Safety Fast! July 2018

THE MARQUE OF FRIENDSHIP

July 2018 Volume 62 Number 07 £3.95

THE

CAR

CLUB

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THE WORLD’S LARGEST MG EVENT – MGLIVE! 2018 ● THE ULSTER CENTRE GOLDEN JUBILEE TOUR Safety Fast_July18_Covers.indd 1

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Inside this issue 7 8 10 52 59 60

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

61 69 71 82 92 98

MGCC Speed Championship Overseas Review Centre Updates Register Updates Classifieds Looking Back

Features 14

Visits to MGLive!

MG India’s visit to MGLive! and Young Members at MGLive!

19

The World’s Largest MG event – MGLive! 2018

Leanne Fahy reports on all the infield action at MGLive!

25

Event Reports The Old Speckled Hen Tour 2018, The Wolds Way Classic Run and The Ulster Centre Golden Jubilee Tour

54

California Cup Autotests and MG Live! AutoSOLO

Noel Lindford reports on the Silverstone Autotest and AutoSOLO action

56

Super Silverstone

Ian Sowman and Graham Keilloh convey all the racing action from MGLive!

63

BTCC Championship

A round-up from Oulton Park

64

Overseas News

MG Ukhahlamba Indaba by Brian G Woodhams

19

Newsletters 35

41

47

MGA Newsletter MGA Twin Cam Launch Re-enactment, Spring Tour in the Yorkshire Dales and Technical Articles Magnette Newsletter Event reports, Restorations, Awards and Bill Stimson – Me and my treasured MG Magnette MGF Newsletter Events Galore, MGLive! and the MGF Register, 50 Editions of FasTForward and The Resurrection of Monogram No.1

25

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

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www.mgcc.co.uk

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Welcome

Helen Waddington in her MGF VVC, participating in the Church Square Autos MGCC MGF/TF Anniversary Challenge at MGLive! Photo: Dickon Siddall

56

@mgcarclub

FO U N D E D 193 0

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

Copyright MG Car Club 2018

As mentioned in my editorial last month, you should receive your Trade Directory with this issue.

It’s worth popping it in your glovebox as you never know when it may come in handy when touring around the UK. The list will also be published on our website www.mgcc.co.uk Many of our Trade Members offer discounts to members, so make sure you’ve got your membership number to hand.

This month the magazine is mainly dedicated to events. The great thing about belonging to the MG Car Club is the diversity of events there is on offer for everyone, from the international events such as the South African Indaba, to the Ulster Centre Tour, Wolds Way Run and all of the motorsport and social action of MGLive!

All the events are listed on the MG Car Club website, www.mgcc.co.uk/events-calendar/ Why not take a look and join in on an event, they’re all great fun and run for the benefit of likeminded members who enjoy getting out and using their MGs. As predicted last month, the infield area of Silverstone once again became a sea of MGs for MGLive! as all flooded in, from 1920s Vintage MGs through to the very latest 2018 Chinese specification MG6s. It was a great event, the sun shone and the changes were welcomed by the majority who attended. Within this issue we’ve got a personal report on MGLive! as well as a report covering the motorsport action, from the racing through to the autotest and autosolo. As soon as we know the dates for next year’s MGLive! we’ll publish them in the magazine and on the website.

As a member of the Club it’s worth booking in advance to take advantage of preferential rates.

The next race meeting on the horizon is at Donington on July 14-15. This promises to be a great weekend with many of our Centres and Registers choosing to hold an event on the Donington infield on Sunday. Hopefully see you there?

Until next month, drive safely.

Andy Knott

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www.mgcc.co.uk

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CHAIRMANS NOTES

BY IAN QUARRINGTON

MGLive! Those of you with good memories will remember I asked Council in the autumn of 2016 for permission to put into place a three-year plan to revitalise our flagship event. With one exception, who chose to retain the status quo, Council approved the plan. Those with even better memories will know that I said if the organising committee and the smaller future strategy group could manage the event then I would arrange the weather. Well, in my book that is two successes each so far.

What a weekend. As the sun burned through the clouds on the Saturday morning and remained with us all day, only to come back even brighter and stronger on the Sunday, so the worry disappeared from those wonderful folks from all aspects of the Club who have worked so hard for literally months to put this weekend together. The village green had a terrific atmosphere. I made a point of talking to every single CRB who had booked one of the marquees to ask their view on the newly designed layout and with only one exception all said it was a significant improvement

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Safety Fast_July18_Front.indd 7

on last year. Notable comments included that everyone and anyone could walk from one marquee to another to meet friends whom they had not perhaps seen for many years because there was the space to do so and everything was together. The main marquee allowed us space to sit down in comfort to chat together. The traders were in one area, together.

As the evening fell into night the music came on and people filled the area to relax and enjoy the entertainment. The glo cars in their glorious lights were out in force, a larger number than I have ever seen.

I was shown a photo taken at 8.30 in the evening where the folks were beginning to congregate. Another photo from an hour later showed a different scene with so many more people from all aspects of the Club talking and relaxing together, including a significant number from the motor racing scene, marshals and competitors alike.

Expect the unexpected and it will happen, as on both days what I call the last-minute dot com members literally queued to get in to the event. Fact. This year’s footfall

or attendance by members was even greater than 2017, another improvement on 2016, our bench mark for the three-year plan. Talking of visitors, wasn’t it great to see our friends from all over Europe and then our special guests from China and India who thoroughly enjoyed their time with us, together.

I am going to talk about our motorsport now. If you didn’t manage to see a race, then you missed out and missed out big time. If I choose one remark given as feedback, it was from a longstanding member who has not been backward in coming forward to me in the past (politely, I will add) to air his views and he said: “it was the best motor racing (he) had seen in many a year”. I visited the pits and paddock areas on several occasions and again, what a fantastic atmosphere. I always like to spend as much time as I can in race control, an area I much admire, where the calmness of running a meeting is almost unbelievable. You can bet your last pound (or euro) that the tireless volunteers here have to keep their eyes and ears alert at all times but never a cross word or even a hint of worry as they work to keep the racing to a very tight schedule.

Final point, which for me sums it all up. A young (25-year-old) visitor telephoned me just after racing finished at about 6.00pm to say he had walked around the CRB marquees and learned a lot about the MG marque through the models, visited the pride of ownership and concours competitions, watched both Russ Swift and then the auto testing and been “mesmerised” by it all, and finally spent the afternoon in one of the grandstands watching so many different motor cars racing on the famous circuit. He said: “I hadn’t appreciated what a PROFESSIONAL event this Club runs.

I will definitely be back next year to watch MGLive!”

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NEWS

MG Continues To Deliver Record Sales Figures MG Motor UK has continued to achieve growing sales figures throughout the month of May. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) revealed results confirming that MG continues to outperform the new car market with a year-to-date volume increase of 103% compared with the first five months of 2017.

MG more than doubled its registrations in May compared to the same period last year, keeping the brand on course to meet its ambitious sales target. May’s impressive growth was led by the all-new MG ZS compact SUV. Daniel Gregorious, Head of Sales and Marketing at MG Motor UK, said: “Our incredible start to the year continued in May, and we’re delighted to be the UK’s fastest-growing car brand. MG showrooms are getting busier all the time as more people are attracted by our great-looking cars which are packed with tech at unbelievable prices”.

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Prodrive Visit The MGB Register has arranged for a visit on Saturday July 21 to the new HQ of Prodrive in Banbury. Prodrive is a world class motorsport and advanced technology company. Formed in the 1980s by Dave Richards manufactures like Porsche, MG, BMW, MINI, Aston Martin and Renault have all partnered with Prodrive over the years. Probably the most memorable time was back in the 1990s when Prodrive ran the Subaru rally cars piloted by Colin McRae and Richard Burns.

The visit will start at 10.30am and last for two hours. The cost is £20 a head.

Contact John Watson 07770 575236 or john.watson45@ ntlworld.com

www.mgcc.co.uk

22/06/2018 17:10

World-leading MG Midget and Austin Healey Sprite specialist, Peter May Engineering, is putting safety and comfort first, by becoming an authorised dealer of Tillett Racing Seats.

The compact and lightweight design of the Tillett range makes it ideal for use in Sprites and MGBs. The slender dimension allows the seats to be positioned further back in the car to provide greater comfort and a better seating position. Peter May Engineering will stock Tillett’s latest racing seat, the B6 Screamer. This FIA-approved seat is a perfect fit in a Sprite and comes in both narrow and XL sizes.

The Screamer can be used quite comfortably without any padding, meaning that a lower driving position than most other seats on the market can be achieved. For further information regarding Peter May Engineering and its range of products please visit www.petermayengineering.com

Midget Register Open Day On August 12 the MGCC Midget Register is holding an open day at the MG Car Club’s headquarters, Kimber House in Abingdon. Open from 10.00am4.00pm, you are guaranteed a warm welcome. A selection of special Midgets will be on display to greet you, including the ex-Rauno Aaltonen MG Midget that Aaltonen raced at Bridgehampton in 1965, a fully prepared Class A racing Midget, a sprint car prepared by Geoff Clarke of MG Development fame and Roy Locock’s well-travelled ‘Bridget the Midget’.

If you’ve never visited Abingdon, the birthplace of the majority of MG Midgets and the MG Car Club’s headquarters, now’s the ideal time. We plan to provide tea, coffee and a buffet for those attending, so to give us an idea of numbers please could you register your interest with the Midget Register Chairman, Mike Parker, on mikeparker78@ btinternet.com

Did you know - in addition to our Scenic Car Tours programme, we have a dedicated groups department to arrange exclusive, bespoke tours for MG groups or groups of friends. Groups can be as low as 3 or 4 cars and there is no limit to the number of cars, subject to availability of course!

10 Reasons why you can trust us to help you 1. Financial Security - Your Money is Safe with Scenic & Continental Car Tours. In accordance with the EC Package Travel Directive, Scenic & Continental Car Tours operates a system of client trust accounts, the ultimate in payment protection.

This means every penny you pay to us is ring-fenced and audited by an independent firm of accountants and may not be used by us to pay suppliers until you have returned from your holiday.

2. A Great Choice of Hotels - We have literally 1000s of hotels and group rates in our system, so once you decide on your destination and dates of travel, it shouldn’t take us long to confirm availability and give you a firm price. We can also take care of your special requests, including extra night stays, excursion requests, dietary requirements.

BRITISH & IRISH TOURS

5. No Financial Commitment - We take away any financial commitments you may incur - i.e. hotel deposits, tickets etc. allowing you to just get on with promoting your tour to your members or friends.

6. Marketing support - We’ll always offer to help with leaflets if you need them to advertise the event, and even offer you the opportunity to promote your tour our website where we can give you your own webpage where your members can even book online.

7. No Surcharge Guarantee - Once you have booked a trip with us, the price will stay the same, no matter how the currency markets change before you travel.

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3. We’ll Support you all the way - We will not take away your role as the group organiser, (unlessyou want us to). If you already know where you want to go or if you have a specific hotel(s) you would like to use, that’s great, if you are just looking for some ideas and suggestions then that’s great too! In either case we will help you to put together the best tour for your group and at the best price possible.

4. Administration - We can take care of all of your administration including, bookings, tour confirmations, payments and ticketing. In addition we’ll make all of your hotel reservations, ferry bookings and take care of any special requests.

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8. 24 Hour Emergency Back-up - We provide a 24 hour emergency back-up service on all of our tours, giving you the peace of mind that whatever time, day or night, that you can contact one of our team if you or one of your members has a problem.

9. We’ll give you the Time to Sell your Tour From the time we confirm your tour, we can holdoff the hotels and ferries for your tour without commitment for several months while you promote the tour to your members or group of friends.

10. We Really do Care - It’s true, we really do want you and your group to have the best tour experience because we know that if you do you’re more likely to book with us again and tell your friends about us!

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GROUP TOUR HALF PAGE MG Safety Fast May 2018.indd 1

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For more information on our group tour planning service call our Group Relations Manager Kieran on: 01732 879153 or see: www.sceniccartours.com

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POSTBAG

WHAT A WONDERFUL THING IS THE MGCC

MGLIVE!

A month or so ago, I mentioned in the Vintage Register’s Newsletter that I was experiencing a rather large amount of front ‘wheel shimmy’ in the 18/80 and this, I felt, was rather alarming as the last time I suffered this problem it was caused by the steering arm sheering off half way down the taper in the stub axle (so impossible to detect until it finally fractured – on the way to a wedding reception with bride and groom aboard!).

Well, suggestions came in fast and furious. First was Graham Austin with: I once had a series three Morris 10 with the same thing. I tried everything and tested or changed every mechanical component without success. The shaking was so bad I really thought the suicide doors would flip open. Eventually the fault was traced to the tracking being miles out. There were no other signs, such as undue heavy or wandering steering, to point me in that direction but retracking sorted it out instantly. You’ve probably already checked this but I thought it worth passing on, just in case.

Well, actually I haven’t checked the tracking since 1990, so I took it to a tyre depot where there was much teeth-sucking and they said the wheels were ‘too big’ for their machine (!). However, now BMWs are apparently going to 2’’ rims they hoped to get a new device soon…

Then came Peter Hague with: Reading your missive in Safety Fast! re steering shimmy; when John and I built the 30/98 Vauxhall we renewed all the steering joints. The first time on the road it went into a shimmy, so we put it back in the shed and said: “Oh Bugger!”

John was under his Mercedes saloon that week and noticed that it had a steering damper, so we purchased a Mercedes damper and fitted it. End of problem. Some years later while driving my 18/80 it went into a shimmy for the first time. Again, we put a damper on and it was ‘end of problem’. It just so happens that I was clearing my old spares out of my motor house as I have no further use for them, when lo and behold I found a steering damper that had been fitted to one or other of the cars. If you would like it, you are very welcome to it.

You could spend a lot of time mucking about with your steering and still be no better off. A steering damper is the ‘bee’s knees’. Peter Mace’s 18/80 (ex-John Hart) has one fitted.

He has since then kindly posted it to me and I fitted it – small snag is that it makes the steering slightly heavier and feel a bit less responsive but perhaps I will get used to that.

Then David Skinner came up with: Are you able to tighten the front shock absorbers? I have a 1927 Alvis 14.75 with friction shock absorbers and seem to have overcome a similar problem by doing just that.

I haven’t tried this yet as, whilst fitting the Mercedes damper, I noticed that the nearside front wheel bearing was extremely loose and this could have been the problem all along!

I have often had issues with the nearside front bearing, which is odd as the offside is still the set fitted in 1990-something when there were some new hubs made, whereas the nearside has been replaced half a dozen times – why? They have often looked ‘pitted’ by rust (that makes them ‘rumble’ a bit and I put this down to Alham Splash on the Kimber Classic Trial – water level often over the axles in this ford) but why only affecting the nearside?

Anyway, I tightened the nut and that took up all the play but it seemed to need a lot of turns to achieve this, so perhaps some more detailed examination would prove prudent. I once suffered a fractured stub axle in the TC that was rather dramatic at the time, so sooner rather than late for the inspection, one feels.

However, grateful thanks to all who took the trouble to send suggestions/parts as I had no idea that so many read the Vintage Notes which I thought would be rather dry and dreary fodder for all but the Vintage Register members, and I choose to take this wider readership as a compliment rather than thinking that some of you may consider getting out a bit more.

Yours with thanks again to all respondents – the Marque of Friendship indeed,

I would like to reply to the comments re MGLive! by Roy Locock.

It is very easy to criticise something from afar but you also have to consider the alternatives and ask would they be any better?

In my opinion moving the event around the country would create huge problems with getting venues, whether they be motorsport venues or stately homes. All venues like events to be booked annually, and in the case of motorsport venues there are just not enough dates as it is.

Dropping Silverstone would mean it would be unlikely for us to be able to return there in the future.

Silverstone is very central and I travel 270 miles from Cumbria and we stay for the weekend. I am lucky enough to have raced there but even so, I doubt if I would go if there were not the motorsport action (racing, autotest, autosolo and sprint); that’s what the Live! is all about. The competition element does bring a substantial part of the attendance in terms of competitors, their families, marshals and organisers, etc, who would not be there otherwise. All those folk will spend money in the trade areas, the food stalls or bars.

Could Roy tell us what his ideal version of MGLive! would be, if it was not at a circuit? Surely it would just be another classic car show?

I would say that I am surprised that the three-year plan has not created more changes; so far, it seems a tidying up of the existing event. With any show you have to ensure you keep the faithful coming back but also attract newcomers.

Perhaps Council needs to be more open in their discussions and allow members to have their say on what they would like?

Peter Jones

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Best regards Graeme Forrester

STOC OF:

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POSTBAG

JUNE LOOKING BACK This account may not be quite what you’re looking for, but it does relate to the photo of the two young ladies competing in a Royal-owned TC in the 1987 Vintage Equator Run. They were, I believe, there again when we competed in the same event six years later. The late Mike Hawke, who did so much in many ways for the MG Car Club, was also a competitor in 1993, in a TF. The event was colourfully written up by Mike in the Safety Fast! edition of July 1993 – a report well worth reading if you can lay hands on that issue. The Vintage Equator Run was an annual rally organised by the Malaysia and Singapore Vintage Car Register. The 1993 event included competitors from not only the two local countries (Malaysia and Singapore) but others who had shipped their cars from as far away as west coast America, England, Australia and Japan.

That year’s event was sponsored by Louis Vuitton, the French luxury leather goods company, who were keen to develop their business in the fast-enriching countries of the Pacific Rim. Our somewhat battered MGA 1600 Mk II is pictured in Mike’s report. My most vivid and lasting memories of

this rally were (1) seeing the wheel of a Derby Bentley detach itself on a downhill section of road, gaining momentum until it collided with a smallish Datsun, totally demolishing it; (2) being unable to avoid running over a largish monitor lizard, whereupon our brake fluid coincidentally boiled; (3) the satisfaction of passing the more powerful Austin-Healey 100s and 3000s with their low ground clearance as they became bogged down in the steeply rutted and muddy tracks of the rubber and palm-oil estates that formed much of the rally route; and (4) the surprise of managing to finish the event one place above a charming Japanese couple driving a TF – the male of whom turned out to be a Toyota works rally driver!

But I’m not sure what happened to the young ladies with their TC. Kind regards David De Saxe

WE ARE ONLY CUSTODIANS! Probably like many MGCC members, our children grow up with MGs in their lives and hopefully develop a love for them, just like we have.

My son Matthew was 30 years old on June 11 2018 and until his marriage, has always had an MG in his life when he lived with us.

Shortly after he got married, I kept getting emails and text messages from him, for me to check out an MG he had seen for sale, to see what I thought.

After spending time refurbishing a 1968 MGC GT I own, my RV8 got rather overlooked and had been SORN for 18 months while I cracked on with the MGC. The RV8 went into the garage absolutely fine, but since going back on the road in April this year, I seem to have replaced or repaired a number of issues.

In my view, this only proves that classic vehicles (the RV8 is only 23 years old!) need to be used and enjoyed rather than being parked in the garage, excluding winter months when salt is on the road!

So as we are only custodians of our MGs, this gave me the idea that why not give the RV8 I had owned for 15 years to Matt to enjoy. He would have otherwise only got his hands on it after I had popped my clogs!

So when I told Matthew my intentions, his joy on receiving the news was fantastic; he and his wife Liz were both overjoyed.

On Friday June 1 the handover took place. You can see the joy in Matt’s face (in the photograph) that something he has had in his life since being a teenager was going to be his to own!

So, one happy son flying the MG flag and a new member for the MGCC to welcome into the family!

Colin Brear

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Matthew Brear gets the keys to RV8 from Dad

A F www.mgcc.co.uk

22/06/2018 17:10

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MG INDIA’S VISIT TO MGLIVE! 2018

F

By Neha Chandok

As part of its visit to the UK, and in line with its focus on people, experiences and a connected community, MG India invited media, influencers and MG car owners from India to meet the MG Car Club team.

The successful visit kick-started with Adam Sloman, the Club’s General Manager, giving a tour of Kimber House to the group. His tour was also covered and amplified via MG India’s digital networks, with extensive content about the whole experience expected to come during the coming months.

MG India also officially began its journey to establish and build its India chapter with Mr Madan Mohan and Mr Amit Maheshwari, both MG classic car

MODES

ollowing the MG Car Club’s successful visit to India in April, it was the turn of the MG India team to reverse roles and head over to the UK to visit the birthplace of MG. With a packed schedule, MG India was keen to soak up as much history as it could and experience MGLive! at Silverstone.

MG Motor India is gearing up for its first model launch in 2019. However, the team in India has already activated its digital platforms and connected with its classic car owners by creating experiential events for the community, as well as focusing on people via its content and most recently the #StoriesOfMG video series.

owners from India. They visited Kimber House along with Mr Rajeev Chaba, Managing Director of MG Motor India, raising the India flag in front of the Club’s headquarters with Adam. With owners already involved as part of the MG Car Club India chapter, the MGCC is excited to create more integration with this new community. As part of its experience building, the MG India team also met a lot of MG owners in the UK to understand and discuss their experiences.

Leaving everyone awestruck at the 68th MGLive! was Russ Swift, with his parallel park manoeuvres and other stunts winning the hearts of the whole team. His precision driving was one of the most captured, Instagrammed and enjoyed moments for the MG India group. The group from India also got to experience riding shotgun in classic MGs like John Day’s 18/80, Jim Andrews’ VA Tourer, Bill Silcock’s TD and Debbie Brading’s MGB Roadster on the historic Silverstone circuit and they just could not wipe the smile off their faces.

A truly memorable experience indeed!

While at the event, different content teams from MG India worked on creating and documenting the MGLive! experience for consumers in India. A documentary charting the history and the present of MG is expected to be telecasted in the coming months, while more experience-led content will be seen on their digital channels.

With a strong relationship developing between both teams, the MGCC is looking forward to the next steps for the MG Car Club India chapter and, of course, the launch of MG models in India next year.

M

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M w co sa C

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Model shown: MG ZS Exclusive manual with Tri Coat paint (optional extra £695) in Dynamic Red at £16,190 OTR or £215.87 a month for a 60 month conditional sale agreement. Offer shown available on MG Exclusive manual with solid paint at £15,495 OTR or £199 a month for a 60 month conditional sale agreement. OTR prices include VAT where applicable, vehicle first registration fee, delivery, number plates and 12 months ‘Vehicle Excise Duty’. Fuel consumption values shown are based on official EU test figures and are to be used as a guide for comparative purposes and may not be representative of actual driving results. Offer terms and conditions apply: *0% APR: Conditional sale. 0% APR available on all MG ZS models until 30.9.2018. A minimum deposit of 20% applies. 0% is not in conjunction with any other offer. Finance by MG Financial Services, a trading style of GMAC UK plc, PO Box 6666, Cardiff CF15 7YT, subject to status, availability and terms and conditions. Applicants must be aged 18 or over at participating dealers. See your local dealer or visit mg.co.uk/offers for details. *Available on Excite and Exclusive models

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MGLIVE 2018

ROBSON FIELD’S MG ZT-T I purchased this ZT-T in June 2017 from a close friend who was thinning out his collection. This car was built in 2005 at the factory at Longbridge and is the only ZT-T in this colour and spec. It has always been lovingly maintained by all previous owners, and especially by myself. It recently had a full paint correction, underbody and cavity wax and rust proofing by Krown, and I purchased an original set of 18inch Apex alloy wheels that have been refurbished. The car also carries the plate ‘MG54 ROV’, which I acquired separately. This was originally a dealer/showroom plate so is a lovely bit of MG Rover history that goes well with the car.

T

YOUNG MEMBERS AT MGLIVE! Words and photos by Ellie Macbain-Williams

The MG Car Club Young Members were lucky enough to have our own inaugural stand at this year’s MGLive! We had a great weekend meeting plenty of people who already have or are willing to support us in the future. It was inspiring to see how many people were delighted that young people were getting into MGs. We displayed four young members’ cars on our stand over the weekend: The Young Members would like to thank Jeff Ruggles, Lorraine NobleThompson and the Vintage Register, especially Debbie Brading, for their support.

ELLIE MACBAIN-WILLIAMS’ MGB GT KSF is a 1967 MGB GT which my dad purchased in 1978 before giving the car to my mum. It was left outside from around 1990, rotting away until we restored the car in 2014. I use the B daily and drive approximately 10,000 miles a year in it. It is currently on Rostyle wheels as the original steel wheels are being refurbished but these will be refitted to the car soon. KSF also runs on a 123 Ignition which I can’t recommend enough, and has Jaguar E-type seats and an Alcantara headlining.

16 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2018

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JON RUFFLES’ MG ZS I’m only a few weeks into ZS ownership and the car is growing on me even quicker than I expected. As a whole, the new ZS is a cracking car. It’s extraordinary value for money, returns good economy, is fun to drive and best of all has that ‘MG’ feel! The insurance costs are the same as my old MG3, but it’s big enough for adventures. I really think the ZS is a great option for a younger person – moving houses, uni, carrying lots of mates, etc... a very adaptable car. Well done, MG!

IWAN JONES’ TF LE500 This is my TF LE500, number 70 of 500 and one of only 75 made in Vibrant Orange. I have owned this car for just over six months, and enjoyed owning a more modern MG for a change, but one that fits in well with the classics, too. The TF has covered just over 26,000 miles from new and is in very good condition.

Even so, it did need a little bit of work, including replacing the headlamps because the old ones were dull and cloudy. While I had the front bumper off, I also replaced the black mesh and fitted new nuts, bolts and brackets under the bonnet. I take great pride in my cars and was honoured to be displaying it on the Young Members stand at MGLive! this year. The Young Members group is very important to me as we need to build a future for the Club and keep the cars and brand alive.

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22/06/2018 17:10

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22/06/2018 17:11

THE WORLD’S LARGEST MG EVENT –

MGLIVE! 2018 T

By Leanne Fahy Photos Matt Woods

he world’s largest MG event made a triumphant return on June 2-3 as enthusiasts from all over the globe arrived at Silverstone for MGLive! 2018. And with a winning combination of great cars, motorsport action and plentiful activity for all ages set under beautiful blue skies for the

www.mgcc.co.uk

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most part, it was surely one of the best in the event’s 68-year history.

For me, it made a change to enjoy the alternative side of the event this year. Normally based in the media room and focusing on the motorsport side of the event, I miss much of the infield entertainment. With two whole days to explore, I fully experienced

everything that MGLive! had to offer, and what a fantastic weekend it was.

This year’s hosting duties fell to Danny Hopkins of Practical Classics magazine fame, alongside Wayne Scott of Classic Heritage PR. Taking to the stage on the Duckhams Village Green on the Saturday morning, the dynamic duo officially opened MGLive! 2018.

From here it was a quick trot across to the MG Motor UK Live Arena for Danny, to join the infamous Russ Swift in his first show of the weekend. Russ has been entertaining crowds for many years, taking his popular stunt show around the country. His attendance at MGLive! began in the late 1980s, and his efforts are enjoyed just as much now as they always have been.

This year Russ supported the event’s official charity partner, SeeSaw, an Oxfordshire-based charity

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MGLIVE 2018

supporting bereaved children and young people. In a bid to raise funds, Russ offered passenger rides to the crowd in exchange for donations. Once onlookers saw what was on offer, such as experiencing Russ’s signature ‘dance routine’ and even acting as ballast as he steered an MG ZS around the arena on two wheels, there was no shortage of people reaching for their wallets.

As the event’s activities got into full swing the Duckhams Village Green came alive to the sound of The Candy Girls. Back by popular demand, the three-piece close harmony group brought an extra touch of vintage glamour to proceedings. Performing classics from the 1940s and 50s, their bright demeanour soon brushed away the lingering early morning cloud cover, as the sun began to shine through. The girls would perform on five further occasions over the

20 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2018

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weekend, entertaining the crowds throughout.

But the musical treats didn’t stop there. Joining the bill for an MGLive! debut was the Gary Woods Swing Band, who alternated with The Candy Girls on both days and even joined forces with them on the Sunday! The array of trumpets and saxophones made for a fantastic watch while soaking up the relaxed atmosphere on the Village Green – an area that also played host to a variety of food and drink outlets, a display of long-distance marathon cars featuring the Club’s ex-Jean Denton MGB and a unique rallycross MG TF from Germany.

Providing the evening’s entertainment was Euphoria, another debut act. Headlining the excellent After Hours Party, the five-piece band performed everything from Motown numbers to contemporary hits. It

was a fantastically eclectic collection, complemented by plenty of activity around the area, including the everpopular Glow Show organised by the MGF Register.

For those wanting to stretch their legs, there was plenty to see and do around the infield during the weekend.

From handmade children’s clothing and gifts, homemade jams and preserves, pastries and sweets right through to music-themed key rings and t-shirts, to stationery, the Lifestyle Marquee had it all. There was even a stall offering to clean your specs, which was a popular stop around the marquee.

Back outside, the trade area extended far into the distance, with a great mix of big names, independents and show debutants selling everything from books to car cleaning products and all manner of MG spares. Surrounded by masses of MGs lined up with their

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MGLIVE 2018

respective Centres and Registers in a new layout of individual marquees that proved very popular, there was no shortness of viewing pleasure.

New to the mix this year, the Young Members group had its own stand within the Centre and Register displays, plus a great presence in the Village Green and a dedicated parking area. The group attracted a great deal of attention throughout the two days, giving visitors a healthy reassurance that the future of the Club is in good hands. The group looks set to become an official Branch of the Club later this year, so is definitely one to look out for.

Adding to the mix were the packed Register Parking displays.

With everything from the Vintage Register right up to the 635 Register, MGs spanning almost 90 years were catered for. And for those who liked to get busy with the microfibre cloths

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and detailing products, the Pride of Ownership and Concours attracted some of the finest MG examples and, much like the rest of the event, covered a broad spectrum of models.

The MGA Twin Cam in particular was honoured with a fantastic number of cars, with owners turning up to form a display to commemorate the model’s 60th anniversary.

Visitors from all over the world are a huge part of MGLive! and there are affiliated Clubs all over the world – the first formed in South Africa back in 1939! Saturday saw the overseas section of the Club gather its cars in the thick of the action on Copse runway, as well as having its own section in the main Club marquee.

MGLive! is also a calendar highlight for guests from MG Motor’s overseas markets, due in no small part to the Club also acting as SAIC’s world

heritage partner. This year there was an impressive turnout of Chinese enthusiasts, while a strong presence from MG Motor India and further representation from the Middle East added to the event’s international flavour.

As I was kept busy in the infield arena, the motorsport side of the event was a resounding success once again.

With 16 races spread across the two days, the high-speed entertainment provided plenty of action around the historic GP circuit. One of the many highlights was the Church Square Autos MGF/TF Challenge on the Saturday, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the launch of the MGF Cup. And for those not racing but still wanting to get out on track, lunchtime circuit tours offered a great chance to experience the Silverstone Grand Prix layout in fine style.

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Back in the infield arena, the California Cup Autotest was a big draw. The excellent organisation from Noel Lindford and his loyal band of MGCC Tyne Tees helpers ensured a great spectacle, with a whole range of MGs squealing their tyres in a bid to take home the prizes. Once again it was the Ulster Centre that emerged victorious overall, though they had to work hard for it, thanks to another sterling effort from the Lincolnshire Centre. The cones were back out on Sunday, too, as Oxford Motor Club staged the popular Autosolo, a lighter version of an autotest, that saw all MGs and related BMC marques doing battle.

22 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2018

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Those wanting a break from the bustling infield could rest their legs by hopping aboard one of the complimentary bus tours. A number of classic buses and coaches were on hand throughout the weekend to offer tours around the impressive Silverstone Circuit venue. Journeying over to the Porsche Driving Experience Centre, the Wing Complex and the Stowe circuit where Sunday’s sprint took place, it really showed how vast the venue actually is. The buses even sampled part of the old GP circuit, now no longer in use. The bus drivers were a great addition, with the comedy and entertainment they brought to the ride appreciated by all aboard.

With prizes for the California Cup, Pride of Ownership and Concours given out on stage at the close of both days, all heads turned to the skies to see the Red Arrows make an appearance on Sunday – nothing like ending the show in style!

All in all, it was a fantastic weekend. Walking around to the tune of great feedback and happy, smiling faces confirmed MGLive! 2018 was a storming success. It couldn’t have been done without brilliant support from the volunteers, staff, members, traders, racers, charity partners and visitors that attended over the weekend. To all who came, thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you all again next year!

www.mgcc.co.uk

22/06/2018 17:11

THE MG CAR CLUB INVITES YOU TO THE INAUGURAL:

BRITISH SPORTSCAR WEEKEND INCORPORATING MGCC SALOON DAY

July 14-15

FEATURING: •

MGS FROM THE 1930S TO 2000S RACING IN SEVEN THRILLING MGCC CHAMPIONSHIPS AND SERIES ACROSS THE WEEKEND

•

GUEST RACES FROM THE MORGAN SPORTS CAR CLUB

•

EQUIPE PRE-’63 AND GTS RACES, PLUS THREE-HOUR GTS RELAY

•

MGCC SALOON DAY:THE ALL-INCLUSIVE EVENT FOR MG TIN-TOPS

•

DISPLAYS FROM THE MGCC T-REGISTER,V8 REGISTER, MGB REGISTER, MGC REGISTER, MGS ON TRACK AND MGCC MIDLANDS CENTRE

See doningtonpark.msv.com/DP-18-MGCC for discounted tickets.

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MILLE MIGLIA

TUE 14 – SAT 18 MAY 2019 (DATE TBC) THE ORIGINAL AND BEST…FULLY HOSTED 4 NIGHT MILLE MIGLIA VIP TOUR

Join TV celebrity and motoring legend Tiff Needell as we dip in and out of the epic 1,000 mile Mille Miglia on our all inclusive 5 day hosted tour. Enjoy exclusive viewing and hospitality at fabulous locations including our private balcony overlooking Lake Garda and unique hospitality in San Marino where you’ll be just feet from the cars in our private VIP Grandstand - with waitress service and gourmet lunch. Our boutique hotels are perfectly located and of course this is Italy and the food capital of Europe… so you’ll enjoy fabulous inclusive wining and dining throughout!

4 NIGHT VIP HOSTED PROGRAMME INCLUSIONS: With numbers limited to around 25 clients this tour is intimate, friendly and exclusive. » Arrival meet & greet with chauffeured transfers directly to your hotel » Boutique hotel accommodation including breakfast » Hosted chauffeured transfers throughout the programme » Welcome drinks reception and superb regional wining and dining included throughout » Private tour of the Mille Miglia Museum including dinner & drinks » View the build up in Brescia » Lakeside lunch with viewing from our private balcony

» VIP hospitality in the hilltop principality of San Marino reached by cable car with exclusive reserved seating and gourmet dining » Informal guided walking tour of Bologna’s key and hidden sights » Private guided tour of select motoring museums including exclusive behind the scenes access to the Lamborghini Factory » Motor Passion concierge management on-site throughout the weekend » Hosted by motoring legend Tiff Needell

Price from £2,675 per person

For further details and a full colour proposal contact steve@motor-passion.co.uk, call 01635 31658 or visit www.motor-passion.co.uk

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22/06/2018 17:11

Enjoying the glorious weather at Mapledurham House. Photo: Richard Martin

OLD SPECKLED HEN TOUR 2018

D

espite the dreadful weather forecast for the day, which included a ‘yellow weather warning’, there was a steady flow of MGs coming up the drive of Radley College on the late Spring Bank Holiday Sunday. This year saw the AWC’s 26th Old Speckled Hen Tour which celebrates two of Abingdon’s finest – MG cars and Old Speckled Hen beer, first brewed in the town in 1979.

With 20 counties represented by the entrants, the AWC Committee had spent a few nervous days watching the forecast in the run-up to The Day, but the one thing you can’t control, began the day cooperatively, by being dry.

Perhaps we were going to be lucky!

With cars ranging from the 1930s to the present day, spaces in front of the attractive College buildings were soon filled and cars were being parked on the grass to one side of the photogenic cricket pavilion. After signing on and

www.mgcc.co.uk

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By Richard Martin

picking up route books, rally plaques and commemorative pin badges drivers, navigators and passengers – there were eight dogs, a record for OSH tours – took advantage of the refreshments on offer whilst renewing old acquaintances from previous tours or making new ones.

Once refreshed it was time for the off, although for one there was another task to perform first. Paul and Sharon Hetschkun had driven the OSH MGB from Suffolk the day before without any problems, but had picked up a puncture in the eight miles from the Dog House Inn – an old MG

Trevor Murray being flagged away by Abingdon Mayor, Margaret Crick. Photo: Brian Broom

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EVENT

OSH MGB half way through it’s round-trip of 230 miles to join us. Photo: Brian Broom

Cars awaiting the off at Radley College. Photo: Brian Broom

Hood of Terry Davies’s TC drying in the sun after encountering a sharp shower en-route to Mapledurham. Photo: Richard Martin

factory management haunt – where they’d spent the night! A quick wheel change and they joined the other cars being flagged off by Abingdon’s Mayor, Councillor Margaret Crick.

The route through the Vale of White Horse headed towards the horse racing territory of the Hendreds and Ilseys before cutting across into Berkshire and stopping at the lunchtime halt of Mapledurham. The house and estate has been used for filming “The Eagle Has Landed”, “Taboo”,

episodes of “Midsomer Murders” and will be seen later in the year on ITV in “Vanity Fair”. Whilst the house, built in 1588, is undergoing major refurbishment and closed during 2018, the Watermill – seen on the cover of a Black Sabbath album – was open, with the Miller happy to talk about the last commercially working watermill left on the Thames!

Picnics complete, the cars made their way back to Radley heading towards the Chilterns along roads that made it difficult to believe that you were travelling so close to the Reading conurbation.

Once at the College it

Indian film crew taking a close look at a 1947 TC. Photo: Brian Broom

Phil & Denise Whittington arriving at Radley College. Photo: Brian Broom

was time to compare travel notes and experiences whilst tucking into the mouth-watering cream teas which the AWC team had spent the intervening few hours preparing.

This year, we were joined for the day by an Indian film crew working on behalf of MG Motor (India) who were compiling an MG documentary.

Footage taken on the day will be combined with other filming during their couple of weeks in the country and they were extremely grateful to everyone for their help and cooperation throughout the day.

Picnic time at Mapledurham – hope John Weston remembered to bring some for Tutu keeping watch on his CGT. Photo: Richard Martin 26 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2018

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www.mgcc.co.uk

22/06/2018 17:11

AUCTION STARTING JUNE 29TH

1963 MGB Roadster Chassis No. <5000 AUCTION STARTING JUNE 22ND

MGB GT V8 SOLD FOR £25,000 NEW UK AUCTION RECORD

Estimate £5 - 8,000

Estimate £13 - 15,000

SELLER RECEIVED £23,750

1973 MGB Roadster

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THE WOLDS WAY CLASSIC RUN

T

his event would not have happened without the sponsorship of Maple Garage, Sproatley. Our thanks go to them, along with thanks to the 2018 committee who have organised the legal requirements, written and tested the route, and provided all the information for the 94 entrants who had previously booked their places on the run, held on May 13. The good news was that two very worthwhile charities, Yorkshire Cancer Research and Dove House Hospice, have benefited from this event.

The weather man had threatened rain; however although cold during sign-up at the BBC Studios, near the Rose Bowl in Queens Gardens in Hull (City of Culture), most cars

28 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2018

By Christine Benson

left with hoods down. All the cars parked around the Rose Bowl making a fantastic scene. The sun eventually shone on the many MGs that started the run though Hull, following the tulip route, under the Humber Bridge and out towards the Yorkshire Wolds.

The group included a 1932 MG D-type belonging to Giles Peacock and was the oldest car to start. Giles was interviewed by BBC Humberside prior to the start giving listeners information about the run. The youngest car to join the run was a 2009 MG TF, with many different models in between.

The route took the group through many of the East Ridings villages, some famous like Welton where Dick Turpin was arrested in the Green Dragon Inn and later hanged in York in 1739.

The cars travelled on, many stopping for refreshments in the village of

Goodmanham which can be traced back to the Stone Age and where many burial sites have been found. Other villages provided refreshments for our travellers, including Huggate, the highest village on the Yorkshire Wolds. Many stopped at Sledmere House, home of the Sykes family who provided a monument outside the village as a tribute to Sir Tatton Sykes, 4th Baronet. The cars then passed through Driffield, the Capital of the Wolds, on their way towards Holderness which was marshland until the Middle Ages when it was drained and is now rich agricultural land.

However, many villages in Holderness have disappeared due to coastal erosion.

Throughout the run the green hedgerows contrasted greatly against the many yellow oil seed rape fields and some wonderful views were enjoyed by everyone. Many cars travelled on back into Hull to finish the run near the Hull Pier. Nearby Humber Street and the Fruit Market is now a bustling area which has many eateries, pubs, music venues and museums. Also, the Deep is not too far away and well worth a visit.

The run finished with a meal at Ceruttiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, a well-renowned fish restaurant, which provided a wonderful three-course meal. Some people who had ordered a meal but did not attend the venue missed a great ending to the day. The committee will soon be planning next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s run and hope to see many old friends and hopefully new MG enthusiasts on the day.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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Steve and Dee Cutler from Poole in their MGA.

THE ULSTER CENTRE GOLDEN JUBILEE TOUR

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fter a year and a half of planning, 20 or more meetings, hundreds of emails, and many, many miles of reconnaissance, Saturday May 19 2018 dawned to be another sunny day to greet the arrival of MGs from all over Britain and Ireland at the Lough Shore Hotel in Carrickfergus for the next dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s start of the Ulster Tour. From Kent to

By Mike Armstrong Photos John and Gill Watson Cornwall, from Gloucester to Glasgow, Wales, the Midlands, Yorkshire, TyneTees and Southern Ireland they came, in cars dating from 1929 to 2018: a magnificent sight.

The official start was on Sunday May 20 and more cars arrived to gather in the Joymount car park, kindly roped off by the Mid and East Antrim District Council. The Council also provided facilities in the Town Hall

for signing on and the distribution of the Road Book, car numbers, name badges, brochures and vouchers, all in a natty navy blue rally bag with the Centre Anniversary Logo. In addition, the Council also provided every entrant with a useful carrier bag containing various items of information about the Council area, as well as suitably embroidered caps. The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Cheryl Johnston, gave a

Selection of MGs that participated in the Ulster Tour, parked at the Roe Park Resort Hotel where the Tour was based 30 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2018

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short speech of welcome followed by short tours of the Town Hall, Civic Centre and Museum before she waved off the cars while braving a chilly breeze.

To say that the assortment of MGs was stunning does not do justice to the spectacle with not one, but two, 1929 pristine 18/80 models (ie 18 horsepower and 80 mph), two J2s, two P Types, two TDs, the last TC ever made, and an assortment of Midgets, MGAs, MGBs, MGCs, various MGF/ TFs, two MG3s and a new MG ZS. The field headed off for lunch in Glenariff followed by a traffic-free route to the Bann Valley and across to arrive at the Roe Park Resort. The threatening rain stayed away but appeared on Monday for the two loops which had half the cars in each.

The Derry and Donegal Loop set off first to go through Londonderry and along the Foyle before heading for Letterkenny. Last-minute roadworks necessitated a change of route to Kilmacrennan before heading via Lough Salt to lunch at the Olde Glen Bar in Glen where they received a warm Irish welcome – as well as some food.

After lunch the route went over the hills to Milford – along Mulroy Bay to Kerrykeel and again over the mountains to the west side of Lough Swilly at Rathmullan. It was in Lough Swilly that the Royal Navy

Pete and Tim Adams’s well laden supercharged J2 – you can do it in an MG! Photo: Pete Adams

Grand Fleet harboured prior to the Battle of Jutland almost 102 years previously. The route then swung south along the shore through the old town of Ramelton. This wee town has remnants of the good days of the linen export trade of the 19th century with its deep harbour before suffering a downturn after the railway reached Letterkenny in 1909. A quick stop at the Silver Tassie on the outskirts of Letterkenny was followed by a quick run back to Limavady, a total distance of about 130 miles.

The 18/80s of Douglas and Margaret Harris (behind) and John and Janet Day www.mgcc.co.uk

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The other half of the entry drove the Sperrins Loop. The majestic scenery was a little marred by the wet conditions.

The highlight was perhaps the run down the side of Sawel Mountain into the Glenelly valley, thence towards Gortin and through the newly opened spectacular drive through Gortin Forest Park. Back on the main road, the cars arrived at An Creagan on the Omagh to Cookstown road for a great welcome and a light lunch.

With both car and passengers refuelled the route went via the

The P type of Roger and Rosie Thomas and the supercharged J2 of Pete and Tim Adams JULY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 31

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road Looking back at Torr Point from the coast

at Runabay Head

Looking out to sea from Torr Point

ancient Beaghmore stone circles northwards – back over the other side of Sawel Mountain to the main ‘Derry to Dungiven road and the Roe Park Resort. The total mileage was about 115 miles. A noisy dinner followed which suggests that everyone was enjoying themselves.

Tuesday was a much better day – largely dry – and the two groups swapped the loops of the previous day.

Wednesday May 23 brought out the sunshine. Some, who had decided to miss the previous days’ loops,

took the chance to do them on this day. Others went to Londonderry, while yet more chose the various attractions along the north coast. A brave few tackled the fabulous Torr Head road to Cushendun. Dinner that night was held in the main function room and the pre-ordered menu was quickly and efficiently served. The meal passed all too quickly. George Wilder, Club Director, presented the Centre with a special MG Car Club Golden Anniversary Award and Mike Armstrong was presented by

John Day, the Club President, with a splendid certificate and badge honouring him with the “Marque of Friendship Award” which rendered him temporarily speechless. He soon found his voice again and closed the proceedings with an ‘A’ rated story.

A wonderful few days had passed all too quickly. Old friends met, new friends made, Northern Ireland looking at its best, we celebrated our Golden Anniversary in style.The Jubilee Committee, together with their wives, who helped to put the whole event together, were:

Ian and Sue Deverall from Reading in their MGB on Bishop’s Road at Magilligan Strand

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eway Coast Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge on the Caus

Mike Wilson, as Chairman and part route finder, and Linda; Simon Johnston, Road Book Editor and Sponsorship finder, and Sandra; Mike Dowey, Start arrangement organiser, and Ann; Gordon Buckley and Ruth, Noel Cochrane and Joan as advisers and sponsorship seekers; Mike Armstrong, as Tour Co-ordinator and part route finder, and Jenny; and also Des and Phyllis McDowell who spent much time with finding the Sperrins route.

Some of the Tour participants enjoying the Gala Dinner

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George Wilder with John Day presenting Mike Armstrong with the Marque of Friendship Award

Postscript by John Day The Ulster Centre celebrated its 50th Anniversary in some style by arranging a tour based near Limavady at the Roe Park Resort. This was a brilliant event superbly organised and managed by Mike Armstrong and his team, some of whom were there at the inception of the Centre in 1968.

120 people from all over the UK and Ireland in 60 MGs attended the celebration which concluded with a gala dinner in the hotel on Wednesday May 23.

Towards the end of the evening George Wilder stood up and made a surprise announcement.

He said: “I am a Director of the Club and in conjunction with the Club’s Appointments Committee we award each year three Marque of Friendship Awards to Club members who have made a significant contribution to the Club over a long period of time. The award is not given lightly and is only made to those individuals who have demonstrated that they have consistently promoted the slogan we are so proud of in the MG Car Club.” George then sprang his perfectly timed surprise by announcing that Mike Armstrong was to be awarded the Marque of Friendship for his 50 years of service in setting up the Centre and encouraging countless numbers of MG enthusiasts for the last 50 years.

I was honoured to be asked to present the Award to Mike and he was immensely surprised and delighted. So much so that he was lost for words, which as Jen said to me afterwards: “That does not happen very often!”

Mike’s commitment and enthusiasm are infectious and have helped to make Ulster Centre a beacon for other Centres to follow and today it is one of the jewels in the MG Car Club crown. I would like to wish Mike many more years doing what he does so well: helping members enjoy their MGs. Centre members should be very proud of what you have all achieved over the last 50 years.

Congratulations to Mike and the Centre.

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

WELCOME TO THE MGA NEWSLETTER With MGLive! behind us for another year, time to turn to the events the MGA Register has in store for the rest of 2018.

Sunday July 8 MGA Register South-West Day Saturday July 14 MGA Twin Cam Launch Re-enactment and Track Experience Sunday July 29 Scottish MGA Day Sunday August 12 MGA Day at Canons Ashby

Sunday August 19 Stockfest Car Show and Rare Breeds Tour 2018 www.stockfestcarshow.co.uk September 21 to 24 Cotswold and Thames Valley Autumn Tour. Spaces are still available.

Full details of the above events are available at www.mgcc. co.uk/mga-register/events-in-2018/

SPRING TOUR, YORKSHIRE DALES, MAY 11-14 There were 63 that arrived at the imposing Craiglands Hotel in Ilkley on the Friday afternoon, intent on enjoying two ‘touring’ days in the stunning scenery of the Yorkshire Dales. Ably put together by Ian and Irene Wilson, two routes were on offer, both starting from Ilkley, with one reaching Aysgarth, with its triple waterfall flights on the River Ure, and the other focusing on Hawes, 850ft above sea level and the main centre for Upper Wensleydale.

Sensibly, Ian advised the participants to decide which run they wanted to do on which of the two days, as otherwise MGA traffic would only add to congestion on the narrow roads of North Yorkshire. Sure enough, we quickly encountered armies of lycra-clad cyclists, walkers and bikers, making for slow progress though the beautiful scenery – cyclists can out-run an MGA on the downhill stretches!

Once clear of Kettlewell, however, rapid progress was made up and over

Coverdale, before descending into Wensleydale. Other participants were enjoying another hill route at the same time, meeting the challenges of Upper Wharfedale and narrow Langstrothdale en route to Hawes and the excellent Hawes Creamery, the only maker of Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese.

Returning from Hawes, via Ribblehead and its iconic viaduct, one owner was lucky enough to see steam loco 35018 “British India Line”, a Merchant Navy Class Pacific, heading a southbound

Beth Corbett fording the stream on the approach to Ravenseat farm, home of celebrity shepherdess Amanda Owen

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train – a great finale to a wonderful day’s motoring.

On Saturday evening, the Craiglands served a splendid Gala Dinner – in fact, the food was first-rate throughout the weekend, the “northern” breakfasts being particularly commended.

Thanks again to Ian and Irene for their hard work in putting together such a memorable weekend, and we all look forward to September’s Cotswolds and Thames Valley tour.

Howard Quale

Roger Martin’s MGA by the preserved 1950s AA phone box at Aysgarth

TECHNICAL ARTICLES Valve Stem Oil Seals This article draws attention to a potentially unknown aspect of refurbishing an MGA cylinder head.

Some of you may already be well aware of the issue, while others – like me – will find out the hard way. We’re talking about the use of modified valve stem oil seals supplied by the likes of Moss and NTG in the UK for use on all MGA 1500, 1600 and 1622 heads, and presumably available from other retailers elsewhere in the world.

Before we address the topic, it’s worth pointing out that the impressive MGA website hosted by Barney Gaylord in the States – without doubt fully worthy of its name www. mgaguru.com – carries a great deal of insightful information on the use of modified valve stem seals in the various forms they are available. However, even the all-knowing Barney wasn’t fully aware of the issues with these seals with standard valve components.

It all goes to show that there’s always something new to learn.

Some background. The designers of the B-series engine adopted two ways to reduce oil leaking into the inlet and exhaust ports: a small rubber ring within the cotter assembly and below the valve cap, and an oil deflector in the form of a metal sheath within the valve springs. The former

36 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2018

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prevented oil flowing down the stem from the rocker assembly, while the latter prevented oil splashing onto the stem in the oil bath that is the rocker housing. The solution was perhaps a bit crude but presumably effective.

One suspects that the deflector was probably the most effective prevention device, given that the oil stem seal inevitably hardens over time and loses its sealing qualities.

At some stage an improved oil seal was developed in the form of a cap that fits over the top of the valve guide and grips the valve stem. Although there are various types available, most have a spring clip to grip the valve guide to prevent it becoming dislodged through valve stem friction.

All well and good. Most suppliers of the seal recommend doing away with the stem O-ring and replacing the MGA valve cap with the MGB version.

However, what the suppliers do not say is that the oil deflector must also be omitted. If you retain the deflector, either in the interests of originality or for additional protection, then under full valve opening the sharp lower lip of the deflector will just foul the improved oil stem seal. The eagle-eyed cylinder head rebuilder will notice this characteristic when reassembling the valves. However, you may think that the depression of the valve springs

under re-assembly is greater than that which occurs under normal running conditions. How wrong you would be.

Indeed, how wrong I was.

Without going into reasons behind my recent engine rebuild (viz: a terminal overheating problem on the 2017 Liege-Rome-Liege rally, 34oC ambient conditions, a Swiss motorway tunnel, an idiot recovery crew and a large contingent of Swiss Polizei) I discovered just how quickly a retained deflector makes short work of the improved oil stem seal (see picture above). I won’t bore you with the reasons, but the cylinder head had to be removed twice. It was then I found that the retained deflector had destroyed the new stem seals after only a few minutes running. Now, retaining the deflectors may have been

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were doing.”

Overall, the moral of this tale may be a lesson in the risks of ‘seal reinvention’.

Roderic Bunn, Doctorate Researcher, Bartlett School of Environment, Energy & Resources University College London, roderic. bunn.13@ucl.ac.uk Extraction of broken studs an ignorant decision on my part. Also, the remains of the earlier seals used by a reputable engine restorer a few years previously indicated that I was not the only one to make such an error. I just didn’t realise the cause.

If, dear reader, you know this already, then good for you. But if you go by the advice given, for example, in the Moss UK catalogue, then you would not necessarily understand that the deflectors must be omitted.

The catalogue merely states that the MGA valve cap needs to be replaced by the MGB version (see catalogue image above). In the defence of the Moss catalogue, it is not a workshop manual. On the other hand, it would be best if the advice given were comprehensive rather than partial.

When this was pointed out to the Moss technical department, the reaction might be best described as ‘not positive’. On the other hand, when the issue was explained to NTG’s Paul Banyard, the problem was instantly appreciated. Barney Gaylord has also since amended his website.

So how big is this problem? How many MGA engines are running around out there with the remains of improved oil stem seals rattling around in the valve springs? Well, I am pretty diligent myself when it comes to working on my engine, and I missed it. Maybe it is bleedin’ obvious, but in my defence I wanted to keep things as original as possible and wanted the deflectors to do the job intended of them. It wasn’t a wise choice.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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What is the penalty, ultimately?

Well, increased oil consumption possibly at the benefit of longer valve stem life. However, what initially surprised me, when I dismantled the head after around 3,000 rally miles, was how much carbon had built up around the valves. It all made sense once I worked out the unholy marriage between the deflectors and the oil seals. I reasoned my gas-flowed ports didn’t contribute a great deal to the free-flow of gases once the seals had disintegrated and carbon had built up.

Maybe readers know all this already and are shaking their heads at my naivety. But I also suspect some of you are thinking: “…did I retain those deflectors?”

There is, of course, one other possibility. The deflectors have a very sharp cutting edge. It might be possible to shave one or two millimetres from this edge to the extent that they no longer foul the improved oil stem seals. That way you get the best of both worlds – an improved seal and a degree of oil deflection. That said, I also noted, from the remains of the old ‘improved’ seals, that the rubber used in their construction turns hard under exposure to oil and high temperature.

It wouldn’t take much time and many impurities in the engine oil to increase the gap between the seal and valve oil stem. After a while, the seals may offer less sealing than the original O-ring and deflector assembly. At which point you might think: “The engineers who designed the B-series knew what they

I read with interest the V8 Newsletter in the December Safety Fast! and the Laser Tools Stud Extractor is something that will be added to my tool kit. However, I thought that I would share with you how broken or stubborn studs have been removed and after several restoration projects there have been many dealt with in this manner.

Firstly a piece of scrap metal, flat bar about 3mm thick would be ideal, a hole is drilled to fit over the stud and countersunk to facilitate a good weld.

Try to start the weld directly on the stud then take the weld bead onto the scrap piece.

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MGA NEWSLET TER

I like this bit because the heat of the weld is transferred down the stud helping to break the corrosion that is holding the stud to the parent item. Then the stud is unscrewed; this process has never failed for me.

Modified number plate lamp cover

The V8 Newsletter mentions methods to remove studs that have broken flush or very close to the parent. Having tried drilling studs in the past and using an anticlockwise stud extractor or drilling the stud to the thread root and then trying to pick out the remaining helical piece of thread is time consuming and not always successful. The advantage of using the scrap and weld technique is that it works great on studs that have broken off flush.

This method has also been used when studs are in tight corners similar to the challenge Nic had on his V8 with insufficient room to turn a long piece of scrap. So a small piece of square scrap, or when sufficient length of stud remains place a larger nut over the stud, then weld the stud and nut.

If you don’t have a welder then I agree with our V8 friend: the Laser Tool Stud Extractor is a much cheaper option.

Ian Wilson MGA 1500 Lighting Modifications Nowadays other drivers expect turn signals to be flashing orange, so as part of the restoration of our 1956 MGA and partly for safety reasons, I have carried out some modifications to the front and rear lighting to bring the car up to a standard closer to what modern drivers expect to see.

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Rear Lights – The Motor Vehicle (Construction and Use) Regulations require that if orange flashing turn signals are used at the front, then they must flash orange at the rear. I sourced some small torpedo LED lights (from SVC) which do the job. They seem well made and have a smoked glass lens that blends in well with the black paintwork, but may look odd on cars painted in brighter colours. I aligned them to the beading, which seems to hide them slightly. I considered running the wires through the inside of the luggage rack and hanging the lights from there – I still may elect to go this route as it would raise the indicators slightly, which would be a benefit and it might look stylish.

Indicator wiring is now as per the 1600 models, inasmuch as the large relay on the bulkhead has been bypassed.

I’ve left the wiring in place should any subsequent owner wish to put it back to standard – the large relay still works, but it’s now redundant.

Torpedo rear indicator lamps

Also, for extra safety I like to have a high-intensity central brake lamp.

Our TC and pre-war Austin both have this modification hidden behind the spokes of the spare wheel. For the MGA, though, I have modified the original chrome plated number plate lamp cover by cutting a window and sending it away for re-chroming. The internals are

now from an aftermarket LED motorbike accessory, easily found on the Internet.

The LED circuit board not only includes number plate lamps, but also tail lamps and high intensity stop lamps. All that I then had to do was cut up the modern LED lamp and fix it inside the existing number plate lamp unit and run a wire from the brake lights to power up the high-intensity brake light. Any subsequent owner can easily swap back to the original set-up if required. While it won’t be to most people’s taste, it serves a purpose and works a treat.

Front lamps – For safety and because nowadays other drivers expect turn signals to be flashing orange, I invested in a pair of new 1600 front side/indicator lights as a temporary fix; they also keep me legal. I prefer the original 1500 style and I intend to fit a single 21-watt bulb holder into the 1500 lamp unit and ‘squeeze in’ either an LED side light or a suitably small five-watt bulb into the unit. This will allow me to fit the original sized (and clear) lens over an orange 21W indicator bulb.

The problem is the small diameter of the 1500 back plate – there’s very little room to work with! If it turns out that there’s not enough room to fit a side lamp unit and still have clearance when the lens is attached then I shall still go ahead and convert the lamp unit to a single 21W (orange) bulb within the standard 1500 lamp unit, but this means that I wouldn’t have front side lights.

However – planning ahead – when I converted the front headlamps to H4 Halogens I opted for the type with side light bulbs, which I’ve wired up ready. At the moment I have four side lamps at the front! Please don’t send the originality police around! Mind you, with four 5-Watt bulbs up front, it does draw attention during twilight and people do see you coming, so I’m happy with this arrangement for the time being.

Fraser Liversage

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LE MANS CLASSIC 2018 Somewhat to your Scribe’s surprise we obtained an entry in this year’s Le Mans Classic, which runs from July 6-8, for Bob Olthoff’s MGA Twin Cam, running in the configuration it ran in at the Nürburgring 1962 event at 1762cc. It is only one of two MGAs in this year’s event; however to put that limited number into context, it appears that a standard push rod MGA never competed at Le Mans, although in 1955 the three EX182 cars were MGAs in all but name, both in shape and under the skin which, of course, was in fact all aluminium. The only other MGA which appears to have competed at Le Mans was the MGA Twin Cam Roadster SRX 210 which did compete in standard configuration in 1959 but is best known for winning its class in 1960 with both a special Coupe body and the 1762cc engine. For those of you attending this year’s event please come and say hello, you will find us in the Grid three Paddock.

MGA TWIN CAM LAUNCH RE-ENACTMENT I would particularly draw you attention to the MGA Twin Cam Launch Reenactment event at Chobham in a couple of weeks time on Saturday July 14, 2018 which seeks to re-create the demonstration of the Twin Cam to the press at the same location on July 14 1958. This promises to be a unique experience for a number of reasons. Firstly, it is conjectural how long the Chobham Test Track, immediately adjacent to the M3, will survive given that we understand that planning for residential development has been applied for in relation to this large prime site. Secondly, we also believe it should be the congregation of the largest-ever number of MGA Twin Cams. The event is fully subscribed but if you are a Twin Cam owner who would like to participate then it has to be worth trying a last-minute contact to Mark Hester mgatcg@outlook.com because we are all aware that last-minute issues often prevent a full attendance at booked-out events.

Spectators are welcome with their MGAs at Chobham. There will be a cost of £20 per head for spectators.

Details of the original event are available on Barney Gaylord’s MGA Guru site at TC-130 and thereafter http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/twincam/tc.htm Details of the event itself are here: www.mgcc.co.uk/mga-twin-cam-group/wp-content/uploads/ sites/23/2017/10/Chobham-Test-Track-Flyer-mock-up-v3.pdf

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

WELCOME TO THE MAGNETTE NEWSLETTER Nice to catch up with old friends at MGLive! and to mark in a slightly regretful way 60 years since the end of Z production – my Varitone left the factory on December 29, although there were actually another 60 or so after that. It was also great to see the Magnette Autotest team of David, Kerri and Paul in action.

There are still plenty of opportunities to meet, of course, with Worcester, Harrogate and Norwich weekends coming up. As well as news of other

events, I thought it would be interesting this month to feature a couple of new Magnette owners doing their own restorations, including an almost unique Manumatic, and also some memories from a long-time owner.

Also, don’t miss the announcement of the David Johnson Challenge Trophy, where in a departure from tradition we’re inviting nominations, for a notable Magnette journey.

MGLive! display – end of Z production

Kerrie in the MGLive! Autotest. Photo: Matt Woods

WORCESTER WEEKEND JULY 13-15 You’re welcome to join in any or all of the activities, including visits to Witley Court on Saturday and Croome Court on Sunday, but you’ll need to book via Clive Webb for the evening meals (cdwebb63@gmail.com or 01905 821115). There may still be places free for the Morgan factory tour on Friday afternoon if you check with Clive.

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HARROGATE MG SHOW AND AGM AUGUST 11-12 Once again we’ve been invited to the Harrogate MG Club show at Pateley Bridge

by David and Sandra Griffiths. It’s not necessary to book camping next to the showground in advance, but please contact David (01423 873132) if you’re coming, in order that sufficient Magnette parking space can be reserved.

The Register Annual General Meeting will take place on Saturday August 11 around 5.00pm. David has kindly arranged facilities at the showground, so the meeting will fit nicely into the schedule before the evening barbecue. The main part of the show is on the Sunday, featuring Club displays, concours, bands and other attractions.

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LOU SHORTEN TRIBUTE WEEKEND OCTOBER 6-7 As usual there’ll be Saturday open house at John Shorten’s, with the new feature of a talk by Mike Lafflin in the afternoon – our first attempt at a ‘live tech session’. In the evening there is dinner and awards presentation at the Wensum Valley

Hotel, where rooms are also available at a special rate. For the Sunday, John and Cynthia Harris have arranged a trip on the Bure Valley Railway from Aylsham to Wroxham. More information on the website, or contact John (01604 642662).

Stanford Hall

STANFORD HALL ‘SMALL RALLIES’ – MAY 27 The name of the event was a slight misnomer – it was advertised for organisers with a small number of cars and we had expected pre-war

Austin 7s and Sunbeams (pre Rootes takeover), none of which appeared.

Imagine our surprise when we found 300 Skodas instead! However, the

beautifully manicured parkland provided lots of space which was shared amicably. Did you know that some Skodas have been re-engined using K-series engines?

Our display consisted of 12 immaculate Magnettes plus one MGA Coupe, containing 26 members and two dogs, some of whom were new attendees. They were very welcome and we hope to see them again soon.

We were parked in the place of honour, closest to the hall. Those who ignored the weather forecasters’ dire warnings of storms were rewarded with a lovely day, relatively cool in the morning but with sunny spells in the afternoon.

Mid-afternoon, parts of Northampton, only 18 miles away, were flooded but fortunately Stanford remained dry. Most of us spent the afternoon just relaxing but found time to visit the hall with its history of early flight.

John and Cynthia Harris

RESTORATIONS

It’s always fascinating to see restorations in progress, as there are so many different approaches, so I thought you’d be interested in a couple of which I’ve had photos recently, although I realize there’ll be many others that would be just as worthy, and it would be great to feature more of your stories here and on the website.

Many of us have followed Ian Williams’ heroic Varitone restoration over the past two or three years. He is doing all his bodywork repairs and repainting in a small single garage, which has required considerable ingenuity, not to mention the usual challenges of reassembling a car which

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Ian’s restoration in a single garage

www.mgcc.co.uk

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MAGNET TE NEWSLET TER

Unusual support for floor repairs

Manumatic system components and spares

has just been boxes of bits for many years. With support from Peter Martin and the worldwide online Magnette community Ian is now tantalizingly close to the finish line – “just a few electrical issues” as he says – and he hopes to have it on the road this year.

Meanwhile Mike Willan is still deep into his Manumatic restoration, and his wife Pam has been documenting progress as well as providing muchneeded encouragement. I mentioned a few months ago that they’d acquired a car still fitted with the original and very rare automatic clutch system – only a handful of these are known to survive. Mike is using his considerable engineering experience to rebuild the centrifugal clutch and control system, with the benefit of some spare parts found on eBay. He’s also adapting it to fit a five-bearing engine (making

his own custom sump to fit) with a view to towing a caravan when the car is finished – that in itself may be an interesting challenge with a Manumatic.

In the course of this engine work Mike has speculated on how exactly BMC dealers handled conversions back to conventional clutch, which was the fate of most Manumatics, so do let me know if you have any direct knowledge of this, or possibly service memorandums. While stripping the car Mike discovered a loose ball bearing which appeared to have escaped from the special gear lever switch, perhaps contributing to the car being laid up in the first place.

As well as the mechanical work, Mike’s found more problems than expected with the body, which had been in storage for many years before he bought it. Rotten sills are of course not

Custom sump for five-bearing engine

unusual in Magnettes, but in this case Mike reckons most of the damage was done by mice nesting inside the cavities and relieving themselves! I was very impressed with the way he’s fabricated his own repair panels, although it must have added considerable time, and his method of tilting the bodyshell on end for floor repairs using a trailer as stiffening is also unusual, if a little precarious. Looking forward to seeing the finished result and of course finding out how the Manumatic performs.

DAVID JOHNSON AWARD Following the sad passing of ex-chairman, David Johnson, last year, his partner Jean has asked that there should be an award in his memory, and has made a donation. After some deliberation the committee decided on a Challenge trophy to be presented each year for a notable journey or exploit in a Magnette. This could, for example, be a longdistance rally – David was involved in several himself – hence we feel it would be particularly appropriate.

But there are no hard and fast rules, so please feel free to submit a suggestion, or indeed to nominate yourself.

The winner each year will receive a small trophy which is theirs to keep. We hope this will encourage involvement of Magnette owners globally (if the committee can’t present it in person, the trophy will be sent to the winner).

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The award will be judged by the Register committee around the end of October, for a journey that took place in roughly the previous 12 months. If no suitable entries are received then a trophy won’t be given, and the committee’s decision is final. As there’s less notice for 2018 than there will be subsequently, exploits from the beginning of 2017 will be considered.

Please, if possible, provide some photographs to accompany a nomination. Not that we don’t trust Magnette owners to accurately report their travels, of course! But it would be great if the winner can be featured in Safety Fast! and on the website, for which pictures would be very helpful.

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MAGNET TE NEWSLET TER

BILL STIMSON – ME AND MY TREASURED MG MAGNETTE Peter Martin writes: Most people who own classic cars these days own them for a variety of different reasons, but there probably aren’t too many octogenarians who’ve owned the same car for the last 49 years as their daily driver. One such person is Bill Stimson, a former scrapyard owner from Biggleswade who always had a very soft spot for the ZA/ZB range despite hundreds of cars passing through his hands, many of which would be very desirable today. We recently asked Bill for a few words about his life with the car that he still cherishes so much today, and he wrote the following: “This is my story about my 1958 MG Magnette ZB sports saloon, registration number WLJ203. I bought the car in 1969 when I owned a scrapyard. I initially used it on trade plates, being an everyday car, which is affectionately nicknamed “Lucy”.

“As well as an everyday car, we went on holiday in Lucy – we had a roof rack on top and a camping trailer that we towed behind her. Inside, there were three adults and two children, so all in all it was a very full load with all of the paraphernalia that needed to be taken for a family camping holiday!

“We toured extensively in the UK, especially in the holiday counties of Devon, Cornwall and Somerset. After the camping trailer came something called a “Portafold Car Cruiser” of 1964 vintage. After that, I bought a

Bill’s ZB and caravan

caravan that was built for the Alpine Rally Drivers to tow behind Lucy, which was an ideal combination, so that we could start attending weekend car shows and shows that were further away from home. I’m not sure how many miles we covered in the MG up until this point because the total mileage recorder on the speedometer had been broken for some time – a common problem with the Magnette!

“The decision was then taken to take the MG off of the road and I totally restored it down to every last nut and bolt. Once the car was back on the road again and looking resplendent, we were lucky enough to be asked to Rockingham Castle to a show that was televised. A hundred classics had been invited along to the event and we were very pleased to be ranked 40th.

“We were then invited to display our

car in the main marquee at Silverstone, where it received much admiration and praise. I take pride in the fact that the car is all original despite having been fully restored by me. In 2001, we attended the annual Norfolk Showground event which Lou Shorten used to organise for all Magnette owners, where we were delighted to receive Lou’s annual award for the best home restoration of the year.

“Throughout my continuous ownership for the last 49 years, the car has been a wonderful workhorse which I still enjoy driving today, so much so that I don’t have a modern car, just my beloved Magnette which caters for all of mine and my wife Pauline’s motoring needs.

“People just love to see my car out and about being used as an everyday car, especially those who have also been fortunate enough to own the same model in the past.”

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD Please do support our ‘people’s choice’ for best Magnette, running again this year over the season of Register events.

Competitions secretary Anthony White put in considerable effort last year organising this, so all you need to do is pick up one of the small cards from the Register gazebo, write down the registration of the car that most impressed you at that event and drop it in the box.

We thought a rolling vote would be a good way of judging, given that Magnette owners are quite widely spread, so it’s nice to give everyone a chance to vote or to

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be in the running, with the final count of votes and trophy presentation at the Norwich weekend. It would probably be considered ungallant to vote for your own car, but you are welcome to fill in a card at however many events you attend.

It has to be said that the response when this was tried last year was modest; however we’re running it again anyway. Obviously if you have a better idea how the judging could be arranged then please let us know, but in the meantime I hope you’ll all make the effort to vote.

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

WELCOME TO THE MGF NEWSLETTER EVENTS GALORE The Register has been very active in its summer season. The MGs in the Park event at the Cotswolds Wildlife Park was a recent highlight, an event that attracted hundreds of MGs of all types from around the south and midlands. There has always been a strong presence by MGF Register regions and our various social media pages are full of pictures of Cotswold wildlife including roaring lions and plenty of horse power. Several of our regions attended including Central, Thames Valley, South Wales, Devon and Cornwall, and Somerset and Dorset and it was great to see all the Register flags flying, despite the slightly grey day in the middle of June – it looked like thick coats were the order of the day, judging by the photos, but everyone had a great time, nonetheless.

We really like it when our regions get together like this and it is a reminder of what a brilliant Club we are all part of.

Another prime example will be the MGF and TF Go North event at Eden Camp, Malton, Yorkshire, on Sunday September 16.

Organised by Yorkshire member, John Prewer, this will be a great opportunity for members north of Birmingham to get together at a brilliant venue. If you have not been there before it is a WW2 museum based in a former prisoner of war camp with the original Nissen huts containing fascinating exhibits and scenarios of the period. The special entry price will be £7 per person payable on the door, so no pre-booking required (however to give some idea of numbers you may pre-register at this web page: https://form. jotformeu.com/80006165137347) and there will be prizes for best cars on the day as well as full entry to the museum.

Some Register members will be heading to France that same weekend for a few days marking the end of the Great War, including visits to Vimy Ridge and Thiepval memorials as well as fine wine and dining and good company, as

per most Register trips! That event sold out a while ago but lookout for similar trips in the future which are open to all Club members, wherever you come from.

July is promising much with local regional events galore and a sprinkling of more multi-region events in the south – Uxbridge Classic Car Show on July 15 and Brooklands Classic Car Show on July 22. The latter is a show organised by our President (me), so it would be great to see cars from around the country come down to Brooklands for that one – it’s combined with a 100-stall jumble featuring vintage gifts and autojumble items and prizes for best cars. We will also be hoping for a hat trick of wins for best Club stand! Contact Tim via the forum or Facebook pages if you would like to come.

Looking further ahead, we are already planning for our Christmas extravaganza which takes place again at Cricklade Manor Hotel on December 2-3. If you haven’t got your names in already then please email Ian Wright as soon as possible, as rooms are being snapped up quickly. It will take a similar format to last year – a fairly informal weekend with a dinner on the Saturday evening and disco to follow where you can once again witness some seriously bad ‘Dad’ dancing from Register stalwarts. Rumour has it that we might be moving the Awards to this event as well; it seems sensible to celebrate 2018 at the end of the year rather than a quarter way through the following year as we do presently. Deposits are now due (£50) for those that have already booked and will be payable straight away for any new people who would like to come and wine and dine with us to bid farewell to another great MGF Register year.

MGF Register Regions at MGs in the Park. Photo: Ian Wright

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An MGF Press Car, used in the Abingdon Trophy motorsport series, and an MGF Cup car on the Register stand

MGLIVE! AND THE MGF REGISTER

MGF. There was a good selection of MGFs in the Pride of Ownership as well. Register parking had changed position and we were to be found at the end of the runway this year and also on the banking overlooking Copse corner – a great place to watch the racing.

The Register/Centre village was a good change to the show and allowed us to display more cars over the weekend, with space for two outside our tented ‘garage’. We took advantage of that by displaying the Parry’s ‘Zip’ car, and two MGF Cup cars over the weekend including David Coulthard’s which had been engaged in battle on the track on Saturday.

The Register returned to the arena on Saturday night for the After Hours Party which was held underneath the Silverstone skies. We could have done with a few more clouds on this balmy night as when our night’s band, Euphoria, came to their break it was still pretty light – but that meant it was time for the Glo Cars! There was a great selection of cars this year including MGBs, an MGA, a Maestro, an MG ZS and even a ‘batmobile’ alongside the usual MGFs and TFs. The break in stage music meant that the cars took over with the throbbing strains of techno, soul and hard rock blaring out of the speakers and an array of flashing lights to illuminate the slowly darkening sky. The band

A word about MGLive! – wasn’t it good? Of course it was! The MGF Register had a highly visible presence at the show, not least with the highlight MGF Cup 20th Anniversary race with 11 cars taking to the track, the largest turnout of Fs in an MGCC class race for many years. A big thanks to David Coulthard for bringing it all together (he now has a greater appreciation of the job of Championship organisers!) and Church Square Autos for sponsoring the race and the Register itself for the trophies.

It was an exciting race which was finally won by Jonathan Harker in an LE500 with Brian Butler runner-up.

David had identified 45 existing cup cars in the search prior to the race, but many of those were in Australia and others were racing in the MGOC series at Donington, so a grid of 11 was quite an achievement.

We also had teams entered in the California Cup autotest which took place in the central area, providing a good view for spectators. I’m not sure they would have been too inspired by the novice South East MGF Register team who proudly supported the rest of the field in the final results!

However, another team of more experienced TFs from Lincolnshire did succeed in better results and won the Longbridge Trophy on behalf of the Register. Our “Fast Lady” was much more successful in defending that trophy for the third year running and received much attention from the MGCC India camera crew as a result – well done, Helen Blake (who also happens to be our reigning Member of the Year).

Also, mention must go to Nigel Scutt who once again triumphed in the Premier Concours with his immaculate

The Lincolnshire team collect the Longbridge Trophy

Oli Kirkpatrick, Tim Morris and Paul Bridgman, the intrepid South East MGF Register Cali Cup team

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www.mgcc.co.uk

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MGF NEWSLET TER

Helen Blake interviewed by the MG India crew

Anthony Tony’s Pro Glo winning MGF Helen Scutt puts the finishing touches to Nigel’s prize-winning MGF in the Premier Concours Wayne Bates Glo Stick-written Maestro in the Impro Glo David Coulthard in action in the MGF Cup race

Euphoria in action

judged and returned to the stage for their second set and the cars kept on flashing, so that they looked even better as darkness finally fell.

Congratulations to Anthony Tony who won the Pro Glo and to ImproGlo winner Wayne Bates in his MG

Register parking at MGLive!

David Koskela on the track for the MGF Cup race

Maestro; both are serial winners of this annual competition!

Thanks go to all those Register members who took part in the competitions, enjoyed the party, helped with the parking and worked hard on the Register stand all weekend

– great job! Another big thanks must go to the MGCC team who put all this together – a massive task, and after a week off I’m sure they will be starting to plan for 2019 now. We are already looking forward to it.

50 EDITIONS OF FASTFORWARD The current edition of FasTForward, the Register’s quarterly periodical, is the 50th. It features a golden cover showing the Golden Jubilee MGTF at MGF15 in 2010. It was built in 2002 and was officially designated as the 1.5-millionth MG built, to much fanfare. As this was also the year of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee it served a dual purpose and took part in the Queen’s jubilee parade.

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The car made few appearances after that and was kept at Longbridge in the small Museum behind Herbert Austin’s office. It did come out again for another Royal occasion, in 2009 at the Windsor MG Heritage event which took place on the Long Walk in front of Windsor Castle in the presence of HRH the Duke of Edinburgh. This appearance coincided with the launch of the standard MG Motor TF135 and

Ian Pogson and Roger Parker with the Golden Jubilee at MGF15 JULY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 49

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MGTF 1.5millionth MGRover photo

Golden Jubilee TF at Windsor Heritage 2009

the 85th anniversary limited edition TF which followed the initial run of LE500s. There were six other cars painted in this special monogram gold colour called appropriately ‘Jubilee’, with five going to China and one other remaining in the UK, which now resides in the south of England. The Golden Jubilee TF itself has been on display in the MG Motor UK Piccadilly showroom for a number of years.

FasTForward itself was launched in February 2006 at the Stoneleigh MG Show with founder editor, Tim

Morris, and MG Enthusiast editor, Martyn Wise, cutting the ribbon in front of an enthusiastic crowd of Register supporters. What will happen to the next 50 editions – well, that is a good question as it has been running now for nearly 13 years. Now we are looking for some new blood to help out, initially as a deputy editor. It is unlikely that Tim will see it through to its actual Golden Anniversary in 37 years’ time (he will be extremely old by then) so we do need to think about succession if the magazine is to continue. If you would like to

get involved in producing a Register magazine (which includes writing articles, layout, design, commissioning articles, finding news items, liaising with printers, etc, etc) then please get in touch with Tim on the details at the head of this column.

The magazine has an eclectic mix of features including historical items, members cars, events, technical, archive items, collectibles, news items and regional and international reports. It is a good summary of what the Register does, and as well as being an enjoyable read it serves as a historic record of Club activities and the MGF/TF itself. If you don’t already subscribe then you can do so via our online shop.

THE RESURRECTION OF MONOGRAM NO.1 As an example of the type of articles that we cover, we are currently publishing a series by Darren Hardy of MGFnTFBITZ showing his restoration of the very first monogram TF. It was found in a sorry state with lots of rust and is undergoing a complete nut-and-bolt restoration at the MGFnTFBITZ workshop. Every part of the car has been removed, stripped of rust or replaced where necessary, and is in the process of being thoroughly repainted using an epoxy primer on the shell which “can be dipped in the sea

The very first monogram TF needing a bit of TLC 50 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2018

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and will not rust”. It is not hydroscopic so doesn’t absorb water like most primers, but a standard primer has to be laid on top to be worked and flattened before the final top coats are added.

The car itself is known to the Register and it once belonged to a member of our South Wales group so it is great for us to see it being restored in such a professional way. Restoration of Fs and TFs is now becoming more frequent but is still costly – certainly a lot more than the actual market value of these cars.

However, this goes to prove that these are now real enthusiasts’ cars and many are being treated as such, ensuring they

A thorough cleaning of the body shell

are preserved for the future. Thankfully, companies such as MGFnTFBITZ are at the forefront of this restoration business and they also have a huge selection of parts to help keep your own Fs and TFs on the road. We are looking forward to seeing the final results and part three of the series will show the rebuild as it all comes back together again in the autumn edition of FasTForward.

New subframes being built with all new parts

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CALENDAR

JULY

Sunday 1 MGCC: MGC Register MGC Day Taking place at Fawley Hill, Henley-on Thames, which includes the steam railway and museum. If you wish to book for the Saturday night numbers are limited, so will be on a first-come first-served basis. The Bull Hotel is a four-star establishment in Gerrards Cross. There will be a short road run on the Sunday to Fawley Hill.

Please use the booking form on the website www.mgcc.co.uk/mgc-register/ and print and send, or email, as per the instructions.

Sunday 1 MGCC: Anglia Centre Anglia Summer Picnic Held at Felbrigg Hall, Felbrigg, Norwich, Norfolk, NR11 8PR. Contact: Roger Latham 01702 580472 president@ mgccanglia.com Sunday 1 MGCC: South East Centre Second Alternative Pride of Ownership Taking place at The Surrey Oaks, Newdigate.

Contact: John Morgan 020 8657 2714.

Monday 2 MGCC: Abingdon Works Centre Five Arrows Pride of Ownership From 19.30 at The Five Arrows, High Street, Waddesdon, HP18 0JE. Contact: Adrian Bennett 01869 246457.

Friday 6 – Sunday 8 MG Club de France Le Mans Classic French MG owners will meet at this excellent classic racing event.

For more information, please visit the MG Club de France website www.mgclubdefrance.com Saturday 7 MGCC: Lincolnshire Centre Rover Day and MG Day Display Held at Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre, East Kirkby. Please note this event is now on a Saturday.

Contact: Kevin 01529 460169.

Saturday 7 – Sunday 8 MGCC: Midget Register Weekend Tour Join the Midget Register for a weekend in the beautiful Somerset countryside. Tour the byways of the local area on the Saturday before returning to the Wookey Hole Hotel for a convivial evening with your fellow enthusiasts. To book call the hotel on 01749 672243 or by email hotel@wookey.co.uk using the code GRP-MGCC-6JUL. Contact: Graham Springthorpe 01934 519122 or via graham.springthorpe@btinternet.com Saturday 7 – Sunday 8 MGCC: T Register Chateau Impney Hill Climb The T Register is planning a return to the event it chose as its T Party last year, based at Droitwich Spa in the West Midlands. To find out more in the meantime you can visit www. chateauimpneyhillclimb.com

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Saturday 7 – Sunday 8 MGCC: 6.3.5 Register Cars in the Park The 6.3.5 Register will be attending the Cars in the Park event at Beacon Park, Lichfield.

Keep up-to-date with the 6.3.5 Register on Facebook www.facebook.com/groups/ MG635Register/ Saturday 7 – Sunday 8 MGCC: Caledonian Centre Glamis Extravaganza The largest Classic Car Show in Scotland. The main day is the Sunday – the Centre’s stand will major on MG V8s of all models in keeping with the various anniversaries, but all models of MG are welcome.

Contact: Bob MacGillivray 01236 739758 mgcalsec@yahoo.com or Glenn Neilson 07962 365952 glenn.neilson@sky.com Sunday 8 MGCC: Lincolnshire Centre On the Green Car Show held in Allington.

Contact: Richard and Vicki Withington 01949 844066, r.withington@btinternet.com Sunday 8 MGCC: Anglia Centre Queen Vic Classic and Sports Car Show – Billericay Summer Fest Held at The Common, London Road, Billericay, Essex CM12 9LD. Contact: Tony Batson 07958 381470.

Sunday 8 MGCC: South West Centre Summer Picnic This year’s Summer Picnic will be held at Iford Manor in Wiltshire. More details available from www.mgccsw.com/event/mgcc-sw-summer-picnic/ Tuesday 10 – Thursday 12 MGCC: SVW Register The 2018 Register Event will be the Jane Austen Bristol and Bath Rally, and will be based in Wootton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire.

For more information visit www.svwregister.co.uk/ social_events.htm Wednesday 11 MGCC: Midland Centre Joint Natter For details visit the Midland Centre website www. mg-cars.org.uk/mgccmidlandcentre/ Contact: Peter and Janet Chapman 01684 833337 at millpondcott@btinternet.com Thursday 12 MGCC: Abingdon Works Centre Bell Inn Pride of Ownership and BBQ The Bell Inn Natter will be holding their Pride of Ownership and BBQ at The Bell Inn, Beachampton, on Thursday July 12 from 19.30. All MGs are welcome.

Contact: David Storer 01296 712518 Saturday 14 – Sunday 15 MGCC: Magnette Register Magnette Weekend The Magnette Register’s annual weekender, around the Worcester area. More details available on www. magnette.org/events

Saturday 14 MGCC: MGA Twin Cam Group Press launch re-enactment Taking place in Chobham, Surrey, this event will mark the 60th Anniversary of the factory launching the Twin Cam to the press with a special reenactment.

For more information see www.mgcc.co.uk/mgatwin-cam-group/ Saturday 14 MGCC: V8 Register Abingdon V8 Technical Day 2018 Contact: Steve Newton 01384 863686 Saturday 14 MGCC: Lincolnshire Centre Wolds Natter Held at the Cross Keys, Grasby, with the Gordon Smith Memorial run to be confirmed.

Contact: Keith 01472 602949 Sunday 15 MGCC: MGF Register Uxbridge Classic Car Show The MGF Register will be attending this multimarque event.

Contact: Ian Wright events@mgfregister.org Visit the MGF Register website www.mgfregister. org Saturday 14 – Sunday 15 MGCC Motorsport Donington Race Meeting including British Sportscar Weekend and Saloon Day Includes action from the BCV8 Championship, Cockshoot Cup, extended Equipe GTS races, Iconic ’50s, Metro Cup, Midget and Sprite Challenge, MG Trophy, Peter Best Insurance MG Cup and Triple-M Racing, plus guest action from the Morgan Challenge. As well as its racing programme, the Club’s Donington meet will incorporate Saloon Day and the official T Register T Party. The Zed, MGB, MGF, Midget and FWD Registers will be present, and the North West Centre will also be in attendance. More details available www.mgcc. co.uk/motorsport/ Sunday 15 MGCC: South East Centre Summer Gathering at Hollycombe Held at Hollycombe Steam Museum Fairground, Liphook.

Contact: Philip Bayne-Powell 01483 811428 Sunday 16 MGCC: South East Centre Third Alternative Pride of Ownership Taking place at the Three Horseshoes, Ironsbottom.

Contact: John Morgan 020 8657 2714.

Wednesday 18 – Saturday 21 MG Owners Club Austria Ennstal Classic Excellent Oldtimer Rally taking place in the Austrian mountains.

For more information, please visit the MG Owners Club Austria website www.mgoc.at or visit www. ennstal-classic.at

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CALENDAR

Friday 20 – Sunday 22 MGCC Silverstone Classic Historic motorsport spectacular at Silverstone, Northants. The Club will have a stand at this event, plus a selection of cars on display.

For more information on the event, visit www.silverstoneclassic.com

Sunday 22 MGCC: MGB Register MG Picnic MGB Register picnic at Rockingham Castle.

Contact: Colin Goodey 07706 925298. See the MGB Register website www.mgb-register.org

Saturday 21 MGCC Belgium MG Day 40 years MGCCA MG Car Club Belgium’s Club day, taking place in Antwerp with MG Car Club Antwerp.

For more information, please visit the MG Car Club Belgium website www.mgcarclub.be

Thursday 26 MGCC: Abingdon Works Centre Natter Pride of Ownership Held at The Black Horse, Gozzards Ford, Faringdon Road, Abingdon, OX13 6JH. Starting at 7.30pm with judging at 8.00pm, the pub will be putting on a barbeque for us, at a charge of £5 per head.

Contact: Mike Parker 01235 525255.

Sunday 22 MGCC: MGF Register Brooklands Classic Car Show The MGF Register will be attending this multimarque event.

Contact: Ian Wright events@mgfregister.org Visit the MGF Register website www.mgfregister.org

Thursday 26 – Sunday 29 MGCC: Triple-M Register Bi-annual Triple-M tour This international event in Luxembourg, with tours on Friday and Saturday for up to 40 cars/80 persons, will be located in Hotel Meyer in Beaufort.

Contact: Bon Nosbuch, Cercle MMM Tel: +352 26 87 47 45. Mobile: +352 691 667796

Sunday 22 MGCC: Triple-M Register VSCC Cadwell Park – Intermarque Trophy race, Spero and Voiturette Triple-M Racing with the VSCC. Contact: Mark Dolton via mdjdolton@gmail.com

Saturday 28 – Sunday 29 MGCC: 6.3.5 Register BTCC Snetterton The 6.3.5 Register will be attending the British Touring Car Championship meet at Snetterton, Norfolk.

Keep up-to-date with the 6.3.5 Register on Facebook www.facebook.com/groups/ MG635Register/ Sunday 29 MGCC: MGB Register London to Sydney Marathon 50th Anniversary Held at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon, where the Marathon MGB and World Cup Rally Cars will be on display, plus interviews with drivers and celebrities.

Contact: John Watson 07770 525236.

Sunday 29th July MGCC: Midland Centre Midland Centre Summer Day Out The Midland Centre’s Summer Picnic will once again take place within the MAC’s Classic Nostalgia weekend at Shelsley Walsh, although it will only be present on the Sunday.

For full details of this prestigious and entertaining day out, please view our ‘Latest News’ page www. mg-cars.org.uk/mgccmidlandcentre/ or visit the MAC website www.midlandautomobileclub.co.uk A special discount code is available for MGCC members.

Contact: Andy 0121 453 1595 or Brian 0121 445 4889

2018 The all-inclusive MG Car Club event for MG tin-tops, incorporating: 30th anniversary of the MG Maestro Turbo 15th anniversary of the MG ZT 260 5th anniversary of the MG3 A full day’s racing on the circuit

Camping available Car of the show Discount Donington Collection entry And much more!

See doningtonpark.msv.com/DP-18-MGCC for discount tickets.

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Mark Peters enjoying the Autosolo in his MGB V8.

Photo: Matt Woods

CALIFORNIA CUP AUTOTESTS AND MG LIVE! AUTOSOLO

S

By Noel Lindford Photos Ray McGough - CRS Photosport

ilverstone Circuit’s infield area between Copse Runway and the Paddock was once again the perfect setting for the California Cup Autotests held on the Saturday, and the MGLive!

AutoSOLO on the Sunday. The Autotest course layouts were designed to be challenging enough for experienced competitors, but not too onerous for the newcomer; so flowing tests allowing all competitors to show what they and their cars could do, in terms of quick driving and precise handling agility, were the order of the day. They also made full use of the large tarmac area, to provide a dynamic, entertaining spectacle for the viewing public.

The California Cup InterCentre Challenge Trophy has been continuously competed for since 1959, current holders being the Ulster Centre who were back this year with two teams to defend their title.

We had 32 entrants and no less than nine team entries! The California Cup was contested by Centre teams from Ulster (two), Lincolnshire (three) and South West, whilst the BMC and Longbridge Trophies were fought for

by Register teams from MGF (SE), FWD and Magnette “The Magnetteers” along with the Ulster and Lincs teams.

We also had three ladies competing for the fastest lady driver award.

Saturday morning dawned

54 SAFETY FAST! JUNE 2018 Will Corry on his way to fastest time of the day

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hazy and warm at Silverstone, with everyone arriving on time at 9.00am for scrutineering, sign-on and to walk the course. In this case two courses (separated by barriers), which looked rather similar, but each designed to present differing driver challenges.

Following the drivers’ briefing, running orders were established, with all odd numbered entries attempting two timed runs at test layout one and all even entries doing two runs at the adjacent test layout two.

We had two “Triple M” cars entered, they being the MG NA Magnette of Philip Bayne-Powell, and the MG PB Cream Cracker trials car of Andrew Taylor, both of which ably

Ray Allden enjoying himself in his MGA

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Andrew Taylor in the MG PB Cream Cracker trials car

Paul Batho concentrating in his ZA Magnette

Bryan Pack lifting a wheel

demonstrated how agile these 80+ year-old MGs are today. At the other end of the spectrum we had some quick, modern MGFs and TFs and in the modified class, some exceptionally quick Midgets with a lot of power on tap! The test layouts provided plenty of scope for the quicker cars (not least the Modified Midgets) and their drivers, to demonstrate their ability, enthralling the crowds with their speed, handbrake turns and reversing manoeuvres.

New this year was a commentary, expertly provided by Mervyn Gillespie and Will Corry Snr who, without doing a critique on the drivers’ performances, very ably informed the spectators about the cars and drivers, a little bit of MG history, and explained just what Autotesting is about.

Following a short comfort break, all competitors walked their respective “other” course layout before doing two timed runs at these. The Magnette and FWD Register teams demonstrated how good the handling is on MG ZA/ZB Magnettes, Metros and Maestros. Great to see Ray Allden and his son as firsttime competitors in their beautiful MGA Roadster, clearly enjoying the event, and really going for it! Also going for it was the rapid MGB Roadster of Stephen and Roger Dawson from the Ulster B Team, doing some very quick times.

At the mid-point in the competition, the Ulster A team were marginally ahead of Lincs A. Whilst the course layout was modified and an added area of the test site brought into play, test layout three added more stop-astrides, and reversing into and out of garages, for one expansive and dynamic final test, attempted only once.

When the scores had been finalised, the Ulster Centre A team of Gordon Buckley, Will Corry and Bryan Mutch came out victorious,

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The winning Ulster Centre with the Califo rnia Cup.

winning the California Cup, with three modified Midgets. Lincolnshire Centre teams ran them close, but they took the BMC and Longbridge Trophies, with teams of Midgets and modern TFs respectively. Stephen Dawson (Ulster) won the Fastest MGB Trophy, Helen Blake (Yorkshire) took the Fastest Lady Award once again with her MGF, and Will Corry (Ulster) took FTD in his modified Midget.

Sadly there was no T-Type team this year, so the Register Trophy was held in abeyance. MMMs are fielding a team next year, so come on T Register!

Thanks to Hartlepool & District Motor Club for facilitating this event once again with their support vehicle, Tricia Colligan and Tony Coates from Tyne-Tees, who led the timing and scoring plus the start line teams, Mervyn Gillespie for scrutineering, and for his splendid commentary alongside Will Corry Snr and all the marshals, mainly from Tyne-Tees and Yorkshire Centres.

The MG Live! AutoSOLO was kindly organised by Oxford Motor Club, and Clerk of Course, David Smith, laid out a very good slalom course using 30 numbered cones, with four different test routes around them, using much of the available space. The layouts aimed

to emphasise precision driver skill and car handling over outright speed and power of the cars. A total of 17 entries were received, and grouped into the relevant classes of 1956-2018 MGs, Modified MGs and BMC/Rover-derived Marque cars. Sadly no Pre-56 MGs entered.

All competitors had three timed runs at each layout, with the best two counting towards overall scores. As usual for AutoSOLOs, all drivers were in one of three groups, who at any one time were either driving, marshalling or resting.

Following scrutineering, and sign-on by Secretary John Blackwell, the competition commenced about 11.00am, on a warm, sunny Sunday morning at Silverstone. A good number of California Cup entrants joined two members from Oxford MC, and Tyne-Tees man Richard Young in his Metro GTi. After an enjoyable, hard-fought competition, it was Oxford MC’s Keith Pettit in his 1275cc Mk 1 Austin Healey Sprite who got FTD, and fellow member Peter Manning got the BMC class award in his 1330cc Mini. Ulster Centre’s Bryan Mutch won the Modified MG class in his Midget, with Lyn Peters from Lincs Centre winning Fastest Lady award in her MGB V8. Post-1956 MG class award went to Ulster’s Roger Dawson in his MGB.

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SUPER

SILVERSTONE

M

GLive! played host to a varied and entertaining weekend of racing on the Historic Grand Prix layout at a sunny Silverstone on June 2-3.

One of the highlights of this MG Car Club flagship event was Saturday’s celebration of the 20th anniversary of the inauguration of the MGF Cup and Abingdon Trophy, with MGF owner and racer, David Coulthard, gathering F and TFs to mark the occasion Unfortunately pole position qualifier for the Church Square Autos MGCC MGF/TF Anniversary Challenge, Philip Standish – in his TF LE500 – was not among them, pulling into the pit lane at the end of the

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Report by Ian Sowman photos Dickon Siddall green flag lap with a fuel leak. That left Jonathan Harker to take up the mantle of front-runner in his similar car, and he held a comfortable – if not substantial – lead throughout.

Cockshoot Cup regular, Brian Butler, was a fine second in his F VVC, just 1.4 seconds behind Harker, a result that earned him the Driver of the Race award as well as the Abingdon Trophy class. Adam Key took a solid third position in his F VVC, some way clear of the battling Cup cars of Coulthard and F1000 regular Andrew Wheals.

Rob Spencer’s stranglehold on outright victories in the TN Racing BCV8 Championship was broken in the first of two races. Russell McCarthy was the man to do so, but in spite

of being on pole he suffered a very bad start. Neil Fowler led initially but Spencer dived down the inside of him at Brooklands on the third lap to take over. McCarthy moved ahead of him there a lap later, then took the lead from Spencer on lap six. Spencer and Fowler were then involved in an incident that sent Fowler spinning on the Wellington Straight on lap seven – with Spencer having a big rotation on oil at Abbey on the final lap that almost brought Fowler back into contention for second place. Andrew Young came out of a close fight with Ollie Neaves to win Class C, and with it the Driver of the Race award, while Simons, Cripps and Tinkler enjoyed more comfortable class successes.

Equipped with a fresh set of tyres, Spencer was back in winning form in the weekend’s second race, capitalising on another poor start for McCarthy to lead from the off. McCarthy smoked past Fowler on the third lap to claim second position, but a lap later retired with a holed oil cooler. Having retired from Saturday’s race, Jonnie Wheeler completed the Class D podium.

In the Class C fight, Young lost ground on the third lap leaving Neaves well out in front.

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Ray Collier enjoyed success in the first Cockshoot Cup encounter, which ran concurrently with the BCV8s. His ZR190 finished eight seconds clear of the ZS180 of Simon Lowery, who was awarded Driver of the Race.

The second race was interrupted by the safety car after Butler, who had hitherto had an excellent weekend, collided heavily with the wall on the International Pit Straight. That was to the advantage of Collier, who was able to cool his overheating car during the two laps it was out. Lowery had to settle for second after briefly leading, with the fast-starting Keith Egar Midget in third position. Mark Bellamy and Driver of the Race Ian Wright, who returned home overnight to change the engine after blowing it in qualifying, picked up the class winner awards.

In the Millers Oils MG Trophy the stage was set for Paul Luti to extend his advantage in the Enhanced Power points standings in the absence of Jason Burgess, but it wasn’t to be. Paul was plagued by brake problems on Saturday, with Graham Ross pouncing to grab the lead in the championship with a lights-to-flag victory in race one.

Andy Spencer took second place, a long way clear of what developed into a three-car battle for the last podium place. Having made his switch to the ZR190 class permanent, Will Payne “didn’t give it enough revs” at the start and dropped right back, but grabbed third place from Doug Cole at Copse on the final lap, in spite of an issue with his exhaust.

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In the ZR170 class, Ryan Firth was chuffed with his victory and the Driver of the Race award as he emerged on top of what was often a five-car battle for the lead. Sam Kirkpatrick had put his freshly built car on pole, and brought the car home second in class, just ahead of Adam Jackson.

Luti suffered “colossal brake failure” on two occasions in the race, both at Village hairpin.

Tylor Ballard bounced back from his roll at Brands Hatch by taking the 160 Class victory in a new car that had been built up in the four weekends since the last race, taking the lead from John Booth on lap three and staying ahead thereafter.

Ross completed his brace of wins in the second race, but again Spencer gave him a very hard time on his way to second place. Cole completed the podium – just – but survived a “massive moment” at Maggotts before fending off Payne.

The ZR170 division again provided the highlight of the race, with Firth taking another far from straightforward victory. “I never thought I would be able to do the double at MGLive!” he said, after fending off non-points scoring South African guest, Danie van Niekerk, by less than half a second. With John Booth retiring on the first lap with a misfire on his ZR160, Ballard had to sing to himself to keep him entertained on his way to class honours once more.

Steve Collier won the Lackford Engineering Midget/Sprite Challenge race comfortably in his Midget to consolidate his overall championship lead. Collier beat a close battle for second headed by Dave Weston from Richard Wildman, also in class A Midgets, by just under seven seconds. Also racing was Dave Weston’s 18-year-old son, Edward, who finished 11th on his debut.

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Paul Campfield’s Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite beat Pippa Cow’s Midget to the class E win by eight tenths of a second. Campfield therefore stretches his class E championship lead, but Cow had the consolation of the Driver of the Race prize.

Returning champion Alan Brooke took both Peter Best Insurance Services MG Cup wins in his Rover Metro. In the first race he was locked in a battle for the lead with fellow Metro driver and Brands Hatch double winner, Mike Williams, which was settled when Williams pulled off just after half distance as oil was leaking onto his wheels. In spite of getting his gearbox changed in the short gap between races, Williams did not take part in the second encounter.

Championship leader heading into this round, Matt Simpson, also had to retire at half distance of race one when a head gasket failed on his Rover Tomcat..

Driver of the Race, Ian Boulton, took second place in his ZR170 ahead of Peter Burchill’s ZS180 in both races and therefore was double class B winner, with his nearest class rival,

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Nick Arden, some way adrift in his similar car. Darren Harris’s ZR160 scooped class A honours in the first race in seventh overall, missing out on a top six spot by just three quarters of a second, while in race two Dan Ludlow’s ZR160 topped the class, also winning the Driver of the Race prize for fourth overall.

The MGCC Iconic 50s race was the only one during the course of the weekend to be red-flagged, with Stuart Dean crashing the MG Dick Jacobs Special into a gate in the pit wall at the start of the second lap while taking action to avoid a slowing car ahead of him. There was just time for a 15-minute restart, which boiled down to a two-way fight for honours.

Canadian Stuart Dickinson’s MGA Twin Cam rarely had much breathing space ahead of the Turner MkII of Steve Watton, and on the final lap he spun at the Arena complex, allowing Watton through to take victory.

The first Equipe Pre-’63 race was blitzed by Jack Rawles in the family Austin Healey 3000, beating Martin Brewer by more than 13 seconds.

John Pearson ran second in his Austin

Healey 3000 but allowed Brewer to extend his lead with two offs at Aintree, while Bob Binfield’s E Type completed the podium.

The plan had been that Jack Rawles would hand the 3000 over to his father Bill for Sunday’s contest, but Jack took up the pole position for race two and duly pulled out a clear lead. Brewer was second throughout on this occasion, with Pearson again showing strongly in the early stages before eventually fading back to ninth.

Two TVR Grantura MkIIIs battled it out with Tom Smith’s MGB Roadster in the first of the Equipe GTS contest. It might have been three, but the pole-winning Rod Begbie almost immediately dropped out of contention, leaving Wilf Penrose and Mark Ashworth to slug it out with Smith. Smith tried to use backmarkers on the final lap to pass Ashworth but to no avail, while the slightly smoky Penrose car held on to win.

Even in spite of a small fire under the bonnet of Ashworth’s car in the pit lane after race one, the same three protagonists were at it again in the second race, with Ashworth, then Penrose, then Smith taking their turns up front. The MGB driver held the initiative going into the closing stages, but having been defeated by Smith at his home circuit, Oulton Park, three weeks earlier, Ashworth was intent on turning the tables and did so on the very last lap.

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RACE TORQUE

RACE TORQUE

O

f course, the Club’s premier meeting, MGLive!, is still very fresh in the memory and what a fantastic race meeting it was. Club racing at its very best.

Excellent entries from a number of Championships and our guests, in particular Equipe with their four races, were complemented by some excellent close, clean racing with results in doubt to the end. Indeed, no less than four races had results where the first and second places were split by less than a second. One by 0.17 of a second.

In particular Mark Ashworth, a regular competitor, was able to avenge his previous defeat by Tom Smith at Mark’s home track of Oulton. There was a smile on Mark’s face since it was a last-lap change in order in favour of Mark. Close, clean and fun, proper club racing. Well done to both.

The MGF race attracted fewer starters than was hoped, but a useful start was made in trying to re-establish the model in our race meetings. In particular, the support of the MGF Register in providing the awards, sourced via Mark Baulch, was much appreciated and some excellent prizes were given out.

A substantial accident to long-time member Stuart Dean in his Dick Jacobs Special caused a race stoppage when he lost control and hit the pit wall at high speed. Thankfully he emerged unhurt although from the severity of the incident his bruises may well have been a reminder for some time. The time loss caused the last race to be shortened.

This was the Pit Stop one or two driver

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By Ron Gammons

This is an important meeting race with, it has to be said, not a great for the MGCC, combining as we entry where previous races to the same are with Morgan and establishing a format yielded entries into the forties. new two-day weekend entitled the Attention turns now to Donington “British Sports Car Weekend”. The on July 14-15 where the Club is in Club needs to support this venture conjunction with Morgan Sports Car to retain it. In particular, our Chief Club. Our friends at Equipe are due Marshal, Paul Stilling, would love to to run their Three Hour Relay on the hear from anybody prepared to help Saturday afternoon/evening and are the Club marshal over the weekend. promising a great entry for this and Only available one day? You will their races Equipe GTS and Pre-63 on still be welcomed with open arms! the Sunday.

Contact either Paul or John via the BCV8 is having a renaissance this Club office. year, and already at the time of writing has an entry of 22 and the exciting Trophy series are into the thirties and we still have some weeks to THE MG CAR CLUB INVITES YOU TO COMPETE IN THE: closing date. These could well be the best grids we have had so far.

The Club is offering the opportunity to Registers and Centres alike to be involved, OULTON PARK INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT with camping availability and SATURDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER discounted tickets to both the circuit and also to the F1 museum (providing they are bought ahead). A number of Registers are planning gatherings on the muchrevamped infield areas.

Indeed, mention must be made of the terrific improvements made in recent months to the Donington • 100-MILE RACE ON THE OULTON PARK infrastructure now that Jonathan INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT. • SALOON AND SPORTS CARS ON Palmer’s MotorSport Vision has TREADED TYRES ELIGIBLE. taken over the running of the • ONE OR TWO-DRIVER TEAMS WELCOME. • ENTRY FEE JUST £495 - ENTRIES AT THE circuit, with the much-needed ORGANISER’S DISCRETION. investment. The Paddock is E-MAIL johnh@mgcc.co.uk OR CALL 01235 849738 now all freshly tarmacked and WWW.MGCC.CO.UK/MOTORSPORT probably three times its previous size (and it wasn’t the smallest we visit, either!)

NORTHWEST 100

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

MG on track

NORTH WEALD EXPERIENCE DAY

O

ur MGs on Track Starter Experience day at North Weald aerodrome on August 10 is aimed at novices, at those who have never tried one of our track days, and at those who are not even sure that they really want to!

For just £55.00 the event offers the chance to explore your car’s handling and performance in the completely safe and wide-open environment of the airfield, under the watchful eye of performance driving instructors.

Numbers are restricted to just 23 for the day, and with each exercise being undertaken by just one car at a time the risk to both vehicle and driver is minimised. No special equipment or helmets are required, just enthusiasm and an MG. In a change from previous years, cars will now be tested for exhaust noise, with the limit set at 105db measured with the car stationary and at 75% of maximum revs; this is very loud, so unless you

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routinely suffer bleeding ears after a trip to the shops, drivers of road cars should have no concerns! North Weald aerodrome is very close to Harlow, and just a mile or two from the M11, so is readily reached from most areas.

After an exploratory visit to the onsite catering van, the day proper commences with a group introduction and an explanation of the day’s activities, the first of which will be the high-speed bend. You will be encouraged to approach the bend at ever-increasing speed (measured with a radar gun) until you reach or exceed the limit of road-holding. Probably this exercise will result in a disorientating but harmless spin on the open tarmac, after which the instructor will offer advice and a few encouraging words, sending you back out to put your newly found knowledge to the test before progressing onto the next exercises. As only one car is in action at any time there will be a few moments to chat and compare notes with your

fellow participants before your next chance to get it just right.

Confidence in both your own abilities and the potential of your car will grow as the event proceeds, and you will be ready to try your skills on the two circuits formed of cones that will be set-up for the final portion of the day. A hint of competition enters these last activities as your ‘laps’ will be timed; in previous years we have witnessed intense rivalries ferment, particularly when a car is shared between husband and wife, or between father and son!

Our regular MGoT events differ from the Starter Experience day in one very important aspect as they are strictly non-competitive, with any form of timing or racing completely forbidden. Strict rules of etiquette govern overtaking and behaviour on the track and you’ll certainly witness fewer spins than at North Weald!

Clearly, we hope that the Starter Experience day will give you the confidence and desire to try a full track day sometime soon, but even if you decide not to take it any further you will still find it to be a fun and very sociable day out and are certain to come away from North Weald having learnt lots of new skills. At least two MGoT committee members will be present for the day, so plenty of opportunity to ask questions about our track days and learn why we enjoy them so much.

Complete newcomers to MGs on Track will need to visit our website to register themselves and their car before going on to book this event.

The website also details all the track days scheduled for the remainder of

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MG CAR CLUB SPEED CHAMPIONSHIP MGS ON TRACK – 2018 CALENDAR Please visit www.mgs-on-track.com to register, check

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

availability, or to book a track day.

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

Blyton Park – July 23 Not a traditional racing circuit, but very popular with all who’ve tried it.

North Weald – August 10 An introductory activity day for those who have not yet tried a full track day. A chance to explore the capabilities of driver and car in complete safety.

Castle Combe – September 10 A second opportunity to enjoy the thrills of this everpopular track which includes a couple of chicanes and technical corners!

Donington – October 1 A flowing, historic circuit in the Midlands, featuring the fantastic Craner Curves and Old Hairpin sequence.

Anglesey – October 5 Experience this challenging circuit on a day shared with the Lotus 7 Club. Overlooking the Irish Sea and with views to Snowdonia, this track offers something for all.

Goodwood – October 29 The second visit this year in case you missed the first due to popularity!

Brands Hatch ‘Indy’ – December 3 Our last event of 2018. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy this undulating circuit including Paddock Hill Bend!

the year, although not all will yet be open for booking.

An approved helmet is required at our normal events held upon a circuit, and these can be reserved at the time of booking or even added later, should a friend decide to join you as a passenger. Tuition from ARDSqualified instructors is also available to book, and this is highly recommended, particularly for novices. Many of those who visited us at the MGoT tent at MGLive! expressed an enthusiasm for trying a full-blown track day or joining us at North Weald for the experience day so, unless you were only humouring us, now is the time to exchange thoughts for actions!

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We have just returned from this year’s excellent MGLive! weekend. As usual on the Sunday we ran a one-lap sprint on the Stowe circuit. This year we had a full entry of 140 cars which we managed to get through two practice runs and two timed runs. Given the blistering heat everyone had to cope with, one could only feel for the start marshals who were completely exposed, apart from a small lunch break, for the entire day. It was bad enough waiting in line for your run wearing a two-layer suit and helmet.

This event has become a firm favourite with many other invited clubs besides our own, notably the Austin Healeys, large and small, and the TVRs. There really was something for everyone who likes to watch classics performing. There were no serious ‘Offs’ which helped the smooth running of the event.

One unfortunate incident saw veteran TA driver, Martin Price, destroy his differential two yards into his first practice run. Knowing Martin, he will soon be up and running again.

During the rest of June we had the Abingdon Sprint on the 9th and our annual visit to Aintree on the 30th. Reports on these events will follow in the next article.

On July 7 we visit the historic Barbon Manor hillclimb, near Kirkby Lonsdale. This venue is set in a beautiful part of the world and is a round of the British Hillclimb Championship. So apart from seeing our own marque represented, you can see the titans of the sport performing at their best. Barbon has not been favoured with good weather in the past couple of years so we can only hope.

On the same weekend, at the opposite end of the country, is the Castle Hill double header. This event is run by Camel Vale MC and the venue is situated on the access road to a large reservoir just outside Lostwithiel in Cornwall. It is a very fast and demanding track. Many of our members make a holiday of this visit and there is a very vibrant social atmosphere.

Right at the end of the month, on the 29th, we visit the Three Sisters track at Golborne, near Wigan. This is a very tight and twisty track and requires a high level of car control to put up a good time.

Neil Lock in his MG ZR 170 on the Stowe circuit at MGLive!

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BCL1

BCL1

High power LED back light upgrades for all models, inc Mk1 MGA, TD etc.

Discreet DRL systems New! for classic cars

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www.mgcc.co.uk

22/06/2018 17:17

BTCC CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 4 – OULTON PARK

T

he trucks rolled into the Oulton paddock ready for qualifying on June 9 with racing on June 10. The drivers would be using the shorter version of the superb circuit, turning right alongside the lake rather than taking the longer route around the hairpin.

The Oulton Park Circuit has no straights and major changes of elevation so is a problem for the cars carrying success ballast. The MG6 has been a race winner at this venue in past years and so the AmDtuning. com team were optimistic about their prospects. Both Rory Butcher and Tom Boardman love the circuit and being a Lancastrian, it is Tom’s home track.

RCIB Insurance and Auto Aid continue to sponsor the team.

No BTCC testing is allowed at Oulton Park during the season, so the teams would be setting their cars up using historical data. All the drivers would have to use the “option” tyre

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By Paul Goodman. Photos: Aaron Lupton (a softer compound at this meeting) in one of the three races. As usual, they would have two 40-minute free practice sessions before qualifying. The two MG6s were close to the pace, but with most of the field covered by a single second, they were down in the twenties in both sessions.

The qualifying laps were incredibly close. Rory was high up in the order in the early minutes, but dropped down as other drivers improved. He ended up in 23rd place with Tom in 30th. Pole position was a first-ever for Matt Simpson in his Honda from Sam Tordoff’s Ford Focus and Tom Chilton’s Shredded Wheat Ford Focus.

Race day was sweltering with a massive crowd turning up at the circuit. Matt Simpson made a good start in race one and held the lead for the full distance, despite smoke coming out of the car in the concluding laps. Matt added himself to the list of drivers winning their first

BTCC race in 2018. Tom Chilton was second and Andrew Jordan’s Pirtek BMW was third. Rory had trouble getting away from his grid slot at the start and slipped back down the field to finish 27th. Tom made up places and was able to finish 24th.

Conditions were still perfect for race two of the day, which was to provide a lot more action. Matt Simpson was unable to start because of engine failure. Colin Turkington overtook several other drivers to win in his BMW. Matt Neal piloting his Honda drove a brilliant race to take second with Tom Chilton hanging on despite success ballast to finish third. Rory drove a brilliant race to finish 14th and score more points.

Meanwhile Tom’s race was ruined by a drive through penalty and so he ended up 25th.

The final race of the day was stopped by the red flag after an incident at the start. Sadly, Rory’s MG6 flew through the air after contact from behind and so he was eliminated. After clearing the track, the race restarted, and it soon turned into a BMW masterclass with Rob Collard, Andrew Jordan and Colin Turkington filling the podium. Tom had a strong race, latching onto the back of the leading cars to finish in the points in 15th place.

Rory is still in contention for the Jack Sears Trophy for drivers who have never finished in the first three of a BTCC race.

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The Indaba welcoming banner

MG UKHAHLAMBA INDABA

T

he 23rd South African Indaba (National Meeting in the Zulu language) was hosted by our oldest Affiliated Centre â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the KwaZulu Natal Centre (KZN). The event was held in

My loan MGC V8 Roadster

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By Brian G Woodhams

the Drakensberg Mountains of KZN (which are called uKhahlamba and means barrier of spears in Zulu) from May 3-6. I was loaned an MGC with a V8 engine by William Kelly of the Northern Centre, and straight off the

plane travelled down the 220 miles via a lovely overnight stay at La La Nathi resort, near Harrismith in the Free State. This was in the company of a large contingent of the Northern Centre based in Pretoria. After a very convivial evening, we were up and on the road via Oliviershoek Pass to the Drakensburg Pumped Storage Hydro power station for a conducted tour.

The MG group, which by now included members from the other seven Centres in RSA, found it amusing that I knew at least as much about the plant as our guide â&#x20AC;&#x201C; I used to be employed by Escom (Electricity Supply Commission) at their National Control Centre. It was very interesting for the group to realise how much heavy engineering is involved in maintaining the Power Station, as two of the units were in pieces undergoing maintenance. After

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1970 MGB of Brian Aslett from Cape Town at the lunch stop

the Power Station tour we proceeded to the ATKV Drakensville resort to check in for our accommodation and to registration for the event.

We were given our goody bags and then proceeded to settle in and meet up with old and new friends.

Unfortunately this event had clashed with the Simola hillclimb in Knysna, so the attendance from the South Cape, Border and Port Elizabeth Centres was

somewhat reduced. However, there were 86 cars and approximately 150 members present, of which 45 were from the Northern Centre, with 11 from Overseas – John and Judy Fry from Canada/UK, Roland Spitz and Peter Simone from Switzerland, Phillippe Douchet, Andre Frick, Sylvia Poliguet and Frederique Pralong from France, and Adam and Leande Fergie and myself from England. In the evening the Rocker Box racing got under way, and was eventually won by Hentie Erasmus of the Johannesburg Centre.

The Rocker Box Racing

The weather in KZN was wonderful with clear, blue skies set against the mountain backdrop – for me it was top down weather all the way! The evenings were cool once the sun went down. Friday was the Fun Run/Treasure Hunt which led us to Cathedral Peak Wine Estate for lunch. There was a sheet of MG history questions at the end to decide the winner. Once the tummies were refuelled it was decided that a visit to a local craft brewery would complete the free afternoon nicely – so off we go! The evening’s entertainment on stage was provided

MGs at the Cathedral Peak Winery

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Some of the Northern Centre (NC) during lunch

The evening entertainment Sysum-style

Northern Centre 101 Dalmatian Black and White theme

by a group of four which included two of the Indaba organisers singing sixties, seventies and eighties songs and doing sketches â&#x20AC;&#x201C; very brave! An impromptu party followed at chalet

No 10 which soon became known as Downing Street!!

After a leisurely breakfast on Saturday I was informed by William Kelly that the CV8 was entered in

Awards Display with Nuffield Trophy at left rear

Ed Hilary (NC) in his TC at the start of the ďŹ rst Driving Test

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National President Tony Craddock with Norman Ewing

the Driving Tests, and we would each have a go at the two timed tests.

William went first and did two runs on each test, and then it was my turn. Although described as “Mickey Mouse” tests by some, they were great fun and more difficult than they at first appeared. Anyway, when the results came out in the evening at the Gala Dinner, William was second and I was first in his car! We are still friends!

Presentation of Nuffield Trophy to KZN Indaba Chairman Chris Brown (left)

The driving tests were followed by the Concours, Tops only Concours, and the Concours Comique. In the afternoon I attended the Combined Centres of South Africa meeting at which Norman Ewing was Chairman. The Gala Dinner in the evening was a splendid affair with the whole of Northern Centre making an entrance in 101 Dalmatiantype shirts – the theme was Black and White. I was called upon to make the Awards after dinner and the Nuffield

Trophy was presented to the KZN Centre. My thanks go out to William Kelly for the loan of his MGC V8, the Northern Centre for their friendship and hospitality, the KZN organising committee who did a great job, and the sponsors, including Alan and Denise of the Sports Car Centre in Johannesburg. The next Indaba will be hosted by the Cape Town Centre in September 2020, so start saving and contact me if interested.

Paul Spencer and Peter Faul (NC) in the Concours Comique

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A MONTHLY LOOK THROUGH A FEW OF THE OVERSEAS MAGAZINES WE RECEIVE AT KIMBER HOUSE REVIEWED BY RICHARD MARTIN

E

Wheelspin was offered to any new ach time I put together purchaser of an MG; an initiative an Overseas Review I’m which was well received. Opposite always struck by the quality Lock, from Sydney, carries the first of the photos many of the of three reprinted articles from 2008 magazines contain. I therefore entitled “Great Designers”. The first is thought that on this occasion I’d focus about Gerald Palmer, with the promise more on the photos and less on the text, of Pinin Farina and Gerry McGovern although it will be difficult to do justice to follow in future issues. The same to some of the stunning pictures which magazine has an article on take up complete fitting electronic ignition pages whilst others to an MGB, mentioning cover a double page. a pitfall to avoid, and an The Octagon advert for an event which from Queensland’s caught my eye, “The Run MGCC, aside from with No Beer – a classic having a stunning pub crawl”, something Slim red TF concours Dusty would relate to! winner on its front MG Car Club of cover, carries reports Toronto’s The Octagon from six Chapters has a four-page report of around the state, a road trip all in rhyme! A mentioning A stunning red MG TF look very impressive effort by Pam events celebrating part on the Octagon front s the cover and Fred. The magazine also Australia Day, Cecil carries an informed report on noise in Kimber’s Birthday and a weekend for open-topped cars, along with types of the Queen’s Birthday. All good reasons ear-plugs which might be considered. for a party! There’s also a report on the From the North American MGB 50th Anniversary Mt Cotton Hillclimb.

Register, The MG Driver covers The hillclimb has always been under cooling issues with articles entitled “joint ownership” as the Club owned “Basic MG: Running Hot”, “Cool one of the parcels of land it’s built on, Runnin’” and “Restoration: Heater with the other in private ownership.

The report states that the 10 acres owned since 1968 by Mrs Ann Thomson have now been generously transferred, by her, to the Club, thus “helping to ensure the future of the Club and the hillclimb.”

Wheelspin, from the Victoria Club, reports Headturner in Hollywood on a meeting between Club officials and SAIC Motor Australia and SAIC Motor Corporation action Australian hill climb Shanghai at which 12 months’ membership to the Imaginative use of a jerry can, illustrated in Sweden’s MGCC Victoria plus online access to Bulletinen

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Core”. Sandwiched between these technical articles is something completely different – one on “Flat Caps”.

Finally, congratulations to the Rocky Mountain Centre who have been Brace of As in Canada awarded the Nuffield Challenge Trophy for the United States. Enjoy the photos.

Rocky Mountain Centre with the Nuffield Trophy

1933 J2 Award Winn Amelia Island, Florid er at a

L1 Magna Police Car

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CENTRES

ABINGDON WORKS

PETE DAVIES sfscribe@mgabingdon.org.uk www.mgabingdon.co.uk So, you’ve got your Safety Fast! but the question is: at what point are you reading this? Are you the person that rips off the cellophane, plunges directly in to the cars and spares section and then works your way back through the pages, or are you the person that starts from page one and thumbs through sequentially?

Or, are you that third type that comes directly to the scribe to see what tasty things we have to say each month?

If you’re one of these dedicated AWC enthusiasts, then you can look forward to what the others have already perused.

There’s a write-up on this year’s AWC Old Speckled Hen. If you

missed the day and fancy a bimble along the route in the future, drop me an email and I will forward a copy. Maybe we will see you at next year’s run.

Something else you ‘backto-fronters have yet to read is the article on MGLive! Again, two days of warm, dry weather.

Another change-around which was very welcome for those in the new village hutches, getting that pleasant breeze instead of cooking in the main marquee as last year. The AWC stand was fully manned and much interest was given to both the PA and Supercharged ZT 260 that were displayed. It was noticed that some visitors chose not to walk

ANGLIA

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

Well, Silverstone was a success for our Centre both on and off track, with Alan Brooke taking the spoils in the MGCC Peter Best Insurance MG Cup in his very rapid Metro and the Anglia Centre stand, shared again this year with the Caledonian Centre, drawing so many compliments from visitors, is sure to be in the running for Best Centre Display.

Queen Vic The Anglia Centre is pleased to announce that the very popular ‘Queen Vic’ Car Show will again be held in conjunction with The Rotary Club of Billericay Mayflower, at the Billericay Summer Fest on Sunday July 8 from 11.00am to 4.30pm.

We usually have a large range of,

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old, new, sporting and more sedate forms of transport on display that visitors are free to wander among.

The owners are usually on hand to answer questions about their pride and joy, too.

We have around 200 vehicles on display, and of course the very popular Concours Competition. There will also be a stand showcasing some of the latest MG models.

As well as the car show there will be a large display arena, craft and charity stalls, refreshments and various displays, such as dog agility and emergency service demonstrations.

For full details go to the dedicated website that can be accessed directly via the Anglia

the length of the avenue, just visiting the front one or two CRB stands before wandering off past. Maybe a continuous arch of stands instead of two separate avenues could be better?

Now here’s something that isn’t anywhere else, so wherever you’ve opened this page from …

AWC Natters are in full swing for their Pride of Ownership meetings. If you are interested in going to the Chesham Natter PoO and BBQ and are reading this on June 27, unlucky, as that was last night. But don’t despair. The Five Arrows Natter are holding their PoO at The Five Arrows, High Street, Waddesdon, on Monday July 2, with the Bell Inn Natter PoO and BBQ being held at The Bell Inn, Main Street, Beachampton, on Thursday July

12. The Abingdon Natter’s PoO is on Thursday July 26 but at a new venue, The Black Horse at Gozzards Ford. Plus, don’t forget, the third annual classic car show on July 8 at Notcutts Garden Centre in Nuneham Courtenay, near Oxford, between 9.00am and 4.30pm.

All these events, as well as many others, can be found on the AWC website. www. mgabingdon.org.uk To all the regulars, have a pleasant time during the summer and to all new members, the heartiest welcome. We hope you take an active part in this fantastic MG family.

Off now to fit the parts that I squirrelled past the other half whilst she was off getting a mortgage for the coffees at MGLive!

Centre website. The show is easy to find at Billericay Common, London Road, Billericay, CM12 9MD.

find at Helmingham Hall, Suffolk, IP14 6EF. More details on the Anglia website.

The Helmingham Hall Festival of Classic and Sports Cars is being held on Sunday August 5. Many of the Anglia members will be displaying their cars at the show and the Anglia Centre flags will be flying and easy to spot.

A popular show, especially the demonstration runs of many of the classics along the Helmingham Estate drive. Easy to

Club Meet News A smaller event but with no less quality and pride is the Longham Club Meet Pride of Ownership evening on Tuesday August 7.

The Meet always has a fantastic display of cars and is well worth a visit at The White Horse, Longham, Norfolk NR19 2RD. Contact William Ball 01508 471506 or midnorfolk@ mgccanglia.com

Alan Brooke in the Paddock, having won both of the Peter Best races at MGLive!

JULY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 71

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CENTRES

CALEDONIAN

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

Pleased to say that our V8-themed stand at Thirlestane Castle in June did well. With a broad selection of MGs on display we were awarded the Best Car Club Stand trophy.

We have done well there in recent years! We were also at MGLive! on the same weekend, albeit with a much reduced presence. The new arrangements for CRBs worked well and it would be good to see more members there next year.

(Thirlestane and F1 permitting!)

Mike Howlet tried the Autosolo for the first time and loved it! How about a team for 2019?

We are at Glamis Castle this month, on the 8th. There may still be a ticket available, contact me if you need one. And there are places

available on August 12 at the Dumfries Show.

We still need entries for Bo’ness in September. Details are on the website and again, although the theme is V8s, any model of MG is welcome. There is a choice of two runs on the Saturday and with the classic hillclimb in action both days it makes for a superb weekend. If you would like more info let me know.

This month we have a one-day run in Fife, on the 22nd. This will be a short and relaxing run with lunch, and details are on the website.

Remember there is no entry fee!

There is an exclusive event on July 29, for MGAs. Any model, any condition, will be welcome on

DEVON & CORNWALL YOUNG JANNER II bobslatter@hotmail.com www.mgcc.co.uk/devon-cornwall-centre/ Having just returned from a fabulous MGLive! at Silverstone, backed by fantastic sunshine, I would like to congratulate several Centre members who won awards in the Pride of Ownership competition. Mark Tossell was awarded the Best in Class for MGF/MG TF with his 2001 MGF, Louise Allen, the same in the MGZR/ZS/ZT class with her MG ZR, and Steve Haines in the MG6 class. Also, as a bonus Mark was awarded the Best Overall car.

Now to future events and the first of these is Devon Day to be held on Sunday August 12. It is intended to recall the light-hearted fun of the past events incorporating a bit more variety than just a run round the

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lanes. We will finish at the Sterts Theatre at Upton Cross, near Liskeard, to tie in with the Jazz in the Park Picnic being organised separately by Terry Bolt to fundraise for MacMillan Cancer Support. You will be able to enter into either or both events.

Our day will commence at the Engine House Cafe, on the slopes of Kit Hill, where tea, coffee and bacon sandwiches will be available. There will then be a short run to another venue, for a few very light-hearted gymkhana-style exercises. These will not include any speed tests, will not involve stressing your cars and may not even require use of a car! Following these a longer run through the lanes

the run. Again, check the website for info.

Tony Smith still has a couple of spaces available for the FiveDay Tour in August, based around Fort William, Aviemore, etc. Check the website for details or contact Tony. And you might be lucky and still get a place on the Arran trip in September. This was a very successful trip last year and is being repeated for those who missed it. It won’t be on in 2019 so this is your last chance! Check with Barclay Henderson.

The new V8 regalia is attracting attention. Speak to Tony

or Lorraine for more details.

I know we are only half way through the year, but your committee will soon be planning for next year. If you have any suggestions for new events please let us know.

Many of you have responded to my request for confirmation of acceptance of the new GDPR rules. If you have not received an email from me in the last month it probably means that I’m awaiting your confirmation. Without that confirmation we cannot keep in touch, so please confirm! Any problems, please let me know.

The Thirlestane stand

of East Cornwall will arrive at Sterts in time for the Picnic. We envisage a total distance of no more than 25 miles.

There will be a nominal entry fee to cover our MSA permit. Tea or coffee at £1.20 and bacon butties £4.25 at the start. For further details and to enter contact Barry Smith treasurer@ mgccdc.org The Picnic is free to all to attend, whether you take part in the Devon Day activities or not.

All Terry asks is for a donation towards his charity for which he has worked tirelessly for many years and raised thousands of pounds. Bring your own picnic to eat in the open air whilst listening to the music, or should the weather be inclement, then in the theatre itself. Please can you let Terry know if you would like to come along so he has some idea of numbers. He can be

contacted on terry.bolt@mgccdc. org or 01579 383497 Whilst on the subject of Touring Assemblies, Alan and Verona Davis have kindly organised another one to be called the Tamar Old Bridges Run and is being held on Sunday September 2. The start is at Bradworthy Square, near Holsworthy, Devon, with a lunch stop at Lifton Farm Shop and Restaurant, following on to a finish at Harrowbarrow Village Hall, near Callington, Cornwall.

The route is approximately 85 miles and includes 20 crossings of the Tamar. The entry list is filling up fast, but if you are interested, let me know and I will forward an entry form, etc.

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Saturday 4th August 2018 Coys’ spectacular international auction returns, taking place on this important and fantastic weekend in a unique setting for the historic motor car world.

For further information and or to consign your vehicle, please contact one of our European Offices listed below.

ENTRIES ARE INVITED

ALREADY ENTERED:

1941 Mercedes Benz 540 K Cabriolet Chassis no.: 408429 Delivered new to German Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Berlin

COYS LONDON Manor Court, Lower Mortlake Road, Richmond, TW9 2LL, United Kingdom Tel. +44 (0) 208 614 7888 Fax +44 (0) 208 614 7889 auctions@coys.co.uk www.coys.co.uk

BDC_fontwell_2018.indd 1 Safety Fast_July18_Back.indd 74

1982 De Tomaso Pantera GT 5 # 09204 Only 8200 kms from new In 2nd. ownership since 1985 and in mint condition throughout

COYS EUROPE Michael Haag D-68165 Mannheim, Germany Tel: +49 (0) 621 412004 Fax: +49 (0) 621 415551 coyseurope@web.de

COYS FRANCE Jacques Morabito 34, avenue des ChampsÉlysées 75008 Paris +33 (0)1 4076 5798 +33 (0)6 0203 6792 jacques.morabito@coys.co.uk

The one of 1990 Fichtel & Sachs Group C Ex Herbert Stenger, Multiple winner European Championship

COYS ITALIA Giuliano Fazi +39 335 148 8303 giuliano.fazi@coys.co.uk

europe 14/06/2018 17:35 22/06/2018 17:17

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018 17:35

CENTRES

LINCOLNSHIRE

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

July Natters: Wolds Wednesday 4; Abbey Lodge Monday 9 (Games Night); Wishing Well Wednesday 11; Three Horseshoes Thursday 19; Lincoln Tuesday 24; Red Cow Inn Thursday 26 (Landlords Choice).

Luncheon Club: Wednesday 18.

July Events “On the Green” Car Show, Allington Sunday 8; MG Rover Day, East Kirkby Saturday 14.

August Event Poacher Concours, Doddington Hall Sunday 19.

What a scorcher! The newlook MG Live! at Silverstone basked in glorious sunshine. From the entertaining Village Green, through Trader City to the Register/ Centre marquee reservation, there was lots to see and do. And several

of our members opted to “do” speed events.

Working through the racing card, some of the highlights were Mark Bellamy in his ZR 170 in the Cockshoot Cup race on Saturday, finishing second in class and fourth overall, improving in Sunday’s race to first in class and maintaining fourth overall position. Adam Key, having given his MGF VVC a rest for the last two years, competed in the Church Square Autos MGF/TF Anniversary Challenge race on Saturday, finishing second in class and third overall. However, he had no time to celebrate on the podium, as he had to make a very swift change into a class three

MIDLANDS

ANDREW ROBSON ajcarobson@blueyonder.co.uk www.mg-cars.org.uk/mgccmidlandcentre/

My Midland Centre colleague, Brian Osborn, nicked most of the comments I was going make in his own SF! Notes for last month, so I’ve had to rapidly think of a few alternative things to say. So I’ll concentrate on the Welsh Rallye, our annual three-day, two-night touring run around the mostly quiet and lightly trafficked country lanes of the Principality. Quiet, that is, until you encounter a 40-foot articulated low-loader with some kind of agricultural equipment on the back coming the other way on a single-track mountain road! It was never in doubt who was going to claim right-of-way. And we thought farm tractors were bad enough.

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Our Rallye this year saw 42 cars descend on sunny Aberystwyth where we stayed at the Marine Hotel on the sea-front promenade.

Yes, it was sunny, too, as long as we ignore the Friday evening when it poured down for a few hours, but the rest of the weekend was bathed in welcome sunshine, and it was pretty warm. Just what the doctor ordered for a weekend of top-down motoring. The hotel was clean and comfortable, food was good, and the staff were friendly and helpful.

Our route this year took the cars along the country and forestry roads to the Llyn Brianne reservoir and a morning coffee stop at the rustic Towy Bridge Inn, thence on for lunch at The Nag’s Head, just

MGB for the very next race, the Equipe GTS, where, from within a very busy 49 starters, he had two excellent races over the weekend.

Within the Motorsport Arena, on Saturday, we had eight entrants in the California Cup autotest competition. Although our teams were pipped to the top slot for the California Cup by one of two Ulster Centre teams, albeit with one driver using a car borrowed from Lincolnshire Centre member Jordan Fox (you know who you are, Will Corry, and very well driven!), our MG Midget team driven by Malcolm Clark, Bryan Pack and Ian Webb won the BMC Trophy, whilst the team of MG TFs driven by William Stock, Dave Stonehouse and Robert Taylor won the Longbridge Trophy.

Robert also won fastest time in an MGF/TF, and as a first-timer, William had a pretty good debut!

On Sunday in the Arena, it was the turn of the Autosoloists.

Two first-timers competed; in the case of Lynn Peters, having walked the course with her husband Mark and proclaimed “I could do that”, yes she could, and received “Fastest Lady” award for her efforts.

In a borrowed car (this is a continuing theme!), due to his own Midget having let him down on Saturday, Michael Denton put in a creditable performance, finishing in tenth overall position, ahead of some very experienced competitors. Best overall Lincolnshire performance went to Ian Webb in fourth place.

These were but the headlines, but to all our competing Centre members, “Well done, everyone!”

Don’t forget to book early for the August Poacher Concours!

outside Cenarth. After topping up on what was deemed a delicious lamb cawl, drivers and cars headed for a drive around the scenic Preseli Hills, and then on to the Cardigan Golf Club at Gwbert, near Aberteifi, for afternoon tea and biscuits.

Once we were refreshed, the route followed some of the quiet coastal roads before rejoining the main A487 coast road for a run to Aberarth and then heading onto some more country roads for the run back the Aberystwyth. All told, a day’s driving covering around 180 miles (assuming you didn’t add to that by getting lost) through some beautiful Welsh scenery.

The evening consisted of a three-course dinner, and those who had elected to indulge in the Fancy Dress theme (“Pirates of the Ceredigion”) paraded their attire for the amusement and pleasure of the assembled throng. Once

the meal had been completed, we were treated to the dulcet tones of a local ‘pop’ band. After a hard day’s driving, a lot of people decided to head for bed.

The Sunday morning excursion was a trip up to Devil’s Bridge on the Vale of Rheidol narrow gauge steam railway. What a treat!

Beautiful weather, stunning views, precipitous drops – recommended.

Upon our return to the hotel, it was time for lunch and the annual prize-giving. And suddenly the weekend was over – time to head for home. Another Rallye successfully concluded, and now time to start planning for the 2019 event. Many thanks to everyone who put in their time and effort to make the weekend a success, not least our guests, and we will hope to see everyone again next year.

For a round-up of future events in the Centre, please visit our website

JULY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 75

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SOUTH EAST CENTRE Summer Gathering 15th July Hollycombe Steam Museum Liphook GU30 2 LP

Our Summer Gathering this year returns to the Hollycombe Steam Museum, after 15 years, and we will be joining in with their special Fairground Weekend, where incoming steam organs, traction engines and models will be joining the permanent steam fairground attractions. There is also a narrow gauge steam railway, steam farm, a waterwheel and beam engine to explore.

We are also encouraging full family participation, as the day is ideally suited for children, who can arrive in a modern car, separately to the MG entry, for the same discounted entry fee, which covers all attractions.

We will be organising the usual Concours and Pride of Ownership competitions. There will also be a raffle and our usual regalia tent.

There will also be a scenic feeder run starting from the Pheasant pub at Buckland, Surrey, RH3 7BG

ENTRY FORM Name:

………………………………….....................................

Home Tel No: …..…………………

Address:……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. …………………………………………......................... e-mail address(write clearly)………………………………

MGCC Member: Yes/No CAR: Make .............

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Model .......…………

Reg: …….…….......

Centre…………………

Year: ………

Has car won a First Class at a national/major club Concours or POO in 2017/2016?

Admission/Entry fees

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Please make cheques payable to MGCC LTD - S.E. Centre. Send your entry to:- Philip Bayne-Powell, Kimber Cottage, 150 Glaziers Lane, Normandy, Surrey, GU3 2EB, and enclose a LARGE (A5) stamped addressed envelope for your entry tickets, final details and instructions etc. Any queries please ring Philip on 01483 811428

Safety Fast_July18_Back.indd 76

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)

r e

CENTRES

NORTH WEST PAUL GOODMAN 01625 876300

The long, light evenings are with us at last and all our cars will be on the road now. We have already enjoyed some amazing events which are summarised later. This month, we have our three normal pub meetings, The Old Hall Farm Pub on Tuesday July 10, the Plough and Flail on July 17 and the lunchtime meeting at The Hayhurst Arms, Bostock Green, Near Northwich, CW10 9JP on Wednesday July 25. We also have the two-day sports car racing festival at Donington Park on Saturday July 14 and Sunday July 15.

This includes rounds of all the Club race championships and rounds four and five in the 2018 Cockshoot Cup, plus three races for Morgan sports cars. There

is added interest in the Equipe Three-Hour Relay Race for pre65 sports cars, which will run on Saturday evening. In the improved infield display area you will find the T Type Picnic and the MG Saloon Day, plus lots of Register parking areas. The facilities at Donington are now brilliant and this is going to be a stunning event only a short drive from the North West.

Looking further ahead, we will be staging a display at the Oulton Park Gold Cup on Sunday August 26 and Monday August 27. The circuit is offering a free entry ticket to MG drivers who bring their cars to display. Please email your details to me paul. goodman7@ntlworld.com if you wish to attend. The information

must reach me by August 1.

The Centre staged two superb speed events in May. The Anglesey Sprint weekend ran for nearly 80 competitors with a “sea fret” for good measure.

Fastest MG over the two days was Mike Ashcroft driving his MG ZR 190 race car. Then two weeks later, we were blessed with dry, sunny weather in the hills at Scammonden Dam. 40 drivers turned out in a great mixture of cars. This time, the

fastest MG was Andy Walker piloting his fearsome full race MGB V8. Thanks are due to all the members who helped before, during and after these events.

Without you, nothing would ever happen. MGLive! provided a great two days of racing.

Ray Collier won both Cockshoot Cup races in his MG ZR 190 to take the lead of the championship. Ray, Mark Bellamy and Ian Wright won the Tim Forwood trophies.

Drive it Day at Barton Airfield. Photo: Paul Goodman

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

The summer gathering on Sunday July 15 is at Hollycombe Steam Museum, Liphook, GU30 2LB aimed particularly at families with younger children as well as offering an enjoyable day out to all MG members. For details please see web page or contact Philip BaynePowell 1942mgman@gmail.com Sunday September 23, Autumn Gathering at Michelham Priory House and Gardens, Hailsham. The historic property dates back to 1229 and nestles deep in the Sussex countryside. The day includes entry to the house, gardens and working water mill. £17 per car (two people) pay on the day. Full details: www.mgccse. co.uk/calendar/

www.mgcc.co.uk

Safety Fast_July18_Back.indd 77

Many local events are being run throughout the summer.

Worthy of special mention: North Downs Natter BBQ at the Plough Inn, Stalisfield, August 23 2018. A grade II listed pub on the North Downs with spectacular views across the countryside.

All welcome, contact Will Opie willopie@aim.com Fairmile Natter Thursday September 13 features a return visit by the legendary Bill Price (engineer with BMC) and Alan Zafer (Comps Dept press officer), in the glory days of the BMC Comps.

Dept. The evening features an Illustrated talk and Q&A session.

Alan is famed for having the last Sebring C special light body MG

South East Centre at MGLive! Photo: Ray Ruffels

which was turned into a road car after the Comps department was disbanded.

Events roundup: The tour of the windmills turned out to be a glorious day, with the countryside basking in sunshine.

38 cars turned out for the event with a choice of seven windmills to visit, with several open to look at; the first dating back to 1665 and recognized as a mill of special importance, still retaining much of its historic condition. The windmill at Ockley saw the proud owner

giving tours and an in-depth explanation of his restoration to a residential property, very much work in action. The tour ended with a Club BBQ. I am rounding up July after just returning from Saturday at MGLive! What a great day out, fabulous weather and an excellent turnout of all Registers. The show included individual marquees for each Centre and Register.

As always, a good mixture of interesting people, racing on the GP circuit and fierce competition in the California Cup.

JULY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 77

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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 2018 season continues with both social and competitive events. Chairman Jim Lott set the course for a very successful Wye Valley Social Run on May 20, starting from the M48 Severn View Services. The course crossed the Severn Bridge before heading up the Wye Valley and on to the National Trust’s Croft

Castle, near Leominster. 10 cars started from Severn View and others joined in along the route to give a total of 24 cars at the Castle. The National Trust agreed that some of the cars could be parked in front of the Castle and a little careful sorting led to a wonderful display of MGs glistening in the sunshine.

The Wye Valley Social Run ended with a splendid display of MGs in the sunshine at Croft Castle. Photo: Jim Lott

TYNE TEES

TONY WOOD anthony@scrutonvillage.co.uk

When is Classics at Corbridge not at Corbridge? When it’s moved just along the road to Bywell Hall, as this year’s event has done. Organised by our friends at MG Northumbria on Sunday July 1 we are putting on a taster Autotest on grass to encourage all you potential MG Display team members to come and try

MGs around Palace Green, in front of the magnificent Durham Cathedral at the finish of a previous run

www.mgcc.co.uk

Safety Fast_July18_Back.indd 79

to channel your inner hooligan by driving around the cones. Good fun, non-damaging and a great way to learn about car control as grass is usually quite slippery!

Details on the website or contact Noel on 0191 587 0753 / noel. lindford@btinternet.com Sunday the 8th sees the annual Pilgrimage to Durham, cunningly disguised as the Prince Bishops and St Cuthbert’s Runs, two separate runs from Lord Stones Country Park in the South and Newbiggin in the North, meeting up on the run into Durham and finishing on Palace Green, Durham, in front of the Cathedral. Always a great day out and the best finish photos ever! Contact Noel on the details above, but if you don’t feel like

The SW Centre was represented in the California Cup at MGLive!

by Jim Lott and Mike Angwin in MGFs and Mike Beecher in his ZS 180, competing as the Sou’ Westers. Each driver had some good runs but our various mistakes must have cost us dearly as we won neither the individual nor the team prizes. Mike Beecher, driving probably the largest car entered, showed great speed and

skill in his first MGCC event. Our thanks go to the organisers, our supporters and to the other SW members who came to spectate.

Our next event is the Summer Picnic at Iford Manor, near Bradford on Avon, on July 8, followed by MGs on Grass 2 at Claverham on August 5. Full details are on the SW Centre website, with news and photos of all our events.

Mike Beecher, Mike Angwin and Jim Lott – in the California Cup paddock at MG Live! Photo: Simon Lott

doing the run come along to the finish, fine cars, lovely city, a good use of a Sunday afternoon.

Another good fun run is the annual Fish and Chip Supper run organised by Dennis Hope on Friday 20. He normally sets the starving hordes off from Bowburn Services at the A1M/ A177 junction and by means of a scenic run of about 30 miles contrives to arrive at Seaton Carew for seriously good fish and chips .Contact Dennis on 07970 115202 / denhope@hotmail. co.uk and leave plenty of room for supper!

Heading over the horizon on August 4-5 is the Croft Nostalgia weekend where, as usual, we will have the biggest and best Club display (no false modesty here). A great weekend of classic racing, flying, entertainment and the opportunity to get dressed up in period costume, with an

open Paddock to get up close and personal with some lovely Historic racers. Make sure you inform Noel if you are entered as space on the Club stand is normally limited to 20 cars each day.

Don’t forget our pub meets, Coulby Manor on the 5th and the Ridley Arms on the 9th, both of which will be holding Pride of Ownership rounds. For details of the Breakfast meetings check Tyne Tees Tidings, our monthly e-newsletter.

Finally, if this cornucopia of delights hasn’t sated your appetite, a heads-up for the Old Speckled Hen Run on Sunday September 9. Once again kindly sponsored by Greene King Brewery, it will incorporate the Herriot Road Safety Trial, start and finish will be at the Rokeby Inn on the A66 just west of Scotch Corner. More details next month but get the date in your diary.

JULY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 79

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22/06/2018 17:17

CENTRES

YORKSHIRE

DAVID COPEMAN 07920 064585 www.mgccyorkshire.co.uk North – Nick Mann Our May Natter was the annual Pride of Ownership, and for once we were blessed with good weather. This year the event was run on different lines, with classes for different aged cars and even a “best car” as voted for by a member of the Tempest Arms staff, including a £50 voucher which lucky Bill Poole won with his GT V8.

Pre-1962 winner – Keith Benningfield. MG TC. 62-74 winner – Mike Payne. MGB roadster. Post-74 winner – Nick Mann. MGB GT. Best in show as voted for by all the members – Jeff Marsden. MG TD. All the cars that turned up

on the night looked fabulous, a clear testament to the care and attention we lavish upon our beloved MGs. South – Geoff Norcliffe Our May Natter had a good turnout despite many regulars being away on holiday, and already talk and preparations about future events extended not only into this winter but right up to spring next year. It seems the calendar gets more full every year. Many Natterlevel events take place at short notice and if you can’t get to the Natter make sure Malcolm has your email address to keep you informed.

ULSTER

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

What a busy and exciting month we had during May. We had a full 30-car entry for the May Autotest at Carlisle Fuels, Crossgar, an open, concrete-surfaced site with a huge warehouse to sprint around. Midgets and Sprites turned out in force making up 1/3 of the entry.

All was going well with setting-up until an unexpected 40-footer delivery arrived and the driver insisted he parked

his rear end onto the loading bay. This was exactly where we had positioned a ‘figure 8’ manoeuvre so some hasty rejigging of the manoeuvre was required by the CoC, which made things a bit challenging for the larger cars! Anyway, everyone had a good evening and only a few wooden pallets, used as obstacles, suffered damage; we measured the skid marks – we know who you are!! Top three were Mark Francis, Gordon

Some Midgets and Sprites lined up at Carlisle Fuels

www.mgcc.co.uk

Safety Fast_July18_Back.indd 81

East – Chris Moore Despite the poor weather forecast the sun shone again for the entrants on the Wolds Way Run. BBC Studios opened their reception for signing-on at the start in Hull city centre. The route followed the Wolds escarpment before turning inland via Sledmere and towards the coast, travelling across Holderness before returning into Hull.

The optional meal at Cerutti’s completed a grand day out.

the RV8 bumper reshaped by a local hotelier and stranded in Switzerland for four days awaiting a new water pump – don’t we just love MG-ing.

West – David Copeman Carol and I missed our May Natter as we had set off for MG by the Sea in Italy, a 1,200-mile journey to our hotel in Gabicce Mare. An eventful three weeks including long lunches with as many as 12 plates with mountains of pasta plus coffee,

Vale of York – Ken Cothliff By the time this is read the Canada Run will have taken place. The weather was perfect, and we were able to take photos on the lawn of Allerton Castle.

It was a long run, but we had nothing but praise from those who took part, including cars coming from Northumberland and East Yorkshire.

We plan to have our annual pride of ownership meeting in July. The area Compass Run on July 29 is the next Yorkshire event, and we are looking forward to the Croft Historic Festival in early August.

Buckley and Andrew Blair. Thanks to William Carlisle for the use of his yard and to all the marshals.

The highlight of the month was the Ulster Centre’s Jubilee Tour which commenced with a display of all participating cars at the start in Carrickfergus. While the weather was showery, the participants were brimming with enthusiasm and enjoyed refreshments at the Council Offices along with guided tours around their museum. First car away on the Tour was President John Day and wife Janet in their wonderful 18/80 MG, flagged off by the Lady Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Council, Cheryl Johnston.

The cars headed northwards via the spectacular Antrim Coast Road towards their base for the next few days at the Roe Valley Resort, outside Limavady.

Day one took them through the Sperrins and on Day two the route was to part of north-east

Donegal, with Day three being a free day to visit other attractions in the area.

On the final evening John Day made a couple of presentations.

The first, a very special one not often given, was “The Marque of Friendship” Certificate and Badge to Mike Armstrong for his unfailing generosity and contribution to the Car Club and in particular the Ulster Centre. It had nothing to do with the Tour, it was just an appropriate time to make the presentation.

Needless to say Mike was absolutely speechless and very moved when accepting it. The second award was a glass trophy presented to the Ulster Centre in celebration of its 50 years and both Carol and Mike were thrilled to receive this on behalf of the Centre. Carol has said she will bring it along to the next few events for all to see.

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REGISTERS

VINTAGE

JOHN VENABLES 01865 862573 johnandtriciav@gmail.com

We have now installed a new Chairman, Peter Mace, at our reconvened AGM and Debbie who has stood down has agreed to replace Peter as Secretary.

Peter has held the secretarial job for many years very ably. John Cooper remains as Treasurer and the rest of the Committee are: John Day, Patrick Gardener, Stephen Hiner and Rob and Martin Constant.

Unfortunately, Peter’s first major event was thwarted as his 18/80 had a hissy fit at Oxford on the way there, when it decided to shed a core plug in an awkward place, so when he finally sorted it, it was time to head back to Chichester. Several members attended over the

MGLive! weekend and enjoyed an extensive race meeting as well as the chance of catching up with fellow members and old (and new) friends. We were able to raise a good amount of money by raffling a superb hamper full of car goodies (worth over £150)

TRIPLE M

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

MGLive!

Once again, the Register had its’ stand and marquee at MGLive!, manned by the usual committee stalwarts assisted by others. Ted and Janet Hack’s splendid D Type was on display, punting K3011 out into the sunshine (what a change from Brands). Whilst only containing 20 cars on the Saturday, our car park still had a good spread across the models, providing excellent educational reference for those currently in the midst of rebuilds and others yet to be converted to MMM ownership.

MMM AGM Yet again submission of these notes has been taken down to

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the wire, in order that I could include a note for the benefit of you all. First, it would seem we’re all easily bribed, by either a run of the pre-war test route, the opportunity to have access to the Main Club archive (and those MMM chassis files) or maybe it was just the free sandwiches on offer. Either way, with over 30 attendees and 10 or so ‘proper’ cars, including no less than three four-seater P Types (who said they were like buses?), it was the bestattended AGM for a fair while.

Amongst the usual business we marked the ‘retirement’ of George Eagle, Committee Member for well over 20 years and Secretary for 18! Many

including a gallon of oil, chamois leather and many polishes. Our thanks go to those who bought tickets and provided items for the hamper. The hamper was won by John Burton, having his winning ticket drawn by a visitor to the event. The weather was kind to us and the event saw a new layout which enabled visitors to walk around a village green-style area of the CRBs. The parade

thanks to George for all his hard word over the years; it is only with such volunteers that we can keep things running smoothly. He was presented with a memento “cars that I’ve owned” by Chairman Dick Morbey, who was himself standing down as Chairman (Club rules, and all that), though Dick was himself immediately elected as the new Secretary.

Failing to duck out of the way fast enough, yours truly was elected Chairman, a role which comes with multiple pairs of very big shoes to try to fill. I will continue as your Safety Fast! scribe for a while yet but, as ever, if there’s a willing volunteer…?

Upcoming Events The Summer Gathering on July 8, if you’re quick and there are still places available – www.triple-

lap at lunch time, which allows members to drive the Grand Prix circuit, saw John Day in his 18/80 take a number of VIPs from MG India around the track. They all thoroughly enjoyed the experience and were delighted to be driven around in a car almost 90 years old. The picture shows John and Club Chairman chatting whilst manning the stand early on Saturday morning.

George Eagle’s “Retirement” Memento. Photo: Jeremy Hawke

mregister.org/forms2.asp?Forms Wiscombe Hillclimb on September 8 – http://www.mgcars.org.uk/mgccsc/ Lastly; the summer season of events is now in full swing. If there are any Centre events, etc, that you attend with your MMM and think others would enjoy, please let me know so I can stick them in there to spread the word.

See you all out and about soon.

www.mgcc.co.uk

22/06/2018 17:17

REGISTERS

SVW

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

Many of you will know Bas de Voogd, our VA Historian. What few of us knew is that he’s been harbouring VA2582 for many years, or what’s left of this interesting saloon. Bas decided to donate it to the Oorlogsmuseum Overloon Museum and they have accepted. A team of four volunteer craftsmen /mechanics has been assembled to return

this famous-owner car to its former glory; they picked it up on May 25. Bas had been doing all he could to send the car off as complete as possible. The famous owner was Jan Johannes Moll who played a major role in WW2 in the RAF 320 Squadron and Atlantic Ferry Service, flying several Mitchell Bombers. In 1934 he had flown a DC2 in the London–Melbourne race. In 1943 he flew Prince Bernhard to meet Roosevelt, Eisenhower and Montgomery. He was awarded the OBE and Officier of the Order of Oranje Nassau. After the war, he worked for a short time for BOAC and then helped to rebuild KLM. A hint of this interesting history can be seen in

the Lindberg radiator mascot. We look forward to hearing progress on the car and eventually seeing it displayed in the museum.

Photos by Rutger Booy.

On the home front, my VA Tourer has been in the news recently. I wanted to mark my 50 years of ownership in a special way. I decided to return to the Woking garage from where I purchased it on May 23 1968 and get a local newspaper involved. They loved the story

and ran the first part on May 17 (see photo). They then sent a photographer to said garage on May 23 where we met at 11.00am, together with directors of the SMC Motor Group who now operate from the premises.

The site is very different after 50 years, but it was nice to know it was positioned only yards away from where I first saw it all those years ago. Part two will be published on May 31 – more on this in due course.

T TYPE

JOHN WARD 01621 773606 johnw.ward@yahoo.co.uk www.mgcc.co.uk/t-register The T Register Review Register natter moved back of the annual MGLive! to the paddock adjacent to Extravaganza the racers again and bringing The totally revamped layout of the opening hours forward to the parking arrangements at 2.30pm proved to be a popular Silverstone this year caused some decision and a convivial bunch early confusion particularly to old enjoyed the natter and nibbles. stalwarts like the T Types.

Note the new T Register gazebo Notwithstanding this, the promise which will be seen at all our of good weather brought out events in future. all the T’s and by 10.30am nearly 40 cars were assembled in the T Register parking lot.

The new layout made provision for the Registers to be re-sited outside the main marquee in two avenues in a pit stop style which seemed to be an agreeable arrangement with a continual flow of visitors and onlookers.

On Saturday the traditional

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Safety Fast_July18_Back.indd 83

The T Register encampment “in relaxed mode”

JULY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 83

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REGISTERS

Y TYPE

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

The principal event of the MGCC, MGLive!, was blessed with excellent weather. The Y Register Marquee was a very limited effort and much will need to be done for next year. Already the Committee have some useful ideas. However, your thoughts and ideas are essential. Sadly we only had two Ys present – Paul

and Maggie Grafham’s `Little Gem’, and Alan Chick’s YB. I missed the saddest news of the weekend – that the ex-Dick Jacobs YB special (YB 1551) was severely damaged in an accident in the Iconic 50s race at MGLive! at Silverstone on Sunday afternoon.

Thankfully the owner and driver, Stuart Dean, is okay but the car is a mess. There are several comments

MGB

DAVID BROADHURST 01209 614704 newsletter-editor@mgb-register.org www.mgb-register.org mgbforum.mgb-register.org So, MGLive! Is over for another year and the Register Committee would like to thank everyone who came along, to help, to say hello or browse our stand. We hope you were as impressed as

we were. I say “we” though, of course, I wasn’t there having triple-booked myself!

To other things…John is keen that I use this month to mention forthcoming events

Paddy Hopkirk with the Marathon MGB at MGLive!

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on the Y Type Bulletin Board and its history. The two photographs show the YB before and after. It is likely that, considering its value, it will be rebuilt.

Classic Motor Hub Coffee and Classic Sundays The Committee are keen to promote another event for Y owners in September at the Classic Motor Hub. This is a fairly new enterprise, set up in the heart of the Cotswolds.

It is more than just a showroom for high-end classic car sales; it has its own events schedule. You can read about it on their website https:// classicmotorhub.com The Hub hosts Coffee and Classic Sundays throughout the summer months.

It is proposed that we attend as a Club on on a weekday during September 2018.. The location of the Hub is between Bibury and Northleach and we would start and

that the Register has planned for your delight. In date order then: on Sunday July 15 MGCC Race meeting at Donington, the Register will be there; Saturday July 25 visit to Prodrive in Banbury arranged by John Watson, phone 07770 575236 for more details; Sunday July 22 MG Picnic at Rockingham Castle; Sunday July 29 50th Anniversary of London – Sydney Marathon at Gaydon Motor Museum, the Marathon car should be there under its own steam; Sunday August 5 MG Summer Picnic at Millets Farm Centre, Frilford near Abingdon; MGB Register weekend September 14-17, Ironbridge (there may still be the odd place available for this event); MGB Register Lecture on the Marathon Car at Radley College on Saturday September 22.

finish at The Inn for All Seasons. www.innforallseasons.com on the A40, the programme being: • Meet in the rear car park of the Inn from 9.30am for coffee and chats.

• Leave at about 10.00 am to follow a short circular route to the Hub. • Arrive at the Hub at about 10.30am to explore and view the cars.

• Continue on the circular route at about 12.15pm.

• Arrive back at the Inn for lunch at 1.00pm.

If enough of us sign up for this in time (about 8-10 cars) then we could book the private room and conservatory that looks out on to what would be our exclusive car park. If you would like to join us please send Peter Vielvoye an email petervielvoye@blueyonder.co.uk with your name, vehicle type, date of manufacture.

MGB Register MGLive! 2018, Robin’s MGB in OSH Livery

Paddy Hopkirk and Alec Poole will be there, as will Bill Price and Peter Browning from BL Competitions Dept. Full details are available on the website www.mgb-register.org/events

www.mgcc.co.uk

22/06/2018 17:17

BOTH FOR SALE

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FREE 20-50 oil WITH EVERY SERVICE

Failing 6v batteries?

Fit Manor Garages twin 12v conversion.

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

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Visit our website: www.manorgaragewantage.co.uk

MGB/C’s BUILT TO ORDER. CALL FOR COMPLETE LIST

Summer Visit to Rockingham Castle Sunday July 22nd 2018

The MGB Register invite all MG models and other Classic Cars

William the Conqueror ordered Rockingham Castle to be built. In 1544 Henry VIII granted it to Edward Watson and today it is the home of his descendants, James and Elizabeth Saunders Watson and their three children. For more information visit www.rockinghamcastle.com We have discounted entry with dedicated parking on the Tilting Lawn. £10 per car for grounds entry (normally £7.50 per person) and optional castle entry of £5 per person (normally £12 per person for castle and grounds). Arrive from 10 o’clock, Gardens and Tea Room open from 12 noon, Castle opens from 1pm.

Bring your own picnic or take advantage of the tea rooms for lunch or a cup of tea and cake

To secure discounted entry and help us plan the space required please email Andrew Vigor at andrew.n.vigor@gmail.com with your car details and registration.

Or call 07909 536614

www.mgcc.co.uk

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REGISTERS

MIDGET

Dennis Wharf dennis@loisweedon.net

James Thacker at Shelsley. Photo: Ian Mellor

May 5 at Shelsley saw one of the closest contests between the Spridgets ever recalled.

At the top of the table five people were within 0.52 of a second at the MGCC Speed Championship round, with the result not decided until Richard Withers took his last run in this

well-supported 20-car class.

Times: Richard Withers – 37.27, James Thacker – 37.44, Richard Watkinson – 37.55, Ben Rolls – 37.78, and Neil Thomas – 37.79.

An amazingly close result.

The Midget Register is very sad to report that Richard Budd died recently. I know many in

MGC

MIKE HAUGHTON mgc_mike@btinternet.com

Writing this, we have just arrived back from MGLive! at Silverstone.

It was wonderful to meet old friends, but a great pleasure to meet some new faces, too.

Saturday was the busiest day with 32 Cs in attendance. Sunday was quieter which presented us with the opportunity to get to see some of the racing. Of

particular interest was Andy Young in his C GT racing in the BCV8 Championship.

Congratulations also go out to Mick Richardson who came away with first prize in his concours class with his red MGC. As a reminder, there is a race meeting at Donington July 14-15 and we are attempting to bring

The Register stand being ably manned by Angie and Lindsay and graced with Tim Hodgkinson’s prototype C and Ian Young’s race car

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the Spridget fraternity knew him well, and although I only met him the once, he was very gracious, spending much time explaining the differences to me about 4 HAC, the ex-works AH Sprite he owned, and had parked on this occasion with the Midgets at a late nineties Silverstone MG International meeting. For more details of his fabulous car go to: sebringsprite.com/4hac.

Those of you with long memories might remember the Hall brothers who competed in the California Cup on behalf of the Caledonian Centre in the seventies and eighties. Very successful they were, too, their slightly modified matching round arch Teal Blue Midgets always presented in concours condition, carrying the registration numbers 4 FS and 14 FS. Recently the second of these two cars was

sold, now with the reg number RSG 875M, so it’s good to know at least one of the pair is still giving pleasure. Does anyone know anything of the other car?

Mention of concours and I must just add that at MGLive! one of our two new committee members, Max Authors, presented Ian Oakman with the Mike Authors Trophy for best Midget in show – Mike, of course, being Max’s dad. The Pride of Ownership this year went to David Strong, who I think has won it many times before. Well done both.

Our other new committee member is John Grainger who, like Max, volunteered after my plea for new folks back in April.

Many thanks, guys, I hope and trust you will find your time as rewarding as us old timers have done over the years.

together a small gathering of Cs on the Sunday. Let us know of any regional meetings you may be involved with so that we can promote them in the Register news articles.

Also, please don’t forget to let us have your photos of your car’s 50th birthday. There must be many celebrating theirs during this year.

Happy C Motoring.

Colin Howes

Aftermarket fitment that many of us can relate to!

Sta th en Th re Sto 18 idy ga fam m th of re gir re Th to yo Te As an wh be

En (In ins

Andy Young putting down the power in the BCV8 Championship Race

www.mgcc.co.uk

22/06/2018 17:17

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 2 2018

MIDGET REGISTER ROAD RUN TO STOWE HOUSE AND LANDSCAPE GARDENS

Starting at the Motor Hub near Bibury this year’s route will take you through some typical Cotswold Villages and lanes where you can enjoy the scenery at a leisurely pace.

There are several Pubs along the route where you can stop off for refreshment if desired!

Stowe House and Landscape Gardens was commissioned in the 18th century by the powerful Temple-Grenville family to create an idyllic landscape filled with temples. Amidst these enchanting gardens, they built the most lavish temple of all, Stowe House, famous during its 18th-century heyday as an important artistic masterpiece. In 1922, in the face of demolition, Stowe School saved the building from certain destruction. Unlike the loss and decline of many English country houses, Stowe House found a new and revived use for the 20th and 21st centuries as a school for boys and girls. Stowe House Preservation Trust was established in 1997 to restore the House and share this special place with the world.

There is much to enjoy in the Landscape Gardens at Stowe and too little space here for us to describe its magnificence so we hope you’ll take a walk around the grounds and see for yourselves the Temples, Lakes and vistas at hand.

As always informality is key, but with lovely grounds, superb views, an excellent restaurant and shop, plus a special MG parking area, where we can all meet upon arrival, an enjoyable day can be expected.

Name ..................................................................

Address ............................................................... ............................................................................. .............................................................................

Telephone No......................................................

MG Model ............ Reg No ...............................

MGCC membership No.......................................

Entries to: Pete Chaundy, 156 Roman Way, Bicester, Oxon, OX26 6FL. I enclose a cheque for £ .......made payable to: MGCC Midget Register, ENCLOSING A STAMPED ADDRESSED ENVELOPE PLEASE. Or online www.midgetregister.com

Entry fee £26.00 (Includes free entry into Stowe Landscape Gardens for two, all route instructions, and rally plaque, once again sponsored by BMH Ltd).

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REGISTERS

V8

VICTOR SMITH 0208 392 9434 victorsmith@v8register.net www.v8register.net V8 Technical Day 2018 The next V8 Technical Day will be held on Saturday July 14 at Club Office in Abingdon.

The programme includes presentations on the new Mazda replacement five-speed gearbox from the supplier Vitesse and on rechipping RV8 engines from Mark Adams of Tornado Systems, a specialist in engine management technology with a particular focus on the Rover V8 engine. There will also be a “question time” session when technical and topical legislative matters will be discussed. Details of the event are available via our ‘More’ web page where there are links to enable members to book a place and submit technical

questions ahead of the event. www.v8register.net/more.htm Donington weekend event The V8 Register will have a mini marquee at the event on both Saturday 14 and Sunday July 15 with a welcome for fellow MG V8 enthusiasts. Details of the location of the V8 Marquee at Donington Park are available on our ‘More’ web page.

Aldon rolling road day Steve Newton reports bookings of rolling road sessions at Aldon in the West Midlands on Saturday September 8 have proved popular.

The event will be of interest to members who want to see rolling road sessions in action, so if you

FWD

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

Most of you will know that MGLive! was just a few weeks ago. Unfortunately for the MG FWD Register committee, MGLive! clashed with other events, namely the National Metro & Mini Show at the British Motor Museum, meaning that we were down on committee members to man the stand and MG FWD Register cars generally.

On the plus side, for the third year running the MG FWD Register entered a team in the California Cup. As Arthur, my MG Maestro 1600, was way having his fuel lines replaced, I borrowed my son Jamie’s MG Metro which I have to confess is considerably easier to do an autotest in than a Maestro!

Our team comprised Wayne Bates with his MG Maestro Efi, my son

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Jamie in his MG Metro and me, also in Jamie’s Metro. As usual, I managed to go the wrong way; well, actually I missed a whole section of the course without realising – Wayne and Jamie had to tell me and explain the part which I had missed! What’s so great about the California Cup is that it really doesn’t matter how good or bad you are as it operates very well for all levels. There were some excellent Midgets screaming round who clearly knew what they were doing and a couple of lovely Magnettes taking the course majestically, but everyone enjoyed the experience, whether they were winning or coming bottom. While clearly the marshals are there for the safety of all concerned and

Upgraded V8 performance made it one of the finest enforcement cars available in the early 1970s. Photo: Malcolm Bailey

would like to attend as a spectator do contact Steve and let him know you will be coming.

Updated MGV8 price guide Our updated price guide for MGB GT V8s and RV8s was released in early May, showing that Condition 1 prices have topped out over the last two six-month periods and interestingly the prices of both models have converged to around £19,000.

V8 enforcement car for sale When Police Review magazine reviewed the model as an enforcement car in its August 1973 issue, it was keen on the

to ensure a fair autotest, for me it’s just as important that they are warm, friendly, welcoming and have a sense of humour, especially for those not so good at autotest. We were very lucky with our marshals, headed up by Noel Lindford, and if there was an award for the best marshalling, it would be theirs!

Jamie was delighted that he won his class, especially as this was the first time he had competed in an autotest. However, without doubt the best autotest driver in our team by some margin was Wayne.

It is really worthwhile watching Wayne as he throws his MG Maestro around the course with the front bumper scraping as he takes the corners. As wonderful as Wayne’s Maestro is, I’m in no doubt that had he been in a car more suited to autotest, he would have done extremely well.

MGB GT V8, saying it “combines a business-like appearance with a reasonable performance, and is capable of carrying a surprising amount of equipment, which should make it one of the finest enforcement cars available”.

One example finished in “Police White”, which was loaned to several forces for evaluation purposes, came up for sale in midJune. It’s a very good example with a collection of enforcement car equipment, including a triangular based roof-mounted blue light! It’s an early pre-production car owned

by Malcolm Bailey for many years and earlier by Gerry Hiorns in Scotland.

Just a couple of reminders: we are still looking for cars for the Manchester Classic Car Show at EventCity on September 15-16 and also for MG Maestro Turbos to join the ‘Big Boost’, to get as many MG Maestro Turbos together as we can on Sunday September 30 at the BL Autumn Rally at Milton Keynes Museum.

Tanya Field

Wayne and Jamie competing in the MGLive! Autotest. Photos: Jim Lott

www.mgcc.co.uk

22/06/2018 17:17

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Unit 2, Furze Platt Industrial Estate Off St. Peters Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 7QU Parts +44(0)1628 629707 Workshop +44(0)1628 636001 Website www.summitmg.co.uk Facsimile +44(0)1628 580291 E-mail enquiries@summitmg.co.uk

www.mgcc.co.uk

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JULY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 89

22/06/2018 17:17

REGISTERS

ZR/ZS/ZT

of the day in next month’s notes.

If you still wish to register JOHN THOMPSON Tel: 07854 275541 johnt5@btinternet.com www.mgcc.co.uk/zedregister your car with us, please contact Paul Money at the following: paulmoneymg@gmail.com helped to gather together. Most Events And Shows visitors responded positively to I write these notes the day after AGM the new site layout. This worked returning from MGLive!. As a Whilst at Silverstone we held our in our favour, too, by enabling Register we felt we had a great AGM after hours on the Saturday. us to have different Monogram weekend. We had an excellent The Chairman’s report concluded Zeds on display each day. Many turnout of Zeds on both days, that the Register has continued thanks to Darren Broxup for including some Monogram to move forward, building displaying his Bitter Sweet ZT examples, which we jointly on our previous 12 months.

260 on the Saturday at very short Our numbers also continue to notice. Thanks also to Jonathon increase, which is great. The new Cockburn for displaying his relationships with people and immaculate first-build Celestial organisations within the classic ZR on the Sunday. Both cars car world have enabled us to attracted a lot of attention the continue the forward momentum. days they were on display. A We’ve branched out and have number of new members joined taken the Zeds to new places the Club with Zeds over the and events whilst returning to weekend, so welcome to you all. some old favourites – and we On Sunday June 24 we held will continue to do so. We aim our first Open Day at Kimber to build on all these experiences House. There will be a full account

during the forthcoming year. In the coming months we will be sourcing new clothing, something more modern whilst respecting our existing house-colours. In time, we will also introduce some new smaller items of regalia and co-ordinate our efforts with Kimber House. You’ll be happy to know the committee remains unchanged; however we are in need of assistance with the social media side of our Register.

Upcoming Events After months of planning MG Saloon Day 2018 will be only two weeks away when you read these notes. Thank you in advance for your pre-bookings. There is still time to purchase your discounted entry tickets if you haven’t already – the deadline is noon Wednesday July 11.

We hope to see you there…

MG6.3.5

STEVE HAINES Steve-haines@live.co.uk www.facebook.com/groups/MG635Register https://twitter.com/635register What a fantastic MG Live! As usual, the Register parking was full of MG6 and 3 owners with a new Register parking for the ZS and GS SUVs. We were very lucky to have one of the new Mk3 MG6s on the Register stand on the Sunday and two others in and around the MG Motor display all weekend.

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It was nice to see new, old and potential owners and MGCC members on the stand in the new Register gazebo area. Russ Swift was doing his thing again in the MG3 and a ZS. It’s always good to see him there, especially in the 3 on its fifth birthday.

Pride of Ownership was an amazing display of 10 MG3s and 6s with one ZS. By far and away the most from any Register this year. Congratulations to all that made the effort and represented the models. The prizes were won

by Steve Haines’s MG6, Paul Robertson’s MG3 and Sophie Jones’s MG ZS. The Facebook page has been very busy with lots of new

members, especially from India.

Owners are attending local runs, meets and events over the summer period. It’s good to see the newest models being a part of the traditional MG meets.

Our next big get-together will be Saloon day on July 15 at Donington, which will celebrate the fifth birthday of the MG3 and is also on a full MGCC race meet weekend. We are hoping for a huge turnout of MG6, 3 and SUVs at this one. Tickets and

camping can be purchased from Donington circuit here: www. doningtonpark.msv.com with discount code MGDON. The BTCC event at Silverstone is on Sunday September 16, where you can take advantage of infield parking.

We will have the gazebo set up and are looking forward to catching up with everyone at this great event.

Enjoy the remainder of the summer!

www.mgcc.co.uk

22/06/2018 17:17

MARTIN SMITH www.usedmg spares.co.uk www

The MG specialists for MGF - MGTF - MG3 Quality new and used spares.

Car trimmers/upholstery.

MG car sales and MG repair service. ervice

Tel: 07722 175473 Units 1&2, Westlane Farm, Westlane, East Lydford, Somerrse sett TA11 TA11 7HD Email: smudgemg@yahoo.co.uk

62B HIGH STREET SHEPPERTON, MIDDLESEX TEL: 01932 241843 / 07836 281493 WWW.CHURCHSQUAREAUTOS.COM EMAIL: MGSALES@CHURCHSQUAREAUTOS.COM

MG TF 85TH ANNIVERSARY. Just 50 made.

MG TF LE. ex Trophy 190bhp /Cup Racecar

MG TF LE500 Pre Production Press car

2009 (59 Reg) 39,000 Miles Manual Petrol Finished in: Cassis/ Burgandy leather Rare 85th ltd edition, celebrating 85 years of MG’s, one of just 50 made, 17 in this colour, previously supplied by us and just 2 owners. These are huge spec models, eg, Special 85th suspension upgrades for a better drive/ride, ilver interior trim, air conditioning, heated glass rear screen, chrome packs, park censor, engine water level censor, special 16” twisted pepper alloys, etc, FSH services including a cambelt service, 12 months mot, Superb condition £7,995

2011 (PP Reg) Manual Petrol Finished in: Orange Our MG TF LE Ex (mgcc)Trophy 190 race car is now for sale. Its a 190bhp (dry sump VHPD Cup car racing engine/gearbox), built from MGF cup car and a new pre production ‘LE’ bodyshell, Techspeed made (BTCC Team) no expense spared, hardly ever used, ex Dave Woods ‘Luffield Cars’ who had just two made and theirs only 4 in total. Slicks and wet tyres etc, as raced in the MGCC Cockshoot series, Phil Standish sister car keeps winning, Harkers LE500 just won our Anniversary race at MGLive, this one just needs a better driver to win, Superb condition......... ....Ideal for the Cockshoot series/Pete Best......Part exchange considered road/race....07836 281493....All Offers considered must go space needed for other projects being undertaken......ltd company or going abroad can claim the vat back. £8,000 + VAT

2007 (57 Reg) 22,000 Miles ManualPetrol Finished in: Rio Red/ Black leather One of the very first MG UK co cars made, LE500 press car #1, air conditioning, glass heated rear screen etc, also fitted with 85th spring/ shockers and anti roll bars upgraded Kmaps ECU and a new Supersport stainless exhaust. Just 22,000 miles, Serviced with a New cambelt. Logbook states Prototype CHASSIS #7D00057 MG owned until later 2016, a piece of MG history a good investment. Superb condition. £6,995

MG TF 135 Sunstorm +H/Top (Just 22,450 miles)

MG MGF 1.8i (Brg/tan leather+cockpit/wood pack)

2005 (05 Reg) Manual Petrol Finished in: Silver/Black leather grey inserts Previously supplied by us at 7,000miles in 2007 and now just 22,450 miles, local car in outstanding condition. High spec model with a colour coded removable hardtop. Supplied with a new Headgasket / cambelt / water pump.

These models are fitted with sports pack 2 with 16” 11 spoke alloys, chrome packs, front fog lights, Black leather sport seats with grey alcantara insets, smokestone cockpit £5,795

1999 (V Reg) 88,000 Miles Manual Petrol MGF Mk2 (facelift 2000 model year), Finished in Classic MG colours, British Racing Green with tan leather sport seats and Tan cockpit and wood pack. Mud flaps all round, wind deflector, Recent new hood and rear window. Full service history will invoices (17 SERVICES) and old mots etc.,Just serviced with a new cambelt. Moted to 29th March 2019. Superb condition. One owner for the last 10 years and just 3 former keepers. At 19 years old it is now a classic car with cheaper insurance. £2,295

We are the original MGF/TF specialists. Offering very very low mileage very high specification MGF’s / TF’s including special limited edition models. Continuing to take our MG’s to events / shows and Race meeting with the MGCC ‘MGF’ register.

Viewing is by appointment only please 01932 241843 or 07836 281493 sales@churchsquareautos.com.

VIEWING BY APPOINTMENT PLEASE

www.mgcc.co.uk

Safety Fast_July18_Back.indd 91

This is just a small selection from our stock

www.churchsquareautos.com JULY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 91

22/06/2018 17:18

CL ASSIFIEDS How to Advertise

www.classicmg.co.uk MGB V8 Supersports Roadster, Heritage shell. This bespoke, ultimate MGB was hand built by the MG Owners club workshop and magazine featured during the build, Grey leather interior with mohair hood.

2001-2002. 4.6 litre engine with R380, 5 Speed gearbox. Too many details to list, please call for specification. £29,500

MGR V8 in Oxford Blue, 25,500 miles Repatriated in 2004 and fully maintained regardless of cost. Rare colour, air conditioning.

No.1134 with R380 gearbox. £23,500

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.

2002 MG TF

30 MGS FOR SALE MGS URGENTLY WANTED TO PURCHASE

Racing green. Two black roofs, new window put into soft top two years ago. New MOT in April. Own number plate. KENWOOD CD player in situ £2,200. For more information contact: Skevy@talktalk.net (Dorset)

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

1959 MGA Mk1 1600

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

1971 MGB GT Bronze Yellow, navy/black trim.

Older restoration, very solid car, loads of new parts. Really nice original interior. New w/w and tyres. Webasto roof (new cover). Clean and tidy engine bay. New brakes, K&N air filters. Great looking car in original form. Fantastic value! £5,995

For Restoration. Rear end of shell incl. boot lid, OS sill rebuilt, NS to do. Very good chassis on MGB rear wire wheel axle & front stub axles.

Doors need repair. MGB engine & gearbox. Reconditioned radiator.

New loom & lights. Original Registration V5C in my name. £2,500 ovno. 01743 850529 or 07484 611 795 (Shrewsbury, Shropshire)

Original RHD in superb condition.

Australian assembled and shipped to UK in 2000 since when much work completed including bare-metal respray, rebuilt original engine (unleaded head), clutch, alternator, electronic ignition. Most recently new brakes, rewire, tyres Waxoil, batteries. All brightwork faultless, excellent leather interior, tonneau, hood and tailored cover.

MOT March 2019. £26,950. Contact John 07971 989445. (Surrey)

1973 MGB ROADSTER, Damask, Navy trim, W/W. Full MOT. Solid shell. Moto Lita wheel.

Excellent useable car. £6,995

Well known Sprint, Hill climb & Track day Car. Comprehensive specification includes; Lightweight Aluminium interior, glass fibre wings, upgraded suspension, 1950cc engine, Webber carbs, Peter Burgess tuned head, Limited slip diff, Roll bar, Lightweight fuel tank, Aluminium radiator, Roller Rockers, Dual Braking System, Omex Engine management. Very fast, Very Beautiful. £25,000. Included Wet set of wheels and Tyres. Contact Alan on 01275 393671 alan.atkins@talktalk.net Older restoration resprayed in Farina grey with black hood and trim. Lots of Parts and repairs carried out and is in good to very good condition. New MOT. Present owner for 6 years Purchase of Healy sprite forces sale. £3,250 ono. For more information and photos Phone 01621 829799 or 07990 971974. (Essex)

1960 MGA 1600 Iris Blue, blue trim. W/W, S/S boot rack. Totally restored UK car. Immaculate inside and out. Last nut and bolt renovation £42,495

92 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2018

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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

1973 MIDGET

Owned since 198 prepared. Many two MGCC Cla when in regular restored body. M engine. Five Revol good Yokohamas suspension, EBC includes two add spares and origin for competition.

2019. Tax exemp Email: andypears phone 01244 880

1973 MGB GT

Right hand drive wheels, leather tr 1/3” SUs. Good c and MOT exempt.

Tel: 07801 418200

1972 MGB GT

12 months MOT. Owned for 12 years.

New front and rear wing panels 5 years ago. Oselli unleaded head.

Electronic ignition. Professionally serviced. Car garaged. £3995.00ono.

Tel:07785 734310 or rgtysoe@hotmail.co.uk. (Oxon)

1952 MG TD

In A1 concours condition, this LHD UK registered MG TD 1952 has excellent bodywork and mechanics with restoration completed last year. Ivory exterior with Cognac Leather interior it is wonderful to drive with original low mileage.

RHD conversion offered. £19,950 neg. Phone: 07906 774939

Bronze Yellow w Comes with high Plate ('8773 MG') Approx. 76,000 m 16,000 miles restoration 16 y which time mainl Car-related event Rostyle Wheels; M Heritage Certifi original registr Contact 01245-4 eric.knowles@live

1961 MGA Coupe

1969 MG MIDGET

www.mgmecca.co.uk

1976 MGB ROADSTER Tartan Red, black trim.

Totally restored car (by ourselves 8 years ago).

All new chrome, detailed engine bay, new trim.

Superb car, lovely panel fit. Tonneau. Immaculate car ready for summer. Tax & MOT exempt. £14,995

1971 MGB RO

1951 MGYA Saloon

1973 MIDGET (RWA)

Flame, very good all round condition, minilite wheels, refurbished interior, excellent mechanics and very good paint/bodywork. £5600. Please call David on 01255 675358 or 07740 636158. (North Essex)

1966 MK1 MG

Car is in very Interior is black piping. Body is or and has been resp owner and still in tion with good p work carried out radiator, new loo spinners, new fro new grill, new r Revotec electric carpets, new proofing, Call me mobile 07930491 walkermr20@gm

www.mgcc.co.uk

22/06/2018 17:18

Barry Walker 1/4 November 17:Layout 1 05/10/2017 11:41 Page 1 Barry Walker 1/4 November 17:Layout 1 05/10/2017 11:41 Page 1

Barry Walker 1/4 November 17:Layout 1 05/10/2017 11:41 Page 1 Barry Walker 1/4 November 17:Layout 1 05/10/2017 11:41 Page 1

1971 MGB ROADSTER

. Rear end of shell S sill rebuilt, NS to hassis on MGB rear & front stub axles. pair. MGB engine & ditioned radiator. & lights. Original C in my name.

01743 850529 or

ropshire)

Bronze Yellow with Black interior.

Comes with highly appealing Reg Plate ('8773 MG'). Unleaded engine.

Approx. 76,000 miles with less than 16,000 miles since major restoration 16 years ago during which time mainly used for Classic Car-related events. Mota-lite S/W; Rostyle Wheels; MoT to April 2019; Heritage Certificate held under original registration. £15,600.

Contact 01245-477917 or email eric.knowles@live.co.uk (Essex)

British motor heritage approved

2004 MGTF Spark 135

In excellent condition. 48,000 miles, full service history. X Power Grey.

Colour coded hardtop, correct salt and pepper hood, Alcantara/leather seats, full chrome pack, stainless steel coolant pipes, face off stereo MP3, just serviced and MOT. Arthritic hip only reason for sale. £3450. Tel:01278684506 (Somerset)

1974 MGB GT V8

Coupe

nt, Hill climb & Track hensive specification weight Aluminium re wings, upgraded 0cc engine, Webber rgess tuned head, Roll bar, Lightweight ium radiator, Roller aking System, Omex ent. Very fast, Very . Included Wet set of s. Contact Alan on n.atkins@talktalk.net

DGET

n resprayed in Farina ood and trim. Lots of carried out and is in ood condition. New owner for 6 years y sprite forces sale. more information ne 01621 829799 or ssex)

1973 MIDGET

Owned since 1989. Hillclimb/Sprint prepared. Many awards including two MGCC Class championships when in regular use. Very sound restored body. MED 1380cc race engine. Five Revolution wheels with good Yokohamas. Frontline rear suspension, EBC front brakes. Sale includes two additional diffs, many spares and original parts removed for competition. MOT due May 2019. Tax exempt. £4750.

Email: andypearson7@sky.com or phone 01244 880537 (Chester)

1973 MGB GT

Right hand drive in green. Wire wheels, leather trim, overdrive, twin 1/3” SUs. Good clean example, tax and MOT exempt. £6300.

Tel: 07801 418200 (Abingdon Area)

PRIVATE SALE. Original factory Chrome Bumper V8 in bright yellow. Condition 1. Overdrive on fourth. Black interior. Britax folding sunroof. Serviced regularly and maintained to a very high standard.

Multi award winning example. Many new parts last year. Heritage Certificate. MG registration number MG 2242 negotiable. £22,420.

Contact Pete on 07790 388242 or 01249 783434. (Wiltshire)

all round condition, refurbished interior, nics and very good £5600. Please call 675358 or 07740 Essex)

www.mgcc.co.uk

Safety Fast_July18_Back.indd 93

.....for the very best in vintage MGs.....

estd.1968

estd.1968

estd.1968

.....for the very best in vintage MGs..... Estd.1968 See TheSe oN oUR NeW WeBSITe (for more details) See TheSe oN oUR NeW WeBSITe (for more details)

1937 Early Style MG TA.

1933 poST pRodUcTIoN mG k3 oN chASSIS k 0302.

This former has rarer been rebuilt the exacting meticulousnarrow owner over last 10 years with One K1 of the earliertomodels with K3 thespecification wide tank by anditsattractive rearthe wings.

This input from leading mechanical & body engineers to put this in a class almost of its own. Totally restored from the This exhilerating and exciting is finished in BRin Green with K3condition. piped seating, cover, rebuild full invoice file, particular TA is an all-matching Nos. car stunning Atonneau chassis-up both chassis-up, with a complete engineMG rebuild

by SPB Historics coupled to a newly geared Wilson pre-select gearbox VSCC buff form, MGCC MMM registration no. and1 a substantial spares package. This is the closest you’ll get to an and supercharged ” SU twin 4.3:1 backexperience, axle pulls via a and Roots type s/c fed withpoint a 2 /4paint bodily and mechanically, plus 100 job being fifloat nished in(orThe deep ocean blue with 21mph Abingdon built K3, whilst it may not have pre-war racewith history, it T4 offers thebowls. same better) driving per 1000rpm in top (don’tinvestment, tell this toand thefor wife!).

The magnificent is by Dave Cooksey and is presented with a an ever-increasing a third of the price of itsbody factory-built cousin................................£220,000 Cereleun blue leather and new black d/duck weather equipment.

A really lovely car you’ll proper Brooklands exhaust, the correct K3 dashboard, aeroscreens and a (rare) full screen for hood fitting if required.

1933 poST pRodUcTIoN mG k3 oN chASSIS k 0302. be proud toand own (and ..................................................................................£34,500.

This former exhilerating exciting MG is finished inK3 BR Green withby K3itspiped seating, tonneau file, K1 has been rebuiltUSE!). to the exacting specification meticulous owner over cover, the lastfull 10invoice years with VSCC buff leading form, MGCC MMM registration no. andtoa put substantial package.

This is the closest you’ll get tothe an input from mechanical & body engineers this in aspares class almost of its own.

Totally restored from Thisbuilt exhilerating exciting MG is have finished in BR Green with K3 piped seating, tonneau fulldriving invoiceexperience, file, Abingdon K3, and and whilst it may not race history, it offers the same (orcover, better) chassis-up, with a complete engine rebuild by pre-war SPB Historics coupled to a newly geared Wilson pre-select gearbox VSCC buff form, MGCC MMM registration no. and1 a substantial spares package. This is the closest you’ll get to an an ever-increasing investment, and a with thirdaof2 the price oftwin its factory-built cousin................................£220,000 and supercharged /4” SU float The 4.3:1 backexperience, axle pulls 21mph via a and Roots type s/cfor fed Abingdon built K3, whilst it may not have pre-war racewith history, it T4 offers thebowls. same (or better) driving per 1000rpm in top (don’tinvestment, tell this toand thefor wife!).

The magnificent is by Dave Cooksey and is presented with a an ever-increasing a third of the price of itsbody factory-built cousin................................£220,000 proper Brooklands exhaust, the correct K3 dashboard, aeroscreens and a (rare) full screen for hood fitting if required.

This exhilerating and exciting MG is finished in BR Green with K3 piped seating, tonneau cover, full invoice file, VSCC buff form, MGCC MMM registration no. and a substantial spares package. This is the closest you’ll get to an Abingdon built K3, and whilst it may not have pre-war race history, it offers the same (or better) driving experience, an ever-increasing investment, and for a third of1954 themG TF mIdGeT. price of its factory-built cousin................................£220,000 1945 mG Tc mIdGeT. FAcToRY oRIGINAl pA ToUReR.

MG restored J TYPE 1250cc to J4 specification Totally TF with 60 An interesting car with excellent No room here to do justice to this1933

original bodywork, original wings, all Aincredible very interesting MG withMG. hugePlease patina offering & varied opportunities. on orig. unmodified J chassis spokenumerous chrome wire wheels; original Restored time-warp Price nos., brandexhaust new tyres RHD market s/charger model. &Infull matching seeheavy new website for the ENV story gate of this with crank engine, change box,home nose mounted J4 dash, Brooklands andand 12” all new gear (no pristine condition and use. car. Suffice sayMG it is for virtually Reduction brakes.

This itishere the to ideal hill climbs, sprints, rallying throughout or just fast road Goodweather provenance ands/screens). in excellent untouched; two owners; 53,000 orig. finished in deep Cherry Red with order. Huge history file, VSCC buff form & orig. registration. Fantastic value at the...............Sensible offer secures miles; still with its original guarantee red leather and corrct period accessories.......................£32,500

(alas elapsed) signed by Cecil

earliest recorded...............£29,500

1945 mG Tc mIdGeT. 1954 mG mG TF mIdGeT. FAcToRY oRIGINAl pA ToUReR. 1945 mG Tc mIdGeT. FOR SALE We are able to supply MG both side mounted & nose supercharger installations 1954 TFVery, mIdGeT. Kimber himself.

Superb condition FAcToRY oRIGINAl pA ToUReR. JUSTrestored very raremounted MG An ‘M’ type ‘Sportsman Coupé in JARRIVING. TYPE to J4 specification interesting car with excellent Totally 1250cc TF with 60 No room here to do justice Simply to this1933 both bodily &do mechanically.

An interesting car with excellent restored TF with 60original No room here to justice towith this beautifully restored condition.

For details see the article on this car all in together all Totally ancillaries, for the type of car we full sell (please see website) bodywork, original wings, Aincredible very interesting MG withMG. huge patina offering numerous &1250cc varied opportunities.

Restored onrare....................£36,000 orig. unmodified J chassis spoke chrome wire wheels; original time-warp Please amazing find.........................£45,000 the April 2017 edition of ‘The Automobile’.....so original bodywork, original wings, all spoke chrome wire wheels; original incredible time-warp MG. Please ALSO prewar & T-type ORIGINAL manuals, parts lists, drawings, tool kits matching nos., brand new tyres RHD home market model.

In see new website for the story of this with heavy crank engine, ENV gate change box, nose mounted s/charger & full J4 dash, Brooklands exhaust andand 12” matching nos., brand new tyres and RHD home market model.

In see new website for the story of this all new weather gear (no s/screens). pristine condition throughout and use. Good provenance and in excellent car. Suffice itishere to say it is for virtually and other accessories for the cars we sell brakes.

This the ideal MG hill climbs, sprints, rallying or just fast road oRIGINAl Tool kITS IN STock NoSe & SIdemoUNTed SUpeRchARGeRS IN STock all new weather gear (no s/screens). throughout and car. Suffice it heretwo to say it is 53,000 virtually finishedcondition deep Cherry Red with untouched; owners; orig. pristine order.

Huge history file, guarantee VSCC bufffinished form & orig.inregistration.

Fantastic value at the...............Sensible offerbut secures Unrestored gauges all original. red leather andCherry corrct Red period deep with miles;two still owners; with its original untouched; 53,000 orig. Our COMMISSION SALES: highlyin regarded service is always available to you. recorded...............£29,500 accessories.......................£32,500 (alas elapsed) signed

by Cecil red Fascinating, original TC, one of the leather and corrct periodearliest miles; still with its original guarantee 1945 mG Tc mIdGeT. FOR SALE We are to supply both sidemG mounted & nose supercharger installations 1954 TFVery, mIdGeT. Kimber himself.

Superb condition FAcToRY oRIGINAl pA ToUReR. recorded...............£29,500 accessories.......................£32,500 Tel: 01789 400 181. Fax: 01789 400230. Mob: 07836 244103 (alas elapsed) signed by able Cecil JUST ARRIVING. very raremounted MG ‘M’earliest type ‘Sportsman Coupé in both bodily & mechanically.

Simply An interesting car with excellent Totally restored 1250cc TF with 60 No room here to do justice to this beautifully restored condition.

For full details see the article on this car in together with all ancillaries, for the type of car we sell (please see website) Kimber himself.Email: barry@barrywalker.com Web: www.barrywalker.com Superb condition JUST ARRIVING. Very, veryAutomobile’.....so rare MG original ‘M’ type ‘Sportsman Coupé in all amazing find.........................£45,000 the April 2017 edition of ‘The rare....................£36,000 bodywork, original wings, spoke chrome wire wheels; original incredible MG. -Please ALSO prewar &beautifully T-type ORIGINAL manuals, parts lists, both bodily time-warp & mechanically.

Simply restored condition.

For full drawings, details seetool thekits articlenew on this car in brand tyres and RHD home market In matching nos., see new website for the story of accessories this the amazing find.........................£45,000 April 2017 edition ofmodel.

‘The Automobile’.....so rare....................£36,000 and other for the cars we sell oRIGINAl Tool kITS pristine IN STock condition NoSe & throughout SIdemoUNTed and SUpeRchARGeRS IN STockgear (no s/screens). all new weather car. Suffice it here to say it is virtually Unrestored gauges but all original. finished in deep Cherry Red with untouched; COMMISSION two owners; 53,000 orig. Our highly regarded service is always available to you.

SALES: Tool kITS IN red STock SUpeRchARGeRS IN STock Fascinating, original TC, one of the leatherNoSe and& SIdemoUNTed corrct period miles; still with itsoRIGINAl original guarantee accessories.......................£32,500 earliest recorded...............£29,500 Tel: 01789 400 181. Fax: 01789 400230. Mob: 07836 244103 (alasCOMMISSION elapsed) signed

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

Kimber himself.Email: barry@barrywalker.com Web: www.barrywalker.com Superb condition JUST ARRIVING. Very, very rare MG ‘M’ type ‘Sportsman Coupé in both bodily Tel: & mechanically.

Simply 01789 400 181.beautifully Fax: 01789 400230.ForMob: 07836 244103 restored condition. full details see the article on this car in amazing find.........................£45,000 the April 2017 edition of ‘The Automobile’.....so rare....................£36,000

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Web: www.barrywalker.com

NoSe & SIdemoUNTed SUpeRchARGeRS IN STock

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

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

enquiries@mgsforsale.com

01707 876089 1978 MGBGT

Post office red with black leather interior. Restored in 2002 with heritage shell. 91k on clock but only 7k since restoration. Kept in garage and only driven in the Summer.

Overdrive on 3 & 4. MOT til September 2018 tax exempt after March 2019. £9995 ono.

Tel: 07711 982862

1966 MK1 MGB

Car is in very good condition.

Interior is black leather with red piping. Body is original not heritage and has been resprayed by previous owner and still in excellent condition with good panel gaps. Recent work carried out, new hood, new radiator, new loom, new tyres and spinners, new front wheel bearings, new grill, new rack gaitors, new Revotec electric fan, new boot carpets, new bonnet sound proofing, Call me on 01732 887265 mobile 07930491027 or Email: walkermr20@gmail.com

estd.1968

Email: barry@barrywalker.com

T

Owned for 12 years. rear wing panels 5 lli unleaded head. ion. Professionally raged. £3995.00ono.

0 or .co.uk. (Oxon)

.....for the very best in vintage MGs.....

.....for the very best in vintage MGs..... Estd.1968 See TheSe oN oUR NeW WeBSITe (for more details) See TheSe oN oUR NeW WeBSITe (for more details)

British motor heritage approved

Saloon

T (RWA)

arry W Walker alker bbarry arry W Walker alker bbarry

British motor heritage approved

British motor heritage approved

CL ASSIFIEDS

1972 MGB Roadster

www.mgsforsale.com

07831 556666

MGB Roadster MK1 Pull Handle Model (909EVD) Overdrive, wire wheels, older restored vehicle with sound sills, castle sections, jacking points etc. Iris Blue coachwork whilst not perfect is still a very nice clean looking example with a recently restored engine compartment housing a stronger 5 bearing engine, original early gearbox with good synchromesh, mellowed Black leather interior trim with original period steering wheel, drives nicely, mot to May 2018 just arrived, £14,950.00 MG Midget 1965 Older Bare Shell Rebuild BRG (GDA629C) This one family owner from new example is an early 90’s bare shell rebuild by ‘The Whitehouse Restoration Company’ of Dudley, West Midlands, the British Racing Green coachwork although not perfect is of a delightful patina and incredibly sound structurally and a true testament to the quality restoration and fastidiousness of the original custodians, clean Black interior trim with original steering wheel, also sporting an original and rare Ashley Hardtop, the hood is an original Black vinyl with genuine vyback clear windows, also a wealth of original period fittings including full tonneau, tonneau bars, fog & spot lamps and AA badge, comprehensive history file with current V5C, restoration invoices and photographic albums, old correspondence, tax discs, old Mot’s, old & current invoices etc. etc. just arrived, £10,950.00

Flame Red.Total rebuild just finished on Heritage Body Shell, fitted with a brand new BL 1800 engine to be run in, black leather seats with red piping, silver grey alloy wheels, o/d gearbox, black hood BL with zip out rear window, spare wheel and fully carpeted boot ares. S/S exhaust, SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF OUR STOCK extra instruments, complete interior refit, carpets etc. Sold with Do not the above vehicles with cheaper inferior quality models offered elsewhere. Part exchange Barry Walker 1/4 Julyconfuse 18.indd 1 full 12 months MOT. Sensible offers. 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 01494 813903 (Bucks).

URGENTLY WANTED ANY MG ANY YEAR, ANY CONDITION

www.mgsforsale.com

MOT and are fully serviced prior to collection/delivery.

Barry Walker 1/4 July 18.indd 1

JULY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 93

22/06/2018 17:18

CL ASSIFIEDS

2001 MGF Mk 2 1933 MGJ2

Superbly restored 1933 original cycle-wing flat-back petrol tank MG J2 with matching numbers in Oxford blue. Total 'nut and bolt' restoration to original specification and a very high standard.

Professional engine rebuild (new c/b crank, u/l head), new body tub, new grey Collingburn leather upholstery, new professional paintwork, full new hood/tonneau/sidescreens. V5C (+ old log book) and original registration number.

Currently taxed, insured, and run regularly. Stunning condition. One of the best available. £39,950.

Email: andy.rogers99@gmail.com (Devon)

1947 MG TC

Reluctant sale of a wonderful reliable car. Total rebuild from chassis up in 1998, history file dating back to 1958, Red leather interior used regularly on dry days. Great investment £26000. Please contact Chris on Tel: 07710 751329. Email: arundelmarquees @ hotmail.com (Sussex)

Silver 82,885miles. Full MOT, in all year use. Good dry car with good hood & clear screen with all the work done ready to enjoy. New upgraded Head gasket and bolts, Cambelt & tensioner, water pump, thermostat, under floor coolant pipes, brake pads & discs all round.

Accessories inc, rear spoiler, wind breaker, JVC head unit with ipod & USB ports. Minilight alloys with MGF logo dust caps & spanner keyring, 2 set of keys fobs. Great driving wee buitie and classic insurance as a bonus. £1,995.

Tel: 07889063339. (N/Ireland UK)

1958 MGA Coupe 1500

1997 MGF 1.8

Flame Red, 40,000 miles, owned from new, Heritage leather seats, carpet and trim, wood veneer kit, head gasket modification, wind deflector, properly maintained, summer use only garaged year round, all documentation including original bill of sale, good basis for early concourse car. £2,995.00 ono.

Contact Andy: 01608 664429 or 07703 533887. Email:andyandmags@compuserve.com.

(North Cotswolds)

Just finished complete nut and bolt body off no expense spared restoration. Original UK RHD Mineral Blue matching numbers.

Substantial history file and 200+ photos of restoration. All new interior in completely original specification. Fresh MOT and just running in rebuilt original engine. Very rare car we will miss. £29,950ono.

Contact Jack on 07739 642362 (leave a message) or Email: kevinskuce@btconnect.com

1994 MGRV8

Rare UK car, one of only 43 in Nightfire Red. Blue Mohair hood.

Plenty of invoices and Heritage Certificate. MOT till Jan 2019. £16995.

Contact John on 07597265193. (Essex)

WANTED

LHD MGBGT, I wish to buy a very good left hand drive MGBGT to use and keep in Mallorca. Contact Ron Ward on 01422-823649. Email: valerieand ron@gmail.com

1972 MGBGT

2000 MGF 1.8 Wedgewood

SE limited edition. 51,000 miles.

Dinitrol rust proofed. Full black leather interior.

Polybushed.

Uprated SPAX shock absorbers.

Stainless steel water pipes. Low coolant warning kit. Stainless steel exhaust. Matching hard top.Tonneau cover. Full service history. MOT June 2019. £4150 o.n.o Tel: 01765 608529 (North Yorkshire)

2016 MG3 Style

White, top of the range, excellent condition, only 7000 miles. £7500 ovno. Email: janner826@gmail.com (West Wiltshire)

94 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2018

Safety Fast_July18_Back.indd 94

Tax Exempt with 89000 miles. MOT April 2019. Full receipts & Mot certificates going back to 1996 when I believe the MG was restored.

Original Chrome Bumper, manual gearbox, with overdrive, wire wheels. Petrol tank replaced now.

Runs on unleaded fuel, struts, shock absorbers, two 6 Volt Batteries.

Newly upholstered seats.

Resprayed in 2018 to its original old English white colour. £7000. Great condition. 07427620822. (Oxford)

1957 MG Magnette ZB

Colour Damascus red . First registered 01.10 1957. 1498cc great condition. Restored at Shortens.

Excellent condition. £12500.

Contact Harry on 07879600570.

(Tyne and Wear)

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

22/06/2018 17:18

CL ASSIFIEDS

SPARES FOR SALE HOW TO ADVERTISE

1933 MGJ2

Superbly restored 1933 original cycle-wing flat-back petrol tank MG J2 with matching numbers in Oxford blue. Total 'nut and bolt' restoration to original specification and a very high standard.

Professional engine rebuild (new c/b crank, u/l head), new body tub, new grey Collingburn leather upholstery, new professional paintwork, full new hood/tonneau/sidescreens. V5C (+ old log book) and original registration number.

Currently taxed, insured, and run regularly. Stunning condition. One of the best available. £39,950.

Email: andy.rogers99@gmail.com (Devon)

1997 MGF 1.8

Flame Red, 40,000 miles, owned from new, Heritage leather seats, carpet and trim, wood veneer kit, head gasket modification, wind deflector, properly maintained, summer use only garaged year round, all documentation including original bill of sale, good basis for early concourse car. £2,995.00 ono.

Contact Andy: 01608 664429 or 07703 533887. Email:andyandmags@compuserve.com.

(North Cotswolds)

2000 MGF 1.8 Wedgewood

SE limited edition. 51,000 miles.

Dinitrol rust proofed. Full black leather interior.

Polybushed.

Uprated SPAX shock absorbers.

Stainless steel water pipes. Low coolant warning kit. Stainless steel exhaust. Matching hard top.Tonneau cover. Full service history. MOT June 2019. £4150 o.n.o Tel: 01765 608529 (North Yorkshire)

2016 MG3 Style

White, top of the range, excellent condition, only 7000 miles. £7500 ovno. Email: janner826@gmail.com (West Wiltshire)

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 1947 MG TCadvertisement email Colinsale Grant Reluctant of at a wonderful relicolingrant@mgcc.co.uk.

Please able car. Total rebuild from chassis remember includefile your up in 1998,tohistory dating back membership all to 1958, Rednumber leather ininterior used correspondence.

All adverts regularly on dry days.

Greatshould investbe submitted

by Please the 10thcontact of the Chris ment £26000. month for the following months issue. on Tel: 07710 751329. Email: arundelmarquees @ hotmail.com MG Brochures (Sussex)to extremes” 2001 range “Driven brochure (Z cars and MGF) very good condition. MG XPower V8 SV, 8-page brochure, excellent condition. Top Gear magazine (2004), with MG SV-R review, good condition. £5 per brochure plus £3.00 p&p per delivery (UK).

MGF front mud flaps

All fixing points present. Four fixing clips plus one spare - you will need to supply screws and washers for the lower fixing points.

Free to a “good home” for the 1958ofMGA Coupe 1500 price p&p (UK £5.00).

Just finished complete nut and bolt Email: galucas@waitrose.com or Tel: 07941155317 body off no expense spared restoration. Original UK RHD Mineral Blue matching numbers.

Substantial history file and 200+ photos of restoration. All new interior in completely original specification. Fresh MOT and just running in rebuilt original engine. Very rare car we will miss. £29,950ono.

Garage tool chest Contact Jack on 07739base 642362 Comprising a cupboard on casters one drawer (leave a with message) or Email:and a detachable top with 4 drawers kevinskuce@btconnect.com which are fitted out with: 1. set of 8 screwdrivers 2. set of interchangeable screwdriver heads and small socket spanner heads with driver-type handle, plus two pairs of pliers.

3. 15 drill bits and an electrician’s screwdriver 4. 2 adjustable wrenches and medium-size adjustable spanner.

All in virtually new condition. £60.00 ovno (Maidstone) Roy Ingleton 01622 762039 1972 MGBGT roy.ingleton@sky.com Tax Exempt with 89000 miles. MOT April 2019. Full receipts & Mot cerTD Speedometer tificates going back to (Replica) 1996 when I Recalibrated 1504 for believe the to MG wasTPM restored. use with Chrome upgradedBumper, rear axle.

Original manual Only used for just 1,092 miles gearbox, with overdrive, wire while the original instrument wheels.

Petrol tank replaced now. was undergoing repair.

Runs on at unleaded fuel,half struts, Offered less than theshock absorbers, twoone 6 from Volt NTG Batteries. cost of a new Newly upholstered etc.

- £95 ovno + £5 p&p. seats.

Roy Ingleton (01622) Resprayed in 2018 to its762039 original old roy.ingleton@sky.com English white colour. £7000. Great condition. 07427620822. (Oxford)

MGB

Gearbox 1972 non overdrive. running order when removed from my car. £ 80.

Bonnet in good condition, no rust. £100. Phone Peter 01947600041. (North York's)

2001 MGF Mk 2 MGF Silver 1.8.

82,885miles. Full MOT, in all

PIPERCROSS year use. GoodVIPER, dry car carbonfiwith good bre cold& air induction hood clear screen upgrade with all kit, the unused, filter and ram pipe work done ready to enjoy. New increases air pressure into the upgraded Head see gasket intake manifold, the and bolts, Cambelt & website tensioner, pump, Pipercross forwater further thermostat, £50 under information. plusfloor P&P coolant or collect East London.

John pipes, brake pads &Call discs all round.

07932 769729.

Accessories inc,email rear johnspoiler, wind whulme@gmail.com breaker, JVC head unit with ipod & USB ports. Minilight alloys with MGA MGFpair logo dust caps & spanner New of chrome overriders keyring, 2 set of keys fobs. Great £36 the pair driving buitie and classic insurMG TDwee & TF Inner column. part numance steering as a bonus. £1,995. ber on page 25 of Moss T-UK) Tel:15 07889063339.

(N/Ireland Type catalogue. No longer available £80.

MGF

Set of 4 x 16 inch 6 spoke alloy wheels from a MK 2 MGF with 3 good tyres £140.

MGB

Early 3 synchro starter motor as new only used over 3 months. £50. A selection of roadster carpets in black, available due to change in colour, 3 synchro tunnel cover carpet new £40.

Call for details. All free collection MGRV8 or1994 postage at cost.Telephone jack Rare UK 848529 car, one (Buckingham) of only 43 in on 01280 Nightfire Red. Blue Mohair hood.

Plenty ofWheels invoices and Heritage Rostyle 5Certificate. off, and twoMOT standard till height Jan 2019. rear springs Contact now surplus to £16995.

John on requirements. latter were fit07597265193. The (Essex) ted during the car’s recent rebuild but have never seen active service and have been replaced with lowered ones due to a change of WANTED Roy onI 07968380072 plan.

LHDTel: MGBGT, wish to buy a(North very Wilts) good left hand drive MGBGT to use and keep in Mallorca. Contact MGA Ron Ward on parts 01422-823649.

Second hand left over Email: from valerieandrebuild ron@gmail.com complete of a mark1 1500 roadster including bumpers, dash, radio, steering-wheel side screens loads more parts to many to list offers please Contact Charlie 07792416321 (Norfolk)

MGC

For MGC five 6jx15 polished alloy wheels supplied with tube bolts; Two pairs Twin 2” HS8 carburet1957 MG Magnette ZB tors modified from Jaguar XJ6 Colour red .Rover First regis£700 or Damascus modified from teredfor 01.10 1957.

1498cc great con£600 MGC with throttle and choke replaced at to give full dition.links Restored Shortens. manual operation.

Linkage£12500. sets Excellent condition. can be supplied. manifold Contact Harry onInlet 07879600570. can beand supplied (Tyne Wear) bored for 2” on exchange for £40 either English Wood Rim Steering Wheel or American.

Semi dished 15” Riveted MGC Crankshaft £40 complete with boss and fitFREE four firestone 165r15 tyres tings. Hardly used and f-560 just collect. immaculate. £80. Contact 12” Kenlow electric fan. £35.

SELLING YOUR Barry on 07967 443594 or New CAR? Rubber Bumper front indibarry@tmsteels.co.uk. light your assembly As a member of the MG Car Club you cancator advertise car in BHA5322 Safety Fast for with spare s/h lens £20 free. Just email yourSGS car details, max 60 words, together a JPEG picture ENGINE CRANE Please collect,with carriage extra if 1000kg. as new never used. needed. Home 01737551141. to Colin Grant at colingrant@mgcc.co.uk. £100. Phone Peter Mobile 07831701028 Non member fee is £20 01947600041. (North York's) (Surrey)

MGB

Early disc wheel £10 Rubber Bumper, (vgc) £30 5 Rostyle wheels, (OK) £25 the lot

MGBGT

Tail gate (no rust) £75 Door Glass £15 Side window £15 Set windscreen chrome (not distorted) £40

Pre 1955

BSF, sockets, large and small ring 1932-34 MGopen F2/J2/L2 brandspanners, new body by spanners, ended Steve Gilbert.

A cancelled all szes, 20 items £20.order from 2015, only supplied laston year but cancelled due Contact Martin 01344 424258 to buyer’s unforeseen circumstances in

the interim.

The best available with doors, XPAG Engine hinges, scuttle, bulkhead and bonnet

Newly built 1350cc TD/TF landing. Ready to fit and paint. £5,500. engine, 8in clutch, lightened fly-list.

Can be delivered.

Save 18 months wait wheel.

Alltelephone: balanced.

20”/20” Please 07836 244103 (T). crack tested. Late crank, lip sealed front and back on speed sleeve. 280 degree fast road camshaft. Vervier sprocket set.

Cylinder head stage 2 unleaded.

Big valve, ported, bronze guides, metro stem seals. Ready to fit and go. Contact Ron Ward on 0422823649 email:Specialist Contact theorMidget valerieandron@gmail.com MIKE AUTHERS on Abingdon

MIDGETS! WANTED

07703 465 224 CHROME Chromed splined hubs in BUMPERED MIDGETS One pair, as supplied for Minilite excellent condition bought up to wheels in as-new condition. Eight View current stock at bolt£8,000. hubs with 42 mm splined cen-

www.mgmidgets.com tres and 35mm offset from face of hub to face of flange. Cost £300 plus, accept £150 plus postage.

Contact Richard Vogt 01328 701858.

WANTED Wanted

Dipstick for a 1275 Midget and the padded cork crash-rail for the top of the dashboard. Tel: Roy on 07968380072 (North Wilts)

WANTED

WANTED ALL MG MODELS! All conditions wanted, from barn finds Wanted to concours. Complete collections

MGA side screens storage bag.

Cash buyer.

Must bepurchased. in reasonable condition Discretion assured. without tears or broken stitching.

Please do not hesitate to contact me Phone Dave on 01672 520975

if you are interested in selling your MG and are looking for a prompt hassle free cash buyer! Please feel Wanted free to contact me for a no obligation A pair of MGfriendly RV8 seats chat. with head rests any condition I am especially interested in theconsidfollowing ered but must beMGA, complete. models: MG TC, MGB, MGC, MGBemail: V8, Magnette and Midget.

Please

Liveman500@yahoo.co.uk or CALL DIRECT ON: 01189-429585

07787 528131 Wanted

A Monza fuel cap for my WA. It screws onto a 2.5" steel pipe.

The early TAs used a similar cap.

Please email jg.wall@xnet.co.nz

HOW TO ADVERTISE

Members can advertise their spares for sale/wanted Wanted free of MGR chargeV8 for items up to £250. Over Steering required. Please £250, orrack for non-members to contact Colin: 078 advertise, there1111 is a4450 charge of £20. colinbrearad@aol.com To submit your advertisement email Colin Grant at colingrant@mgcc.co.uk.

Wanted Please include Aremember grill badgetofor 75 ZTyour enthusiasts club and Rover 75 MG ZT the membership number in all red cover workshop manualshould the correspondence.

All adverts grill badge is by yellow regards be submitted the 10th of thekeith inmonth 01215503908 for the following months issue.

MG Brochures www.mgcc.co.uk

Safety Fast_July18_Back.indd 95

MGB

SPARES FOR SALE

“Driven to extremes” 2001 range brochure (Z cars and MGF) very JULYcondition.

2018 SAFETY FAST! 95 good MG XPower V8 SV, 8-page brochure, excellent condition. Top Gear magazine (2004), with MG SV-R review, good condition. £5 per brochure plus £3.00 p&p per delivery (UK).

MGF front mud flaps

Gearbox 1972 non running order whe from my car. £ 80.

Bonnet in good co rust. £100. Phone 01947600041. (No

MGF 1.8.

PIPERCROSS VIP bre cold air induct unused, filter and increases air pres intake manifold, se Pipercross website information. £50 p lect East London.

07932 769729. em whulme@gmail.co

MGA

New pair of chrom £36 the pair

MG TD & TF

Inner steering colu ber 15 on page 25 Type catalogue. N able £80.

22/06/2018 17:18

MGF

All fixing points present. Four fixing clips plus one spare - you will need to supply screws and washers for the lower fixing points.

Free to a “good home” for the price of p&p (UK £5.00).

Email: galucas@waitrose.com or Tel: 07941155317

CL ASSIFIEDS DONHOODS-SFAug07.QXD:Layout 1

23/9/09

Insurance for all MG’s classic and modern

16:22

MGB

Gearbox 1972 non overdrive.

Garage tool chest running order when removed Comprising a cupboard base on HOW TO ADVERTISE from my car. £ 80.

UNBEATABLE QUALITY – casters UNBEATABLE VALUE! with one drawer and a Members can advertise their Bonnet in good condition, no detachable top with 4 drawers which are fitted out with: spares forDIRECT sale/wanted free of rust. MAKERS £100. Phone Peter FROM THE – 1.01947600041. set of 8 screwdrivers (North York's) charge for itemsOVER up to £250.40 OverYEARS WITH 2. set EXPERIENCE of interchangeable screw£250, or for non-members to Choice •BETTER THAN ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT QUALITY driver heads small socket of heaand vy dut y PVC , ICI •STITCHED ANDthere WELDED MAXIMUM of LIFE£20.

MGF 1.8. spanner heads with driver-type Vyn advertise, is FOR a charge ide, Eve rflex, Duc k and Mohair •WIDEST CHOICE OF COLOURS AVAILABLE handle, plus two pairs of pliers.

PIPERCROSS VIPER, carbonfiTo submit your advertisement •ALL FASTENERS & FITTINGS INCLUDED 3.bre 15cold drill air bitsinduction and an electrician’s upgrade kit, email Colin Grant at PRICE AL screwdriver MAKES & L FLET AND LEA M R unused, filter pipe ODELS FO 4. 2 adjustableand wrenches and inram colingrant@mgcc.co.uk.

Please cl : M G T , AC Tr iumph, LIST CONT increases airadjustable pressure into medium-size spanner.

Escort , Golthe remember to include your Ltd f Don Trimming Co. All in virtually newsee condition. etc. intake manifold, the 7JJ B23 am ingh membership number in all £60.00 ovno (Maidstone) Hampton Road, Birm Pipercross website for further 1313 Roy Ingleton 01622 762039 correspondence.

All 3 adverts should Tel: 0121 37 information. £50 plus P&P or colICE roy.ingleton@sky.com ES OFF SAL10th N the be submitted of the SOUTHERby lect East London. Call John 2200issue.

CARPET SETS FOR MOST MODELS 202 74months 01following l: the Tefor month 07932 769729. email johnwww.donhoods.com TD Speedometer (Replica) whulme@gmail.com

MG Brochures

“Driven to extremes” 2001 range brochure (Z cars and MGF) very good condition. MG XPower V8 SV, 8-page brochure, excellent condition. Top Gear magazine (2004), with MG SV-R review, good condition. £5 per brochure plus £3.00 p&p per delivery (UK).

Recalibrated to 1504 TPM for use with upgraded rear axle.

MGA Only just 1,092 miles New used pair offor chrome overriders while thepair original instrument £36 the was MG undergoing TD & TF repair.

Offered at less column. than halfpart thenumInner steering cost of a one NTGTber 15 onnew page 25from of Moss etc. ovno +No £5 longer p&p. availType- £95 catalogue.

Roy (01622) 762039 able Ingleton £80. roy.ingleton@sky.com

URGENTLY WANTED

MGA/MGB/MGC/V8/ ETC MGF front MIDGET/SPRITE mud flaps

MGF All fixing points present. Four fixSet of 4 x 16 6 spokecars alloy Condition toinch rebuilt ing Any clips plus one spare -from you willnon runners wheels Rim from aSteering MK 2 MGF with 3 Wood Wheel need to supply screws and washgood tyres £140.

Semi dished 15” Riveted ers for the lower fixing points.

MGB complete with boss and fitFree to a “good home” for the Early synchroused starter motor as tings. and price of p&p (UK £5.00). or any time on 3Hardly new only used£80. over Contact 3 months. immaculate.

Email: galucas@waitrose.com or £50. A on selection roadsterorcarBarry 07967of443594 Tel: 07941155317 Email: pets in black, available due to barry@tmsteels.co.uk. change in colour, 3 synchro tunWebsite: nel coverCRANE carpet new ENGINE SGS£40.

(Northwood, Middlesex) Call for as details. freeused. collection 1000kg. new All never or postage cost.Telephone jack £100.

PhoneatPeter on 01280 848529 (Buckingham) 01947600041.

(North York's)

Please call Edward 01923 840236 07774 484497 ejwhitescars@aol.com www.mgandporsche.com

Rostyle Wheels

Garage tool chest

5 off, and two standard height Tel: 01932 568822 rear springs now surplus to

requirements. The latter were fitComprising a cupboard base on OPENING HOURS: ted during the car’s recent rebuild casters with one drawer and a 08.30am – 5.00pm Mon – Fri but have never seen active servdetachable top with 4 drawers Sat am: By appointment only which are fitted out with: ice and have been replaced with 1. set of 8 screwdrivers lowered ones due to a change of 2. set of interchangeable screwplan.Tel: Roy on 07968380072 (North KEEPING MORRIS ALIVE FOR THE driver heads and small socket & MG Wilts) spanner heads with driver-type FUTURE handle, plus two pairs of pliers.

MGA 3. 15 drill bits and an electrician’s Welding to MOT standards Mechanical repairsparts and servicing Second hand left over from screwdriver safety checks undertaken Bodywork/paintwork complete rebuild of a mark1 1500 4.Vehicle 2 adjustable wrenches and roadster including bumpers, medium-size adjustable spanner. dash, radio, steering-wheel All inSAVE virtuallyMONEY new condition.

WITH US – NO VAT ON LABOUR! side screens loads more parts to £60.00 ovno (Maidstone) many to list offers please Roy Unit Ingleton 01622 762039 6, Stevens Yard, 113 Fordwater Road, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 8HB Contact Charlie 07792416321 roy.ingleton@sky.com www.chertseyminors.co.uk (Norfolk)

TD Speedometer (Replica)

MGC

STEVE McKIE SPORTSCARS For MGC five 6jx15 polished Recalibrated to 1504 TPM for wheels supplied with tube CHESTERFIELD • alloy DERBYSHIRE use with upgraded rear axle. bolts; Only Specialists used for just 1,092 miles in the Two pairs Twin 2” HS8 carburetwhile the original instrument repair and restoration tors modified from Jaguar XJ6 was undergoing repair. £700 or modified from Rover Offered atof less than half the MG cars £600 for MGC with throttle and cost of a new one from NTG choke links replaced to give full etc. - £95 ovno + £5 p&p. manual operation. Linkage sets Roy Ingleton (01622) 762039 Suppliers of parts for can be supplied.

Inlet manifold roy.ingleton@sky.com be• supplied bored for 2” on • can MGA MGB • MGC • Midget exchange for £40 either English • T Type • MGF/TF Wood Rim Steering Wheel or American.

Semi dished 15” Riveted MGC Crankshaft £40 complete with boss and fitFREE four firestone 165r15 tyres tings. Hardly used and f-560 just collect. immaculate. £80. Contact Tel 01246 454527 • Fax 01246 12”453681 Kenlow electric fan. £35.

Barry on 07967North, 443594Chesterfield, or NewS41 Rubber Bumper front indiAlbert Street 8NP barry@tmsteels.co.uk. cator light assembly BHA5322 with spare s/h lens £20 ENGINE CRANE SGS Please collect, carriage extra if 96 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2018 1000kg. as new never used. needed. Home 01737551141.

Steve McKie Sports Cars Hi-Res.indd 1 23/06/2010 £100. Phone Peter Mobile 07831701028 01947600041. (North York's) (Surrey)

www.stevemckiesportscars.co.uk

Safety Fast_July18_Back.indd 96

MGB

Early 3 synchro starter motor as new only used over 3 months. £50. A selection of roadster carpets in black, available due to change in colour, 3 synchro tunnel cover carpet new £40.

Call for details. All free collection Page 1or postage at cost.Telephone jack on 01280 848529 (Buckingham)

DON HOODS SPARES FOR SALE

Set of 4 x 16 inch 6 spoke alloy wheels from a MK 2 MGF with 3 good tyres £140.

Rostyle MGB Wheels 5Early off, and standard disctwo wheel £10 height rear springs now (vgc) surplus Rubber Bumper, £30to requirements.

The(OK) latter£25 were 5 Rostyle wheels, thefitlot

ted during the car’s recent rebuild MGBGT but have never seen active servTail gate (no rust) £75 ice and have been replaced with Door Glass £15 lowered ones due to a change of Side window £15 plan.Tel: Roy on 07968380072 (North

0422823649 or email: valerieandron@gmail.com

Chromed splined hubs

One pair, as supplied for Minilite wheels in as-new Eight Call for acondition. quote today bolt hubs with 42 mm splined centres and 35mm offset from face of hub to face of flange. Cost £300 plus, accept £150 plus postage. www.classiccarinsurance.co.uk Contact Richard Vogt 01328 701858.

01376 574000 WANTED Wanted

Dipstick for a 1275 Midget and the padded cork crash-rail for the top of the dashboard. Tel: Roy on 07968380072 (North Wilts)

Set windscreen chrome (not distorted) £40

Wilts)

Pre 1955 MGA BSF, sockets, large and smallfrom ring Second hand parts left over spanners,rebuild open ended spanners, complete of a mark1 1500 all szes, including 20 items £20. roadster bumpers, Contact Martin on 01344 424258 dash, radio, steering-wheel side screens loads more parts to many to list offers please XPAG Charlie Engine07792416321 Contact (Norfolk) Newly built 1350cc TD/TF

Wanted

MGA side screens storage bag.

Must be in reasonable condition without tears or broken stitching.

Phone Dave on 01672 520975

Wanted

engine, 8in clutch, lightened flyMGC wheel. All balanced. 20”/20” For MGC five 6jx15 polished crack tested. Late crank, lip alloy wheels supplied with tube sealed front and back on speed bolts; sleeve.

280 degree fastcarburetroad Two pairs Twin 2” HS8 tors modified from sprocket Jaguar XJ6 camshaft.

Vervier set. £700 or modified from2 Rover Cylinder head stage unleaded. £600 for MGC withbronze throttleguides, and Big valve, ported, choke links replaced to give full metro stem seals.

Ready to fit manual operation. Linkage sets andbe go.supplied.

Contact Inlet Ron Ward on can manifold 0422823649 or bored email:for 2” on can be supplied exchange for £40 either English valerieandron@gmail.com

or American.

MGC Crankshaft £40 Chromed splined 165r15 hubs tyres FREE four firestone One pair, supplied for Minilite f-560 just as collect. wheels in as-new condition.

Eight 12” Kenlow electric fan. £35.

New Rubber front indibolt hubs withBumper 42 mm splined cencator light35mm assembly tres and offsetBHA5322 from face of with lens £20 hub spare to faces/h of flange.

Cost £300 Please collect, carriage extra if plus, accept £150 plus postage. needed. Home 01737551141.

Contact Richard Vogt 01328 Mobile 07831701028 701858.

(Surrey)

A pair of MG RV8 seats with head rests any condition considered but must be complete.

Please email: Liveman500@yahoo.co.uk or 01189-429585

Wanted

A Monza fuel cap for my WA. It screws onto a 2.5" steel pipe.

The early TAs used a similar cap.

Please email jg.wall@xnet.co.nz

MGR V8

Wanted

Steering rack required. Please contact Colin: 078 1111 4450 colinbrearad@aol.com

Wanted

A grill badge for 75 ZT enthusiasts club and Rover 75 MG ZT the red cover workshop manual the grill badge is yellow regards keith in 01215503908

WANTED

Colne Classics Wanted

Dipstick for a 1275 Midget and the MGcork Power Steering and padded crash-rail for the top of restorati on the dashboard.

Tel: Royspecialists on 07968380072 (North Wilts)

Wanted

MGA side screens storage bag.

Must be in reasonable condition without tears or broken stitching.

Phone Dave on 01672 520975

Wanted

View the website A pair of MG RV8 seats with on www.colneclassics.com B1 Seaden Court, considGorse Lane Ind Est, Clacton, Essex. head rests any condition 01255 432693, 07714 675319 ered but must be complete.

Please email: Liveman500@yahoo.co.uk or 01189-429585

Wanted

TO ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF

A Monza fuel cap for my WA. It screws onto a 2.5" steel pipe.

The early TAs used a similar cap.

Please email jg.wall@xnet.co.nz

MGR V8

Wanted

Steering rack required. Please contact Colin: 078 1111 4450 colinbrearad@aol.com

PLEASE CALL NICK ON 01452 730770 Wanted

A grill badge for 75 ZT enthusiasts club and Rover 75 MG ZT the red cover workshop manual the 13:46 grill badge is yellow regards keith in 01215503908

www.mgcc.co.uk

22/06/2018 17:18

B12 - BARRIE CARTER_CLASSIC MOTORING 19/04/2018 09:35 Page 1

Call for a quote today

01376 574000 CL ASSIFIEDS

Insurance for all MG’s classic and modern

k

www.classiccarinsurance.co.uk

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

‘T-type’ – ‘T-type’ – ‘T-type’ ‘X-pag’ – ‘X-pag’ – ‘X-pag’

We restore and refresh both T-types and X-pag engines, gearboxes, trim, paint; every aspect and we buy and sell T-types and other classics.

Running out of T’s for sale but we have some interesting objects to occupy yourself after retirement and banishment to the garage.

AUSTIN RUBY 1936.

Remarkably this lovely, original, and unspoiled Ruby Page has had1only TWO 23/05/2018 11:23 owners from new! Its second owner bought it as a student in 1964 and used it as an every day car until he put it in his fathers garage. It was brought out in 2003 and had a complete engine rebuild

by Austineers. It was cared for and left in its original and lovable form and has covered little mileage since.

Its speedometer reads a highly believable 86,000.It is in such a lovely unrestored condition that I doubt there is not another unrestored car like it. Its an instant runner and woe betide anyone who destroys its lovely original appearance. Its lovely. £6,995

This is an unusual TC. Apparently historic race car that I’m told performed at Watkins Glen, indeed, hidden under the paint is the last race number, 120 that it carried.

Since then it has had a thorough, historic , mechanical rebuild: Engine, chassis, all running gear, brakes, gearbox and special steering box. It is on the button and drives!

The body timbers have had attention and the body is very sound with doors shutting as they should. It needs painting TRIUMPH TR3A RACE CAR. A very well known multi and the seats are worn, but it is a real Oily Rag car that can class winning car built from a rust free S.A shell. It has just MG TC 1948.This be used as is with a small amount of work plus the radiator had a very expensive refresh with replacement block, very has been subject to a surround is excellent. I have aero screen and lights for it, special steel crank and rods, lightweight pistons, full race head, body off rebuild a few and it has the rare provision of two spare wheels. This is new cam, twin 45s, special exhaust, completely rebuilt C>R> years ago and little the TC boy racer’s dream, Little to do and so much fun. I dog box, twin plate clutch, quaife LSD, competition brakes, used since. The interior love itbuy and Ifand I didn’t haveT-types my own TCand it would be inclassics. my toy restore and (steel refresh both T-types engines, gearboxes, trim, paint; every aspect and we sell other and suspension.We Composite wings, wings availabe as a and X-pag is all new red leather cupboard! Iand reckonbanishment it’s worth all of £20,000 package) safety devices cage, foam tank,for plumbed in fire Running outfilled of T’s sale but we haveand some objects to occupy yourself after retirement to the garage. it has interesting had an extinguisher system. Repro Minilte wheels and twin 45s. This TR engine refurbishment. is a serious contender in many series and has many classTR3A winsRACE CAR. THIS MY OWN Mk1 MX5. A TRIUMPH CANNON All the wheels are new GT and 1964. it has excellent chrome. The car was This isvery a very MK1 MX5 early rare car restored by a to its name. It is ready to race in a variety of series, andthis is giving I raced at Angoulemefrom and a dedicated I bought this wonderful owner who cared and pampered it. It is in lovely Westland Helicopter engineer. that according to my MoT top end HP. There are probably enough parts as aSilverstone package last year. It is at condition with new weather It must be the only with sports race carcondition to race and tonneau, Very nice to garage has never beenMX welded. present have with it to make this an FIA car. It has not been raced since itsa complete engine unscuffed leather seats. It drive. £25,950 at Angouleme. Built by It passed advisories.

It and box rebuild ready for this has awith twinno stainless exhaust, preparation and is ready to go. £29,950 Mike Cannon in 1964 to is theuprated rare V spec, brakes,with adjustable season. It is elligible for HSCC shocks, new hood et al.Brace It handles superbly.alloy Alloy unmarked leather interior, bar,and coildrives overs overs, beat It is fitted • Weber 45 and inletdivas. manifold.

Brand before my last race, now surplus. £450 and many other events, The wheels propel it. These cars embody the ultimate 60s sports 2 HIF 2 inch SUs. polished manifold all for a B series. Very quick kit £350 wheels, electric without windows, originalIt also tool has kit, £1000 and appears engine is an all steel 2.2 •unit withwith a 1098 Screamer. experience the full problems. worth of FIAT 124 COUPE 1975 RHD. Superb • Masses ofSuperbly T type bitspresented and XPAG engines built to your spec outright or with new very expensive liners, to be rust free I had a new hood fi tted last year.

It is fi tted stereo/cd player. Yesterday's classic panache with today's and prepared. Eligible for many exchange. From £3000 interior with dash pistons, protector,and mini-lite repsteel and new. It runs a twin plate clutch, fully I love it…a quickly rods. All very expensive radio andappreciating DVD player,exhilarating whatever one maybe collection even Goodwood.

Be arranged. unique and call for with areliability.

• Fullseries T type service, and delivery bolide…and onlyit£3,995.

Put aand Lotus badge its 40k. wheels. Unmarkedrebuilt paintwork, lovely dog box, LSD, Mini lite reps. and many other race mods. A of those is, I bought for myself used it allon…then last summer, more details. £27,950 TRADE MEMBER previous class winneryou in many events, It runs on 45dcoes and gives chrome. In lovely un-welded condition, but now it needs a new appreciator. A rare MK1 and sought T-Type restorations and XPAG engine rebuilds and general MG 200 BHP at inside tghe wheels. thouroughly well prepared and will never find onearound like this.

Beautiful and out.A £12,995 after...FRENCH I hope...POIRIET £5,250 125cc. servicing are the mainstay of our business. We welcome your custom.

B9 - BARRIE CARTER_CLASSIC MOTORING

‘T-type’ – ‘T-type’ – ‘T-type’ ‘X-pag’ – ‘X-pag’ – ‘X-pag’

2016

MIKE ROLLS SERVICES FOR MGs

TEL/FAX: 01258 820337

competative car that will be shortly ready for the season. Very quick too quick for me. £35,000 I also have the origional steel wings and most parts to make this an FIA car for negotiation.

Very unusual and rare cycle car. A French Poiriet 125cc and 200 miles indicated delightfully different and original, 2 seats and 3 gears and you won’t fall off and we have another one! This has done a colossal 600 miles! Both unrestored and nice £4,500 each.

www.barriecartermg.com Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 8am-6pm, Wed: 8am-5pm, Sat: 8am-1pm

MGA 1650. Full race F.I.A. engine and straight cut 3 synchro gearbox. The engine is an FIA spec unit built by a specialist race engine builder to the standards.

Lightweight Engineering Ltd...................... 80 4Sight Lighting Company...................

62 highestKimble pistons, steel crank and special rods, big valve 2016 201 6 Adrian Flux ......................................

62 triple Kmaps .............................................

18 head and cam, plate clutch with spider flywheel. It 72 has only had one race in the hands Aldon Automotive ..............................

FIAT 124 COUPE 1975 RHD. Tyresfor...............................

34 of an ancient 76 yearLongstone old and is now sale to Specialising in all MG’s A beautiful unrestored TRADE MEMBER Barrie Carter .................................... replaced by97 a more placid lump! It is complete MG TC 1948.

This has been subject to a body off rebuild Australian car, 1 owner for 85 as removed from the Manor car andGarage has its .................................. inlet a few years ago and little used since. The interior is all 25 years, soon here, please Barry Walker ...............................93, 95 manifold, new 45DCOE and special distributer.

Tues, Thurs, Fri: 8am-6pm, Martin Smith Used MGTF Sparesnew ......red 91 leather and Mon, it has had an engine refurbishment. ring. Wed: 8am-5pm, Sat: 8am-1pm The gearbox Beech Hill Garage .............................

94is the very rare 3 synchro c/r All the wheels are new and it has excellent chrome.

MG TF 1954, 1250CC straight cut type as used in the works cars.

It MG Mecca........................................ 92 Red with original red interior and black carpets.

Bespoke Rallies ...............................

The car was from a dedicated owner who cared and would cost70 at least £15k to build this ready race T-Type restorations andexported XPAG engine rebuilds and This car was originally to Switzerland Please check this proof carefully for errors in style, content and layout. pampered it.

It is in lovely condition with new weather MG Motorsport ................................

85 unit, myHeritage price is .......................IFC £8,000. It would make a fabulous road car unit... and general MGbeen servicing are the mainstay our British Motor was always right hand drive, in 2001of it was but... its up to you. Reciepts of the engine rebuild are available. condition tonneau,your Very nice to drive.

Although every care is exercised in and preparing advert, we £26,950 cannot hold business.

We country welcome your custom. re-imported to this after having a mechanical MG Sales Centre ............................... 15 Brown and Gammons ........................ 11 restoration over there.

It is a very genuine car with ourselves responsible for any inaccuracies you may overlook. a great MG number plate, lovely history with black C.C.H.L ........................................... 76 Midland Classic Restoration ................. 3 and white pictures of the family that owned it YOU REQUIRE ANY ALTERATIONS TO THIS PROOF PLEASE Car Cover Shop ................................ 80 SHOULD when new, it has recently had new wire wheels and Mike Authurs Classics (MG Midgets)... 95 tyres fitted and comes with good weather gear and Carole Nash Insurance ...................... 6 TELEPHONE BEFORE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ AND QUOTE ADVERT NO. _ _ _ _ _ heritage certificate. This TF drives beautifully.

Mike Rolls ........................................ 97 £28,995.

Chertsey Minors ............................... 96

CM06.18/B12/dfff

Specialising in all MG’s

SERVICES FOR MGs

URGENT PROOF

TEL/FAX: 01258 820337

www.barriecartermg.com

Church Square Autos ........................ 91 Classic & Sports Cars (Essex)............. 17 College Motors Burford...................... 18 Colne Classics .................................. 96 Cotswold Car Storage ........................ 68 Cotswold Car Storage – Classic Car Hub ............................. 68 COYS ............................................... 74 Crown Classic Cars ........................... 89

Mike Satur........................................ 45

MG RV8 ROADSTER 1995 Manufactured in 1995 but not registered until 1997, re-imported from Japan in 2008. Just over 26,000km from new which is approx 15,000mls, it comes with a good services history, a very nice MGR registration number, windstop and matching hood cover. This is a superb example one of the best we have ever seen, it has just had a which service and MOT so ready to be enjoyed. £24,000.

Moss Europe Ltd ............................... 39 Motor Passion................................... 24

URGENT PROOF

NTG Services ..................................OBC

Oselli Ltd .......................................... 80

We Peter reserve the right to charge Best ............................IBC, 96, 97 for any alteration to this proof Please check this proof carefully for errors in style, content and layout. is a departure from the original copy Peter James Insurance ......................

18 Although every care is exercised

responsible for Rees Brosourselves .........................................

46 any Retro Sports Cars ...............................

8 SHOULD YOU REQUIRE

in preparing your advert, we cannot hold 8 CALSHOT - 1932 inaccuracies you mayMORRIS overlook.

Stunning Morris 8 Calshot, 1932, Sporting body by Cunard

CoachworksTO of Acton.

by PLEASE GB Engineering back in the ANY ALTERATIONS THISRestored PROOF

Don Trimming ................................... 96

90’s and recently re-commissioned by ourselves. The car is believed Rimmer Bros Ltd ............................... to be only one ofADVERT three remaining TELEPHONE BEFORE45_ _ _ _ _ _ _ AND QUOTE NO.intact _ _ _and_ has _ been in the same family for many years, it is in beautiful condition and drives well, Robin Lackford Motor Engineering ..... 45 there is some history with the car including details of this particular model and invoices for the restoration and other parts etc.This is a RPS Ltd ........................................... 72 very special car and deserves to go to a good home. £17,995.

Duckhams ....................................... 13

Scenic Car Tours ................................. 9

EJW Classic and sports ..................... 96

SMR ................................................ 93

David Manners ................................... 6 Dennis Welch.................................... 80 Distributor Doctor .............................. 89

Fishers Services................................ 46 Footman James ................................ 29 Former Glory..................................... 92 Frontline .......................................... 51 Halls Garage ..................................... 89

DAX 427 COBRA, 1973 Built between 1984 - 1988 using number one of a series two chassis, Jaguar series two front suspension and Jaguar S Type rear suspension and Spax shocks all round, it has a Chevy Steve McKie Sports Cars ................... 96 5.7ltr engine with a Getrag gearbox. The car is finished in We reserve the right to charge for any alteration to this proofdark which blue with grey interior, it is MOT’d until May 2019 and Summit MG ...................................... 89 is a departure from the original copy comes with good history file with invoices etc. This cobra is now a historic vehicle so tax exempt and has been built to a The Hutson Motor Co Ltd ..................... 3 high standard. £39.995 The Market ...................................... 27

Hoyle Suspension.............................. 46

Torro Sports Cars Ltd ........................ 95

Just Right Autos Ltd .......................... 40

Vitesse Global .................................. 62

www.mgcc.co.uk

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CM04.18/B9/ffr

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

MIKE ROLLS

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

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

JULY 2018 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 2018 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, Jeff Ruggles PR and Communications: Lauran Gallacher 01235 849735, Jeff Ruggles 01235 849731 Advertising: Hine Marketing 01452 730770 Published by: Hine Marketing, Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton Glos, GL2 9LN. Tel: 01452 730770 Distributed by: Air Business. Merlin Centre, 4 The, Acrewood Way, St Albans AL4 0JY Tel: 01727 890600 President: John Day Vice Presidents: Ron Gammons, Don Hayter, Peter Best, Bill Silcock.

Chairman: Ian Quarrington Vice Chairman: Dave Tynan Treasurer: Richard Colston Directors: Dave Saunders, Paul Plummer, Peter Opie, George Wilder, Dave Tynan and Peter Cook Company Secretary: Colin Grant Staff Members: Adam Sloman (General Manager 01235 849732), John Hutchison (Competitions Secretary 01235 849738), Andy Knott (01235 849730), Liz Allsworth (Membership Secretary 01235 849734), Colin Grant (01235 849733), Lauran Gallacher (01235 849735), Jeff Ruggles (01235 849731), Cherina Scarrott (Finance Officer 01235 849736) and Ineke Sherman (Merchandise 01235 849737) Honorary Members: Michael Allison, Ron Gammons, Peter Best, Don Hayter, John Quenby, Sir Stirling Moss, Paddy Hopkirk, Norman Ewing, Piers Hubbard, Rob Oldaker, Steve Hanegan, Gerry McGovern, June Wallis, Ann Hawke, John Dutton, John Day, Julian White, Bill Silcock.

Company limited by guarantee The Club, as a corporate body established as the MG Car Club Limited, is a company limited by guarantee. Every member of the Club undertakes to contribute to the assets of the Club in the event of its being wound up while he is a member, or within one year after he ceases to be a member, for payment of the debts and liabilities of the Club contracted before he ceases to be a member, and the costs, charges and expenses of winding up, and for the adjustment of the rights of the contributors among themselves, such amount as may be required, not exceeding one pound.

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information at the time of going to press, neither The Publisher (herein referred to as Hine Marketing), the Editor, nor the MG Car Club can accept any responsibility or loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any material in the publication.

The opinions of authors are their own and Hine Marketing, the Editor and the MG Car Club are not bound to agree with opinions expressed herein. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Safety Fast! and The MG Car Club badge are protected through trademark registration in the UK and in the foreign countries where Safety Fast! circulates. Readers are warned that if they attempt any mechanical or other modifications or methods referred to herein, they do so at their own risk and no liability will attach to the MG Car Club, the Editor nor Hine Marketing. Neither shall the MG Car Club, the Editor nor Hine Marketing have any responsibility for the accuracy of the content of the editorial, neither the content of any advertisement published in Safety Fast!

It should be noted that neither Hine Marketing, the Editor, nor the MG Car Club make any recommendation in respect of any goods and/ or services advertised or featured in this issue. It is the responsibility of readers to satisfy themselves that the goods or services offered or referred to are bona fide and in no instance shall Hine Marketing, the Editor or the MG Car Club be held responsible for the quality or suitability of any such items.

With such a Silverstone – MGLive! theme to this issue I thought it would be nice to include a few photos from past Silverstone events. No captions needed, just enjoy the images.

98 SAFETY FAST! JULY 2018

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www.mgcc.co.uk

22/06/2018 17:18

8

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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.

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0328 PBIS MG Car Club Advert 297x210mm_ART3.indd 1 Safety Fast_July18_Covers.indd 3

20/10/2017 11:11 22/06/2018 16:53

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

K029E

Rachet for handbrake TD/TF

£116.50

K189TS TA/B or K189RS TC Superior master cylinder with brass body & stainless cap

£296.40

B023XT TA water pump rebuilt with new revised internals £189.00 Exchange (old unit reqd in advance)

MG RV8 1994 blue Japanese import. Excellent condition, recently overhauled. Phone or email for details.

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

Safety Fast_July18_Covers.indd 4

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