincam, even Elvis owned one – there’s something really special about the A.” “Those gorgeous lines that Syd Enever sketched all those years ago just seem to get better and better every year – from the moment we sold the MGA on Wheeler Dealers I’ve wanted to do another one.”

The MGA Year: 1959 Engine: 1588cc B-Series (non original) Colour: Currently yellow – suspected Old English White originally

Mikes MGA in Kimber House

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23/08/2017 18:29

SUPPORTED BY

FEATURE

Work starts at MGLive!

Mike joined the MGCC in 2015, after hosting at MGLive!. “I had a great time at MGLive! and people loved seeing the MGA we’d done on TV at the show, so this time I wanted to do it for myself and share the project with other members of the Club and in the kind of depth that an hour on the telly just won’t allow.”

While the idea of doing an MG project was something Mike was interested in, he didn’t go out looking for something to restore. “I found the car in California – it was rough but solid thanks to the climate – and at some point, had been resprayed in yellow. I was so pleased to have another A and was quite happy to keep it just the way it was and so shipped it back to England. It was whilst reading Safety Fast! I saw some of the MGAs in there and started to think about getting members of the Club to give me their opinion on it – restore it, or leave it as it is.”

The A featured on the Club’s stand at the Classic Motor Show in November, with Mike asking showgoers to vote whether to restore the car, or keep it ‘as found’. “I knew there’d be people out there that wanted it kept as it was,” says Mike.

“I met plenty of them at the show, but once they saw that the car wasn’t original, that changed a lot of people’s minds.”

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After the show, Mike brought the car to Kimber House, putting it on display in the John Thornley Suite.

“Bringing it back to Abingdon was pretty special,” he says. “Even more so when you think that the Club’s HQ is so close to the old factory site – it really was like bringing her home!”

Once the votes were totted up, over 60% of people had gone with

restoring the car and so Mike began to look for the right partners to work with on the project. “The A is a bit special because unlike say the MGB or Midget, not everything is available off the shelf and there has to be a budget for the project. I spoke with the guys at Kimber House and some other friends who’ve restored their MGs and the name that people kept coming back with was Moss Europe, so they seemed to be the people to speak to and were interested in getting involved with the project so it tied up nicely.”

With a parts supplier sorted, Mike turned his attention to someone to help him rebuild the car. “With my commitments to filming, there’s no way I can do this one in my lock-up at home and we didn’t want to do one on the show as we’d already done an A,” recalls Mike.

An entry on the 2016 Peking to Paris rally had brought Mike in touch with Witney-based company Rally

Mike in awe of the vast stock Moss hold

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FEATURE

Mike gets his spares order from Fillipe

Trying the A for size

SUPPORTED BY

Preparation Services and although work commitments meant he hadn’t been able to enter the rally, he’d struck up a friendship with the guys – in particular MD Simon Ayris and workshop foreman Ben Harris. “Ben’s a big MG man – he’s been around MGs for years, he’s built more than a dozen different MGs, and plenty of them have been MGAs.” Mike got in touch and as he expected, Ben and the rest of the guys at RPS were up for the challenge and Ben came to assess the car, which was now on display at the Club’s Kimber House headquarters.

Ben was happy that Mike had bought a decent basis and it would be ideal to kick things off by starting the project officially at MGLive! 2017.

“We got the car to MGLive! and the guys just went for it,” says Mike.

“As more and more of the car came apart, we started to realise just how solid it was. That’s obviously the biggest benefit to a Californian car!”

Once MGLive! was over with, the

Mike and his MGA at the NEC

MG-SafetyFast_Sept2017_1-48.indd 26

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SUPPORTED BY

FEATURE

Ben from RPS and Mike with the A

Mike gives Moss the thumbs up

A travelled back to the RPS workshop, leaving Mike to get to London, and Moss’ HQ to secure everything on Ben’s shopping list.

“We had a great day at Moss – I didn’t realise how massive the operation is – they’ve got everything there from a gear knob to a full bodyshell, it’s incredible.”

At long last Mike has everything in place for the MGA project and in the coming issues of Safety Fast! you’ll be able to follow the car’s restoration step-by-step. “I’m keen to make sure the cars in keeping with what MG intended for it back

in 1959, but I also want to see what can be done to take in some of the improvements that have been made to the B-Series engine over the past 60 years,” he adds.

“We’re going to go through every step of the resto – bodywork, engine, running gear, interior, everything. It’s a great opportunity to see what goes into a restoration,” says Mike. “Not only that, the mechanicals, the oily bits we all love – so much of that will apply to other MGs – the B, the Magnettes, they all used the B-series, so there’s loads that I hope will be of interest to the members.”

At RPS in Witney

Starting next month you’ll be able to follow the start of the project, beginning with the body removal.

As the project moves on you’ll not only be able to follow the project in Safety Fast! but also online, via the Club’s YouTube channel, the Club’s social media feeds and websites, online with both Moss Europe and Rally Preparation Services but also at upcoming MGCC shows and events.

Mike with Filipe at the spares Counter

www.mgcc.co.uk

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SEPTEMBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 27

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EVENTS

Nicholas Taylor in his 1949 MG TC. Photo: ACCD Photography

Amy Johnson and Jen Chambers from Alopecia UK, in the charity’s branded MG TF LE500.

Photo: Amy Johnson

2017 SHOWCASE CLASSIC & SPORTS CAR GALA

T

he regular gatherings of MG owners in the Chichester area have long been known as one of the friendliest MG groups in the south east, welcoming all enthusiasts, and building friendships with many local car clubs of other marques.

The May gathering formed the Showcase Classic & Sports Car Gala charity fundraising event in the grounds of Lord Cowdray’s estate, Midhurst, West Sussex, with MGs dominant among the 300 cars present, and MGCC SE Centre members out in force.

Guest star of the event was double Olympic gold medallist (London and Rio) Joanna Rowsell Shand MBE, representing Alopecia UK, for which the event raised just over £3,000.

After delicious cooked breakfasts, served from a traditional shepherd’s hut, had warmed everyone up on a slightly chilly morning, the event began with the optional 60-mile ‘Showcase Run’ across the South Downs, ending back on the Cowdray estate, where each driver was presented with a souvenir by Jo, wearing her Olympic gold medals.

Meanwhile on the showground, entertainment included ‘Jazz on the

28 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2017

MG-SafetyFast_Sept2017_1-48.indd 28

By Mark Galbraith lawn’ by the FB Pocket Orchestra, and vintage 1940s vocal harmony group The Cadettes, who had attendees up on their feet and dancing, followed by a great performance from the Petworth Town Brass Band.

The vintage-style afternoon teas proved very popular, as were all the stalls to browse, and attendees were truly spoilt for choice on the lunch menu.

Jamie Cripps from Milestone Classics was the competition judge, awarding Eileen and Tim Kilpatrick the trophy for ‘Loveliest interior’ in their 1972 MGB GT, with Darren Sparks and Nigel Melbert runners-up in that class with their 1971 MGB Roadster, and 1973 MGB GT V8 respectively.

Congratulations also to runners-up in the Best Soft Top class; Peter Hall with his 1933 J2, and John Farncombe

with his 1996 RV8, and runner-up in the Best Saloon class Peter Smithson with his 1958 Magnette ZB Varitone.

A day at the races, dinner for two, and a T-shirt autographed by Joanna and her Olympic team mates, were among a list of great prizes won in the raffle too.

The event was covered by a team of photographers and a film crew, so whether you were there on the day or not, just go to www.showcase-classiccars.events to watch the official video and download some lovely images, or order prints (from which 50% of the proceeds will go to Alopecia UK).

The Chichester team is already working on the next Showcase which promises to be even bigger and better, with all MGCC Centres, Registers, and Branches cordially invited to attend.

The date will be announced in these pages in due course.

Enjoying the ride in Mark Lacey’s 1970 MGB Roadster. Photo: ACCD Photography

Peter West in his 1954 MG TF being greeted at the finish line

by Jo Rowsell Shand MBE. Photo: ACCD Photography

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/08/2017 18:29

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SEPTEMBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 29

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MG Y-TYPE 70TH ANNIVERSARY RELAY

Y Type 70 at MGLive!

A

bingdon, the spiritual home of the MG, provided the perfect setting for the finale of an innovative event to mark the 70th anniversary of the MG Y-Type on Sunday July 30. A gleaming array of Y-Types and their owners gathered at Kimber House in Abingdon to welcome in the last two drivers as they completed the final legs of the MG Y-Type Round Britain Relay. Launched almost two months earlier at Lakeside Shopping Centre near Dartmouth, the event brought together 52 MG Y-Types and their intrepid owners

Both parts of the batten reunited as one at the end of the relay

who traversed the roads of Britain to raise awareness of this rare model in its 70th birthday year.

Sponsored by Stewart Miller & Peter James Insurance, the Relay featured one of the biggest collections of the model to take part in any single event, and saw vehicles cover an undulating 1,834-mile route around the UK. Split into a southern and a northern route, the event’s 37 stages took drivers to locations throughout the length and breadth of England, Wales and into Scotland, including the Severn Valley Railway, British Ironworks Centre in

Oswestry, the famous hillclimb venue Shelsley Walsh, Gateshead’s The Angel of the North and Bamburgh Castle.

Organised by the MG Car Club Y-Type Register, the MG Octagon Car Club and the MGOC, the event was the brainchild of Y-Type Register member Julian Bosworth who wanted a 70th anniversary celebration that would involve Y-Type owners and enthusiasts from across the country. In the sunshine at Kimber House, Y-Type owners Mike Brown and David Gregory, fresh from completing the last legs of the route, brought together the two halves of a

Y Types arrive at Kimber House 30 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2017

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www.mgcc.co.uk

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Celebrating 70 years of the Y Type at Kimber House

specially-crafted wooden ‘Y’ baton – each of which had accompanied the drivers throughout each leg of the northern and southern routes – to signify the event’s culmination.

Following a celebratory reception featuring restorative tea and cupcakes, the completed baton was presented to Ian Quarrington, MG Car Club Chairman, alongside route coordinator Maggie Grafham, MG Y-Type Register Chairman Chris Callaghan and event sponsor Peter James, who praised both the organisers and those who took part. “MG is a marque that is particularly close to our hearts, so to be at Kimber House, celebrating the 70th birthday of such a rare model

among those who are most passionate about it is a very special experience indeed,” he explained.

Stewart Miller & Peter James Insurance ran a photo competition launched at the start of the Round Britain Relay, offering a voucher for up to £100 worth of insurance to the person who captured the best image of a Y Type taking part in the Relay – to check out the Relay photos and see competition results visit the MGCC Y-Type Register webpage.

The MG Y-Type was constructed in 1939 with a view to launch the model at the 1940 Earl’s Court Motor Show.

However, the onset of WWII delayed its launch until 1947. The styling of the

body had its roots in the Series E Morris eight, though the new Y model used a separate chassis. New independent front suspension, designed by Jack Daniels and Alec Issigonis (better known for his innovative ‘Mini’) was incorporated and although this had been used in racing ‘R’ Series MGs in the mid-thirties, the Y was the first Nuffield production car to include this set up. This arrangement became standard in all subsequent MGs – a fact that not too many MG owners are aware of. The Y (only later referred to as the YA) was complemented by a Tourer version – the YT, from 1948 to 1950, most of which were produced for export, and in 1952 the YB was launched, boasting enhanced braking, a hypoid rear axle and smaller wheels.

Stewart Miller & Peter James Insurance are the enthusiasts’ insurance broker, providing unrivalled insurance expertise and the most beneficial rates for all MG club members. For more information, call the team on 0121 506 6040.

One of the hand over points by the Angel of the North The batten gets passed to Ian Quarrington, Chairman of the MG Car Club, for safe keeping at Kimber House

www.mgcc.co.uk

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SEPTEMBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 31

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SVW NEWSLET TER Paul Campbell svw.safety.fast@gmail.com www. • svwregister.co.uk

WELCOME TO THE SVW NEWSLETTER CHAIRMAN’S JOTTINGS The Register event held in the Suffolk/ Essex borders was a great success – read all about it below. We were short of SVW cars though, not because support is dwindling, but because so many cars were under repair.

The SVW Review anniversary edition has been published, and by now most of you should have got it. At least one member has written to tell us about a change of address. We rely on main Club to let us have addresses as, if you haven’t told them, you won’t be getting this magazine either! So please do let them know promptly if you move, change your email address, sell your car or buy another. We are totally dependent on their information being up to date. You can look up the form to tell them under ‘Membership”’ on the Club page www.mgcc.co.uk.

At the AGM held on the event, your committee was voted in virtually unchanged, except that Jeff Gibson has returned as Treasurer, relieving me of the task. Our details are on our website.

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG-SafetyFast_Sept2017_1-48.indd 33

Also advised was that the 2018 event is probably to be in Bristol, to be organised by Charlie Plain-Jones. Dates are not yet finalised, but it is likely to again be a mid-week event in early July.

Our 50th Anniversary as a Register was first celebrated at MGLive! with cake, bubbly and big balloons with ‘50’ on them. We also had three balloons with ‘S’, ‘V’ and ‘W’, but the ‘W’ blew up when we over-inflated it. At our event, members were given an anniversary baseball cap and if any members would like one, or another one, they are for sale at £10 each – see our website.

We are in good health financially, good enough to invest funds into the anniversary and in widening our regalia offerings.

Cake to mark this special anniversary.

Photo: Peter van den Heuvel

My thanks for your support over the last year, and especially my thanks to your committee, who have worked very hard behind the scenes to keep this small but lively Register in excellent shape.

John Dutton SVW Register Chairman MGLive! SVW stand with lots of familiar faces.

Photo: Peter van den Heuvel

SEPTEMBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 33

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SVW NEWSLET TER

SVW EVENT AT COLCHESTER Robert and Jane Crayston did a great job in laying on the event in a beautiful area that offers many historic attractions billed as ‘Castles and Constable’.

We arrived early with a few others on the Monday, with everyone else arriving on the Tuesday. The Stoke

by Nayland Golf and Spa Hotel is well located and very hospitable. There was reserved parking for our cars, although events conspired Custom made against some of our number, map! meaning they were unable to bring their SVW car. We were therefore down from the expected 19 SVWs to 14, but we had some beauties and of course there were a fair number of other classics that were brought along instead. The drives out on Wednesday and Thursday were an ideal length and took us to Colchester (the oldest recorded town in Britain, where we visited the castle), Wilkin & Sons at Tiptree, Kersey Mill and Dedham Vale, the latter famous mostly for Constable’s painting The Hay Wain at the nearby Flatford Mill.

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We all collected our rally packs on arrival and attached the rally plaque to our car. A nice touch was a custommade map of the area with a picture on the front showing Flatford Mill with a VA Saloon sinking in the water rather than a hay wain! Later, each

driver received a specially-commissioned black and gold cap with our Register badge on the front and ‘50 YEARS OF THE SVW REGISTER’ embroidered on the back. A small number are available for purchase – please see the SVW Regalia section of our website for details.

Meeting old friends is always a joy and the evening meals were very enjoyable, with our own bar and dining room that spilled out onto a veranda with a lovely view across the golf course. Our Dutch friends are always stalwarts at these events and, alongside those who attend regularly, it was also good to welcome newbies Christopher and Ann Rowe in their WA Tickford, acquired quite recently from our chairman John Dutton. The weather was also kind to us, occasionally a little too hot for comfort! Sharman was lucky enough to bag a ride with Martin and Frankie Gratte in their superb WA Saloon, which solved her comfort and moving air problems! I enjoyed the company of Alan Dakeyne who kept us on the straight and narrow as my navigator in the VA Tourer. The journeys were interspersed with coffee stops, a lunch and an afternoon tea.

The gala evening was very enjoyable and included a speech

John Day (MGCC President), John Dutton (SVW Register Chairman) and Gary Perry (SVW Register Registrar) www.mgcc.co.uk

23/08/2017 18:29

SVW NEWSLET TER

Grahame Page with his VA Saloon

Colchester Castle

by MGCC President, John Day. A number of awards were presented.

The Washbourne Award for the best article in the current edition of The SVW Review was chosen by the editor Charlie Plain-Jones and went to Malcolm Robertson for his excellent contributions entitled ‘News from Downunder’. As in previous years, the Dutch contingent had prepared a memento, signed by everyone present, for the organisers, Robert and Jane Crayston. Most poignant of all was the presentation of The

SVW line-up at Dedham www.mgcc.co.uk

MG-SafetyFast_Sept2017_1-48.indd 35

Frances Adam Award for the biggest contribution to the Register that went jointly to Grahame Page and Geoffrey Wilson, both of whom were present in their cars. Grahame (VA Saloon) and Geoffrey (VA Tourer) have owned their cars for longer than anyone, Geoffrey since 1951 and Grahame since 1953, although Grahame’s father had his from new. I’m sure they won’t mind me saying that their total age is 184!

The only additional mechanical issues were experienced by Bert van der Linden when he blew the

Geoffrey Wilson in his VA Tourer driven by his son Nigel

dreaded head gasket on his new SA Keller re-creation and Mike Greasby who suspected a broken wheel bearing. They were transported home to Holland and Buckinghamshire, respectively. Mike later discovered it was a loose shock absorber, but it is quite relaxing in the air-conditioned cab of an AA truck, not to mention the petrol savings!

Bert could perhaps console himself having been awarded The Ratcliffe Cup for the car most members attending wished to go home in,

Geoffrey Wilson and Grahame Page receive The Frances Adam Award, picture stand by Jim Andrews!

SEPTEMBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 35

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M

SVW NEWSLET TER

Organisers Robert and Jane Crayston receive thanks from Peter van den Heuvel

although presumably not on the back of a transporter!

I’m pleased to say my VA Tourer didn’t miss a beat, covering a total of 335 miles. The M25 and A12 were not enjoyable with all the trucks, but the rest of it was great fun. I was travelling the first part of the journey home in the VA Tourer, following John Dutton in his MG TF at a respectful distance, but close enough to witness something flying from his car. It came

Bert and Els van den Linden receive the Ratcliffe Cup

towards me like a large bat but I recognised it when it landed in the outside lane as I went past – it was

his new SVW cap that we had all received. John will be forking out a tenner for another!

VAs IN UNUSUAL LOCATIONS! I mentioned a VA Tickford (chassis 1813) last month owned by Manreet Sarkaria who has restored it in India; I can now provide a photo that shows what a good job he’s done. This car was originally black, but now looks resplendent in cream and green. Other photos sent by Manreet show some of the non-standard features, sometimes inevitable when an original template is not available. I hope to share more of these in future.

Meanwhile, Rob Nesham has been in touch to say he’s come to live in the UK from Zimbabwe and has brought his VA Tourer (chassis 1719) with him, together with a Riley Pathfinder! The VA is currently fitted with a Riley 1.5 engine c1949 mated to the original VA gearbox. The car was previously

owned by Rob’s father and has been in the family since 1974. Originally green, Rob’s VA is currently ivory. Hopefully we’ll see it back on the road in due course. Again, we have more photos to share.

Enjoy the rest of the summer doing what we enjoy best.

MG UR

Manreet Sarkaria’s VA Tickford in India

36 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2017

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Rob Nesham’s VA Tourer now back in the UK from Zimbabwe

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MG-SafetyFast_Sept2017_1-48.indd 37

23/08/2017 18:29

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

WELCOME TO THE ‘T’ REGISTER NEWSLETTER Another year slips by, no wonder most of us now have so many years under our belt and our cars are getting even older, although most of those have been fully rebuilt and new parts incorporated, the only conclusion

is the days are getting shorter somehow.

One more event to go, The Autumn Tour to The Lakes and Cumbria in the first week in September, so time to report on some recent events of this year.

T TYPES TO THE ARDENNES MAY 12–16 2017

The assembled T Types in front of the hotel

town of Dinant close by, breweries and chocolate factories among other things. The caves at Han sur Lesse on one of the routes were also popular: since we had done some routes for a previous trip to the area, we checked them last year and made them available to participants, and a number of crews used them. The forest track on one route proved popular, with several people remarking that it was smoother than a lot of the Belgian tarmac roads! I must admit that this year the roads were worse than I remember, which may have had something to do with president Mike Lugg losing a banjo bolt and apart from that there were of course one or two other minor breakdowns but nothing major that a group of dedicated old T type owners cannot fix at the roadside.

The new hotel, the Castel de Pontà-Lesse, was very good, the weather was excellent for T Type motoring, and everyone said they’d enjoyed themselves. We had a number of first-time participants, too, which was particularly pleasing for us and for the committee, since part of the reason for organising these trips abroad is to encourage people to take their T Types a little further than they might otherwise do and help is usually at hand if needed, more on this later.

The usual format of these events is that everyone does their own thing, so people visited gardens, the

The saga of the banjo bolt and the point made about roadside ‘fix its’.

Having elected to navigate for Mike Lugg on the last afternoon of the event, suddenly we both smelt petrol.

Mike pulled off the main road at the first opportunity, and discovered that he had lost the banjo bolt from one of his TC’s carburettors – no wonder we could smell petrol. Bill and I went back two or three miles to see if we could find the bolt, but couldn’t, which wasn’t surprising.

When we got back to the TC, Mike was deep in conversation with a

Bill and Sally Silcock organised a Spring Continental Tour to the Ardennes and Sally kindly penned this account.

Having got over the initial shock of receiving a last minute notice that the hotel that we had booked was closing down for reasons unknown, the hotel chosen as an alternative nearby turned out to be a gem and a great time was had by all.

38 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2017

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gentleman who had appeared from a house just by where we’d parked, and they were trying out the contents of a large biscuit tin full of banjo bolts.

Unfortunately none of them fitted, so our new friend disappeared into a large barn, muttering, what turned out to be ‘Morris 8’.

We followed him into the barn, which was crammed with dusty, rusty old motorcycles, an 1870 boneshaker bicycle and some old cars, only to see our friend’s brother emerge from the lower floor holding another banjo bolt, this time from the Morris 8 he apparently had down there.

The Morris 8

Unfortunately that didn’t fit either, so the next suggestion was, ‘I have a friend, another old car enthusiast, who doesn’t live far away and has a milling machine. I’ll ask him if he’ll make you a replacement bolt’.

The friend turned out to have only

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/08/2017 18:29

‘T’ REGISTER NEWSLET TER

just returned from a classic car tour of Little Switzerland in Normandy – those of you who came to Normandy last year will remember how nice that area is – and was very tired, but was more than willing to make Mike a bolt the following day, which unfortunately was the day we were due to leave.

Then something even more unexpected happened. A man wearing full Lycra cycling kit stopped his bike,

asked what the problem was, and then said ‘I’ve got a TC at home.

‘It’s fully restored but not yet registered. I’ll lend you a banjo bolt from it.’

So Bill took him - minus his cycle home and they collected the bolt and brought it back to the TC. Everyone helped fit it, and when the TC started and ran perfectly there was a cheer, followed by handshakes and thanks all round.

Advance notice Next year it is proposed to return to a favourite place, the hotel in Bollezeele in Northern France, the trip is for four nights from Monday May 14 2018.

More details later when confirmation is received from hotel.

Sally Silcock

MGLIVE! 2017 SATURDAY 17 AND SUNDAY 18 JUNE Well what did we tell you…the weather was truly scrumptious, for the first time in a long while parasols in lieu of umbrellas!

The sun certainly brought everybody out, by 11.00am there were more than 50 T Types parked in our allocated space.

There was a completely new look this year to the layout at Silverstone, the Main MGCC Marquee

moved to an area adjacent to the Medical Centre and the Brooklands Grandstand together with the Arena and the T Register Specials marquee.

Confusion at first for those regulars who become so accustomed to things the old way. All the traders were in one area together with the food and drink facilities with the Registers occupying the tarmac areas behind the traders as usual.

The normal programme of events took place on the Saturday, there was a good brisk trade seen at the private vendors’ stalls in the morning, no doubt many of the trades people had already had a sniff around for early bargains!

No anniversaries or celebrations for T types this year but as always Stewart Penfound and company put together a super display of Specials at the

Paul Critchley competing in the California Cup with his TD

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG-SafetyFast_Sept2017_1-48.indd 39

SEPTEMBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 39

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‘T’ REGISTER NEWSLET TER

marquee adjacent to the club HQ. A casualty of the revamped layout was our annual T Register Natter late on the Saturday afternoon where it had always been the practice for the Specials marquee to be sited in the racers’ paddock and racers and T members mingled for a drink, nibbles and a natter as is the custom.

On reflection there was a lack of communication on the re-siting of this venue and only 50% of the usual suspects came to seek us out. Better luck next year!

However, the most exciting piece of T Type news was from the California Cup which is an auto driving test. We were especially requested to enter a T Register team of three because the MMMs had already done so and the Register had not entered a team for a number of years.

Paul Critchley, Brian Goodban and Richard Hirst stepped forward and volunteered and as a result succeeded in carrying off the Register Trophy, congratulations and many thanks to them.

Specials

T Type Assembly

THE T REGISTER T PARTY SUNDAY JULY 9 AT THE CHATEAU IMPNEY HILL CLIMB NEAR DROITWICH WR9 0BN The annual T Party has become a very popular event over the last few years and we have been pleased to be a part of different pageants and gatherings where cars and planes have been a feature.

Last year we went to the Flywheel Festival at Bicester Heritage Centre and had a very successful day.

Well, we had planned to hold the annual T Party at the same venue again this year but it has proved to be a non-starter due to dates and the Shuttleworth Museum were not holding a Wheels and Wings event in 2017.

So, searching around we were

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recommended to consider a sporting event that we had not yet visited but those who had gave glowing reports and in consequence after much deliberating and negotiation, the T Party was held at the Chateau Impney Hill Climb and Speed Trials.

Alan Wakefield was the main instigator for the Register and organiser on the day and pens an on-site report of the day’s proceedings.

My count was 22 T-types; plus there were some others that got “lost” somewhere else in the park (it was a big area, and lots of various classics were scattered about somewhat randomly).

The Classics area car parking was not well defined and organised and no one seemed to have made any proper arrangements, so I sort of “took over” on behalf of the MG Car Club (not just the Register) and got a number of the MGAs, MGBs, Midgets, and V8/RV8s also parked up near the MGCC Flag, making it more of an MG Car Club gathering!

This seemed to have been appreciated by all and we had some MGCC Flags flying as well as the T-Register ones.

Everybody who came enjoyed the close up action, viewing, free paddock access and walkabout which was accessible only to ticket holders inside the event arena!

However, the organisers and especially their parking sub-contractors need to get better organised about how to manage the classics parking area and

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/08/2017 18:29

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23/08/2017 18:29

‘T’ REGISTER NEWSLET TER

The T Register T Party

the groupings of similar vehicles and/or marques, which after all is what most car club participants want.

All in all a good day but especially exhausting for some of us due to the above and we will not even mention the dust storm problem.

Now a view from the other side… the competitors.

Stewart Penfound - Lester MG Our cars were not the first XPAGengined T Register Specials to compete at Chateau Impney (George Cooper ran his Cooper MG there last year) but it was the first time that three of them had been entered, the cars being Jack Taylor’s Lotus 6, Chris Pamplin’s Dargue MG and my own Lester MG. It was an excellent event, and the entry was the most varied I’ve ever seen, ranging from Edwardian racing cars to single-seaters, with everything in

between, including eight ERAs and us! A dragster even made it up the hill during the lunchtime demonstration runs.

The course itself was at first sight somewhat daunting: very twisty and narrow after the initial straight, and with a blind entry to a roundabout which needed a split-second decision as to which exit to take... There was then a ridiculously tight chicane, followed by a glorious sequence of bends to the finish.

There was much debate amongst us Specials drivers after the practice runs as to which gears to use and when - Jack left it in second all the way up, whilst Chris and I took third along the start straight and past the chateau.

For the first timed run I left it in second, which meant just under a minute screaming along at 6000 revs plus. For the final run I decided to change up to third past the

Chateau, but missed it and arrived at the roundabout in neutral, which concentrates the mind a bit. The red mist that came down for the rest of the run meant it was my fastest run of the weekend, but, dammit, it should have been faster...

Chris went missing before his first timed run, having knocked his silencer off going over the ramp onto the aluminium track round the trees before the start line. The start line marshall kindly let him run out of sequence, with the comment that even without a silencer his car was quieter than some of the others! And we had all been noise tested, too.

In the end Jack was the fastest Special, recording 53.97s on his final run. Chris was next with 54.62s, with me bringing up the rear with 57.07.

How quick I would have been I’ll only find out if we do it again...

Competing XPAG Specials at Chateau Impney

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www.mgcc.co.uk

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MGC NEWSLET TER Mike Haughton email: mgc_mike@btinternet.com

WELCOME TO THE MGC NEWSLETTER

Jim and Rhoda Andrews arriving at Chateau Impney

WHAT A BIRTHDAY BASH! Well, no-one can accuse us of not celebrating the 50th Anniversary in style and in fitting tribute to the car, which is exactly what we did. The fourday event was attended by our friends from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Jersey, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and USA, making it a truly international event. A total of 217 Cs in all their glory.

Here are comments from some of our members: “After buying an MGC GT in 2016 the goal was to restore it and go to MGC50 at Chateau Impney. It was really great to meet so many Facebook MGC Register friends face to face. The Event was SUPER, organised well by the whole team and we enjoyed every minute of it” Paul Mol, Netherlands

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“There was never a question about attending MGC50 at Chateau Impney once we heard it was happening!

Living in Skye, so far away, set a challenge for our MGC GT. We entered early, got entry number 19.

Unbelievable four days, many friends made, great fraternity. 1,439 mile round trip over the five days. UTTERLY BRILLIANT!” Tim and Christine Moore.

Portree, Isle of Skye.

“It was great fun meeting so many of the folks I’ve gotten to know virtually over the last 35 or so years (since first joining the MGC Register back in the early 80s) and seeing the 217 MGCs that showed up at the Impney. Keep keepin’ the breed alive (they *are* much more than meets the eye)!”

Scott McGrath, Boca Raton, Florida

“My wife, Berit and I decided more than a year ahead that we wanted to participate on this event as we expect this to be the only 50 years Anniversary in our time. As there is no ferry between UK and Scandinavia at all, the trip is hard driving the 50-year-old car alone!

In fact, we drove approximately 900 miles before we even came to ChateauImpney. The event was fantastic and we can imagine all the necessary preparation work carried out. We have never regretted participating and especially meeting so many nice people with a common interest in the C. Our trip lasted three weeks and we covered more than 2,000 miles before we got back home – without any kind of trouble with the car.

Thanks for letting us celebrate the C and participate in this outstanding event!”

Berit Frøseth and Per Roger Nielsen Norway

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/08/2017 18:29

MGC NEWSLET TER

Johan Van Regermorten getting a right royal wave off

Wednesday saw many C owners checking into the Chateau and other nearby hotels, collecting goodie bags, making new acquaintances and renewing old ones. The evening hosted an informal dinner, and lots of wine was flowing. Finally it was off to bed ready for the day ahead.

Immediately after breakfast on Thursday there was the briefing for the first of the three road runs. This was excellently compiled and presented

by John and Anita Dorney. Our destination was revealed as being RAF Cosford, north of Wolverhampton.

For those long-standing members, you will probably remember MGC Day 2003 being held there. All of the cars were flagged off by Mike and Angie (secretary and treasurer) ready for the 42-mile run which took us through many small picturesque towns, including Bewdley and Bridgnorth.

We were fortunate to have just about squeezed all of the Cs into one section of the car park, fittingly overlooked by a magnificent Bristol Britannia. Lunch was served in Hangar one amongst many very interesting and memorable aircraft. Hangar two was even more

www.mgcc.co.uk

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impressive, with its Cold War exhibition which included an English Electric Lightning and Avro Vulcan bomber presented in absolute splendour.

The journey back to Chateau Impney was not so impressive as we battled with torrential rain, but one would not expect anything less of our wonderful British weather in June.

Back to the hotel for a quick change and ready for dinner, with some light entertainment provided in the form of a quiz which was won by the table seating the Swiss contingent.

Friday morning and we had a similar routine, but this time we were off to Toddington Railway in the county of Gloucestershire. Those cars participating in the run were flagged off by yours truly ably assisted by my wife, Lindsay, with the photographer on duty this day being Mike. The many photos can be accessed via the MGCC C Register website via the links we have put up there. Lots to do at the railway, which included a steam train ride down to Cheltenham racecourse, lunch and a tour round the signal box and steam and diesel sheds. The Cs were once again parked

to demonstrate solidarity within the marque. It was noted that a couple of T types had sneaked in on the act.

These belonged to volunteers working at the railway and we were pleased to have them amongst our number.

The Friday evening dinner was upon us, and again the Chateau did us proud. Afterwards there was an opportunity for we amateur gamblers to trust to luck on the roulette and blackjack tables.

Saturday morning arrived, and let the party begin! It’s an early start for all of the committee members. Many tasks to sort out, including the setting up of the regalia and concours gazebos in some very blustery weather. Event cars to be marshalled into position and the setting-up of the gymkhana and driving skill courses.

The Salvation Army Band provided us with light musical relief during the afternoon, with the entertaining sounds ably assisted around the grounds of the hotel by the strong breeze. Our very own Town Crier also kept visitors up to date with proceedings throughout the day. The many activities, including a walking

SEPTEMBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 45

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MGC NEWSLET TER

treasure hunt in the grounds of the Chateau, rocker box racing, blind driving test and gymkhana, kept the entrants busy. A good number of others were involved in the concours or pride of ownership, where cleaning and polishing were the order of the day. Credit also has to be extended to Chateau Impney for presenting such an impressive lunch for several hundred people!

As the day progressed a number of people (yes, Barrie and Ginny and others) were beavering away in the C HQ bunker (Bordeaux suite to everyone else) arranging for the correct colour grille badge to be attached to the awards to match the owner’s car (yes, there was that much attention paid to detail!). Marginally later than scheduled, we were eventually able to present the awards.

For those who were staying at the Chateau, it was a leisurely retire

Saturday night celebrations

to the bar for a quick drink and then get ready for the ultimate gala dinner. The order of the evening was that everyone was to enjoy themselves to the full, and that there were to be very minimal after-dinner speeches, the exception being the very humorous and entertaining talk from our guest, the inimitable John Day.

Winners of the MGC 50 awards were: Pride of Ownership 1st MGC Roadster

Robert Davis

FGL 374F

2nd MGC Roadster

Ray Osborne

TGX 427F

1st MGC GT

Christopher Poole

2nd MGC GT

Rick Parry

OFC 777H

1st MGC Roadster

Stephen Brown

UHV 671F

2nd MGC Roadster

Steve Adams

1st MGC GT

Rudolf Wild

2nd MGC GT

Thomas Pugsley

JKC 815F

Concours MGC IL XH 17878 LFR 952F

Car of the show MGC Roadster

Peter Morgan

No celebration could ever be complete without a birthday cake fit for the occasion, and bang on cue, a five-piece cake which spelt out MGC 50 was presented to all in the dining hall. The gala dinner on Saturday evening also seemed the perfect opportunity to make a presentation to Barrie and Ginny in recognition of all their hard work, dedication and contributions to the C Register over the years. Presents were showered upon them, together with money from well-wishers in the form of a collection which had been made during the day. Both Barry and Ginny were clearly moved at the strength of recognition shown by the members of the many years that the Register has been part of their life together, and it was appropriate that everyone had the opportunity to be part of this. The evening continued with partying and dancing into the small hours for those with any energy left!

MFR 654F

World Furthest Travelled MGC GT

Harvey Heath

MGC 3L – New Zealand

European Furthest Travelled MGC Roadster

Per Roger Nielsen

C-30003 – Norway

MGC GT

Peter Worrall

H4500 BBD – Spain

MGC Roadster

Paul Le Bailly

J 15354 – Jersey

MGC GT

Tim Moore

UK Furthest Travelled

46 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2017

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DSU 600G – Scotland

Cake, cake and even more cake

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MGC NEWSLET TER

Many of us were a little jaded on Sunday morning, still reeling from the incredible success of the event on Saturday. After breakfast, we finally muster enough energy to embark on the third and final road run of the event, this time to the Fleece Inn at Bretforton, near Evesham. The cars were flagged off by our Swiss friends Marcus and Ursula on a 56-mile run taking us through the towns of Malvern and Upton upon Severn. Once at the Fleece, we were parked up in the orchard adjacent to the Inn with overflow parking at the school and Manor House. These provided for some excellent photo shoot opportunities.

Entertainment was courtesy of local folk singers and Morris dancers. Once again we were provided with an excellent lunch washed down with a half of the local ale.

At this stage the party had come to a close, with the majority of members starting to make their way home.

Goodbyes were exchanged with all except those few who were heading back to Chateau Impney for the clearup operation, including the collection and loading of the Sebring GTS MGC, RMO onto a trailer! Fast forward to Monday morning and Prince Charles’s MGC GT needs to be taken out of the Chateau hallway and loaded into another trailer, ably assisted by Marcus who was clearly enjoying himself!

For those members who attended MGC50 and are in possession of the Souvenir Programme, if you haven’t already done so please take the opportunity to sit down for a couple of hours and have a good read through it. Praise must go to Marcus Brundler for his incredible work in collating and publishing the programme, which is a fascinating resource for facts and information on the car. A little bird tells me that Marcus is also working on a follow-up to the programme, so watch this space.

Finally, on behalf of the C Register, we would like to say a massive thank

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG-SafetyFast_Sept2017_1-48.indd 47

Marcus, very pleased to have a royal connection

you to all our sponsors, without whose support none of this could have happened.

The C Register Christmas meal and winter gathering is booked for Saturday November 25 at Salford Hall Hotel, near Evesham. We have negotiated a special room rate of £160 per couple. For you to take advantage of this offer you need to book through the MGC Register. The maximum number for dinner is 50, and so application is very much on a first come first served basis. There is a reduced room rate for anyone wishing to stay Sunday evening as well. Please contact Mike or Angie for further details on this.

Not long after MGC50 we learned of the sad loss of two of our Club members. Condolences are extended to Dave and his family after Nikki Saunders finally lost her battle with cancer on July 14, and to the family and friends of Howard Braithwaite who passed away at the beginning of July.

On a parting note, during the next two years our cars will be celebrating their actual birthday. Your BMH certificate will detail the week of actual production. We would love to see, and to publish in Safety Fast!, any celebratory photos that you may have of yourself and your car together.

Happy ‘C’ motoring.

Colin Howes

SEPTEMBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 47

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23/08/2017 18:29

FWD REGISTER NEWSLET TER Tanya Field tanyafield999@gmail.com

WELCOME TO THE FWD REGISTER NEWSLETTER I have long held a love for Cowley, Longbridge and Abingdon-built cars and in 2013 I organised a 40car cavalcade to celebrate Cowley’s Centenary. At the beginning of 2014 I was contacted by the manager of Templars Square Shopping Centre (known locally as Cowley Centre) as he had seen the coverage for Cowley’s Centenary and wanted to discuss ideas on how to celebrate 50 years of the shopping centre. During our meeting I discovered that not only 2014 was marking 50 years for Cowley Centre but that it had been built for Cowley workers. This made sense as it’s about a mile from Cowley.

As I walked around the shopping centre with the manager, it became obvious that it would be the perfect place for a small car display. The majority of the shopping centre is indoors, but light and airy with a glass roof. We then looked at when it might be good to put a display on and for how long. The manager suggested a week and as August is a traditionally Eric came to see me to tell me about his time at Cowley. Eric started in 1948 in Nuffield Exports and for 10 years he exported MGs to America. He told me several stories about his time working for Nuffield Exports including that every year he had to go and weigh the chassis of cars which were exported to Australia because import duties in Australia were charged on chassis weight, not the weight of the whole car.

When Nuffield Exports moved to Longbridge in about 1979 he moved over to Morrises, Eric finishing there in 1989.

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG-SafetyFast_Sept2017_49-100.indd 49

a quiet month for them, they hoped that holding the display then would help with footfall. This worked well for me as Cowley Classic Car Show is also held in August so I thought if we held the car display in the week before Cowley Classic Car Show, I could help advertise the car show at the same time.

The first Cowley car display in Cowley Centre was such a hit with the local community that it was decided to make it an annual event.

Thankfully, a number of my retired friends now help me with the displays, as although it’s always handy to have some extra eyes to help watch the cars, what I really need is extra ears to listen to all the wonderful stories from the former Cowley and Abingdon workers. As I’m writing, we have now just finished the fourth car display in Cowley Centre and former workers now look forward to the annual displays, the opportunity to share their stories and memories and bring me items from the factories, some to give

to me and some to show us.

This year’s nine car display included my MG Maestro 1600 and, for three days, the last Montego off the line signed by 962 Cowley workers which was loaned to me by the British Motor Museum. As I’m sure that you can image, this was a huge talking point and many of the former workers who had signed it came to see it and shared their memories, bringing their families along. Some of the workers who had signed it and brought their families set them the challenge of finding their signature on it, which I can tell you is no mean feat! Rather sadly, I had several widows of former workers who found their late husbands’ signatures which I could see felt bittersweet to them.

I thought you might be interested in some of the stories which I heard during the week.

I’m already looking forward to the 2018 display and hearing more stories from the workers both from Cowley and Abingdon.

Before I went into Cowley Centre, I was given a photo of a group of workers, so I thought it would be fun to try and put the names to faces during the week. However, not only was I given some names, I was also given the address of one of the men: Mick Lambe, the one slightly crouched down in the photo.

Armed with this information, I knocked on Mick’s door. Although understandably somewhat surprised to see me, he was also pleased that someone was interested in his time at the factory. While Mick couldn’t date the photo, we’ve narrowed it down to between 1984 and 1989 and we know it was taken in South Works rectification in S block. He was able to name a number of the people in the photo but sadly the majority are no longer with us. Mick worked at Cowley from 1953 to 1989 and was very active with all the various Morris sports clubs and was unbeatable at snooker!

SEPTEMBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 49

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FDW REGISTER NEWSLET TER

Irene with Tanya

We were visited by Sheila. Sheila worked in Special Tuning at Abingdon, and remembered Nobby Hall. One of our vehicles in the display was a Marina Pickup restored by Kenny O’Hare in honour of Nobby and his son. Sheila recognised the picture of the Mini on the back of the pick-up and remembered the Mini quite clearly. She was delighted to see the pick-up and it brought back so many memories of her time in Special Tuning.

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Irene and her son came in to see us. Irene was the first female Production Manager at Cowley and was in charge of the Trim Shop.

During her time at Cowley, Irene came up with a suggestion for the Suggestion Scheme. This was to do with the material used for Maestro seats. She managed to find a material which was significantly cheaper than the material that they were currently using but which was a better quality and more durable.

This was a major saving to the company, and in return she was given a cash sum and a Maestro.

She gave the Maestro to her very lucky son who then sold it a few years later.

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/08/2017 18:25

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BRITISH TOURING CAR CHAMPIONSHIP

T

he Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship finally finished the mid-season break on July 29 and 30 with a trip to East Anglia. Although the Snetterton Circuit is built on another former airfield, the creation of the “300” layout has added a lot more corners and increased interest. All the teams had attended an official test session at the circuit during the break and had been able to acquire significant data about the track.

888 MG were represented with one car driven by Josh Cook, which gave him a big opportunity to re-learn the MG6. After his accident at Croft, Aron Taylor-Smith’s leg injury ruled him out of driving.

Right on cue the 888MG transporter pulled into the Snetterton paddock with two MG6s on board. Josh’s car used in the test and a completely rebuilt car for Aron Taylor-Smith who was now fit enough to race again. The big hope was that the team would be able to get into the top ten on a regular basis and race with the BMWs, Subarus, Toyotas, Hondas and Fords.

The weather forecast for the weekend was for mixed conditions. This meant that the two untimed sessions on Saturday morning would be a lottery with no guarantee that the track would be in

the same state for qualifying or racing.

All the track action on Saturday took place on a dry track surface. During the two morning sessions, the two MG drivers concentrated on running in their cars. Aron reported that he was still in some pain from his damaged leg, but both thought that the car had potential.

Sadly, that was not realised during a frantic qualifying. When the chequered flag fell, Josh was in 20th place and Aron in 25th. A first-ever pole position was claimed by former MG driver, Jack Goff, in his Honda, from Colin Turkington’s BMW and Ash Sutton driving his Subaru.

Race one on Sunday started in dry weather. 31 cars screamed away from the start line into the tight first corner.

Drivers were battling furiously in the mid-field with both MG6s making up ground. Then there was some contact which saw them retire to the pits with damage to be repaired before the next race. Colin Turkington’s BMW was the clear race leader until he spun on fluid on the track. Ash Sutton then won the race in his Subaru, from Jack Goff and Matt Neal’s Honda.

Aron and Josh would start race two from near the back of the grid. Again, the crowded track resulted in contact for Josh, meaning a brief pit stop. At

ROUND 6 SNETTERTON

the flag Aron finished 27th with Josh just behind. Ash Sutton was again the winner, this time from the BMWs of Colin Turkington and Rob Collard.

The pace of the MG6s was good, but the poor result would mean mid-field starting positions for race three.

Race three was run under sunny skies at the end of the day. Both MG6s got good starts when the lights went out, but there wasn’t a happy end to the weekend and both cars were forced to retire from the race with damage.

This time Gordon Shedden in his Honda inherited the race victory after long-time leader, Andy Jordan, dramatically slowed close to the end of the race. The other two BMWs made up the rest of the podium, with Rob Collard ahead of Colin Turkington. This gave Gordon a small lead in the Championship.

The 888 MG team were disappointed at the results achieved over the weekend, but heartened by the pace of the cars. The hope was that better qualifying results could be achieved at the next round in Scotland at Knockhill.

By Paul Goodman. Photos: BTCC.net

52 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2017

MG-SafetyFast_Sept2017_49-100.indd 52

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SEPTEMBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 53

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23/08/2017 18:25

BRITISH TOURING CAR CHAMPIONSHIP

ROUND 7

T

KNOCKHILL

By Paul Goodman. Photos Dickon Siddall

he Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship circus headed north to Scotland for rounds 19, 20 and 21 on August 12 and 13. The very short and tight Knockhill Circuit always results in close racing and controversy.

Exceeding track limits is an issue, especially at the chicane which the drivers try to leap over rather than drive through.

The two 888 MG6s had to be repaired after the trials and tribulations of Snetterton, but were ready for Aron Taylor-Smith and Josh Cook to drive.

Both had registered competitive lap times in the previous round, but a poor qualifying session had put them down into the mid-field. They would use the two warm-up sessions on Saturday to tune the cars with the aim being to qualify near the front of the grid for the first race of the day.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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Saturday started grey, wet and cold.

The drivers had no option but to use the Dunlop wet weather tyre for some bedding in laps. Towards the end of the session, a dry line began to emerge on the track and a few cars were fitted with slicks. Tom Ingram in his Toyota was top of the time sheet. By lunchtime, the sun was out and the track surface was much warmer. The times tumbled with Colin Turkington in his BMW quickest. Aron was well up in the field, but Josh had car problems and pulled out of the session.

Josh had a new engine fitted and was ready for qualifying. A heavy shower just before four o’clock meant wet tyres for all the drivers. The times improved as the track began to dry. A red flag stoppage for advertising sign damage left just twelve frantic minutes with improving track conditions and slick tyres for all the cars. Jason Plato

and Ash Sutton in their Subaru Levorgs secured the front row starting places.

Josh and Aron were right in the mix with the MG6s going well in the greasy track conditions. When the chequered flag fell Josh was eleventh and Aron fourteenth, the best qualifying by the team for several meets.

The weather on Sunday was much better with dry track conditions throughout the day. The first race was generally incident free. The two Subaru Levorgs finished first and second with Plato beating Sutton with the BMW of Colin Turkington third. Josh had a great race right on the pace duelling with the Hondas of Matt Neil and Gordon Sheddon finally finishing twelfth. Aron was right behind but lost a couple of places to finish fifteenth. Both drivers showed that they, and the MG6s, are forces to be reckoned with.

Race two only ran for a few hundred metres before a major incident brought out the red flags. Andrew Jordan was penalised by a fine and licence points for causing the accident.

Sadly, Josh’s car sustained damage and, despite efforts to make repairs on the grid, he was a non-starter for the restart. Aron resumed in his grid position but failed to finish after contact at the hairpin. This time Sutton won from Plato with Turkington again taking third.

Both MG6s were repaired for race three but would start twenty-third and twenty-eighth. Aron tried to make progress but ended up in twenty-fourth place. Josh was forced into a pit visit and was classified twenty-ninth three laps down. There were two safety cars during this race, but Tom Ingram managed well and won in his Toyota.

Second place was claimed by Gordon Sheddon from Colin Turkington who finished third yet again.

Both Aron and Josh showed at Knockhill that they and the MG6 are back on form. The MGs have always performed well at Rockingham and with no success ballast to carry, the 888 team were full of optimism.

SEPTEMBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 55

23/08/2017 18:25

RACE TORQUE

By Ron Gammons, Photos by Colin Murrell

T

he timing of the Club’s last meeting at Cadwell on July 22 rather prevented any comment in the August issue, and there is of course Leanne Fahy’s separate report. However, we had some good

56 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2017

MG-SafetyFast_Sept2017_49-100.indd 56

grids (and it has to be said a few poor ones), but the racing itself was just first class.

In particular the MMM race with an excellent 26-car grid showed vintage motor sport at its very best. And the same was true of the smallest grid of the day, the Iconics with only five participants, with the first four locked in clean combat from the off. Indeed the MGA of Bob Lines would have been right with them if he hadn’t made an error on the first lap!

The BCV8, again with a grid that could have been better, had a most thrilling tussle for the lead in their second race in what was quite heavy rain which arrived on cue as they went to the grid. Suffice to say the lead changed a number of times with no quarter asked or given. Thrilling or what!

An excellent Club meeting with a goodly number of spectators for the Club’s return to Cadwell after a few years away.

The next meeting is of course the one on September 2 at Oulton Park. Fuller details last month, but

this magazine may just be in time to prompt the memory. If you haven’t yet been to Oulton, try and make it.

We have a full schedule of racing to present to you. Qualifying starts at 8.30am and the final race is scheduled to finish just before the 6.30pm curfew. Entries are still open as this is being typed but you will need to be very quick!

The last event in the Club’s motor race year is on September 30 and October 1 at Snetterton with most of the Club’s Championships and our old friends the Morgans racing with us on the Saturday, and again in the British Motor Heritage sponsored Four Hour Classic Relay race. They will run on the Sunday afternoon as usual providing a convivial wind down to the end of the Club’s race calendar for 2017. That’s not to say that competition in the Relay is any less fierce but it’s an event where everybody helps each other and everybody gets roped in in one way or another. The question at present is will the Morgans beat their previous best of entering more than the six teams of 2016?

We look forward to seeing you all there. Don’t forget there will be an opportunity for Club members in MGs to drive the circuit during each of the day’s lunch breaks. No charge, just part of the opportunities available within our Club. Drive Safe, Ron Gammons

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/08/2017 18:25

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MG-SafetyFast_Sept2017_49-100.indd 57

SEPTEMBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 57

23/08/2017 18:25

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

LETTERS AFTER OUR NAME!

M

Gs on Track has recently become a member of the Association of Track Day Organisers (ATDO), an organisation established in 1999 to set safety standards and a code of practice for track days. It reflects MGoT’s already high levels of operational and organisational practices that no changes were needed to meet ATDO’s requirements; these include the level of staffing at events and responsibilities, rules governing on track behaviour, and a minimum value of Public Liability Insurance. It is unlikely that our established members will see any difference day to day, but perhaps potential newcomers will be further reassured of a well-run, safe and fun day. Those of you that have track day insurance stipulating ATDO membership will now be covered, and many thanks are due to committee member John Dignan for steering us through the application process.

The other members of ATDO include several circuits and commercial track day providers, but the only other marques

58 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2017

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MG on track

specifically represented are Ferrari and Lotus so we are in good company; compared to MG these two car companies are relative newcomers but are already establishing something of a name for building sporting vehicles so we’ll watch their progress with interest!

The recent MGoT North Weald Activity Day took place in scorching sunshine, leaving those of us who scrimped on sun-screen somewhat red of complexion by the day’s end. To add interest parts of the event are timed, leading to some gentle husband versus wife competition and some more keenly fought battles between father and son. Congratulations to Jo Ayriss, Victoria James and Amy Brunger who posted excellent times in what may have been relatively unfamiliar cars; they were all careful to be a diplomatic second or two slower than their respective partners thereby showing sympathy for the fragile male ego.

No such sensitivity in the father and son ‘matches’ where the competition was fierce. Eventually the younger generation triumphed by the narrowest of margins, but I don’t think either Luca Delfino-Rice or Tom Hill would have driven quite as fast if they were the ones buying the tyres!

Let me assure those who’ve never attended a regular MGs on Track day that the North Weald event is unique in actively encouraging competition against the clock and, dare I say it, a certain amount of recklessness. Only one car is on the exercise at a time and the run off area is huge so any over-enthusiasm will be harmless. Safety Fast truly is the ethos of our track days so normally timing and racing is strictly forbidden, allowing everyone to enjoy the day at the pace they are comfortable with.

Our next event will be held at Castle Combe circuit in Wiltshire on September 11. As I write this some spaces remain, but even if now sold out it is worth contacting the event manager to register your interest as there may be a last-minute cancellation. Castle Combe is a super track with challenging fast corners and chicanes, and a very warm welcome from the circuit officials and marshals; as with Goodwood the event is so popular that MGs on Track visits twice annually. We were joined at our previous visit in June by brothers David Welling in an MGB GT and Paul Welling in

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/08/2017 18:25

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

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

availability, or to book a track day.

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

Castle Combe - Sept 11 A second opportunity to enjoy the thrills of this everpopular track which includes a couple of chicanes, fast straights, and technical corners!

Donington Park - Oct 2 A flowing, historic circuit in the Midlands featuring the super Craner Curves and Old Hairpin sequence.

Anglesey - Oct 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 - Oct 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!

his MGF, plus their father Jeff. The day formed part of a ‘sensible stag weekend’ in advance of David’s wedding and I believe a good time was had by all....without hangovers, strippergrams or cross-dressing (as far as I could tell)! Perhaps this will be the start of a trend and our track days will become the alternative to a debauched weekend in Prague!

We still have plenty to keep you amused in the remainder of the year with, as well as Castle Combe, events at Donington, Anglesey, Goodwood and Brands Hatch. This covers most points of the compass so there should be a track day within easy reach of most members.

We particularly look forward to welcoming newcomers who’ve never done a track day with us before, and will always arrange for an experienced member to mentor on the day. MGoT is offering a limited number of free instruction sessions with an ARDS instructor to genuine first-timers at Donington Park, plus there will be group classroom sessions during the day, so there are plenty of reasons to join us at the fantastic circuit.

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG-SafetyFast_Sept2017_49-100.indd 59

July 8/9th was our annual trip to Lostwithiel in Cornwall for Camel Vale’s two-day Castle Hillclimb. This must be one of the friendliest and most welcoming clubs in the country, not to mention one of the cheapest! A long trip but well worth the effort, even if I say so as a Cornishman myself! We had a mixed Luffield class of 10 drivers on a hot and thankfully dry weekend. Sadly a very serious accident by a Westfield driver marred Saturday practice. Cornwall Air Ambulance had to be called in, along with the local fire brigade to remove his roll cage (motor sport is dangerous!). The helicopter was very dramatic as it negotiated a landing in the paddock field just yards from our cars and trailers, an excellent display of flying skill. An hour later it took off with the casualty and so did the noise test gazebo, which ended up at the bottom of the field. On Sunday we got three timed runs without incident. As always it was a close contest between Orford and Cole with just a few tenths between us and the usual crew just trying to beat their own previous best times.

Good to see new members Andrew and Terry sharing their ZR. But the star of the day was young newcomer Ben Rolls in his lovely-looking and well-prepared, now 1380cc, AH Sprite taking MG Class 1st from the old campaigner Steve Luscombe (not an easy task) by 0.13 seconds. Not been?

Make it part of a Cornish long weekend break, you will not be disappointed (as long as it doesn’t rain of course)!!

Mike Cole

Ready for the off at Curbourough full report next month

SEPTEMBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 59

23/08/2017 18:25

CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER Friday 1 – Monday 4 MGCC: T Register Autumn Tour Contact: Bill and Sally Silcock – 01525 750468 Saturday 2 MGCC Racing Oulton Park Contact: www.oultonpark.co.uk Saturday 2 – Sunday 3 MGCC: Caledonian Centre Bo’ness Show Contact: Robert MacGillivray – 07870 407111 Sunday 3 MGCC: Midget Register 2017 Midget Register Road Run Contact: Mike Parker – 01235 525255 Thursday 7 – Monday 11 MGCC: V8 Register 2017 V8 Tour Contact: Ken Clayton – kenclayton@mail.com Sunday 10 MGCC: Abingdon Works Centre MG Display Yarnton Nurseries Contact: Richard Martin 01235 529331 or r.martin@mgabingdon.org.uk Sunday 10 MGCC: Lincolnshire Centre Autumn Autosolo Contact: Sue Mackenzie – 01529 497849 or maccav8@aol.com

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

Sunday 22 MGCC: Tyne Tees Centre Autumn Leaves Run Contact: Andrew Kelly – 01670 515077

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

Saturday 28 MGCC: MGB Register Technical Day Contact: Graham Dix – chairman@mgb-register.org

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

Tuesday 31 MGCC: MGs on Track Goodwood Contact: Martin Holmes – martin@mgs-on-track.co.uk

Saturday 30 – Monday October 2 MGCC: MGA Register Autumn Tour (Hampshire) Contact: Peter Morgan – mgcarclub_mgachairman@outlook.com

NOVEMBER

OCTOBER Sunday 1 Abingdon Works Centre Autumn Leaves Run Contact: Richard Martin 01235 529331 Monday 2 MGCC: MGs on Track Donington Park Contact: Martin Holmes – martin@mgs-on-track.co.uk Friday 6 – Sunday 8 MGCC: Tyne Tees Centre Yorkshire Weekend Contact: David Alexander – 01670 861178 or david.alexander2012@btinternet.com

Sunday 10 MGCC: Tyne Tees Centre 10th Old Speckled Hen Run and Road Safety Trial Contact: Noel Lindford – 0191 517 2804 or noel.lindford@btinternet.com

Sunday 8 MGCC: Caledonian Centre Brunch and High Tea Rail Run Contact: Tony Smith – 07770 927803

Monday 11 MGCC: MGs on Track Castle Combe Contact: Martin Holmes – martin@mgs-on-track.co.uk

Sunday 8 MGCC: Lincolnshire Centre Jubilee Trophy Naviscat Rally Contact: Ian Mackenzie – 01529 497849 or maccav8@aol.com

Friday 15 – Monday 18 MGCC: MGB Register Lincolnshire Weekend Contact: Graham Dix – chairman@mgb-register.org Saturday 16 – Monday 18 MGCC: Caledonian Centre Three Day Tour Contact: Barclay Henderson – 01292 560200 Saturday 23 MGCC: Anglia Centre Anglia Centre Committee Meeting and AGM Contact: Peter Skipper – 01502 731141 Sunday 24 MGCC: Midland Centre Autumn Trial Contact: Tony Lake – 01604 589104

60 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2017

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Sunday 8 MGCC: South East Centre Autumn Naviscat Contact: Derek Edwards – 01737 765891 Tuesday 10 MGCC: Triple-M Register West Cornwall Tour Contact: Derek Edwards – 01737 765891 Friday 13 MGCC: MGs on Track Anglesey Contact: Martin Holmes – martin@mgs-on-track. co.uk Sunday 15 MGCC: South East Centre Autumn Leaves Run Contact: Derek Edwards – 01737 765891

Friday 10 – Sunday 12 MGCC NEC Classic Motor Show Contact: www.necclassicmotorshow.com Saturday 18 MGCC: South East Centre 2017 AGM Contact: Derek Edwards – 01737 765891 Sunday 19 MGCC: Caledonian Centre November Lunch Contact: Leslie Duncan – 0141 637 3475 Saturday 25 MGCC: North West Centre Annual Dinner and Dance Contact: Paul Rodman – 0161 439 8990

DECEMBER Saturday 2 MGCC: Anglia Centre Anglia Centre Committee Meeting Contact: Roger Moran – 01502 722122 Sunday 3 MGCC: South East Centre Black Horse Treasure Hunt Contact: Derek Edwards – 01737 765891 Monday 4 MGCC: MGs on Track Brands Hatch Contact: Martin Holmes – martin@mgs-on-track.co.uk Saturday 9 MGCC: Tyne Tees Centre 2017 Tyne Tees Awards Function Contact: Lyn Ebdon – lyn.ebdon@mail.com Tuesday 26 Abingdon Works Centre Boxing Day Run Contact: Mike Parker 01235 525255 Thursday 28 MGCC: Anglia Centre Norfolk Riviera Run Contact: rivierarun@mgccanglia.com

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/08/2017 18:25

OUT&ABOUT

a cha ng e at a ed wit h its ha rdt op for Co fitt GB M 3 196 s pe’ Co pe er Pet Bo rde Hill. Ph oto: Pet er ca r eve nt thi s su mm er at

Joh n Da y’s M GB GT tur ed in Fra nce. De spite an oil iss ue, which M OSS ca pic coo ler out to Joh n, the y ha d amegreto the res cu e by pro mptly sen din g one at holida y. Ph oto: Joh n Da y

A variety of MGs line the e of Ick worth House du ring the An glia Centre picnic. Ph oto:driv pop ula r Roger Lat ha m

cmillan MGF parking was easy to find at theo:Ma Morris Tim Phot !

Show Car sic Clas Clan don Park

, held on a Triple M Cars at the Reg ister Su mme r Gath ering er Wild ge warm July day. Phot o: Geor www.mgcc.co.uk

MG-SafetyFast_Sept2017_49-100.indd 61

Ian Lindley’s RV8 phot ograp hed late afternoon at Sma ilhol m Towe r in the Scottish Bord ers. Phot o: Ian Lindley SEPTEMBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 61

23/08/2017 18:25

MGS IN CALIFORNIA T – Part I By Brian Woodhams

John Twist (without cap) and his Rolling Tech Session

62 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2017

MG-SafetyFast_Sept2017_49-100.indd 62

he North American MGA Register (NAMGAR) held their annual gathering, which this year was GT 42, in Solvang, 35 miles north of Santa Barbara, from June 19-24. Solvang means “sunny field” in Danish and the town was founded in 1911 by three Danish/Americans, adjacent to the Mission Santa Ines which dates from 1804. In 2016 Solvang was named as one of the 10 best historic small towns in America for its authentic Scandinavian culture and hospitality. On arrival in the town the Danish influence became obvious with windmills and Danish names everywhere. Our base for the NAMGAR event was the Hotel Corque,

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/08/2017 18:25

OVERSEAS NEWS

Lovely 59 Twin Cam of Jim Alcorn from California

and we arrived to find the hotel car park already filling up with MGs. NAMGAR has 1,900 members in the USA and Canada with 2,200 cars.

The event was expertly co-organised

by Lorin Cuthbert and Mike Jacobsen of the MG Owners Club of Southern California, who are Affiliated with the MGCC UK. Once registration for the event got under way, it became obvious that there was a large contingent from the East of the country present and that an Ocean to Ocean Run had taken place. There were 134 registrations for the event, with 240 people present. I met up with Gary and Anita Lock from the MGCC Gold Coast, Australia, Johan (who felt really at home in Solvang as he is Danish) and Renee Petersen from MGCC Toronto, Canada, and Peter and Anne Tilbury from British Columbia, Canada. I also met up with Steve Hanegan from the MGCC NW Centre, based in Seattle, who is an Honorary Member of the MGCC UK, and Robert Goldman of Moss Motors, who was out in South Africa in 1986 for the Johannesburg Centre Indaba at which I was Norman Ewing’s Number two on the organising committee – Robert hasn’t changed much! This was my fourth GT and I

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG-SafetyFast_Sept2017_49-100.indd 63

was here representing the MGCC UK, after flying Icelandair into Denver and driving Alan Magnuson’s Grampian Grey 1966 MGB GT the 1,404 miles to Solvang. Alan is the current Chairman of the North American MGB Register (NAMGBR) and is an honorary member of the MGCC Rocky Mountain Centre.

I had given a talk on the MGCC UK and SAIC at their Club meeting in Denver the evening after I landed.

After Registration the Vendors, Hospitality Suite and Tech sessions got under way before the Orientation Taco bar supper in the evening. In the

morning, which was bright and warm, the First Timers reception – of whom there were 32 – was held around the pool, and then John Twist started his rolling Tech session. The afternoon was taken up with the Rally Santa Ynez Valley, which was a treasure hunt around Solvang to show off the sculpted hills, lush vineyards, and very horsey ranches of the area. We even visited Michael Jackson’s former home, Neverland! Dinner was at the Standing Sun Winery in Buellton.

The Car Show was on Wednesday on the show field next to the Mission

1959 MGA 1600 with a Special body by Byers owned by Jim Weissenbourn of California – believed to put out about 140 bhp!

SEPTEMBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 63

23/08/2017 18:25

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www.mgcc.co.uk

23/08/2017 18:25

OVERSEAS NEWS

1948 MG TC formerly owned by Al Moss – now by Robert Goldman of Moss motors

Santa Ines with 110 cars on display.

This was sponsored by Moss Motors and is where I met old friends Robert Goldman and Ken and Barbie Smith of Marcham Rhoades fame. It was a hot day and the voting for the various classes quite difficult. On the Show Field I found the 1958 MGA 1500 of George Kress of Pennsylvania, which had had the misfortune to lose a windscreen to a stone and then later hit a large dog that ran out into the road. The whole windscreen and frame

The label says it all – MGA base for a lot of Chev Corvette V8 Parts owned by Keith Raphael of California

was replaced by someone doing a restoration, but the dog, I regret to say, was damaged beyond repair. The MGA was left looking very sad after the wing was jacked off the wheel and the radiator grille and lights were damaged – George still made it to Solvang. In the evening we had a Santa Maria-style BBQ which required a 10-mile drive instead of a 0.66-mile walk due to the road being closed as it was washed away in a storm. The hospitality suite was very busy afterwards.

Robert (Bazz) and Michelle (Shelley) Bazzica from MGCC South Australia had contacted me prior to this trip to say they were going to be in the area following on from their Club hosting the Natmeet at Easter. They surprised me by staying in the Hotel Corque and I managed to get them tickets for the Banquet on Thursday evening – a nice surprise! Thursday 22 was also my birthday and so a brewery tour seemed like a good idea – especially as Alan and Laura seemed determined

1958 MGA 1500 of Dar Planeaux from Florida

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG-SafetyFast_Sept2017_49-100.indd 65

SEPTEMBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 65

23/08/2017 18:25

OVERSEAS NEWS

The hard luck story – 1958 MGA 1500 of George Kress from Pennsylvania with borrowed screen and dog damage

to embarrass me at every opportunity!

My embarrassment became total when I won the raffle at the Banquet.

Scarborough Faire of Rhode Island have had the MGA grille remanufactured and this was the prize. I immediately thought of George Kress and donated it to him on the spot – it seemed a very popular decision! Chairman Carol Shamonsky completed the Awards and

brought the evening to a close, so we adjourned to the hospitality suite. We skipped the farewell breakfast on Friday morning and, after saying goodbye to the Bazzicas, we were off to Goletta which is the home of Moss Motors. This was for the surprise presentation of the Award to Ken Smith who was inducted into the British Motoring Hall of Fame at a BBQ lunch with all the Moss Motors

Baz and Shelley from South Australia with Alan and Laura Magnuson at the Awards Banquet

66 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2017

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staff present. Afterwards, we were on our way south to do battle with Los Angeles traffic on a Friday afternoon, and I experienced a problem with Grumpy Grey en route to San Diego and the NAMGBR event – that will be for next month. To be continued!

Ken Smith with Award at Moss Motors www.mgcc.co.uk

23/08/2017 18:25

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JAPAN’S KOBE MGCC - THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY

T

Chieko Aoki supporting the Marque

68 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2017

MG-SafetyFast_Sept2017_49-100.indd 68

By Peter Cook

he affiliated Kobe MGCC was founded in 1987 by a handful of MG enthusiasts in the Kobe area. British classic cars of the 1960s remain very popular in Japan, as do Beatles songs.

There are many British classics tucked away in dry barns and garages, most of them awaiting restoration ‘one day’. The collections, though, are not random but have usually been carefully selected and bought in the UK or the Antipodes and shipped to Japan. So, for instance, while dozens of Minis were seen in barns, they tended to be either Coopers, Cooper S, or pick-ups and Countryman models rather than the straight saloons. Similarly

with the 1100/1300 range: MG and Riley versions can be found, but few Morris or Austin models. Quite incidentally, three of the very scarce Vanden Plas versions were observed, two awaiting refurbishment ‘soon’ and one competing in the event’s autotest. For MG, there are plenty of T-Types and some Y-Types, as well as the more obtainable Midgets and ‘Bs. The oldest car in the Kobe Club is Chairman Kenji Matsuoka’s 1930 M-type. Two C-type Montlhérys (although one may be a reproduction) also participated. The 70th anniversary of the Y-type was recognised at the event by placing a YA and a YT in the most prominent position.

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/08/2017 18:25

An important factor which affects car ownership and classic car ownership in Japan is the availability of off-road parking. Parking on the street is illegal in Japan. Towns and cities have many car parking spaces which are usually run by the municipality and which are quite cheap. To own a car one must have an off-road space on which to keep it. Those who live in apartments need to buy or rent a parking space, so few would want the additional expense of owning a car which they may only wish to use for a few months of the year. One can stop on a street to pick someone up, but for a limited time and with the driver remaining in the car.

Rather draconian, perhaps, given what we are used to, but it does mean that traffic flows more easily, and a two-lane road is precisely that.

The Kobe Club’s celebrations started at the nearby Shin Nishinomiya yacht harbour. After registration, and although the day started wet and slightly chilly, this did not prevent the first event generating excitement – the Rocker Box Competition. Rocker Box racing seems to be very popular with all MG overseas clubs, yet strangely not so in the MGCC mother country. Are we missing something in the UK? ‘Cars’ had to conform to a weight restriction which was determined by a pair of scales and an SU carburettor! As usual there was a good-hearted competitive spirit with much applauding, and no one spoiling the atmosphere by taking it too seriously.

Some of the vehicles had ‘drivers’ too.

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After Rocker Box winners had been determined and announced at lunch, there followed an 80km Observation trial.

Whoever had drawn up the questions was kind enough to ensure that the answers were visually identifiable, rather than relying on the Japanese language.

While Japanese highways are, as one might expect, very efficient, their country roads are little different from hilly and Alpine roads we experience in Europe.

While the yacht harbour had gradually dried out and become sunny by the time we were ready to leave, as the run was in the hills outside Kobe so the rain and mist continued. Basically, therefore, plenty of bends requiring both brakes and steering to be in good order. The run

was designed to get all participants to the Rokkosan Hotel outside Kobe in plenty of time for the highlight of the celebrations – the evening dinner. The Saturday evening dinner saw various stalwarts of the Japanese MG scene recognised for their efforts and achievements, prizes awarded, many photographs taken, and accompaniment from a six-piece band playing (unsurprisingly) Beatles songs.

The prize for the most distance travelled to get to the event was awarded Hiroyuki and Chieko Aoki. While Mr Aoki is chairman of the Tohoku MGCC, Mrs Aoki added a traditional element to the event by wearing an MG obi with her kimono. Two members of the band were MG Club members from Tokyo.

Y Types were prominent for their anniversary

SEPTEMBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 69

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Masatake Kato of Nagoya MGCC in his RV8

Hiroyuki and Chieko Aoki

Although getting late, the dinner and presentations were followed by an ‘auction’. The auction was clearly held to encourage more merriment for those who thought the evening was still young. Sellers put anything MG-related up for auction, including UK tax discs from 2004! Successful bids were paid directly to the sellers, so one had the feeling that the buyers would become the sellers at the next ‘auction’. The event required copious amounts of sake and Asahi Super Dry in order that the bidding process could be prolonged. So while there are many aspects of being an MG Car Club member which are common to both Japanese and other clubs across the globe, this was one of the notable differences.

The final day of the MGCC Kobe celebrations involved an Autotest which took place adjacent to the Rokkosan Hotel. The Kobe Club, much like MG clubs and gatherings

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MG-SafetyFast_Sept2017_49-100.indd 70

Ensuring no cheating on weight

Rocker box racers

elsewhere in the world, is flexible enough to allow other non-MG participants. So we had an E-type, a Lexus sports car, a Morris Minor, a Vanden Plas 1300, and a number of other non-MG makes participating. As with similar events elsewhere, memory skills were being challenged as much as driving skills. There were of course winners and runners-up, with prizes and presentations. Sunday lunchtime saw the official end of the Kobe Club’s celebrations and dispersal. However, as with everything else in the MG Japan scene, the prevailing spirit was lighthearted and expressed well the ethos behind the ‘Marque of Friendship’.

Rocker box racers in action

Hiroshi Tachika’s 1100

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CENTRES

ABINGDON WORKS

RICHARD MARTIN sfscribe@mgabingdon.org.uk www.mgabingdon.co.uk There’s been plenty of activity during the past few weeks around the Centre so I hope that you were able to find something of interest. Four Natters have held Pride of Ownership evenings and whilst I only manged two of them, I know from others that the ones I missed were as successful as those I attended. Well done to the organisers and those who came away with awards.

Some of the cars at Breamore House

During the month, the Centre also helped a Didcot school celebrate their 80th birthday with a display of Abingdon cars – an MGA, two Midgets, one chrome and one rubber-bumpered, an MGB and an MGB GT V8.

We also supported the very successful inaugural classic car show at Notcutts Garden Centre where over 200 cars turned up to enjoy the sunshine. Given the interest, I suspect we’ll see a second show next year! We also helped welcome to Abingdon the Australian MGBs who’d driven the Silk Road and then joined them in the evening to listen to their experiences on the journey; Abingdon’s Mayor also came

ANGLIA

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

MG People Through the Generations With talk in most motor clubs of the need to encourage young blood into the fold, you can rest assured that the Anglia Centre is once again at the head of the field.

Many of us remember Stuart Musk, Anglia Centre member and intrepid racer. Who could forget his fearless three wheeling antics as he battled it out for the Peter Best and Anglia Phoenix championships in his yellow and green full race Midget, on one occasion ending up on his roof at Russell Bend Snetterton (with the photograph of the upturned Midget being used as the publicity shot for MGCC

Silverstone Marshals for many years)?

Or the sight of Stuart drifting his beloved racing MGC on the way to many a class win in historic races, always displaying number 35 on whichever car he drove?

Stuart may no longer be with us but his family carry on the legacy. They’re all Anglia members with MG in their blood.

Grandson Ross, who now owns Stuarts Racing MGC, also has Stuart’s never say die attitude. After breaking his arm at work days before Le Mans this year, Ross drove to Le Mans with his arm in a splint rather than miss the race.

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AWC cars in the entrance to OUP

along for what proved to be an entertaining late night! We had our Hampshire Hog Outing to the fascinating Breamore House, which involved a lovely drive through the New Forest. Oh, and we also enjoyed a walking tour of Oxford when we were permitted to park our cars inside the impressive Oxford University Press buildings in the city centre.

So, plenty of variety on offer!

On the horizon, we have an MG display at Yarnton Nurseries on September 10 and our Autumn Leaves Run on October

1 – details of both of these can be found elsewhere in this issue and on our website.

If you have any ideas for future events, please do let us know them. Even better, if you’re able to lend a hand with organising one, as Peter Morgan – many thanks, Peter – did on the Hampshire Hog, we’d be more than delighted to hear from you!

Finally, welcome to all new members and we look forward to meeting you at a future gathering.

Granddaughter Evie, whose Mum Sally decided on her name as she liked the registration of her first MGB which ended with the letters EVE, is no less determined.

Evie, who turned seventeen in June, is learning to drive in her very own MG3, and is aiming to equal her brother’s first time pass before not too long.

With young people like this in the club, we can’t go wrong.

venue: The Anchor, Stratford St Mary, Colchester, CO7 6LW. Starting at 2.00pm, it is very easy to find just two hundred yards from the junction of the A12.

AGM Please note that the Anglia Centre AGM being held on Saturday September 23 will be at a new

Mid Essex Club Meet The Mid Essex now have a permanent new meeting address, which is The Red Lion, Margaretting, Ingatestone, Chelmsford, CM4 0EQ. Meeting the second Thursday of the month starting at 7.30pm. They also have a Facebook page: MGCC Anglia Centre Mid Essex Pub Meet.

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23/08/2017 18:25

Autumn Run 2017 Abingdon Works Centre Autumn Leaves Run Sunday October 1 2017

Send this form or photocopy with cheque for entry.

If no e-mail address, send a S.A.E. to: Richard Martin, 26 Medlicott Drive, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 5PS. Tel: 01235 529331 e-mail: chairman@mgabingdon.org Name: .......................................................................

Address : ................................................................. .................................................................................. .................................................................................. ..................................................................................

Postcode:..................................................................

Tel: ............................................................................

Mobile: .....................................................................

Starting and finishing just outside Abingdon, this leisurely road run will travel through the Thames Valley countryside at a time when Mother Nature is often at her gloriously, colourful best. So why not join us and enjoy the Autumnal show in the company of fellow enthusiasts.

Cost is £7.50 per car.

E-mail: ......................................................................

Car model: ................................................................

Reg.No: ....................................................................

Cheques for £7.50 per car payable to MGCC. AWC www.mgabingdon.co.uk

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CENTRES

CALEDONIAN

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

Just completed a three-day marathon at the Ignition Festival of Motoring at the SSEC! As last year, we shared a stand with Bo’ness Revival and everything worked well, so thanks to all who helped out in any way over the weekend. The show itself was even bigger and better than 2016, and while initially we expected to be outside, the organisers at the last minute allocated space in Hall 2 to most of the Car Clubs represented. Felt rather sorry for the three clubs who did not get space and had to endure the occasional downpour!

You will be just in time to attend our final show of the year at Bo’ness on September 2 and 3. The stand is full with around

35 cars, but on the chance that there might be a cancellation and you would like to come get in touch with me and I’ll see what can be done. Even if you can’t get your car on the stand it’s a very worthwhile weekend, so if you are there please look us up. We expect to have a wide range of cars on show from prewar to modern and with some competition MGs, too.

And there may still be a place on the Tea and Rails Run on October 8. This is organised by Tony Smith (ex-railway, hence the ‘rails’!) and is always a good end to our season. Check the website to see if there are still spaces available.

As I mentioned last month, work on the latest Newsletter will

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

The South Hams Natter had a lovely evening for the Mumford Cup, the car of your choosing.

Some lovely cars turned out for this event and Mick Warne in his MG TD was voted the MG that most liked, with Peter Stapleton’s E Type Jaguar the non-MG car.

Another well-visited event, Powderham Castle, was very

popular with members and the turnout was excellent, people and cars. The MG stand had cars from an M type to the latest MG GS, 6 and 3 models on display throughout most of Saturday and Sunday. There was a lot of interest in the Club, so hopefully some new members to welcome to our Centre.

The Horsebridge Natter had a barbeque at Ian and Janet Cameron’s house. The weather was appalling and the umbrella

start shortly so now is your chance for journalistic fame! If you have an article you would like to submit then please get in touch.

Barclay Henderson has retired from Regalia and responsibility has been taken by Tony Smith and Lorraine Noble Thompson.

There is a full page on our website dedicated to Regalia, so with Christmas on the horizon why not take a look … and if there is something you would like and which you don’t see then get in touch with either Tony or Lorraine.

Over the next month or so your committee will start to prepare the programme for next year. Again, if there is an event or show which you think we should consider for 2018 let a committee member know and it can be looked at. One of the first events next year is likely to be the Film Night. I am always

looking for new or unusual MG or Scottish motoring or Scottish motor sport-related items…. If you have something then please let me know.

Think that’s all for now but, as ever, please get in touch if you have any questions.

saved a night of getting soaked by emptying the excess water that sagged or collected in the top of the marquee! With the barbeque going and plenty of marquees up, we were nice and dry. With Janet’s arm in a sling she did very well cooking, and thanks both of you again for a lovely evening in the rain.

Photos Alan Davis

will be doing it, used up all the different roads in Cornwall!

Details on our website.

September 20 – Torbay Natter, Lunch time meeting from 12.30pm onwards at The Churston Court Hotel. Contact Alan Turner 01803 557543.

October 22 – North Cornwall and Tamar Trial. Anybody free to marshal for Bob Slater (01752 558085), he will be pleased with any help or to hear from you.

November 11 – Inter-Natter Skittles Match at the Fox & Hounds. Contact Tony Short 01392 832665.

November 15 – Do not forget the Photography Competition of events of the year for the Horsebridge Natter.

December 15 – South Hams Natter Christmas Dinner at The Furzeleigh Mill Hotel. Information from Graeme 01548 856674.

The Torbay Old Wheels Club had a good turnout of MGs for the Tea Party on Paignton Green, started with Graeme’s Pimm’s.

Everybody brought an item of food to share so a grand party was had by all.

Dates for the Diary September 10 – Cornish Riviera Run starting from Plymouth and Bodmin. Places available this year.

This is the last time the Heaths

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nd

2 Targa Sicilia th

th

May 10 – 24 2018

The Country Lane Tours Targa Sicilia last May, tying in with celebrations marking the 100th running of the Targa Florio and the 110th anniversary of its inception, was voted a tremendous success by all participants. The event was oversubscribed so it will run for the second and last time in 2018, with entries restricted as previously to fifty cars.

Starting with the overnight ferry from Genoa, the tour begins with two nights in Villa Igiea, a stunning hotel overlooking the bay of Palermo and originally owned by the Florio family.

Small car, small engine - no problem!

From Palermo the tour follows the coast to halts in Mazara del Vallo, Agrigento (Valley of the Temples), Ragusa (Montalbano country!), Siracusa and Taormina before skirting Mount Etna and calling in at Autodromo di Pegusa on the way back to Cefalu and the ferry.

With brilliant driving roads, including the Targa Florio itself, stunning scenery, and numerous amazing attractions, this is a holiday of a lifetime with your vintage or classic car, especially as you can drive the Targa Florio route and Automobile Club Palermo will be opening up the Floriopolis Pits and museum especially for us.

To receive a full detailed information pack, including a FREE DVD of last year’s tour, email your postal address to countrylanetours@gmail.com or call Ian on 01824 790280, but hurry as entries have already been received, including one from a participant last time!

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CENTRES

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

September Natters: Lincolnshire Poacher Friday 1; Wolds Wednesday 6; Abbey Lodge Monday 11 (Twilight Walk in Horncastle Dave/Fran 01507 527945); Wishing Well Wednesday 13 Automotive Quiz); Three Horseshoes Thursday 21; Admiral Nelson Thursday 28.

September Events: Autumn Autotest Sunday 10 (David 01790 754774); Friday to Sunday 15-17 MGB Register Weekend based at Kenwick Park Louth; Saturday 16 MG Display with the B Register at the Lincolnshire Aviation Centre East Kirkby, reduced entry for MGCC Members (David 01790 754774); Saturday 30 Fish and Chip Night

Heneage Arms Hainton (Dave/ Fran 01507 527945).

Luncheon Club: Wednesday 20.

Early October Natters: Friday 4th, Wolds Friday 6th, Lincolnshire Poacher Early October Event: Sunday 8 Jubilee Trophy Naviscat Rally.

The first event in July was the Rover and MG day at the Lincolnshire Aviation Centre. A lovely sunny day and we had a good display of 31 cars. An interesting visitor to our stall was Michael Hunt, over from Canada, who in 1955 was the co-founder of the MG Car Club of Toronto. Some of the Aviation

MIDLANDS

MARTIN PRICE mg.price@btinternet.com www.mg-cars.org.uk/mgccmidlandcentre

As another busy summer season comes to an end, there is a distinct chill in the air, particularly in an open MG. Not that I would know about that, as the T Type has been off the road since early May, when I wrecked the engine. It has, of course, meant very little racing this season, apart from driving my son in law’s ZR 160 at the MGLive! Sprint; it was certainly different!

We have recently held our annual Summer Curborough Sprint and hopefully, we will see a report of the event from the driver’s perspective, written by Neil Thomas, in a forthcoming issue of Safety Fast!. There were some very fierce battles in several classes and mention must be made of the fantastic support from the Club’s

Luffield Speed Championship, which comprised 28 of the starters.

We have been very lucky to have enjoyed the outstanding support from Midland Centre member David Wood, of Luffield Cars in Loughborough, who has sponsored the speed championship for the last seventeen years. He is now retiring; therefore this is the last season he will be our sponsor. We offer him our sincere thanks for everything he has done to make the championship so successful. He is going to be a very hard act to follow.

Class 1A, for standard cars up to 2000cc, saw a great scrap between the top five. However, Ian Howlett posted a superb 70.35sec to clinch the class honours. Second was Nick Arnold, followed by

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Centre engineers were the judges for the John Noble Trophy which they awarded to the MG TA of David Smart. The runner-up was the BV8 of Phil Bayliss and John Rogers’ BGTV8 was third.

The Wishing Well held their Landlords Choice. Third was the BGTV8 of Andy Rake, second David Stonehouse’s BGTV8 and first was the MGB of Elaine Pearson.

The Gordon Smith Memorial Run, organised by the Wolds Natter, took place on the 15th, and a full complement of 19 cars enjoyed a leisurely wander through the Lincolnshire Wolds, so loved by Gordon.

A new venue for the

Luncheon Club was the Plough at Wilsford, where 26 members enjoyed an excellent meal.

The Club’s racing fraternity visited Cadwell Park on the 22nd.

Centre members Mark Bellamy, Adam Key and Steve Hall were in action and plenty of Centre members were there to watch.

Early rain made early qualifying interesting, mid-morning the sun appeared but the rain returned with a vengeance for the last two races.

The following day MG dealers W H Brand held their second Carfest, visitors enjoying a day of entertainment and a BBQ. The photo is from the Rover/ MG Day.

Howard Cotterill and Graham Cherry.

Class 1B had some interesting cars, including two RV8s; one of which was our late President, Bill Wallis’s machine. However, the real battle was between Nick Walker, driving his MGB GT V8 and the TVR Griffith of Tim Kirkham. Tim finally pipping Nick by just 0.04sec for the class win.

Class 1C is always well supported and championship regular Richard Withers’ MGB GT beat Rob Orford, MGB, and Mike Cole, MGB GT, for the honours. Father and son Ian and Charles Goddard put their very pretty PA through its paces, but it was not able to get anywhere near David Butler, driving his MG TD Special. David not only won his class but also the Kjele Qvale Trophy for best performance in a pre-1954 MG in both the Centre’s Curborough Sprints. Neil Thomas and Pete Adamson were the quickest pair in Class 2a in their K Series engine

Midgets: Neil finally coming out on top by just over half a second. Class 3A for racing Midgets and Sprites saw Kim Johnson in front after practice, but he was forced to retire with engine problems, which left the door open for James Thacker driving his superb ex Alex Poole Frogeye Sprite. He won the class, with John Hawley in second place.

Our final battle was between the big V8s and a lone Radical single seater. Andy Walker was the clear winner of the V8s, beating the TR7V8 of Nigel Elliott and the BV8 of Stuart Gilbert. The Radical of David Large just pipped Andy for the overall Fastest Time of the Day award, but Andy did win the Fastest MG trophy.

Our next event in the Centre will be the Autumn production car trial at the Burton Dassett Country Park near Gaydon on Sunday September 24.

Watch this space, we have something very interesting and new planned for 2018, more about that soon.

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/08/2017 18:26

H1 - CLIVE WHEATLEY_H7 - CLIVE WHEATLEY 29/06/2017 15:23 Page 1

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URGENT PROOF Please check this proof carefully for errors in style, content and layout.

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SEPTEMBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 77

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CENTRES

NORTH WEST PAUL GOODMAN 01625 876300

As the Summer ends, we still have a great range of events for you to attend in your MGs. The three regular pub meetings this month are at The Old Hall Farm Pub on Tuesday September 12, the Plough and Flail on Tuesday September 19 and the lunchtime meeting on Wednesday September 27 at The Rope and Anchor, Paddock Lane, Dunham Massey, Altrincham, WA14 5RP. This will be the 50th such meeting and we would like to thank Alan Sheridan for organising them. We have some wonderful cars and owners in the Centre, many of whom attend these meetings, so please come and join us. We can help you in all aspects of MG ownership and the benefits of being an MGCC member.

The big indoor event is the Footman James Classic Car Show at EventCity on September 16 and 17. The Centre will have a stand with local members and representatives from Kimber House. We will be displaying three very special cars. A newly restored MGA with a long history, an MGC to celebrate the 50th birthday of the model and an unusual ZS. If you wish to attend the show then you can get a ‘club reduction’ on advanced purchase by using the special code “clubs17”. We will have the photo competition shortlist on display so please drop by, vote, and have a chat.

The racing and speed competitions will both come

SOUTH EAST

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

The summer gathering, back at Penshurst Place, was a huge success with a variety of cars attending, even the new MG3 66 which also won the concours competition. The day was organised by Philip and Rosemary Bayne-Powell and thanks go to them for the amazing amount of work they put in and also to their band of helpers.

The main event in September is the autumn gathering, a turn up and pay on the day event being run by Andrew Mitchell. It promises to be an interesting day out at Chiddingstone Castle in Edenbridge, Kent. With over 35 acres of grounds to explore and a large collection of Stuart items, as well as Egyptian and Japanese

artefacts collected over the years.

Entry tickets are £15 per car, which includes entrance to the house and gardens. A previous MG day held there in 2014 attracted around 100 cars. MGCC SE will be running the usual PoO and Concours events which you can also enter on the day. For further details contact Andrew: andrewmgfvvc@gmail.com Local meets are still continuing with details of these posted on the MGCC SE page: http://www.mg-cars.org.uk/ mgccse/events.htm. September includes the Shere Hill climb display (John Davies Santana@ sweethaven.biz) , motoring quiz at the Brooklands Group (Danny dannybyrne@talktalk.net ) and

78 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2017

MG-SafetyFast_Sept2017_49-100.indd 78

to an end this month. The Cockshoot Cup’s final races are at Croft on September 16 and 17. Meanwhile, the Luffield Speed Championship contenders will be at Harewood in Yorkshire over the same weekend.

All the awards from both competitions will be presented at our Annual Dinner Dance and Awards Presentation. This will be held on November 25 at the Deanwater Hotel, Woodford.

Tickets can be booked by emailing david@rainsbury.com and rooms can be reserved at the hotel. Mentioning that you

are attending our event will get you a discount. This year, it will be possible to buy a whole round table for a group so please avail yourself of this opportunity. We will be offering a three-course meal with the opportunity of dancing or chatting in the quiet area after eating.

Finally, we have already started event planning for 2018.

We have some vacancies on the Centre Committee which now has a new meeting place in a comfortable room above a pub.

Please let us know if you are interested in joining us.

Helen Waddington Trying Hard in the Luffield Speed Championship at Three Sisters in July. Photo: David Coulthard

a quiz evening at the Three Horseshoes Group, Sidlow (John johnv.morgan@btinternet.com) Janice and Chris Leigh are running the Autumn Naviscat on Sunday 8 October; one not to miss, and offering others a golden opportunity to win without the formidable Leigh team in action. The day will include a special award for the best novice entry. The event starts

at the Moody Mare Public House, Maidstone, where entrants meet for coffee and breakfast before a short briefing at 10.50am.

The day finishes (hopefully) at The Rose Revived Pub, Hadlow, where lunch can be ordered.

Full details will be posted on the MGCC SE web page soon, or contact Janice/Chris (01634 201145 or email: candjleigh@ yahoo.com)

M type engine perplexity Photo: By William Opie www.mgcc.co.uk

23/08/2017 18:26

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MG-SafetyFast_Sept2017_49-100.indd 79

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CENTRES

SOUTH WEST

IAN BENINGFIELD 07747 080417 ianbeningfield@gmail.com www.mgccsw.com www.facebook.com/mgccsw July saw the return of the popular MGs on Grass two autotest, organised as ever by Dave Coppock and held with the kind permission of the Atwell family at Claverham Court Farm.

Just like the MGs on Grass one back in March, the event was actually two different events run simultaneously: an autotest

Oliver Lock gets some last-minute advice from Dad Neil ahead of his first-ever autotest

for drivers wishing to tackle the tests solo and a production car autotest that requires a passenger, very useful as a navigator on the longer tests!

The other advantage of running as a production car autotest is that the rules allow for younger drivers without a driving licence to take part and it was great to see 14-year-old Oliver Lock get behind the wheel of dad Neil’s MG BGT for the first time. I’m sure we’ll see Oliver back again next year. It would great if we could see a few more.

Back to the event and there was a good range of cars taking part, from MMMs to MGF, and we were joined by a few members of Bristol Pegasus

TYNE TEES

NOEL LINDFORD noel.lindford@btinternet.com

Past Events MGLive! 2017 Tyne-Tees Centre was a major player in this premier MGCC event. Led this year by David Alexander, our marshals successfully managed the Circuit Tours on the F1 circuit, with a variety of 50 MGs on the Saturday, and an MGC 50th Anniversary circuit tour on the Sunday.

Meanwhile I was organising the California Cup Autotests on the Saturday, and the AutoSOLO on the Sunday, both held in the main arena. A full-on, enjoyable weekend for me and my superb team of marshals, scrutineers and timekeepers. Doug Carmichael posted good times in both events with his rally MGB, and Ken Armstrong did some quick runs in the AutoSOLO with his MG TF160.

Events Coming Up 10th Old Speckled Hen Run: Sunday September 10 This special event incorporates the 35th Anniversary Herriot Road Safety Trial, with one or two (slow speed) manoeuvrability tests at the lunch halt, ‘observation’ sections on the route, and questions of a motoring and road safety nature at a couple of checkpoints. You will be driving and navigating your way across three dales on superb, quiet roads, in sublime scenery. An engaging road trip, with a mildly competitive element, ideally suited to MG cars. At the finish, cream teas will be served in the ballroom of a hotel with a lot of history.

Entry forms are on our MGCC TTC website, or contact me.

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MC including a brace of MX5s.

Dave had put on three tests and with four attempts at each.

Fastest time of the day went to Kim Dear driving a Mini, with John Delafield’s Midget narrowly ahead of his son Ben in the same car as best of the MGs. Thanks to Dave for organising a great event and to Bruce Weston, Andrew Owst and Sam Lott for volunteering their services as marshals. It’s customary to end a report like this with a plea to the membership to come along and support these events.

Your committee works hard throughout the year and the two MGs on Grass autotests are ideal for first-timers and experienced drivers alike, and suit cars of all eras. All you need is enthusiasm.

Hopefully we will see more cars and drivers at our 2018 events Whitley Bay Classic Car Show Sunday September17: Once again we will have a display of MG cars at this excellent show on the seafront at Whitley Bay. Booking (free entry) is via the Eventbrite website https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ whitley-bay-classic-car-show-2017tickets-29103379993 Please advise Andrew Kelly if you are attending. He is contactable via email at adk@andrewdkelly.com or call 01670 515077.

Tyne-Tees Centre 2017 Yorkshire Tour: Friday-Sunday October 6-8: based in the lovely town of Pickering, staying at the Best Western Forest and Vale Hotel on Malton Road, YO18 7DL. Please contact David Alexander at david. alexander2012@btinternet.com for an itinerary and entry form or call him on 01670 861178.

Autumn Leaves Run: Sunday October 22 – A Majestic

Ian Beningfield MG TC leaving the Wiscombe start line

– as always, keep an eye out on our website and Facebook for all the details.

Looking forward, on Saturday September 9 we will be once again returning to the picturesque Wiscombe Park Hillclimb, near Honiton, Devon.

Always a popular event with spectators and drivers alike, we are as ever looking for marshals to help us run the event. It attracts an interesting variety of cars including, of course, the annual visit of the MGCC Luffield Speed Championship, and as the season enters the final stages plenty of drivers will be pushing hard for vital points.

Northumberland Adventure.

Organised by Andrew Kelly (01670 515077) this 82-mile route starting in Ponteland incorporates the diverse and stunning scenery offered by Glorious Northumberland. The first half of our drive takes in the spectacular coastline and several famous castles, all steeped in regional history, one with added Harry Potter magic!

We then experience the contrasts of the county along delightful winding roads with stunning scenery and spectacular views, travelling through the Northumberland National Park.

Our adventure ends at a delightful country pub for an excellent traditional Sunday lunch. You need to pre-book, and entry forms with menu options will be on our website, and in an email newsletter from me. Entry fee of £10 includes a route book and rally plaque.

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/08/2017 18:26

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CENTRES

YORKSHIRE

DAVID COPEMAN 07920 064585 www.mgccyorkshire.co.uk North – Colin Brear Yorkshire MGCC Summer ‘Dales Run’ was another brilliant event arranged by Our Dales Expert Paul Croft.

Since the August notes we have enjoyed MGCC events at Newby Hall Classic Car Show, the Summer Walk (thanks to Paul Croft’s brother), Hebden Bridge Classic Car Show, Croft Nostalgia Weekend, Grange-Over-Sands Run, Pendine Dash, St Gemma’s Classic Car Show, in support of our late friend, Sue Hartley, and Burley Classic Car show. We know how to enjoy ourselves!

South – Geoff Norcliffe The annual Chill weekend was held at Haxey Keys. The customary Friday night chilli was followed by a

BBQ on the Saturday night. Several members also attended the classic bike racing at Cadwell Park, thanks again to Debbie and John.

Later in the week we enjoyed an evening run and Italian meal at the car-themed Water Wheel tea rooms, near Howden.

East – Brian Rylance The social run returned to North Lincolnshire with a route by Harry and Janet that ended at the Sandpiper. The Natters are at the Half Moon, Elloughton, on the second Thursday of the month at 7.30pm.

West – David Copeman Harewood House Classic Cars July 2017 Yorkshire Centre cars from North, West, Vale of York and 24/39 Group

ULSTER

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

Following MGLive! there has been a summer lull in our competitive events. We filled the gap with a splendid outing arranged by Mike Dowey to Sentry Hill Historic House, Carnmoney, home of the notable McKinney farming family. We met at Hazelbank, Newtownabbey, with a dry

MMOC Millisle Run – MG Ulster Centre member Mark Lemon’s wonderful Morris 8 Tourer

start, so MGs were tops down for a brief ‘tulip’ run to Sentry Hill where we had an informative video, a guided tour and time for coffee and a yarn. Of course, the question was asked “Why is it called Sentry Hill?”, the answer being because there was a sentry post outside which was on top of a hill! The rain started whilst we were inside and continued for our run northwards towards the Wild Duck in Portglenone for tea; the heavens opened.

We had a few casualties along the way with Simon Johnston’s MG suffering a break in the oil feed and Mike Wilson having to use his ‘new’ 35-year-old,

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attended this event. Our selection of MGs was placed directly in front of Harewood House. Centre President Alan Dakeyne was awarded Best Saloon 1950s with his 1957 Magnette. Thanks to Ken Cothliff for organizing the event and obtaining our FREE entry.

Thornes Park Classic Gathering July 2017 An excellent display of over 700 vehicles of all descriptions was there. Thanks to Mick Thorpe for organizing our Club stand.

Tiger – Pete Welbourn If there is a Patron Saint of Route Planning then Oli really got on his wrong side. Oli having surveyed and issued a route to the Fauconberg Arms in Coxwold, the abovementioned Deity stepped in with a few road closures. A revised route was issued and in 10 MGs and other assorted classics we wended our way north west, only to get within

10 miles of the finish to find a new road closure. Not a problem. Joined by a huge tipper truck we re-joined the Helmsley road and diverted via Oswaldkirk and Ampleforth.

Well done, Oli – despite the various road closures, a good route to a good pub.

Vale of York – Ken Cothliff For the first time in ages it was wet, so we were back in the ‘snug’ at the Masons. A special thanks to Bob and Beth Walker and Chas Hills, who came in their ‘oldies’!

We also welcomed Tim Rowe from the MGF Register, and Noel Linford from Tyne Tees.

Planning started on our second run, this time to be a Wednesday run on our Natter day on September 21. We are calling it the ‘Battles Run’ around the various English battle sites around and in York. It will start and finish at our regular haunt, The Masons.

unused spare for a puncture repair. Stephen Dawson lost both wipers en-route when they disconnected themselves and visited the hedgerows! We had a quick stop at what, but for the rain, would have been a very picturesque Lough Neagh, so we pressed on to converge in Portglenone. The restaurant was excellent, providing a twocourse deal and, to apologise for a little lateness in the meal (not noticed because of the good company) complimentary wine. So thanks must go to Mike for a grand day out.

We have been on the hunt for a new trailer for our autotest kit as the old one is heavy, lacking in capacity and has wayward towing tendencies! We should have a new one by the end of August and which we may have ‘wrapped’ with our logo, etc.

During the summer, there have been several shows and runs which have been attended

by Club members. Morris Minor Club’s Millisle Run is always worth a look-in. The Ulster Flying Club also held an open day at Newtownards Airfield in July.

Visitors were invited to bring along their classics to what turned out to be a beautifully sunny event and as well as the flying attractions, there was a display of local military vehicles.

The MG Day on September 3 is open to anybody with an MG, including non-members, so spread the word please.

Dates for your diary: September 1 Ulster Classic Trial (Noel’s event) September 3 MG Day and Picnic – Transport Museum, Craigavad September 9 PCT - venue tbc

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REGISTERS

VINTAGE

JOHN VENABLES 01865 862573 johnandtriciav@gmail.com

First I must thank Debbie for doing the notes for August as I was unable to get to MGLive!. I have not been able to exercise the 18/80 lately but have some events planned for September, including a day as a bridal car, so I will need to give it a good polish and hoover out. Let’s hope the weather is good for this.

The EMGS have a three-day event from September 11–14 based on the Brecon Beacons which I am sure will be a good event and supported by several of our members. They have also announced an event for 2018 at the same time in Herefordshire, and of course our own Spring Run will be held in Pickering near York in April

2018, more details to come.

This will be quite a change from our usual haunts and a great area for scenery, ‘Last of the Summer Wine’ country, so I am hoping to go. Better get the brakes fettled as it can be hilly.

I have recently had problems with my VA brakes, turned out to be a distorted drum; things are working a lot better having had the drums skimmed. I shall have the 18/80 drums checked in the quiet season.

Our annual trip to Prescott will have been and gone when you read this, I am sure that those who went will have enjoyed this annual event organised by the VSCC. As an aside, I went to my

Geoff Radford in his 18/100 Mk111 Tigress at Prescott. Photo: Colin Murrell

local shop to get my Sunday paper in the VA, and a car pulled up alongside me and asked what model it was. He said his father was a designer at MG and he was Syd Enever’s son. I said, “You must be Roger Enever,”

and we had an interesting chat.

He still lives in the original family home. You never know who you are going to meet in an MG. John Venables

TRIPLE M

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

Well, blink and you’ve missed it.

September is here with the racing types already winding up their season – one which has seen the MMM profile raised further on the circuits. Now we just need to get all the speed merchants doing the same on the hills! MGCC Wiscombe is nearly upon us (no licence for me this year, as the J2

What is believed to be a factory photo of a J Type Armoured Car proposal…

Really? Photo: MG Car Club Archive

is wrapped up in cotton wool prior to impending wedding duties).

J2192 – The Saga Continues: Regular readers of this column will have been following the tale of this J2 unearthed earlier in the year at an archaeological dig on Salisbury Plain. The owner, UK MOD (who just happens to be my employer) is now putting the remains up for sale. We’re all taxpayers, so no apologies for the plug here - now’s your chance to help reduce the national debt! The sale will be conducted by Withams Specialist Vehicles Ltd (Tel:01476 861361, www.mod-sales.com). In keeping with its surroundings for the last 50 odd years, maybe the eventual purchaser will rebuild it like this?

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Alexandra Fakkeldij and her J2 at Pre-War Prescott. Photo: Jeremy Hawke

Pre-War Prescott With a bigger turnout than ever, literally dozens of MMM owners and drivers were lucky with the weather (only a few showers, and the heaviest of the day saved itself for the drive home when the J2 stopped off in Nailsworth for a moment of contemplation).

As promised, the Dutch were out in force. Besides all the usual faces, there were a few new

ones; it was pleasing to see ‘new blood’ in the form of Alexandra Fakkeldij and her unrestored J2 oozing character. A long time MG fan, with a particular liking for MMMs, what did she go and get when the opportunity arose? A J2 that’s what (obviously has fine taste), and what’s more she tackles as much of the work as possible by herself.

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/08/2017 18:26

REGISTERS

MAGNETTE

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

Following on from the piece about Manumatic transmission in July Safety Fast, it was very interesting to hear from Mike Willan who’s recently bought a Magnette with original Manumatic still in place (the car was briefly sighted on eBay several years ago), and plans to restore it to working condition.

Celia Palmer at the Steam Museum

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG-SafetyFast_Sept2017_49-100.indd 85

Hopefully there’ll be updates here and on magnette.org as the work progresses. I was also reminded by Colin Goldsworthy that he owned Manumatics in the 1960s, so is well placed to advise Mike on putting the system back together - and what to expect when it’s actually working!

Swindon Steam Museum and AGM, July 15 A total of 8 Z Magnettes assembled at the Swindon Steam Museum on Saturday morning, as well as John and Marion Gill from South Wales who are in the process of buying a Magnette.

Along with the ‘regulars’, Ian Sykes brought along his recently acquired ZB, a very well-finished

car which attracted admiring comments. Wiltshire owner Mac Pile was strategically placed to guide us into the museum entrance and the reserved parking which had been arranged right outside. The building is part of the original Great Western works, which once employed over 10,000 people producing locomotives and rolling stock.

It now features reconstructions of various workshops together with several steam engines and displays about the history of the GWR. In the afternoon the Register AGM was held in one of the museum meeting rooms. This was a fairly brief affair as usual, but included the election of a ‘new’ chairman, Paul Batho, as David Halliday has served the maximum six years allowed. David thanked

the committee and reflected on his term as chairman, during which sadly we had lost several notable Magnetteers - most recently Trevor Jones. Paul Batho of course needs no introduction, having been chairman from 2006-2012, and continued as committee member since then.

We were very pleased to have our president, Celia Palmer, with us for the day, thanks to Paul who provided transport (Celia still lives in the house near Oxford designed by her father Gerald Palmer). After finishing at the museum there was just time for some to visit the nearby retail outlets, before heading to a pub for dinner and further relaxed conversation.

Special thanks are due to Mac for stepping in after Trevor passed away, to organize dinner and make sure the day ran smoothly.

SEPTEMBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 85

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REGISTERS

MGA

EDWARD VANDYK 01488 608810 mgascribe@vandyk.co.uk What a difference a month makes! June was hot, almost too hot, July too wet. Hopefully MGA Day will fare better.

The MGA Owners Heritage Pack which was launched in August 2016 has proved to be popular around the world and has been reprinted twice to meet demand. However we will not be reprinting them again and there are a few left in stock. When these are gone the pack will be deleted from our merchandise website.

Every new MGA came with a package of information and data about the car. These were issued to the buyer by the local MG Dealership at the time of the sale, or were available to purchase at

a later date. The MGA Owners Heritage Pack replicates this set of six documents with a presentation folder for just £25+P&P. • Earl’s Court price list 1958 • MG Warranty Certificate • Owner’s ‘Operation Manual’ 2nd edition (AKD598) • MGA Service Voucher Book (AKD 727A) • Schedule of Repair charges (AKD 873A) • ‘MGA’ 1500 and 1600 Special tuning manual (AKD 819B) Order from the MGA Register website http://www.mgcc. co.uk/mga-register/wp-content/ uploads/sites/22/2017/05/MGARegister-MerchandiseCatalogue.pdf

Scottish MGA Day Sunday July 30 2017 Thanks to George and Wendy Rome for organising another interesting and well organised event for Scottish MGA Day on 30 July 2017. Nancy and Barry Crichton report as follows:‘We met at the Radstone Hotel, Larkhall, in rural Lanarkshire for the customary coffee and bacon roll. We were a small gathering with only six cars, three Roadsters and three Coupes, one being a Twin Cam. The morning run took us through Law and on through Carluke, Carnwarth and Dunsyre taking in some very beautiful scenery and stopping

at the Mill Inn in Coulter for lunch.

The afternoon run took us another 48 miles after lunch through the Lead Hills where we experienced the most dramatic scenery of the tour. People can still be seen panning for gold in this area.

We continued through Sanquhar, Crawfordjohn, and Douglas finishing our run at Cairn Lodge, just off the M74.

Despite forecast showers, there were really none to speak of – all in all a lovely day! On the way home on the M74, M73 and M80 the gantries were warning of ‘surface water’ so someone had bad weather – but not us!’

a dollop of Castrol LM grease, making the unions a bit easier to achieve. I removed the nearside front wheel to more readily get at the bottom hose jubilee clip.

I’m not as flexible as I was and scrabbling around under the front of a low slung car is getting more difficult…However, I am glad that I did as I discovered why my brake fluid had boiled.

The outside calliper piston was seized! I had not realised this as there had been no apparent change to the braking characteristics of the car. Luckily I had not needed to do any harsh braking or, I suspect, I would have found out rather more quickly! So, a visit to Tim Kelly,

an exchanged calliper and a new set of Mintex pads later and the brakes are fine. Whilst bothering Neil Hyatt when he was on point duty, as it were, at MGLive!, he said that he had changed his brake fluid to DOT5 as it is less prone to hydroscopic tendencies.

‘In for a penny in for a pound,’ thought I, having discovered the cause of my problems. DOT5 has replaced DOT4 in my braking system. The pedal is softer. I have heard that is the case and the new pads are still bedding in, of course, though the car does stop as well as it should, particularly as it doesn’t have servos.

MGB

DAVID BROADHURST 01209 614704 newsletter-editor@mgb-register.org www.mgb-register.org • mgbforum.mgb-register.org I got the following by email. It refers to Roger Boy’s excellent article on painting wheels.

‘Just got round to reading your article in Safety Fast!, June, about your suggested method for re-painting wheels with the tyres in situ.

The next time you wish to do it: get a 1-1 1/2” paint brush and a tub of liquid heavy soap - Swarfega is fine. Paint the tyre walls with a generous application of the soap just before painting.

Take a little care to brush reasonably accurately so as to get the soap just snugly around the rim, but on the rubber. Then spray away or brush with care.

After the paint has dried, just

wash off with water - perfectly painted wheels and clean tyres!

Paul de-Ville’ Further to my missive about boiling brake fluid last month, the saga continued but is now, hopefully, finished. I discovered a water leak from the bottom radiator hose. I have no idea how old this hose is, very old I suspect, and set about swapping it for a new one. I use MGOC Forlife coolant in my system. I shan’t go into its advantages here but will comment that I wanted to save as much as possible and reuse it. A strategically-placed plastic washing up bowl caught more than just a dribble and the swap of the hoses went smoothly with

86 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2017

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23/08/2017 18:26

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REGISTERS

MIDGET

MIKE PARKER mikeparker78@talktalk.net www.midgetregister.com At our local Natter we were able to catch up with Geoff Clarke and present him with the Midget Register Car of the Year shield.

Geoff is the father of Midget driver Pete Clarke who is doing some of the Luffield Speed Championship rounds in the South along with other club sprint events. We have never found out who owns his car but it is very fast and in great condition so I think both have put in a lot of effort, so well done to you both. You can all enter the Car of the Year events by going to the Midget Register website.

The Midget Challenge round at Croft was won by Class A Driver Steve Collier but he’s still a few points behind Class E leader Paul Campfield so with

three rounds to go it’s anyone championship. By the time you read this Castle Combe will be over, so it’s on to Snetterton on September 30 - October 1 for the final two rounds.

The Aldon shoot out on 28 October is nearly full so if you want a space you must book with Dennis Wharf. Full details are on the website so book as soon as possible.

We are nearly up to our allocated numbers for the Kop Hill Register parking area on September 16 - 17, more details on the Register website.

We have just got our new grill badges in stock which will retail at £19.99 plus £4.95 P&P from the Kimber House Store: www.mgcc.co.uk.

Pete and Geoff Clarke with the Midget Register Car of the Year shield.

Our thanks go to Peter Chaundy and his sister for organising the artwork on the new Midget Register Gazebo which has arrived and will be on display at Upton House at the end of the Register road run.

V8

VICTOR SMITH 0208 392 9434 victorsmith@v8register.net www.v8register.net V8 Roadster project out on the road for the first time Mike Macartney’s V8 Roadster project emerged from his workshop in August to travel to an appointment with his local MOT test station. It was a milestone for both Mike and the many fellow members who have been following his wonderful series of over 160 illustrated reports of work in progress which started in January 2015. The detail, honesty and frequency of those reports have made them a feature on the V8 Website many have found fascinating and informative.

Mike is now clearing a few “snagging” items as he finalises the project but above all he

has had the pleasure of driving and enjoying the injected RV8engined car. And it’s not only Mike as Jane, his trusty supporter, has also driven the car which produced a huge smile. Jane’s contribution to the project was one Mike would readily agree was so important for him.

See links to the rebuild reports on our “More” webpage at: www.v8register.net/more.htm Starkey elm burr gear knobs available again Stuart Middlemiss has taken over the production of the famous “Starkey gear knobs” which are made from elm burr to match the interior trim of the RV8 model.

Following the sudden and sad

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death of Terry Starkey earlier this year Stuart’s initiative in sourcing stocks of elm burr and working with specialist craftsmen to produce them will be a fitting legacy for Terry. Details are on the “More” webpage.

Future classic car use Following the release in July of the controversial report from the Centre for Economics and Business Research on how to

tackle the increasingly choked roads in many parts of Britain, a range of concerns and practical issues were raised by Sir Greg Knight (chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Historic Vehicle Group) and Geoff Lancaster at the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs. Ron Gammons had a letter published in the Daily Telegraph too. See the “More” webpage for copies of the report, comments and letter.

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/08/2017 18:26

PETER BEST www.classicinsurance.co.uk

Call for a quote today The best policies for either 01621 840400 DONHOODS-SFAug07.QXD:Layout 1 23/9/09 16:22 Page classic or modern MGs

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View the website on www.colneclassics.com B1 Seaden Court, Gorse Lane Ind Est, Clacton, Essex.

01255 432693, 07714 675319

SOUTHERN SALES

•

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00 Tel: 01202 7422

CARPET SETS FOR MOST

MODELS

www.donhoods.com

STEVE McKIE SPORTSCARS CHESTERFIELD

1

DERBYSHIRE

Specialists in the repair and restoration of MG cars

MGB, MGC & Midget Competition Parts

www.bighealey.co.uk

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

www.stevemckiesportscars.co.uk

For the ‘best’ in MG high-performance

Tel 01246 454527 • Fax 01246 453681 Albert Street North, Chesterfield, S41 8NP

SPECIALISTS IN CAR SHIPPING AND TRANSPORTATION

Steve McKie Sports Cars Hi-Res.indd 1

Parts Hotline: +44(0)1543 472244 E-mail: sales@bighealey.co.uk DENIS WELCH MOTORSPORT, YOXALL, BURTON ON TRENT, STAFFS DE13 8NA, UK

23/06/2010 13:46

Worldwide export and import services

HEATHROW TRANSMISSIONS MG GEARBOX, AXLE, OVERDRIVE SPECIALISTS Exchange units, repairs, parts DIY Overhaul Kits available

MGB/C OVERDRIVE CONVERSIONS • Customs clearance • UK & European collection & delivery • SAFE • SECURE • COMPETITIVE t: 01394 695566 f: 01394 673031 kevin.lewis@rjjfreight.co.uk chinita@rjjfreight.co.uk

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Est 1990

Full workshop fitting service

Tel 0208 577 1505

Email heathrowtransmissions@gmail.com

Unit 20c Rear of 20/22, Hanworth Road, Hounslow Greater London TW3 1UA www.heathrowtransmissions.co.uk

No car drying – ever !

Filter out all dissolved minerals for NO water spots

Refillable filter produces enough pure water to rinse c. 70 cars No pressure loss, easy to connect Simply wash ‘n’ go – leave car to dry in bright sunshine Resin refills only £45 – reduce long term costs 4 Star AutoExpress & Evo reviews ‘The best car cleaning product I have bought in my entire life. Wish I’d bought one years ago’ J.Longden, Huddersfield.

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‘Can’t recommend this product enough!’ J Weaver, Bristol Race Glaze Ltd, +44 (0)1780 749449, www.raceglaze.co.uk

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG-SafetyFast_Sept2017_49-100.indd 89

SEPTEMBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 89

23/08/2017 18:26

REGISTERS

MGF

TIM MORRIS 01932 882467 scribe@mgfregister.org www.mgfregister.org Summer means camping for some of our regions. Several were represented under canvas at MGLive! of course but others were out and about on their own camping trips – in Wales. I have mentioned before that Wales is a popular destination for MGFers and two regions have risked the notorious Welsh climate – the Heart of England and the South Wales group themselves. Both trips looked like great fun but if you like a little more comfort then our Essex group have booked a weekend at the Llanerchindda Farmhouse next July, following in the footsteps of Yorkshire and the South East who have both been there twice. It’s Essex’s turn now to find out why we keep going back!

Central have been busy, sometimes with several meets and runs in the month and other areas have been pretty active during the summer period as well. There is one thing that is certain and that has been proved again this summer – our MGF/TFs are great touring cars.

You can drive for miles in comfort and generally don’t have to worry about breaking down whilst enjoying that open car feeling with the buffeting breeze. Enough room in the boot for the picnic or camping equipment/suitcases and even

gazebos, tables and chairs. Thames Valley have just proved the picnic side of it by heading to Runnymede for their own lunch by the Thames.

There is more to come and Essex will be hosting the International Weekender this month with around 60 cars from all over the UK and Europe booked on it. It’s a different sort of weekend and we wish everyone taking part a great time.

We mentioned Uxbridge Classic Car Show last time and two regions got together for a good day with around 2,000 other cars. Thames Valley tried out their new event shelter and we only had a rain shower at the end, just as we took down the Register gazebo!

The South East were back on home turf at Brooklands for the Members Classic Car Show & Jumble. They were defending their Best Club Trophy, won last year, with a good display at the bottom of the test hill. There was more competition this year and it was a close-run thing with the Mercedes-Benz Club but an extra flag or two and display of photos tipped the balance and the SE Register came away with the trophy once again. Congratulations all round.

The Early Xmas bash is booking well at the Cricklade House Hotel in Wiltshire. It’s on the weekend of

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November 25-26 and is designed to be a relaxing weekend at a country house hotel to end the year on. You don’t even need to bring your MG (you can if you want of course) if it has been rested for the winter as I know more and more are being laid up in the off season. I’ll be doing that with my F this year, joining the BGT in not going out much in the bad weather. A low-mileage 2006

registered ZR has joined the Morris fleet and will be my winter runaround this year.

If you can join us for the weekend then email Ian Wright at events@mgfregister.org and pay a £50 per room deposit on our online shop at www.mgfregister.org/shop.

The final payment of £95 will be due in October and that includes room, breakfast, gala dinner, drinks reception and entertainment.

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/08/2017 18:26

REGISTERS

ZR/ZS/ZT

registers. We might be adding this to our own events list next JOHN THOMPSON Tel: 07854 275541 johnt5@btinternet.com www.mgcc.co.uk/zedregister year. Those of you who attended the weekend were in for a real treat in the form of Jason Hughes nicknamed ‘the Mini-Nürburgring’ Events & shows in the BTCC Kartworld Racing and having driven around it you can The relatively quiet holiday month ZS from 2002. According to the see why – brilliant! of August allows us to look back team working on the car in the We then returned to Kent at at the second half of July. With the paddock, they were amazed just the end of the month and joined racing championships being north how much interest the ZS had the South East Centre for their of the border at the beginning of created. In its current form, it’s Summer Gathering at Penshurst the month, the following rounds quite a hybrid. It has a 2000cc Place near Tunbridge Wells. We had took place on July 22 at the Cadwell Judd engine, which is K-Series a very relaxing day in the company Park circuit in Lincolnshire. We based, and not its original V6 of the local car groups and the decided a while back that after engine. It also has a facelift front variety of MGs which attended. the success of taking our gazebo end and original rear. In a grid There was also a discounted rate to at Brands Hatch we would do of forty cars Jason qualified in the house and gardens which were the same here and promote the nineteenth place, taking seventh well worth a visit.

Register to the members in the place in the first race and ninth Taking place over the same area. Overall the day was warm and place in the second race. weekend as the Summer sunny. Fortunately we managed Gathering was the Silverstone to dodge the rain until the late Upcoming events Classic. This event has been afternoon. A good number of The racing championships discussed by ourselves many visitors took the opportunity to book continue at Oulton Park on times in the past. The main in for the lunchtime parade laps, September 2 and will literally be club attends as do a number of including ourselves. Cadwell Park is

on us when you read these notes.

They then conclude at Snetterton over the weekend of October 30/ November 1. Before that however is another new event for us. On October 8, we will be attending the Lancing Motor Show near Worthing in Sussex. We will be going down there in full force with our gazebo etc. to fly the MG flag and promote the club, ourselves, and the Zeds in the world of classic cars. We have been given 25 Car Stand Passes by the organisers which we will give out on a first-come firstserved basis. If you are interested in attending please contact either myself at the email address at the head of these notes or Paul Money at paulmoneymg@gmail. com and we will send them out to you. For further information visit the official Lancing Motor Show page.

MG6.3.5

STEVE HAINES Steve-haines@live.co.uk www.facebook.com/groups/MG635Register https://twitter.com/635register It’s been another busy summer for the Register, with lots of new members joining in the chat on Facebook from all over the world.

Owners have been posting photos of their cars at local meets around the UK and are being made very welcome along with the older MG models. It’s great to see our friends in Thailand, Australia and Iran having regular meets on quite a large scale too!

The 635 Register is still promoting and looking after

The current Haines collection www.mgcc.co.uk

MG-SafetyFast_Sept2017_49-100.indd 91

the new SUV models, the GS and XS. We’re still looking for some enthusiastic owners to come forward to form their own committee. We’re also looking forward to the XS being sold in the UK. It has had some very positive vibes from those that have had a chance to get up close to it at various events this year.

Our next big meet will be at the BTCC event at Silverstone on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 September. We will have the club

gazebo alongside the Zed Register, with a full range of regalia and in field parking for pre-booked tickets through the MGCC special offer.

The MG boys have had mixed fortunes at some of the meets this year, but Silverstone is always a good track for the MG6 GT, so hopefully we’ll see some podiums as we did last year! Come along and say hello if you can. It’s always a great weekend’s racing and very popular with owners. We’re hoping for a big turn out, so it’s a good chance to catch up with old friends and make some new ones…

Christmas is coming quicker than you think!! Our AGM will be on Saturday December 2 at the MG Sales Centre, Longbridge, followed by our Christmas meal at the Guild in Bromsgrove, which is next to the Premier Inn. Please add your name to the Facebook event on our page, or e-mail Steve Haines direct so places can be booked. We had a really good turnout and a lot of fun last year, so let’s hope we can do the same this year!

Keep enjoying your cars and please send in any interesting articles or photos you have…

SEPTEMBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 91

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CL ASSIFIEDS

MARTIN SMITH www.usedmg spares.co.uk

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

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.

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

1964 MG Midge 1967 MGC Race Car

Full race spec, all to MSA 2017.

Triple Weber, SCCR competition OD box, Roll cage and extinguisher.

Solid car no rust or damage. Can run in most series ie PBIC, BCV8 etc. Engine pulls well no unexpected n o is es fro m box o r L S D a xl e .

Wilwood front brakes with EBC discs. AVO and GAZ shocks. Its not being used due to sons work and my health. Its on racecarsdirect for £25000 could take cheaper C in part ex. Or will haggle. Telephone: 07515368936 or 07969904739

Harrogate MG Owners Show Sun 6th August

1966 MGB GT 1967 MGB Roadster

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

First registered 1/1/68. Ivor Searle rebuilt unleaded engine (2002), recent 12 volt battery conversion, oil cooler, radiator, starter motor and windscreen. As new Firestone tyres. Red tonneau cover, red carpets and red leather seats. Mileage 91,906. £11,500 o.n.o.

Please ring Terry on 01379 898660 to discuss.

2002 MGTF 160 1.8 VVC

Silver with black hood and hard top 34,000 miles with 12 months MOT Kenwood 6 speaker radio / cassette. New stainless steel pipes, Water pump, Cam belt and Gasket A really smart and very quick Sports Car for £3,490. Contact 01347838316 hirsts@hotmail.com (North Yorkshire)

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

MG TF LE500 #138/500 (just 34,000 miles)

MG TF LE500 #298/500 (1 owner just 30,000 miles)

2009 (09 Reg)Manual Petrol Finished in: Crystal White/Black leather Our high spec Demo LE500 is now for sale. Over £1000 of upgrades including a stainless sport exhaust (not loud), upgraded ECU (Kmaps),uprated grooved brake disc’s. Full service history just service plus A/C serviced/ overhauled with a new condenser plus moted.

One of just 17 made in Crystal White with colour coded hardtop. Pre reg +one lady owner and us.

Immaculate. £6,895

2009 (59 Reg) Manual Petrol Finished in: Intense Blue/Black leather A one owner very low mileage LE500 #298/500, with a colour coded Hardtop. FSH having had seven service including cambelt service. These are full spec models fitted with air con (just serviced and fitted with a new condenser) black leather sport seats, soft ride suspension, engine water level censor, 16” alloys, glass heated rear screen.

Choice of silver or black alloys. £6,495

MG TF 160vvc (New headgasket/cambelt/w pump)

END OF SEASON CLEARANCE SALE

2003 (03 Reg) 73,000 Miles Manual Petrol Finished in: Silver/black half leather Rare TF160 vvc, just been though our workshop serviced and fitted with a new headgasket (3 layer) /cambelt /water pump etc. blue hood with new rear screen. Fitted with sports pack 2 16” 11 spoke alloys big brakes etc Superb condition. £2,995

Huge selection of Second hand parts for your MGF / TF’s .New and second hand MG TF sport seats new seats £400+ vat, alloy wheels selection of used and refurbed wheels 15” & 16” from £35. Other parts also for sale. See our parts page or phone David............Also see our Registration numbers for sale T99 MGF & P6 MGF + lots of others.

This is just a small selection from our stock FAMILY BUSINESS ESTABLISHED 1981. OUR OFFICE/ SHOWROOM IS AT 62B HIGH STREET SHEPPERTON TW17 9AU VIEWING BY APPOINTMENT PLEASE

www.churchsquareautos.com

92 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2017

MG-SafetyFast_Sept2017_49-100.indd 92

Tartan Red/black hood, 5000mls s restoration in 200 mented with photo tificate. Full MOT, un head conversion, co professional valuat open to offer 01763247633, 07722

1933 J2 Swept Wing

Lovely condition in DuoTone blue.

New cylinder block , crankshaft, pistons and rods etc. New cylinder head, camshaft, rockers and associated bits. Radiator shell, grill and cap re- chromed. Weather equipment.

Restoration pictures, invoices, and documentation from the 30’s New carpets. Indicators and radiator fan fitted. It is a lovely J2.

Cost. £36950.00 Tel Peter.

01869819993 (Aynho,Banbury )

1972 MGB Roadster

In Aqua. MOT to February 2018.

New hood, overdrive and clutch and mountings. All history available.

Heritage certificate. Tonneau cover and spare wheel cover. Photo evidence of rebuild. Superb condition £13,750.

Contact Simon on 07855424809 or 07870636159.

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

Left Hand Drive. rebuilt by MG Mot bare shell to a road spec, 2 owners and since. Engine by Engine Services’ lat all fully balanced, g free alloy head, allo 45 DCOE Webe 123/Tune programm port) electronic d road cam, MG RV8 with coil over fro servo brakes, PAS, recliner seats. Exce MOT, UK registered UK. For full spec www.mgmotorspor 01442 832019 o 07864853105

1927 14/28 MG Four Seater Professionally rebuilt by marque specialist, to which I have added several other improvements.

Superb condition. Must be seen. £55k. Mobile 07867988251 or email: gatenewens@hotmail.com

2004 MGTF 135

Cool Blue Edition.

This Trophy Blue ca previous owners, is overall condition an to June 2018 with no Cool Blue edition alcantara seat inse hood & “Abingdon” standard.This car a metallic blue hardto rear window & a hi age bag available fo £400. All four brak were replaced this For more informat Elaine on 07850 email: laney.abarth@ Note: Car sold with registration plate. (N

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/08/2017 18:26

A35 - Barry Walker_CLASSIC 20/07/2017 10:20 Page 1

CL ASSIFIEDS

BEAULIEU INT. AUTOJUMBLE

THE

SEPTEMBER 2ND & 3RD 2017

B32 - MIKE ROLLS SERVI E ROLLS SERVICES 13/12/2012 09:50 Page 1 STAND ISCES_MIKHERE GR

GREEN FIELD

49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57

64 63 62 61 60 59 58

65 66

80 79 78 67 77 68 76 69 75 74 70 73 71 72

81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89

96 95 94 93 92 91 90

GREEN (B) FIELD

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

GREEN FIELD

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

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

28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35

SERVICES FOR MGs 6

2016

87a 56 87 57 86 58 85

PUBLIC ENTRANCE

48 47 46 35 45 36 44 37 43 42 38 41 39 40

MARQUEES (BLUE)

27 26

MARQUEES (BLUE)

30 29 28

33 34

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

32 31

55c 55b 55a 55 54 53 2

PUBLIC ENTRANCE

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

9 10

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

163a 202 164 201 165 200 166 199 167 198 168 197 169 196 6 7

16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8

124 163 125 162 126 161 127 160 128 159 129 158

OAK TREE GONE!

3 4 5

BEER

94 93

1 2

88 123 89 122 90 121 91 120 92 119

57 63 62 58 61 59 60 33 32

97 96 95

GREEN (D) FIELD

BANKING

164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 1 173 1 121 152 122 151 123 150 124 149 125 148 126 147 127 146 128 145 129 144 130 143 131 142 82 108 83 107 84 106 85 105 86 104 87 103 88 102 89 101 90 100 91 99 92 98

RED FIELD

139 138 137 136 135 134 133 132

T O I L E T S

19 20 21 22 23 24

44 43 42 41 40 39

RED (A) FIELD

69 68 67 66 65 64

45 46 47 48 49 50

15 16 17 18

51 52 53 54 55 56

RED (A) FIELD

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

115 157 116 117 156 118 155 119 154 120 153

S

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

RED FIELD

TO RED & YELLOW FIELD

75 74 73 72 71 70

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

1 15 16 16 16 163

BE SURE NOT TO MISS IT. STANDS R60-63. RIGHT BY THE ENTRANCE

CAR SALES plus accessories for the models we sell: M, D, F, J, K, L, P, N, TA, TB, TC, TD.

… for the very best in vintage MGs … Estd. 1968

TEL/FAX: 01258 820337

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 8am-6pm, Wed: 8am-5pm, Sat: 8am-1pm www.barrywalker.com email barry@barrywalker.com (we are close to Stratford-on-Avon)

2016 201 6

enquiries@mgsforsale.com

01707 876089

www.mgsforsale.com

07831 556666

MG BGT 1972 Heritage Shell Rebuild (RJY319K) Chrome rostyle wheels, overdrive, tax exempt, older restoration utilising a fully panelled Heritage Shell, Trophy Blue coachwork, Navy/Black interior trim, some coachwork imperfections but very sound and body coloured underside, clean engine compartment, history file with Heritage Shell invoice dated 2003 and many component rebuild invoices including engine, itemised spreadsheet, old mot’s etc. etc. drives extremely nicely, just arrived £10,995.00

TRADE MEMBER

SERVICES FOR MGs Specialising in all MG’s

TEL/FAX: 01258 820337

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

MG RV8 ROADSTER 1995

Finished in Woodcote Green MG RV8, Manufactured in 1995 but not registered until 1997, Woodcote Green, re-imported from Japan in 2008. Just over 26,000km from new which is approx 15,000mls, it comes with a good services history, a very nice MGR registration number, windstop and matching hood cover. This is a superb example one of the best we have ever seen, it has just had a service and MOT so ready to be enjoyed. £26,000.

URGENT PROOF

SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF OUR STOCK

www.mgsforsale.com

Recommended spares supplier

MIKE ROLLS

MGB Roadster 1972 Older Restoration (YDV700L) Wire wheels, overdrive, tax exempt, 1950cc stage 2 engine, bright White coachwork with some imperfections, Black leather interior trim, walnut pack, sports steering Please check this proof carefully for errors in style, content and layout. wheel, SS boot rack, older early 2000’s Although every care is exercised in preparing your advert, we cannot hold restoration by Ricketts Restoration Ltd, ourselves responsible for any inaccuracies you may overlook. heavy history file with a plethora of invoices for circa £9k from specialist SHOULD YOU REQUIRE ANY ALTERATIONS TO THIS PROOF PLEASE MGB ROADSTER, 1975, companies, MGOC, Moss etc. etc., pleasant lively drive, just arrived, £10,495.00 TELEPHONE BEFORE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ AND QUOTE ADVERT NOfinished . _ _in_Black, _ _it comes Rubber bumper, Tax exempt,

URGENTLY WANTED ANY MG ANY YEAR, ANY CONDITION

MGOC. OCC. CM09.17/A35/ddf

Specialising in all MG’s

Side and nose mounted superchargers (incl. all fittings), original badges, original tool kits, luggage racks, mascots and manuals.

TRADE MEMBER TEL: 01789 400181/FAX: 400230 MOB: 07836 244103

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 proof a great drive. £5,995. alteration to this which

MGB GT V8, FACTORY CAR, 1974,

Chrome bumper, Tax exempt, Overdrive. Finished in Harvest Gold with cloth interior. Nice interesting TOY 500M registration number. Just under 92,000mls from new. Comes with extensive history, list of previous owners, most MOT’s and record of parts and work. Heritage certificate. Now fitted with 15 inch Minilite replica wheels and Yokohama tyres, original wheels available with the car, recent new clutch and rolling road set up. Excellent gearbox and overdrive and drives very well. £18,995

MORRIS 8 CALSHOT 1932

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

Comes with full wet weather gear. This is a very beautiful car. £21,995

We reserve the right to charge for any from theUnits original copyBusiness Park, Manor Farm, Fifehead Magdalen, near Gillingham, Dorset SP8 5RR 9/10 Fifehead E-mail: mikerolls4mgs@compuserve.com • www.mikerolls.co.uk Mail Order “Friendly Quality Service”

Do not confuse the above vehicles with cheaper inferior quality models offered elsewhere. Part exchange is a departure 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.

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG-SafetyFast_Sept2017_49-100.indd 93

SEPTEMBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 93

23/08/2017 18:26

CL ASSIFIEDS

WANTED WANTED ALL MG MODELS!

1965 MGB Roadster

Owned for 45 years. I carried out a full 3 year Heriage Bodyshell rebuild, completed 1997. Complete engine overhaul, unleaded, suspension and steering renewed, seats reupholstered, new bodyshell corriosion treated etc.. The car is garaged, road legal, only used in emergencies, 11k miles since rebuild. It is in exceptional condition with chrome wires and overdrive. All supporting documentation. £15,000 ono.

Email: richard_n_taylor@hotmail.com (East Cornwall)

1999 MGF 1800VVC

Silver with Black Top. Additional Black Hard Top. Milage 66000.

Leather interior. New cam belt fitted at 59000. Recently fitted: Clutch Slave Cyl, and Catalyst Converter.

MoT till Mar 2018. £2200. Contact 01869 327229. (Oxon)

1971 MGB ROADSTER

Very original and sound in 'Black Tulip' with correct Ochre trim and seats. Drives well with fresh MOT. One family owned for last 45 years £4750. Tel: 01865 250980 or 07941 210253 (Oxford)

CALL DIRECT ON: 07787 528131

MIDGETS! WANTED

2005 TF115 2003 MG TF 135

MGRV8

First registered 19.10.95 in Japan.

Re registered in UK 6.6.05. Total mileage (evidenced) 33634 miles.

New MOT. This vehicle has only been used since 2010, in dry conditions. It has been dry stored and covered when not in use in a garage. It is generally in excellent condition with a half tonneau and full tonneau. Hood, tyres and wheels all excellent. Colour, Woodcote Green. All original, includes Japanese/English history. £18,375.00.

Contact John 07867557983 (Wiltshire area.)

All conditions wanted, from barn finds to concours. Complete collections purchased. Cash buyer.

Discretion assured.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you are interested in selling your MG and are looking for a prompt hassle free cash buyer! Please feel free to contact me for a no obligation friendly chat.

I am especially interested in the following models: MG TC, MGA, MGB, MGC, MGB V8, Magnette and Midget.

In Trophy Blue with part grey leather interior trim, fitted with much sort after 16 inch multi-spoke alloy wheels with red 4 pot racing calipers and larger disks. It also has the ‘Lexus’ style rear lights, which match the front lights. The soft-top is blue, with updated rear window. A black hard-top is also available for purchase separately. Owned since April 2012, whilst employed by the MGCC as Competition Secretary, it has had 3 former keepers and some previous history is available. When purchased the car bore a pair of black self adhesive stripes as seen in the photo. Currently the boot-lid ones are missing. These could easily be replaced, or the front one’s removed, depending on taste!

63,377 Miles. £1,775. Contact Steve on 0777915680. (Bucks)

Starlight Silver 37000mls. MoT Jan 2018. Anniversary seats. Toyo's, Sports Exhaust, Kenwood, history, Factory H/top priced separately. No HG issues. W/pump, Cam Belt changed. Waxed subframes. Clean car. Dry use and garaged. Reg not included. £2595 plus H/top.

Tel: 01959 571431

1973 MGB Roadster £21,500 Jayne: 07770 232220

South Birmingham

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

2,950 Miles Damask Red Grey Leather Seats Ivor Searle Stage 2 Mohair Hood/Tonneau Huge History Photographic Record Totally Hand Built 5,000 Hours Rebuild on Original Shell New Stainless Steel Exhaust New Suspension

URGENTLY WANTED 2005 MGZS 1.8 Hatchback 1965 MGB Roadster

1950cc Stage2 unleaded engine overhauled July 2016. New rings and shells, balanced, Kent 724 camshaft fitted. G/Box overhauled 2016. New clutch, carpets throughout, tyres, door cards fitted 2017.

Petronix ignition, Revotec fan, high torque starter motor, uprated dampers and brake discs, 3 branch manifold. Original shell, paintwork good, some stone chips. £12,500 Contact Jeff 07514 326206 (East Sussex)

In Goodwood Green. I have owned this car from new which has only done 33812 miles. Always been well maintained and is in excellent condition. New cylinder head gasket fitted May 2017, Mot until March 2018. Always kept in garage. £2000.

Contact Jerry Nudds 01865 340377. (South Oxfordshire)

Any Condition from non runners to rebuilt cars

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

WANTED

A good MGBGT, left hand drive to take to Mallorca. Contact Ron on 01422 823649

94 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2017

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

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/08/2017 18:26

CL ASSIFIEDS

1964 MG Midget MK2

ace Car

all to MSA 2017.

CCR competition ge and extinguisher. st or damage. Can ies ie PBIC, BCV8 well no unexpected ox o r L S D ax l e . brakes with EBC GAZ shocks. Its not to sons work and racecarsdirect for ake cheaper C in haggle. Telephone: 07969904739

Tartan Red/black Tonneau and hood, 5000mls since nut bolt restoration in 2002. Fully documented with photos, heritage certificate. Full MOT, unleaded cylinder head conversion, condition 1, it has professional valuation of £7500 open to offers. Telephone 01763247633, 07722479840.

2001 MGF SE VVC

In Wedgewood. Generally good condition with just c78k miles, MOT May 2018, head gasket done 18months ago, bluetooth compatible radio/CD player with iPhone connection, drivers seat bolster could do with some attention but is still useable, good hood with no holes and a mesh windstop, plastic rear screen with no fogging, good tyres, paintwork good with a few minor blemishes in the usual places.

No rush to sell, but too many cars on the drive these days. More photos available by request. £1050 ono.

Telephone: 07960 170007.

(Cheshire)

1966 MGB GT

160 1.8 VVC

hood and hard top h 12 months MOT aker radio / casnless steel pipes, m belt and Gasket and very quick r £3,490. Contact rsts@hotmail.com e)

Left Hand Drive. Supplied and rebuilt by MG Motorsport from a bare shell to a road rally / touring spec, 2 owners and only 10850 kms since. Engine by ‘Competition Engine Services’ later 5 brg block, all fully balanced, gas flowed lead free alloy head, alloy baffled sump, 45 DCOE Weber carburettor, 123/Tune programmable (Via USB port) electronic distributor, fast road cam, MG RV8 crossmember with coil over front suspension, servo brakes, PAS, classic leather recliner seats. Excellent condition, MOT, UK registered, car in Devon UK. For full spec & photos see www.mgmotorsport.co.uk or call 01442 832019 or owner on 07864853105

RWA Midget

Heritage shell fully painted in BRG to high standard. Fully waxoyled body. Front suspension inc brakes and rear SPAX conversion plus fully reconditioned back axle. New shells in primer now cost £9300. I am looking for £8500, so being mindful a good respray costs approx £3000 and the suspension parts fitted cost over £600 plus the £9300, my price offers good value so long as you want a green midget !! For more details contact Steuart Crofts,on 07966 256787

oadster

to February 2018. erdrive and clutch All history available. ate. Tonneau cover l cover. Photo evi. Superb condition ntact Simon on 07870636159.

MG Four Seater

ebuilt by marque hich I have added improvements. n. Must be seen.

07867988251 or s@hotmail.com

2004 MGTF 135

Cool Blue Edition. 32,000 miles This Trophy Blue car has had three previous owners, is in very good overall condition and has an MOT to June 2018 with no advisories.The Cool Blue edition features blue alcantara seat inserts, navy blue hood & “Abingdon” 16” wheels as standard.This car also has a light metallic blue hardtop with heated rear window & a high quality storage bag available for an additional £400. All four brake discs & pads were replaced this year. £2,250.

For more information telephone: Elaine on 07850-294445 or email: laney.abarth@gmail.com Note: Car sold with its original ’54 registration plate. (Norfolk)

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG-SafetyFast_Sept2017_49-100.indd 95

1959 MGA Roadster 1600

An English registered car, heritage cert. pristine condition, chariot red, light grey trim and fairly new hood, recent new batteries and fuel tank. stainless exhaust, chrome wire wheels, cut out switch, the car was body off renovated (photos) along with engine and g/box done 10,000 miles since. I'm told not been out in wet since rebuild. wintered in heated garage. really needs to be seen. sensibly priced £25,950. Tel. 01746 787277 or 07714754690 (Shropshire)

SEPTEMBER 2017 SAFETY FAST! 95

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CL ASSIFIEDS

SPARES FOR SALE

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

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

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.

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

DELLORTO WEBER 40/45

1978 MGB ROADSTER Black, black/red trim, Osselli 2L u/l fst rd engine, leather seats, Antique red carpets, burgundy mohair hood, Motolita wheel, all new chrome, superb looking car, restored body and paint. Fast classic fun. £11,995

Three chrome front foam air filters for above £20. Please collect, carriage extra if needed.

Home 01737551141 or mobile 07831701028. Email: vjyoung@btconnect.com (Surrey)

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

Steering Wheel

The Brooklands We manufacture the BROOKLANDS

3 Steel Spare wheels and tyres.

I bought these to enable my TF to be competitive in local production car trials but I have now sold the car and have the three surplus wheels for sale individually or together if preferred.

They have never been used on the road and only used once in 13:0 a muddy field. They are all 175 x 65 x 14 Goodyear tyres. £25 each or £60 for three. Phone John 07769993944 or email john.d.miller@btopenworld.com

2 Firestone Tyres

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

475/500 x 19" 1 Quarter worn, 1 Half worn. £60 Tel: C. Stuart on 01905 453803

MGB

3 synchro non o/d gearbox, good BROOKLANDS AEROSCREENS are clean usable condition. £130 made using laminated glass to original 4 x useable 5j x 15" silver paintNow also ” w 15½ inch W 14 SPORTS ENo MG16 - BUCKS CLASSICS_BUCKS SPORTS CLASSICS 26/09/2012 14:24 Pagewheels 1 Nalso specification to suit all vintage and sports cars. in ed wire c/w good 185/65 wheel NOW ABLE ry IL Ivo A AV x 15 tyres.

2 x Dunlop nearly 1969 john@johnkimble.co.uk new, 8mm tread. 2 x Kumho 4mm tread. I x damaged spare Tel: 01803 835757 wheel with good tyre. £160 Fax: 01803 834567 Richard. Tel. 07770 772380 Unit 5, Old Mill Creek, Dartmouth, Devon TQ6 0HN. email. rip@suffolkonline.net (Suffolk)

EST

K KIMBLE

Bucks Sports & Classic Car Centre

MGB

Smiths Tachometer negative earth RV1 2430/00 reconditioned by MGB Hive and has not been used. Outright price £80 plus p & p. Telephone: 01892 664867

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, 96 SAFETY FAST! SEPTEMBER 2017

MG-SafetyFast_Sept2017_49-100.indd 96

MGB Roadster

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

One matching pair of SAV Mirage Walnut fabric seats from a 2001 MGF. Free for collection to a good home. No door cards though.

Acceptable, clean condition, pretensioners, elec connections, head rests etc. ‘Plug + play’. Please email for pics if interested. Please call, txt or email: Telephone: 01798872939 or 07821143497. chris.muffett@homecall.co.uk” (West Sussex area)

1954 MGTF

Gearbox for sale. Unfortunately 1st and reverse are noisy. Plus I have the casing, Bell housing, extension housing and gearlever and other bits for a second TF/TD gearbox. I am open to reasonable offers. If anyone is interested. I can be contacted on 07854642005 or 01248 852414.

(Anglesey)

MGF / MGTF

RILEY 1.5 1964 Damask Red, red trim. In 1955 MG TF 1500 Ivory (Old English White), red superb condition and only 39,500 miles from trim, tan hood/tonneau. Original R/H/D car (not new! Genuine car, even has the BMC smell! converted). Immaculate restored car. Immaculate Body, chrome and trim is just excellent. This underneath.

Hard to find a 3.3 better example.

Super Kimble-SF_Nov-09.qxd:Kimble MGE 1_8 col 26/10/09 must be the best original example available. A door fit. Chrome new or replated. Superb example once only chance £11,995 of most desirable MG TF. £36,995

The Great British

MGF Seats

TONNEAU COVER. Full black vinyl cover with central zip and pop-stud fastenings.

Fits later models with headrests.

Good condition - second hand. £150ono. Contact Keith Haward on 07884 435599

XPAG Engines

I have in build a 1380cc, lightened and balanced, stage 11 unleaded, 8” Clutch, lip sealed, fast road cam.

TD/TF engine. Future build of same spec, TC, TD and TF engines and one off, same spec, sleeved to 1500cc either TC,TD or TF. Tel: 01422 823649

MGB

One Snugtop detachable hard top, black with sunroof. Poor condition but useable. Buyer collects. Offers. Nottingham location. Tel 07836 769668

WANTED WANTED MGTD parts for complete

rebuild especially seats, steering wheel, handbrake, front side lights, spare wheel but much more as well. Please let me know what you have. Tel: 01287 643195.

WANTED

A genuine After Market MG Rover X Power Exhaust. For a ZTV6 2.5. Contact: Keith on 01215503908.

WANTED

MGF SP Cheetah brochure plus anything SP performance (Stephen Palmer) MGF. MGF SP Cheetah alloy wheels MGF KH carbon fibre front splitter. Please telephone Mark on 07795670881

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/08/2017 18:26

PETER BEST www.classicinsurance.co.uk

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

The best policies for either classic or modern MGs

Call for a quote today

CL ASSIFIEDS 01621 840400

Due to rude anonymous email picture collectors who don’t bother to reply, I will only send details to those who have supplied a telephone number CANNON GT 1964 I bought this wonderful sports race car to race at Angouleme. Built by Mike Cannon in 1964 to beat divas. It is fitted with a 1098 Screamer. Superbly presented and prepared. Eligible for many series maybe even Goodwood. Be unique and call for more details £27,950.

MGA race car 1959 I bought this very well known twice ex championship winning car to use at Angouleme this year. I mechanically rebuilt it with engine being prepared by a leader in race engine building. It is built to FIA 1650 spec .

Lightweight pistons, steel crank and special rods, full race big valve head and weber, special manifolds , spyder steel flywheel and cintred twin plate clutch, all balanced and properly prepared .

Much quicker than my last championship winning A. GRP wings, ally doors boot and bonnet, race seats and cage. ZF LSD and special half shafts, Rebuilt early straight cut close ratio rare early competition box, cage, FIA belts, Three pot incredable brakes, polibushed, Wets and dries. very reliable. Second in class at Angouleme It would take very little to convert to an FIA spec car. It has the potential for many events from club rallies, h.c. and sprints to international raceing. At 76, I am about to say enough. It cost a fortune. Your gain is my loss at £27,950. I may part exchange.

And now for people like me who want something different here’s my lovely Jeep lookalike 2 CV6. Built for off road use and sand dunes it’s an eccentric’sdream 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 go anywhere 2CV. 1 years MOT. £4,950 CM08.17/B13/s

This is my sort of TC. Mechanically v ery nice, and nice and scruffy so youll always use it, as they were meant to be. I ve not even cleaned it, polish and spoil it. It came from the US and has had many years of mechanical attention. The car has matching numbers with an excellent engine that runs sweetly and pulls hard. Oli pressure a resounding 50/60 lb. The gearbox changes as new, all the synchros are great with no rattles.It is very clean underneath and has had an historic body off restoration. It uses a stainless exhaust system and has the Thomkins steering mod. All the wheels and tyres are recently new, not refurbished. The hood is new also, and it has original side screens. The seats are vinyl , And look at those lovely fish eye head lights that are original.

All the chrome is good and the paint is nice with a few scratches and tiny attractive marks. I like these TCs . You can use them, they are not tarts handbags, but as I use them myself. £23,750

MX5 Mk2 I sold this to a friend three years ago and he hardly used it. It sat outside his home.

It has a lovely cloth interior, radio, new hood, wind deflectors.

New MOT - no rust. Drives perfectly. Only £1,500.

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX 4Sight Lighting Company.........................83 EJW Classic and Sports...........................94 Motor Wheel Services..............................64 Adrian Flux..............................................64 Evans Division of Hydratech.....................32 NTG Services....................................... OBC Aldon Automotive....................................71 Fishers Services......................................83 Oselli Ltd.................................................51 Barrie Carter ..........................................97 Footman James.......................................41 Paul Depper MGs....................................71 Barry Walker ..........................................93 Frontline .................................................48 Peter Best.................................. 89, IBC, 97 Beech Hill Garage....................................95 Get Patina...............................................21 Peter James Insurance............................32 British Motor Heritage............................. IFC Halls Garage............................................87 Prestige MG............................................81 Brown and Gammons..............................13 Heathrow Transmission............................89 Raceglaze...............................................89 Bucks Sports and Classic.........................96 Hoyle Suspension....................................81 Rally Preparation Services........................29 Rees Bros...............................................87 Restoration.............................57 Carole Nash Insurance...............................6 Please checkJLH this Minor proof carefully for errors in style, content and layout.

Although every care is exercised in .preparing your advert, we cannot hold Retro Sports Cars ...................................77 Just Right Autos Ltd. ...............................54 Chertsey Minors .....................................89 ourselves responsible for any inaccuracies you may overlook.

Rimmer Bros Ltd.....................................51 Kimble Engineering Ltd............................96 Chisbon Restorations...............................53 SHOULD YOU REQUIRE ANY ALTERATIONS TO THIS PROOFRJJ PLEASE Car Shipping and Transportation ......89 Manor Garage ........................................87 Church Square Autos...............................92 TELEPHONEMartin BEFORE _ _ Used _ _ _ _MGTF _ ANDSpares QUOTE.............92 ADVERT NO. _Robin _ _ _Lackford _ Motor Engineering ...........69 Smith Classic Driving Development Ltd .............53 Classic Oils.............................................83 Mech-Mate Ltd.......................................29 Scenic Car Tours................................11,17 Clive Wheatley.........................................77 MG Mecca..............................................96 Skiptune ................................................64 College Motors Burford............................87 MG Motorsport .......................................53 SMR ......................................................93 Colne Classics.........................................89 MG Sales Centre.....................................37 South Coast MG Rover ............................57 Cotswold Car Storage................................6 MGB Roadster For Sale............................94 Steve McKie Sports Cars..........................89 We reserveMGF the right to charge for any alteration to this proof which Summit MG.............................................79 Mania.............................................69 Country Lane Tours..................................75 is a departure from the original copy Crown Classic Cars..................................83 Midland Classic Restoration.......................3 Sussex Classic Car Parts.........................71 David Manners........................................15 Mike Authurs Classics..............................94 The Hutson Motor Co Ltd...........................3 Dennis Welch..........................................89 Mike Rolls...............................................93 The MG Automobile Company..................43 Distributor Doctor....................................81 Mike Satur..............................................69 Torro Sports Cars Ltd...............................94 Don Trimming..........................................89 Moss Europe Ltd.....................................29 Vitesse Global Ltd....................................79

URGENT PROOF

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG-SafetyFast_Sept2017_49-100.indd 97

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

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

Copyright MG Car Club 2017 Editor: Andy Knott 01235 849730 / 01235 555552 andyknott@mgcc.co.uk Deputy Editor: Colin Grant 01235 849733 colingrant@mgcc.co.uk Editorial Committee: William Ball, Dennis Wharf, Andy Knott, Colin Grant, Adam Sloman, Steve Clark PR and Communications: Lauran Gallacher 01235 849735, Chris Kynoch 01235 849731 Advertising: Hine Marketing 01452 730770 Published by: Hine Marketing, Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton Glos, GL2 9LN. Tel: 01452 730770 Distributed by: Air Business. Merlin Centre, 4 The, Acrewood Way, St Albans AL4 0JY Tel: 01727 890600 President: John Day Vice Presidents: Ron Gammons, Don Hayter, Peter Best, Bill Silcock.

A

bove in the red MGB; Caution, young driver training! We’re not sure that an MGC is the ideal beginner’s car but it would certainly make for a fascinating ride! Perhaps someone can remember this interesting occasion?

In the below picture is what appears to be pretty standard Y-Type

1

Chairman: Ian Quarrington Vice Chairman: Dave Tynan Treasurer: Richard Colston

being put through its paces on the 1997 Kimber Trial. Is this car still active?

In the bottom picture we are looking at the wide rimmed wheels suggests that this smart Z-Magnette, seen here on the 1991 Kimber Trial, had perhaps been specially prepared for competition work. Can you tell us more?

(All photos by Brian Osborn)

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

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! SEPTEMBER 2017

MG-SafetyFast_Sept2017_49-100.indd 98

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

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/08/2017 18:26

C

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MG-SafetyFast_Sept2017_49-100.indd 99

23/08/2017 18:26

Parts for TA to TF 1936-55, YA YB YT, MGA & Magnette.

Secure online shopping at: www.mgbits.com or by phone.

Worldwide shipping. Free CD ROM catalogue on request

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

T&YT

Exchange shock absorbers available for most models, complete with arms, links, bushes and pins where applicable.

Check with us for stocks before sending your old units.

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

Catalogues ÂŁ5 each - post free

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

MG-SafetyFast_Sept2017_49-100.indd 100

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S A F E T Y FA S T S E P T E M B E R 2017

SV W NEWSLETTER • T REGISTER NEWSLETTER • MGC NEWSLETTER • FWD REGISTER NEWSLETTER

ER MB

MG CAR CLUB

23/08/2017 18:26

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