Safety Fast! January 2019 by MG Car Club

THE MARQUE OF FRIENDSHIP

January 2019 Volume 63 Number 01 £3.95

THE

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FIFTY YEARS AND COUNTING ● NEXT GENERATION RACER ● ALDON AUTOMOTIVE SHOOT OUT Safety Fast_Jan19_Cover.indd 1

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Inside this issue 7 8 14 61 62

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

71 82 92 98

MGCC Speed Championship Centre Updates Register Updates Classifieds Looking Back

Features 16

MGLive! 2019 Gearing up for the biggest MG event of 2019

50 years and counting The story of John and Donna Beesley and their MGs

Next Generation Racer The development of a low-cost race car based around the MG3

Aldon Automotive shoot out 2018 The MG Midget Register annual shoot out on the Aldon rollers

Tech Torque The ‘duck clutch’ by Mike Gibbs

Overseas News

Overseas Director Peter Cook reports on the MG Day in Japan

Newsletters 40

T Type Newsletter The MGCC T Register 2019 calendar of events and more on the 2018 autumn tour in the Surrey hills

Magnette Newsletter Events for 2019, Lou Shorten Tribute weekend and energise your ashtray!

MGC Newsletter Farewell 2018 – Hello 2019 and A Tale of Two “Cs” – MGCs

The MG Car Club, Kimber House, 12 Cemetery Road, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 1AS Tel: 01235 555552 Fax: 01235 533755 E-mail: mgcc@mgcc.co.uk www.mgcc.co.uk. If visiting The MG Car Club using Sat Nav please use OX14 1AS

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Welcome

TThe 1938 MG TA, purchased in 1968 by John Beesley, a long-time MGCC Member. Photo: Gez Hughes

@mgcarclub

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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 2019

Happy New Year to you all. 2019 marks a significant anniversary in the history of MG. The M type MG, the first ‘Triple-M car’ built by the MG Car Company, went into production in 1929. The M Type was the car that the MG Car Club was founded upon a year later in 1930. The M Type proved to certainly be a popular car, judged by the relatively large number built, especially considering the niche market that existed for small, two-seat sports cars at the time. The Triple M Register will be celebrating the 90th anniversary of this remarkable little 847cc MG in various ways during 2019, including at Silverstone during MGLive!, currently scheduled for June 15-16, so make a note in your diaries. The rest of the event calendar is filling up fast, so do keep an eye out on the main MGCC website www.mgcc.co.uk and the Centre/Register notes published in future issues of Safety Fast!’ Once again, the MGCC has managed to get some discounted ticket codes for various shows throughout 2019. Within this magazine there are adverts for the popular Practical Classic Car and Restoration Show on March 22-24, which the Club always has a large presence at, and also the Silverstone Classic, always a popular show with superb racing and lots of infield activities. On the adverts are unique MGCC discount codes. Be quick, though, as the early bird ticket deals offer a substantial saving on the normal ticket prices. As well as the discounted tickets, please do check the members’ area of the MGCC website as there are plenty of members offers available. From discounted spares via companies like David Manners Group, Hamilton Classics, Opie Oils and MOSS as well as RAC, to various holiday cottages and airport parking and hotels, for those who want to holiday further afield. With new members discounts being added on a regular basis, do keep checking the members area of the website. And if you think you could offer other members discounts on products, why not get in touch. Until next month, drive safely. Andy Knott

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ABINGDON MG Parts for MG, Triumph & MX-5 Cars

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CHAIRMANS NOTES BY DAVE T YNAN

I hope you all had a great Christmas and New Year and Father Christmas brought you all the MG goodies you hoped for! It’s rather strange to for me to be writing my January Chairman’s notes in December, but it’s a good opportunity to look back and also forward to the upcoming new year. Back in 2016 the MGF Register held a re-run of the Hardtop relay. The Hardtop transferred from car to car and travelled around the country raising money for charity. The picture above was taken at Brooklands during MG Era day in 2016 as I was handed the Hardtop by Paul Bridgman, to carry on its journey around the Kent area. Looking forward to 2019 the Kimber House team and your Centres,

Registers and Branches (CRBs) have a lot of great events lined up for you, starting in February with our newest branch, the Young Members, holding their first AGM. They will be holding it in Derby, so please support them if you can. The traditional season opener MG and Triumph Spares day at Stoneleigh, closely followed by Race Retro also at Stoneleigh. The Kimber House team will be attending many more events through 2019 including the Practical Classics Restoration Show in March at the NEC (at which the Young Members Branch will also have its own stand) as well as the classic car show, again at the NEC in November. The Racing Sub Committee are currently working hard getting ready

for the six races they are putting on in 2019, with their season opener at Silverstone on the Club Circuit in March, followed by Brands Hatch in April, MGLive! in June, Donington Park in July, Oulton Park in August and the season closer at Snetterton in October. MGCC races are a great day out where you can see a lot of close Club racing with MGs of all ages and types, from the MMMs through the T Types, MGAs, MGBs and Zeds, with a welcome return of the MGF and TFs. If you have never been to an MGCC race day, why not make a New Year’s resolution to make 2019 your first? MG Era Day will again be held at Brooklands in April, with Kimber House in attendance, and look out for something special being organised by members of the South East Centre! June 15-16 MGLive! returns to Silverstone with the MMM Register celebrating 90 years of the M Type, along with the CRB stands, Main Marquee, traders, Auto Solo and Concours and Pride of Ownership. I look forward to meeting and chatting to you all during the year.

factory with two of her sisters. Also attending the reunion were Bill Price, Manager of the BMC Competitions Department, Jim Cox who worked in the Experimental Department and helped prepare the MGAs that went to Le Mans in 1955, plus Den Green who was a works mechanic. Others brought along photos and regalia to share with their former colleagues. Organiser Vito Orlando, who worked in the factory for 23 years, said he had been overwhelmed by the response this year and was so pleased to see so many new faces.

He officially welcomed everybody and paid thanks to the MGCC for holding the reunion and to the staff for providing refreshments. A photo call was arranged and the rain kept at bay to give time for all attending to stand round the lovely Green TF of Bob Mathews and the MGB Marathon car. A group picture was then given to each visitor, together with the obligatory sample of Speckled Hen. All agreed that it was great to see the MG flame was still burning 38 years after the factory closed, and the MGCC was proud to be able to hold such an event with the people who made MG a reality.

KIMBER HOUSE NEWS Ex-MG Factory Workers Reunion The annual gathering of the ex-MG Factory workers reunion was held on December 5 at Kimber House, which was adorned with Christmas decorations for this special occasion. This year it was attended by over 90 ex-employees, many who have not attended before. Old acquaintances were renewed and many stories told. 94-year-old Iris Dixon recounted her time in the factory during the War where she worked in the Tempest Aircraft inspection. She said you started your shift at 7.30am and finished at 6.00pm. After you had finished your shift you were then required to attend Civil Defence and Home Guard duties, so by the end of the day you were totally exhausted. She worked in the

www.mgcc.co.uk

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NEWS

V8 Register Tour of Lincolnshire 2019

MGB Jubilee and Limited Editions Do you own, have owned, or know of an MGB Limited Edition. The MGB Jubilee and L.E Owners Club (J.U.L.E) are updating their records and would love to hear from you. We have registers for the MGB GT Jubilee built in 1975 to celebrate 50 years of MG, resplendent in new racing green with gold decals and V8 wheels and the final limited edition 1980 run of 580 GTs in pewter and 421 bronze metallic roadsters. As well as the Jubilees and L.E.s we are interested in any MGB specials, one-offs and prototypes. If you can help in any regard where any of these special cars are concerned please contact me. I am the historian and a co-ordinator for J.U.L.E. michelle.sandford603@btinternet.com

This year’s V8 Register Tour, in conjunction with the Lincolnshire Centre, will take place from September 12 to 16 and will be based at The Olde Barn Hotel, Marston, near Grantham. The Olde Barn Hotel has a spa, featuring an indoor swimming pool, sauna, spa bath and steam room. There are also a compact fitness centre, solarium and beauty treatment rooms. A full programme of events is planned to explore the ‘Bomber County’ including Lincolnshire Aviation History Museum with the Lancaster and Mosquito aircraft, as well as recently refurbished Lincoln Castle with medieval wall walk, the Victorian Gaol, Magna Carta and Charter of the Forests, and Lincoln Cathedral, once the World’s tallest building and featuring the famous ‘Imp’. Routes are planned to visit the Wolds area, an ‘unknown’ part of the county, a unique cinema, and a historic eight-sailed working windmill. Finally, to see England’s first public ‘chained’ library, founded in 1598 and still in its original setting. The Tour is open to all members; for details www. v8register.co.uk V8 Events/calendar page, or call Richard Withington 01949 844066.

MG Car Club and Zed Register launch Campaign to Save Our Zeds MG ZR, ZS and ZT cars are disappearing from our roads fast; with over 78% of the cars ever built gone. The MG Car Club and Zed Register are hoping to reverse this trend with the launch of Save Our Zeds; a campaign to highlight the decline of Zed MGs and help equip owners with the right tools to keep enjoying and running their cars, rather than consigning them to the scrapheap. At the end of production in 2006, the total number of cars on the road was 90,191 and today that sits at 19,618; a 78% decline. A staggering 43,152 (84%) of MG ZRs built are no longer on the road. The MG Car Club has the Zed Register who exist to help owners to keep their cars on the road, support

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Data taken from HowManyLeft.co.uk shows the severity of the decline: Model ZR ZS ZT & ZT-T Z Range

Number (2006) 51,116 20,055 19,020 90,191

with technical advice and queries, and be friendly faces out and about at various events during the year. John Thompson, Chairman of the Zed Register, commented: “Today’s culture of financial incentives to scrap older cars when purchasing cars on PCP or lease deals versus the cost of repairing an older car appears to rule out repairs as a viable option. There are many quality MG specialists and parts businesses across the UK; and the MG Car Club offer member discounts with some of these suppliers, so repair really is a good choice. “The Zed range of cars is an affordable way into MG ownership and the growing Modern Classic scene, with good condition cars available

Number (Q3 2018) 7,964 5,478 6,176 19,618

Cars Lost 43,152 -84% 14,577 -72% 12,844 -67% 70, 573 -78%

from as little as £350. This makes a Zed car a great option for a young driver as a first car, as well as something fun. “The MG Car Club has also recent formed a Young Members Branch, who organise events and an online community to support the younger end of our membership with everything they need.” Adam Sloman, General Manager of The MG Car Club, added: “This decline in Zed cars is something we as a Club have heard many stories about at classic car events up and down the country. “We are concerned that an important part of the MG brand’s heritage is going to be lost; and future generations are going to miss out on these much-loved cars.”

www.mgcc.co.uk

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NEWS

Colin being a bit over-enthusiastic in his M Type during a California Cup Autotest.

PERSONALISED TOURS & EVENTS

A tribute to Colin Reynolds Colin Reynolds, a long-term active member of the South East Centre, passed away in October 2018, having succumbed to his aggressive illness. It all happened so very quickly – as recently as June 2017, Colin was competing at the Brooklands Double 12 and in January 2018 at the VSCC New Year’s Day Driving Tests, both events in his M Type 12/12 Replica. Colin was a Club member for nearly 25 years, having been a regular supporter of Natters and Club events, plus also keenly taking part in the more sporting events such as production car trials, autotests, autosolos and track days with MGs on Track, etc. He regularly drove in the California Cup and on one occasion, was just a little too enthusiastic in his driving, as can be seen in the photograph. Colin and Pauline were also regular supporters in overseas events, such as European weekends and MGCC EEOTYs, even travelling as far as South Africa for the MGCC Indabas. They both regularly supported the SE Centre by marshalling at Club events. Colin was also for many years the SE Centre Webmaster, a post he only stood down from at the start of his illness. Amongst his cars, he was regularly seen in his TA, MGC, Trials Midget, 12/12 Replica M Type and Modern MG TF. He had only just finished the Le Mans M Type. In more recent times, Colin was active at Brooklands Museum as a volunteer and was still quite recently attending the museum with the support of his daughter, Katherine. Colin’s engineering skills can be seen in the fabulous quality of the two 12/12 and Le Mans M Types he restored and he used this skill to help maintain some of the Brooklands Museum’s exhibits. A Celebration of His Life took place in early November at the Brooklands Museum, with family, friends and business colleagues travelling from very far and wide to share memories. An MGCC member who will be sorely missed. RIP Colin. John Morgan Colin (middle) with the South East Team being presented with Register award at Silverstone by the late Bill Wallis

Ever wanted to arrange a road trip for some friends? Already do, but want someone else to do the hard work? Or are you in charge of car club tours or events?

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NEWS

FWD Register Annual General Meeting AGENDA Date: Saturday February 9 2019 Venue: The MG Sales Centre, Rednal, Birmingham B31 2BQ Time: 11.30am AGENDA 1. Apologies for absence 2. Welcome and introduction 3. Minutes of 2017 meeting A) true record B) matters arising C) actions 4. Chair’s report 5. Treasurer’s report 6. Annual statement of accounts 7. Registrar’s report 8. Event/show report 9. Election of officers 10. AOB

AGM of the Lincolnshire Centre Date: Thursday March 7 2019 Venue: Abbey Lodge, Kirkstead, Woodhall Spa, LN10 6UQ Time: 8.00pm AGENDA 1 Apologies for absence 2 Approval of Minutes from 2018 AGM 3 Matters arising from 2 4 Chairman’s Report 5 Honorary Treasurer’s Report and Approval of Accounts 6 Honorary Secretary’s Report 7 Competition Secretary’s Report 8 Communications Report 9 Election of Officers and General Committee 10 2019/20 Calendar 11 Auditors for 2019/20 12 Any other relevant Lincolnshire Centre business 13 Time and Date of Next AGM Nominations for Committee posts to be received in writing by the Honorary Secretary, Sue Mackenzie, by Thursday January 31, 2019. For more information contact Sue on 01529 497849.

MG Car Club Young Members Branch A group for young members has been a few years in the making, and we are very excited to be able to announce that we are now an official Branch of the MG Car Club. We are very pleased that the Club has recognised the need for a group catering for its younger members and has allowed us to form an official Branch to do this. The Club is offering competitive pricing starting from just £15 a year, and young members are entitled to all the same great Club benefits as its other members. We are also currently negotiating new benefits and discounts tailored specifically for young people. We’ve been busy looking into how to improve

the Club experience for young members and have some exciting events planned for 2019. We cater for owners and enthusiasts up and down the country of all MGs from old to new – our members’ cars include MGAs, MGBs, MGCs, Midgets, Metros, Fs and TFs, Zeds, 3s and everything in between! We hope that, as the first Branch of an MG club specifically for young people, we will be able to

AGM of the Midland Centre Date: Monday 21st January 2019 Venue: Somers Sports and Social Club, Halesowen Time: 8.00pm AGENDA Welcome guests to meeting Apologies Minutes of previous AGM Matters arising from previous AGM minutes Approval of minutes Chairman’s report Secretary’s report Treasurer’s report Trials report Sprints report Chief marshal’s report Any other business Election of Centre officers Election of committee Close of meeting All nominations for election to committee and any other communications to the secretary, Paul Hollingworth, 92 Old Birmingham Road, Lickey End, Bromsgrove B60 1 DG by January 7 2019.

AGM of the MG Car Club South West Centre Date: Tuesday March 5 2019 Venue: The Village Hall, Compton Martin BS40 6JN Time: 8.15pm AGENDA 1 Apologies for absence 2 Minutes of the last AGM March 6 2018 3 Matters Arising 4 Hon. Secretary’s Report 5 Hon. Treasurer’s Report and Explanation of Accounts 6 Competition Secretary’s Report 7 Election of Officers 8 Election of Committee 9 Appointment of MGCC Council Representative 10 Any other business 11 Chairman’s closing remarks

encourage more young people into MG ownership and keep the marque alive for years to come. Over the next few months, keep an eye out in Safety Fast! for our ‘member profiles’, where we will be sharing with you some of our young members’ cars and stories. If you are, or you know, a young member who might like to be featured, please do get in touch! Our first AGM is coming up on February 24 2019,

12.00pm at Makeney Hall Hotel, Derbyshire, and we invite all young members to join us. Make sure to join our Facebook group, ‘MG Car Club Young Members Branch’ and like our page of the same name. We are also active on Instagram and are always looking for young members’ cars to feature! Any enquiries can be directed to us either via social media or at mgccym@gmail.co.uk. Ellie Macbain-Williams of the Young Members Branch Committee

R A

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O cy pe al to

M B A

Co di

AU v v v v v

Ellie Macbain-Williams’ 1967 MGB GT, and Jon Ruffles’ 2017 MG ZS at MG Live! 2018 10 SAFETY FAST! JANUARY 2019

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NEWS

RBW Classic Electric MGB Revealed at November’s Classic car show, RBW pulled the wraps off their lovely Blue Electric MGB. Based on a British Motor Heritage body shell with EV components from Zytek Automotive, the company that powers Formula E racers, RBW are going to produce an initial run of 18 cars, left- and right-hand drive. Price will be in the region of £99,000 and cars can be reserved with a deposit of £8,300 with all deposits fully refundable till the car has been test driven and you wish to proceed. Test drives are available from May 2019 anywhere in the UK, with first orders delivered in the summer of 2019. RBW have partnered with British Motor Heritage to have new body shells produced for their cars, rather than going the route of using old shells that could suffer with tired and distressed metal and not be able to cope with the stresses put on it by the power of a modern electric motor. This, they feel, ensures the very best for new owners to enjoy. The car has a range in excess of 155 miles on full charge with a 0-60 time of 8 seconds and a top speed of 105mph. For more information go to RBW’s website at www.rbwclassicelectriccars.co.uk

Electric ZS unveiled in China MG’s first fully electric production vehicle, an electric version of the ZS SUV, dubbed the eZS, has been unveiled in China. Externally identical to the conventionally powered ZS, the plug-in gets subtle ‘eZS’ badging applied to the rear and a unique alloy wheel design. The charging ports are hidden in a panel behind the grille’s MG octagon. The petrol engine has made way

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for a 150bhp, 110 kW motor, with MG claiming an average range of 208 miles. It also appears to have fast-charging capacity; MG claims that up to 80 per cent of charge can be replenished in 30 minutes. Inside, the eZS is largely identical to the petrol-powered version, though the plug-in features extra USB charging ports, an armrest and storage cubby and an electronic handbrake. The

instrument cluster gains an additional information screen, as opposed to the simpler display on current models. MG is calling the eZS its first ‘global electric SUV’ and it is due to go on sale in China in early 2019, with MG Motor UK expected to bring the car to the UK market at some point during the year.

www.mgcc.co.uk

12/12/2018 17:13

Merchan

Winter Warmers

Kimber Stores, your one stop Winter Shop This is a selecďż˝on of merchandise available from The MG Car Club. For more informaďż˝on or to order any of the merchandise

please visit Shop.mgcc.co.uk or call Ineke on 01235 849737 Merchandise.indd 1 MGSF_January2019_3-50.indd 13

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

MGF & MGTF: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE The two-seat MGF roadster, launched in 1995, was a new sports car that embodied everything that MG stood for: it was stylish and affordable but, above all, it was fun. Healthy sales saw the MGF quickly establish itself as the UK’s bestselling sports car, with over 77,000 cars sold over a production run that lasted until 2002. In 2002 the MGF was replaced by the MGTF, a prudent update that included sharper styling and improved suspension. The MGTF enjoyed its own sales success and, despite the collapse of MG Rover in 2005, continued to be built in China, assembled at Longbridge and sold in modified form until finally being laid to rest in 2011. Produced by the publishers of MG Enthusiast, the Collectors’ Edition is a 100page celebration of the MGF and MGTF, charting their history and examining both models in detail including: feature cars, buying guides and restoration advice. With prices still low and supplies plentiful, there has never been a better time to take the plunge and put the fun back into driving. Priced at £6.99 incl p&p. To order go to https://www.kelsey.co.uk/brand/ classic-motoring/mg-enthusiast/

AXLE ENDS FOR MGB FROM MG MOTORSPORT

MG Motorsport has produced new replacement axle ends in tougher steel, together with new nuts in the same material. These are available in RH and LH and can be used to restore bolt-on or knock-on axles as well as converting w/w to b/o or indeed vice versa. MGM have a jig for the conversion and already run these parts on their own successful MGB Racer. They are beautifully finished and a perfect bearing fit in EN24. A good antidote for broken halfshafts. They are available at £210.00 ex VAT each. For more information contact MG Motorsport Ltd. Telephone. +44(0)1442 832019. http://www.mgmotorsport.com

MG CLASSICS 1, 2 AND 3 BY ERIC DYMOCK

MG Classics is a three-part set of books covering the MG history and its cars from 1922 to 2001. This is a unique, wide-ranging, authentic book, full of pictures, and reference material, with a lively, descriptive writing style from its author Eric Dymock. Perfect for MG owners and lovers, or for motoring historians. The first book, MG Classics Book 1, covers 1922-1939 with a detailed history of MG’s foundation by Cecil Kimber and WR Morris, with the cars detailed in chronological order. The second book, MG Classics Book 2, covers the period between 1945 to 1965, again with detailed information on the cars and history from that time. MG Classics book 3 completes the classic era of MG, covering 1965 to 2001. This edition includes the closure of the Abingdon factory in 1980 through to the launch of the MGF and Zed series produced at Longbridge. Included in each volume is a complete list of MG speed records and motor sporting successes – to make MG Classics a unique source of facts and figures. Priced at £15 each and available from Amazon.

O • S •

MGA TWIN CAM GROUP 60TH ANNIVERSARY YEARBOOK This year marks the 60th Anniversary of the Press Demonstration Launch of the Abingdonbased MG Car Company’s MGA Twin Cam in July 1958. This yearbook recaps MG’s July 14 1958 Press Demonstration Launch of the Twin Cam and then using this year’s Timeline, photos and text are used to illustrate the various activities of the group and their owners throughout the year. This all culminated in a re-enactment of the 1958 Press Launch with the hiring of the Chobham test track. With the event being

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fully recorded for this Yearbook, it was decided to include other celebrations from around the world. So with input from enthusiasts from around the world and the UK, this unique event was celebrated and document in this book. This is a must-have book, not only for those who own and admire the MGA Twin Cam but for all MG enthusiasts’ to enjoy this special year. Available from the MG Car Club priced at £25.00 plus post and packing. Go to www.shop. mgcc.co.uk or call Ineke on 01235 849737.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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MGLIVE! RACING IS RARING TO GO! The racing side of MGLive! is starting to shape up, with some news on who will be taking to the track on June 1516 2019. One of the unique points of MGLive! is the opportunity to race on Silverstone’s world-famous Grand Prix circuit; providing a spectacle of packed grids and all kinds of historic machinery battling it out for top spot. The 60th birthday of the California Cup Autotest will also be celebrated at this year’s event and the competition

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is won by the fastest three MG team representing their local Centre. As always, the California Cup is free to enter. On track, we will see racing from the MG Trophy for MG ZRs, BCV8 Championship featuring MGB and MGC cars, Lackford Engineering Midget & Sprite Challenge, Cockshoot Cup Championship for MG sports and saloon cars, plus the Iconic 50s Series.

Porsche Club Great Britain will be back as guests with the Petro-Canada Lubricants Porsche Club Championship with Pirelli with both the Club and Restoracing competitions taking part. Equipe GTS will again be joining us as guests, providing a re-creation of the vibrant clubman racing scene of the late 1950s and early 60s. Due to changes at Silverstone’s Stowe Circuit, the Sprint race will be taking a break for 2019. The race schedule will be very busy with some additional new guests due to be announced in the New Year. Tickets for MGLive! will be available very soon; keep up to date with the latest news and ticket information by registering on our website www.mglive.co.uk.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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FIFTY YEARS

AND COUNTING By Martyn Morgan Jones. Photos by Gez Hughes

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ew, if any, marques have generated such enthusiasm, loyalty, and sheer pleasure of ownership as MG. It’s a truly special marque. And, few couples can have owned, cherished, and regularly used, their MGs for as long as John and Donna Beesley have. Sporting Choice John, a long-time member of the MGCC (he joined in 1968), bought SGO 27, a 1938 MG TA, in 1968, when he was very young. Just 18 years-old, in fact. Not only that, said TA was purchased using funds that Donna, his girlfriend, thought that John had

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earmarked for their not-too-distant wedding. Of course, the purchase of the TA could well have derailed the planned nuptials. Fortunately though, as well as having fallen for John’s charms, Donna quickly fell for the delights of the two-seater MG and the wedding plans were soon back on track. Mind you, had it not been for MG’s sporting heritage – and the appeal of two-seat, open-top motoring – those funds could just have easily been spent on a Riley RM. “I really liked the Riley RM Series, and still do,” John admits. “Nevertheless, being a young man, I was particularly drawn to the idea of a two-seater MG. But I was in teacher training college at the

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time, and somewhat short of funds, which meant that the younger TD and TF models were out of my price range. However there were plenty of TCs advertised between £150 and £200. The TC certainly appealed, although, having looked at all of the variants, I was particularly drawn to the TA, with its ‘narrow-winged’ rear styling.” Not just drawn to its looks, John became so smitten he went on the hunt and tracked down SGO 27, a 1938 TA. “I bought it from a chap in Coulsdon,” recalls John. “It was advertised in the Exchange & Mart. The owner wanted £200, but I managed to get him to accept £170. “Interestingly, like most T types back then, it had been the subject of some modifications, including 16in rear wheels, a black plastic covering on the dash, and sidelights that were of VW origin. It had also been fitted with an XPAG engine, which was a very common swap at the time. “I’ve since put the TA back to near original... with the exception of the 16in rear wheels and engine. Indeed, it was the XPAG that was a major factor in my decision to buy, due to it being more robust, as well as being an engine that responded to traditional tuning methods such as gas-flowing and bigger carburettors, etc.

“Intriguingly, the paperwork stated that SGO 27 had been registered in 1955 which, for a 1938 car, was a bit odd. This prompted me to investigate and I discovered that it had previously been given a German registration. I subsequently spotted that the chassis plate had additional information overstamped in German. Further research revealed that my TA had been built as an export model and sent to Germany from new. MG exported a lot of cars to Germany pre-war.” Fast Forward SGO 27, domiciled in the UK since 1955, became John and Donna’s daily driver. What’s more, as John had envisioned, the trusty XPAG engine was soon the subject of a number of upgrades, many of which came about thanks to John’s association, and friendship, with Gerry Brown of T-Type racing fame. “I’d qualified by this time and had taken up a post teaching Design and Technology in Hemel Hempstead,” recalls John. “We’d moved house, too. As it transpired, Gerry Brown was a near neighbour. With our shared MG interests, we soon became friends, and during the school holidays he used the machines in my home workshop to develop some demon modifications

for his racing TC. He gave me lots of great advice and tips. Naturally, every modification he devised for his TC, I carefully machined the same ones for my TA, with very useful results!” Very useful indeed, and John and Donna continued to use the reinvigorated TA as their daily driver. Which was absolutely fine when there were just the two of them... but, not long after, they welcomed the arrival of the first child, Tim. New Arrivals Typically, the arrival of a first child is normally a time when a man shrugs off the mantle of youthful impetuousness, steps up in terms of maturity, and bids goodbye to his sports car. Well, there is no questioning the fact that John certainly stepped up to the mark. Yet, rather than parting with the TA, he kept it, albeit with Donna’s blessing. “It made sense to keep the TA,” mentions Donna, smiling. “We’d had so much fun with it, and we both appreciated that it would be useful to have the use of a second car. Keeping the TA wasn’t really an issue, yet finding an affordable, interesting and practical family car certainly was.” John and Donna perused the pages of Exchange & Mart on a

* p

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regular basis. Without much luck. All that was seemingly on offer was the mass-produced and the mundane. Nothing tickled their fancy. Then fate stepped in and presented John and Donna with a saloon-shaped solution ... one that just so happened to sport an Octagon badge. “One Sunday morning, and rather unexpectedly, an acquaintance of ours turned up,” recalls John. “He’d been visiting the local scrapyard. Whilst there, he spotted a Magnette which was waiting in a queue to be taken in for scrap. It belonged to two lads who’d planned to take it banger racing. Apparently, the lads’ father, who’d got wind of their intentions, stepped in and curtailed their plans and ordered them to scrap the car instead. Anyway, this acquaintance of ours reckoned that the Magnette deserved a better fate than to end its days in the jaws of a crusher. So he offered the lads £20, which they gladly accepted. “However, having bought the Magnette, he wasn’t really planning

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on keeping it, but he knew of my MG interests. Which explains his visit. Donna thought it would be an ideal family car. So did I. A deal was struck, £25 changed hands, and we became the proud owners of RRK 579, a 1957 Magnette ZB with just 82,000 miles on its odometer. “Although obviously a runner, it needed some mechanical TLC and, more importantly, some bodywork repairs. Thankfully, Eddie Edwards, the Magnette Register spares guy, had galvanized sills in stock. Before long we’d had the sills replaced, floors repaired, I’d done the mechanical

work, and the Magnette was soon the proud owner of a fresh MOT.” Up and running, and in daily use, the Magnette represented money well spent and, despite the heavy steering, Donna revelled in its excellent handling and lively performance. John, who also thoroughly enjoyed driving the Magnette, was keen to unearth its history, and began scrutinising the log book. “I noticed that the previous owner happened to live in the next town. Looking in the phone book, I was able to track him down, and I arranged a visit,” remembers John, fondly. “A

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friendly old man, and former bank manager, he was delighted to learn that his car was safe in the hands of an enthusiast. Apparently, he had reluctantly let the young lads take it for what he knew to be certain destruction. “He not only chatted about the car at some length, he handed over a full box of every bill, and service history records. These revealed that in addition to the annual services, it had been treated to three new clutches and two rear axle oil seals. He also gave us all the handbooks and owner’s paraphernalia that comes with a new car!” Due Consideration Despite the sill and floor repairs, more corrosion was soon making itself

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evident elsewhere on the car, not to mention a slipping clutch. What with this, and another MOT looming, John took the decision to take the Magnette off the road. “This was 1976, and we now had a second son, Nick,” tells John. “Although we weren’t prepared to part with the Magnette, I came to the realisation that I simply didn’t have the time to devote to it. Needing a car quickly, we had a look around for a suitable replacement and found a Morris Traveller. It was, dare I say, a bit easier to drive and rather more practical. “With the Traveller doing the daily driver duties, I stored the Magnette in a friend’s garage, having first pledged to Donna that one day I’d restore

it. In fact, having chatted Magnette body repair with Lou Shorten, at MG Silverstone in 1976, I’d already started planning the Magnette’s restoration.” John may well have planned the Magnette’s restoration, and fully intended to do it. Nevertheless, with family and career commitments, house moves, helping restore a steam locomotive, building and racing hovercraft, constructing garages and an extension, and many other mitigating factors, he couldn’t commit to such a project for another three decades or so. The upshot being that between 1976 and 1992, the Magnette led a rather itinerant life, moving from one friend’s garage to another. Then, shock horror, it was sold!

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Return to Sender “It was dawning on me that I was never going to find the time to restore the Magnette,” confesses John. “So, I sold it to a chap in Grimsby. He paid me £1,000. This price included a good number of spares. He actually worked for a restoration company and it was his intention to restore the Magnette. Even so, we really didn’t want to part with it. “Feeling rather emotional, just as he was about to leave, I said that if, for any reason, he didn’t get around to doing the restoration, or got fed up with the Magnette, would he please give me first refusal. He kindly agreed. “Lo and behold, two years later he rang and asked if I was interested in buying the Magnette back. I was! So was Donna. As soon as possible – just in case he changed his mind – Nick and I travelled to Grimsby and brought the

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Magnette, and a host of spares, back home. At the time, I was still intent on doing the restoration.” Promise Kept Intent on, but still far too busy. Which helps explain why the Magnette spent the period from 1992 to 2006 lying dormant. Except, on this occasion, it resided in a disused chicken shed instead of a friend’s garage. Thankfully, in 2006, with retirement looming, John was able to spare enough time to remove the Magnette from its roost and start the long-awaited and much-promised restoration, a restoration that would gather even more pace in 2008, the year in which John bid goodbye to the classroom and retired. “At last, I had the time to devote to the Magnette’s restoration and make good on the promise I made to Donna

all those years ago,” says John, smiling. “I even rang Lou Shorten. Lou not only remembered meeting me at Silverstone, she reprimanded me by saying that she’d been waiting for me to call for many, many years! “It was a real experience dealing with Lou, who’s sadly no longer with us. She had such an intimate and extensive knowledge of the Magnette. Luckily, the parts developed by Lou are still available via the MGCC’s Magnette Register Historian, Peter Martin. “I began the restoration by stripping the bodyshell bare and then had it dipped and phosphate-coated at SPL in Dudley. Subsequent to this, I took it to John Shorten, Magnette guru and manufacturer of Magnette body panels, who repaired the bodyshell to as good as new, retaining as much of the original bodywork as practical, and the car was expertly repainted, locally, in its original Smoke Grey. “With the structural work completed, and paintwork done, I could begin the reassembly, a job that was made much easier due to the fact that I’d purchased a car roller. It beats lying

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on a cold workshop floor any day. Highly recommended!” Local Knowledge Although John went through the Magnette’s mechanicals with the proverbial fine tooth comb and, where practicable, refurbished rather than replaced, he didn’t elect to rebuild the B-series engine. And with good reason. As alluded to, one of his neighbours (and a good friend) is Gerry Brown. “Gerry‘s forte is building and tuning engines, MG engines being a speciality,” says John. “As I’ve mentioned, he previously helped me with the XPAG in the TA. Although I can rebuild an engine, I decided to take the Magnette engine, a five-bearing MGB unit, that I’d previously acquired, to him. Not because I wanted it tuned as such, although it was in fact mildly tuned, but because I’d seen the meticulous way he worked. “On the rolling road it produced just over 100bhp at the wheels, which makes for a quick Magnette. It’s very tractable, too. Even though I’ve made a few changes to the Magnette’s specification, I’m keen to keep everything looking original, so I’ve detailed the underbonnet area so that it looks, as near possible, factory original. The engine is mated to a five-speed Type nine gearbox. Again,

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looking inside the car you wouldn’t know. I’ve also fitted an uprated front anti-roll bar, supplied by the Magnette Register. “It was always a great driving car, but it’s so much better with the five-speed gearbox and uprated antiroll bar.” In for the Long Haul Considering that the Magnette spent a lot of its former life in stasis, by contrast, the past few years have been very active ones. Adventurous too. “We’ve done a number of MGCC events and trips,” enthuses Donna. “Some have been trips abroad, including the MGCC European Magnette event in Southern Germany. The Magnette performed faultlessly. It’s a comfy car to cover long distances and it can certainly keep up with modern traffic as it will cruise all day at motorway speeds. Plus, it’s very practical, easy to get into, and can accommodate a lot of luggage. “The only downside with a classic such as the Magnette is that on a hot day it can get very warm inside. The front quarter lights help, and John has installed a layer of wool insulation above the headlining, which stabilises the temperature and helps a bit. This was a tip that was shared by one of the Australian MGCC members and a fellow Magnette owner.” The Magnette is certainly doing the lion’s share of the Beesley’s classic motoring. That’s not to say the TA has been mothballed. Far from it, in fact.

The two are almost umbilically l inked and often appear at local shows together. “Buying the Magnette in the early seventies enabled me to take the TA off the road and strip it down to its chassis and overhaul everything,” elaborates John. “I did this, when I could find the time, over a four-year period. Those years were the only ones when the car was inactive. From the mid-seventies onwards it’s been in regular use and has been to most of the MGLive! events. “It still runs very well, too, although because of the amount of use and miles covered, I don’t think it bears close scrutiny, especially when I take it to shows where there are lots of stunning concours cars in evidence. That said, at one show, we were about to leave when an official came up and stopped us. To our surprise, he informed us that the TA had won a cup for the ‘Most Loved, Least Polished.’ We appreciate that it has its own special charm, but it’s good to know that it’s also appreciated by others. This adds to the enjoyment of ownership. “As does being part of the MGCC, and its T-Type Register and Magnette Register. This has been such good fun, and so beneficial, and long may it continue. The Club is like a big family. Donna and I are proud to have been members of the Club for such a long time and were thrilled to be invited to Abingdon to celebrate 50 years of membership. The icing on the cake, really.”

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FEATURE

NEXT GENERATION

RACER

The MG Car Club, MG Motor and SAIC Motor UK Technical Centre are jointly developing a new low-cost race car based around the MG3.

he idea of a racing 3 is something that a lot of members, competitors and MG enthusiasts have been longing for and after a continued effort from Club members and engineers from Longbridge, the

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car is set to take its place on the grid for the 2019 season. The first car will be built by SAIC Motor UK Technical Centre Interns as their 2018-2019 Internship Project and they will be unveiling the car in the early part of 2019. The idea behind the

car is aimed at providing a low-cost entry route into saloon racing with the budget for the project to convert a road-going MG3 into a racer set at just ÂŁ5,000. The regulations have been produced to allow any MG3 model to

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FEATURE

be converted and get on the grid; not just the All-New MG3, which went on sale earlier this year. General Manager, Adam Sloman, said: “This project is the culmination of a lot of people’s efforts – Pete Macwaters, former co-ordinator for the MG Trophy and Adrian Guyll from

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SMTC UK have been leading the charge on this idea since the MG3 was first launched, and it’s something we’ve spoken to MG Motor about for a number of years. With the launch of the revised 3, we’re thrilled to see a car from the current crop of MGs joining us next season.” As well as the low cost of conversion, the Club’s half-price entries to any competitor 25 and under for the 2019 season, means entry fees for a weekend could be as little as £300. MG3 will be eligible to compete the invitational class of the MG Cup during 2019, providing a first season of testing and development at the UK’s best race circuits, and showcase its abilities to potential new racers. Competitions Secretary, John Hutchison, said: “The MG Cup is the ideal place for the MG3. Its simple structure and regulations are designed

to keep costs to a minimum and the whole idea here has been to create a genuinely affordable racing car.” Joanna Burland, intern at SAIC Motor UK Technical Centre, commented: “The Intern Project has provided a great opportunity to work on something slightly different, and gain valuable experience of helping to develop a new low-cost race car and work with MG Motor and MG Car Club to make the project a success.” It’s hoped that this will be the first of many racing 3s and with a relatively low build cost, money will not be a barrier to people competing with the MG Car Club. The full car will be revealed soon and if you’d like to learn more about the MG3 and motorsport, contact John Hutchison at Kimber House and stay tuned to the Club’s website, social media and, of course, Safety Fast!

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12/12/2018 17:14

MG MIDGET REGISTER

ALDON AUTOMOTIVE SHOOT OUT 2018

or the 11th successive year James and I met another eager group of enthusiasts on a bright if cold morning at Aldon Automotive. Eight Spridgets in various levels of tune came along, plus James’s son, John, who arrived with his autocross Mini. We had the customary mix of Spridgets, six A series-engined cars,

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only two being to standard spec, two K series conversions, plus the race spec Mini. Three of the entrants had been along before, with Anthony Cutler and Tim Dalton also making their usual appearance to see how well the ‘K’ cars were performing. As I’ve mentioned before, James and I thoroughly enjoy this day for both the technical interest and the people we meet. It’s a perfect

combination of the social with the technical, most owners driving away with a better performing car and for a very modest fee, too. This year was no exception, with the standard cars seeming to gain the most out of the day. As always, Roger and Andy were on hand to set the cars up, with apprentice Jake taking more than a passing interest in our favourite

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The MKIII MG Midget of Chris Hasluck

Owner’s name: Chris Hasluck, lives in Wolverhampton and is a retired economist who used to work at Warwick University. Chris has owned the car for around 13 years and does track days at Donington, Oulton Park, and Castle Combe. Other hobbies include model railways, travel and gardening. Car type/reg number etc: 1972 MG Midget, BOV 350K, Teal Blue. Engine type/capacity: 1330cc A series. Modifications (cam, head, carbs, etc): Block supplied by Peter May who built the engine with a rally specification 270 cam, MED head with slightly larger valves. 1.5 rockers, HIF 44 carb, 10.5 to 1 C/R, 3.9 diff, LCB,

1 3/4” exhaust, four pot calipers and larger discs, rear roll over bar. Owner’s expected power output: Was giving 100bhp here three years ago. Actual power output: 93bhp @ 6330rpm and 86lbs/ft @ 4890rpm. Owner’s comments: Fair enough, has been used quite a lot; would not expect it to be what it was three years ago. R/R operative’s comments: Might need ignition timing looking at; could be some wear causing drift; top end a bit down; need to check full throttle. Writer’s comment: A car with a wellmodified A series engine which is OK to drive in traffic and good fun on the tracks, too.

James taking notes from Chris Hasluck who’s very smart modified MkIII awaits in the foreground

antiquated machines. As enthusiastic as ever, the Aldon guys were typically very conscientious and open about the whole process. It’s always a surprise how much you can learn, be it from your own car’s session or from another, so huge thanks to them and Alan Goodwin for opening up on a cold, autumnal Saturday for our members. Now over to James (who for the first time came with one of his own cars) for his usual detailed report of how the cars performed. All being well, Saturday October 26 2019 will see us gather for the next Aldon shoot out, so if you fancy coming along ring me on 01296 714232 or email dennis@lois weedon.net to book a slot, but book early, please, to avoid disappointment, for this year I had to turn away six members due to them leaving it too late. Dennis Wharf

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In overalls Jake, Roger and Andy decide if Roger Still’s 1330cc car requires strapping down

Owner’s name: Roger Still, a retired civil servant who lives in Telford. Has owned the car for 27 years. Car type/reg number etc: 1972 MG Midget, EPY 218L, Flame Red. Engine type/capacity: 1330cc A series.

Modifications (cam, head, carbs, etc): Peter Burgess head with slightly larger valves, LCB, single rear silencer, K & N filters. Relatively new dizzy with Lumenition, Moto-lita wood rim steering wheel.

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FEATURE

Owner’s expected power output: Last time here it was 72bhp, but that was 18 years ago. Actual power output: 65bhp @ 5110rpm, 71lbs/ft @ 3695rpm. Owner’s comments: Very happy with that, comforting to know that at least the ignition has now been set up correctly. This car is my adult’s Meccano set on wheels, as its very

Owner’s name: Scott Dempster, an industrial automation engineer from Handforth, Cheshire, originally from Stirling. Scott has owned the car for three years and is a friend of wellknown and long-time Midget owner/ racer Danny Cusworth, who came along with Scott for the day. Car type/reg number, etc: 1969 MG Midget, UOH 22H, Non-standard Dark Blue. (Another local Birmingham number as is Chris Hasluck’s, above). Engine type/capacity: 1275cc A series. Modifications (cam, head carbs,

good fun tinkering with it. R/R operative’s comments: Nice, smooth power curve, ignition was 28 degrees at idle, 42 max; changed to 32 degrees max. Writer’s comment: Roger Still was not aware that Aldon could have checked over and rebuilt his distributer as this is one of their specialist services.

etc): LCB, K&N filter, single box exhaust, five-inch Minilite wheels. Owner’s expected power output: Close to standard, 64bhp. Actual power output: 59bhp @ 5175rpm, 66lbs/ft @ 3355rpm. Owner’s comments: More work to do. R/R operative’s comments: 33 degrees advance at idle, would be over 50 max, set to 32 degrees max; still needs a full set up. Dizzy plate to block was the wrong way around preventing proper clamping, so this was reversed.

Roger familiarising himself

Andy correcting the wrongly installed distributer plate on Scott’s car

The 1969 model of Scott Dempster caused a bit of head scratching

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12/12/2018 17:14

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JANUARY 2019 SAFETY FAST! 33

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FEATURE

Under bonnet of regular attendee Tom Ward’s 1293cc MkIII

Always nicely presented Tom’s car is closely scrutinised by Roger Still

Owner’s name: Tom Ward, lives in Spalding, Lincolnshire, and is an electrical engineer. Has owned the car for nine years. Car type/reg number: 1971 MG Midget, LEK 974K, Non-standard Light Blue.

Engine type/capacity: 1293cc A series. Modifications (cam, head, carbs, etc): Piper 270 cam, MG Metro head, 10.5 to 1 C/R, 40DCOE Weber, with now 47mm instead of 30mm ram pipes. Aldon dizzy, Cobra seats, Minilite wheels, and works-style hardtop.

Standard 1275cc of Ian Burrows still producing spot on standard power

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Owner’s expected power output: If it finds 80bhp I will be happy. Actual power output: 76bhp @ 6125rpm and 74lbs/ft torque @ 4635rpm. Owner’s comments: OK, but a bit disappointed, as always, although for what I have spent would not expect a lot more. Getting ready for big rebuild. R/R operative’s comments: Full throttle mixture fine and ignition good. Writer’s comment: Tom is a frequent participant to this event and is always experimenting. Owner’s name: Ian Burrows, lives in Kings Cliffe, Peterborough, and is a financial adviser. Has owned the car for a year. Car type/reg number: 1974 MG Midget, PSD 330M, Glacier White. Engine type/capacity: 1275cc A series. Modifications (cam, head, carbs, etc): K & N filter. Owner’s expected power output: Just want to know the figure out of curiosity. Actual power output: 62bhp @5425rpm and 69lbs/ft @ 3485rpm. Owner’s comments: Absolutely superb; found another 12bhp over the initial power run, so very pleased I came along. R/R operative’s comments: Still needs full throttle checking; did the best we could in the time, but could do with a mixture check as it’s possibly weak.

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FEATURE

A car we’ve seen before, the Tifosi Rana of Steve Goodchild, by far the most powerful on the day with 199bhp!

Owner’s name: Steve Goodchild from Reading is involved with telecoms and takes part in track days, hill climbs and sprints. Has owned this ex-Kate Andrew’s car for about two years. Car type/reg number: 1967 Tifosi Rana, (Based on either a Mk 2 Sprite or Mk3 Midget), PYG 794E. Engine type/capacity: 1800cc K series. Modifications (cam, head, carbs, etc): 285 degree cams, big valves, forged pistons, lightened flywheel, Richard Jenvey throttle bodies, cold air intake, Emerald ECU, Ford fivespeed gearbox, Frontline suspension, nine-inch brakes, rear Frontline RTL kit, anti-tramp bars, Peter May half shafts, five and half inch Minilites with Yokohama 0048 tyres; two

and a half inch exhaust made by Simpson Racing instead of a Frontline three inch. Owner’s expected power output: 195 bhp or more. Actual power output: 199bhp @ 7640rpm and 141lbs/ft torque @ 7275rpm. Owner’s comments: Really pleased; more power and quieter. R/R operative’s comments: Very close to when the car came in before, reduced timing advance and fuel between 6500-7500. Very good horsepower. Writer’s comment: This is a very well-modified and prepared car that we have seen twice before. By far the most powerful car on the rollers today.

Owner’s name: John Thacker, lives in Overthorpe, near Banbury, and is an engine dyno technician with Honda R&D at Milton Keynes working on F1 power units. Used to work at Aldon from 2002 to 2008. Competed in

national rallycross series for BMC Minis (Minicross), in a self-prepared car, winning the championship in 2006. Has competed very little over the last few years, but recently has taken part in a track day and a circuit sprint.

1342cc A series in John Thacker’s Championship winning Minicross car

Purposeful interior of John’s Mini

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Car type/reg number: BL Mini; This shell used to belong to a very young Andrew Jordan (the 2013 BTCC winner) when he was a teenager 15 and 16, competing and winning the Junior 1000cc series of Minicross. John set up Andrew’s 998cc Mini engine, and his own 1275cc engine car, while working at Aldon at that time. Engine type/capacity: 1342cc A series. Modifications (cam, head, carbs, etc): Plus 80 thou (72.5mm), Keith Calver pistons, crank wedged by Gordon Wilkinson, lightened rods,

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FEATURE

BMC 544 FJ/rally 288/288 degree cam, originally designed for 1000 and 1100cc Formula Junior engines, Jim Whitehouse Arden 31/35.8mm head, (on loan from father James), 1.5 roller rockers, 12.0 to 1 C/R, 45 DCOE on five-inch manifold,

Maniflow LCB and single RC40 silencer. Full welded-in roll cage, fibreglass front, doors and boot. Owner’s expected power output: Anything over 100 would be OK. Actual power output: 111 bhp

Owner’s name: Rob Armstrong, an electrical consultant from York. Has owned the car for 13 years. Bought for £700 and completely rebuilt by Rob (see www.robsmidget.co.uk) including conversion from A to K series engine. Rob uses the car for track days, sprints and hill climbs. Car type/reg number: 1971 MG Midget, LLW 850K, Blue. Engine type/capacity: 1600cc K series (standard). The previous 1400 K engine was buzzed and jumped a tooth resulting in valves meeting pistons. Modifications (cam, head, carbs, etc): Emerald ECU, throttle bodies from TF. Ford five-speed gearbox, selfdesigned and built telescopic front damper arrangement using Mini units, telescopic rears. Original brakes with Green Stuff pads, braided hoses and 14-inch wheels with 185 tyres.

Owner’s expected power output: 130bhp-ish would be OK. (1400 engine gave 121 bhp with 97lbs/ft). Actual power output: 128bhp @ 6835rpm with 109lbs/ft torque @ 5255rpm. Owner’s comments: Quite pleased as standard 1600 gives around 110 bhp. Torque went up from 100 to 109lbs/ft. R/R operative’s comments: Added a bit more advance, three percent through the range, experimented with fuelling and found original settings were OK. Writer’s comment: Really good to see Rob’s wife Jenni here again, the only female present. The exciting news of the day is that that Jenni is expecting a baby. Rob and Jenni say they do not know the sex of the bump and would rather keep it is a surprise until it is born in March. Good for them, and we

@ 6745rpm and 99lbs/ft torque @ 5040rpm. Owner’s comments: Happy enough. R/R operative’s comments: Pretty good really, could try it just a touch richer, say five more, as a tiny bit lean at the top end.

Roger winding the K engine up

The modern way of tuning - Anthony sets timing and fuelling etc, on Rob’s car

hope to see all three of you sometime in the future at another event.

Another well-known car to us, this being Rob Armstrong’s 1600 K series example

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12/12/2018 17:14

FEATURE

On slave rear wheels TZA awaits its first power run

Owner’s name: James Thacker, lives in Warwickshire and is a retired chartered surveyor. Has owned the car since 1970. Competed in circuit racing, Modsports and MGCC Midget events and hill climb/sprints for a long time. Car rebuilt with much help from Kim Johnson and Robert Nettleton between 2012 and 2015. Car type/reg number: 1960 AH Sprite MKL1, TZA 238, Irish Racing Green 1960. The well-known ex-Alec Poole (who won the 1969 British saloon car championship) rally and race car: See www.sebringsprite.com/ tza238.html for full history. Arguably the first lightweight Mk1 Sprite to have a 1275cc engine in early 1965, before road Spridgets moved up from the 1098cc engine in 1966. Engine type/capacity: 1330cc A series built by Peter May. Modifications (cam, head, carbs, etc): Plus 60thou, Omega pistons, cam similar to 649, ex-Andrew Bailey modified 29/37mm valve cylinder head, 1.4 Calver forged rockers, 11.75 to 1 C/R, 45DCOE on seven-inch

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Maniflow inlet manifold, ST LCB, FJ clutch, SCCR gearbox, LSD, Girling eight and a half inch (Ford Cortina) front discs and 14 LF calipers, 3/4 inch front anti-roll bar, eight-inch Riley one and a half rear drums, semi-elliptic rear springs, Panhard rod, anti-tramp bars, telescopic rear dampers, full roll cage, Tillet seat, six-inch Superlite wheels, single RC 40 silencer, fibreglass front and rear, aluminium doors. Owner’s expected power output: It gave 114bhp 18 months ago, any improvement would be good. Actual power output: 117bhp @7605rpm and 94lbs/ft torque @ 5585rpm. Owner’s comments: The object

Impressive Weber 45DCOE on James’ well known and campaigned Mk I Sprite

was to try a dizzy swing and see what effect, if any, it had on power. Changed from 29 max advance to 27. Similar power with a bit less advance which is safer with this C/R. John lowered the idle speed to avoid running on. His 1342cc Mini engine gave a rather better-shaped power curve than mine! R/R operative’s comments: Bit of a dip in the power/torque curve from 3800 to 4800rpm, but otherwise OK.

Footnote: Having written the above, it occurred to me that my Mk 1 Sprite, TZA 238, and John’s Mini, have a tenuous common link to a bit of motorsport history. Both are A series-engined cars that provided a basis for their original drivers to be very successful in their first two years racing. This was enough for each driver’s talents to be sufficiently noticed even at club level, for them to become professional drivers shortly afterwards, and go on to winning the British Touring Car Championship (originally known as the Saloon Car Championship) 44 years apart. Alec Poole in 1969 and Andrew Jordan in 2013.

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CM03.16/H14/ff

H14 - ALDON_CLASSIC 18/01/2016 10:43 Page 1

SALES DEPARTMENT

PLEASE NOTE: ALL RIGHTS RESERVED THIS ARTWORK IS THE PROPERTY OF CLASSIC MOTORING MAGAZINE. NO PART OF THIS ARTWORK MAY BE REPRODUCED, STORED OR OTHERWISE USED BY ANY OTHER PUBLICATION UNLESS PRIOR PERMISSION IS GIVEN BY THE PUBLISHERS - Â© Aceville Publications Ltd

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1947 MG TC

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JANUARY 2019 SAFETY FAST! 39

12/12/2018 17:14

T T YPE NEWSLET TER John Ward Tel: 01621 773606 johnw.ward@yahoo.co.uk • www.mgcc.co.uk/t-register

WELCOME TO THE T TYPE NEWSLETTER As ever a very happy and prosperous New Year to all T Types, and of course all their owners, family and friends. And so it’s goodbye to 2018 and another interesting and successful year for us T Types. Once again the year provided members with the opportunity to indulge in the regular pursuit of attending T Register events at Stoneleigh, Rebuild, a Spring Continental trip, MGLive! and then a wide range of summer activities before the ever popular Autumn Tour in September.

At the October committee meeting it was agreed that the status quo would be maintained in 2019, with maybe the only exception being to concentrate on one venue for the summer T Register T Party. It was considered that the choice of three outings last year spread attendance too thinly at one or two of the events and these outings do take a lot of time in organising. So off we go again…the provisional dates for events for your New Year’s Diary.

THE MGCC T REGISTER 2019 CALENDAR OF EVENTS MG International Show & Spares Day Sunday February 10 2019 at the National Agricultural Centre, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, CV8 2LG The opening event of the T Register year where the Register will be in attendance, probably in the same location as last year but do look out for the banners and posters. As usual, there will ample space on the stand for the sale of regalia and hopefully a vast array of parts and spares for T Types being bought and sold on a ‘bring and buy’ basis. Should you wish to bring those much sought-after, coveted parts just clearly label ownership, contact details and the price required. There will be a form to complete which you can download on the T Register website under ‘2019 events’ and also labels will be available at the stand on the day. This is a commission-free service organised by the T Register for its members. Those participating are invited to make a donation to the cost of the stand of 5% of sales over £5.00. See the press details for preentry tickets at a reduced price which also saves you queuing on the day, or access their website at

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mgandtriumphsparesday.co.uk or for more details and information contact our organiser, Barry Knight, at barglen@ntlworld.com

The 39th T Register Rebuild Seminars Saturday March 23 at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwickshire, CV35 0BJ Now for the 39th year, the T Register will host a rebuild seminar for T Type owners and, as proven last year, it still remains as popular as ever. Can we possibly make 40 years? We will once more be holding the event at the British Motor Museum at Gaydon with its excellent conference and catering facilities and the added attraction of being able to take a brief wander around the museum at your leisure. As always, this will also be the place to meet old chums, seek out some interesting original spares or even offload some to make a space in the garage, and naturally you will be fed and watered and all for the price of a few pounds. The speakers, topics and schedule will be confirmed later but rest assured there will be much of interest for all in the preservation and

maintenance of our beloved T Types. Afterwards, and very importantly, your opportunity to attend the T Register AGM. Do stay on for a little while to hear reports from the officers of the T Register Committee and vote your approval of the election of some new committee members for next year and most significantly the chance for you, the members, to air your views.

The Continental Spring trip April 8-12 2019 This year we will be returning to a very popular location in Normandy and, as in previous years, this is proving to be a very sought-after event and there are 33 rooms reserved, all of which have been taken up, but if you still wish to go there is a waiting list for cancellations, so I suggest you contact Bill and Sally Silcock at treg.sec@ virginmedia.com

MGLive! Silverstone Saturday June 15 and Sunday June 16 2019 The date is still to be finally confirmed, but following on from the success of last year the basis will be the same, with the revamped layout of separate sites for Centres and Registers with

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12/12/2018 17:14

Saturday 23 March 2018

ebuild 2019

We will have the MG TC on display that will have taken part in the 2018 and 2019 Rallye Monte Carlo Classiques, courtesy of the MG Automobile Company at Bicester Heritage

The T Register’s Rebuild event will once again be held at the British Motor Museum  Gaydon CV35 0BJ which you will be able to visit as part of the event The Agenda is in the process of being ﬁnalised and will be published on the T Register website as soon as it has been conﬁrmed. The cost will be about £49 which includes all refreshments and entry to the museum. All the latest information can be found at http://www.mgcc.co.uk/t-register/2019-events/ www.facebook.com/mgtregister email: barglen@ntlworld.com Tel: 01252 875740

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12/12/2018 17:15

T T YPE NEWSLET TER

a smaller marquee for the main Club stand and shop and overseas centre. As last year, the T Register will be back in the paddock and continue the tradition of hosting a Natter with drinks and nibbles available to members mid-afternoon on the Saturday. As usual, the T Register will be there in force during the whole event, manning our stand and with allocated parking on both days, if you get there in time!

much in abeyance, primarily due to ascertaining the firm date for MGLive!. It is highly likely that one event will be chosen to host this popular picnic, with the possibilities being the Bicester Flywheel and Classic Car Show, the Flying Legends Air Show at Duxford or a return to an old favourite at the Shuttleworth Aircraft Museum, near Biggleswade.

The T Register T Party 2019

The Autumn Tour to Rutland Friday September 13 to Monday September 16 2019

As these words are being penned in order to meet the printing deadline, the choice of date and venue is very

The venue will be the The Haycock Hotel in Wansford, PE8 6JA, just off the A1 past Stamford. Could that be Thomas lurking in the background?

MORE ON THE 2018 AUTUMN TOUR IN THE SURREY HILLS pre-arranged that a number of them After somewhat of a dilemma for the organisers in choosing the original venue and then discovering all sorts of problems with the hotel and its administrative capabilities, all was resolved in the spring. The T Register was well rewarded by finding a most suitable alternative in the location of the Surrey Hills. The chosen hotel was the Farnham Hogs Back Hotel on the A31 just south of Guildford. 34 cars and crews made their way, some from far afield, in what we had got used to, fine, sunny, warm weather. There was ample secure parking which had been especially dedicated for T Types. There are a number of owners living locally in this part of the Home Counties and so it was

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would join us for the runs and maybe the gala dinner on Saturday night. A welcoming address by Geoff

We have made a reservation for 48 bedrooms and the cost will be £140 per night for a double/twin room and £106 per night for a single, both for dinner, bed and breakfast with a supplement for the traditional gala dinner on the Saturday night. You will need to book directly with the hotel using a T Register Booking Code and pay a 10% deposit. To book contact Sally or Bill Silcock on 01525 750468 or preferably by email treg.sec@ virginmedia.com providing your contact details and MGCC membership number.

Matthews together with wife, Annie, the weekend organisers along with Barrie and Glenys Knight who had prepared the routes, advised us what was in store for the next two days Saturday morning dawned with quite a heavy dew but a bright and sunny day had been forecast. The route today headed southwards, skirting around Farnham and then soon on to our first coffee stop – had we really done 35 miles? Over a railway bridge and into Ropley Station on the Mid Hants railway, also known as The Watercress Line. The Mid Hants Railway from Alton to Winchester was opened in 1864 and soon became known as The Watercress Line due to local watercress growers

Time for a lunch stop

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T T YPE NEWSLET TER

Nick Ashman and the Malcolm Hogg Trophy after the presentation at Kimber House (with the backdrop of a Midget!)

frequently using it to transport their crops to London. The workshops at Ropley have become synonymous with the complete restoration of locomotives, rolling stock and carriages of a bygone era of steam. In the afternoon, still caressing Hampshire, we turned eastwards toward Liphook and the Liss Forest before entering West Sussex and along the road to Rake, lots of good pubs here for lunch, and when one stops many do the same! Plenty of activity before the Saturday gala dinner reception. One or two car casualties being discussed in the car park, with one crew chasing all the way to Bristol before returning in the early hours, no dinner for them! The usual clamour, banter and anecdotes during an excellent supper before it was time for the words, an after-dinner thank you by Geoff Matthews, praise indeed to all who had assisted in putting the show together, followed by the eagerly awaited ode

from the old maestro himself, Mike Lugg (wish we had taped some of these over the years). Next up, Secretary Sally Silcock who announced the winners of the T Register awards for members and their contribution this year to the success of the Register. The Malcolm Hogg Trophy was awarded to racer Nick Ashman for his continued support of the racing scene in his T Type. Ironically, Nick’s introduction to T racing was in 2006 when he bought the very TF that was successfully raced by Malcolm Hogg prior to his untimely and sad demise. Six years later he was persuaded to trade this in for the racing TC of Richard Green and this is his current car, seen at most of the iconic races in the T Register calendar and which won its first open class victory at Silverstone in 2018. The Montague Burton Cup went to driver-and-wife team Martin and Lesley Neal for exploits in their TA. The presentation was made to them by Stewart Penfound, the TA Registrar, at the November Sussex Wanderers run. Having only owned the car since 2014 their exploits are quite extraordinarily successful and just what T Types can be used for. 2014 - RAC - 1,000 mile Trial - 2nd in class 2015 - Flying Scotsman - 1st in class 2015 - RAC - 1,000 mile Trial - 1st in class 2016 - RAC - 1,000 mile Trial - 2nd in class

Joy receives the Secretary’s Award at a Brooklands Natter

2017 - Flying Scotsman - 3rd in class 2018 – Shamrock Vintage Challenge – 2nd in class All these events were 800 to 1,200 miles long for pre-1940 cars and the Shamrock Challenge, needless to say, took place in Ireland and the car needed FIVA papers. It is at the sole discretion of the Secretary to announce the recipient of The Secretary’s Award, being a splendid trophy made by the apprentices in Abingdon in the sixties. At Silverstone way back in 2013, early on a cold, damp, misty Saturday morning, this editor was on parking duty for the Register when round the corner came a most heart-warming site…a bright yellow TC. The owner said she had only had the car a few weeks and that this was the first long outing she had dared to make. Since that time, Joy Anderson and the TC have been regular visitors to nearly all T Register events, helping on the the stands and generally being the dogsbody always on hand to assist the committee and organisers, a popular and deserving winner indeed.

A NEW BOOK ON THE “HISTORY OF T TYPE ENGINES”

Martin Neal with the much-travelled TA and The Montague Burton Trophy

www.mgcc.co.uk

MGSF_January2019_3-50.indd 43

We have now published a fully revised edition of Roger Wilson’s T Type Engines booklet, first published by the MG Car Club T Register in 2012. The new 48-page edition contains all that is currently known about changes during engine production and at what engine number and date of introduction, as well as technical information on the original camshafts and distributors. It also contains new information on the casting marks found on MG engine blocks, and the detailed information in the text has been thoroughly revised using painstaking research into contemporary documentation and other resources. You can order the book from the T Register’s online shop and it’s priced at £6.00.

JANUARY 2019 SAFETY FAST! 43

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FOR SALE

NOTE: RIGHTS RESERVED 1935 MG TA,PLEASE Partly restored with allALL mechanicals rebuilt including engine, gearbox, back axle, suspension and brakes. Many new parts including four new wings refurbished radiator and chrome shell, stainless petrol tank, wheels and tyres.

THIS ARTWORK IS THE PROPERTY OF CLASSIC CARS FOR SALE MAGAZINE. NO PART OF THIS ARTWORK MAY BE REPRODUCED, STORED OR OTHERWISE USED BY ANY OTHER PUBLICATION UNLESS PRIOR PERMISSION IS GIVEN BY THE PUBLISHERS - © MS Publications (2001) Ltd.

For more information please contact us

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We reserve the right to charge for any alteration to this proof which is a departure from the original copy

Unit 9, Broadfields Farm, Dunmow Road, Rayne, Braintree, Essex. CM77 6SA MGSF_January2019_3-50.indd 44

12/12/2018 17:15

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

WELCOME TO THE MAGNETTE NEWSLETTER

Farina beats ZBs at Cotswolds Wildlife Park

Season’s greetings to all, and best wishes for 2019. Looking back at 2018, we’ve enjoyed a good mix of both new and familiar Magnette events. Amongst the regular fixtures, the Norwich weekend has followed an established and popular format for many years, having been started originally by Lou Shorten, but it was still nice to see such a good turnout in Lenwade this year (as described in John Harris’s report) despite unfavourable weather. Our other weekend events were the Malverns in July, and Harrogate MG Club Show (Pateley Bridge) in August, and as they weren’t extensively covered at the time, I’ve included photos here. Also missed from reports was the MGOC Cotswolds Wildlife Park event, where Magnette owners are always made so welcome that I didn’t mind losing out in the Pride of Ownership to the superbly presented Farina MkIV of Richard Hawkins. Another happening that may have slipped under the radar was the addition of a new committee member, Mac Pile. Mac and Jackie have been very active in support of Register events since

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Harrogate MG Club show

acquiring their Magnette, so we’re delighted to have Mac on board. Of course you don’t have to be on the committee to contribute feedback or ideas for new events, or to help with organisation, and I’m always happy to receive technical articles, such as the account below of a novel charging socket installation, the latest of several excellent pieces contributed by Andy Dear.

Coffee stop on Malverns weekend

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MAGNET TE NEWSLET TER

EVENTS FOR 2019 As always, most owners should receive the list of planned events and any updates by email or post from John and Cynthia Harris, or you can check on magnette.org for the latest information. Here’s some highlights from the 2019 calendar so you can get them in your diary, and please note the later than usual date for Magnettes & Steam.

Magnettes & Spies – April 20 at Bletchley Park WWII Codebreakers museum, near Milton Keynes. Magnettes & Steam – May 6 at Norchard station on the Dean Forest Railway. Please confirm attendance to David Griffiths (01423 873132) so that discount train travel can be arranged Z Magnette Day – June 28-30, details to be confirmed. Actually a whole weekend for European Magnette owners (which presumably still includes

the UK…) Harrogate MG Club Show – August 3-4. A weekend at Pateley Bridge showground in the Yorkshire Dales, with free camping Kop Hill Climb – September 21-22, Princes Risborough. Lots of vintage and classic cars on display and tackling the historic hill Lou Shorten Tribute weekend – October 5-6. Programme to be confirmed

LOU SHORTEN TRIBUTE WEEKEND The Register’s traditional last meeting of the season was held in Norfolk, October 6-7. On the Saturday 41 members arriving in 21 Magnettes and sundry other cars met at John Shorten’s home in Lenwade despite very wet, cold and windy weather. It was gratifying to see so many new faces, and on arrival all were supplied with name tags, a timetable of the weekend’s events and route instructions to the various venues. Lou’s daughter, Jenny, and her husband, Ed, kept the assembled throng supplied with tea and coffee in the marquee which John had erected on his lawn, although it was too cold for people to linger outside and the sitting room was soon bursting at the seams. Fortunately everyone was very friendly! After the buffet lunch generously provided by John, the rain was still falling, resulting in a change of plan for Mike Laflin, who had been prepared to give a lecture on the modifications to his Mk IV Farina

Wet Saturday at John Shorten’s

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outside. Instead he took over the large sitting room and proved his virtuosity as a raconteur (having won a Young Farmer’s Award for Public Speaking years ago) by relating his various adventures with cars, and life on his East Anglian farm. All the attendees said they are looking forward to part two next year. Meanwhile, in the dining room, Cynthia Harris gave a talk on lace making, and Janet Bloomfield explained her passion for floral cake decorations made from sugar. This new venture already has a volunteer speaker for next year. In the evening 32 people attended the dinner and prize-giving at nearby Wensum Valley Hotel. The following trophies were presented by our President, Celia Palmer, and Chairman, Paul Batho, although not all winners were actually present On Sunday, with much improved weather, 18 Magnettes congregated in the sunshine at Aylsham station on the Bure Valley narrow gauge railway. Each type of Magnette was represented with ZAs, ZBs, Varitones and not only a

Mac Pile receives his special committee award

MkIV Farina but also a rare MkIII, and with our sail banners fluttering in the breeze the display made a great sight and attracted attention from the public. As usual, the first stop was a cup of coffee and then a very interesting introduction to the history, finances and day-to-day running of the BVR from 1880 to date. We then proceeded to the workshops where loco overhauls are completed in-house, with only a few items requiring work to certificated standards put out to contractors. We discovered that the main workhorses of the BVR are the aptly named ‘ZB’ class locos, bought

NTG Concours Trophy

Stephen Coates

Gerald Palmer Cup for best performance in the California Cup at Silverstone

Paul Batho

Special Committee Award for help following the sad passing of Trevor Jones

Mac Pile

Greatest distance travelled to Lenwade

Alan & Linda Slack

Anthony White Award for the car voted best at events

David & Sandra Griffiths

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MAGNET TE NEWSLET TER

in 1994. These have been reliable over the years but have benefitted from having their steam passages ‘gas flowed’ – it all sounded familiar.

Tour of Bure Valley Railway workshops

To keep up our strength, John Shorten kindly brought the leftover cakes from the day before, which were enjoyed at the station and on the train to Wroxham. On arrival there we watched the loco being uncoupled and pushed round on the turntable, rather easier with narrow gauge than a full-size

Aylsham Station on the Sunday

engine. Some people visited Miniature World, just across the road from Wroxham station, and had great fun operating the model trains or trying out arcade games and a ’What the

Butler Saw’ machine, each for the price of one old penny. After returning by train to Aylsham and more chat in the car park, we all departed for home. John Harris

ENERGISE YOUR ASHTRAY! When I got my first satnav for my ZB Magnette, I powered it from a cigar lighter on a flying lead, well insulated to allow for change of polarity (my car is still positive earth), but always thought it was a bit of a bodge. Since I gave up smoking in 1971 the front ashtray in my car has performed no useful function apart from storing small odds and ends, such as earplugs for motorway driving (it had a 4.55:1 diff back then). So, it occurred to me that I could turn it into a power outlet for the satnav and for charging mobile phones, etc. I thought it would be best if, when not in use for these purposes, it could appear totally original, with the sockets hidden behind the front cover. I wasn’t sure if there was enough space behind the heater cover panel where the ashtray is located, but after unscrewing the four panel retaining screws and sliding the whole thing up

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MGSF_January2019_3-50.indd 47

and out, there was! (Not sure how this will differ if yours is a ZA).

Insulated sockets

Original ZB ashtray

Since most of the devices I might want to charge would be negative earth, the socketry needed to be isolated from the panel. Fortunately, it was easy to find sockets on eBay that were fully insulated. I used one cigar lighter socket and one double USB socket with green LED illumination. Having removed the panel, the next step was to take out the ashtray together with its front cover and then remove the two screws holding the rest of the assembly to the panel. The

only parts to be retained are the front cover, and the chrome surround, so it is necessary to separate the rear box from the chrome surround by drilling out two spot welds. The front cover must be detached from the ashtray by unscrewing the two screws inside, which hold the handle and the spring catch.

Disassembled ashtray

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MAGNET TE NEWSLET TER

Microswitch to isolate charger

Cover attached with piano hinge

A length of light piano hinge is used to reattach the front cover to the bottom of the chrome surround. To make a neat job it is necessary to remove the lower raised edge of the cover by carefully filing it flat. Two small screws are used to hold the hinge to the chrome surround, but to avoid having to drill through the front cover, I glued a strip of metal at right angles to the centre of the outer side of the piano hinge and used the two screws which hold the handle on to fix it to the back of the front cover. This must be done carefully so that the cover closes accurately. Two shallow creases are made in the strip of metal, to ensure that the hinge is held firmly against the back of the front cover, and to allow room for a thin fragment of a strong magnet to hold the cover closed when not in use. The two sockets are mounted in an alloy panel cut and filed to fit into the back of the chrome surround. The alloy panel is mounted on the back of the heater cover panel by the same two screws which retain the chrome surround. An illuminated charger socket is useful at night, but will require

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a switch of some sort. Rather than installing a manual switch, I decided to use a microswitch mounted on the back of the alloy panel and operated by the closing of the door. I used a small rivet to make a through-panel actuating pin with a flat head. Connections were taken from the multiway bullet connector under the dash which supplies the internal dome light and the clock. A suitable ground

connection was also found there. The microswitch is wired to only interrupt the connection to the USB sockets, and an in-line fuse rated at 10 amps was inserted in the supply. Be careful to observe the correct polarity when making the connections. The USB charger, lighter socket and microswitch were purchased on eBay for around ÂŁ10 total (links can be found on magnette.org) Miscellaneous items which I already had included a piece of 1/8â&#x20AC;? alloy plate, length of brass piano hinge, small BA nuts, screws and washers, magnet from a dead disc drive, small piece of 20g sheet steel, insulated 6.3mm flag terminals, bullet connectors, wire, 10 amp inline fuse holder and fuse. Andy Dear

Sockets completed and installed

www.mgcc.co.uk

12/12/2018 17:15

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MG3 fuel consumption: URBAN 38.9 mpg | 7.3 l/100km, EXTRA URBAN 53.8 mpg | 5.3 l/100km, COMBINED 47.1 mpg | 6.0 l/100km, CO2 Emissions: 140 g/km. All MPG and CO2 figures quoted are sourced from official EU regulated laboratory test results. These vehicles are WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light-Duty Vehicles Test Procedure) type approved vehicles. However, in-line with Government guidance, to facilitate direct comparison between different models from different manufacturers and to accommodate the full transition to this new testing regime, we have displayed the NEDC figures. These NEDC figures are the values for this vehicle used in all registration and taxation until further notice from the UK authorities. Fuel consumption and efficiency figures are provided for comparative purposes only and may not reflect “real world” driving results. Model shown: MG3 Exclusive with Hello Yellow paint at £12,795 on the road (OTR). OTR prices include VAT where applicable, vehicle first registration fee, delivery, number plates and 12 months’ Vehicle Excise Duty. “From” price is based on OTR price of £9,495 for MG3 Explore. Prices are correct at time of being published and are subject to change without notice. Please see your local dealer or visit MG.CO.UK for details. * Not available on Explore.

MGSF_January2019_3-50.indd 50

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MGC NEWSLET TER Mike Haughton mgc_mike@btinternet.comwww.mgcc.co.uk/mgc-register/

WELCOME TO THE MGC NEWSLETTER A sea of Cs in May 2011 at the Cotswold Wildlife Park

FAREWELL 2018 – HELLO 2019 On behalf of the C Register committee we would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year. We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and managed to consume enough pudding and mince pies to see you through until next year! At the time of writing we have just held the C Register Christmas dinner at Salford Hall, with a very enjoyable time had by all. Now, moving into the new year, there are a number of events which you may wish to include in your diary. Sunday April 14 – Brooklands MG Era Day. – We’re hoping for considerably better weather this time! Tickets for the day can be purchased directly from Brooklands at www. brooklandsmuseum.com/whats-on/ brooklands-mg-era

www.mgcc.co.uk

MGSF_January2019_51-98.indd 51

The C Register AGM will be held on Friday May 3 at the Legacy Rose and Crown Hotel in Salisbury. This is followed by the Downton Engineering Works Show on Saturday 4 and

the Downton Classic car run on the Sunday 5. The Saturday event coincides with the local Cuckoo Fair held in Downton and is highly recommended. The following Monday there are plans

Young Tim Hodgkinson clearly desperate to get to the bar...or somewhere else! (Guess the year) JANUARY 2019 SAFETY FAST! 51

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MGC NEWSLET TER

RMO 699F in all its glory in August 2009 at Bletchley Park

to then drive over to Portsmouth or Southampton and spend two days in that area in readiness to catch the ferry to Jersey on May 8. MGCs to Jersey –May 8 to May 12 – This takes in Liberation Day on Thursday 9, followed by a tour prepared by Ian Le Riche on the Friday. On the Saturday and Sunday, we will be joining other car clubs in the Jersey Weekender event. The hotel and ferry are all self-book and information and details can be obtained from Jon Glover at jongloveractor@gmail.com or 07802 318950 and also from the C Register micro website. MGLive!, Silverstone – June 15 and 16 MGC Day 2019 – Sunday July 7 is being held at the magnificent Holdenby House, just north of Northampton. Your £25 per car entry fee (any number of passengers!) will include entry to the lovely gardens, and we have also arranged a special falconry display. There is a small café on site – more details regarding this will follow after booking. Note that cost of

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lunches, and drinks/refreshments are not included. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead. Based at the De Vere Staverton Estate near Daventry for those wishing to make a weekend of it, we have arranged special rates for Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights – July 5, 6 and 7 2019. Please choose which nights you wish to stay and book your room with the hotel directly, quoting reference MGCC050919 Address: Daventry Road, Daventry, NN11 6JT, UK www.devere.co.uk/ staverton-estate This includes access to the hotel facilities including gym, sauna, spa and swimming pool. For those arriving early, there will be a drive arranged on Saturday to take in the local lanes and scenery. Saturday evening will be the formal dinner in a private dining room – this is payable separately to the C Register. Friday and Sunday evening dinners are inclusive and will be informal and casual in the hotel restaurant. You may, of course, wish to attend the Sunday Show Day only and will be most welcome!

The booking form for this event is available on the C Register micro website or by contacting Mike, your secretary, or myself directly. MG in the Alps – Saturday 14 to Sunday September 22. Marcus and Ursula Brundler are organising the 5th MG-event in the Dolomites taking in South Tirol / Trentino / Veneto in an eight-day event. Places are going very fast, so you will need to act quickly if you want to partake in this tour. More details can be obtained from Marcus at marcus.mgc@bluewin.ch or from the MGC micro website. A quick reminder not to forget to send your MGC 50th birthday photos over to us. Production continued well into 1969, so a fair few cars are still yet to celebrate their birthday. In the meantime we’ve included some photos from the archives, bringing back some fond memories. And finally, this month’s article has been sent to us from John Denton telling us about two very special MGCs in his life. If you have a story to tell about your C please let us know. Happy C Motoring, Colin Howes

www.mgcc.co.uk

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MGC NEWSLET TER

John with the two MGCs

A TALE OF TWO “CS” – MGCS On the first of August 1968 18 year old John Denton went with his father, Lewis, to Scar Lane Motors, MG dealers of Milnsbridge, Huddersfield, to collect a brand new MGC GT that his father had ordered a couple of months earlier. It was finished in Mineral Blue and registered as OVH 527G. To say that John was wildly excited about his dad‘s new car was an understatement, as he had been an avid MG fan ever since 1957 when his dad had bought a new ZB Magnette and had spoken in almost reverential tones about its 68bhp twin carburettor B series engine, so the C, with 145bhp was sure to be lightning. So it felt to John when his eve- indulgent dad let him drive the C almost every night and weekend for

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the year they owned it, only selling it because it was no longer possible to squeeze John’s 12-year-old sister, Julie, into the miniscule GT “rear seat”. John was left with a burning ambition to own a C of his own, just like his dad’s. After much saving, he fulfilled his ambition three years later in October 1972 when he was racing his Villiers engine Go kart at the lastever race at the Crystal Palace circuit, near London. He had spotted a J registered MGC GT like his dad’s advertised nearby, one of the batch bought by London dealer University Motors direct from the factory when production ceased in 1969. This car, FGN 335J, was a nice, low-mileage example so a deal was

done, the car was bought, John finished 4th in the race and then, highly elated, drove his C back home to Huddersfield. At the time, John was working in the Engine Development Department at David Brown Tractors, and felt sure that with the skills and techniques that his mentors in the department shared with him, he could improve the performance of his C, so over the winter of 72-73 he stripped out the engine, polished, ported, balanced, skimmed the head, balanced combustion chambers, knife edged and mirror finished valves and seats, and assembled very carefully. He finally got the engine back in the car and running in the early hours of Sunday April 15 1973 and then, after a couple of hours sleep, ran the engine in on the drive up to RAF

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MGC NEWSLET TER

VENDOR REC Topcliffe, near Thirsk, where he had entered an MG Car Club sprint in the “up to 3 litre” class. The competition consisted mainly of Healey 3000s and John felt that some of their owners were looking down their noses at his C with its reputation for “evil handling” and “sluggish performance” as reported by most of the motoring press at the time of the C’s Launch in 1968. John thought they might have taken a different view later that day when, after some very determined driving, John and his C took 1st place, causing some raised eyebrows among the Healey men. Good job done. The Arab-Israeli war later in 1973 and the resultant “massive” increase in the price of petrol from 24 pence to 35 pence a gallon meant that John could

no longer afford to run his C, as he saved up a deposit for a house, to start his own car sales and repair business, and get married. His C slept till 2005 when John recommissioned it, having still only covered 14,000 miles right up to the present. During John’s 40-odd years in the retail motor trade he would often “HPI” his dad’s car, OVH 527G, so he knew it still existed, but even with the help of MGC Registrar Ginny Cartmel, he could never identify its owner or location, apart from learning that the car had failed an MOT in 2008 and then, nothing. That’s how things stood until June 2017 when John opened his copy of Safety Fast! and saw staring out him from the ad for MG Mecca in Cambridge OVH 527G – his dad’s car. A visit was arranged without

MGA Twin Ca SOLD FOR £38 54 SAFETY FAST! JANUARY 2019

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16,625

The proof!

revealing the historic connection and John was delighted to find that Russell Storrer and his excellent team at MG Mecca had carried out a full body restoration and engine overhaul in 2009, after which the car had not been run. A deal was done, the car was bought, at which point John was delighted to reveal that the car had been his dad’s when new. First job on the car upon its return to John’s home near Halifax was to restore it to its correct wire wheel tyre configuration, as it had acquired alloy wheels at some time in the past, and sort out the myriad faults that a car this age can suffer from to pass its MOT. The car is now back on the road and attended the 2018 MGC gathering at Fawley Hill, along with FGN 335J driven by John’s daughter, Lorna, and her partner, Jonathan. When John has completed the rebuild of his 1932 MG J2 he intends to completely strip his dad’s car and restore all components to the same standard of condition and appearance that won him “best car in show 1946 to 1968” at the prestigious Isle of Man “classic TT” in september 2017 with his 1954 MG TF. The restoration will, John feels, be a tribute to his dad for buying the car in the first place, but also to the brilliant team of engineers at Abingdon who produced the C under very difficult circumstances and were in John’s view unfairly criticised, largely because the C was not a B, but it is now increasingly recognised as a relaxed, long-legged grand tourer, which is exactly what John proposes to use his two Cs for, going forward. As it is no longer possible to contact previous owners via the DVLA V888 process, John would be delighted to hear from anyone with news of his dad’s car from 1969 to 2001. Contact via: johndentonquarry@ gmail.com Grateful thanks to Safety Fast! for reuniting John with his dad’s car.

MGC Roa SOLD FO

Online C

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www.mgcc.co.uk

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MGA Twin Cam SOLD FOR £38,900

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1967 MGB Roadster SOLD FOR £18,000

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12/12/2018 17:18 16:37

The duck clutch gear knob replaces the existing one

THE ‘DUCK CLUTCH’ By Mike Gibbs

The electric motor discreetly mounted behind the dash on the passenger side

56 SAFETY FAST! JANUARY 2019

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cannot use a normal footoperated clutch owing to a neurological condition which means my left foot has very limited muscle strength. This is not a problem in the normal course of events as I can drive an automatic car – problem solved! However, when it comes to classic, vintage or racing cars it is a problem and was the reason I had to sell my beloved MGA twin cam in 2001. I had owned the twin cam for 33 years, during which time it had seen me through my student years and a ‘nuts and bolt’ rebuild, and had been a loyal friend. Selling the twin cam was a difficult decision but I was gradually losing the use of my left foot and was worried that one day my foot would slip off the clutch with disastrous consequences. Fortunately a diagnosis was eventually confirmed and I began a course of treatment which arrested any further deterioration. Curiously, my right foot, arms and hands are unaffected and work normally(!). I had always hankered after another classic car and as I headed towards retirement I set my mind on an MG TC – in my eyes the quintessential British sports car. But how would I drive it safely? I looked around for a hand-operated clutch but the choice was, to say the least, limited. When I questioned this the stock answer was “why do you want a hand-operated clutch – buy an automatic”. I came across a couple of rather crude mechanical solutions involving metal struts and handles, but I wanted something a little more sophisticated. Then I came across the ‘duck clutch’. The duck clutch is operated by a neat little trigger shaped like a duck’s bill (hence the name) attached to the top of the gear knob, and is operated by the first finger of the left hand as you change gear. The trigger operates an electric motor mounted behind the dashboard on the passenger side, which

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12/12/2018 17:18

The only visible evidence under the bonnet is a black cable mounted to the battery box

in turn powers a cable mechanically fixed to the clutch pedal. A little green box with some computer wizardry enables you to finely control the clutch pedal as you would with your foot when, for example, making a hill start or in creeping traffic. It takes a little getting used to but, with practice, becomes second nature. Driving with the duck clutch is a breeze, changing up and down through the gears without problem. Hill starts require a little practice since you can’t release the hand brake while operating the clutch, but I have developed my own technique of balancing the throttle and duck clutch so far without incident. The duck clutch can be switched off so the car can be driven normally by an able-bodied person using the clutch foot pedal. It is non-invasive in that no drilling or adaptations to the car are required. The motor is discreetly attached via brackets to the existing bulkhead nuts, and the cable clutch is threaded through existing holes in the bulkhead for wiring and the like. The existing gear knob is replaced by the modified trigger unit but this can be reinstated if and when the duck clutch is removed. Visually, the only difference under the bonnet is a black cable running from the side of the battery box to the clutch pedal. The duck clutch is an Italian product made by a company called Guido Simplex. They have a website www. guidosimplexuk.com and there is a UK

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contact phone number 0161 743 0190 but this is really only a general enquiries number. It is best to find a UK installer, as I did, the two I contacted in the UK being Adaptacar in Devon www.adaptacar.uk/ home and DS&P Mobility near Aylesbury www.dsp-mobilityelectronics.com, eventually opting for the latter simply because they were closer to me.

I found DS&P Mobility very helpful – I think they actually liked the challenge of adapting a ‘classic’ vehicle compared to the usual run of the mill modern hatchbacks! I was able to visit them while they were doing the installation and they were very receptive to my requests, ie that the installation should not damage the integrity of the car and should, as far as possible, be invisible. At £2,995 (including supply and fitting, and transporting the car from my home in Woking to Aylesbury and back again) the duck clutch was not cheap; but compared to the pleasure of being able to drive such a wonderful car again and participate in classic car events for many years to come, I reckoned this was an acceptable expense. The cost is not subject to VAT if it is an essential mobility aid. I have had the duck clutch for 18 trouble-free months now and am delighted with it.

View of the cockpit with the duck clutch fitted www.mgcc.co.uk

12/12/2018 17:18

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12/12/2018 17:18

The MG ZR 190 of Jason Burgess here seen leading the pack at Donington Park. Photo: Dickon Siddall

RACE TORQUE

s the New Year is now upon us, some of our racing members will be longing for the lighter evenings and warmer days so that they can bring their race cars back out to compete. After thoroughly reading through the 2019 regulations, no doubt this will involve much ‘fettling’ as major components are checked over, worn parts replaced and those little changes are made to gain that extra bit of performance that may make all the difference. In the meantime, many of them and the race organising team will be at the Autosport International Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. MG Car Club will be showing a number of cars there and attempting to entice more owners to race with us in 2019. These will include the MG Trophy Championship MG ZR 190 that previously belonged to British Touring Car driver Jack Goff, which is now owned by current contender Jason

by Mark Baulch

Burgess. We will also have the Metro GTi which was very successfully campaigned by Shamak Glodek in 2018, so we will also be hoping to convert more racing drivers to the MG marque, as well as encouraging younger competitors to try racing with us. If you are visiting the show between January 10-13, please do come along and say hello, we are on stand 2785 in hall five. The good news is that the first race meeting is not that many weeks away. This month, I promised to confirm the race calendar for 2019 for you and so here it is: Saturday March 30 Silverstone National Saturday 27 & Sunday April 28 Brands Hatch Indy Saturday 15 & Sunday June 16 MG Live! Silverstone Historic Grand Prix Saturday 20 & Sunday July 21 Donington Park Saturday August 31 Oulton Park Saturday October 5 Snetterton 300 The Race sub-committee will now be working with all of the MG

Championships to ensure that as much track time as possible is given to MGs and the Championships themselves are working hard to increase the size of each of their grids. In some cases, this involves welcoming other cars from the Austin Rover stable, including some of the Rover Tomcats that we have seen previously. The MG Metro Championship will also allow five-door Metro variants to be used, as sourcing shells becomes increasingly challenging. We are delighted to confirm that we will be welcoming back some of our regular guests, from Equipe, Morgan and Porsche, as well as more guests being talked to at the moment. We will also be working on potential guests for 2020 in the coming weeks and continue to consider the option of some other tracks. On a very positive note, it looks increasingly likely that we will see MG3s racing in 2019, which will be the first time that a new and current model has raced with the Club for many years. Next month, I will bring you news from the Autosport International Show, more information on the work of the Race sub-committee and another introduction to a member of that group. If we do not see you at the Show, then we look forward to seeing you at an event in 2019.

Shamak Glodek’s Metro pushing hard at Oulton Park. Photo: Dickon Siddall

www.mgcc.co.uk

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DUNCAN WOOD DUNCANW@MGS-ON-TRACK.COM WWW.MGS-ON-TRACK.COM

MG on track

BRANDS AND THE YEAR AHEAD

aving enjoyed good weather for so many of our 2018 track days, December’s Brands Hatch provided a seasonal riposte in the form of moisture-laden skies and the occasional torrential downpour. Several of the earlier sessions were ended by red flags as the circuit marshals strove to extract another wayward vehicle from the gravel traps, but by the end of the morning most of us had come to terms with the lack of grip and a more circumspect approach resulted in many fewer spins. The Brands Indy circuit is short and easily learnt, if not so easily mastered, and it was interesting to observe other drivers’ interpretations of the correct line for the conditions and where they thought the best grip might lie. I think everyone learnt a lot about their cars, themselves, and possibly life in general as the day progressed! We were pleased to welcome Anita Gilbey in her white MGB GT and Richard Gormley in his green Roadster to Brands Hatch; both newcomers to MGs on Track, neither’s enthusiasm was dampened by the conditions and we look forward to seeing them both back on track very soon. The Calendar for 2019 has both firmed-up and become more fluid since I last wrote, so a few words of explanation might be in order. We believed that we had a provisional date agreed with Silverstone for a day in March, but unfortunately this seemed

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to have evaporated when it came to putting pen to contract so discussions are still ongoing about possible alternative dates; sadly, my advice is not to hold your breath for this year! We do have an option for an October date at Donington but have not currently found a compatible club to partner us, so are also unable to commit to holding this event at present. The costs of hiring a circuit such as Silverstone or Donington are very high, and with as many as 75 spaces to fill at these larger circuits a partner is essential if we are not to expose MGoT to the unacceptable financial risk of multiple unsold bookings. Examples of such partnerships in this coming year can be seen at the Bedford Autodrome, Croft, and the rarely available Brands Hatch GP Circuit events, all of which are hosted by our good friends from Lotus on Track, and also at August’s visit to Anglesey as guests of the Lotus 7 Club. These mutually beneficial pairings allow us to offer a broader range of events to our members than would be possible if we were operating in isolation.

Finally, we have the always enjoyable visit to Blyton Park, and the great value North Weald experience day which is aimed primarily at those who are yet to try a full track day. Both events will definitely go ahead in 2019 but as we are not sure of the month, let alone the exact date, I have omitted them from the Calendar for the present. As soon as we have firm dates the events will be posted on the website. Even if the Silverstone and Donington Park events do not materialise, we do have a full and varied spread of events for 2019. We welcome MG cars of any type or age, and emphasise that these can be completely standard, gently modified, or tuned way beyond the wildest imaginings of the original designers; all we stipulate is that the car should be to MOT pass standard. Drivers also encompass the full range of experience (and oftentimes sanity), so complete novices are assured of a warm welcome into the fold, and a much more considerate environment than they may experience on a typical commercial track day. We are also keen that drivers of compatible marques such as Triumphs or Morgans know of MGs on Track’s existence as they would be made most welcome to come along and sample one of our events, even if they have strayed from the one true path! The full MGoT Committee thanks all our members for your support over the year past and for the years to come and wishes you all a Happy and Peaceful 2019.

www.mgcc.co.uk

12/12/2018 17:18

MG CAR CLUB SPEED CHAMPIONSHIP MGS ON TRACK – 2019 CALENDAR

JOHN WILMAN, BEECHFIELD, FERN BANK, CHAPEL-EN-LE-FRITH, HIGH PEAK. SK23 0JJ T E L : 07778 165186 W W W . M G S P E E D . N E T

MGs on Track – 2019 Calendar Please visit www.mgs-on-track.com to register, check availability, or to book a track day. Registered members will receive regular newsletters and notification of event opening dates. Bedford Autodrome – January 26 Suitable for more experienced members, this is an OPL (open pit lane) event shared with Lotus on Track. Goodwood – February 23 Take a step back in time with the first of two visits to this atmospheric venue, including one dedicated session for the Triple M Group. Cadwell Park – April 15 A twisty and hugely scenic circuit in the Lincolnshire Wolds; flat it certainly isn’t! Snetterton – May 20 A fast and open track; long straights combined with a challenging infield section. Castle Combe – June 24 The first of two annual visits to this very friendly circuit in Wiltshire. Croft – July 12 Experience one of the hidden gems of British Motorsport on a day shared with Lotus on Track. Brands Hatch GP – August 1 A rare chance to experience the full GP Circuit on a day

I have recently had the pleasure of helping to present the awards to those recipients who attended the North West Centre dinner dance. It was its usual jolly format and was shared, as always, with our colleagues from the Cockshoot Cup racing series. The evening is very motorsport oriented. The overall championship cup was presented to Ian Howlett who won following a very close competition at the end of the year. The Norwester trophy for first place in the Northern regional Championship went to Nick Walker who displayed his car in the lounge resplendent with a newly applied re-spray. Nick’s brother, Andy, carried off his usual barrow load of best performance trophies. I have to say that I have always been in sympathy with the brother’s philosophy on car development ie.’ Make em go first, then make em pretty’. The Novice award for the North went to Jake Wolf who shares the car that his dad races. They very kindly brought the car along to display. I have always felt that the Novice awards are very important as they are the pointers to the future of our sport. Looking to the future, we have the South West Centre dinner and award presentation for both SW Centre events and our competitors in the Southern Regional Championship. The application forms are now available at www.mgccsw.com I can thoroughly recommend this event to anyone concerned, and also Car Club members who have a passing interest in the sport. The South West Centre makes everyone very welcome and the venue is very pleasing, with a country house ambience. You should receive this before the New Year, so from myself and the North West Centre committee have a wonderful time but keep your powder dry for next season.

shared with Lotus on Track. Anglesey – August 12 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. Castle Combe – September 9 A second opportunity to enjoy the thrills of this everpopular track which includes a couple of chicanes and high speed, technical corners! Goodwood – October 28 A second visit in case you missed the first due to popularity! Brands Hatch ‘Indy’ – December 2 Our last event of 2019. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy this undulating circuit including Paddock Hill Bend! Jake and Andy Wolf‘s Midget on display at the North West Centre Dinner Dance. www.mgcc.co.uk

MGSF_January2019_51-98.indd 63

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WISHING ALL 1M3AMG R CAR CLUB MEMBERS A HAPPY NEW YEAR 2019J A N

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IN JAPAN ByPeter Cook, MGCC – Overseas Director

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Kobe MGCC Chairman Kenji Matsuoka‘s 1930 M-type

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he Kimber House-affiliated MG Car Club Japan Centre based in Tokyo held its 31st annual get-together in Karuizawa in October. Karuizawa is about an hour’s fast train Kinshansen ride from central Tokyo. The area is about 1,000 metres elevation above sea level and it experiences mild summers and cold winters. In the summer the temperature at Karuizawa is usually about 10°C lower than that of Tokyo. Consequently, since about 1910 Karuizawa has developed into a popular resort area for both Japanese as well as foreigners. The high heat and humidity of Tokyo in July and August means that many spend their weekends in the area for some respite. Two frequent visitors in the past were John Lennon and Yoko Ono – the latter still lives there much of the year. Karuizawa has the distinction of being the only town in the world to have hosted both summer (equestrian, 1964) and winter (curling, 1998) Olympics. With few exceptions, the annual Japan Centre event has been held at the Kajimanomori Hotel. Not only is the hotel of a good standard, but it has ample parking and grounds which can be laid out to accommodate all the cars. On Friday the organisers and marshals laid out the markings for participants’ cars on the grass in front of the hotel and, thankfully, it didn’t rain over the whole weekend.

JANUARY 2019 SAFETY FAST! 65

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A selection of J2s on display

Japan Centre members, with the Centre Chairman Kodama-san on the far left

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Karuizawa is essentially a weekend celebration for all other MG Clubs in Japan as well as the host Tokyo Centre. This time there were 69 participating cars, ranging from Kobe Club’s Chairman Kenji Matsuoka’s 1930 M-Type Midget, to a pair of 2004 TF 160s. Some of the more noticeable cars – either visually or because few are seen at major MG events – were a K3 Magnette replica based upon a K1 chassis, four J2s, two ZBs, and three MG 1100s. Two of the 1100s were imported as part of a batch of five by the then Morris dealer in Tokyo. Although from a UK perspective it is not immediately obvious, but in the 1960s in Japan to buy a Cowley or Longbridge-produced car was to buy a piece of automobile exotica. The

www.mgcc.co.uk

12/12/2018 17:18

MGBs, Midgets and 1100/1300s were all from a decade – the 1960s – which many Japanese people connect to via Beatles music. There remains a strong continuing interest in both the cars and the music of the era.

Linda, Hiroshi and Peter

www.mgcc.co.uk

MGSF_January2019_51-98.indd 67

The Karuizawa event is essentially a celebration of the marque, rather than an event which has various activities. As a celebration, therefore, there are no mystery runs, motorkhanas, or rocker-box racing. The day is spent

Koich Murata‘s 1935 PA

socialising with old friends, welcoming new participants, and discussing the finer points of technical know-how or styling. The major Clubs bring a gazebo, copious amounts of food and sake, and host whoever wishes to drop

Three members of the Nagoya MGCC

JANUARY 2019 SAFETY FAST! 67

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A lineup of Midgets

by. Apart from ourselves, there were two visitors from MG Car Club Italia – Mary-Jo Murillo and Gianvivincenzo Cantafora. Both were given a special award by Chairman Kenji Matsuoka. The main event of the day was the evening dinner celebrating the marque. This was provided by the Kajimanomori in the form of a buffet. Proceedings opened with some live and light bossa

Special award from Japan Centre Chairman Kenji for two members of MGCC d‘Italia.

68 SAFETY FAST! JANUARY 2019

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nova music followed by an upbeat welcome from the Japan Centre chairman, Teruyuki Kodama. For the rest of the evening he was assisted by Kobe MGCC Chairman Kenji Matsuoka, Japan Centre Treasurer Masa Ariyoshi, Ikuo Okano, ‘John’ Nonaka and Tsutomu Yamanaka. Various awards and prizes were given out, including furthest travelled and best-looking car. It was a fairly close contest between a white Midget from Nagasaki and a red 1500 TF from Japan’s somewhat remote northern island of Hokkaido. On entering the festivities we were given tombola tickets, so that after the more formal presentations the youngest person in attendance picked the winners. All prizes had been donated by the attendees, so there was a very eclectic assortment. Fortunately, as it turned out, winners were able to select their own prizes. I say fortunately, as someone who would be faced with two sessions of airport security before arriving back in the UK. I was therefore relieved that I did not win a full-sized salmon in ice donated by the gentleman from Hokkaido, that I did not win a tinned

Hiroyuki Aoki of the Tohoku MGCC

gallon of Castrol oil, and that I did not win two kilos of assorted nuts, bolts and washers. A simple MG key fob was perfect as far as I was concerned – useful, relevant, and at the same time avoiding difficult explanations to security at Haneda airport. The annual MG Day in Karuizawa is a purely social event and brings together the widely dispersed Japanese MG community. .It is a time for old friends to meet up again, and for new ones to be introduced. There was, for instance, this time a TC which had been known about for many years but which had not been attending mainstream MG events. Eventually inherited by three brothers, they had been invited by the organisers to attend Karuizawa and will hopefully become a more permanent part of the MG scene in Japan in the future.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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CENTRES

ABINGDON WORKS

RICHARD MARTIN sfscribe@mgabingdon.org.uk www.mgabingdon.co.uk A very happy New Year and I hope that you all enjoyed a good Christmas. If you’re new to the Car Club, possibly as a result of a Christmas present, welcome and we look forward to meeting you at an event during the year. I’d also like to welcome new committee member Richard Smith who generously volunteered his

services recently. I, and the rest of the AWC Committee, look forward to working with Richard during the coming year. As has been mentioned before, we’re seeking new blood for the committee, so why not follow Richard’s lead and give it a go. The Centre’s AGM is at Kimber House on Saturday March 2, so pop along and have a chat;

ANGLIA

ROB MUIR 01206 862619 scribe@mgccanglia.com www.mgccanglia.com

Club Meets A new year is upon us and often our thoughts turn to a new start with New Year’s Resolutions. Why not make your resolution to visit one of the many Club Meets in the Anglia Centre area? If you have never been to one, or not attended one for a long time, even if you are a regular Club Meet member, pop in and say hello at a meet you have not attended before. You will be given a warm welcome. I think that the MG Car Club may be unique within the MG club scene in that once you are a Club member, there is no extra charge for attending any number of Club Meets that are arranged for you ‘the member’ any ware in the country. We have over a dozen Club Meets held every month in the

www.mgcc.co.uk

MGSF_January2019_51-98.indd 71

Anglia Centre alone; see the website or Safety Fast! for their locations. They vary in size from some that have regular numbers of 30 or more members attending, to others, just as established but with half a dozen or so regulars each month. You are bound to find one to suit your taste, providing just the sort of thing that you desire from the Club. I describe just two such below. Example one, Mid Norfolk. The White Horse, Longham. Meets on the first Tuesday of the month from 7.30pm. Hosted by William Ball (The Anglia Centre Chairman). They have a regular active number of around 25 members attending each month, both male and female, with a wide range of cars from 1930s Triple M through 1950s T Types,

what have you got to lose? On a sombre note, during November we sadly lost committee member Brian Broom. Brian, a founder member of Banbury’s NONG Natter and volunteer at British Motor Heritage, was an enthusiastic and willing helper at AWC events whether it was taking photographs, on car park duty or buttering scones at the Old Speckled Hen. He was restoring an MGB GT which his grandson, Jacob, has vowed to complete. Our thoughts are with Carol and the rest of the family. AWC events planned for 2019 include the requested return of the (Not Quite) St George’s Day (April) and Autumn Leaves (October) Runs, the ever-popular Old Speckled Hen Tour (May) and a Twilight Picnic (August). With a couple of B Register events

taking place in April and August within the Centre boundaries, the increasingly popular Notcutts Classic Car Show in July and, most likely, a Midget Register run in September close by, there promises to be plenty going on to tempt you and the car out and about. Keep an eye on Safety Fast!, our website and Newsletter for details of these and other activities around the Centre. The photos show ‘Akela’, Gill Martin, receiving a thank you at the Wanderers Christmas lunch from Yvonne Ellis for her efforts and a trophy winner at the 2018 Notcutts Car Show.

Magnettes plus As, Bs, Cs, Midgets and modern Zeds and MG3s. The annual Club Meet highlights are the August Open Evening with Pride of Ownership. They also organise the popular annual Norfolk Riviera Run, which I will report on next month. They even have their own Facebook page which is ‘MG Longham Natter and Bus Pass Group’. The second example, East Essex. The White Hart, Weeley Heath. Meets the first Sunday from 12 noon. Hosted by Max Collier and Dave Stubbings. A much smaller meet with regular attendance of around half a dozen, all of them into racing with self-prepared cars. This is a Club Meet that punches well above its weight. Dave races a Lenham Le Mans Midget and competes at the Goodwood Revival, his son Jake is building a historic racing Austin A40, Max has raced in the BCV8

and The Phoenix championship and has almost completed a wonderful racing FIA MGB (see the full spec and photos on the website). Member Alan Fairbrother has just been crowned Southern Region Class Champion in the MGCC Speed Championship in his MG3 and member Rod Oakenfull has taken 2nd in class A of the 2018 Peter Best Insurance Services MG Cup in his MGB. If you are into racing, this could well be the Meet for you. Of course, these are just two examples; others hold monthly touring assembly runs throughout the summer months, whilst others organise car shows and picnics. The choice is yours, but wherever you choose to visit, you can be assured you will not be disappointed and it only costs you the fuel to get there. That’s it for this month, enjoy your Club and have a Happy New Year.

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CENTRES

CALEDONIAN

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

May I, on behalf of the committee, wish you all a very Happy and Healthy New Year! Lang may yer lum reek! Depending on when you read this you may still be able to join us on January 1 for the Chilly Willy lunch in Stirling. If you are interested best give me a call. You are certainly in time to join us at Kirkintilloch Golf Club on January 24 for a meal and our Film Night. Please book through the website. Our Technical Day at Dreadnought Garage is now confirmed for February 17, meeting for lunch beforehand. But we need to know what topics you would like covered, so please tell me!

Before that, on the 9th, we have an ‘Ain Car Run’ when you can bring any make of car. Check the website for details of both events. As I write this in early December, bookings for the May three-Day Tour are filling up. Based in Inverness over the Bank Holiday weekend, you should check the website if you would like to come. Details of our August five-Day Tour are now also available. There is an advert in this magazine or check our website for details. Further ahead, our AGM will be on April 2. Do come along and ask any questions you would like… well, almost any! You should all have received by now the annual Newsletter,

containing a copy of the proposed programme for this year and also a questionnaire. Your committee would like some feedback on the events we run and on what events you might enjoy. Such questionnaires are notoriously badly responded to but we would really like your feedback, so please take a short time to complete it and return it either by post or email to your Secretary, Nancy Crichton. The Committee is also looking for someone or someones to take responsibility for handling our

Regalia. It’s an important earner for the Centre and if you think you are interested in helping us out, or would like more information, then please get in touch. On the programme you will see details of the shows we hope to attend. Are you aware of any others which might be worthwhile considering? If so, let me know. It’s the start of a new year… keep in touch with your committee if you have any questions or suggestions. The Caledonian Centre is your Centre!

A big thank you is due to Tony Short for organising the evening and co-ordinating all the food orders prior to the day. At our recent Committee Meeting which was attended by several Natter leaders, there was discussion about moving some of the Natters to different venues and days of the week as this more suited the local members. Any changes will be advised well in advance as we do not want

members turning up to the wrong venue, especially if they are visitors to the area. Keep an eye on the Centre website and Facebook/ Twitter pages for the latest information about times and dates. The photo above is of Pete Taylor’s immaculate 1973 MGB GT taken at the Torbay Steam Rally held back in the hot summer months. Let’s hope we get more of the same again this year.

DEVON & CORNWALL YOUNG JANNER II bobslatter@hotmail.com www.mgcc.co.uk/devon-cornwall-centre/ Although this is the January edition of Safety Fast!, you should be reading this earlier than that, so may I take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Also a thank you to all members for supporting the Centre events in 2018 in whatever way you have, whether at a Natter level or in other ways and look forward to seeing you all in 2019. Hopefully we will have a Calendar of Events available with the February Newsletter from Ted Lawrence. Due to the continuing success of the Inter Natter Skittles evening at the Fox and Hounds at Bridestowe, we have organised another evening in the New Year to add to this annual event. The

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date is Saturday February 9 and the venue is Treburley Social Club, Lezant, near Launceston, PL15 9PU. Further details will be issued later when finalised. Whilst on the recent Skittles evening, there was an excellent attendance of over 40 members with the Borders Natter from Horsebridge narrowly beating the Exeter and Cornwall Natters respectively. For this privilege they were awarded the Founder’s Trophy and also given the chance to organise the next event at Bridestowe. There were also awards for the Highest Scoring Lady and Gent and these were Sue Heath and Bob Slatter. Also, an award was given to Lacie Keen as the youngest player taking part.

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CENTRES

LINCOLNSHIRE

IAN MACKENZIE 01529 497849 MaccaV8@aol.com www.mgcclincolnshire.co.uk

January Natters: Wolds Wednesday 2; Abbey Lodge Monday 14; Wishing Well Wednesday 9; Three Horseshoes Thursday 17; Lincoln Tuesday 22; Red Cow Inn Thursday 24. Luncheon Club: Wednesday 16. February Event: Annual Dinner and Awards Presentation 2. Hopefully, Santa did you proud. At our house, he brought a refreshed MGF, cleared of earlier battle scars, and ready for yet more adventure (Christmas isn’t all about perfume, oven gloves and slippers, guys). And there’s certainly no reason to fall into hibernation in Lincolnshire (as long as that Eastern Beast doesn’t make a re-appearance) with plenty going on within the Natters.

If this report finds you between Christmas and New Year, don’t forget about the New Year’s Day Run and Pride of Ownership, kicking off, not surprisingly, at around 1.00pm on Tuesday 1 from the Abbey Lodge at Kirkstead, Woodhall Spa. Come for the Pride of Ownership, come for the Run (about 30 miles of meandering Lincolnshire lanes – car required) or come just for the company and maybe a light lunch (booking is advisable – please call 01526 352538, as it is very popular) but do come and see us. Regulars include friends from Derbyshire, quite a run in itself, so distance isn’t a barrier. Belated congratulations to Hall’s Garage, Morton, staunch

MIDLANDS

MARTIN PRICE mg.price@btinternet.com www.mgccmidlandcentre.co.uk

So much has happened in the Centre this year and the thanks of the Centre Committee go to everyone who has helped to make this another successful and enjoyable year. We held two hotly contested sprints at Curborough, a spring ‘Taster’ trial and an autumn production car trial, both were most enjoyable and fairly well supported. In addition to these competitive events, we organised another superb Welsh Rallye, visiting some stunning scenery in mid Wales and on the Cardiganshire coast. In addition, we ran the Victory Trail run and gathered for a ‘Summer Day Out’ at Shelsley Walsh Hillclimb, not forgetting organising all the

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camping at MGLive!, at Silverstone. This brings me up to date and we still have one more event before the end of the year. On Friday December 28, we will be holding our Christmas Walk. We have done this for several years now and it is a great way to get together, have some exercise and enjoy a good pub lunch. This year we are meeting at 10.30am at The Galton Arms, Harrow Lane, Himbleton, WR9 7LQ (map reference sheet 150 SO944 586). The route is not hard and is about four miles in length in the Droitwich area, dogs are very welcome. The route takes us past the very historic moated Huddington Court, where the Gunpowder Plotters stayed. If you

Awards Presentation, to be held on Saturday February 2 2019 at the Bentley Hotel, Lincoln. The application form can be downloaded from our website calendar entry, or contact Andy Rake on andyrake@aol.com From your Centre Committee, we wish you all a Happy New Year, and look forward to seeing you on the New Year’s Day Run.

supporters of the Centre, who celebrated 70 years of family trading in October, with the launch of their new Tifosi J.E.M. Well done, Steve and Lynne. The Centre’s AGM will soon be upon us, on Thursday March 7. We are always looking for new ideas within the Centre Committee, so if you feel that you would like to contribute, have a chat with any of the present committee members. Nominations for Committee have to be submitted to Secretary Sue by Wednesday January 31 2019. By now, you should have received your latest copy of our excellent Winter Newsletter, produced by Robert Taylor. If you haven’t received it, please get in touch with Robert on rh.taylor260@tiscali.co.uk Don’t forget to book your places at our annual Dinner and

Our Chairman trying out the latest MG perhaps. Photo: Len Hartley

fancy some fresh air after all that turkey and Christmas pudding, why not come and join us. The design of the route is a ‘figure of eight’ and so it is possible to halve the total distance and retire to the pub if you want to. It is estimated that the walk will finish at about 1.00pm but it is advisable to pre-order your lunch with the landlord of the Galton Arms. Further details can be obtained from Paul Hollingworth on 01527 579947. The traditional New Year’s Day Chilly Willy Run, now organised by the Arden MG Club, will take place as usual. If you are interested in joining them, please contact Paul Dunster at ardenmgclub@talktalk. net for more details. On Sunday January 20, a group of Centre members will be marshalling a number of sections on the MAC Clee Hills Trial. If you would like to offer your services to

help them, contact Brian Osborn on 0121 445 4889 for more details. The following day, Monday January 21, will be the Centre’s Annual General Meeting. This will be held at Somers Social Club, 2 Grange Hill, Halesowen, B62 0JH. The venue is about one mile south of junction 3 of the M5 motorway on the A456. At the first traffic island turn left into Grange Hill and the social club is immediately on your right. Please make an effort to attend this meeting, after all, this is your Club and your Centre and your input is extremely valuable. Without it, the committee has no guidance from the membership regarding the calendar of events we promote for you. So, please come along and have your say; you will be made most welcome. All that remains for me to do now is to wish you all a very successful and prosperous New Year.

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CENTRES

NORTH WEST PAUL GOODMAN 01625 876300

Welcome to 2019 and a Happy New Year to all 600 or so North West Centre members. You are spread out in North Wales, Cheshire, Lancashire, Manchester, Liverpool and the Lake District. The distances involved make it very difficult to run events that you can all attend, but we will be trying our best this year. If you want to attend your local show or event and promote the Club then we can help by lending you one of our vertical flags. The year starts indoors in our regular pub meetings. The Shrewsbury Arms is proving very popular as a meeting place and we will be there on Tuesday January 8. A week later, there will be a warm

welcome at the Plough and Flail on Tuesday January 15. Our final social event this month is the first lunchtime gathering of the year on Wednesday January 30 at The Partridge, Tarporley Road, Stretton, Warrington, WA4 4LX. The AGM of the Centre will be taking place in the upstairs meeting room at the Ship Inn, Styal at 8.30pm on Thursday February 14. We would like a good attendance to meet the committee and discuss the future of our activities in the region. On the competition front, the Club will have a stand at Race Retro which is being held on February 22-24 at Stoneleigh. This show has got better every year and has

SOUTH EAST JO RUFFELS joruffels@gmail.com www.mgccse.co.uk

Happy New Year. 2019 promises to be another excellent year of events for MGCC SE members to support. 2019 sees the 95th anniversary of MG with MGLive! Silverstone celebrating this with a bigger-than-ever show on June 15-16. It is also the 85th anniversary of the P, N and Q Type and the 70th and 35th anniversary of the TD and MG Montego respectively, so plenty to look forward to. Brooklands MG Era Day on April 14 will also be celebrating the MG marque 95 Years with a display of ten decades of MG production, with the Octagon featuring a car from each of the first eight decades. South East Club evening Natters continue to meet on a

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regular basis, complimented by several lunchtime Wanderers group meets and runs across the region; new members are always welcome. The monthly dates for these are shown in the printed flyer which should be coming through your door with your February magazine. The Spring Run, finishing at the Medway Yacht Club on April 28, coincides with drive it day, so a great excuse for motoring around the South-East in your MG. The Summer Gathering is being held on June 2 at Parham House which is set in 875 acres in the South Downs of Sussex. It has been a family home since being built in 1577 during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, opening to the public for the first time in 1948. The estate includes a four-acre

the attraction of an outdoor rally stage, as well as everything from an autojumble to priceless historic racing cars. The Cockshoot Cup dates have been published, with the first race being at the MGCC race meeting on the Silverstone National Circuit on March 30. This is followed by visits to Croft, Silverstone GP, Donington, Anglesey and Oulton Park. The Speed Championship dates are also now available, with visits to many of the high-profile venues. Sadly, we are not able to run the sprint at MGLive! this year because the building and circuit have been leased to Aston Martin. We will still be running our other Centre speed events at Anglesey Circuit on May 4-5 and Scammonden Dam on May 19. Our final event of 2018 was the Annual Dinner Dance. A superb Christmas meal was followed by the

walled garden and the house is a fine example of Elizabethan architecture, complete with a great hall and long gallery. The Autumn Gathering on September 22 returns to Polesden Lacey, renovated as a weekend party house for the socialite Maggie Greville, daughter of the brewery multimillionaire William McEwan. Other events planned for 2019 include: March 10 – Spring Naviscat – information to follow (Philip Bayne-

awards presentation. There were some surprises on the night with Helen Waddington being awarded the Holt Trophy for meritorious service in running the speed championship scoring system. Ashley Woodward was given the bent con rod for keeping racing in the face of adversity and our Cockshoot eligibility scrutineer, Reg Tassiker, was given the BAR Exhaust Pipe to look after for a year.

Young Driver Jake Wolf, Winner of the Northern Novice Speed Championship Award. Photo: Andy Wolf

Powell 1942mgman@gmail.com ) April 28-29 – Brands Hatch Race Meeting May 3-6 – Belgium Rally (Derek Edwards, Edwardsmgmadness@ ntlworld.com ) May 19 – Awards Sunday Lunch (Austin Banner austin.banner@ gmail.com ) August 11 – Tour of the South East (Roy Baker) October 6 – Autumn Naviscat (Chris and Janice Leigh candjleigh@yahoo.com) For full details see: www.mgccse.co.uk

P Type celebrates its 85th Anniversary this year. Photo: Ray Ruffels

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CENTRES

SOUTH WEST

MIKE ANGWIN m.angwin@tiscali.co.uk www.mgccsw.com; www.facebook.com/mgccsw The MGCC South West Centre 2018 Drivers Championship ended in October with the Kimber Car Trial, held as usual on the slopes of Pagan’s Hill just south of Bristol and reported in last month’s edition of Safety Fast! The overall results of the Championship have been compiled and published and congratulations are due to Neil Lock, this year’s Overall Drivers Champion, who has competed in the various events in either his MGB GT or his MG ZR 160. Congratulations are also due to the other class winners and to our Best Newcomer, Chris Pelmear, in an MG Midget. Watch out, too, for Oliver Lock, winner of the Mike Hawke Trophy as Best Young

Competitor, who came 2nd overall in Class 4 driving his dad’s MGB GT. The full list of class winners is available on the MGCC SW website (see ‘Recent Posts’). The Drivers Championship trophies will again be awarded at the MGCC SW Annual Dinner and Awards Evening, to be held on Saturday February 23 2019 at the Limpley Stoke Hotel, near Bath. The price is unchanged this year at £27 per head and details, including the menu, are on the MGCC SW website. The hotel has a number of rooms available for MGCC members for the Saturday night. The website also lists details of the MGCC SW Natters, which

TYNE TEES

TONY WOOD anthony@scrutonvillage.co.uk

Happy New Year to one and all. It’s that time when we look back over a successful MG year past and look forward to the delights to come. 2018 was an excellent year for the Centre, both on home turf and nationally where the quality

of our major events has raised our reputation as punching well above our weight. 2019 hopes to build on this with all our old favourites putting in a welcome reappearance, plus some new things for your delectation and excitement, notably our

Ron Benson’s TB starts the 2018 Prince Bishops Run. Photo: Noel Lindford

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continue through the winter throughout the South West area and provide MGCC members and friends with an opportunity for car-based discussion and debate over a beer or two. Conversation often starts around a worn-out component, not always of MG origin, but recent topics at the first-Tuesday Natter at the Ring o’ Bells in Compton Martin include the perils of driving with an electric parking brake, Hill Start Assist, and engine stop/

start. Please come and join us. Other than the Dinner, the first event of 2019 will be the South West Centre AGM which will be held on the evening of Tuesday March 5 in the Old School Room, Compton Martin, Somerset, followed by the regular Natter at the Ring o’ Bells pub. This month’s photo shows Neil Lock, 2018 Overall Champion, about to ride as passenger with his son Oliver driving.

participation in the longestablished Newby Hall show, the best classic show in the North East in your humble scribe’s opinion. All we need is another summer like last year, though I expect that is rather too much to ask for. This time last year I issued a plea from the harassed Treasurer to consider ditching cash as a method of paying entry fees and move to Bacs or cheques. I am delighted to report that as our membership is obviously a caring and intelligent collective, you have responded to my entreaties and now David is restored to such a level of genial benevolence that he has agreed to stand for election for a further year. The AGM approaches with all the subtlety of a herd of wildebeest; our usual bribe of free food is again on offer in the (probably vain) hope that a

free sausage roll will suddenly produce a flood of volunteers to join the committee. Seriously, give it some thought. Many hands make light work, as the proverb states, or to turn it on its head we are in danger of wearing out the willing volunteers who produce all those events you enjoy. As Lord Kitchener nearly said: “Your Club Needs You”. Come to Coulby Newham on March 7 to have your say, offer your services and help eat the buffet. Finally, a reminder of our morning get-togethers which are now rivalling our traditional evening meetings. The prospect of a guilt-free bacon sandwich is obviously a huge draw! Remember to sign up for our online newsletter, Tyne Tees Tidings, to stay informed about venues, dates and local happenings in the world of MG.

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DAVID COPEMAN 07920 064585 www.mgccyorkshire.co.uk North – Nick Mann November saw a slightly depleted membership enjoying video footage of memorable car chases immortalised on the silver screen. The two highlights were the car chase from the film Bullit, and a splendid piece of film featuring Sir Stirling Moss on the Pirelli Classic Marathon driving an MGB. Plenty of dewyeyed members enjoying that one – even if the sight of Sir Stirling in shorts, no less, proved perhaps less popular! Thanks to Paul Croft for providing the technology to view this archive footage. Let’s hope we can experience further iconic celluloid masterpieces in the future.

South – Geoff Norcliffe Happy New Year! But I don’t know where the last one went. There were many date clashes in the broader MG/Classic Car world and inevitably we had to miss out on some events. Right now the Centre Committee is working on selecting the best calendar for our main events and each Natter is preparing their own calendar for more localised events, so keep checking here and on the website to get the best out of 2019. East – Brian Rylance All quiet on the Eastern Front. The Christmas Run and Lunch arrangements now set, the last organised by Gill and Greg. Chris and Adrian take over in the New

ULSTER

CAROL WILLIS 07831 345560 www.mgcculstercentre.co.uk carol.mgulster@hotmail.co.uk

The MG Ulster Centre Committee wishes you all a very happy and healthy New Year. We trust Santa left a few goodies under the tree and the elves got the MG servicing done prior to, hopefully, another sun-drenched ‘Norn Iron’ soft top season. As I write, we have a few seasonal social events coming up – Mince Pie Night and the annual New Year’s Day Treasure Hunt – always good fun, so more in next Safety Fast! I can’t believe it’s the start of another MG year. On reflection, we had a brilliant 2018 Jubilee Year with memorable social and competitive events. The 21 Test Derek Walker Trial in February was the largest we had undertaken to organise, The Jubilee

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Tour in May, MGLive! California Cup win in June, Noel’s brilliant Ulster Classic Trial and our Jubilee Dinner in the autumn were terrific events shared with friends from the UK, Ireland and abroad. In the meantime, the Committee is devising its programme for 2019 with a mix of social and competitive events which we hope you will enjoy. We have changed the date of the Derek Walker Trial to April, giving more time for the new committee to organise, and hopefully warmer weather with longer days. The Nosh ‘n’ Natters resume on Wednesday, January 9 in The Poacher’s Pocket, Lisbane, from 12.45pm and we are holding our AGM on Thursday

Year. Ray Snowley has been working on an increase in the number of daytime runs. West – David Copeman Carol and I wish a Happy New Year to everyone and hope we all have a very eventful 2019 MG-ing, and that our MGs may run trouble free. Our December Faith Supper was well attended, a great start to the Christmas festivities. Next month, Sunday February 17 will be the annual Awards Lunch. The following month, Tuesday March 19 will be the Yorkshire Centre’s AGM when we will be welcoming in a new Chairman. Tiger – Pete Welbourn Not a lot to say this month as regards MG events and cars, and looking back I cannot find a 2017 note to copy, so it must always be a slow month. Although this year I drummed up some enthusiasm for

our part in the Centre’s quiz, and then took Mel away for a couple of weeks in the sun and entrusted Keith with it – cheers Keith. Happy New Year. Vale of York – Ken Cothliff A quiet meeting this month, mostly arranging things for the Christmas party. Our main event for 2019 will be a run through “Heartbeat Country” to be held on the Whitsun weekend at the end of May. We now have a Deputy Natter Leader; Rick Illingworth. Some members expressed interest in going on the Caledonian three-day event. Christmas greeting and a Happy New Year for all at the Vale of York’s Natter, and if you feel like joining us for a lunchtime drink on a Thursday, we hope to see you in 2019.

January 17 (earlier than in recent years) to bring Committee numbers up so please come along or let

the current Committee know if you could help – the Ulster Centre needs YOU!

Sunnier Days - Zak Armstrong in grandfather Mike’s TD at our August PCT

Dates for your Diary: January 1 New Year Day Treasure Hunt – 2.00pm, Start and finish at The Dunadry Hotel January 9 Nosh ‘n’ Natter – from 12.45pm The Poacher’s Pocket, Lisbane, Killinchy January 17 AGM 7.30 pm in Shandon Park Golf Club February 2 Tutorial and Autotest at Delamont Country Park February 6 Film Night – 7.30pm in Tudor Cinema, Comber February 12 Nosh ‘n’ Natter – from 12.45pm The Poacher’s Pocket, Lisbane, Killinchy March 6 Annual Dinner and Prizegiving – The Ivanhoe, Carryduff

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REGISTERS

VINTAGE VR SCRIBE Scribe@VR.net

New Year, new Scribe, and to begin with I would like to say I hope you all had a wonderful, relaxing and peaceful time over the last weeks and every best wish for 2019. Your scribe was busy working right through from December 21, even on Christmas Day for an hour or so, but still time to relax at home in God’s own county of Cambridgeshire and enjoy the goodies I bought during the year from the Car Club shop. If you haven’t been on the website recently or checked Safety Fast! you could be missing out on some great items for sale from our Club. Give Ineke a call at HQ; she will, I am sure, be pleased to help you out.

I ought to say a big thank you to dear John Venables for writing these notes over the last years. What a super job he did, entertaining and informative, or as the V8 folks say “lively topical and interesting”. Lots to look forward to this year and two early highlights are the AGM and the spring tour. The AGM will be at Shillingford Bridge Hotel on March 17, snow dependant of course. This is one of our big gatherings of the year and, formalities aside, provides a great day out. We often put much bigger CRBs into the shade by the numbers we have attending, so let’s continue in that way this coming year. Please make the effort to

TRIPLE M

CATHELIJNE SPOELSTRA +31 (0)6 41216600 cathelijnespoelstra@outlook.com www.triple-mregister.org

Hello and welcome to my first scribbles as your new scribe. After having done a stint as Yearbook Editor and because my current roles as C-type Registrar and Facebook Administrator don’t take up too much of my time, I thought I’d ‘do’ Safety Fast! for a while. Anyway, to business! Once upon a time, there were two small cars, the Morris Minor and the Austin Seven. Then came along number three: the MG Midget. The very first of them. The Mighty Midget. One Midget to rule them all. To stop confusing those readers with either T-type Midgets or ‘modern’ MG Midgets, I shall henceforth refer to them as M-types. Seeing

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as this great little car rocked the world in 1929, this means they are now 90 years old. Time to celebrate! In fact, let’s celebrate 90 years of the whole range of Triple-M MGs! We’ll just put a tiny little bit of extra emphasis on the M-type, as the tiny little car so deserves! The first major event of the year celebrating in style will be the South West Centre’s Kimber Classic Trial set to take place on Saturday April 13. I’ll elaborate on the matter next month when I’ll have a bit more room to do the event justice, but do drop me a line for particulars if interested! Sunday February 10 sees the return of the ever-popular International MG (and Triumph)

bring your Vintage Car, even if it is in the back of the garage. Cars are like the human body, if they don’t get exercised they tend to get poorly. Our guest speaker gets the chance to choose his (or her) favourite car of the day, as well as give us an entertaining talk. Ted’s tour this year is in Norfolk. The efficient Debbie will be running her third VR tour,

based on the Dales Country House Hotel near Sheringham. If it is anywhere near as good as Pickering 2018 or Kent 2015 then we are in for a treat again. There is still time to book so please contact your Register Secretary first DebbieBrading@ V8Register.net That’s all from me now; must go and get that email address altered from V8 to VR!

Spares Day at Stoneleigh. As ever, the Register will be present with a stall promising to be an ideal meeting point for fellow interested people yet again. In closing, I’d like to introduce a new feature in the form of a ‘Car of the Month’ which – in light of the above – is obviously an M-type this time. The identity of the car pictured is unknown and so we have no idea if it survives or not, but isn’t it lovely nonetheless? The S.M.T. was the Scottish Motor Traction Company, or so I am told by M-type guru Mike Dalby. If I could have your

suggestions for future cars of the month, I’d be most appreciative! Oh, and a very happy 2019! I hope to be in touch with many of you over the course of the year. Safety Fast!

www.mgcc.co.uk

12/12/2018 17:19

REGISTERS

SVW

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

I hope your Christmas festivities were enjoyable and your MGrelated plans for 2019 get you through the winter months. This usually means a period of winter lay-up with a list of jobs to do on the cars. More often, I find that owners are actually using their classic cars on those dry and not-too-chilly days we can still get (at least here in the balmy South East!) before we really get back into the swing of things around Easter. We currently have 99 members in our Facebook group, which is quite amazing given that we only set it up at the beginning of August. By the time you read this we should

be well past the 100 mark and members’ posts may well provide inspiration for work on your own SVWs. Roger Askham kindly wrote to me as follows: “The MG WA in the photo in November’s Safety Fast! is carrying General Trade Plates. These were coloured red with white lettering and were used by motor traders on new or unlicensed cars for road testing, etc. There were also Limited Trade Plates which were red letters on a white background. Both types of plates were issued by the local licensing office, who issued road tax discs annually on the payment of a licence fee and a

disc (in this case oblong) to be affixed to the front plate. The licence can be seen above the plate.” Thanks, Roger – we can therefore surmise that the WA was in the trade at the time, perhaps following its disposal by Glasgow police. Last month I reported on John Bates’ research into SVW cars exported when new to Switzerland. John has taken an interest in this as his own VA Tourer was shipped there in March 1939 in chassis form for the Geneva motor show. He obtained a list prepared by Keller in 2007 showing all MGs imported into Switzerland from 1930 until 1939, which includes types ‘Tiger’, M, C, F, J2, J3, K1, K2, K3, L, NA, PA, PB, SA (20), TA, TB, VA (4) and WA (12) – so perhaps of interest to the other Registers, too (numbers for

SVWs shown). The list of the SVW cars can be found at www. svwregister.co.uk/car_profiles/ keller_list.htm Quite a few of ‘our cars’ are changing hands at the moment and others are advertised. This often leads to new MGCC membership and therefore SVW Register membership. Two such people are David Ballard (UK) and Alan Lupton (NZ), both owners of VA Tickfords. Alan has been restoring his for some time and visited Kimber House when in the UK to join up. I’ve enjoyed correspondence with both of them and our Chairman, John Dutton, has already posted welcome packs, including the latest 52-page edition of The SVW Review. A big welcome from us. Wishing you all a very happy 2019.

have a presence and yours truly is organising the layout (oops!). More details in the coming months.

garage in, allegedly, good running condition. That was over 40 years ago – the roof of the garage caved in 20 years ago and the car was exposed to the elements. Some parts may be usable but you can see from the photograph just how poor the car had become.

Y TYPE

JERRY BIRKBECK jerrybirkbeck@btinternet.com www.mgccyregister.co.uk Tel: 01926 258691 Mob: 07855 566325 A Happy New Year to all Y owners everywhere! Sound a bit like Uncle Mac on children’s Saturday morning radio all those years ago! Well, as the New Year enters, we can reflect on turbulent times around the world but most will remember 2018 for the amazing summer we had with wall-to-wall sunshine over most of the UK from early July to mid-September. Many of you, I am sure, had your Y on the road during this time. If you didn’t then you really did miss a golden summer. Events in 2019 There are three principal events for Y Type owners during this

www.mgcc.co.uk

MGSF_January2019_51-98.indd 83

year, with two directly related to the Y in particular. May 4-5, our Annual Spring Weekend. This is being organised by Chris and Annette Callaghan and full details will be posted on our website and Facebook pages by the time you receive this month’s issue of Safety Fast!. September 6-9, Isle of Man Tour This is organised by Peter Sharp and again, full details will be posted on our website and Facebook pages by the time you receive this month’s issue of Safety Fast!. June 15-16, MGLive! 2019 The Register will, of course,

Paul Grafham rescues a YB which sadly is a bit of a wreck Congratulations to Paul Grafham who rescued a very sad YB that had been parked in the owner’s

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MGA

EDWARD VANDYK TEL: 01488 608810 mgascribe@vandyk.co.uk George Dutton has produced some helpful thoughts on what can be frustrating MGA Battery Access Hatch Fastenings. We all struggle with opening and closing the Dzus fixings when checking the MGA battery. It is a process that involves crouching at an awkward angle behind the seats and prodding a screwdriver into a 50-year-old slotted screw head. Now you can change to a modern version of the Dzus 1/4 turn fastener which is operated by hand. The ‘Bail Head’ version as illustrated and referenced below (the BJR refers) enables you to simply locate the fastener into the hole and twist it. This version can also fold flat under a carpet.

Available at Southco https:// www.southco.com . Key in D4 in the website search box (top right) which takes you to the first DZUS menu. Look for part No. D4-BJR 5-45. Two of these numbers are important when ordering. 5 is a CODE for the diameter of the pin, 7.9 mm for the main pin, and 6.4 mm at the shoulder where it goes through the battery cover. 45 is 0.45” the CLOSED length of the fastening, the distance from underside of head to the top of the slot. 0.45” has fitted well for some owners; however some cars seem to need a shorter, 0.35”, length. Alternatively, you could fit a washer under the head to stop the cover from rattling. Southco offer a range of lengths; their

MGB

DAVID BROADHURST 01209 614704 newsletter-editor@mgb-register.org www.mgb-register.org mgbforum.mgb-register.org As we thrust eagerly into the coyly welcoming New Year, we can consider all the delights in store for us that your Register committee has planned. First, though, I must remind you that a smart new polo shirt, suitably emblazoned with the Register logo, or an alternative garment for more, regrettably, inclement weather is always a good investment. See the Register website for details and other possible delights. The illustration is from our new E-Newsletter. A great deal of information and reportage is starting to feature there. Worth a look via the website www.mgb-register.org. Here are some of our 2019 events

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January 6 Bicester Sunday Scramble 9.00am-2.00pm Sunday Scramble at Bicester Heritage. The MGCC have arranged infield parking to bring the MG Group together. There is a discount code available for entry to this event. Drop an email to Ian – events@mgfregister.org to receive the code. February 10 MG and Triumph Spares Day Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire CV8 2LZ MG and Triumph Spares Day at Stoneleigh – the MGB Register will be on display. Ticket info http:// mgandtriumphsparesday.co.uk/ March 23 MGB Register AGM 10.00am-12.00pm The MG Car Club Ltd, Kimber

specification table can be found on the Technical Advice page of the Register’s website, item No. 19. The MGA Guru website also covers this topic at http:// mgaguru.com/mgtech/interior/ int101c.htm. An alternative supplier of Dzus fasteners is https://www.speedyfasteners. com/. Your scribe has also sourced them from eBay.com, the US ebay site. The MGA Coupe windscreen and rear window seal insert strip, a most helpful tip from Graham Howell Many MGA coupe owners have cars with replacement plastic insert strips instead of the original chromed metal. Many, Graham suspected, were dissatisfied with the look of the strip. Graham certainly was, so he set out to find a suitable replacement. He eventually

contacted COH Baines Ltd. Phone: 01892 543311 Email: sales@coh-baines.co.uk Graham found in their catalogue a plastic chrome strip PT13 which is 15mm wide and perfect for the coupe. In fact it is listed as the strip for a Hillman Avenger! It fits our cars perfectly and at a very reasonable cost. You need to buy eight metres. Fitting can be a little tricky as special tools are needed (available on eBay). Alternatively, you will need to find a garage or windscreen fitting type person who has the correct tools to aid the fitting. Many thanks Graham!

House, 12 Cemetery Road, Abingdon, OX14 1AS. April 7 MGB Register Spring Run Millets Farm, Abingdon OX13 5HB The MGB Register spring run 2019 supported by British Motor Heritage. This year’s Spring Run starts at Millets Farm, visits the Classic Motor Hub Bibury, finishing at Bagpuize House. Entry is £26 and includes Route Book and Rally Plaque. Don’t forget if you wish to visit the house this can be booked on the day. There is a maximum limit of 100 MGs – closing date for entries March 23. Book Your Space Now. April 14 MG Day at Brooklands Brooklands Museum, Brooklands

Road Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0QN. All MGs welcome at this annual event. April 28 Drive it Day 9.00am4.00pm Bicester Heritage OX27 8AL United Kingdom. Bicester Heritage is a great venue for Drive It Day as it is surrounded by lovely countryside and great driving roads. Join us in the MGB Register Parking Area. June 15-16 MGLive! Silverstone Circuit, Towcester NN12 8TN The world’s largest MG show, MGLive! is set to return to Silverstone on June15-16 2019. In 2019, we will be celebrating the MG marque’s 95th birthday with our annual festival of all things MG.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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THE MGB Register Spring Run 2019

Supported by British Motor Heritage Sunday 7th April finishing at Kingston Bagpuize House & Gardens OX13 5AX

Entry is £26 to include a full route book, rally plaque and entry to the Gardens, tea room and the toilets. (…you may book on the day to visit the House) We will be starting from Millets Farm Centre west of Abingdon

The event is limited to 100 MGs. Online booking is available at www.mgb-register.org in the events section, from Dec 1st 2018. OR - complete the form below and post with a cheque for £26 made payable to:- MGCC – MGB Register You can start at Millets or if you wish from your home and join us at Kingston Bagpuize Closing date for entries will be Friday 23rd March.

Co-driver’s Name

MGCC membership number if a member Telephone / Mobile

Address

Driver’s Name

MG Model

Start Location MILLETS or HOME

Registration Number Send postal entries to go to Roger Cooper 74 Great Bowden Road, Market Harborough LE16 7DG Tel 01858-463417 – If you have not included an email please enclose a stamped addressed envelope We collect you personal details to enable us to administer the event. We do not pass your details to any third party other than where required to facilitate entry as part of the event. Your name will be published as part of a programme or list of entrants. Pictures may be taken & used to promote future & past events.

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REGISTERS

MIDGET

MIKE PARKER mikeparker@btinternet.com www.midgetregister.com/ Happy New year to you all. I hope you all have a good one, and get out about with your MG Midget over the festive season. To whet your appetite, the Register will be attending a few events early this year. The first is on January 6, held at the

Bicester Heritage site. You can book tickets online (deadline for advance tickets is January 1). To get the booking discount code email events@mgfregister.org with your membership number. We’ll be parking alongside other Registers of the Club. After a year away, the Midget Register will be returning to the MG and Triumph Show, held at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, CV8 2LG on Sunday February 10 2019. We’ve booked a stand and will have more details in next month’s notes. Moving on to summer, and hopefully glorious top-down weather, we have MGLive! at Silverstone on June 15-16. The

VICTOR SMITH 0208 392 9434 victorsmith@v8register.net www.v8register.net Highlight events for 2019 The programme for 2019 begins with the traditional V8 Curry in Knowle on Saturday evening February 9, not far from Stoneleigh where the annual MG Show will be held the following

RV8 on the rolling road at Aldon

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day. A V8 Technical Day, with a variety of presentations on topical technical issues, will be held at a study centre near Watlington, just west of the M40, in early June. In the week running up to MGLive! several events

Register will once again have a display, and Register parking which always attracts a vast array of various Midgets, from a 948cc Mk1 to a close to 200bhp K series monster. The date for the popular Midget Register Road Run is set for the first weekend in September, which this year falls on September 1 2019. More details in the coming months. There will be other events added during the year, so keep an eye on the Midget Register website www.midget.com which will be updated regularly. The Ernie Foster Trophy, the Register award, is given to the driver who races in the “Spirit of the Challenge”. This year it was awarded to Richard Homer, who sometimes turns up at race meetings on his own with his Class E race Midget, so well-

are planned. The next V8 Tour organised by Richard Withington will be based in Lincolnshire over the long weekend Thursday 12th to Monday September 16 and later that month a rolling road session will be held at Aldon Automotive in the West Midlands, organised by Steve Newton. Full details of all the events are on the online Rolling V8 Calendar – see our ‘More’ web page for a handy link. Workshop notes reach 1,000 Our two successful workshop notes series, with servicing and spares articles contributed by fellow members, reached a total of 1,000 notes in November – an extraordinary milestone. That was an average of one new note released every 15 days over the 40 years since the formation of the V8 Register in 1978,

done, Richard, seen in the photo receiving the award. Finally, we have had a request from a member about the silver car in the photo. If anyone can give us any background or history please email mikeparker@ btinternet.com

providing useful information and support for V8 enthusiasts. Links to the two series are on our ‘More’ web page. Updated MGV8 Price Guide An active market over the six months to November 2018 and a recovery of Condition 1 MGB GT V8 chrome bumper prices to close to the peak in prices seen in May 2017 were features in our updated six-monthly price guide released in November. A less active RV8 market also showed a similar price recovery to near the peak seen in November 2017. Reports note an emerging demand for RV8s from buyers in the USA as the model reaches 25 years old and the end of import restrictions. Both market and price reviews are available on our ‘More’ web page. www.v8register.net/more.htm

www.mgcc.co.uk

12/12/2018 17:20

Terms Apply

Now Building Race MGA Roadster Similar to our Coupe

Also Building MGC GTS Sebring Road/Trackday

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See us at MG & Triumph Spares Day on 10th February 2019

Panels for the MGB GT and Roadster including rubber VeeBee Wing Conversion kit New RPX kit for the MGF and TF Panels available individually or as afullkit

Hardtop out roofNR33 panel Unit 4, North East Suffolk Business Centre, 52 Pinbushwith Road,lift Lowestoft, 7NQ coming shortly

www.mgcc.co.uk

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REGISTERS

FWD

lunch before the invited speaker gives a talk. This year’s talk was given by Terry Spall, the communications director from MIRA (Motor Industry Research Association) and it was fascinating! Terry talked about how MIRA started, developed and what they do now, along with what the future for the motor manufacturing industry might look like. Some of the things I learnt were that in the UK for every 1,000 people there

are 500 cars, while in the US it’s 900 cars for every 1,000 people. In China it’s currently about 150 cars for 1,000 people but that is growing rapidly. After the afternoon of learning, I went to visit the heritage map which John Baker has spent the last three years working on. This shows the Longbridge site as it was around 1985 and is located on part of the old factory. This really is worth a visit and can be found next to the Poundland shop in the new development. While you will have to physically visit the heritage map, you can with a click or two visit John’s amazing website on the history of Austin and Longbridge. The address for this is www.austinmemories.com and is backed up by the British Library as its content is considered so significant. Tanya Field

some race experience on two wheels, as he says: “I’m a rank track beginner, apart from racing motorbikes, some years ago. Now retired, I thought I’d try four wheels…!” We wish them both good luck and look forward to some good track action in 2019. We haven’t got details of our Chairman’s event in March yet but we hope it will be a similar format to previous years – dinner, awards, AGM and a Sunday day run somewhere! Keep an eye out for that on our social media, form and website soon. Before then we will be back at the MG & Triumph Show at Stoneleigh and are on the lookout for some interesting cars to show on the stand. If you have such an MGF/TF and would like to help out by displaying it with us then please get in touch with Keith Williams ASAP – keith. williams@mgfregister.org

There may be some caravans left at the Heather View Caravan Park in Stanhope, Durham, for our National weekend event on September 20 to 23 2019. A lot have already been booked and I gather that all the lodges have now gone. It’s looking like a great weekend and Ian and Angie have already got the route planned for the communal Saturday Run – they are very keen! It’s a great opportunity to meet members from around the country and explore a part of the country that we are not generally represented in. Perhaps someone will want to start up a Register region in the area? If so, get in touch with Chairman Nigel at chair@ mgfregister.org Finally, I hope you’ve all had a great Christmas and we wish you all a brilliant New Year with your MGF/TF.

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

Some of you who read these notes regularly will know that I am involved with the heritage of the Cowley factory. However, I also have a keen interest in the Longbridge factory, mainly as it’s the ‘home’ plant for the classic Mini of which I have been a lifelong fan. I also used to visit Longbridge occasionally during my time working for Rover Group in the early 1990s when I was based at Cowley. At the 50th celebrations held at Longbridge for the Mini back in 2009, I met John Baker who was walking around handing out small cards promoting his website. As I’m the type of person who wants to know everything about everything, I had a good chat

with John and we have remained friends since. John is an ex-Austin apprentice and over the last few years I have got to know other former Austin apprentices, so I was delighted when last year one of them invited me to their annual get-together. I enjoyed it so much that I was invited again this year and had another wonderful afternoon. The format of the day is that some of the members bring some of their items related to Longbridge to display and as you can imagine, they have some real treasures. One of the tables contained some unusual brochures. I took the photo of the front cover of one with an MG Metro Turbo on, shown here. There is a buffet

MGF

TIM MORRIS 01932 882467 scribe@mgfregister.org www.mgfregister.org Nigel and Helen didn’t win the premier Meguiar’s Showcase concours at the Lancaster Insurance NEC Classic Motor Show, but to actually get to the stage that they could show it amongst the very best concours cars in the country was a brilliant achievement for them. The winning car was a VW Beetle that had been polished within an inch of its life… and then some more! More than that, though, the fact it was on prominent display raised the perception of our favourite roadsters as a classic competing with the best. The Register itself had a great weekend at the NEC and the team were kept busy all weekend with many visitors to the stand

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– thanks to Keith, Nigel and Jo, and Rob and Jane who showed their cars to the world for three days in Birmingham and the other Register helpers over the weekend – it was handy being in front of the food and drink section, too! Runners and riders are registering for the MG Cup race series in 2019, a mixed series for MG Rover cars, which in 2019 will feature two MGFs. We are pleased to see that the Register supported ‘Racing Red’ of David Koskela and Church Square Autos will be back amongst the fray once again (I’ll have to get my Racing red polo shirt out again!). He is joined by relative newcomer Phil Rigby from Anglia Region in another MGF. I say relative as Phil does have

www.mgcc.co.uk

12/12/2018 17:20

Summit:Layout 1

24/8/12

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Summit

“Calm down dear . . .”

The MG Specialists

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JANUARY 2019 SAFETY FAST! 89

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REGISTERS

ZR/ZS/ZT

JOHN THOMPSON Tel: 07854 275541 johnt5@btinternet.com www.mgcc.co.uk/zedregister Here we are again at the start of another busy year. We have a few new events mixed in with our more well-known events to try to give 2019 a slightly different twist; all details can be found on the website and in future editions of Safety Fast! On March 16 we head to Meguiar’s in Daventry for a Detailing Day. Meguiar’s have over one hundred years experience in the car care business and range dozens of products to protect your car, both inside and out, from the rigours of the elements. This is your opportunity to learn how to take care of your Zed and which products to use to get the best results. The 2019 Racing Championships also begin the same month with Silverstone hosting the first round on March 30. We will be present at all the race meetings again this year and organising the lunchtime parade laps. We are aiming to really

promote the parade laps as it’s a perk of your Club membership that not everyone may be aware of. The chance to take your own MG around one of the circuits is an opportunity too good to miss, we feel. Continuing our theme of regional events, this year we find ourselves at the Haynes Motor Museum in Somerset for ‘Zeds in the West’ on May 12. Our arrangements with the HMM are still being finalised but it should shape up to be another great family day out – watch this space. We are also pleased to announce that MG Saloon Day will be returning in 2019. This year we return to the Shuttleworth Collection in Bedfordshire on July 28. Those of you who have been with us for a number of years may recall that this event was held at Shuttleworth in 2012. Hopefully it will be a bit dryer this time around! On August 18 we are having something of a first. Monogram

MG6.3.5

STEVE HAINES Steve-haines@live.co.uk www.facebook.com/groups/MG635Register https://twitter.com/635register Happy New Year to all 635 owners!! We had a great AGM at Kimber House and Christmas meal at the Ock Mill in Abingdon, on December 8. A great turnout of enthusiastic owners was treated to a review of 2018 and an interesting talk from Adam Sloman on MG around the world. The formalities of the AGM will be published next month, but we did say a sad farewell

90 SAFETY FAST! JANUARY 2019

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to Barry Faiers who has finished his stint cooking the books as our Treasurer. Barry has been in the role for five years from the start of the MG6 Register and has done sterling work making sure that as a Register we are in a healthy financial state to support our owners. We will all miss him and hope to meet up sometime soon in the near future. We are always looking for enthusiastic owners to help out

Sunday is a celebration of MG Rover’s Monogram programme and the stunning/unique cars produced during that period. The event is being held at Burghley House, near Stamford, Lincolnshire, and is being jointly organised by ourselves and the F Register. We both aim to put on a big colourful display on the lawn in front of the historic Elizabethan House. This will also be a charity event to raise funds for our respective causes. After the success of our Kimber House Open Day last year, we will be having another one in 2019. We have moved the event to October this year to hopefully avoid any summer sporting events and holidays. A number of visitors last year commented they’d never visited Kimber House before. This is your opportunity to take a look behind the scenes. The ‘Save Our Zeds’ Campaign This month sees the launch of our ‘Save Our Zeds’ campaign (see the announcement in the news pages). We have noticed,

particularly over this last year, the number of Zeds that are being stripped for spares and scrapped rather than being repaired. You only have to visit any of the ‘how many left’ websites to discover that the reduction in numbers is quite alarming. What we aim to do is work with quality MG Specialists and parts businesses around the country, inform Zed owners that the parts they need are available still, either as new or used parts and to go for the repair rather than writing them off. As we know, the Zeds are great cars with a huge enthusiastic following; they are an ideal way to enter the MG world at very little cost. We’d like to see them on the roads for many years to come.

with various things at events, so please contact us if you wish to get involved. We thank MGCC for hosting us, with organisation from Adam and Andy at Kimber House. We’re still counting the raffle takings, but hope to add to the £230 we have already raised for CLIC Sargent this year. Some interesting prizes were donated by members and MGCC. Many thanks to all for their generosity. The Chairman’s charity for 2018 will be Marie Curie. For more information about this charity, please visit the web page

here: www.mariecurie.org.uk. We will have a just giving page and will be raising funds at our events throughout the year. Our target for the year is £635. We’re looking forward to spring time and our first event at Pride of Longbridge in Cofton Park, Longbridge, on Saturday April 13. Please add your name to the event on the Facebook page so we can organise numbers for parking. Looking forward to seeing everyone at an event this year. Keep your eyes out on the Facebook page and our micro web page for more information.

www.mgcc.co.uk

12/12/2018 17:20

www.classicmg.co.uk MGB Roadster,HERITAGE SHELL, 1970, New Bodyshell prepared and painted Glacier white. Fully upgraded. 1860cc Econ tune engine, 5 speed gearbox Uprated suspension and brakes. 123 Distributor. 2,500 miles since built and to show standard. Soft leather seats and Cabriolet mohair hood and tonneau Unique MGB Driving experience Immaculate example £22,500 MGB GT 1974 , Damask red Wire wheels and full sunroof, leather seats. detailed engine bay. New rear suspension including gaz rear shocks. professional sill replacement with superb panel ﬁt. £9,450

30 MGS FOR SALE

MGS URGENTLY WANTED TO PURCHASE

BOOK BEFORE END OF FEBRUARY TO BENEFIT YOUR CLUB**

SPRING’S BEST

CLASSIC CAR SHOW 22-24 MARCH 2019

NEC BIRMINGHAM

1,000 classic cars on display Over 160 classic vehicle clubs Live restoration demonstrations 350 specialist exhibitors & traders Spring’s largest indoor autojumble Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership Classic cars for sale with leading dealers Classic Car Auctions two-day sale Practical Classics live stage with Discovery Carole Nash Barn Find display The Workshop, sponsored by Skill Shack Sporting Bears Dream Rides Garage

BOOK TICKETS NOW TO SAVE! EXCLUSIVE CLUB DISCOUNT ON SATURDAY OR SUNDAY TICKETS* NECRESTORATIONSHOW.COM | QUOTE YOUR CLUB CODE C3719RS19 In association with

Official Show Partners

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www.mgcc.co.uk

MGSF_January2019_51-98.indd 91

*Club discount is applicable to Saturday or Sunday, Adult or Family tickets booked before midnight on Thursday 21 March 2019. After applying the club discount code: Adult ticket price is £18.50 (£23 on-the-door) and Family ticket price is £45.00 (£58.00 on-the-door). The above code is for use by club members only. **Book before 28/2/2019 and in doing so you are helping your club earn additional show passes and commission. To book by phone, call 0844 858 6758. Calls cost 7ppm plus network extras. All bookings are subject to a single transaction fee of £1.95. Tickets include a show guide worth £4.00. Information correct at time of publishing. See website for more show details.

16/11/2018 17:58

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CL ASSIFIEDS How to Advertise SHEPPERTON, MIDDLESEX TEL: 01932 241843 / 07836 281493 WWW.CHURCHSQUAREAUTOS.COM EMAIL: MGSALES@CHURCHSQUAREAUTOS.COM

MG TF LE 500 + H/top. (52,000 Miles) 2009 (59 Reg) Manual Petrol A Superb LE500 #383/500 with removable hardtop. the LE model is full spec eg, as well as the hardtop, air con, soft ride suspension, 16” 11 spoke alloys, Black leather sport seats, Black soft top with a glass heated rear screen , wind deflector FSH, new cambelt and water pump. Black alloys can be supplied. Excellent condition and value. £5,295

MMG TF LE. ex Trophy 190bhp /Cup Racecar 2011 (PP Reg) Manual Petrol Finished in Orange My MG TF LE Ex (mgcc) Trophy 190 / Cockshoot race car. Built using a new NAC pre production ‘LE’ bodyshell. Made by Techspeed (BTCC Team) no expense spared, not a converted roadcar hence NOT road registered, Racing hardtop, full FIA cage, special race suspension PX considered £7,500 + VAT

MG TF 135 (59,000 Miles)

MG 3 STYLE LUX (Just 6,300 miles)

2003 (03 Reg) Manual Petrol Finished in White/Black leather High spec , stainless water pipes, new headgasket at 45,000m by MG specialist, another new cambelt at 50,000m by MG specialists, Expensive repaint to White in 2009, excellent condition. Sold serviced and with our own UK cover warranty for three months. £3,495

2016 (66 Reg) Manual Petrol Finished in: Ruby Red/Grey leather Huge Total spec Top of the range model having covered just 6,300 miles, fitted with Air con, Leather seats, airbags, Cruise control, park sensor, etc MG warranty until 28/9/2019. Immaculate totally as new, huge saving on its new price. Cheap insurance and road tax £6,295

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

MARTIN MARTIN SMITH SMITH www.usedmgtfspares.co.uk www.usedmgtfspares.co.uk

The MG specialists for MGF-MGTF -MG3

MARTIN SMITH Quality new and used spares. Car trimmers/upholstery. MG car sales and MG repair service

www.usedmgtfspares.co.uk

Tel: 07722 175473 Units 1&2, Westlane Farm, Westlane, East Lydford, Somerset TA11 7HD Email: smudgemg@yahoo.co.uk 92 SAFETY FAST! JANUARY 2019

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.

1957 MGA 1500 Roadster

Old English White with black upholstery. Reimported from USA during 1990’s, restored and converted to RHD. Mileage zeroed in 1999 and 12k recorded subsequently. MOT until April 2019. Various new parts fitted, including fuel pump, 2 x 12v batteries, electronic ignition, heater matrix, fuel tank sender, etc. £ 22,950 Contact Neil 07971 521501 (Mid Devon)

1946 MG TC

British Racing G since full restorat original buff lo admired car wit £32000. Tel: 01933 (Northamptonshir

1953 MGTD 1965 MGB

65000m. A great example benefiting from many new parts; radiator, servo, disc brakes, callipers, lever arms, leaf springs, fuel pump, universal joint, stainless steel exhaust, inertia seat belts. Original leather seats, undersealed throughout. The lively 5 bearing engine with twin SUs’ runs and drives very well. MOT 14.02.19. £10650. For more information call 07968 882001 (North Somerset).

1968 MGCGT

Mineral Blue, In lovely condition and recently serviced, MoT until 21st March 2019 (Although MoT exempt from 20th May 2018) Loads of History and also comes with Heritage Certificate, Restored to original build. £21750 ono. Tel 07748146218. For further information email: stevencollins3@sky.com

MG ZT 180 MK2 SE+ 2.5 V6

Automatic. Currently 55596miles on the clock but might increase. 37 of 62 produced. Superb low mileage example of this rare full SE+ spec model. 2x key/fobs. 2 previous owners (related). Full valet has been carried out. Mini service plus 6x coil pack changed (I had spares). Open to offers. For more information Email - rajstuk@gmail.com

1969 MGB V8 Roadster.

Totally rebuilt phosphated bare shell up. Waxoil injected. Resprayed Iris blue. Blue leather seats and walnut dashboard. V8 Developments new stage 3, 4.6litre cross bolted engine. Weber 500. MGR tubular headers and all stainless exhaust. AP clutch. Rebuilt 5 speed gearbox. Uprated water and oil cooling. EVO3 front suspension. Konis all round. Rebuit BGT V8 axle. Parabolic springs, panhard rod, trailing anti tramp bars. Big brakes (HiSpec). MGC bonnet and minilites/avons otherwise looks like a beautifully restored stock MGB roadster, with 290bhp that ticks over at 800rpm, and stays cool. 6000miles, 2000 with this engine and suspension. Good reason for sale - rebuilding 2 other MGs. Looking to recover half build cost. Tel: 07774 434161

Owned since 197 leather interior. U gear box, condiion Tel 01952 614250 (Shropshire)

1980/81 X REG

68k miles, 3 forme owner since 198 SORN. Excellent c year round, dry w Professional bod 1994, many photo since 1989 availa sands spent over work out how ma due to health issu For further inform kevinlkelly@virgin tel 01484 714041.

1968 MGC GT

6 cylinder 3 litre. The car has been totally restored, stripped and rebuilt using new body panels where required. A total engine rebuild and Unleaded Fuel conversion by Peter Burgess of Alfreton. At the same time the Gearbox was fitted with new bearings and synchros and a new overdrive unit was fitted along with refurbishing the Brake Servo. New brakes and Steering Rack are fitted. Black Leather pipped red seats and new carpets fitted. Completely resprayed in Tartan Red. Has Heritage certificate, plus lots, lots more. Telephone Colin 078 1111 4450, colinbrearad@aol.com for more pictures and work completed.

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

www.mgcc.co.uk

03Barry :90 8Walker 102/21/Janu 11

Barry Walker Janu

MGSF_January2019_51-98.indd 92

12/12/2018 17:20

R KLAW RRAB B W BEARRY ARRY WYALKER ALKER

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EO RE PTSMAAMSTP SR I REHSC S S MH EWOYFNTAHNEEFEIS N ESSTTN E CSHERRI S E NTTSSE N SIEFEENHATNFYOWE HM EO RE SOME OF THE FINEST CHRISTMAS PRESENTS SEEN ANYWHERE

British Motor Heritage approved British Motor Heritage approved

ebircsed ylno nac I STROPS TAES 2 - BP GM 5391 drow eht esu I taht erar yreV STROPS CT GM 6491 noitarotser pu-dnuorg la1933 tot A .POST ’sruocnPRODUCTION oc‘ sa rac siht MG ot K3 esolON c yrCHASSIS e v s i C T t nK ecfi0302 ingam siht tub ,’sruocnoC‘ oTotally wt ylno restored fo enO .ytiin lanevery igiro dndepartment. a ytilauq tsehgBody ih ehtby fo Dave tsehCooksey, gih eht otengine dliuber by pu-S.P.B. sissahcHistorics, latoT .sruWilson ocnoc PRODUCTION ylpmiS .ailgiM elliM eht 1933 rof elbPOST igile sG M1 gniog-daor MG .yroK3 tsihON gnitsCHASSIS eretni yreV K .sre0302 bmun gnihctam lla ;dradnats pre-select box and Roots s/c with 2 / SU. Very competitive and fully eligible for all VSCC events. 4”Body Totally restored in every department. by Dave Cooksey, engine by S.P.B. Historics, Wilson regrahc repuS detnuom ediS .noitidnoc gnizama lanigiro dna c5V ,koob gol ffub .giro ,krow repap llA By 0pre-select 05,far 75£the .......best .box .......K3 .and .....rep ...Roots ....I’ve .......offered...........................................................................................£197,500 .s/c ......with .........2..1./.4..”..SU. lanoiVery tpo competitive 005,83£.......and ........fully .........eligible ..............for ......all .....VSCC ......noitaevents. rtsiger

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1946 MG TC SPORTS Very rare that I use the word 1935 MG PB - 2 SEAT SPORTS I can only describe ‘Concours’, this magnificent close toM Nthis ‘concours’. restoration 20Very 30 Krare SITC Sthat SAisIHvery C Nthe O 3word KG OITcar CMG UDasO R P- 2TS OP 3ASPORTS 39total 1 ground-up 1946 MG TCbut SPORTS use 1935 PB SEAT I can only describe chassis-up highest nconcours. osliW ,sciTotal robut tsiH .Bmagnificent .P.S yb rebuild eniTC gneisto,yvery ethe skoclose oC eto vaD of ybthe ycar dohighest Bas.tn‘concours’. equality mtrapeand dAytotal roriginality. eve ground-up ni deOne rotseofrestoration r only yllattwo oT ‘Concours’, this this standard; all matching numbers. Very interesting history. road-going MGs eligible for the Mille Miglia. 1 .sconcours. tneve CCTotal SV llachassis-up rof elbigilerebuild ylluf dtona the evithighest itepmoc yrofeVthe.Uhighest S ”4/ 2 quality htiw c/and s stooriginality. oR dna xOne ob tof ceonly leSimply s-etwo rp paper all work, orig. numbers. buff log book, V5c and original amazing condition. Sideformounted Super charger standard; matching Very interesting history. road-going MGs eligible the Mille Miglia. Simply 0All 0 5 , 7 9 1 £ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . d e r e f f o e v ’ I p e r 3 K t s e b e h t r a f y B registration.......................................................£38,500 All paper work, orig. buff log book, V5c and original optional amazing...........................................................£57,500 condition. Side mounted Super charger registration.......................................................£38,500 optional ...........................................................£57,500

ALKER REKLAW YRR.....for AARRY B the very best in vintage MGs..... BMARRY SO E O F TW H E ALKER FINEST CHRISTMAS PRESENTS S

yrev A RAC ECILOP RETSECIEL .XE AP GM 4391 .rac lacitcarp a hcuS RERUOT .LYC 6 N GM 4391 1934 MG N 6 CYL. TOURER Such a practical car. 1934 MG PA EX. LEICESTER POLICE CAR A very ,sotohp ecilop doireP .yrotsih lluf htiw rac lanigiro dna raeg rehtaew tnellecxe ,elbatrofmoc ,lufrewoP Powerful, comfortable, excellent weather gear and original history. Period police 1934 MG N 6 CYL. TOURER Such a practical car. 1934 MGcar PAwith EX. full LEICESTER POLICE CARphotos, A very enfi nI .elfi sissahc eht ni dedrocer sa sartxe yrotcaf seillar ,gniruot saesrevo rof laedI .ecaps egaggul eguh huge luggage space. Ideal for overseas touring, as recorded in the chassis file.photos, In fine Powerful, comfortable, excellent weather gearrallies and factory originalextras car with full history. Period police dna enigne detarpU .anitap ecin htiw redro gnivird .stneve CCSV ynam eht ro ’namstocS gniylF eht‘ ekil like ‘the Flying Scotsman’ or the many VSCC events. driving order with nice patina. Uprated huge luggage space. Ideal for overseas touring, rallies factory extras as recorded in the chassisengine file. In and fine ojam‘thegnFlying ioriginal hton Scotsman’ ,tcondition, nemevoror pin mthe i black emany ltnewith g VSCC gapple nideeevents. ngreen rac langear igiro ybox leorder voand L 00with 5still 1 Fnice T TEpatina. KRin AMitsUprated EM OH Dengine Hblack R 559with 1 ht1955 iw kcaRHD lb lanHOME igiro stMARKET i ni dehsinTF fi ll1500 its dnLovely a xob roriginal aeg ncar eergneeding elppa htigentle w kcalb improvement, ni ,noitidnoc lannothing igiro lufitumajor, aeB ,rBeautiful finished original like driving and 005,62£.original ..renwo w en pleh oin t deblack cirp dwith na enapple igne lagreen nigiro ,slgreen eehwbox eriand W .dstill ngood ahfinished ovalue.............................£36,500 t krowin repits ap original llA .llewblack gniviwith rd 001955 5,63£RHD ...well. ......HOME ...All ......paperwork ....MARKET .......eulavtoTF dohand. o1500 g yreWire VLovely .mirt wheels, neoriginal erg original 005,9needing 6engine £.........and ..gentle .....priced ........improvement, ...to...help ........new .......owner...£26,500 ....nothing ............romajor, iretni driving interior.............................................................£69,500 trim. Very car Beautiful condition, gear driving well. All paperwork to hand. Wire wheels, original engine and priced to help new owner...£26,500 interior.............................................................£69,500 green trim. Very good value.............................£36,500 etisbcarry ew ee – stocof saside-mounted m dna stik looand t eninose uneg86mounted ,9s1k.dctsaEr eg..a l ,sM rore rig ma,stservice e cc ae eb civy rerse’v smirrors, reegh rathr co rluggage efp.u nuom genuine eson dnatool detkits nuoand m-edmascots is fo egn–arsee a yrwebsite rac eW We asrange superchargers’ .g..gsuG niriovssneiaccessories, ts ..s..detracks, We carry a range of side-mounted and mounted service racks, ETnose ISB EW RUsuperchargers’ O EESIN ESSTOCK A ELP accessories, ––KPLEASE COTSmirrors, NISEE SRluggage AOUR C RE HTOgenuine ROF tool kits and mascots – see website FOR OTHER CARS WEBSITE

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1937 MG SA TICKFORD d.h.c.

British Motor Heritage approved

SOME OF THE FINEST CHRISTMAS PRESENTS SEEN ANYWHERE

BARRY WALKER

This is the ﬁnest restoration of an SA personally, I have ever seen. It is truly stunning, luxurious and ﬁt for royalty. Complete rebuild record, very rare model and .....for the very best in vintage MGs..... ovno ebircsed ylno nac I STan ROPS Timpeccable AES 2 - BP GM 5391 drowinvestment...............................................£85,000 eht esu I taht erar yreV STROPS CT GM 6491 Estd.1968

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1933 POST PRODUCTION MG K3 ON CHASSIS K 0302 Totally restored in every department. Body by Dave Cooksey, engine by S.P.B. Historics, Wilson pre-select box and Roots s/c with 21/4” SU. Very competitive and fully eligible for all VSCC events. By far the best K3 rep I’ve offered...........................................................................................£197,500

.stneve CCSV lla rof elbigile ylluf dna evititepmoc yreV .US ”4/12 htiw c/s stooR dna xob tceles-erp 01946 05,79MG 1£..TC .....SPORTS ...............Very .......rare .......that .......I..use ......the .....word .............1935 ........MG ......PB ......-..2deSEAT reffo eSPORTS v’I per 3K tseb eht raf yB I can only describe ‘Concours’, but this magnificent TC is very close to concours. Total chassis-up rebuild to the highest standard; all matching numbers. Very interesting history. All paper work, orig. buff log book, V5c and original registration.......................................................£38,500

this car as ‘concours’. A total ground-up restoration of the highest quality and originality. One of only two road-going MGs eligible for the Mille Miglia. Simply amazing condition. Side mounted Super charger optional ...........................................................£57,500

1946 MG TC SPORTS Very rare ‘Concours’, but this magnificent T 1933 POST PRODUCTION MG K3 ON CHASSIS K 0302 Totally restored in every department. Body by Dave Cooksey, engine by S.P.B. Historics, Wilson concours. Total chassis-up rebu all matching numbers. Ver pre-select box and Roots s/c with 21/4” SU. Very competitive and fully eligible for all VSCC events. standard; paper orig. buff log book 1946 MG TC SPORTS Very rare that I use the word 1935 MG PB - 2 SEAT All SPORTS I can work, only describe By far1933 thePOST bestPRODUCTION K3 rep I’ve offered...........................................................................................£197,500 ‘Concours’, but this magnificent TC is very close to this car as ‘concours’. A total ground-up restoration registration...................................... MG K3 ON CHASSIS K 0302 concours. Total chassis-up rebuild to the highest of the highest quality and originality. One of only two

Totally restored in every department. Body by Dave Cooksey, engine by S.P.B. Historics, Wilson

standard; all matching numbers. Very interesting history. road-going MGs eligible for the Mille Miglia. Simply /4”GSU. ypre-select rev A RAC box ECILand OP RRoots ETSECs/c IELwith .XE2A1P M 43Very 91 competitive .rac lacitcarpand a hfully cuS eligible RERUOTfor.LYallC VSCC 6 N GMevents. 4391 All paper work, orig. buff log book, V5c and original amazing condition. Side mounted Super charger ,sBy otofar hp the ecilbest op doK3 irerep P .yI’ve rotsioffered...........................................................................................£197,500 h lluf htiw rac lanigiro dna raeg rehtaew tnellecxe ,elbatrofmoc ,lufrewoP registration.......................................................£38,500 optional ...........................................................£57,500 enfi nI .elfi sissahc eht ni dedrocer sa sartxe yrotcaf seillar ,gniruot saesrevo rof laedI .ecaps egaggul eguh dna enigne detarpU .anitap ecin htiw redro gnivird .stneve CCSV ynam eht ro ’namstocS gniylF eht‘ ekil htiw kcalb lanigiro sti ni dehsinfi llits dna xob raeg neerg elppa htiw kcalb ni ,noitidnoc lanigiro lufituaeB ,rojam gnihton ,tnemevorpmi eltneg gnideen rac lanigiro ylevoL 0051 FT TEKRAM EMOH DHR 5591 005,6MG 2£...Nren6wCYL. o wenTOURER pleh ot decSuch irp dna epractical nigne lancar. igiro ,sl1934 eehwMGeriPA W EX. .dnahLEICESTER ot krowrepaPOLICE p llA .lleCAR w gnAivvery ird 005,63£.............................eulav doog yreV .mirt neerg 005,96£.............................................................roiretni 1934 Powerful, comfortable, excellent weather gear and original car with full history. Period police photos, etisbew ees – stocsam dna stik loot eniuneg ,skcar egaggul ,srorrim ,seirosseccahuge ecivluggage res ’sre grahIdeal crepfor usoverseas detnuotouring, m esorallies n dna dfactory etnuoextras m-edas is recorded fo egnain r athe yrchassis rac eWfile. In fine space. like events. ETISBEW RUO EES ESAELP – K C‘the OTFlying S NScotsman’ I SRAorCtheRmany EHVSCC TO R OF driving order with nice patina. Uprated engine and 1955 RHD HOME MARKET TF 1500 Lovely original car needing gentle improvement, nothing major, Beautiful original condition, in black with apple green gear box and still finished in its original black with driving well. All paperwork to hand. Wire wheels, original engine and priced to help new owner...£26,500 interior.............................................................£69,500 .uoy ot elbaliava syawla si ecivres dedrager ylhgih ruO :SELAS NOISSIgreen MMtrim. OCVery good value.............................£36,500 We and nose accessories, m occarry .rekalarange wyrrofabside-mounted .www :beW mocmounted .reklawsuperchargers’ yrrab@yrraservice b :liam E 301442mirrors, 63870luggage :boM racks, .0320genuine 04 987tool 10 kits :xaand F .mascots 181004–9see 871website 0 :leT

FOR OTHER CARS IN STOCK – PLEASE SEE OUR WEBSITE

COMMISSION SALES: Our highly regarded service is always available to you. Tel: 01789 400181. Fax: 01789 400230. Mob: 07836 244103 Email: barry@barrywalker.com www.barrywalker.com 1934 MG N 6 CYL. TOURER Such a practical car. Web: 1934 MG PA EX. LEICESTER POLICE CAR A very 1955 RHD HOME MARKET TF 1500 Lovely original car needing gentle improvement, nothing major, driving well. All paperwork to hand. Wire wheels, original engine and priced to help new owner...£26,500

Powerful, comfortable, excellent weather gear and huge luggage space. Ideal for overseas touring, rallies like ‘the Flying Scotsman’ or the many VSCC events. Beautiful original condition, in black with apple green interior.............................................................£69,500

original car with full history. Period police photos, factory extras as recorded in the chassis file. In fine driving order with nice patina. Uprated engine and gear box and still finished in its original black with green trim. Very good value.............................£36,500

1955 RHD HOME MARKET TF 1500 Lovely original 1937 MG SA TICKFORD d.h.c. This is the finest 1934 MG N 6 CYL. TOURER Su car needing gentle improvement, nothing major, restoration of an SA personally, I have ever seen. It Powerful, comfortable, excellent OTHER CARS IN STOCK – PLEASE SEE OUR driving well. All paperworkFOR to hand. Wire wheels, is truly stunning, luxurious andWEBSITE fit for royalty. Complete huge luggage space. Ideal for over COMMISSION SALES: Our highly regarded service is always available to you. original engine and priced to help new owner...£26,500 rebuild record, very rare model and an impeccable like ‘the Flying Scotsman’ or the m Tel: 01789 400181. Fax: 01789 400230. Mob: 07836 244103 Email: barry@barrywalker.com Web: www.barrywalker.com investment...............................................£85,000 ono Beautiful original condition, in blac interior............................................ 03Barry :90 8Walker 102/21/January 11 1 ddni.2/1 91 yraun11/12/2018 aJ reklaW yrr09:30 aB 19 1/2.indd 1 We carry a range of side-mounted and nose mounted superchargers’ service accessories, mirrors, luggage racks, genuine tool kits and mascots – see website

Barry Walker January 19 1/2.indd 1

11/12/2018 09:30

We carry a range of side-mounted and nose mounted superchargers’ service accessories, mirrors, luggage

MGSF_January2019_51-98.indd 93

FOR OTHER CARS IN STOCK – PLEASE SEE OUR 12/12/2018 17:20

1953 MGTD 1965 MGB

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

1965 MGB

65000m. A great example benefiting from many new parts; radiator, 1965 servo, MGB disc brakes, callipers, lever 65000m. great example benefiting arms, leafAsprings, fuel pump, univerfrom manystainless new parts; sal joint, steel radiator, exhaust, servo, callipers,leather lever inertia disc seat brakes, belts. Original arms, springs, fuel pump, universeats, leaf undersealed throughout. The sal stainless steelwith exhaust, livelyjoint, 5 bearing engine twin inertia seat and belts.drives Original SUs’ runs veryleather well. seats, throughout. The MOT undersealed 14.02.19. £10650. For more lively 5 bearing twin information call engine 07968with 882001 SUs’ and drives very well. (Northruns Somerset). MOT 14.02.19. £10650. For more information 07968 882001 MG ZT 180call MK2 SE+ 2.5 V6 (North Somerset). Automatic. Currently 55596miles

1968 MGCGT

1957ZT MGA Roadster MG 180 1500 MK2 SE+ 2.5 V6

1946 MG TC

1980/81 X REG MGB GT

68k miles, 3 former owners, present owner since 1989, currently on SORN. Excellent condition, garaged year round, dry weather use only. Professional body restoration in 1994, many photos and most bills since 1989 available, Many thousands spent over the years (daren't work out how many) Reluctant sale due to health issues. £7000, ONO. For further information kevinlkelly@virginmedia.com tel 01484 714041.

B32 - MIKE ROLLS SERVICES_MIKE ROLLS SERVICES 13/12/2012 09:50 Page 1

Old English White with black upholAutomatic. Currently 55596miles stery. fromincrease. USA during on theReimported clock but might 37 1957 MGA 1500 1990’s, restored and Roadster converted to of 62 produced. Superb low mileage Old withfull black upholRHD.English Mileage in 1999 and example of White thiszeroed rare SE+ spec stery. Reimported from USA during 12k recorded subsequently. MOT model. 2x key/fobs. 2 previous own1990’s, restored and has converted to until(related). April 2019. Various new ers Full valet beenparts carRHD. Mileage zeroed in 1999 and fitted,out. including fuel pump, 26xx coil 12v ried Mini service plus 12k recorded MOT batteries, electronic pack changed (I subsequently. had ignition, spares). heater Open until April Variousinformation new parts matrix, fuel2019. tank more sender, etc. to offers. For fitted, fuel pump, x 12v £ 22,950 Contact Neil2 07971 Email - including rajstuk@gmail.com batteries, electronic 521501 (Mid Devon)ignition, heater matrix, fuel tank sender, etc. 1969 MGB V8 Roadster. £ 22,950 Contact Neil 07971 Totally rebuilt phosphated bare 521501 (Mid Devon) shell up. Waxoil injected. Resprayed Iris blue. Blue leather seats and walnut dashboard. V8 Developments new stage 3, 4.6litre cross bolted engine. Weber 500. MGR headers and all stain1968tubular MGCGT less exhaust. clutch. Rebuiltand 5 Mineral Blue, AP In lovely condition speed gearbox. Uprated and recently serviced, MoT water until 21st 1968 MGCGT oil cooling. EVO3 (Although front suspension. March 2019 MoT Mineral In lovely and Konis round. Rebuit BGT V8 exemptallBlue, from 20th Maycondition 2018) Loads recently serviced, MoT until rod, 21st axle. Parabolic springs, panhard of History and also comes with March 2019 MoT trailing tramp(Although bars.Restored Big brakes Heritageanti Certificate, to exempt 20th£21750 May 2018) Loads (HiSpec). MGC bonnet and original from build. ono. Tel of History and also comes with minilites/avons otherwise looks 07748146218. For further informaHeritage Certificate, Restored to like beautifully restored stock tion aemail: stevencollins3@sky.com original build. with £21750 ono.that Tel MGB roadster, 290bhp 07748146218. furtherand informaticks over at For 800rpm, stays tion email: stevencollins3@sky.com cool. 6000miles, 2000 with this engine and suspension. Good reason for sale - rebuilding 2 other MGs. Looking to recover half build cost. Tel: 07774 434161

on the clock but might increase. 37 MG 180 MK2 V6 of 62 ZT produced. SuperbSE+ low 2.5 mileage Automatic. Currently example of this rare full55596miles SE+ spec on the 2x clock but might increase. 37 model. key/fobs. 2 previous ownof produced. lowbeen mileage ers62 (related). FullSuperb valet has car1968 MGC GT example thisservice rare full ried out. of Mini plusSE+ 6x spec coil 6 cylinder 3 litre. The car has been model. 2x key/fobs. ownpack changed (I had2 previous spares). Open totally restored, stripped and ers (related). Full valet has been carto offers. For more information 1968 rebuilt MGC using GT new body panels ried Mini service plus 6x coil Emailout. - rajstuk@gmail.com 6 cylinder 3 litre. The car hasengine been where required. A total pack changed (I had spares). Open totally restored, and rebuild and Unleadedstripped Fuel converto offers. For more information rebuilt usingBurgess new of body panels sion by Peter Alfreton. At 1969 MGB V8 Roadster. Email - rajstuk@gmail.com where A total was engine the samerequired. time the Gearbox fitTotally rebuilt phosphated bare rebuild Fuelsynchros converted withand newUnleaded bearings and shell up. Waxoil injected. Resprayed sion Peter Burgessunit of Alfreton. At 1969 V8 Roadster. and abynew overdrive was fitted Iris blue.MGB Blue leather seats the same the Gearbox fitTotally rebuilt dashboard. phosphated bare along withtime refurbishing thewas Brake and walnut V8 ted withNew new bearings and synchros shell up. Waxoilnew injected. Servo. brakes and Steering Developments stageResprayed 3, 4.6litre and unit was fitted Iris Blueengine. leatherWeber seats 500. Racka new are overdrive fitted. Black Leather crossblue. bolted along thecarpets Brake and walnut headers dashboard. V8 pippedwith red refurbishing seats and new MGR tubular and all stainServo. brakes resprayed and Steering Developments new stage Rebuilt 3, 4.6litre5 fitted. New Completely in less exhaust. AP clutch. Rack Black Leather cross bolted engine. Weber Tartan are Red.fitted. Has Heritage certifispeed gearbox. Uprated water 500. and pipped redlots, seats new carpets MGR tubular headers all staincate, plus lotsand more. oil cooling. EVO3 frontand suspension. fitted. Completely in less AP clutch. 5 Telephone Colin 078resprayed 1111 4450, Konisexhaust. all round. Rebuit Rebuilt BGT V8 Tartan Red. Has Heritage speed gearbox.springs, Uprated water rod, and colinbrearad@aol.com for certifimore axle. Parabolic panhard cate, plusand lots,work lots completed. more. oil cooling. pictures trailing anti EVO3 trampfront bars.suspension. Big brakes Telephone Colin 078 1111 4450, Konis all round. BGT and V8 (HiSpec). MGC Rebuit bonnet colinbrearad@aol.com for more axle. Parabolic springs, panhard minilites/avons otherwise looks rod, SELLING YOUR CAR? pictures and work completed. trailing tramp bars. Big brakes like a anti beautifully restored stock As a member of the MG Car Club (HiSpec). MGC bonnet and MGB roadster, with 290bhp that you can advertise your car in Safety minilites/avons looksstays ticks over at otherwise 800rpm, and SELLING YOUR CAR? Fast for free. Just email your car like beautifully 2000 restored cool. a 6000miles, withstock this As a member of the MG Car Club details, max 60 words, together MGB with 290bhp that engine roadster, and suspension. Good reayou can advertise your car in Safety ticks over stays with a JPEG picture to Colin son for saleat- 800rpm, rebuildingand 2 other Fast for free. Just email your car cool. 6000miles, 2000 with this MGs. Looking to recover half build Grant at colingrant@mgcc.co.uk. details, max 60 words, together engine and suspension. cost. Tel: 07774 434161 Good reaNon member fee is £20 with a JPEG picture to Colin son for sale - rebuilding 2 other MGs. Looking to recover half build Grant at colingrant@mgcc.co.uk. cost. 07774 434161 94Tel: SAFETY FAST! JANUARY 2019 Non member fee is £20

MGSF_January2019_51-98.indd 94

Owned since 1972. Black with red leather interior. Unleaded, 5 speed gear box, condiion 2. £20,000ovno. Tel 01952 614250. (Shropshire)

British Racing Green. 1300 miles since full restoration by specialist. 1946 TC log book. Much originalMG buff British Green. 1300history. miles admiredRacing car with good since fullTel: restoration by specialist. £32000. 01933 350893. original buff log book. Much (Northamptonshire) 1968 MGC admired car GT with good history. 6£32000. cylinder litre. The car has been Tel:3 01933 350893. totally restored, stripped and (Northamptonshire) How to Advertise rebuilt using new body panels Members can advertise their cars free of where required. A total engine charge in Safety Fast. The advert will also rebuild and Unleaded Fuel converbe posted on the Club website in due sion by Peter Burgess of Alfreton. At course. This is for one insertion only. To the same time the Gearbox was fitplace an advert or for additional insertions ted with new bearings and synchros email colingrant@mgcc.co.uk with details and a new overdrive unit was fitted of your car, around 60 words, together along with refurbishing the Brake 1953 MGTD Servo. and with Steering with an attached picture, your contact OwnedNew since brakes 1972. Black red Rack fitted.Unleaded, Black Leather information, price of your car, the area leatherare interior. 5 speed pipped redcondiion seats and new carpets 1953 MGTD gear box, 2. £20,000ovno. where you live, and membership number. fitted. Completely resprayed in Owned since 1972. Black with red Tel 01952 614250. Cost for non-members to advertise is Tartan Red. HasUnleaded, Heritage 5certifileather interior. speed (Shropshire) £20. All adverts should be submitted by cate, lots more. gear plus box,lots, condiion 2. £20,000ovno. the 10th of the month for the following TRADE MEMBER Telephone Colin 078 1111 4450, Tel 01952 614250. months issue. colinbrearad@aol.com for GT more 1980/81 X REG MGB (Shropshire) pictures and work completed. 68k miles, 3 former owners, present owner since 1989, currently on 1980/81 X REG MGB garaged GT SORN. Excellent condition, SELLING YOUR CAR? 68k 3 dry former owners, yearmiles, round, weather usepresent only. As a member of1989, the MG Car Club owner since body currently on Professional restoration in you canmany advertise your carmost ingaraged Safety SORN. Excellent condition, 1994, photos and bills 2016 201 6 Fast free. Just email your car year round, dry weather use only. sincefor 1989 available, Many thoudetails, max over 60 the words, Professional body restoration in sands spent yearstogether (daren't Specialising in all MG’s TRADE MEMBER 1994, many photos and most bills with a how JPEG picture to Colin work out many) Reluctant sale TEL/FAX: 01258 820337 since 1989 available, Many thoudueMon, to at health issues. £7000, Grant colingrant@mgcc.co.uk. Tues, Thurs, Fri: ONO. 8am-6pm, Wed: 8am-5pm, Sat: 88am-1pm sands spent information over the£20 years (daren't For further Non member fee is 1965 MGB MG TF work outRED how-1954 many) Reluctant sale kevinlkelly@virginmedia.com MG TF 1954, 1250cc, Red with original red interior and black65000m. carpets. A great example benefiting due to health issues. £7000, ONO. telThis01484 car was 714041. originally exported to Switzerland and was always been many new parts; radiator, from For rightfurther hand drive,information in 2001 it was re-imported to this country after having adisc brakes, callipers, lever servo, mechanical restoration over there. It is a very genuine car with a great MG kevinlkelly@virginmedia.com arms, leaf springs, fuel pump, univernumber plate, lovely history with black and white pictures of the family telthat01484 714041. owned it when new, it has recently had new wire wheels and sal tyres joint, stainless steel exhaust, fitted and comes with good weather gear and heritage certificate. This TF inertia seat belts. Original leather drives beautifully. £26,995 seats, undersealed throughout. The MG TC - 1948 lively 5 bearing engine with twin MG TC, 1948, British Racing Green, fitted with a re-con engine and 5 speed SUs’ runs and drives very well. gearbox supplied by Andy King and has only done 1,500mls since fitted. The MOT 14.02.19. £10650. For more car has black interior, aero screen, telescopic shock absorbers at the front, 16in wheels at the front and 19in wheels at the back, good hood, weather information call 07968 882001 gear, (side screens a little tatty) and history file. The is a very good usable (North Somerset). classic which is lovely as is but could be improved if wanted. £24,500

MIKE ROLLS

2016

SERVICES FOR MGs Specialising in all MG’s

TEL/FAX: 01258 820337

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

1957 MGA 15

Old English White stery. Reimported 1990’s, restored a RHD. Mileage zer 12k recorded su until April 2019. V fitted, including fu batteries, electron matrix, fuel tank s £ 22,950 Con 521501 (Mid Devo

MIKE ROLLS SERVICES FOR MGs

MG TD - 1953

1968 MGCGT

Mineral Blue, In lo recently serviced March 2019 ( exempt from 20th of History and Heritage Certific original build. £ 07748146218. For tion email: stevenc

MG ZT 180 MK2 SE+ 2.5 V6

MG TD 1953, Finished in British Racing Green with green interior and Automatic. Currently Tan weather gear. This MG TD had a light restoration in 2009/10 and it onbook theandclock but might is a beautiful car. It has a good history with the original buff log drives extremely well. £26,995. of 62 produced. Superb

55596miles increase. 37 low mileage example of this rare full SE+ spec model. 2x key/fobs. 2 previous ownDAX 427 COBRA -1973 Dax 427 Cobra, 1973, Built between 1984 - 1988 using number of a ersone (related). Full valet has been carseries two chassis, Jaguar series two front suspension and Jaguar S Type ried out. Mini service plus 6x coil rear suspension and Spax shocks all round, it has a Chevy 5.7ltr engine with a Getrag gearbox. Dark blue with grey interior, MOT’d pack until May changed (I had spares). Open 2019 and comes with good history ﬁle with invoices etc. Thisto cobraoffers. is For more information now a historic vehicle, tax exempt and built to a high standard. £29,995 Email - rajstuk@gmail.com Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year. Over the festive period we will be, CLOSED from 1969 MGB V8 Roadster. Dec 24th - Jan 1st, OPEN again Wed Jan 2nd 2019.

1968 MGC GT

6 cylinder 3 litre. totally restored rebuilt using ne where required. rebuild and Unlea sion by Peter Burg the same time the ted with new bear and a new overdr along with refurb Servo. New brak Rack are fitted pipped red seats fitted. Complete Tartan Red. Has cate, plus lots, lots Telephone Colin colinbrearad@ao pictures and work

Totally rebuilt phosphated bare shell up. Waxoil injected. Resprayed Units 9/10 Fifehead Business Park, Manor Farm, Fifehead near Gillingham, IrisMagdalen, blue. Blue leather Dorset seatsSP8 5RR E-mail: mikerolls4mgs@compuserve.com • www.mikerolls.co.uk and walnut dashboard. V8 Mail Order “Friendly Quality Service” Developments new stage 3, 4.6litre cross bolted engine. Weber 500. MGR tubular headers and all stainless exhaust. AP clutch. Rebuilt 5 speed gearbox. www.mgcc.co.uk Uprated water and oil cooling. EVO3 front suspension. Konis all round. Rebuit BGT V8 axle. Parabolic springs, panhard rod, trailing anti tramp bars. Big brakes 12/12/2018 (HiSpec). MGC bonnet and

17:21

SPARES FOR SALE HOW TO ADVERTISE

Members can advertise their spares for sale/wanted free of charge for items up to £250. Over £250, or for non-members to advertise, there is a charge of £20. To submit your advertisement email Colin Grant at colingrant@mgcc.co.uk. Please remember to include your membership number in all correspondence. All adverts should be submitted by December 4th for the January issue.

MGTC Brake Drums

4 off for sale £80 plus carriage. Contact Ian on 01329661680 or fathom@ianwoods.plus.com for details.

Glass Burette

50 ml; used for accurate measurement of combustion chamber volume during head work. £25. Email: jshross@btinternet.com

Box of Midget spares

Mostly ex 1960's cars. Small stuff, e.g. door hinges, wheel nuts,hub caps, petrol level sender etc. No rubbish - free if collected. Also, SF magazines 2003 - 2006, 2011, 2012, 2014 all complete + odd part years. All v.g.c. - free if collected. Contact Nigel Pratten 0151 327 6776 or Email: ncwpratten@btinternet.com (N.Cheshire)

Registration Number GPF887 for sale. Originally

issued in Surrey in 1938. £1680. Call/text Peter on 07866 842649 or Email: peterfulk44@gmail.com

MG TA/B/C

Tourist Trophy alloy rocker cover TB/C Unused £75 Classic additions BRGreen stretch car cover with logo £75 2 rear springs TA ( Moss) Unused £100 SU fuel pump original:Working order £30 8 brake shoes / new pads £20 Lucas distributor DKY4A full working order £50 Starter motor original: condition unknown but clean. £20 Telephone: 07973 840521 (Gloucester)

REGISTRATION FOR SALE T15 EMG. Turbo 1.5 Engine MG, This IS Eco, Electric, Eric’s MG. Offers please. Email: krg969@sky.com, 07955 767674, (Hampshire)

AEG 122 CAMSHAFT

Original fast road camshaft for XPAG engines. The camshaft has been used for 2000 miles and is in perfect condition. More information and pictures available. £250 or make a sensible offer. p&p at cost, from Switzerland. Contact email: ruedi.wild48@bluewin.ch

www.mgcc.co.uk

MGSF_January2019_51-98.indd 95

MGB/MGA

New old stock factory standard 3 bearing crankshaft with bearing shells £300. standard 13G block and head also available. For further info telephone Andrew 01462 649572.

MG TC s/s exhaust system,

new/unused £175. Buyer collects. MG ZB Magnette original workshop manual £15. (plus postage) 01664 841190 (Leicestershire).

Original MGB Seat Covers

The seat covers are the original Leyland covers, black vynil leather look backs with the light grey/dark grey stripe/band. They were bought January 1983 but never fitted. The covers comprise two backs and two seats, and are still in the original Leyland logo bags with the following codes:X2X7020AD X2X7021AD X2X7022AD X2X7023AD The backs have the headrest hole. As they were stored in a drawer they have not faded. MGBHive are selling the reproductin vynil covers for £249.95. Offers over £250. Contact Peter on Mobile 07940015448

WANTED WANTED

Urgently, Boot lid for 1995 MG RV8. TEL. 07714 401797.

WANTED

enquiries@mgsforsale.com

www.mgsforsale.com

01707 876089

07831 556666

MGB Roadster 1971 Two Former Keepers (WUO402K) Chrome bumpers, nonoverdrive, Rostyle wheels, two former keepers with last owner 18 years, older early 90’s rebuild using new wings, doors, sills, castle rails, lower rear wings etc. etc. Flame Red coachwork now not perfect but very presentable, clean original style Navy vinyl interior trim, original steering wheel, heavy history ﬁle with a plethora of documentation including the original ‘Passport to Service’, old mot’s back to the 80’s, photographic album of restoration with associated invoices, vehicle available soon £8,950.00 GB Roadster 1973 Old English White (XTW646L) Chrome bumpers, overdrive, painted wire wheels, Old English White coachwork now requiring improvement, Black leather interior trim, Mota-Lita steering wheel, vehicle purchased in 2013 from Martlet & Crown at a cost of £8500 and invoices for £4k since, Mot July 2019, drives nicely, just arrived £6,950.00

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

www.mgsforsale.com

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

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

MGRV8 Burr Elm Gearknob. Has anyone got one for sale or knows where I can find a good quality burr elm gearknob? My mobile is 07544 701798.

WANTED

MG J2

ORIGINAL RADIATOR SHELL

1959 MGA 1600 BRG, black trim. L/H/D. Original European car not USA. Chrome wires, boot rack, 1800cc engine. Tonneau. Drives really well, used for continental touring many times. Great looking car, nice usable condition £19,995

1976 MGB ROADSTER Light BRG, black trim. Last owner 20 years. Restored car. Regularly maintained and used. Nice engine bay. Excellent structure. Drives well. A super ready to go MGB. Great value @ £6,495

Tel: Barry Walker 01789 400181

MIDGETS! WANTED

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

1968 MGB GT Tartan Red. W/W. O/drive. Original trim. Black leather, red pipe. Original steering wheel. Chrome wires. Very nice engine bay. Drives superbly, just like driving a new one in the 60’s! Restored a few years ago, some minor blemishes. Looks fantastic. All the desirable attributes with an MGB £8,995

1972 MGB ROADSTER, teal blue , ochre trim. W/w, o/drive. A superbly original car, best example of very rare ochre trim i`ve ever seen. Genuine 80,000 from new with full history. Excellent body, nice engine bay, drives superbly, nice original patina, cars like this come avaliable very rarely. £12,995

www.mgmidgets.com

1957 MGA 1500 Old English White, red trim, w/w. Absolutely lovely car, restored very well a few years ago. Tonneau cover. Lovely panel ﬁt. Reliable. Lady owner last 15 years. Used for many tours, loads of history. A superb car. £24,995

1972 MGB ROADSTER Old English White, red trim. Totally restored on dry state shell, everything is new/recon. 2L fast road engine. Sports leather seats. Everﬂex red hood. W/Wheels. Drives like a new car, superb, S/S boot rack, sports wheel, painted dash. Hydraulic bonnet struts, K&N ﬁlters. Would cost in excess of £35k to build. £27,995

JANUARY 2019 SAFETY FAST! 95

12/12/2018 17:22

Call for a quote today

01376 574000

Insurance for all MG’s classic and modern

CL ASSIFIEDS

Colne Classics

www.classiccarinsurance.co.uk

URGENTLY WANTED

MG Power Steering and restoration specialists

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

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

View the website on www.colneclassics.com B1 Seaden Court, Gorse Lane Ind Est, Clacton, Essex. 01255 432693, 07714 675319

NEW MGB Baulk Rings

(Northwood, Middlesex)

WANTED www.bighealey.co.uk

WANTED ALL MG MODELS!

CNC Machined in the UK to our specification

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.

Brass 2nd & 3rd/4th £59.95+VAT Steel 4 synchro £49.50+VAT (Prices are subject to change. Please see our website!)

For the ‘best’ in MG high-performance

Please ring 07831 104020 for a chat.

Fleet, Hampshire

DENIS WELCH MOTORSPORT, YOXALL, BURTON ON TRENT, STAFFS DE13 8NA, UK

STEVE McKIE SPORTSCARS

Tel: 01932 568822

CHESTERFIELD

•

DERBYSHIRE

Specialists in the repair and restoration of MG cars

OPENING HOURS: 08.30am – 5.00pm Mon – Fri Sat am: By appointment only

KEEPING MORRIS & MG ALIVE FOR THE FUTURE

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

Mechanical repairs and servicing Bodywork/paintwork

www.stevemckiesportscars.co.uk

SAVE MONEY WITH US – NO VAT ON LABOUR! Kimble-SF_Nov-09.qxd:Kimble MGEChertsey, 1_8 col 3.3 Unit 6, Stevens Yard, 113 Fordwater Road, Surrey KT1626/10/09 8HB www.chertseyminors.co.uk

The Great British

I am trying to retire and get rid of all the junk. (Sorry not PC, all the beautiful previously cherished parts!) A lot of it is competition and ‘fast road’ but ‘normal’ stuﬀ as well. Please go to my web site www.hewittsracing.co.uk and click on spares. I can also build you a good engine, and have time for just one more rebuild/ renovation.

CALL DIRECT ON: 07787 528131

Parts Hotline: +44(0)1543 472244 E-mail: sales@bighealey.co.uk

Welding to MOT standards Vehicle safety checks undertaken

Garage clear-out, after 50 years in MG’s

Steering Wheel

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

13:0

Custom made and standard fit covers for your car from £99

Steve McKie Sports Cars Hi-Res.indd 1

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The Brooklands We manufacture the BROOKLANDS

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

Ww14” ENo Nalso in W

NO ABLE Ivo AILry AV

Now also 15½ inch wheel

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

john@johnkimble.co.uk

K KIMBLE

Tel: 01803 835757 Fax: 01803 834567

Premium Quality since 2003 • Custom Indoor from £150

• Custom Waterproof Outdoor £295 • Standard fleece-lined breathable from £112

EST 1969

• Soft Indoor Stretch from £99 NEW! (Covers for all other cars too)

Online database for the perfect cover at www.carcovershop.co.uk Tel 01780 749449

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

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MG16 - BUCKS SPORTS CLASSICS_BUCKS SPORTS CLASSICS 26/09/2012 14:24 Page 1

Call for a quote today

01376 574000 CL ASSIFIEDS

Insurance for all MG’s classic and modern

www.classiccarinsurance.co.uk

EST’D

Bucks Sports & Classic Car Centre

1989

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,

SPECIALISTS IN CAR SHIPPING AND TRANSPORTATION

Worldwide export and import services

• Customs clearance • UK & European collection & delivery • SAFE • SECURE • COMPETITIVE

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

chinita@rjjfreight.co.uk

4Sight Lighting Company.............. 78 Adrian Flux .................................... 78 Aldon Automotive .......................... 39 Autoseal......................................... 33 Barry Walker ...........................93, 95 Beech Hill Garage.......................... 94 Bespoke Rallies ............................ 80 British Motor Heritage....................IFC Brown and Gammons................... 11 Bucks Sports and Classic.............. 97 Car Cover Shop ............................ 96 Carole Nash Insurance ................. 33 Chertsey Minors ........................... 96 Church Square Autos .................... 92 Classic & Sports Cars (Essex)........ 44 Classic Motor Hub ........................ 39 College Motors Burford ................. 78 Colne Classics ............................... 96 Crown Classic Cars ....................... 87 David Manners .................................6 Dennis Welch ................................ 96 Distributor Doctor........................... 69 Don Trimming ................................ 97 Duckhams .................................... 60 EJW Classic and Sports ................ 96 Fishers Services ............................ 78 Footman James ............................ 49 Former Glory.................................. 91 Foston‘s Ash Inn ............................ 74 Frontline ........................................ 57 Get Patina, The Market.................. 55 Halls Garage .................................. 87 Heathrow Transmission ................. 97 Hewitt Racing ................................ 96 Hoyle Suspension .......................... 70

www.mgcc.co.uk

MGSF_January2019_51-98.indd 97

All work carried out by time-served BMC/BL engineers

Worldwide Mail Order Service Visit our eBay Shop and Website for products and details Unit 20c (Rear of 20/22)

T 020 8577 1505

Greater London TW3 1UA

w heathrowtransmissions.co.uk

Hanworth Road, Hounslow E heathrowtransmissions@gmail.com DONHOODS-SFAug07.QXD:Layout 1 23/9/09 16:22 Page 1

DON HOODS UNBEATABLE QUALITY – UNBEATABLE VALUE! DIRECT FROM THE MAKERS – WITH OVER 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE

www.rjjfreight.co.uk

JLH Minor Restoration................... 72 Just Right Autos Ltd....................... 76 Kimble Engineering Ltd ................. 96 Longstone Tyres ........................... 37 Manor Garage ............................... 70 Martin Smith Used MGTF Spares 92 Mech-Mate Ltd ............................. 89 MG Mecca..................................... 95 MG Motorsport ............................. 87 MG Sales Centre ........................... 50 Midland Classic Restoration .............3 Mike Authurs Classics ................... 95 Mike Rolls ...................................... 94 Mike Satur ..................................... 69 Mirror Trim ..................................... 91 Moss Europe Ltd ........................... 33 NTG Services.............................. OBC Oselli Ltd ........................................ 89 Peter Best .........................IBC, 96, 97 Rally Preparation Services ............. 39 Rees Bros ...................................... 70 Retro Sports Cars ............................6 Rimmer Bros Ltd ........................... 59 RJJ Car Shipping and Transportation .............................. 97 Robin Lackford Motor Engineering 69 RPS Ltd ......................................... 87 Scenic Car Tours .................9, 15, 23 SMR .............................................. 95 Steve McKie Sports Cars............... 96 Summit MG................................... 89 The Hutson Motor Co Ltd .................3 Torro Sports Cars Ltd..................... 96 Vitesse Global Ltd ......................... 59

Choice of heavy duty PVC, ICI Vynide, Everflex, Duc k and Mohair

•BETTER THAN ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT QUALITY •STITCHED AND WELDED FOR MAXIMUM LIFE •WIDEST CHOICE OF COLOURS AVAILABLE •ALL FASTENERS & FITTINGS INCLUDED D PRICE FOR LEAFLET AN LIST CONTACT Ltd Don Trimming Co. 7JJ

AL MAKES & L incl: MG, MODELS Tr Escort, Giumph, olf etc.

ingham B23 Hampton Road, Birm

13 Tel: 0121 373 13ICE OFF SOUTHERN SALES

t: 01394 695566 f: 01394 673031 kevin.lewis@rjjfreight.co.uk

OVERHAUL – REPAIR – EXCHANGE UNITS

FULL WORKSHOP FITTING SERVICE AVAILABLE

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

MG GEARBOX AXLE DIFFERENTIAL OVERDRIVE SPECIALISTS

00 Tel: 01202 7422

CARPET SETS FOR MOST MODELS

www.donhoods.com

FOR DISPLAY ADVERTISING IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF

URGENT PROOF THE MARQUE OF FRIENDSHIP

October 2018 Volume 62 Number 10 £3.95

Number 11 £3.95 November 2018 Volume 62

Please check this proof carefully for errors in style, content and layout. Although every care is exercised in preparing your advert, we cannot hold ourselves responsible for any inaccuracies you may overlook. RIENDSHIP THE MARQUE OF F

SHOULD YOU REQUIRE ANY ALTERATIONS TO THIS PROOF PLEASE TELEPHONE BEFORE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ AND QUOTE ADVERT NO. _ _ _ _ _ THE

THE

CLUB

ABINGDON-ON

CALIPER WOES ● MG’S

CAR LT D

ABINGDON-ON-THAMES

LT D

FO U N D E D 193 0

MGA ● BRAKE EXPERIENCING THE RETRO-EV

CLUB

CAR

FO U N D E D 193 0

-THAMES

HILL CLIMB STORY IN THE BLOOD - A SPRINT AND

PROJECT MGA GEARBOX CONVERSION ● MANCHESTER XPAG TESTS – FUEL AND Safety Fast_October18_Covers.indd 1

TUNING ● ITALY ODYSSEY 21/09/2018 16:44

24/10/2018 15:28

PLEASE CALL Fax 01206 500180 We reserve the rightON to charge for any alteration to this proof which NICK 01452 730770 dd 1

Safety Fast_Nov18_Covers.in

Telephone 01206

is a departure from the original copy

JANUARY 2019 SAFETY FAST! 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 2019 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, Andy Knott, Colin Grant, Adam Sloman PR and Communications: Jade Beckett 01233 01235 849731 Advertising: Hine Marketing 01452 730770 Published by: Hine Marketing, Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton Glos, GL2 9LN. Tel: 01452 730770

his month’s mixed bag kicks off with a great photo of Tony Dalton on the start line at MGCC Silverstone in 1985 in his 1936 NA Magnette. We can only guess at the conversation – could they be discussing the relative merits of their respective headgear? Below looks like one big hairy beastie! There are no details on the

Distributed by: Air Business. Merlin Centre, 4 The, Acrewood Way, St Albans AL4 0JY Tel: 01727 890600 President: John Day

photo (other than an indication that it may have appeared in Safety Fast! on a previous occasion). We’re sure, however, that someone will be able to tell us about this rather special-looking MG. We hesitate to comment on the car in the bottom picture (or what’s left of it) but we would be fascinated to know what the headless man is up to with his measuring tape!

Vice Presidents: Ron Gammons, Don Hayter, Peter Best, Bill Silcock. Chairman: Dave Tynan Vice Chairman: George Wilder Treasurer: Richard Colston Directors: Dave Saunders, Peter Opie 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 Lauran Allsworth Gallacher (Membership (AssistantSecretary General 01235 849734), Grant JadeSecretary Beckett (01235 Manager 01235 Colin 849735), Liz (01235 Allsworth849733), (Membership 01235 849734), Colin Grant(Finance (01235 849733), Jade 849736) Beckett (01233 849731), Cherina Scarrott Officer 01235 and 849731), Cherina Scarrott (Finance 01235 849736) and Ineke Sherman (Merchandise 01235Officer 849737) Ineke Sherman (Merchandise Honorary Members: Michael01235 Allison,849737) Ron Gammons, Peter Best, Don Hayter,Members: John Quenby, Sir Stirling Moss, Hopkirk, Honorary Michael Allison, RonPaddy Gammons, Peter Best, Norman Ewing, Hubbard, Rob Oldaker, SteveHopkirk, Hanegan, Don Hayter, JohnPiers Quenby, Sir Stirling Moss, Paddy Gerry McGovern, JuneHubbard, Wallis, Ann John Dutton, John Day, Norman Ewing, Piers RobHawke, Oldaker, Steve Hanegan, Gerry June Wallis, Ann Hawke, John Dutton, John Day, Julian McGovern, White, Bill Silcock. Julian White, Bill Silcock. Company limited by guarantee The Club, aslimited a corporate body established as the MG Car Club Company by guarantee Limited, a company limited guarantee.asEvery member of the The Club,isas a corporate bodyby established the MG Car Club Club undertakes to contribute to guarantee. the assets of the member Club in the Limited, is a company limited by Every of the eventundertakes of its beingtowound up while heassets is a member, or within Club contribute to the of the Club in theone year after ceases to beup a member, debtsone and event of itshebeing wound while he for is apayment member,oforthe within liabilities Clubtocontracted before ceases to member, year afterofhethe ceases be a member, forhepayment of be theadebts and and the costs, and expenses of he winding the liabilities of thecharges Club contracted before ceasesup, to and be afor member, adjustment of charges the rightsand of expenses the contributors among and the costs, of winding up,themselves, and for the such amountofasthemay be required, not exceeding onethemselves, pound. adjustment rights of the contributors among such as may required, exceeding one pound. Whilstamount every effort has be been made tonot ensure the accuracy of information the time of going toto press, neither The Publisher Whilst everyat effort has been made ensure the accuracy of (herein referred to as Hine Marketing), the Editor, nor the MG Car Club (herein can information at the time of going to press, neither The Publisher accept responsibility or lossthe occasioned tothe anyMG person or referredany to as Hine Marketing), Editor, nor Car acting Club can refraining action as or a result of any material the publication. accept anyfrom responsibility loss occasioned to anyinperson acting or The opinions of action authorsasare their of own Hine Marketing, the Editor refraining from a result anyand material in the publication. and the MG Car Club are bound agree opinionsthe expressed The opinions of authors arenot their ownto and Hinewith Marketing, Editor herein. whole or in part without written permission and theReproduction MG Car Clubinare not bound to agree with opinions expressed is prohibited. Safety Fast! and The Club badge protected herein. Reproduction in whole or inMG partCar without writtenare permission through trademark in the in badge the foreign countries is prohibited. Safetyregistration Fast! and The MGUK Carand Club are protected where Safety Fast! registration circulates. Readers areand warned if they attempt through trademark in the UK in thethat foreign countries any mechanical or other modifications referred to herein, where Safety Fast! circulates. Readers or aremethods warned that if they attempt theymechanical do so at their and no liability will attach to thetoMG Car any or own otherrisk modifications or methods referred herein, Club,do thesoEditor norown Hinerisk Marketing. Neitherwill shall the MG CarMG Club, the they at their and no liability attach to the Car Editorthe norEditor Hine nor Marketing have any Neither responsibility for MG the accuracy Club, Hine Marketing. shall the Car Club,ofthe the content of the editorial,have neither content of any advertisement Editor nor Hine Marketing anythe responsibility for the accuracy of published Fast! neither the content of any advertisement the contentinofSafety the editorial, published Safetythat Fast! It should beinnoted neither Hine Marketing, the Editor, nor the MG Car Club be make anythat recommendation in respect of goods It should noted neither Hine Marketing, theany Editor, norand/ the MG or advertised or featured in this issue. Itofisany the goods responsibility Carservices Club make any recommendation in respect and/ of readers to satisfy themselves that the goods or services offered or or services advertised or featured in this issue. It is the responsibility referred toto aresatisfy bonathemselves fide and in that no instance shall Marketing, the of readers the goods orHine services offered or Editor Carfide Cluband be in held forHine the quality or suitability referredortotheareMG bona no responsible instance shall Marketing, the of any or such Editor theitems. MG Car Club be held responsible for the quality or suitability of any such items.

98 SAFETY FAST! JANUARY 2019

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classic car insurance PBIS specialises in classic car insurance, as well as insurance for other collectable classic vehicles. We have been supporting the MG Car Club, its Centres & Registers, for over 30 years so we know what is important to you. Our ‘Abingdon’ policy covers classic use for MG’s 3 years and older. The policy includes free agreed value, roadside assistance and recovery within UK/EU, limited mileage options and discounts for multiple car ownership. ASK US TODAY ABOUT OUR CLASSIC MG COVER call now for an instant quote

01376 574000 visit: www.classiccarinsurance.co.uk email: info@classiccarinsurance.co.uk

Approved Insurance Provider

Peter Best Insurance Services Ltd Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registration No. 307045 Registered in England No. 2210270 | Peter Best Insurance Services Limited, 180 High Street, Kelvedon, Essex CO5 9JD

0328 PBIS MG Car Club Advert 297x210mm_ART3.indd 1 Safety Fast_Jan19_Cover.indd 3

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

T&Y Type or MGA & Z series catalogues- email or phone for your copy

Spare wheel spinner TA/B/C

Alloy boss spare wheel TA/B/C

Thermostat kit TA/B/C/D/Y

Disc brake conversion TD/F/YB

£92.50

£74.40

£148.50

£697.50

NTG Motor Services Ltd 282-284 Bramford Road Ipswich Tel: +44(0)1473 406031/2 Fax: +44(0)1473 742087 sales@mgbits.com

IP1 4AY

British Motor Heritage Approved - founded 1966

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