Safety Fast! May 2018

THE MARQUE OF FRIENDSHIP

May 2018 Volume 62 Number 05 £3.95

THE

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

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JULY 2016 SAFETY FAST! 3

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MAY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 3

Inside this issue 7 8 10 12 58 66

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

67 73 85 92 98

MGCC Speed Championship Centre Updates Register Updates Classifieds Looking Back

Features 14

MGLive! 2018 Tickets now on sale for the biggest MG event of the year

18

Echoes from the Shopfloor What really went on in the Abingdon MG factory

25

The SAIC Global Design Challenge Design students get to showcase their talent

27

MG Car Club set for Indian expansion

The MG Car Club visit Delhi as guests of MG Motor India

30

Event Reports The Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show and the MGCC Yorkshire Centre Daffodil Run

60

BTCC Championship All the action from the first round, held at the Brands Hatch Indy Circuit

62

Silverstone Season Opener The popular Silverstone National circuit played host to the opening MGCC Race Meeting

68

Overseas News MGs in South America and news from MG Car Club d’Italia

18

Newsletters

36 41

47 53

Vintage Newsletter An update on the Vintage MG world by Peter Jones T Type Newsletter V8 40th Anniversary 2018, MOT exemption for VHIs and Time to get a tracker?

MGB Newsletter The Grand Unveiling and The Tour of the Wall MGC Newsletter Living with a new MGC GT for almost 50 years and 50 Years of MGC in Switzerland

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.

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

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Welcome

Madan Mohan’s MG TD was driven around Delhi by Adam Sloman for a promotional video. Photo: Jeff Ruggles

33

@mgcarclub

FO U N D E D 193 0

www.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

The MG Car Club youth initiative is really gathering momentum now, and it was great to meet and greet some of our younger members at the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show. There’s also been a lot of posts recently of cars and members on the ever-popular ‘The MG Car Club Young Members Group’ Facebook page – it’s great to see. We’ll bring you more news and reports in the magazine soon.

We recently held a day at Kimber House for some of our older members who were celebrating 50 years’ membership with the MG Car Club. With the sunny weather it was great to see the majority arrive in their MGs, from From an 18/80 to an MG3! That’s a few of the wonderful things about our Club, the diversity of MGs and our members.

Next month sees the big event MGLive! at Silverstone. MGLive! promises to be a festival of everything MG: With the register parking displaying the majority of MG models built in Oxford, Abingdon and Longbridge in a huge variety of colours, that’s a sight to behold on its own. There’s always plenty to do and see at MGLive! With Village Green making a welcome return after last year, it really becomes the central hub of the event, with food and drink and a live stage running all weekend.

There is plenty happening for the motorsport fans as well, with plenty of on-track action as the MGCC Race Championships take to the Grand Prix Circuit over the two days, the Sprint Cars head out on the Stowe Circuit on Sunday morning and the Autotest and Autosolo fans won’t be disappointed, either, with the California Cup Autotest on Saturday and the popular Silverstone Autosolo on Sunday. There’s lots of exciting new features being confirmed for the event all the time – keep an eye on the dedicated website www.mglive.com to keep abreast of all the developments as they happen.

Until next month, drive safely.

Andy Knott

MAY 2018 SAFETYFAST! 5

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CHAIRMANS NOTES

BY IAN QUARRINGTON

Council. You may remember I commented in these notes that last autumn’s gathering was a lively affair.

Our meeting at Cowley was hardly dull either, but the feedback suggests it was a much more positive gathering, so here is my chance to say thank you to all who made it happen and to share with you some of the details. Your CRB representatives will be able to give you their views on the meeting via their own committee meetings and then information will feed to Club members via pub meets and Natters, and of course you will all be able to find the definitive article in the Members Only area of the Club website.

I am not afraid to ring the changes on the way the agenda is managed, and asking Piers Hubbard to come forward to accept an award from our President, John Day, of Honorary Membership for his work in so many roles in the Club since 1965 was a different way to start a Council meeting and helped to ensure the spirit of the Marque of Friendship was present throughout the proceedings.

Whilst it is important to acknowledge

KIMBER HOUSE NEWS On April 19 the MG Car Club hosted its second 50-year Member celebrations of 2018 at Kimber House. The event was due to take place in March but had to be cancelled due to the snowfall around the country. In contrast, the weather on April 19 was the hottest day of the year to date, which saw an array of MG

www.mgcc.co.uk

the core items, for example a report on our motorsport activities and another on finance and a third on the work of Kimber House, it is only right to try to keep the meeting feeling refreshed each time. Thus we had a presentation on the work of the group reviewing the Articles of Association and Memorandum, including a vote by the delegates on some updates to the Club’s rules. We debated two motions brought by CRBs, one on the length of tenure of CRB Chairmen and another on the way these Council meetings themselves are set up and conducted.

It is important that we don’t ever stand still and accept the status quo of how the Club functions, especially when it comes to how it is managed

by Council. This second debate led to two CRB representatives kindly accepting the challenge to review this important matter over the summer months with a report to the Board and then to Council itself in October. Any changes the group recommends can then be debated and decided upon by your CRB representatives and I expect anything agreed to be implemented for the spring of 2019.

The Board has been working on the very important task on how the new

GDPR legislation will affect the Club when it comes into force in May this year. Chris Sundt who has extensive expertise in this field explained to Council about the Act. There is a significant amount of detail on this in Chris’s presentation which forms part of the minutes, so please take some time to read it through. Chris had recently also attended a seminar on GDPR with our Membership Secretary, Liz Allsworth, and both agreed that the Club is well placed and well informed on what we need to do to remain safely inside the terms of the Act. Finally, our thanks go to Ginny and Barrie Cartmell who took on the challenge of making the CRB presentation for this spring.

This time we heard about the way the MGC Register masterminded the 50-year celebrations.

At the time of writing, we are still deciding on whether we can reasonably hold our autumn meeting and the Club AGM in our home at Kimber House. With 93 people present at Cowley it may be unwise to squeeze everyone in at Abingdon but we will let you know as soon as possible where we hold the October Council.

machinery grace the Kimber House car park. Here’s a few photos from that special day.

MAY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 7

NEWS

MG’s Cecil Kimber College Training Academy achieves IMI Accreditation

Following significant investment in its Longbridge Training Venue, MG Motor UK has announced that the Cecil Kimber College has now been accredited by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI). This highly coveted industry recognition signifies that MG has the capacity and high-standard infrastructure to deliver technical training to repairers across the MG dealer network.

MG has invested significantly in developing its courses, training equipment and infrastructure earlier this year. Including some development of the parts warehouse, the company has invested £0.5 million on adding new features such as workshop space for up to 10 vehicles, twin fully equipped classrooms to accommodate up to 20 delegates, two post hoists to allow for raised vehicle work and insulated flooring to accommodate electric and hybrid vehicle training.

Speaking about the appointment, Harvey France, Head of Aftersales and Parts, said: “MG has experienced extraordinary success over the past twelve months with significant market growth, dealers coming on board and new partnerships such as the IMI. Our success could not have been achieved without the dedication of our dealers whom we will continue to support through our purpose-built training facility.

MGCC ZR/ZS/ZT Register AGM Venue: ZR/ZS/ZT Register Gazebo, MGLive! Silverstone Saturday June 2 2108 5.00pm Agenda: 1. Apologies for Absence 2. Agreement of Minutes of Previous AGM 3. Chairman’s Report 4. Secretary’s Report 5. Treasurer’s Report and Adoption of Accounts 6. Regalia Report 7. Events Review 8. Election of Officers 9. Election of Other Committee Members 10. Members Resolutions 11. AOB Any resolution to be discussed or nominations for officers or committee members should be forwarded to the Secretary (Ray Kemble, rayk.mgfan@gmail.com) no later than May 28.

8 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2018

Midland Centre Summer Day Out at ‘Classic Nostalgia’ For the past few years, the Midland Centre has organised a Summer Day Out in conjunction with the Midland Automobile Club’s ‘Classic Nostalgia’ weekend at the famous Shelsley Walsh hillclimb venue.

For 2018, we will once again be hosting our Summer Day Out on Sunday July 29, alongside ‘Classic Nostalgia’ which is being held over the weekend of July 28-29, and we will once again be able to offer tickets at discounted prices. For 2018, we have arranged for the MAC to set up a unique web page for the MG Car Club, and ticket purchases can be made through that page. Discounted prices are displayed, and there is no need to input any special code.

This year, the prices will be £16 per person per day for Saturday 28 or Sunday 29, and £28 for a weekend ticket (NB: the Midland Centre will be present only on the Sunday but Club members are welcome to attend on both days). This represents a considerable saving over the normal prices of £25 per person per day ‘on the gate’. Below is the address for the web page – please let the Midland Centre Committee know if you have any difficulties accessing it https://www.shelsleywalsh.com/mgcc The theme for Classic Nostalgia this year is ‘F1 Through the Ages’ and again lots of information can be found about the event online at https://www.shelsleywalsh.com/classicnostalgia It looks like being an interesting weekend. We will hope to see some of you there on Sunday July 29. MGCC Midland Centre Committee Email: midlandcentre@mg-cars.org.uk Web: www.mg-cars.org.uk/mgccmidlandcentre The MGCC MG Trophy Championship AGM Venue: The Brooklands Suite (1st Floor), Silverstone. Saturday June 2 2018 Time: TBA AGENDA 1. Apologies for absence 2. Approval of AGM Minutes from 2017 3. Matters Arising 4. Chairman’s Report 5. Treasurer’s Report and Adoption of Seventh Year Accounts 6. To elect the Chairman of the Championship for the coming year 7. To elect the Co-ordinator of the Championship for the coming year 8. To elect the Treasurer of the

MGCC V8 Register AGM Venue: V8 Marquee at MGLive!

Silverstone June 3 2018 12.00pm AGENDA 1.Apologies 2. Minutes of the last meeting and matters arising.

3. V8 Register Chairman’s report 4. V8 Register Treasurer’s report 5. V8 Register Secretary’s report

Championship for the coming year 9. To elect the Secretary of the Championship for the coming year 10. To elect the Technical Officer(s) of the Championship 11. To elect additional Technical Representatives 12. To elect any other committee members 13. Any Other Business 14. Open forum following the close of the AGM 15. Rett Syndrome charity collection Issued by Pete Macwaters, Championship Chairman

6. V8 Events report 7. Election of officers and Committee posts 8. Any other business Please forward nominations for Committee posts and apologies to debbiebrading@v8register.net by May 25 2018.

For those wishing to attend the AGM but not the MG Live! event please contact me so I can arrange for free admission into Silverstone to attend the AGM only.

Debbie Brading V8 Register Secretary

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

MG WAR TIME ACTIVITIES

(REPRINTED) WRITTEN

BY GEORGE PROPERT, EDITED BY COLIN GRANT This is the first major reprint of the MG War Time Activities book and is now produced in glossy artwork paper complete with additional pictures and information.

The book was originally produced after the War and given to some members of the work force as a memento of the great work they had done during the dark years of the Second World War. Originally the author was unknown, but due to a chance phone call from Peter Watson to the Club offering to donate some MG memorabilia, it was discovered that his Grandfather, George Propert, General Manager of MG during some of the war years, was in fact the author of the original book. This has now been credited to him and the reprint is now produced with the full permission of Peter.

For those who have not already read a copy of the photocopied reproduction, the book covers each year at the factory during the war. They had to deal with some insurmountable problems which the diligence of the workers and the initiative of management saw them through. An example of this was the building of the Albemarle fuselage (the main fuselage of a relatively unknown medium bomber). The time taken in testing all the circuitry took days, but due to the initiative of two radio technicians working at the factory, a test rig was built which not only cut the time to test the system, but did it far more accurately. This is just one example of how difficulties were overcome.

The book makes fascinating reading and gives an in-depth view of the war time years inside the MG Factory. This is a must-read for anyone interested in MG history.

Priced at £10 plus p&p. Available only through the MG Car Club, either online at https://shop.mgcc.co.uk or by phoning Ineke on 01235 849737.

SEALEY’S 26V CORDLESS IMPACT WRENCHES

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SOFT FACED HAMMER FROM LASER

This new soft-faced dead blow hammer from Laser Tools (part number 7011) has a multitude of uses, but its size and weight make it ideal for use when trying to remove road wheels that are seized solid to the hub through dissimilar metal corrosion (alloy wheels on a steel hub).

The useful 10.5lb weight (4.76kg) and 762mm length make it an easy job to dislodge the most stubborn of wheels, the dead blow action of the hammer delivering a positive, powerful blow with no unpredictable bounce back. A dead blow hammer is designed to minimise damage to the struck surface while also minimising rebound. Less rebound is helpful in avoiding accidental damage, especially in tight locations.

This professional tool is available now from your Laser Tools stockist, typically priced at £205.75 (price includes VAT) – but remember to check for the best price and special offers.

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VEHICLES OF HISTORIC INTEREST Guidelines have now been published by the DVLA for the definition of vehicles of historic interest (VHI). The principal purpose is to establish whether exemption from annual MOT inspection is applicable. The test is whether the vehicle is substantially in its original state and has in the last 30 years undergone no “significant modification”, and owners will be obliged to make a declaration to that effect each time VED (vehicle excise duty or in our case its exemption) is applied for.

Well, fine: but who can define “significant modification”?

One might offer a few obvious examples, but I suspect we would see a lot of these as not significant. A few indications have been given – for example, a new, identical body shell doesn’t disqualify the car from VHI, but a different power unit or changes to suspension and steering do.

Here’s a real-life potential example, to which an uninformed buyer might fall prey: I recently saw for sale (by a non-member) a beautifully restored MGA 1500. On close inspection, it was evident that it had ‘lost’ its original engine, and this had been replaced with a rebuilt 1622cc unit that I could identify has having originally belonged to a Riley 4/72. It’s possible the power increase wouldn’t disqualify the car from VHI status, but the fact that the engine bears a Riley identification plate almost certainly would. This, despite the fact that the crankcase, block and head would have been cast just like an engine fitted to an (albeit later) MGA 1600 Mk II. Even if, for that reason, this example wouldn’t be disqualified, its replacement SU type HIF carburettors as fitted to late MGBs would almost without doubt throw the car out of VHI status.

This letter exposes just the tip of the iceberg. You can foresee literally hundreds of anomalies happening with subsequent disputes. And how is the historic vehicle insurance industry going to react to this dog’s breakfast/pig’s ear of an intended and highly important piece of legislation?

David De Saxe

KEN SMITH

I have just read the American MGB Register’s reports on the death of Ken Smith. My reaction is that the MGCC has enjoyed an enormous reliance on Ken’s work in The States.

I first met him as a keen MGB supporter when he visited Abingdon and met everyone who would talk to him about production. He told me he was welcomed by everyone from John Thornley down to the gate policeman, Mr Rurbrick and Mr Gardiner in personnel. As a result he wrote “Aspects of Abingdon” which I was pleased to help with information from Design and to edit for correctness. I still have a signed first edition from 1956.

His work, later when he went to the USA, was with Moss Motors whose big transporter and Ken went all over the country to club rallies involving MGs. From these connections MG Club Registers were formed in the USA and the magazine MGB Driver was generated. I still see it every month. In my opinion we shall be forever in his debt. His work helped to increase overall support in our wider market, plus Australia BMC and South Africa starting with MGA, then through MGB, MGC to V8.

Enough from me with memories of Ken. Don Hayter

TRACING AN MGB For a bit of fun, I went on the DVLA website to see if two MGBs my late wife and I owned are still registered. I notice that XWD 708H is still registered and apparently alive. LAC 19L seems to have died as the registration is now on a 2003 Jaguar. I wonder if the owner of XWD 708H is an MG Car Club member. It’d be interesting to know where the car is now and, if not too far away, to see it again.

Regards, Nicholas C. Jenkins Leicestershire

12 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2018

www.mgcc.co.uk

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MGLIVE!

MGLIVE! UPDATE

W

ith only a matter of weeks until the Club’s flagship event visits Silverstone on June 2-3, activities and highlights are building up thick and fast.

Book your tickets at shop.mgcc.co.uk to make sure you’re a part of this amazing annual MG spectacular.

Traders A wide range of traders will be in attendance throughout the weekend, and always attract those who like to shop around and take a good look at the MG parts and goodies on offer. It’s all very well hunting out cheap parts online, but there’s no substitute for seeing parts in the metal and seeking advice from

14 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2018

experienced specialist vendors. What’s more, competition always encourages keen pricing and you should be able to pick up a bargain or two!

As well as British Motor Heritage, Moss and other established bigname MG traders, the event will have companies selling other motoring paraphernalia and products, so whether it’s a tote bag or a sophisticated vehicle trackers – or anything in-between – MGLive! is the ideal place to treat yourself.

The trade area will be open from Saturday morning right through to Sunday afternoon. If you are a trader and you would like to purchase a trade plot at MGLive! email Lauran Gallacher, Event Manager, at Lauran@mgcc.co.uk

Music and entertainment The main stage will be even bigger this year, and will feature live music from three great bands, two of which are new to MGLive! Back by popular demand after a fantastic set last year will be the Candy Girls, a close harmony group who will be bringing vintage glamour to proceedings on the Saturday and Sunday. The girls will be performing classics from the 1940s and ’50s right through to modern chart hits that have been given a retro makeover, so expect to hear songs from the likes of Glenn Miller, The Andrews Sisters and Vera Lynn, as well as a twist on music from artists such as Beyoncé and Britney Spears.

www.mgcc.co.uk

MGLIVE!

Also performing on both days and making an MGLive! debut will be the Jazz Experience, a five-piece band recreating swinging renditions of beautiful songs in ‘Rat Pack’ style.

Expect a large repertoire of swing music including favourites from Louis Prima, Frank Sinatra, and Dean Martin, as well as funky contemporary tunes.

And the entertainment carries right on through to the Saturday night After Hours Party, too. Headlining the stage all evening will be Euphoria – a young, fresh, contemporary and distinctive five-piece band with a wide-ranging repertoire that includes rock and pop, chart hits, disco, RnB, soul, funk and Motown. The Londoners can perform anything from Stevie Wonder to Bruno Mars, Amy Winehouse to Rihanna and Michael Jackson to Daft Punk, so there really is something for everyone.

Village green Introduced last year, the highly successful Village Green will return for the 2018 event, with the large open area giving a real festival feel and a central focus to the event.

As well as the live music on the large stage, you’ll be able to grab a drink and bite to eat while catching up with friends. There will also be picnic tables to add to the relaxed atmosphere, and marquees to shelter from the hot sun! Helping to light up the Saturday Night After Hours Party that evening will be the annual Glo Car competition, as organised by the MGF Register.

California Cup The California Cup is the Club’s premier autotest, and returns to the heart of the event on the Saturday from 10.00am.

It’s once again being jointly organised by our Tyne Tees Centre and the Hartlepool Motor Club, and is completely free to enter! Open to all MG models from the very earliest to the latest, it will take place in two sessions – half of the entrants competing in the morning session and the other half competing in the afternoon.

There are 11 potential awards for individual entrants, and four team competitions including the prestigious California Cup itself, contested by teams of three drivers from the same geographical Centre.

For more information, see the March issue of Safety Fast! (Pages 16-17) or head to www.mgcc.co.uk/ mglive/motorsport/california-cupautotest/ for the regulations and entry forms. A maximum of 50 cars can take part, so get your entry in soon!

Autosolo Making a welcome return to MGLive! this year, the free-to-enter Autosolo once again takes place at the heart of the event on the Sunday. Suitable for road-going cars, the Autosolo is for individuals rather than teams, and is specifically targeted towards amateurs.

That makes it ideal for those who have never done anything like this before, as you won’t be alone! You can also have a nominated passenger to help you navigate the course.

The big news is that this year’s Autosolo will be organised by the Oxford Motor Club, and will now run all day as opposed to just the morning.

Scrutineering will take place at 9.00am ahead of a 10.10am start. For entry forms and regulations, head to www. mgcc.co.uk/mglive/motorsport/ autosolo/ Pride of Ownership and Concours Once again MGLive! will play host to both a Concours and Pride of Ownership competition on Sunday June 3, both organised by the Anglia Centre and supported by Meguiar’s.

Lifestyle Marquee Giving visitors a change of scenery from the hustle and bustle of the event, the Lifestyle Marquee is always a popular attraction at MGLive! Set to be as busy and as bustling as ever, inside you’re sure to find something to catch the eye, with an exciting arrangement of quirky stalls selling a wide variety of goodies and gifts. Motorsport in Focus will also be on hand to sell photos from the event, including those taken when the cars enter Silverstone – a great chance to get a professional picture of you and your MG.

www.mgcc.co.uk

MAY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 15

MGLIVE!

Young Members The Club’s fledgling Young Members Group will have its own display amongst the MGCC Centre and Register displays at this year’s event.

The amount of young members getting involved is increasing all the time, as is the variety amongst their cars. Come and witness the future of the Club!

Classic buses The MGLive! classic buses will once again be on hand to offer free transport around the site for visitors, courtesy of the Tuesday Bus Group. This year there will be four buses in use, one more than last year, ranging from 1954 to 1978.

The buses will alternate through the event to visit various parts of the site including the Sprint, which takes place on the Stowe Circuit on the Sunday morning Concours cars are vital in preserving the originality of MGs and setting standards for future generations of Club members.

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

Concours is free to enter – you can book in advance through the Club’s MGLive! ticket shop or enter on the day.

The Pride of Ownership, meanwhile, is essentially a more relaxed version of Concours, firmly aimed at members who drive their cars and enjoy keeping them in excellent condition. It encourages all members to take pride in their MG and present it to its best advantage, with new entrants warmly encouraged. As with the concours, it’s free to enter and you can either book in advance through the Club’s MGLive! ticket shop or enter on the day.

16 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2018

Racing With two cracking rounds on the Silverstone National circuit and at Brands Hatch behind them, the MG Car Club’s race series and championships will head for MG Live! with the season in full swing.

Spectators can witness cars from the 1940s right up to the 2000s competing on the famous Grand Prix circuit, which is another fantastic MGLive! highlight. Alongside the six Club championship and series in action over the weekend will be a number of guests, including thrilling races from the Equipe GTS and Equipe Pre ‘63 series, plus Porsche Club Championship races and action from the ultra-fast Sports 2000 Championship.

Volunteers Volunteers are crucial to the running of MGLive! – without our valued volunteers to help out, there would be no event! Currently we are looking for assistance from 8.30am-12.30pm on Saturday and Sunday, to help marshal the traffic. Volunteering for half a day entitles you to a free day ticket, while volunteering on both days means you’ll receive a free weekend ticket!

Watch this space…

We’ve also got some fantastic extra features set to be added to the already-packed MGLive! bill – some familiar and well loved, others brand new and exciting. We’re unable to reveal the exact details at the time of going to press, but it’s safe to say you’re unlikely to be disappointed.

Stay tuned!

Head over to the MGLive! website – www.mglive.co.uk – to find out all the latest news and to purchase your tickets. Don’t miss out on this fantastic event!

Advance Member Day ticket £18 Advance Member Weekend ticket £28 Take advantage of huge savings by booking your tickets in advance! shop.mgcc.co.uk

www.mgcc.co.uk

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BUY YOUR TICKETS ONLINE NOW! W W W. MGLIVE.CO.UK

FEATURE

ECHOES FROM THE SHOPFLOOR

By Bob Frampton

W

Workers busy on the MGB line, just before the closure of the Factory

ith motorsport we hear much of the drivers, the cars, the competitions, the rallies. These are what the media love to talk about, and what the fans love to see and read about. But behind the scenes is a real and vital world, of production lines, of experiment, of people performing the many assembly line and management

18 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2018

roles, all absolutely necessary to get the drivers and motors onto the roads and race tracks around the world.

Their voices can now be heard.

Their memories have at last been recorded and what a set of tales they make! Who, for example, would think that, arriving for work at the Abingdon factory one day, a man would walk across Marcham Road to admire a horse which would then kick the man’s

rear, and make him jump so that an irritated donkey would then bite him in exactly the same spot. Were this not humiliation enough, he would then find himself in the MG surgery, trousers around his ankles, being examined by the company nurse!

One gets the impression, when interviewing old MG hands, that there was and indeed still is, a great sense of pride in a world-beating product. They

www.mgcc.co.uk

FEATURE

Tempest MkII flyover observed by MG staff

The MG Abingdon factory celebrates 50 glorious years in Abingdon, 1979

love to relate their experiences. One of the earliest wartime tasks we have is of tank and aero-engine production.

The factory built engines for Lancaster bombers, wings for Tempest fighter aircraft and much else besides and, as well as working daily shifts, they were required to attend for fire-watching duties and Home Guard drills guarding local factories for three nights a week.

For 18 months this unit even had its own brass band. Some joined the Upper Thames Patrol and ensured that no enemy personnel could harm bridges, locks and buildings along

20 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2018

the river. Is there still a forgotten beer supply near Culham bridge?

Mr Peter Thouless tells us that the RAF, checking the effectiveness of local blackout, noticed that the roof of the Regal cinema in Ock Street was almost white and very noticeable to any aircraft. So he and another Home Guard were given buckets of black paint and told to paint the roof.

In this stressful time, factory staff learned very quickly to tell the difference between German aircraft simply flying high over the town on their way to bomb Birmingham,

Coventry and other Midland cities, and any which threatened to bomb Abingdon. The engine notes of these latter ones would be much louder and, of course, lower. But on no occasion did the factory stop production.

Nor was the factory ever bombed, although the local airfield was.

In 1941, while Hitler’s armies were racing across Russia, heading for a Napoleonic fate, Abingdon MG workers enjoyed a fruit and vegetable show and best-kept allotment competition.

In 1944 Roy Belcher was walking along West Saint Helen Street when he witnessed the MG store in Clarke’s factory ablaze. The story goes that all the MG engines were stored there for use after the war. However one version was that the engines were now ruined by fire, so all that could be done was to concrete them over and forget them.

Another version by Peter Neal was that the engines contained precious materials and that these were salvaged and then the rest covered over.

www.mgcc.co.uk

FEATURE

Demonstration in London against the closure of the Abingdon Factory in 1979

MG Social Club had its own music groups. Mrs Elsie Dixon, nee Taphouse, sang there, while her father played keyboards. In later years, her son ‘Cosy’ played drums with Frank Ifield, having left his MG job.

Some exciting stories come from the international rallies, such as London to Mexico, and London to Sydney. Den Green recalls how he was due to fly in a small aircraft across the

MG had its own factory fire-fighters

www.mgcc.co.uk

Andes in his role as a part of the rally back-up team. The aircraft had to land in a field in the mountains because of lack of petrol. Then it flew again but far below the peaks there. He said he felt a long way from home just then.

What is often mentioned is the family atmosphere. An example was when Fred Stevens lost his pay packet.

On hearing this, all the workforce collected for him and he ended up with more than he had lost. The staff turnover after the war was very small.

Some families had seven members – Sue Stevens worked there with her

Dad and five uncles. Other notable families were the Purbricks, the Hudsons and the Stimpsons.

MG had its own factory firefighters, and one day, one of the men was drying his socks on a heater when they caught fire. The fire brigade was called but the town fireman arrived before the MG men did.

In the event of a fire, the girls working in the offices along Marcham Road were required to slide down a rope ladder on the outside of the building to escape. Apparently, this was not practised very often.

Another memorable event was when one man kept trying to get a greased gun to work. He turned the gun towards him to see what was wrong and a jet of grease hit him in the face. This knocked his wig off, which few realised he was wearing.

In 1979 the factory was celebrating 50 years of production and a Golden Jubilee was held in the MG club in Caldecott Road.

The future looked very promising, as the management claimed, with new models planned. Then on the Monday the closure of the site was announced.

MAY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 21

FEATURE

In 1944 Roy Belcher witnessed the MG store in Clarke’s factory ablaze

The workforce was aghast and some even broke down. Some families – those with several members at MG – would be very hard hit. Visiting American salespeople simply could not understand what was happening.

It was told that MG could not make enough profit with the existing balance of payments. Others suggested – strongly – that the management wanted to end MGB production and concentrate on other models. There

was a demonstration in London, but to no avail.

So it all came to an end. No more would there be lines of MG cars at Abingdon Station, being prepared for their journey to the USA – 85% – and to Europe and the rest of the world.

Now the station too has gone.

In Abingdon now there are still signs of the old industry. There is the Magic Midget pub. On a wall of the

‘MG - Made in Abingdon - Echoes from the Shop Floor’ Bob has written a book recounting many more memories of the men and women, which is an intimate account of what it was like to work in MG’s Abingdon factory. From tea trolley to production line and from apprentice to manager, this book includes memorable events, romance, tragedy, humour, motorsport, and the lead up to factory closure. To order your copy from The MG Car Club visit https://shop.mgcc.co.uk or phone Ineke on 01235 849731.

22 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2018

underpass there is a painting of Mrs Elsie Cumming in her red spotted turban beside an MG logo. She was the first female in the Rectification Department. She was the lady who saw a stranger in the factory and shouted: “Oi! You can’t come in here!” It was William Morris…

There is Magnette Close, Thornley Close. There is the Boundary House, once lived in by Cecil Kimber and which is now a pub-restaurant… and there are the memories of the old workforce.

As well as these, there are many more stories that have been collected.They give an extra dimension to the daily life of this great factory and to the people, many of whom spent a large part of their lives working there.Every one of these is fiercely proud to have been part of this industry and their annual reunion is evidence of this.

www.mgcc.co.uk

“There is nothing like Florida for some February sunshine!

So why not join me for a fabulous long weekend at Daytona 500!”

Tiff Needell

THE DAYTONA 500 RACE WEEKEND 4 night inclusive programme including VIP transfers throughout.

Thursday 14 to Monday 18 February 2019 The build up starts on Friday with a stroll down the famous beach and boardwalk, I’ll guide you round the sights with lunch in the famous North Turn Restaurant “where it all began” and later we’ll watch the thrilling Truck race under spotlights.

How about deep sea fishing on Saturday or maybe a visit to the Kennedy Space Centre? You can even take a boat out for the day with a relaxed quayside lunch, watching the dolphins. We all get together that night with cold beers and hotdogs to witness the frantic racing spectacle at a local half mile track. Come the big race day, we’ll take a walk on the famous banked track and be

centre stage to watch the driver introductions and all the razzmatazz that goes with it! As the atmosphere builds, the national anthem blasts out and the jets fly over… the hairs on the back of your neck stand up and the Daytona 500 gets underway. There really is nothing quite like it… boogity, boogity boys, let’s go racing!

For more details call 01635 31658 or email Steve@motor-passion.co.uk or check our website www.motor-passion.co.uk

COYS AUCTION

CHISWICK HOUSE, LONDON Saturday 26th May 2018 Coys are delighted to announce our return to one of our traditional London venues, Chiswick House, which is one of Britain’s finest Palladian villas. A Coys venue that has been established since our auctions held there in the early 1990s, the house and gardens have undergone a fantastic restoration and is now one of the finest classic car auction venues in Britain, let alone being in London.

ENTRIES ARE INVITED

Important Bentleys recently sold at Coys auctions

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_chiswick_2018.indd 1

COYS EUROPE Michael Haag Elisabethstr. 4, D-68165 Mannheim, Germany Tel: +49 (0) 621 412004 Fax: +49 (0) 621 415551 coyseurope@web.de

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

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

13/04/2018 16:49

FEATURE

THE SAIC N

DESIGN CHALLENGE

ow in its 6th year, the SAIC Design Challenge offers car design students a way to showcase their emerging talent to one of the fastest-growing car manufacturers in the world.

In its early years, the competition was mostly focused on Chinese students, but for the past two years a European Region of the contest has been added, aiming to give students in the West a chance to compete.

As part of the launch for the 2018 competition, the SAIC Design UK team turned to the MG Car Club to arrange a display of what Peter Andrews (Design Manager) and colleague Qian Qiang (Design Program Manager) called ‘the greatest hits of MG’ – namely a TC, MGA, MGB and MGF, and all in red!

The launch was to take place at Coventry University’s National Transport Design Centre (NTDC) with the classic MGs displayed alongside a 2018 MG ZS compact SUV.

www.mgcc.co.uk

Coventry University has an enviable reputation as one of the best universities when it comes to vehicle design, and MG’s technical arm, SMTC UK, has a long-established partnership with the University.

Reaching out to the membership, the cars were quickly found, with the T Register liaising with our friends in the Octagon Car Club to help us find the TC which, as luck would have it, was based in Coventry. John Taylor, owner of the TC, was happy to make the short journey across the city to line his TC up with another Coventrybased MG, this time an MGF Trophy 160 owned by former MGF Register Chairman, Keith Williams. The B, owned by Gordon Harvey, summed up what many people think of when they think of MG with its bright red paint and wire wheels. The quartet was completed

by Pete Macwaters’ MGA, with Pete joining the event on the day to talk to students and field questions about his

car and the marque in general.

For 2018 the students have been given a brief to create a vehicle that encapsulates ‘the spirit of MG’ in the form of a Flagship EV for the year 2025 – a car that will suit the lifestyle of customers while retaining links to MG’s core spirit and continue to deliver an attainable, yet engaging, vehicle.

The launch itself was hosted by SAIC’s European Design Director, Carl Gotham, himself a Coventry University graduate. Carl gave the students something of a free hand with their concepts, with the only stipulations being that the designs could not be supercars or track-only racing cars.

Three shortlisted entries will get to spend two months on placement working with the team at SMTC UK, while the ultimate winner will receive a professional placement in one of SAIC’s design studios.

As part of their placement, the three European finalists will see their design turned into a scale model. The finalists will then present them at the Grand Final Ceremony in Shanghai to members of SAIC’s board of directors as well as the international press Entries for the competition close on June 6 and Safety Fast! will keep you updated on how the competition goes.

More Details can be found at saicmotor.co.uk/saicdesignchallenge and on twitter @SAIC_Challenge

MAY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 25

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Adam Sloman and Jeff Ruggles with some of the MG Motor India staff and Indian MG owners

MG CAR CLUB SET FOR INDIAN EXPANSION

T

he MG Car Club has taken large steps towards creating a new car club culture for India following a very successful week in Delhi as guests of MG Motor India.

Just as with its UK equivalent, MG Motor India is a subsidiary of the Chinese-based SAIC Motor

Pallavi Singh and Adam Sloman www.mgcc.co.uk

Corporation. Its cars will be assembled at its new Halol-based facility in the Indian state of Gujarat, with the first model due for a 2019 launch.

However, the team in India has already spent more than a year exploring the brand’s iconic past, with the MG Car Club – SAIC’s world heritage partner – playing a vital role in the process.

Recognising the value of the community surrounding MG ownership, MG Motor India plans to put the emphasis on people and experiences to help it stand out from its rivals in the country’s notoriously challenging automotive market.

This means creating a connected community for MG owners that will include both new and classic models, ultimately leading to the establishment of the MG Car Club in the region.

Adam Sloman, the Club’s General Manager, and Brand Communications Executive, Jeff Ruggles, were invited to participate in a hugely successful meet

Atul Anand’s MG YT MAY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 27

TD ready to head out for a days filming

T Type promoting the MG marque in India

and greet with the media and owners of existing MGs in India. Six classic examples were present on the day at The Claridges Hotel in New Delhi, including two T-Types, a YT, two MGBs and a Midget.

By coincidence, the YT was the exact car spotted by Mike and Sue Silk, and mentioned in the Y Register notes in last month’s Safety Fast! In all, it’s reckoned there are around 500 classic MGs across the country.

Although there are several motorcycle clubs, India does not yet have a culture of car clubs. With the MGCC at the forefront, however, the foundations are already in place for that to change. Encouraging talks were held with passionate classic MG owners, who were excited about being part of a ground-breaking new Indian Centre for the Club.

In addition to the meet and greet, Adam also spoke to prospective MG dealers at a special dealer conference

held at the prestigious ITC Maurya Hotel two days later, sharing his history with MG and further emphasising the connected communities characterising the MG marque. Much of the Club’s archive material was used in the presentation.

A day was also dedicated to a special video of Adam’s story, which involved him driving a classic MG TD through Delhi’s busy streets in 38-degree heat – challenging but rewarding! The content will be shared online by the MGCC in the near future.

The TD belonged to Delhi-based collector Madan Mohan, organiser of the world-renowned 21 Gun Salute Vintage Car Rally and Concours Show, held every February. The car is one of over 300 in his amazing collection, which includes three MGs and another on the way.

The MG Motor India team is planning to continue its strong partnership with the MGCC by visiting

Discussing all things MG

the Club’s flagship MGLive! event on June 2-3 at Silverstone. This will be part of an extended trip to the UK that will also include visits to the Club’s Kimber House headquarters and the British Motor Museum.

Reflecting on the experience, Adam said: “There is massive potential for MG cars to grow in India. We’ve spent almost 90 years putting people together with different backgrounds and different cars, and I think the same expansion can happen in India.

With the help of local owners, we are planning to create a community that helps owners of both new and old MGs come together.”

MG TD owner Madan Mohan, Film Crew, with Adam and Jeff after a day filming for a promotional video

Adam Sloman in the TD

28 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2018

www.mgcc.co.uk

£25,000

MARCH 8 TO 29, 2019

SAY HELLO AND WAVE GOODBYE ALL MARQUES WELCOME..

Join the fun on a dash to independence car rally in the last month of the UK’s membership of the EU. Starting in Brussels, the aim of this grand tour is to visit all the other 27 states in three weeks in the shortest possible distance, with a final finishing flourish in Parliament Square on March 29.

BOOK YOUR PLACE VISIT GBBR.CO.UK

Victor ‘V’ Bomber watching over Hunter, Tornado and MGs. Photo: Mike Breedon

THE DAFFODIL RUN 2018

O

n April 1 2018 60plus cars gathered at McDonalds, York, restaurant for the start of the excellent Daffodil Run. Signing-on was handled by the smiling faces of Janice and Co and by 10.00am we were off. Hoods up was the order of the day, with the weather cold and wet, but no matter – we MG-ers are a hardy bunch (cars as well as occupants).

Heading north we soon reached the quintessential Yorkshire village of Sutton-on-the-Forest with its mandatory quaint Yorkshire pub and a Post Office still functioning as a Post Office!

Onwards to the next quintessential Yorkshire village of Stillington with, as usual, a village pub but no Post Office, just a one-stop-shop selling stamps and a bright neon sign which could be seen from atop the Howardian Hills! The next few villages were so pretty, and then on

MGs resting at Yorkshire Air Museum.

Photo: Mike Breedon

30 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2018

to the quintessential town …. (my, we do have a lot of quintessential things in Yorkshire!) of Helmsley in the beautiful district of Ryedale, where we had coffee and the rain paused. Marvellous!

Following our very detailed tulip route, DISASTER STRUCK on leaving the town – ROAD CLOSED. Panic set in and various groups of MGs were seen huddled at the side of roads, studying maps and satnavs. One group set off like ferrets up your trousers, up one road only to be seen scurrying back down again, as it was found to be a loop road leading back to where they came from!

One intrepid Natter leader took control of the situation and fired off left, down a road that took him to a dubious-looking ford. Showing true grit that would have graced Clint Eastwood and thinking that his MGB was actually a Land Rover 4x4, he set off through said ford with water rising over the top rim of the wheels, and made it! (Now with the cleanest engine bay ever seen.)

Unsurprisingly and sensibly, the rest did a U-turn and took the obvious safe alternative.

Thankfully, everybody eventually got back on track, then onwards to beautiful Hutton-le-Hole for a quick comfort stop and check on the rest of the route.

The next part was a real challenge for men and machine: Rosedale Chimney Bank with its terrifying onein-three zig-zag descent to Rosedale

valley bottom. With heart in mouth and right foot stamped on the brake pedal we slowly descended while catching as many looks as we dare at the breathtaking views over the hills and valleys – great stuff.

Making our way to Aislaby, near Pickering, our next challenge lay before us (sounds like that jungle programme). Turning off at the tiny village onto basically a farm track, we greatly improved our off-roading skills and slalom techniques, avoiding large potholes and mud banks for one mile before reaching normal roads again.

No problems for our MGs, of course, but many had just finished polishing them after the winter layup!

After a leisurely drive through some of the prettiest villages you could find, we arrived at the Yorkshire Air Museum in Elvington, where the MGs were lined up in front of a trio of wonderful old RAF planes and photos duly taken by our resident expert photographer (A couple of which feature in this piece).

Many thanks to Janice and her team for a great ride out – that’s the DAFFODIL RUN – don’t miss it next year, when we may be going to the marvellous roads of the “Last of the Summer Wine” Peak District.

Norrie McCredie More photographs of the event can be viewed at www.mgccyorkshire.co.uk

www.mgcc.co.uk

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The trio of Zeds on display attracted a lot of attention over the three days.

PRACTICAL CLASSICS CLASSIC CAR AND RESTORATION SHOW

T

he MGCC was in the thick of the action as this year’s Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show, with Discovery, proved to be the biggest – and busiest – yet.

A record 28,151 motoring enthusiasts, an increase of over 3,000, headed to Birmingham’s NEC over the show’s three days to see over 1,000 cars, from rusty heaps to concours stunners. They were treated to amazing

vehicle displays and live demonstrations from 159 classic motoring clubs – the most to ever appear at the show.

The Club’s stand was a major highlight this year; especially when the ex-1968 London to Sydney Marathon MGB was unveiled in front of a huge crowd of press and public by members of the original build team, Pete and Sharon Smith. The MGCC’s MGB Register and Steve of Abingdon Car Restorations put in a mammoth

Mike Stafford owner of MJS Auto and Marine working on the MGF. www.mgcc.co.uk

amount of work to restore it in time for the show, and their efforts paid off as the car proved to be a star attraction.

Meanwhile, MJS Auto and Marine owner, Mike Stafford, completed a cambelt and water pump swap on the 1996 MGF owned by Safety Fast! magazine editor, Andy Knott, and the Club’s Zed Register showcased its talents with a stunning ZR, ZS and ZT V8 trio.

The Club’s young members were also heavily represented at the show, including Matt Haines. The 17-yearold’s 1983 MG Metro appeared in its half-completed state at last year’s event, but this time it was fully finished and looked superb. The crowning glory for Matt’s superb project came when Wheeler Dealers TV stars, Mike Brewer and Ant Anstead, took time out of their busy schedules to lend their approval!

Continuing the young member – and Metro – theme, FWD Chairman, Ben Hatton, was delighted to receive the accolade for Young Member of the Year during the National Car Club

MAY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 33

Awards ceremony on the Saturday night. Ben is the youngest Register chairman in the Club, and displayed his silver 1983 MG Metro at the show.

MGs were out in force throughout the rest of the show, too. The Carole Nash Barn Find display saw 20 discoveries on display, including an MG Midget. At the other end of the scale, the Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership spring final was won by Paul Clappison’s 1972 stunning white MGB GT. Some brilliant MGs were offered for sale by Classic Car Auctions, with a wide range of models from a stunning 1950s TF through to a 1994 RV8. In total, 81 per cent of the 165 cars on offer found new homes, with total sales reaching £2.1million.

The 2019 Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show, with Discovery, will take place from Friday 22 to Sunday March 24 2019. For more information and updates, visit www.necrestorationshow.com

This Midget featured in the Carole Nash Barn Find Display

Liam Murphy working on his Midget on the Midget and Sprite Club Stand

The cover comes off the Marathon MGB

Ben Hatton receives his award

34 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2018

Paul Clappison’s 1972 stunning white MGB GT, winner of The Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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VINTAGE NEWSLET TER Peter Jones peterjones1880@me.com

WELCOME TO THE VINTAGE NEWSLETTER I am always amazed at the depth of knowledge of some people when it comes to identifying cars. Take, for example, the three ‘photographs that have recently come to light and were published in our very own quarterly VR Bulletin of the famous ‘Tigress’ (sometimes listed as ‘Tiger’) Mk111 or 18/100s when at the factory. Those in the know (notably Irvine Black and Geoff Radford) seem to have been able to identify each car and even know its chassis number from these rather grainy old photos!

This may not seem such an onerous task as one might at first thought suppose, as the factory only made five of these marvellous machines. Alas, they did not perform faultlessly on their

Kimber Classic – Mike Hawke greets Roger Stanbury as he successfully crests the top of the hill.

Kimber Classic 2000 – And a leisurely one-and-a-half hour lunch to resettle oneself before the afternoon’s onslaught of the hills.

first outing and were rather eclipsed by the astonishing success of the M type Midgets in the same ‘Double Twelve’ race at Brooklands, and at £185 proved a much more affordable racing machine than the Mk111 at £895 in 1930, so soon after the Wall Street Crash of two years earlier.

If you are interested in these things

This looks like it was a press photo and, judging by the enthusiastic crowds, Morgan must have just done something wonderful in KX, the Mk1 narrow-bodied speed model, which was the first 18/80 I drove, under careful supervision.

36 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2018

then doubtless John Day will be able to furnish copies of the Bulletin and you could see the photos and follow the rationale of identification. Drop him a line at mg1880@ntworld.com As I write these jottings there is knee-deep snow outside and I have just filled out the entry form for the Kimber Classic Trial and hope that all will be thawed out by April 7! This is a smashing event and on one particularly enthusiastic year, 2000 I think it was, we got no less than 10 18/80s entered! Alas, things have receded a bit since then but I hope for a goodly number of MMMs as usual and the ‘modern’ entry is reasonably healthy.

This is a very good event to come and spectate at as there are some 11 sections spread over 50 or so miles of delightful West Country.

For further details try mgccsw.com, facebook.com/MGCCSW. Preparations of the 18/80 before

www.mgcc.co.uk

VINTAGE NEWSLET TER

the trial consist of checking the oil, petrol and ensuring the spare petrol pump works. As I endeavour to drive the car at least two or three times a week, there is a lot of time to ‘shake down’ the various items that need attention – finding the time to attend to them is another matter altogether.

I find that these things tend to go in cycles. Just lately it has been the engine that presently prefers not to work at full strength. Having repaired/ replaced almost everything I can think of, checked all settings and timings then tested and retested, all seems to be...well, better, but not as good as it once was.

Just now I am suffering from front wheel ‘shimmy’ when I hit a pothole

Kimber Classic 2000 – Peter Mace had the ex-Phil Jennings Mk1 saloon. I believe it was rather hot in there on that particular day.

Southern Wood on the MCC’s Devon Trial in August 1948, the younger Morgan Marshall powering to the top with dad and Norah in the back.

The car was only 19 years old then. Oddly enough, 1948 was the year I was born! So GU has been up and down the hills for 70 years as least!

This appears to be a post-war grumble about the unfairness of the petrol ration! There was no motorsport allowed unless it had some historical precedent. That is why the MCC’s Edinburgh Trial is held in Derbyshire, in that it used to be called the Derbyshire Trial but as the Edinburgh had historical precedence they cunningly changed the name and it has remained the same ever since!

Kimber Classic 2000 – Roger and Robert Stanbury, Fred Body and Clive Williams looking forward to the next hill.

www.mgcc.co.uk

Kimber Classic 2000 – The pulse quickens at the bottom of the dreaded Hell’s Ladder Lane.

MAY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 37

VINTAGE NEWSLET TER

Kimber Classic 2000 – Peter Hague in the red shirt confers with the younger marshal to find out what comes next. I seem to have gone through a muddy puddle rather too enthusiastically.

or recessed manhole cover. I had this a lot at one time but managed to overcome it. Quite how I achieved this has evaded my memory, but there is a lot of waggling steering wheels and checking ball joints (all of which are getting on for 90 years old and probably in need of replacing but there we are). Other causes could be tyre pressures (depending on what make of tyres are on there at the time), unbalanced wheels, loose springs/axle fixings and so on. Eventually I hope to track it down.

Before that it was the brakes. I have tried over the last 30 years to

This is an unidentified Mk1 tourer with the ‘extra’ second spare wheel on the nearside (in those days you could have almost anything you wanted added in). The sportily clad gentleman appears to be a travelling marshal on one of the MCC’s classic trials. It looks to be an early rod braked example – probably 1929 – which makes it one of five possible cars, and as two of these are still in existence one of four possible. As it looks in quite good nick I guess this picture dates from the early 1930s.

This was an early VR meeting – alas I don’t know which one. The splendid-looking spectator is Morgan Marshall’s father who died sometime in the late 1960s. The second car along from the right is SU, a MkII saloon that resided outside Morgan’s house, 1 Chapel Green Lane, Bristol 6, for many a long year. This was the first 18/80 I was allowed to drive alone, on the way back from the Bristol Classic Car Show sometime in the 70s. It was a desperate rush back before it got too dark – no lights and very few brakes, as it didn’t get much use. It is now a speed model.

38 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2018

improve these (including a new set of drums) and have yet to get any of the wheels to lock under emergency stop conditions consistently. The best one is the rear offside and despite swapping the drum, shoes, actuators, rods and even axle casing, it insists on locking that one wheel, even under light braking conditions. If only I could get the other three to join in.

On that note I leave you with some photos to ponder and hope that by the time you read this the snow, and more importantly the salt, is gone from the roads and you enjoy many miles of summer motoring.

This vehicle is a race Morris Colonial and there seems to be a much younger Morgan with cousin Norah and, probably, his mother. The shot was doubtless taken by his father who took up photography when a schoolboy after a bout of rheumatism put him ‘off games’. Instead he lumbered round with large wooden tripods, and even larger wooden cameras that took heavy glass plates for the pictures. Much easier on the frame than playing cricket… The Colonial had many endearing features, like a small compressor bolted to the chassis by the engine that could be engaged to pump up the tyres if necessary. Alas, it was not a great success as woefully underpowered and the unused chassis were the ‘hard core’ for the new radiators factory. Morgan’s father was a “Morris Man’, and only when this car proved too slow and they bought GU did they realise what a wonderful machine the MG was.

2000. A lovely line of Vintage MGs doing what comes naturally in the heart of the West Country on the Kimber Classic Trial. How could things get better?

www.mgcc.co.uk

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

WELCOME TO THE T TYPE NEWSLETTER

MG ERA DAY BROOKLANDS

This sums it up nicely!

SUNDAY APRIL 8

This annual visitation to Brooklands for all things MG was this year unfortunately marred by the current spate of wet weather, but this did not deter a large band of enthusiastic MG owners who still turned out in force to be at this iconic motorsport venue.

The damp line up, note the new T Register banners!

REBUILD 2018

SATURDAY APRIL 14 As has become a standard for the T Register, the 2018 Rebuild Seminars took place on the later date of Saturday April 14 at the British Motor Museum at Gaydon in Warwickshire, for would you believe the 38th time!

Following on from the success of last year, the organisers elected to present single sessions during the day, enabling all the delegates to attend each of the four sessions around breaks for refreshment and a lunch stop.

After registration, a welcoming beverage and a bacon roll, the 80-odd delegates filed into conference room one, looking like a film set recording studio with all the very latest technological wizardry and equipment

www.mgcc.co.uk

enabling on-screen presentations and recording of the day’s events.

First on the block was the regular MG stalwart, Barrie Jones, who never fails to captivate ever-eager delegates with his extensive depth of knowledge of all things electrical on T Types with, of course, a smattering of MGB thrown in. The theme was “Maintenance and Improvement” covering coils, wiring and colour coding, dynamo and starters, control boxes and an in-depth delve into the workings of the distributor. Then on to “modernisation” and electronic timing ‘points good and bad’, dynamo to alternator, geared starter motors and finally someone raised the topic of the clock in the speedo, which prompted quite a debate on this well-known malaise and all sorts of suggestions and remedies were discussed – a fascinating insight into the minds of T Types and the

apparent importance of time!

Following that, as they say, the subject turned to fuel, ethanol and all its associated problems. Paul Ireland, aided

by Stuart Ray, took over the baton and gave us a blow by blow, or was it suck by blow, account of the extensive research carried out at Manchester University into the effect of modern fuels in classic cars. In the February and March issues Paul had produced a full report on the findings of the university tests and it was absorbing to hear about the process and extent of the testing programme and to have all results explained in detail on the big screen. In the afternoon session there was much interest in his suggestions as to the remedy and mitigation of all the ills created by this change in fuel strategy with the priority to keep our engines cool, or at least the fuel systems, and avoid vaporisation and cutting out.

MAY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 41

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T T YPE NEWSLET TER

FUTURE EVENTS Already well into the T Register programme of events for this year, here is the final run-down and information for you to note for 2018.

MGLive! 2018 Saturday 2 and Sunday June 3 The T Register allocated car parking location will be in its usual place alongside the MMMs, look out for our banners. We will once more endeavour to put on a Saturday afternoon “noggin and natter” but this time returning to the usual location in the paddock.

Then a choice of three venues for the summer months which you may wish to indulge in, (in your T Type of course); all details on the T Register website or in the Newsletter.

Classic & Sports Car Show Sunday June 24 This is the new name for the Flywheel Festival at Bicester Heritage, OX26 5AH, and we shall once again be having a presence, probably on the Sunday. We will be joined by the MGCC Abingdon Works Centre, which gives us privileged Club discount admission prices and a 30% reduction if you bring a pre-1976 MG. The Chateau Impney Hill Climb Sunday July 8 Many of you attended this event last year at Droitwich, WR9 0BN, and thoroughly enjoyed the spectacle and it is proposed to arrange a visit this year on July 7-8 where we have arranged dedicated parking and attendance as part of their Associated Clubs scheme, which again provides for discounted tickets.

The T Register T Party Sunday July 15 If you still yearn for more T Type activity, then this year the official T Party will be held at the MGCC race meeting at Donington Park, Derby, DE74 2RP. Further details later as to costs and booking arrangements, so watch for further updates.

2018 Autumn Tour – Guildford and the Surrey Hills Friday 7 to Monday September 10 Many will be aware that we have had problems with the chosen hotel venue for this year’s Autumn Tour and only recently we have decided to cancel all previous arrangements.

We are lucky to have found, at quite late notice, a hotel that can accommodate us. This is the Hogs Back Hotel, Farnham, Surrey, and the website can be found at www.farnhamhogsbackhotel.co.uk/. The cost of the package will be £500 per couple. This will cover three nights’ bed, breakfast and dinner, including the Saturday night Gala Dinner. Unfortunately, as is becoming much more common, the hotel may require full payment 28 days before the event, so you should be aware of this requirement.

At the moment there are just seven more rooms available, so if you would like to join us, please contact Geoff and Annie Matthews on 01840 214972 or email annie@shepherdsbarn.com However, do not contact the hotel as Annie is dealing directly with the hotel on all booking arrangements.

OLD TAs NEVER DIE THEY SIMPLY LOSE THEIR WHEELS A GREAT TALE FROM DOWN UNDER “Wild Bill” Mc Lachlan and his World Record Breaking MG TA The Man Dougal Andrew McLachlan was born in Sydney in 1917 and was

Wild Bill and the crocodile

www.mgcc.co.uk

known as “Bill” from when he was a toddler. He worked his way through Sydney University, gaining a Science Degree in Chemistry. After spending the Pacific War in New Guinea, on return to Australia in 1945 he formed a thriving chemical company.

This allowed him the time and resources to pursue the important things of life, his sporting passions for flying, gliding, water skiing, speed boats, car racing, reliability trials and shooting.

He enjoyed the challenge of a wager. On one occasion, his

reputation as “Wild Bill” was greatly enhanced when he brought a large newly shot crocodile back to a Darwin hotel and after a crowd had gathered, hacked into the top of the dead croc’s head and scooped out some brain tissue with a spoon. The crowd gasped as Bill put the spoon to his lips and gulped down the grey matter. “It was the fastest quid I’ve ever earned, but it could have done with salt,” he remarked. Australian Motor Sports magazine described him as a man “with unshakeable good humour.”

MAY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 43

T T YPE NEWSLET TER

The MG TA Turning attention to Bill’s MG TA racing car, Alan Crago and John Sherwood drove a normally aspirated MG TA, car 31, to third place in the 1938 Australian Grand Prix at Bathurst on April 18 1938, just stripped of its mudguards for racing.

Bill McLachlan bought the TA, said at the time to be the fastest unblown TA in Australia, in 1945. He raced the MG at a number of hill climbs, sprints and racing circuits during 1946 and 1947.

Initially, the car appeared as a stripped square rigger, but then Bill fitted a most attractive streamlined monoposto body in 1946 and christened the racer “The Mac Lac Special.”

The first outing for the Mac Lac was the NSW Grand Prix at Bathurst on October 7 where he finished 10th. In October 1947 at the AGP at Bathurst, Bill took second fastest lap time under 1500cc, and was tearing down Con Rod Straight at over 100 mph when a rear wheel collapsed. He reached the pits with five spokes intact, executed a quick wheel change, and still finished 9th overall.

The 1948 Australian Grand Prix was held at Point Cook Aerodrome, an RAAF base just outside Melbourne, on Australia Day January 26. The Australian magazine Wheels wrote: “Driving the course for practice, he picked up an Air Force man. On the

long straight McLachlan soon had the TA up to 100mph, but just as he was overtaking an Air Force truck it turned, unseeing, right across his path. There was no question of whether there would be a crash, it was a matter of whether they could escape death.

McLachlan slid the tail of the TA at the side-on truck, rammed his passenger under the scuttle and dived after him.

83 yards later, after chopping down six fence posts and somersaulting twice, the TA stopped.”

The truck was facing the right way, moved 12 feet by the impact. At the enquiry the driver said that his truck had been hit by “a white projectile”.

McLachlan escaped with a broken

The Firefly Speedboat

44 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2018

www.mgcc.co.uk

T T YPE NEWSLET TER

shoulder, the passenger a broken leg.

The only bit salvaged from the wreck was the engine.

The Speedboat Having both survived the Point Cook crash, the MG TA engine was fitted

by Bill McLachlan to a light weight hydroplane speedboat called Firefly 2, designed by Keith Barry. The engine was installed in the boat facing towards the stern, so that the propeller shaft was driven from the front of the crankshaft.

On January 14 1950 Keith Barry took the world water speed record for boats with engines below 91 cubic inch capacity (1491cc) at 72.289 mph, and six other NSW and Australian records.

Later in the year, on November 12 1950, the NSW Sunday Herald reported the following: “Former speedway driver, Bill McLachlan, broke a world speedboat record in a run on Kogarah Bay early yesterday morning.

McLachlan covered the measured mile at 78.0mph in Firefly 1 powered by a 10hp MG motor. The standing world record for boats of 91cubic inch capacity is 72.289mph set last January

by Keith Barry, joint owner of Firefly 1.

Officials consider that McLachlan may have exceeded 80mph but for a severe check when Firefly 1 crossed the wake of another boat and bounced high in the air. The boat nearly capsized and McLachlan was almost thrown into the water.” (The Sunday Herald was not correct when referring to the hydroplane as Firefly 1. The craft was called Firefly 2 after the MG TA engine was installed in 1949).

The Aftermath Our story now moves forward to 1967.

A youthful, Melbourne-based pre-war MG stalwart, Bill Atherton, had driven his MG TA from Melbourne to compete at Oran Park, a race track at Narellan, south west of Sydney. At the time, the magazine Racing Car News wrongly reported that Bill Atherton’s mount was a TC, which prompted a letter of

www.mgcc.co.uk

correction from him, which in turn drew correspondence from Bill McLachlan.

“I noted with interest the justifiable correction by Bill Atherton in R.C.N. in October with reference to his Type TA MG, which was designed as a real racer and rally car. Trunnion rollers, instead of the cheaper, mass-produced shackles, made the old series TA a far better handling car than the later series T types could ever be. I should add that I can speak with authority on this particular unit as I drove it for many thousands of miles both in trials and finally as a monoposto racer.

After coming to a near sticky end in the Australian GP, Point Cook, 1948, I salvaged the motor and fitted it to a three-pointer and broke the world record for 91 cubic class speedboats three times, plus every Australasian

record up to and including the unrestricted class. At one stage this old TA motor held almost every speedboat record available in Australia”.

Bill McLachlan was writing from Wilberforce, NSW, a town on the Hawkesbury River north of Sydney, where he had established the Australiana Pioneer Village. He died in 1971 at the age of 54 years and his ashes, together with those of his wife Marie Isabell McLachlan, are scattered at the pioneer village.

A memorial stone is inscribed with the epitaph “Andrew Dougal McLachlan (Bill) 1917-1971, Founder Australiana Village Wilberforce, Motor Sportsman, Pioneer Water Skier, A true Australian.” to which we could have added, “MG TA advocate”.

Graeme Jackson

The MG TA engine installed in the Firefly

MAY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 45

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

WELCOME TO THE MGB NEWSLETTER I have got my MGB GT out of hibernation and driven it twice. Everything seems fine, though it is coming up to MOT time.

It is due in May just after the road fund licence needs renewing, but before the exemption from MOT testing for vehicles over 40 years old comes into force on May 20. I have attempted to talk to my insurers to find out if they want me to keep the car MOT certificate current and ongoing and

have met with a “don’t know”. I also talked with Tim Kelly, our local expert, and he says it is a grey area.

So, is a letter stating that the vehicle is both roadworthy and fit for purpose from a competent motor engineer (eg Tim Kelly) sufficient to satisfy the insurers or do they want some form of MOT documentary evidence from the DVLA? Hopefully things will become clear as we head towards the end of May.

THE GRAND UNVEILING So there we were, travelling to Solihull late in March to meet up, when the overhead signs suddenly said “M6 junctions two to three closed”.

Panic, that’s the way we wanted to go – due at 7.30pm. All the main roads around Coventry were suffering from congestion, according to the satnav.

Phone calls from others confirmed this.

However some serious cross-country navigating using the map and satnav by my navigator allowed us to reach our destination reasonably on time.

We were meeting up with some of the Marathon MGB Group along with, more importantly, Pete Smith and wife, Sharon. Why Pete and Sharon? Well, go back 50 years – they were members

Pete and Sharon Smith unveil the MGB to the awaiting crowd www.mgcc.co.uk

The London to Sydney Marathon MGB under wraps

of the small group which built the Marathon MGB for Jean Denton. The car was built by Tom Denton, Tom Boyce and Peter, et al, according to the legend on the hardtop. The et al included Pete’s then-girlfriend, now wife, Sharon, who made a lot of the modifications to the interior to make it more habitable (slightly) for the 10,000-mile rally. The Marathon Team had asked Pete and Sharon to carry out the unveiling of the restored car at the Restoration Show the next day – this was an opportunity to spend some time with them both.

MAY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 47

MGB NEWSLET TER

The MGB sporting the additional fuel cans and spare wheel.

The MGB attracted a lot attention

Helpers and supporters with the London to Sydney Marathon MGB at the NEC

John Watson talking to Steve Illing and Sharon Smith about the MGB

48 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2018

So we had an evening of questions, of head-scratching and anecdotes adding more information about the car and its owner to our knowledge. The arrangements for the following day were discussed and agreed.

Action stations in the morning resulted in the covered car being unveiled after a short introduction by the Project Manager, John Watson, to a large audience. As always, events like this bring people out of the woodwork, including this time an excomps employee who was involved with Jean Denton in developing and testing the car. More stories, more anecdotes and a little head-scratching.

Little needs to be done to the car now to make it roadworthy, (but fundraising continues) so that it should arrive at MGLive! under its own power. It will be on display at the Marathon 50th at Gaydon in July, then its future lies mainly as a publicity vehicle for the MGCC. Initially, it will be on display at some of the major sponsors’ premises, along with the RAC Club, coupled with occasional appearances at Kimber House.

George Wilder Chairman Marathon MGB Restoration Group

www.mgcc.co.uk

Photo: Stirling Moss Collection

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09/05/2017 16:43

MGB NEWSLET TER

THE TOUR OF THE WALL Matthew and I had a great day out on Sunday, doing the Tour of the Wall organised by Caledonian Classic and Historic Motor Sport Club www. caledonianmsc.com/ We were using the new MGB as a shakedown to the trip to Ireland in May and I’m pleased to say that it ran without missing a beat all day and took a fairly brisk pace in its stride.

I have yet to fit a new hood so we ran with the roof down all day, starting in the dark at 6.00am when it was frosty but very clear. Matt drove up as far as Berwick where we changed over and took the car up to Dobbie’s, stopping for breakfast at McDonalds, Dunbar. It was very cold driving as there was nowhere to shelter your hands, despite having gloves. Matthew did not seem to realise that the heater was on full – he’s getting soft driving a Mazda MX-5.

First car was away at 9.30am, so there was no hanging about; after a quick cup of coffee and a look at the Tulip road book we were off.

The route took us down the A7 before cutting onto minor roads to run parallel all the way down to just

50 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2018

above Selkirk, where we crossed over and headed down towards Bonchester Bridge. We passed Wauchope and down to the end of the C200, Kielder, down to the lunch halt at Chollerford for about 1.00pm. How the majority of the field were there before us I couldn’t work out, because only a few passed us when we stopped for comfort breaks. You certainly have to push on to keep up.

We left the route then, which was heading along the military road to Gillsland before turning north through Eskdale to the finish at Peebles. The Clerk of the Course reckoned it would take about three hours to get to the finish, so we went along to the new visitor centre, The Sill at Once Brewed, for a cup of coffee. Our route was around 280 miles, getting home around 3.00pm. I had a cup of tea before giving the car a wash and then sitting down to knock out a few zzzz’s. The car has proved itself reliable and runs quite happily up the A1 at 60mph, as well as rattling around the lanes. The renewed front suspension with the V8 bushes and 3/4’’ anti-roll bar has made a huge difference; the

car really feels planted, turns into the corners with only the ruts throwing it off line.

I feel as though we can take the car to Ireland with confidence, although we have a few more runs to test it further.

The MGB GT, by contrast, feels very similar to drive although it is a much more civilised environment, giving it certainly the edge on a long run. Having driven both in the last two days, I can see why the GT was so successful. The GT has rested since about October, but it started first turn of the key and ran perfectly on a little run on Saturday afternoon and to a Committee Meeting recently.

David Alexander

www.mgcc.co.uk

MGB REGISTER LECTURE 2018 SATURDAY 22ND SEPTEMBER Organised by the MGB Register of the MG Car Club.

THE STORY OF THE 1968 LONDON TO SYDNEY MARATHON on it’s 50TH ANNIVERSARY at RADLEY COLLEGE – RADLEY ABINGDON OX14 2HR FROM 2PM TO 5PM (Tea & Coffee available from 1.30pm)

This will be a very special day.

Guests will be Paddy Hopkirk and Alec Poole who finished 2nd on the event.

Peter Browning and Bill Price from the BL Competitions Dept.

Plus other celebrities.

The afternoon will be hosted by Graham Robson the Motoring Historian and Journalist

To book online go to

www.mgb-register.org/events

Or complete the form below and post with a cheque made payable to the MGCC – MGB Register lecture@mgb-register.org Tel 07555 044528

POSTAL TICKET FORM for MGB LECTURE 2018

Name Address

Contact number

Email Quantity of tickets required @ £10 each Total cheque value

£

Post entry to : Chris Cockram, 9 Cattle End, Silverstone NN12 8UX If you have NOT given an email address please enclose a stamped addressed envelope

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MGC NEWSLET TER Mike Haughton mgc_mike@btinternet.com

WELCOME TO THE MGC NEWSLETTER This month we have two articles. The first has been sent to us from Bruce Ibbotson who lives in Australia, taking us from the day he took delivery of his car in August 1968 to the present day. The second relates to the MGC event to be held in Switzerland at the beginning of August. This event precedes the international Car Club EEOTY event being held

in Flims, which makes it ideal for those who have entered to extend their tour. Anyone who is not going to the Flims event is equally welcome.

If you have a story to tell about your ‘C’ please let us know. Happy ‘C’ Motoring.

Colin Howes

Bruce Ibbotson and his MGC GT

Living with a new MGC GT for almost 50 years Long ago in November 1967, whilst living in Hong Kong, I ordered, sight unseen, an MGC GT from Dodwell Motors. I had moved from Brisbane, Australia, having sold my MGB, thinking the three-litre MGC GT would be the next step, having started way back in 1957 with a 1250cc MG TF which was replaced with a 1963 MGB when it was released in Australia.

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Abingdon could not quote when the car would be available and in early 1968 I returned to Brisbane, having arranged for the car to be shipped to Brisbane. On August 4 the SS Auckland Star arrived with my car and another nine MGCs destined for dealers in New Zealand, all 10 cars with following car numbers. My car was available on the 5th and I drove it away on August

6 for registration. The car cost AUD 2,200 on the wharf and I had to pay an additional AUD 1,900 in Duty and Sales Tax (a total of 75.5%) which is why the MGC never came to Australia.

Other cars arrived (used) from the UK two years later.

After four years driving my MGB I was totally unprepared for how different the C GT was to drive. Very

MAY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 53

MGC NEWSLET TER

quiet and smooth once it warmed up but with little low down torque, which surprised me for a three-litre six-cylinder engine, compared with a MK4 or Mk5 3.5 litre Jaguar. The engine fouled plugs and was reluctant to change revs. The ability of the C GT to cruise at high speed in overdrive was amazing. 4,000rpm in OD was 108mph and the car would cruise for hours at this speed. There was no police radar or radio in those days, so the inland highways were fair game once out of restricted areas.

I never understood why the car leapt forward with OD selected but slowed appreciably when OD was switched out before the revs built up.

I asked a specialist dynamic balancing engineer from Victoria to take the car for a drive, while we were visiting a hill climb in New South Wales. He came back and reported that the car will not rev because of the mass in the flywheel.

In late 1969, at 16,600 miles, I pulled the engine down (we still had not received the ordered workshop

54 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2018

manual; I was able to get torque figures from Special Tuning) to examine it. What a surprise: pistons one and six crowns were shiny aluminium with a thin black spiral of carbon on them. The engineer who machined the flywheel then fully balanced the engine said the factory balance was very poor compared to most engines he balanced.

The head and inlet manifold were done at home by me and the engine reassembled. This was a lot better: it revved and was better overall.

Meanwhile, I read about Downton Engineering’s Stage Three Conversion. I was able to order Kit 45 (less exchange head) and this was fitted in 1970.

What a surprise!

The engine started effortlessly, it had good low down torque and considerably more power and consumed much less fuel. Very pleased, I got Downton to obtain a head (from an Austin 3 Litre) and ship it out in 1972. Wow, much better low down torque and fuel economy than with my head.

So started the ongoing development of PFT-000 (called the Pretty Fast Truck) to where we are today with a ‘Poor Man’s Aston Martin’. A friend who is compiling a new book to be called “MGCs Down Under”, covering all known cars in Australia and New Zealand, had a drive of my car recently and commented that it is better than the Aston Martins he has driven – in fact, it is just like

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MGC NEWSLET TER

a modern car to drive now, gearbox excepted (still truck-like). No wonder the Toyota Supra and Ford five-speed boxes are popular in the MGC today.

The appalling and dangerous handling was addressed in 1993 by fitting a 7/8‘‘ front roll bar and 5/8‘‘ rear bar from Ron Hopkinson. Koni rear shocks were already fitted, to be followed by Koni front shocks. Now the roll was addressed and the car turned in correctly, 185/65R15 tyres were fitted later on.

Once I fully retired in 2002, the “Truck” became a retirement hobby. I am an electronics person: Mechanical Engineering is a long-time interest, as is Electrical Engineering. I do all my own work on my car at home, except for machining. I replaced the power-sapping, noisy, yellow fan with a BMW thermo clutch fan after trying a Kenlowe fan which was useless in our climate. The 33 Amp? alternator could not handle the power drain in traffic and the fan could not handle temperatures above 26°C. A 15‘‘ Moto-Lita wheel replaced the factory wheel in the 80s, then in 2004 I fitted the MG Motorsport fast rack (2.875:1) rack and pinion to complete the handling improvements. A 12-volt battery was fitted in 2003 and with two feet less cable and two less battery connectors improved starter operation.

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The flexing wire wheels were replaced with Minator 15 by 5.5‘‘ wheels which really make a huge difference in mountain driving. Chalk and cheese handling differences between the old WWs and rigid alloy wheels.

We went to Adelaide in 2002 for the MG National Meeting and it was very hot, up to 38°C on the way and at the meeting I became seriously dehydrated in the hot GT, even with everything open. I had to make a decision to either air condition the car or sell it. Having seen an air conditioned C GT in Adelaide I knew it could be done.

I decided to fully insulate the cabin and air condition the car. This was a very big deal. Starting from scratch, I got the components and then had to make the mountings and get a Japanese pulley fitted to the harmonic balancer. It all worked out very well.

Two condensers are used, they mount under the headlight bowls in the

wings, the overflow went where the washer bottle was and the washer bottle (a two-litre food container) mounts next to the heater with the electric washer pump replacing that useless push button. I fitted a 25% tinted and banded screen and the windows were tinted with 3M 35% Black Chrome film. A 65 Amp alternator replaced the factory unit and I had a smaller pulley (2.875‘‘ OD) made so there is adequate power at the 1,100rpm my car will run in OD in the suburbs.

I saw a video of MGs fitted with the Hoyle IRS and the way these cars handled, so I decided on another major upgrade. I fitted the IRS in 2009 (a difficult job as there are minor changes between the MGB and MGC) AUD 7,000 to land and another AUD 4,000 with Duty and GST, a new prop shaft was fitted and all the government testing and approvals took place.

Also in 2009 I replaced the

MAY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 55

MGC NEWSLET TER

(collapsed foam) factory seats with Mazda NB Series MX5 perforated leather seats, so at last I was not thrown around with serious mountain driving which I enjoy. We always had lower back pain on long trips (2,000 to 3,000 miles). Now, with designed sports car seats, that has disappeared, and on a 3,000+ mile Far North Queensland Tour over three weeks in 2013 we felt like we went on a short daily drive each day.

The old Koni front shocks were replaced with Spax adjustable Gas Shocks in 2012, then the final upgrade. I fitted the EZ Electric Power Steering with adjustable assistance in 2012. This transformed the car into the modern C GT we have today. Cool, quiet, comfortable, with plenty of performance, almost no body roll and overall a well-handling GT car.

In 2016/2017 the external body paint was completely stripped and the car painted with Spiers-Hecker two

pack, plus clear coat to the original Sandy Beige (BG 15) factory colour.

The difference modern German paints make when compared with 60s ‘Low Bake‘ Enamel is amazing. The paint reflects everything, you can see your face in it. The chassis had another coat of “Fisholene” applied and my painter said he has done many MGBs but has not seen a chassis/body as good as my

one-owner, maintained at home car.

There are many minor improvements (mainly electrical) hidden away in the car, as I saw the need to improve or add a feature. If ever an Abingdon MG required owner improvements it is the MGC, most particularly the GT to make a true Grand Tourer.

Bruce Ibbotson

50 YEARS OF MGC IN SWITZERLAND Upon the request by several MGC-friends from the UK and Switzerland we decided to organise an MGC-event (Swiss MGC Days) taking place in Central Switzerland from Tuesday July 31 to Wednesday August 8 2018.

As the first of the MGCs with destination Switzerland had been dispatched on January 15 1968, this meeting also marks the occasion of 50 years of MGCs in Switzerland.

We will be located in Central Switzerland round the so-called “Seetal” (valley of the lakes; because the valley consists of two lakes), the Baldeggersee and the Hallwilersee which are located between Lenzburg and Lucerne.

From there we will explore many regions of Switzerland in almost every main geographic direction and there will be light tours followed by some extended tours – but with ample time to enjoy the runs as well as the relaxing stops.

Tuesday: Hotel check-in, welcome dinner.

Wednesday: Scenic tour around the Seetal, Swiss National Day Dinner.

Thursday: Scenic tour through the Entlebuch and the Emmental.

Friday: Mountain Tour Pragelpass – Klausenpass with a visit to the timekeeper’s hut of the Klausen hill-climb race.

Saturday: Visit to a technical museum, local run in the area, anniversary dinner (50 years of MGC in Switzerland).

Sunday: Visit to a local classic car meeting followed by a

56 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2018

short run round the Rigi in Central Switzerland.

Monday: Scenic tour to Eastern Switzerland (Canton Appenzell) with a visit to a cheese dairy.

Tuesday: Visit to the Swiss Transport Museum at Lucerne, and if time permits a journey with a steam-paddler.

Wednesday: Hotel check-out, farewell brunch.

Each evening there will be a dinner for all together at a local hotel/restaurant not too far from where we stay.

There will be a participation fee, a flat rate for all visits, guided tours, brunch (only on Wednesday), lunch and dinner (drinks not included in the package).

We aim for 15 to 30 MGCs for the full week – however there’s no limitation on the numbers of cars. For that reason we have already pre-booked two hotels to cover almost 40 cars.

However, it’s very important that you apply soonest as we have to close the applications at the latest by May 28 for organisational reasons (hotel room block-booking and other reservations).

Information and application form with hotel list is available from marcus.mgc@bluewin.ch/ +41 79 708 93 63.

We are looking forward to welcoming many interested MGC friends from all over Europe (or even further away).

MarCus Bründler-Bühler

www.mgcc.co.uk

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MAY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 57

CALENDAR

MAY

Thursday 3 MGCC: MGB Register Guided Tour Bicester Heritage A rare chance for a guided tour of this historic site.

Contact: Andrew Vigor 07909 536614.

Friday 4 – Sunday 6 MGCC: MGF Register Donington Historic Festival Historic motorsport weekender at Donington Park, Castle Donington, DE74 2RP. A discount code is available for all MGCC members.

Contact (MGF): Keith Williams keith.williams@ mgfregister.org Friday 4 – Monday 7 MGCC: South East Centre Isle of Wight Rally Contact: Derek Edwards, 01737 765891 Saturday 5 – Sunday 6 MGCC: North West Centre Anglesey Sprint Weekend The first of the North West Centre’s several speed events in 2018. The regulations and the entry form are available from www.mgcc.co.uk/north-westcentre/hillclimbs-and-sprints Saturday 5 – Monday 7 MGCC: Caledonian Centre May Three-Day Tour This year’s May three-day run will be based round the Borders in the beautiful region of Dumfries and Galloway. This event is now full, so please add your name to the Waiting List in case there is a cancellation.

Contact: Jim Greenhill 07475 739494 jimgreenhillj@msn.com Sunday 6 MGCC: Abingdon Works Centre Chesham Natter Spring Chicken Run The annual Spring Chicken Run will visit Broughton Castle, near Banbury. This promises to be a good day out at this moated castle, which is set in fine grounds along with beautiful gardens.

Contact: Richard Colston 01494 728253 r.colston@ btinternet.com Friday 11 MGCC: Anglia Centre Needham Market Club Meet Open Evening Held in Needham Market, Suffolk, IP6 8EA. Contact: Graham Wills 01379 890732 midsuffolk@ mgccanglia.com Friday 11 – Sunday May 13 MGCC Monaco Grand Prix Historic MGCC Monaco members will attend the Grand Prix Historic for a great weekend of classic motorsport in the most luxurious location.

For more information, please visit the website www. mgccmc.com

Friday 11 – Sunday 13 MGCC: Midland Centre Midland Centre Welsh Rally Touring rally from West Midlands to Wales. Stay overnight, with dinner on Saturday evening.

Contacts: Brian Osborn 0121 445 4889 brianosbornmg@gmail.com Roger King 0121 476 6649 rogerking43@gmail.com Saturday 12 – Sunday 13 MGCC: Y Type Register Spring Run Weekend This year’s Spring Weekend will be based in Bedfordshire. The Y Type Register will be holding its traditional weekend, with the Register AGM followed by dinner on the Saturday and a road run on the Sunday.

Visit the website for more details www. mgccyregister.co.uk Sunday 13 MGCC: Yorkshire Centre Wolds Way Run At Rose Bowl, Queens Gardens, Hull. Entry is £15 for MGCC members; non-members £20.

Contact: Chris Moore 07776 450776 camoctagon@gmail.com Sunday 13 MGCC: Zed Register Zeds in the City The Zed Register will meet up at the Coventry Motor Museum, displaying its cars on Millennium Place, outside the main entrance.

See the Zed Register page www.mgcc.co.uk/ zedregister Monday 14 – Friday 18 MGCC: T Register T Types to Flanders The T Register’s T Types to Flanders event. All the rooms at the Pantgat Hof B&B have now been taken! There is a reserve list – contact Sally Silcock at treg.sec@virginmedia.com or telephone 01525 750468 first before you do anything.

Friday 18 – Sunday 21 MGCC: Germany Pfingstmeeting Germany’s scenic Whitsun weekender, based around Rendsburg in the country’s northern tip.

For more information, please visit www.mgcc.de Saturday 19 MGCC: Triple-M Register VSCC Oulton Park race meeting Contact: Mark Dolton via mdjdolton@gmail.com

Saturday 19 MGCC: Anglia Centre Anglia Centre committee meeting Held at the Limes, Needham Market, Suffolk, IP6 8DQ Contact: Peter Skipper 01502 731141, Roger Moran 01502 722122 Saturday 19 – Sunday 20 MGCC: 635 Register BTCC Thruxton The 635 Register will be attending the British Touring Car Championship meet at Thruxton, Hampshire.

Keep up-to-date with the 635 Register on Facebook www.facebook.com/groups/MG635Register Sunday 20 MGCC: Yorkshire Centre Canada Run at Masons Arms Contact: Ken Cothliff 07946 597952 Sunday 20 MGCC: Caledonian Centre May One Day Run Leaving Swanston Brasserie, near Edinburgh, for a 65-mile journey through the countryside to have lunch at the Museum of Flight and enjoy a leisurely afternoon exploring the only Concorde in Scotland.

Contact: Nancy Crichton 01236 739758 mgcalsec@ yahoo.com Sunday 20 MGCC: Devon & Cornwall Centre Atlantic Coast Run Starting at 10.00am from Okehampton railway station and finishing at Petroc College, Tiverton.

The event is open to all models of MG and other classics.

The station buffet will be opening early at 8.00am to enable entrants to enjoy hot food and drinks.

For entry forms, visit http://www.mgcc.co.uk/devoncornwall-centre/ Sunday 20 MGCC: South West Centre Wye Valley Social Run The run will start at Aust Services and we will travel up the Wye Valley to Croft Castle, Yarpole, Leominster HR6 9PW. Visit www.mgccsw.com for more details Sunday 20 MGCC: South East Centre Tour of the SE Windmills and BBQ For more details see advert on page 78 Contact: Philip Bayne-Powell 01483 811428

Friday 11 – Monday 14 MGCC: MGA Register Yorkshire Dales Spring Tour 2018 The MGA Register last visited the northern area of the Yorkshire Dales nearly 10 years ago. The 2018 tour will explore territory new to some members, in the southern part of the beautiful National Park.

For more details, please visit www.mgcc.co.uk/mgaregister/events-in-2018/

58 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2018

www.mgcc.co.uk

CALENDAR

Sunday 27 MGCC: Magnette Register Stanford Hall A visit to the magnificent Stanford Hall stately home in Leicestershire, organised by John and Cynthia Harris.

Please email John johnharris37@btinternet.com or phone 01604 642662 for more information.

Sunday 27 MGCC: Abingdon Works Centre Old Speckled Hen Run The traditional Old Speckled Hen Run starts at Radley College, just outside Abingdon, returning for tea and scones after an unmissable run. The cost is £25 per car and entries are limited to 100 cars. Last date for entries will be Monday 21.

Contact: Richard Martin 01235 529331.

Sunday 20 – Thursday 24 MGCC: Ulster Centre MG Ulster Centre Golden Jubilee The Ulster Centre is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a four-day tour based at the Roe Park Resort, Limavady.

For more information visit www.mgcculstercentre. co.uk/event/mg-ulster-centre-golden-jubilee-2018/ Monday 21 – Sunday 28 MGCC d’Italia XII MG by the Sea Superb Italian event based around Gabicce Mare on Italy’s Adriatic Coast. Includes police-escorted road runs. Pre-war cars feature heavily.

For more information, please visit www.mgcarclubitalia.com

Saturday 26 – Sunday 27 MGCC: Holland Octagon Tour Navigational event taking place for the 22nd time in the south eastern part of the Netherlands.

For more information, please visit www.mgcarclub.nl Sunday 27 MG Enthusiast Club of Ireland Octagon Run The MG Enthusiast Club of Ireland’s popular Octagon Run. For more information, visit www.mgireland.com

Wednesday 30 MGCC: V8 Register Birmingham Symphony Hall The V8 Register’s visit to the Symphony Hall in Birmingham. Note that event is provisional as the Club is waiting for confirmation of the dates.

Contact: Nic Houslip 07768 766315 Thursday 31 MGCC: V8 Register The V8 Register’s visit to Packwood House, a National Trust Tudor manor house in Warwickshire.

Note that this event is provisional as the Club is waiting for confirmation of the dates.

Contact: Nic Houslip 07768 766315

26th Old Speckled Hen Run Sunday May 27 2018

Mr / Mrs / Ms...... First Name ...................................... Surname ..............................................

Address .................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................. .................................................................................... Post Code ............................................

Phone ......................................................................... Mobile ..................................................

E-mail ......................................................................... MGCC Membership No:.......................

MG CAR INFORMATION CAR TYPE.................................................................. REGISTRATION No.............................

MANF. YEAR .......................... YEARS OWNED ........ .............................................................

Cheques payable to: MGCC Abingdon Works Centre Entries to Richard Martin, 26 Medlicott Drive, Abingdon, Oxon. OX14 5PS. Tel: 01235 529331 e-mail: r.martin@mgabingdon.org.uk If no e-mail address above, please include a stamped addressed envelope.

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Entries limited to 100 cars Entry Fee: £25 per car To include light refreshment at the start; detailed tulip route book; rally plate and one cream tea per person at the finish.

LAST DATE FOR ENTRIES: MONDAY MAY 21 2018

MAY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 59

BTCC

BTCC CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND1–BRANDS HATCH

T

here were 32 drivers that arrived at Brands Hatch, all raring to get on track for the start of the Sixtieth Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship. The opening rounds of any championship are critical, but they are particularly so in the BTCC with scores from every race counting towards the championship total. The pre-season test on the short Brands Hatch “Indy” Circuit had demonstrated that most of the field would be covered by a second, so individual grid positions for the first race would be decided by thousandths.

The two MG6 cars had looked and sounded really crisp in the test sessions. New custodians AmDtuning. com had given the cars a groundup rebuild and the new two-colour, orange and blue, livery with a zip between them looked superb. RCIB Insurance is on the orange side, with Auto Aid the blue livery. Rory Butcher from Scotland and Tom Boardman

60 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2018

By Paul Goodman. Photos: Dickon Siddall

from Lancashire soon had the cars up to speed at the test sessions and were optimistic about their prospects for the opening rounds.

Two test sessions were organised on Saturday to enable the teams to tune their cars and adapt to the Dunlop slick tyres. Both were held in dry conditions with some hectic action on the circuit. Most of the cars were registering 48-second lap times with only fractions of a second between them. The two MG6s took to the track with Rory and Tom keen to get more experience of the cars. Tom Ingram driving the only Toyota Avensis was quickest in the first session, with Rory an encouraging seventh and Tom 25th.

In the second period, Rory was 24th and Tom 28th.

The first qualifying session of the season took place on a dry track and was very controversial. Initially, pole position was claimed by new driver Dan Cammish in the Halfords Honda Civic, but that time was then removed for

a pit lane infringement. The quickest time was then set by ex-MG Trophy driver, Jack Goff, driving the Wix Honda Civic. Former MG6 driver, Sam Tordoff, was second fastest on his return to the BTCC in the Ford Focus. The two current MG drivers had a tough time with Rory ending up 24th and Tom 28th, both only three-quarters of a second away from the pole.

By Sunday the weather had changed, and it was clear that all the cars would be shod with the new Dunlop rain tyre. All 32 cars left the line cleanly, but the Safety Car was soon deployed after contact took some of the leading runners out of the race into the gravel. With everything clear,

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racing resumed and despite one small mistake, Jack Goff held on to the race lead to take the chequered flag driving the Wix Honda Civic. Colin Turkington and Andy Jordan brought their works BMWs into second and third places.

The two MG6 drivers both had good races, avoiding contact and moving through the field. Rory finished 13th with Tom just a few metres behind in 18th place. These would be their starting positions for race two with a good chance of being in the draw for race three grid slots.

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Race two was one of the most amazing ever seen in the history of the BTCC. The track was damp and drying and all the front runners went for the “safe” option of Dunlop wet tyres with the knowledge that they wouldn’t have much grip by the finish of the race. Some of the other drivers decided to fit slick racing tyres and this proved to be the correct choice.

Another Safety Car period extended the race and over the last few laps the dry weather tyres came on song and the drivers flew through the pack

demoting those using wet rubber. Both MG6s started on slicks, and after great drives Tom finished fourth and Rory ninth. The race was won by young Senna Proctor in the Vauxhall Astra, from Jake Hill’s VW and Ollie Jackson driving the Audi.

The draw for grid places for race three put Tom into the third spot and Rory ninth. This time every driver used dry weather tyres. Tom got a great start but was hit by another car, which pushed him down the field to a finishing place of 18th. Meanwhile, Rory was challenging near the front and finished in a superb sixth place.

The race was won by Tom Ingram’s Toyota, giving him the championship lead. Adam Morgan clinched second in his Mercedes after managing to pass Rob Austin out in the new Alfa Romeo.

The revised MG team left Brands Hatch in good spirits, with Rory in ninth place in the championship and Tom not far behind in 15th. Rory lies third in the Jack Sears Trophy for drivers who have not been on the podium in a BTCC race. Their points-scoring finishes put the team in a strong fourth position in the Team Championship.

MAY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 61

SILVERSTONE SEASON OPENER

SILVERSTONE

SEASON OPENER

By Ian Sowman

The Peter Best Insurance MG Cup race gets underway. Photo: Dickon Siddall

For the first time in four years the MG Car Club opened its season on the Silverstone National Circuit, with an entry of 85 cars across three grids for the first Equipe GTS races of 2018 among the highlights on a day that, contrary to the weather forecast in the build-up, stayed dry.

First of the Equipe ranks to take to the track was the new-for-2018

Pre-’63 category, with all bar two of the 26 qualifiers making it onto a grid that was numerically dominated by Big Healeys. Qualifying had suggested, though, that it was the Aston Martin Project 214 copy of Martin Brewer and the Andrew family Elva Courier that would beat all of them, and so it proved. Brewer came back to win, even after an excursion mid-race at

Samuel Johnston (24) and Andy Firth (49) battle it out in the College Motors MG Trophy Championship.

Photo: Martin Price

62 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2018

Becketts, in avoidance of the spinning Elva – an incident that briefly handed the lead to the Mike Thorne/Sarah Bennett-Baggs Healey 3000. But as the pit-stops shook out, that car dropped to fifth, and third of the Healeys, behind those of Jack and Bill Rawles and John Pearson.

The more established Pre-’66 series enjoyed more than 60 entrants, and thus was split into two groups, the slightly slower group up first. The race boiled down to a thrilling conclusion, the spectacle slightly aided when David Keers-Trafford dived into the pit lane in his MG B Roadster late on, having misinterpreted a driving standards warning flag. That left Rob Cobden’s Elva Courier and Babak Farsian’s B Roadster to contest the lead in the closing stages and they crossed the line alongside. The timing screens initially recorded a dead heat, but were then updated to give Farsian the verdict

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Race winner David Morrison in his Class A Midget leads the pack in the Lackford Engineering Midget/Sprite Challenge. Photo: Dickon Siddall

by 0.012s – or just over a foot! David Russell-Wilks (B Roadster) completed the podium, while Paul and Jonathan Mortimer (Healey 100) added a class win to the one they recorded in the Pre-‘63s.

The final 35-minute pit-stop race, for the Pre-’66 Group A contenders, again bubbled up to an exciting climax.

Tom Andrew (Elva Courier) had just taken the lead from Mark Ashworth’s TVR Grantura MkIII at Luffield on the penultimate lap when there was contact approaching Woodcote. That incident brought Chris Ryan’s Triumph TR4 and Tom Smith’s B Roadster into play as well – with the lapped Paul Andrew Elva also in the mix – but it was the battle-scarred TVR that clung on to take the win, with the leading quartet covered by barely a second. All of the podium finishers – Ashworth, Tom Andrew, and Ryan – won their classes, as did Paul Kennelly (Jaguar E-Type) and John Pearson (Lotus Elite).

The opening rounds of the College Motors MG Trophy Championship were not without drama. The safety car was scrambled in race one after a second-lap incident at Copse that ruled out Rob Perkins and debutant Sam Kirkpatrick, who had graduated from the Junior Saloon Car Championship.

The call for the safety car to return to the pit lane was a late one, which

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caught Doug Cole – who had made up three places at Becketts to take the lead on the opening lap – napping.

In the confusion, Jason Burgess took the lead just before the timing line, although given the circumstances he was not penalised. He went on to take outright victory with Graham Ross, who dived up the inside of Cole at Brooklands on lap 11, taking second.

Reigning champion Matthew Turnbull proved that his ZR160 success was no fluke by qualifying on ZR170 pole on his maiden outing in the division, but it was last year’s runner-up who aced the start and left Turnbull playing catch-up. Their battle for the class win was interrupted on the final lap by the ZR190 of Andy Spencer unlapping himself after a first-lap trip to the Becketts gravel.

Among the ZR160s, Tylor Ballard (son of the race sponsor) took his first

class victory, emerging on top of a fine tussle with John Booth by less than half a second.

Burgess completed a double later in the day, this time leading from lights-to-flag – just! Cole had been running second when a spin on the exit of Luffield dropped down the order, and he had fought back to fourth position before he was forced to retire. Ross, meanwhile, played a waiting game before launching an attack on the leader at Brooklands on the final tour. There was door-to-door contact that caused Ross to spin and Burgess to take to the grass, but they maintained their original positions, with the rorty-sounding car of Andy Spencer third.

The ZR170 scrap was intense, with a number of position changes in the battle between Luti, Turnbull and Adam Jackson. On lap 11 Turnbull dived ahead at Brooklands to take the class lead, only to lose it to the experienced Luti at Woodcote before turning his attentions to defence from Jackson in the final few laps.

Ballard suffered problems from the off and eventually retired his ZR160,

The Midgets of Mike Peters (84), and Ian Whitt (87) battle it out with Mark Bellamy’s MG ZR170 in the Cockshoot Cup. Photo: Martin Price

MAY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 63

leaving 4G Racing team-mates Booth and John Gil to dispute divisional honours, the former coming out on top.

Reigning Metro champion, Mike Williams, made an impressive debut in the Peter Best Insurance MG Cup, but his results matched neither his pace nor his entertainment value.

Having replaced the 1400cc engine of his Rover Metro GTi with an 1800cc version, but not yet having upgraded the exhaust or the final drive ratio, he found that he wasn’t quite a match for the Rover Tomcats in a straight line, although he more than made up for that in the corners. He and Richard Buckley’s 220 Turbo traded the lead for the first ten laps or so before both retired – Buckley with a drive flange failure, and Williams with a fuel leak that left the tank dry. Matthew Simpson’s Tomcat therefore took the win from invitation entry Stuart Tranter and the ZS180 of Peter Burchill, with returning 2011 champion Dan Ludlow among the retirements.

Williams and Buckley were both back at the end of the day for race two, with the Metro leading in the early stages before he started to struggle with his gearbox and dropped away, eventually to sixth. Buckley eased to a comfortable win from Simpson and Tranter, while Ian Boulton’s ZR170 overcome Burchill to take fourth and a second class win of the day.

The best season-opening field for the TN Racing BCV8 Championship for many years was without champion

Rob Spencer out in front as the start of the T N Racing BCV8 Championship race. Photo: Dickon Siddall

Russell McCarthy after qualifying dramas. Pole-sitter Neil Fowler made a slow start, allowing Rob Spencer into the lead that accumulated over the first five laps of the race. Fowler then started to erode it, the two cars running nose-to-tail for the final few laps, but Fowler’s last lap attempt on the lead at Copse was stymied.

Ian Prior was a distant third, while the smoking car of James Wheeler eventually expired.

A huge spin at Becketts for Andrew Young handed Ollie Neaves the initiative in Class C, while behind the fleet of GTs clear Class B winner, Simon Cripps, was the first Roadster home.

James Walpole overcame Babak Farsian to take Class A victory.

Ray Collier overcame a first lap rotation at Becketts to win the opening Cockshoot Cup race of the year. He was back in the lead by the end of the second lap, the ZR190 overtaking Philip Standish’s TF LE500 at Luffield to seal the place. Peter Bramble’s B was a race-long threat to Standish’s second position, with Ashley Woodward also in contention with his ZS180 until his retirement with a blown engine.

Michael Ashcroft climbed to fourth in

his ZR190, briefly interrupting the class B victory skirmish between Mike Peters and Ian Whitt. Returning champion Brian Butler opened his account with a Class F triumph.

David Morrison’s Midget won the Lackford Engineering Midget/Sprite Challenge by more than one minute in the end. Having taken second place at Woodcote on lap three, Stephen Pegram (Midget) was second until lap 16 when Richard Bridge’s MkII Sprite, which had failed to get away at the start, swept past. Both suffered late problems and limped home in sixth and fifth, however, promoting the Class E Frogeye scrap between Paul Campfield and Tom Walker to one for second place overall.

The Ashton brothers led away at the start of the Drayton Manor Park MG Metro Cup opener, Jack heading Andrew. Andrew briefly escaped from the battle behind him, which had Dick Trevett and Dan Balster involved, among others, but he was drawn back in and lost second place to Balster at Copse on lap 13. Trevett finished fourth, the leading quartet having shaken off Shamak Glodek and Mark Eales, who continued their own battle for fifth.

Rob Cobden in his Elva Courier being chased by the Austin Healey 100 of Paul Mortimer and the rest of the Equipe grid. Photo: Dickon Siddall

64 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2018

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MAY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 65

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

MG on track

NEC SHOWTIME!

Y

ou would think that at my age I might have learned to keep my thoughts to myself! Having boasted that our February Goodwood event had cleverly avoided the snow that was to follow two weeks later, I must now apologise that March’s Silverstone track day had to be postponed for this very reason. The event was rescheduled for April 10 (still in the future as I write) so hopefully there was no last sting in the tail from what has felt like an interminable winter.

Our stand at the NEC Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show was always unlikely to be affected by the weather, and the feeling amongst those of us on the stand over the three days was that it was an interesting and well-organised event, with a public both informed and curious (in all senses of the word). Many car clubs and traders were exhibiting a wide variety of cars ranging from pristine to clearly beyond saving, and my guess is that the MGs that were dotted over many different stands could easily have represented the most numerous single marque. We were lucky to be adjacent to the main MG Car Club stand, so could bask in their reflected glory whilst marvelling at the polished operation displayed by these

66 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2018

seasoned professionals.....they had some pretty shiny cars on show too!

On our own stand we had a V8 MGB roadster, an MGB GT with K-series engine, numerous performance improvements and selected not least for the ability to transport the exhibition carpet, and my own 1275 Midget whose weeping heater valve and nascent rust patches seemed to address the ‘restoration’ element of the brief! However, our efforts in this regard were overshadowed by the owner of the Morgan on the stand opposite who, perhaps unwillingly, embarked upon an ultimately doomed clutch replacement; the resulting pool of oil and sawdust recreated a miniature Torrey Canyon disaster lacking only seagulls and bombers for complete authenticity.

Whilst some who visited our stand were current members who already knew the advantages and pleasures of an MGs on Track event, what really made the show worthwhile for us were the many new contacts who had previously been unaware of our track days targeted directly at the MG driver. When asked which circuits we use I was able to recite a list of most of the famous UK tracks plus a couple of slightly less well known venues, all as featured in our calendar on

these pages. In addition, the welcome information that no special equipment or car preparation was needed should hopefully ensure that we will see several fresh faces on track in the months to come. Cars need only to be roadworthy and of MOT standard, and we have a stock of helmets that can be rented for the day. Many who had never taken part in any track day were also reassured that we always have ARDS instructors available to give guidance in the unfamiliar environment of a circuit, and all of this at a very reasonable cost.

Our next event will be held at Snetterton on May 21; have a look on the website to check for late availability or to join the reserve list.

This track combines fast straights with plenty of challenging corners and is suited to both newcomers and the more experienced alike.

The venue can be reached fairly easily by those in the Home Counties or East Midlands, but those from further afield may consider joining fellow members in a local hotel on the previous night.

Again, reference to this will be on the website in ‘The Pitlane’ section.

Learning from experience, I am not offering a weather forecast for the day, but I do know that it will be fun!

www.mgcc.co.uk

MG CAR CLUB SPEED CHAMPIONSHIP MGS ON TRACK – 2018 CALENDAR

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

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

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

Snetterton – May 21 A fast and open track; long straights combined with a challenging infield section.

Croft – June 15 A shared day with Lotus on Track on a great circuit, set between the Yorkshire Dales and Yorkshire moors!

Castle Combe – June 25 The first of two annual visits to this very friendly circuit in Wiltshire.

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 (date to be confirmed) Experience this challenging circuit on a day shared with

On Sunday March 25 our season got under way with the sprint at Rockingham Raceway in Northampton. Organised by the Midlands BARC, this event is now firmly established as the season’s opener. As usually seems to be the case, the weather was dry but cold. All the more fortunate as the following week we were inundated with a patch of horrendous snow and ice, dubbed “the beast from the east”.

We were well represented by 13 cars, which is a good number so early in the season. The top three scorers were Andrew Till in his ZR 160, Peter Clark in his group four Midget and Paul Rigg driving his MG TF 135. A good mix of models and in fact the whole MG entry covered a wide range of models and ages. This demonstrates that there is something for everyone, regardless of age and power output.

This event was followed by the first of our bi-annual visits to Curborough sprint course, near Lichfield, organised by the MGCC Midlands Centre. The entry was made up largely of MGs, many of which had travelled long distances to compete. The individual scores are not to hand as I write.

However, the usual suspects were in evidence and I would be very surprised if Andy Walker, in his mighty V8 MGB, did not carry off the fastest MG position. There were a few incidents, one of which was caused by yours truly.

Having just managed to replace the engine after it expired last year, I managed to get a late entry. After a long lay-off it does not pay to assume that your limited skills are still firmly in place. On the first timed run my foot slipped off the brake pedal on to the accelerator at a very crucial point and I found myself nose down in a three-foot ditch, grinning sheepishly at the timekeeper above me.

Fortunately, there was no great damage and I managed to complete a further two runs, ending up with a fairly respectable time. Two lessons learned: firstly, make sure your racing boot soles are dry. Secondly, check the state of your towing points. I now know that mine are OK. Next event: Harewood hillclimb, my personal favourite.

the Lotus 7 Club. Overlooking the Irish Sea and with views to Snowdonia, this track offers something for all.

Goodwood – October 29 A second visit 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!

Jake Wolf in his group four Midget at Curborough

www.mgcc.co.uk

MAY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 67

OVERSEAS NEWS

MGs IN SOUTH AMERICA

By Brian Woodhams

MG3 in Santiago

This started out as a chance email to the MG Car Club of Argentina to say that Janine and I would be in Buenos Aires for a couple of days on what was a non-MG holiday! The reply came back, and yes, they would love to meet up and we were due to contact Billy Boorman, the current President, once we had settled into our hotel in the centre of Buenos Aires.

Back in 2007, Peter Best (then Chairman) and I (Overseas Director) had entertained five members of the MGCC Argentina at Kimber House and Silverstone whilst they were visiting England – see Safety Fast! of October 2007 on page 11. So it came to pass that on Sunday March 4 2018, Janine and I met up with Billy Boorman at the Cruise Ship Terminal.

Sunday is traditionally a family and friends day in Argentina, but we were soon being whisked through the northern suburbs of this vast city

68 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2018

and being shown the sights. Our destination was Pepino’s Café in an area called San Isidro. It is a street café where people with a motoring interest meet up and kick wheels and talk cars and motorbikes – Ace Café style in temperatures of 30 degrees C. We met up with four out of the five who visited in 2007 – Mario Justo, Enrique Eguia, Pablo Fernitz, and Marco Di Paolo. The fifth one, Eduardo Piatti, unfortunately has passed away.

Billy did a great job of interpreting as my Spanish is very limited. There

were four MGs lined up at the kerbside – Marco Di Paolo’s black J2, two red MGA de luxes, and a green MGB. During the very casual morning several members dropped in and made themselves known, and we performed an exchange of MG goodies to celebrate the visit. I was given a ride in the very nice MGA deluxe of Enrique Eguia as we headed for lunch at San Isidro Yacht Club. En route we were taken to Billy Boorman’s house and shown his green Triumph TR3. It was explained to us that it is not the first time that the President of the MGCC Argentina does not own an MG! After a delicious lunch we were soon being transported to another surprise – the MGCC Argentina have their own Clubhouse, complete with garage!

There are approximately 18 bays and members pay to store their MGs and can work on them if necessary.

Through the garage is an area with a barbeque grill with the Clubhouse opposite – brilliant!! A little-known fact is that an MG 14/40 won the Argentine Grand Prix on October 10 1927 at the San Martin circuit,

The Garage at the Clubhouse

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OVERSEAS NEWS

Group by the roadside

near Buenos Aires. Billy did explain that Argentina is not yet getting the modern MGs, but I have to say this is a very enthusiastic and forward-thinking Club who really enjoy and use their cars and facilities. They meet every week and often have tours to the furthest points of Argentina and even into Uruguay. They definitely belong to the Worldwide Marque of Friendship and are part of the MG family.

So, after leaving Buenos Aires we

went to Montevideo in Uruguay, down to Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands, across to Punta Arenas in Chile, down to Ushuaia in Argentina, around Cape Horn, in and out of the Chilean Fjords whilst dodging a massive storm (our planned stop at Puerto Montt was cancelled) to eventually dock at San Antonio, Chile. We were then transferred by taxi into Santiago, and it was here we saw our first modern MG! I only caught a glimpse of its

Street Advert in Santiago

Exchange of Gifts

MGCC Argentina Clubhouse

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badge and boot, but it was definitely grey and octagonal! During our day sightseeing in Santiago, we then saw an MG6 and two MG3s – the yellow one was for sale! Also, there were billboards and electronic advertising everywhere – especially at the airport.

MG is having a big push in Chile, and our taxi driver knew the name MG and told us there were older MGs there as well. This was a real MG surprise on what was supposed to be a non-MG holiday – Janine reckons I can smell them at 10 miles away!

MAY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 69

OVERSEAS NEWS

I

MG CAR CLUB D’ITALIA

n 2017 the MG CAR CLUB D’ITALIA lost its historical and legendary president, Fabio Filippello, who elevated the Club to the level of many important Clubs in Europe, thanks to the spirit of brotherhood and friendship that characterises all the MG Car Clubs.

He was succeeded by Massimo Bottoli, a young president who’s very dynamic and has the necessary experience to continue the work started by Fabio, with the ability to innovate and let the Club grow in line with the times. Massimo is

70 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2018

supported by a partially renewed board of Directors.

In 2017 the Club organised four national events in different Italian regions, and an international one held in Croatia in which 72 crews took part, coming from Italy, Europe, New Zealand and Australia with the presence of several pre-war MGs including an MG SA Tickford and an MG K1 competition car, both coming from New Zealand.

The programme of the Club in 2018 includes five national meetings: the Winter Meeting (March 16-18) in South

Tyrol, “Raid Tra I Tesori Della Puglia” (June 15-17), “Le MG Nella Citta’ Dei Papi” (September 8-9) in Liguria, “Alla Ricerca Delle Marche Perdute” (September 22-23) in Marche and Emilia Romagna. The “memorial in honour of Fabio Filippello” will be held on October 12-14 in the Sabine Hills. From May 20-26 there will be the international meeting “MG by the sea” that, for this year, has a prologue in Umbria (May 1720) where, among the other visits, the organisers will bring the participants to greet the crews of the Mille Miglia race in the beautiful town Amelia.

Piero Fusaroli International Relations Manager

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2018 MG Car Club Anglia Summer Picnic MGCC Anglia Summer Picnic at Felbrigg Hall (NT) The Anglia Summer Picnic is on Sunday July 1 at Felbrigg Hall, Felbrigg, Norwich, Norfolk NR11 8PR. Near Felbrigg village, two meters SW of Cromer entrance off B1436, signposted from A148 and A140.

A fine 17th century country house, which contains its original 18th century furniture. There is an outstanding library and a large collection of Grand Tour paintings by a single artist. The walled garden has been restored with pottage, a working dovecote and the national collection of Colchicums. The Park has way-marked walks and many fine trees plus walks to the Lake and Church. On site facilities include a visitor centre with brasserie, tearoom, shop, plant sales and a second-hand bookshop.

Event entry is at a special rate of £5.00 per MG car including NT members. Yes, that’s per CAR. Admission to the 520 acre grounds is included.

MGCC members may visit the House and Gardens as desired and pay the NT direct on the day.

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

BOOKING FORM (A photocopy is acceptable)

Entry to this event must be pre-booked.

Name __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Post Code _______________________ Phone _______________________ (in case of query) MG model _______________________ MGCC membership no _________________

Cheque enclosed for £ _________________ payable to “MGCC Anglia Centre”

Please send booking form and cheque with SAE please to: Roger Latham (MGCC Anglia Centre), 10, Hawkridge, Shoeburyness, Essex SS3 8AU phone 01702 580472 (evenings) - queries only.

CENTRES

ABINGDON WORKS

GILL MARTIN sfscribe@mgabingdon.org.uk www.mgabingdon.co.uk Hi, fellow MG drivers. As the season is well under way now, I hope you’ve all had a chance to drive your cars on at least one event.

We took our MGB out for the first time on Easter Saturday to join in the Magnettes’ event at Wallingford Railway. Sadly, the weather decided it wasn’t quite ready for spring outings and it poured all day and was extremely cold. Such a shame as people had travelled distances to attend.

The AWC held its AGM in March and, as always, we had a speaker. This year was a first for us, in that we had a lady’s view of the MG world. Anne Allison gave a delightful account of what her life has been like living with legend

Mike Allison. Not wanting to be left out altogether, Mike joined in with slides dating back to when he first got involved with MGs. Anne recounted many a tale about when they owned a garage and when Mike was racing in his Triple M car.

The Committee for this season has stayed much the same with two extra members, James Page and Catie Lake, joining in the fun.

Don’t forget, you don’t have to be on the Committee to help us out with events. If you’d like to come along and help any time, please do so.

I know some of you reading this are new to this wonderful Club and are wondering what to do first.

Well, I’m sure by now you’ve seen

ANGLIA

ROB MUIR 01206 862619 Email: scribe@mgccanglia.com Website: http://mgccanglia.com

Wow, we are into the fifth month of 2018 already, yet it only seems like yesterday that it was Christmas.

They say that time seems to go faster the older you get. Well, in that case, I must be very old!

Just some of the major Anglia Centre events that are already organised for this summer are: Concours and Pride of Ownership at MGLive!

MGLive! on the weekend of June 2-3 would not be the same without the Concours and Pride of Ownership, organised by the Anglia Centre. Originality and attention to detail will once again be to the fore.

The Anglia Centre will be having a stand in the main area in conjunction with the

www.mgcc.co.uk

Caledonian Centre, following last year’s success. If you could help out on the stand for some of the weekend it would be greatly appreciated and could entitle you to a free ticket. Contact Mike Pelling compsec@mgccanglia. com if you can help.

Anglia Summer Picnic July 1 sees the Summer Picnic visit Felbrigg Hall, a 17th century National Trust property in Norfolk.

The estate, set in 520-acre grounds, includes a walled garden, a working dovecote and the national collection of Colchicums.

There will be exclusive parking and picnic area for MGCC members.

Details can be found on the Anglia Centre website or see the full-page

MGLive! advertised. It is a huge event held annually at Silverstone.

This year it is on June 2-3. If you haven’t already bought your tickets, I suggest you contact the Car Club and buy either a single day or a weekend ticket. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

In this edition of Safety Fast! you should also find an

entry form for our Old Speckled Hen Run. This is on May 27 and is one not to miss. Do come along and join in the fun. It leaves from Radley College, near Abingdon, where you will enjoy a cream tea on your return. Have a look at all the photos from previous years on our webpage.

Anne and Mike Allison with AWC Chairman Richard Martin

advert on the previous page in this month’s Safety Fast!

Queen Vic The ever-popular Anglia Centre ‘Queen Vic’ Car Show will be held on July 8, at the Billericay Summer Fest on the common in the heart of the village. There will be around 200 places available if you would like to show your classic car; see the website for details.

Thanks to our sponsor, Peter Best Insurance, entry is free, as is onsite parking for visitors.

East Anglian Tour The Anglia Centre headline event towards the end of summer is our three-day tour in September, based at the luxurious Ufford Park Golf and Spa Hotel in Suffolk.

The tour includes two nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast at the Hotel, plus an all-day tour on the Saturday along with a cruise on

a Mississippi Paddle Boat. There are far too many attractions to list, but you can find more detail on the website and a booking form in next month’s Safety Fast!

At the time or writing there are still a few places left but be quick if you do not want to be disappointed Club Meet News The Mid Suffolk Club Meet will be holding an open evening on Friday May 11 at The Lion in Needham Market. Always a popular evening with plenty of classic cars in attendance and well worth a visit. Contact Graham Wills 01379 890732.

Anglia Centre Committee Meeting will be on May 19 at The Limes, Needham Market.

Contact, Chairman Peter Skipper 01502 731141 or Secretary Roger Moran 01502 722122.

MAY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 73

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CENTRES

CALEDONIAN

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

I’ve just realised that in the last two months of SF notes I have suggested in the first paragraph that spring is almost upon us…

Now, as I write this in April with snow falling, I have my doubts! Hopefully by the time you read this we will really be in springtime!

You are probably still in time to book for the May One Day Run on the 20th. Starting from near Edinburgh we will make our way to the Museum of Flight for lunch, a Concorde tour and a general mosey around the excellent museum. Check the website for details.

However, you are now almost certainly too late to get an entry

for our first show at Thirlestane Castle. But if you do want to enter give me a call and there may be a cancellation available.

On the same subject, please get your entries in NOW for Glamis, Dumfries and Bo’ness. And don’t forget that we will probably have a run and a dinner on the Saturday of the Bo’ness weekend.

Full details are on the website.

We have a good number of members in the Inverness and further north areas and I’m pleased to say that we have been in touch with Highland MG to form a closer relationship. As a result, we will be attending the Tain Show on June 17.

Those of us from the central

DEVON & CORNWALL YOUNG JANNER II bobslatter@hotmail.com www.mgcc.co.uk/devon-cornwall-centre/ The Centre AGM recently took place at the Bowling Club, Callington. All the Officers’ reports show the Centre to be in a good state at the moment with a slightly increased membership compared to last year.

As Wendy Keeling was standing down from two years as the first female Chairperson of the Centre, Bernard Curren was duly elected as the new Chairman. Thank you, Wendy, for your services.

Full minutes of the meeting along with the listings of Officers and Committee are on the Centre website and will also be in the latest newsletter.

However, although the Centre is holding its own at

www.mgcc.co.uk

the moment, compared to other Centres and even other Clubs, we are struggling to attract new members onto the Committee, either as full members or as volunteers to help with specific events. This will mean that in the long term, we may be unable to organise as many events as we do now or attempt something new, as all the current Committee are ageing volunteers, and there is only so much each one can take on. We need your help soon, please.

The following day, the North Cornwall Brian Williams Spring Run took place with a total of 23 cars driving a fabulous 45-mile route through

Our chairman’s latest toy!

belt will probably travel up on the Saturday, so if you are in the area and would like to meet up then for a meal somewhere and also be part of the show the following day please get in touch with me.

Also in June, on Friday 22, we have an evening Fish ‘n Chip run. Based around the Forth, it’s informal and just a bit of fun.

Check the website.

In August we will have our annual five-day event, the Highland Heather Tour. At the moment there are still places available for this event which starts from Linlithgow and

heads up to Fort William via Aviemore and the Spey Valley.

Various daily trips are organised, but if you would prefer to sit around the hotel or go for a walk then that is absolutely fine.

Again, check our website.

For all you V8 people celebrating various anniversaries this year, our regalia team have items all with a special logo. Contact Tony or Lorraine for details or see them at the various shows.

And just to update you, at our recent AGM Tony Smith was appointed Centre Chairman and I am now Vice Chair.

Mid-Cornwall in the most beautiful weather so far this year, looking for clues on the way. We all thought that we must have driven most of the roads in Cornwall over the years, especially with all the successful Cornish Riviera Runs, but we were wrong, as there were some delightfully quiet, mostly traffic-free ones still to be found.

Thanks to Rob Constant, Angus Wakeham, and Geoff and Annie Matthews for organising the run and an excellent late lunch at Lanhydrock Golf Club to finish.

Easter Weekend saw the 96th running of the Motor Cycling Club Land’s End Trial with the Centre members marshalling both the start on Good Friday and’ helping on Bishops Wood observed section on the Saturday. Thank you to

all who helped make it run as smoothly as always.

We will have held the second Spring Break Weekend trip, this time to the Ross-onWye and Forest of Dean area in Herefordshire. A report and pictures will be in the newsletter.

The Atlantic Coast Express Run on Sunday May 20 has attracted a good entry so far, but there are still spaces available, if you are quick. It is open to any model of MG and any other classic car makes.

After much deliberation of the Committee, we eventually picked a design for a Centre windscreen sticker, designed by Peter Opie. These are available free of charge to members at events or send a stamped selfaddressed envelope to Bob Slatter for one by return. The design is available on the Centre website.

MAY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 75

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CENTRES

LINCOLNSHIRE

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

May Natters: Wolds Wednesday 2; Abbey Lodge Monday 14; Wishing Well Wednesday 9; Three Horseshoes Thursday 17; Lincoln Tuesday 22; Red Cow Inn Thursday 24.

Luncheon Club: Wednesday 16.

May Events: Autosolo Sunday 13.

Success! With no interruption from the weather, the Centre’s rearranged AGM took place on March 29, at the Abbey Lodge, Woodhall Spa.

Further success – we now have a new Chairman in the shape of retiring frequent flier, Andy Rake. Andy will be supported in his quest for wold domination by Bob Welch (Vice Chairman and Webmaster), Sue Mackenzie (Hon Secretary and Points Secretary), myself (Hon Treasurer), David Stonehouse (Competitions Secretary and Centre Safeguarding Officer), Robert Taylor (Newsletter Editor), Len Hartley (Membership Secretary), and Richard Withington (Luncheon Club Co-ordinator).

Following on from our autotest on April 8, the Centre’s autosolo will take place at East Kirkby on Sunday May 13. What

MIDLANDS

SIMON MORRIS simonmorrisbmmcmgcc@gmail.com

I write these notes in the hope that the recent cold weather is gone for 2018. I only had one race meeting cancelled at Donington, but I’m aware quite a few motorsport events were affected.

Our first event of 2018, our Spring Sprint, took place at Curborough on April 8, and was very successful, with over 40 competitors, and an enormous number of spectators – the refreshments wagon worked flat-out to cope with demand for cooked breakfasts! Best of all, our new computer-based timing system worked well and found favour with the competitors, so we’ll be sticking with that for future events.

Thanks to everyone who assisted, especially the marshals who dealt

www.mgcc.co.uk

with several ‘offs’ in their usual efficient manner.

I start 2018 still as a trainee Clerk of the Course for sprints, and still waiting to witness the elusive Stewards appeal that I need to complete my training. Hopefully one of the many events I attend this year will deliver someone with bad driving habits and the money/ determination to argue their point all the way. Not something I would normally be hoping for, I assure you.

An event that will occur just after you receive the May SF! Notes is the Bromsgrove Taster Trial on April 29 at East Lodge Farm.

Late entries and offers to marshal will be welcome. Contact Adrian (adrian.tpeake@tiscali.co.uk 01527 878388).

is the difference between the two events, I hear you ask... well, in both events, you are given your own copy of the test diagrams, which you might want to commit to memory.

The main difference is that in an autotest, the driving is in both forward and reverse directions, with some short-term memory required, as the route you take around the cones has to correspond to the diagram provided by the organiser, with no clues once you’re on the test (other than your copy of the route to which you can refer).

In an autosolo, the driving is in a forward direction only, and route guidance is by way of numbered cards in numerical order, or lettered cards in alphabetical order, which appear atop the route cones, so your only issue is to look for the next one on

the ‘list’. Far simpler, but probably sees more competitors talking to themselves as they go along, to help them fix where they are on the ‘list’. I know I do! Both types of event are great introductions to competitive motorsport and good fun.

Please look on our website, or contact David Stonehouse (davidstonehouse1@btinternet. com) on 01790 754774 for details on how to enter.

Don’t forget, the first of the Natter-based series of Landlord’s Choice pride of ownership events will be on Monday May 14 at The Abbey Lodge.

Spring is definitely here!

And almost here is MGLive! at Silverstone on June 2-3; whether a polisher, or performer, we’ll see you there.

The picture shows the majority of our new Centre Committee.

On May 11-13, the Centre will be organising our annual social event, the Welsh Rallye, this year based in Aberystwyth.

As we go to print we still have a few places available for a last-minute entry, so if you are interested please contact Roger King rogerking43@gmail.com phone 0121 476 6649.

A little closer to home, you may be interested in the Charnwood Caper on May 13.

Starting from Quorn & Woodhouse station to Rufford Abbey Country Park. Contact Colin on 07583 231393 for more details.

The Coffee Morning Run advertised in our various calendars for the May 23 will not now take place, owing to space restrictions at the museum. It is hoped that an alternative date can be arranged later in the year. Watch our website for details.

Looking forward to June, the Midland Centre will again be organising the campsite marshals for MGLive! at Silverstone. I personally will be assistant Clerk of the Course and Chief Marshal on the Stowe circuit sprint on Sunday 3. If you wish to help with camping please contact Scott 07852 276234 or Jason 07814 149949. If you wish to help out as a marshal on the Sprint please contact me on simonmorrisbmmcmgcc@ gmail.com This year the sprint is being organised by the MG race committee, and therefore any marshal can attend a free BBQ on Saturday night if they want to get on site early.

Later in June we have the Ratae Run and the Midland Centre Touring Run, both on June 10. On June 17 we hope to be running our first AutoSolo at Bruntingthorpe. Please see website for full details.

MAY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 77

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MG Car Club – SE Centre

Tour of the South East Windmills - 20th May 2018 This year we have a unique one-off special event to tempt you and your MG out on the road. We have a tour that visits seven windmills in the Redhill/Reigate area, which includes a wide variety of windmills from ‘smock’ to ‘post’ varieties, and one a wind-driven saw mill. We have obtained special access to quite a few of these windmills, which is unlikely to be repeated.

The event starts at Priory Farm Nursery, South Nutfield. RH1 4EJ, and finishes at the relocated windmill at Charlwood, where we have arranged for tours of the windmill, while people enjoy a barbeque lunch.

Cars should aim to leave the garden centre around 10.00am, having signed on and received their route instructions, so that they can get round all the windmills before the barbeque starts at 1.00pm, when the first tour of the windmill also starts. The garden centre is specially opening up for us from 9.30am for coffee/teas, and a special MG parking area is being designated.

Some windmills are in private land, but we have permission from some owners to walk round their windmills and take photographs. The special saw mill will be open and working especially for us. This is the only remaining wind saw mill in the country.

At Charlwood, we shall also be running a Pride of Ownership competition for pre-55 and post-55 cars for the Woodcroft and Black Horse trophies.

We shall be allowing people to come straight to Charlwood if they find the start inconvenient, but they will still need to pre-book the barbeque and any tour of the windmill there, as we need to know how many people to cater for.

For further details and entry forms contact Philip Bayne-Powell 01483 811428 email 1942mgman@gmail.com or log on to the SE Centre website at www.mgccse.co.uk 78 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2018

www.mgcc.co.uk

CENTRES

NORTH WEST PAUL GOODMAN 01625 876300

First this month is a final reminder of our Anglesey Sprint weekend, taking place on Saturday May 5 and Sunday May 6. We have a superb entry of drivers and cars who will be tackling two laps of the short circuit on the first day and one lap of the long track on day two. There is still time to volunteer to help and you can just turn up on the day if you want to.

The event is open to spectators and there are some brilliant photographic opportunities.

On the social front, The Old Hall Farm Pub meeting will be held on Tuesday May 8 followed a week later by the Plough and Flail gathering on Tuesday May 15. Slotted in between these is the Candles Run on May 13.

There may still be places left to

go on the run, but if not, it is worth going to view the superb entry of historic cars taking part.

Our lunchtime meeting will be on Wednesday May 30 at The Golden Pheasant, Plumley Moor Road, Plumley, WA16 9RX. On Sunday May 20 we have our Scammonden Dam Hillclimb.

Many of you will have driven across the dam on the M62, but probably not realised that there is a motor sport venue below it.

The steep and winding tarmac road from the base of the dam to level with the motorway forms the hillclimb. We will need helpers to run the event – both on and off track. You will always be with somebody experienced and it is a good taster day for newcomers. You can also

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

The classic ‘MG driving season’ is finally upon us! After a cool and wet Easter break April SE events were well attended as we finally enjoyed a rise in temperature.

It’s now time to get out to one of the 14 South East Natters which cover all parts of the region or one of the lunchtime monthly Wanderer events; all details of these are on the MGCC SE website: www.mgccse.co.uk and in the 2018 SE calendar events and activities supplement.

Other forthcoming events in the SE: The MGCC SE Isle of Wight Rally is from May 4-7. If you are still interested contact Derek

www.mgcc.co.uk

Edwards: Edwards.mgmadness@ ntlworld.com Saturday May 12 Ladies Day has been cancelled.

Sunday May 20 is the Tour of the South East Windmills and BBQ which looks like a very exciting event. The starting point will be Prior Farm Nursery, South Nutfield RH1 4EJ (the Garden Centre will be opening from 9:30am for coffee/teas) finishing at Charlwood Windmill where there will be a BBQ and tours of the windmill. The suggested driving route will take in up to 11 windmills, with some open to visit; however alternative routes can be taken for those travelling a greater distance. There will be plenty

spectate, but if you intend to do that, then please park near the water and walk through the foot tunnel under the motorway.

Just into June, we have MGLive! on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3. There will be two races for the Cockshoot Cup drivers over the weekend and the special MGF 20th anniversary race. On Sunday, the sprint will take place on the Stowe Circuit.

This is a round of the MG Speed Championship and several other clubs will be bringing their sportscar competitors to join us.

You can help to run the meeting by volunteering to marshal or come and spectate. The Stowe Circuit is within the southern part of the Grand Prix Circuit, with viewing from the roof of the administrative building. You can catch one of the free buses from the arena area or drive down the indicated access road.

Finally, advance information about the Plough and Flail concours to be held on Tuesday June 19. This will be bigger than ever with special food and drink services provided by the pub.

MGs in the Paddock at Scammonden Dam. Photo: David Coulthard

to see on the route, with notes issued showing a grid reference and history of each windmill.

MGLive! is the premier event of the year taking place on June 2-3 2018 at Silverstone (NN12 8TN) so either return your booking forms or book online https://shop.mgcc.co.uk If you would like to volunteer to help out on the MGCC SE stand please contact Ian Ailes iailes@as-r.co.uk The Summer Gathering takes place Sunday July 15 at Hollycombe Steam in the Country, in Liphook GU30 7LP. Please contact Philip Bayne Powell on 01483 811428 or 1942mgman@gmail.com for more details.

Finally, you may have heard the Spring Naviscat had to be cancelled due to heavy snowfall,

so I am sure competitors will be ready to do battle again in October for the autumn session!

Fairmile Natter hosted a very successful evening with Roger Dudding on his collection of cars with over 30 attendees. The good news is you will get a second opportunity to visit this collection in October so watch this space for more details.

MGA Twin Cams at Brooklands.

Photo: Ray Ruffels

MAY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 79

Two tours through history - one magnificent finish!

MG CAR CLUB TYNE-TEES CENTRE Sunday 8th July 2018

30th Anniversary (1988 – 2018)

PRINCE BISHOPS RUN

ST. CUTHBERT’S RUN

Carlton to Durham City

Newbiggin to Durham City

This 90 mile route starting from the This 95 mile route starts from Lordstones splendid Maritime Centre at Newbiggin Country Park near the Cleveland Way at by the Sea, overlooking the bay on the Carlton Bank, and takes in some breathNorthumberland coastline, takes in taking scenery over wonderful driving stunning scenery over superb driving roads, then onwards across the County roads in Northumberland, then onwards Palatine of Durham, following parts of across the County Palatine of Durham the routes taken by the medieval Prince to St. Cuthbert’s final resting place.

Bishops travelling north to Durham.

Both runs come together in Durham City and end at Palace Green in front of the World Heritage Site of Durham Cathedral by kind permission of Durham University.

ENTRY FORM

Please enter details below:

Your details: Mr/Mrs/Ms: First Name: Surname: Address: Postcode: Home Tel: Mobile: Email: MG Car Club Membership Number (if applicable): Total number in car: including Driver, Navigator and any additional Passenger(s): Your Car’s details: Make: Registration:

Model:

Years owned:

Year:

Now please select which run you would like to enter, and any pre-booked breakfast requirements.

Prince Bishops Run

St. Cuthbert’s Run

Bacon or sausage breakfast rolls are available at the start, and can be pre-booked for £3.50 each, so if you wish to pre-order, please include with your payment.

Bacon or sausage breakfast rolls are available at the start, and can be pre-booked for £2.50 each, so if you wish to pre-order, please include with your payment.

 I would like to pre-pay for bacon Y/N sausage Y/N

 I would like to pre-pay for bacon Y/N sausage Y/N

breakfast rolls @ £3.50 each

breakfast rolls @ £2.50 each

Entry fee £17.50 per car for MGCC members, £20.00 for non-members. All entrants will receive a Rally Plate, Tulip style Route Book, and based on 2 people per car, a hot drink at the start and a cream tea at the finish.

Refreshments for any extra passengers are charged at £5.00 per person, so please include with your payment.

Total payment (entry fee + any pre-paid breakfast items) = £ …………….

Please send your form and payment by post to: Noel Lindford, 3 Springbank, Peterlee, Co. Durham, SR8 1FA, making cheques payable to MGCC Tyne-Tees Centre. Email: noel.lindford@btinternet.com If you have Internet banking (BACS) facility and would like to pay by this method the details are as follows: Sort Code: 40-43-13 Account No: 41051067 quoting PBR or SCR and your surname as a reference.

Closing date for entries: 28th June 2018

Both events will have MSA approval

* Limited to 60 cars in total *

CENTRES

SOUTH WEST

DAVID JACOBS 07989 898348 Email: d.jacobs2006@btinternet.com www.mgccsw.com The weather down here in the West Country has been particularly wet this spring, cold and icy, and we’ve also had loads of the white stuff. What I’m leading up to is to describe the conditions faced by entrants in the Kimber Classic Trial on April 7. Three sections had to be totally abandoned, deemed to be unsuitable for anything with wheels, other than amphibian-type transport. So great credit to you

guys in cars, some built as far back as the 1920s, who managed to complete the course without much drama. We had an entry of 29 cars, with four non-starters.

I was rather impressed with the story told by Kim Jenkins driving an MG M Type. Kim and co-driver had set off third on the starting grid, but there was no sign of them during our lunch stop at the Camelot Inn in South Cadbury.

TYNE TEES

TONY WOOD anthony@scrutonvillage.co.uk

The Beast from the East managed to disrupt our AGM, scheduled for March 1, so a week later the promise of a free buffet tempted 32 brave souls to Coulby Manor, where the existing Committee was duly re-elected and sausage rolls and sandwiches duly scoffed. With no signs of dissention in the ranks a good time was had by all.

Another catering-led success was the Sunday Lunch run organised by Dennis Hope. 21 members including two welcome visitors from the Caledonian Centre (obviously in need of good Northern fare) enjoyed an excellent run in lovely spring weather and a memorable meal at the Jersey Farm, near Barnard Castle.

www.mgcc.co.uk

Continuing the foodie theme, David Alexander is organising the Northern Natter Treasure Hunt and Supper run on Saturday May 12; details from David on 01670 861178 or david.alexander2012@ btinternet.com To work off any excess calories why not try the Production Car Autotest the following day (13th) at a new venue, Eden Park in Hartlepool; contact Tony Coates on 07470 377317 or tonycoates2003@gmail.com for regs and further details.

Other things looming large include the MG weekend of the year, MGLive! June 2-3.

You would have to be a hermit crab not to know about all the goodies on offer at this year’s

As everyone else was preparing to set off for the afternoon sections, being suitably fed and watered they suddenly appeared.

Apparently, their radiator had decided to part company with the spigot connecting the top hose, losing all the engine coolant along a stretch of public road. This necessitated a hasty stop and a lot of head-scratching until a passing motorist stopped to inquire if he could be of assistance.

“Not unless you’ve got some soldering equipment,” said Kim. “As a matter of fact, I have,” said the Good Samaritan. They later found out that this guy did a bit of rallying, and just happened to have the right bit of kit to carry out the repair. How lucky was that?

It must be something about the sight of our old cars that brings out the best in people.

The photo, provided by Jim Lott, shows them completing the final section, Pitcombe Hill, in fine spirits. It also shows that you don’t have to be as old as your car to take part and clearly, the repair was a good ‘un!

Other things I should mention include the SW AGM held on March 6, which sadly yours truly couldn’t attend as I was in slightly warmer climes. Anyway, the committee has been re-elected with no changes to report.

Don’t forget the Wye Valley Run on May 20. This year will be a different format from previous years, and instead of meeting at Symonds Yat, we will now start from Aust Services on the M48 and the run will take us to Croft Castle, Leominster.

Keep an eye on the South West Register website for further details.

event, given the coverage throughout Safety Fast! so suffice to say that if you have never been don’t hesitate to rectify that situation.

Finally, a pre event plug for Scruton Fete on June 16, where all are welcome to take part in the “Interesting Car” display, a suitably wide category into which any MG will fit. This is a traditional Village Fete, this year featuring a brass band, clog dancing, a

WWI hospital display and loads of food. Scruton is about one mile off the A1M junction 51 at Leeming Bar; contact Tony Wood on 07885 654795 or anthony@scrutonvillage.co.uk for details.

That’s probably a large enough cornucopia of delights for you all to deal with in one set of notes but finally, don’t forget that the Pride of Ownership awards begin at both Natters in May, so get polishing!

Ian Whyte and Lucy Armstrong having competitive fun at a PCA Autotest last year

MAY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 81

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CENTRES

YORKSHIRE

his two-year term as Natter Leader but decided to continue for another year and Steve has committed to another year as Centre Chairman at the Centre AGM. Steve also received the Founder’s trophy presented to the Natter last year by Brian and Val Lewis and awarded by the SY Natter leader.

West – David Copeman Hopefully you will be reading this in brilliant May sunshine? The March AGM reports were well received by an attentive audience of 50-plus members, with the officials and committee members being unanimously re-elected for another term. For the first time since 2004 we missed this year’s April Fool’s Day Daffodil Run due to Carol fracturing three bones in her foot. The Pride of Ownership will be on June 19.

East – Chris Moore Entries have been coming in for The Wolds Way Run on May 13, but don’t worry if you think you are too late to enter. We have additional parking at the start at Queen’s Gardens. This is a new route inviting you to travel through the beautiful Yorkshire Wolds then across to the coast, on to Holderness before returning to Hull, UK City of Culture.

Tiger – Pete Welbourn How lucky was that – one of the few spring days this March was the Wednesday of our first Luncheon Run. The cool but sunny weather persuaded 19 members to enjoy lunch at the Black Horse in Little Weighton.

The MG marque was well represented, Nick’s TA being the oldest, Colyn’s MG3 the youngest, with my B and a

DAVID COPEMAN 07920 064585 www.mgccyorkshire.co.uk North – Nick Mann Our March Natter took the form of a most enjoyable talk from one of the senior rangers who covers the Dales National Park.

We spend a lot of time driving the roads around the Dales, taking in the glorious sights, so the subject matter of the evening seemed very appropriate. Rob gave us a fantastic behind-thescenes insight into what goes on to keep the Dales looking their best for the many thousands of visitors who come to enjoy the beauty and magnificence of the Yorkshire Dales each year.

South – Geoff Norcliffe Despite the ongoing winter weather, members continued to turn out in numbers to the March Natter. Malcolm has completed

ULSTER

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

What a winter it has been, with snow and freezing conditions off and on from November until April! Not good for taking MGs out for a canter, and then heavy snow unfortunately caused postponement of our Annual Dinner and Prize-giving until late April.

However for the Centre’s round of the ANICC Autotest Championship at Bishopscourt, near Downpatrick on March 24, the sun split the skies making the day very pleasant for competitors and officials. Excellent tests devised by Colin Earney created a worthy championship round

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in which MGs played their part well. The tests were set up on recently resurfaced racetrack, so were billiard-table smooth but extremely grippy (perhaps a shower of rain or snow would have helped?). Competitors were effectively split between Championship and Clubmen and Legends and standards were topnotch with more complex tests set for Championship contenders.

Winner overall was reigning champion, Paul Mooney, from a hard-charging Steven Ferguson, both in the Mini/Vauxhall Specials. The Clubman round was convincingly won by Richard

Earney in the heavy road-going Mini, a superb result of neat and economical driving. David Jenkins took the Legends class in his Westfield special, from Noel Cochrane in his Toyota-engined MG Midget, whose anti-roll bar became detached from the car.

A good turnout of members met for a ‘Nosh & Natter’ at the Poachers Pocket, Lisbane, on February 28. We drove through snow, blizzard and icy road conditions to get there and home again. As the food, company and positive feedback were great, it prompted us to hold another one in April and then bi-monthly in The Poachers Pocket. Info re these will be posted in Safety Fast!, the website and FB. The Centre held its AGM on March 22 where John Clarke was

couple of modern Fs in between.

Mel and I have just returned from scouting the route for our April run to the St. Quinten Arms in Harpham. You will be pleased to hear the route today included a couple of floods, lots of mud, more than a few pot holes, but finished on a high with the best toad in the hole I have tasted.

Vale of York – Ken Cothliff The inclement weather meant a smaller attendance than usual.

We discussed arrangements for the Canada Run, the first major event run by this Natter. It’s on May 20 and entry forms can be downloaded from the Yorkshire Centre website. The run combines WW2 history with a spectacular run north of York.

Hopefully by the time you read this, the white stuff will have gone, and spring proper will be here.

re-elected Chairman. Due to key members stepping down, the Committee is badly in need of new members for the coming year so would welcome anyone who can help with organising events.

We applied to the Douglas Mickle Trust and received £1,000 from them to assist with the purchase of our lovely new trailer which now travels to all our events. All we need now is somebody with a tow-bar!

Dates for your Diary: May 15 Autotest May 20-24 Jubilee Tour. 60 MG cars will be parked up in the Joymount carpark, Carrickfergus (beside WW2 Tank) and heading away from about 11.30am.

Come along and see them off.

MAY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 83

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REGISTERS

TRIPLE M

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

By the time you’re reading these notes the season will be well under way and MMMs will be about to steal the show (again) at the MGCC Brands Hatch meeting. I hope to see as many of you as possible there to enjoy the racing and

Mark Smith and J2 en route to first MMM on the Kimber Trial.

Photo: Cat Spoelstra

hospitality, with fingers crossed for the weather.

The Kimber Trial has come and gone (just), with Mark Smith in his J2 stealing MMM honours (we’ll refrain from mentioning T Types and Austin Sevens)! It was an eventful weekend, very challenging due to the very wet weather we had in March, necessitating much cleaning afterwards. A full report will appear in our next spread in the June issue of this tome, but needless to say, those who couldn’t make it missed a cracker.

Upcoming Events: The Register AGM will be on Sunday June 17 at Kimber House.

Now, this is your opportunity

SVW

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

Bookings for the SVW Jane Austen, Bristol and Bath Tour continue apace. All details can be found on the website and in the past issues of Safety Fast!

The SVW Register AGM will take place during the above event when there are likely to be changes on the committee.

If anyone would like to consider joining the committee, please get in touch. This is not only restricted to UK-based members.

We thank those members who took the time to contact us about the future of The SVW Review (please see previous issues). Your views are important and if anyone else would like to drop us a line it’s not too late to

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have your say.

This is an important year for me and my VA Tourer. Other members’ cars will be 80 years old this year, too. Do you celebrate the build date or its first registration date? In my case, I’m going the whole hog!

I will have owned my car for 50 years on May 23 (see original invoice), the build date is June 9 and the first registration date is July 30. I bought it from a garage in Woking in 1968 and the premises are still operating as a garage, although now a Seat dealership. I contacted the general manager who is only too pleased for me to take the VA back to the garage on

to have your say on how the Register is run and despite various formats in recent years, attendance has been shall we say…limited. We’ll have a Grinding Wheel, so feel free to bring your own axe! As a way of encouragement to those attending, there’ll also be a buffet lunch and we hope to tour some or the pre-war factory test routes beforehand for good measure. Details from: George Eagle at geaglemgl2@pipex.com, or Dick Morbey: richard.morbey@ gmail.com.

Mystery Photo: Last month’s photo did not result in the deluge of email I was expecting (perhaps it was the month?). However, far from being photoshopped, a few of you did notice valve cut-outs in the pistons and what appeared to be a very short stroke (for a MMM) in the picture. The engine is in fact the 500cc motor built by Bob Jones, which took a clutch of National and two International records way back in the mists of time and which has been gathering dust under a bench for several decades.

Kimber Trial Lunch, with added sunshine. Photo: Jeremy Hawke

May 23 and park it on the forecourt where I remember first seeing it. I then contacted a local newspaper and they’re now planning to send out a reporter that day, when photos will be taken. They also put me in touch with a local historian who is writing up the story, so it’s rather taken on a life of its own.

Photos of your own celebrations would be well received.

A recent SVW NZ newsletter mentioned several SVWs: VAs 0707, 0864, 1074, 1348, 1770 and 2481, and SAs 0482 and 0678 are in various states of restoration. Gary Wall has reported that he’s started work on WA 0271 that he found in

Devon in 2006, since when he’s been acquiring parts. Several others have changed hands.

By the time you read this, the MG Era Day at Brooklands will have come and gone. It looks like the turn-out will be impressive – photos next month.

MAY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 85

REGISTERS

Y TYPE

JERRY BIRKBECK jerrybirkbeck@btinternet.com www.mgccyregister.co.uk Tel: 01926 258691 Mob: 07855 566325 Practical Classics Restoration Show at the NEC I attended the Practical Classics Restoration Show at the NEC over the last weekend in March and was fortunate enough to have the YT on the MG Octagon Stand. I was also delighted to see Tim Griggs’ excellent YA (Y6814), a May 1951 model which he has owned since the age of 17 (and purchased for £12 – when he was still at school). Although in extended storage until 1993 it has been well maintained and is much like it was when built 67 years ago, save for the University Motors modifications of a heater and radio aerial.

It has been a regular entrant in our Spring Runs, indeed winning the NTG Cup for the best YA/YT in 2002 and is well cared-for and still regularly used. Tim was working on his brakes and in particular the new master cylinder he had fitted. He explained that he had experienced problems on his way up from London with the brake pedal slow to return after being applied. After closely consulting the original workshop manual he discovered that the small hole in the master cylinder wall to the reservoir, which is intended to allow the slave cylinders to retract, was non-existent!

One of the benefits of working on your vehicle at a show of this

MAGNETTE

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

You may have noticed that magnette.org has now been online for 18 years, almost vintage in the web world. Gunter has decided it’s a good time to stand down as webmaster, so I’d like to thank him on your behalf for all his work. I’ll be doing my best to keep the site updated, and Gunter will still be very much involved with the Register – he and Anja are organising the European Magnette event June 28-July 1 (details on the website of course!).

Magnettes & Steam, March 31 Easter Saturday wasn’t ideal weather to kick off the Register events season, being cool and damp, but at least the threatened

86 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2018

snow didn’t materialise, and our day at the Cholsey and Wallingford Railway in Oxfordshire was actually very enjoyable.

The C&W is a short branch from the mainline station at Cholsey to the small town of Wallingford, closed by British Rail in 1959, then reopened as a preserved railway in 1981. It doesn’t have permanent steam engines, but there’s vintage diesels, and Wallingford station has a decent size car-park and a small cafe. David Halliday offered to bring a bit of his native Australia to the proceedings by running a barbecue – perhaps rather optimistic for the UK in March, but local owner Peter

Peter Sharp continues the rebuild of his YB 1127 Peter successfully started up his the engine on the YB he is rebuilding, for the first time in 47 years. He was so pleased that he sent a note round:

“I just had to tell someone that I’ve had the engine running in my YB, first time it’s been live since about 1971! All I’ve got to do now is make it driveable.”

I replied: Great news, Peter. Since you have just less than five weeks to get it drivable that ought to be okay! As you live in Bedfordshire you can always get it taken back home and your regular Y on the road as a replacement. Have fun!

He responded: Yes, just the matter of seats, roof lining, trim, woodwork, glass, door mechanism, etc, etc.

The spraying’s not finished yet, either. It’ll be the Y for Spring Run but I’m hoping to take the YB to Wales.

So, all being well, Peter’s 1953 YB will be with us at Llanerchindda, in Wales, in late June.

Bonthrone was duly recruited to bring along a gas bbq. Thanks are due to him, and of course to David and Kerri, for organising and cooking the food.

There were 17 Z Magnettes in total, although a couple only stayed briefly, with several other MGs as well. After a dry start to the day, showers set in, so there was less activity around the parking area and more gathering in the station buffet and around the barbecue and gazebo. Most of us

enjoyed the short ride to Cholsey and back, a sausage sandwich and a chat, before heading for home from about 3pm.

Our next event is the Stanford Hall ‘Small Rallies Day’, near Rugby, on May 27.

You can just turn up and pay £5/person on the gate, but John Harris would appreciate a call (01604 642662) so he can give the organisers approximate numbers to help with tearoom catering.

nature is that you can generally find the part you want. In this case Tim needed a long, fine drill. He visited the Draper stand and they were able to provide him with the necessary item the following morning.

Tim was able with very great care to drill the hole and then refit the master cylinder – not a straightforward job, but he achieved his objective without too much fuss.

He then took his time and carefully cleaned the brakes and bled the system so that he was able to have a fully working system that he was more than happy to drive back to London in!

Barbecue at Wallingford

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REGISTERS

MGA

EDWARD VANDYK 01488 608810 mgascribe@vandyk.co.uk MG Era 2018 was wet. There is no other way of describing it, not impossibly wet, but wet nevertheless. However, MG owners are nothing if not stoic and there were many smiling faces reconnecting with other enthusiasts after the winter.

MG Era was a big day for the MGA Twin-Cam, the start of its 60th birthday celebrations which will culminate in a re-creation of the launch event at Chobham on July 14. At MG Era eight cars, including the famous Le Mans class winner SRX 210, were

MIDGET

Dennis Wharf 01296 714232 dennis@loisweedon.net Writing in late March, it seems odd to be mentioning what we are planning for MGLive!, but for sure by the time you see these notes the big Silverstone MG jamboree will be but a few weeks away - so what is the Register doing?

Well, for starters things are a little different this time as each Register will have its own mini marquee, so please drop by and say hello, for it’s always good to put a face to a name and meet fellow enthusiasts.

If you fancy imitating Lewis H, don’t forget to book your circuit tour as these are selling out fast.

Saturday will see the autotest take place in the old arena area, and on Sunday we have a

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round of our race Championship on the full GP course, plus the concours and the pride of ownership where there are some lovely trophies up for grabs. In addition, the sprint will also be taking place on the Stow circuit where, as always, an excellent number of Spridgets will be competing. You can get there by either driving around the perimeter road or by using the classic Bristol double-decker bus.

If there was enough interest, would it be worth us considering an impromptu Natter on the Saturday afternoon? With a few drinks and nibbles, it would give us all a chance to meet, have a general chin-wag, and discuss ideas for future Register activity.

given pride of place outside the main building gathered around an MG Octagon. The ‘whites’ are reproductions of the overalls worn by MG mechanics in period with Twin-Cam emblazoned front and rear.

Drive it Day will have come and gone before this issue of Safety Fast! Lands on your doormat; let’s hope I can report it was a dry and sunny day.

Scottish MGA Day is definitely going to happen, the date is Sunday July 28. It will start and finish in the motorwayaccessible Stirling area. Details and reservations are now up on the Caledonian Centre website, www.mgcaledonian.com/ event/2018-scottish-mga-day/ The May MGA Register Spring 2019 Tour “Mynyddoedd a Mor” will be from Friday May 17 to Sunday May 19 and will be

based in North Wales – Anglesey and Snowdonia. More details in the next issue of Safety Fast!

Following on from last month’s Safety Fast! Twin-Cam newsletter, Walter Prechsl from Obersulm, Germany, has sent a photograph of his very neat ‘cubby box’ installed in his 1959 MGA 1600. You will note it is in part an octagon!

We enjoyed the first round of the Spridget Championship on April 7, it going to David Morrison who, following a brilliant start, simply drove away from all in true Senna style. There was some good dicing further down the field, especially among the class E cars, Paul Campfield emerging on top. Photo shows all anyone saw of David Morrison.

Finally, just a reminder of the British Sports Car Weekend at Donington on July 14-15, where we are joining the Morgan Club. Camping is available, plus Register parking.

The race programme looks mouth-watering, so to get a discounted ticket, just quote MGDON on the MSV website when ordering.

MAY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 87

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MG TF 1954, 1250CC Red with original red interior and black carpets.

This car was originally exported to Switzerland and was always been right hand drive, in 2001 it was re-imported to this country after having a mechanical restoration over there.

It is a very genuine car with a great MG number plate, lovely history with black and white pictures of the family that owned it when new, it has recently had new wire wheels and tyres fitted and comes with good weather gear and heritage certificate.

This TF drives beautifully. £28,995.

Stunning Morris 8 Calshot, 1932, Sporting body by Cunard Coachworks of Acton.

Restored by GB Engineering back in the 90’s and recently re-commissioned by ourselves.

The car is believed to be only one of three remaining intact and has been in the same family for many years, it is in beautiful condition and drives well, 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 very special car and deserves to go to a good home. £17,995.

. . .Thanks to the great access from my new Motorpit, I’ve nearly finished the race preps.

No more ‘all nighters’ on the garage floor” “That’s wonderful Sydney – now get to bed.”

The Finest Covers for Your Mercedes 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 service and MOT so ready to be enjoyed. £24,000.

SuperSafe Motorpits The ‘Fireguard’ gelcoated GRP Motorpit moulding contains any spillages for easy clean-up, dry – no humidity. Airduct extraction and vapour alarm options. Motorpits from 2–4.5m long, seated or stand in models

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REGISTERS

V8

VICTOR SMITH 0208 392 9434 victorsmith@v8register.net www.v8register.net V8 40th Anniversary 2018 There is a programme of anniversary events in the week running up to MGLive! The events include a visit to the Birmingham Symphony Hall on Wednesday May 30 when two organists in the V8 Register will contribute to this event. Further details of the access and parking arrangements will be available in a briefing webpage for the event on the ‘More’ web page.

On Thursday May 31 there will be a visit to the house and gardens at Packwood House, south of Birmingham. On Friday June 1 there will be a guided tour of the seven-storey brewery at Hook Norton, followed by lunch at the brewery cafe. In the

evening we have a V8 Dinner at the Star Inn in Sulgrave, near Silverstone.

The V8 Technical Day will be on Saturday July 14 at Club Office. This year the V8 Tour will be in Derbyshire from Sunday 2 to Thursday September 6. On Saturday September 8 we have a meeting at Aldon in the West Midlands, with rolling road sessions including a fuelling setup check, timing adjustment check and at least two power plots. Members will need to book a session and spectators will be very welcome.

Full details and booking arrangements for all these V8 Anniversary events are available on our ‘More’ web page.

FWD

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

So, yet again, the last month has been a very successful one for the FWD Register. At the end of March we attended the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration show.

We displayed three cars: an MG Metro 1300, an MG Metro Turbo and a Metro Cooper. What is the MG link with a Cooper, some of you may ask? The Cooper predates the MG Metro and was

a genuine product of the John Cooper Garages, contrary to the opinions and comments of many.

Not too much is known, but it is believed that around four cars were done; however there is only one left. It features custom interior, twin carburettors and tuned engine with custom Cooper graphics, amongst other features.

MOT exemption from May The MOT exemption changes will become available from May 20 2018. We have clear information for MGV8 enthusiasts on the MOT exemption available for a car manufactured or registered for the first time at least 40 years previously, of a type no longer in production, has been historically preserved or maintained in its original state and has not undergone substantial changes in the technical characteristics of its main components in the last 30 years. To discuss any matter relating to the DfT Substantial Change Guidance or VHI eligibility or the MOT exemption procedure, see our contact on the ‘More’ web page.

Data protection changes For the new GDPR data protection regulations in May

The idea was turned down by BL who not too long after launched the MG Metro which, when you think about it, is on very similar lines to the Cooper idea. Could things have been different? It is one of those “what could have been” stories so typical of BL. The car has unfortunately fallen into a very poor state, having being stored in an alleyway for many years. It is now in the safe hands of Chris Dawson who plans to get the car back on the road.

Another event that occurred

FWD Register display at the NEC Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show www.mgcc.co.uk

Chris Dodds, a strong V8 Register supporter in Australia who sadly died so young

2018 we have a briefing note on the purpose and use of the data the V8 Register collects and holds. See our ‘More’ web page: www.v8register.net/more. htm Contact the V8 Registrar to update your data, make enquiries as to the data held on the V8 database, have access to your data and make any corrections, or give notice if you wish to have your data erased.

during that weekend involved myself. As mentioned last month, I had found out that I had been shortlisted for the National Car Club Awards Young Member of the Year. Well, I am thrilled to say that I won. I was not expecting to and was both honoured and humbled at the same time. At the end of the day, I just enjoy what I do, working on my cars, organising a few shows, dealing with the countless people you meet doing this and never expected to be recognised for it. It really was a great evening.

We’ve just completed our Spring Run, full report from Tanya Field next month. What I can say, though, is this is the first time in the three years of this event I was able to complete this in an FWD car, as during previous years my Metro was a massive Meccano set being restored.

MAY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 89

REGISTERS

MGF

and we have a full complement of committee members.

The evening, as already hinted at, included a dinner and the Awards, the results of which are on the website.. Keith had been cunning here for his last awards ceremony and awarded them to people who couldn’t be with us on the night, thus speeding up the ceremony considerably! There were some there, however, and David and Andrea Koskela received the Priest’s trophy for Significant Contribution to the Club for their participation and support, including financial, over many years. The Mays and the Wrights were also there and received Special Awards from the outgoing Chairman for their help at shows and organising events respectively.

It was a good weekend and a good start to our fundraising year for the RNLI. Look out

for further events this year, including a meet at Chatham Dockyard in the summer to visit the RNLI Museum. Meanwhile, we had a busy April with multi meets at Brooklands MG Era (very wet), Amberley (formerly Arundel which was cancelled as too wet with a week to go), MGOC event and the Norfolk Classic Car Club Run (which may be wet but hasn’t happened yet as I write!). Look on the Regional Facebook pages – most regions are becoming very active now, particularly our busy Central Region under Rich Maddox, the South East, Thames Valley, South Wales, Somerset and Dorset, Devon and Cornwall…well, the list is quite long so please find your local Region from our website or forum and please support all their activities.

Cofton Park was declared too wet to use. The irony was that the day JOHN THOMPSON Tel: 07854 275541 itself was very warm and sunny. johnt5@btinternet.com www.mgcc.co.uk/zedregister This may have deterred some from attending, but during the course of Events and Shows the morning Lowhill Lane filled up an admiring audience and certainly April always seems to be a busy completely with cars. Other visitors contributed to the overall success month and there is so much to attended the pop-up PoL at the of the show. Being able to have all write about. We begin, however, nearby Wythall Transport Museum. three variants of Zeds on display at the NEC over the weekend Walking around the lane it was was brilliant, especially a ZT V8 as of March 23-25 for the Practical great to see such a mix of vehicles 2018 marks the 15th anniversary Classics Classic Car & Restoration which were built behind the iconic of their launch – a running theme Show. We returned to the show factory gates. The plant itself is for us throughout this year. We for our second year and built on now a sad shadow of its former agreed that the reception of the the experience gained 12 months self. With the huge number of Zeds Zeds at this show in their home city earlier. All the preparation and present, we took the opportunity had been fantastic. Several new behind-the-scenes work paid off to promote ourselves and gave our members joined the Club with Zeds and we had a very successful ‘Zeds in the City’ event a big push over the weekend – welcome to weekend. We had three cars on with a leaflet drop. Despite not all of you. display – Louise’s stunning Sunspot actually being in the park we had a On Saturday April 14 we ZR 105 contrasting with Ray’s ZS very good day. It’s always good to returned to Birmingham for the 180 in Trophy Blue. Completing take the car ‘home’.

Pride of Longbridge gathering. the trio was John Newey’s superWe all had our eyes fixed on the charged ZT 260 in Shot Silk – many Upcoming events weather forecast on the days prior thanks, John. All three cars pulled in ‘Zeds in the City’ is now only to the event, but sadly in the end

a few weeks away but there is still time to book if you fancy “an exhilarating free day out in the Midlands”. If you are planning to attend please contact either myself or Paul Money so we can take your details and direct you into position on the day. Paul can be contacted on paulmoneymg@ gmail.com Later this month, on May 27, the Sussex Run organised by the Austin Rover & MG Owners Sussex will be taking place. The run starts from the Lancing Beach Green car park at 10.00am and finishes at the Lavender Line at Isfield station. If you would like to attend and for further information please visit https://armgoc1983.wixsite.com/ thesussex-run to register your car.

There is a £5 entry fee for each car, with all monies going to Help for Heroes.

TIM MORRIS 01932 882467 scribe@mgfregister.org www.mgfregister.org We managed to get topless for the Chairman’s Run at the end of March, on what was one of the few reasonable weather days as we headed into spring. The Market Square in Abingdon was full of F/TFs again; it really is a great start point with the old town hall looking over the square. Ian and Angie Wright had sorted it all out for us and this year the Register is supporting Ian’s charity, the RNLI. The route took us along some good country roads and this year most had white lines down them instead of grass, so we didn’t arrive too dirty at Cogges Manor Farm.

The farm on the edge of Witney is perhaps better known as Yew Tree Farm to avid watchers of Downton Abbey, although there was no sign

ZR/ZS/ZT

90 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2018

of Lady Edith or her baby, other than in photographs in the Manor.

Most arrived safely, except for Mark Galbraith who fell down a pothole bursting his front tyre and damaging his rear thanks to the Oxfordshire roads.

The day before, we held our AGM at the Crown & Thistle Hotel and all was reported well with just two changes on the committee. We thanked Keith Williams for his five years of Chairmanship and handed him a special award in the evening to plonk on his mantlepiece. Keith now takes on Nigel May’s role as Vice-Chairman and Nigel himself steps up to become the new Chairman. We all wish Nigel good luck in his new position at the tiller.

All other positions remain the same

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REGISTERS

MG6.3.5

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

The 2018 BTCC season has kicked into life with a great media day unveiling the new liveries of the MG6 GT along with our two

new competitive drivers, Tom Boardman and Rory Butcher. Their first rather public testing session went well, with both putting in some good times. The new RCIB and Auto Aid liveries look fantastic.

The first weekend of racing was

The two MG6s on display in the pits during the media day. Photo: Sean Round

the best for a few years, with a fantastically exciting race two ending up with Tom Boardman finishing a very competitive fourth. It’s great to see both cars competing and finishing the weekend unscathed! We are talking with AMD and Shaun Hollamby over how we can support the team and hopefully get some giveaways for race days at the BTCC events as we have previously

done throughout the season on our Facebook page.

Unfortunately, due to our extremely wet spring, the decision was taken by Pride of Longbridge to cancel the event in Cofton Park, which therefore meant our stand and gazebo had to be cancelled.

Some members made their own way to Longbridge, so it was nice to see the photos on the various social media posts of the newer MGs with the older ones.

Events are being planned for the whole summer and are looking to be very popular, judging by the interest so far on the social media sites. We are looking for as many owners as possible to take part in the Pride of Ownership on the Sunday this year as we have separate categories for MG3 and 6 and also a new special Register award, so please get your forms into the Car Club asap to book in.

ZEDS IN THE CITY COVENTRY TRANSPORT MUSEUM SUNDAY MAY 13 2018

An exhilarating free day out in the Midlands. Zeds in the city will take place from 10.00am to 4.00pm at the Coventry Motor Museum and will be free for all. Parking places outside the museum are limited so please book your place, quoting your name, details of the vehicles, and membership number, with Paul Money at paulmoneymg@gmail.com Coventry Transport Museum houses the largest publicly owned collection of British vehicles in the world, and tells the fascinating story of Coventry and its people through the rise and fall of its biggest industry. Coventry Transport Museum is situated right in the heart of the city.

With a gift shop and award-winning coffee shop, it makes a brilliant day out for visitors and locals alike.

www.mgcc.co.uk

MAY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 91

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

Cost for non-members to advertise is £20. All adverts should be submitted by the 10th of the month for the following months issue.

1952 MGTD2

MGF 1.8

MG ZT 260 SE

1972 MGBGT

In British Racing Green. I have owned the car for the last 20 years and within that time have restored it. Originally exported and returned to the UK by the previous owner.

Black hood and tonal cover. I will supply 12 months M.O.T. with the car. P.O.A. For more information contact Gill on 07970 105 208 or email: gillhayward50@hotmail.com (Gloucester)

In BRG. N registration. Mileage 64621. This is an early car, built in the first few months of production.

Not many left. Cream leather interior with a fitted colour coded hardtop. 12 month MOT. Summer use only and always garaged.

Included in the price are Hardtop, Bootrack, Tonneau cover and much more.Price £1550 (negotiable) Please call 01522 751079. (Lincs)

1957 MGA 1500

Old English White with black upholstery. Reimported from USA during 1990’s, restored and converted to RHD. Mileage zeroed in 1999 and 12k recorded subsequently. MOT will be renewed in April 2018.

Various new parts fitted, including fuel pump, 2 x 12v batteries, electronic ignition, heater matrix, fuel tank sender, etc. £23,950 Contact Neil on 07971 521501 (Mid Devon)

1958 MGA 1500

Glacier blue, complete body off overhaul some years ago, but unmolested, mechanically excellent, paint not concours, but drives beautifully, so a drivers car. Has been in France for a few years but is now back in the UK with UK registration. Please contact Patrick only by email at patrick@patrickgardner.com (Surrey)

Number 125. It has full SE spec, sunroof, full leather - all in good condition throughout. MOT, new battery, 4 new tyres & decent 4 pipe exhaust, which makes the V8 burble sound terrific. Club Car from new.

Originally owned by MGOC cofounder Richard Monk, so always cherished. Above average car and sensible price £8995 ono.

Email:marineafc@icloud.com 01908 678296 or 07799 336071.

Rolling body shell. Body shell is 100% solid, no rot and comes fitted with brand new wings and bonnet.

Excellent panel fit. Complete with many additional new and used spares to enable ultimate completion to concours standard or special. Comes with V5. MGCC member and non trade. No unreasonable offer refused.Tel 01507 600391

2014 MG3 Style VTi-Tech

Finished in Cherry Bomb, 64 plate, 12000 miles. Extras include spare wheel kit, mud flaps, rain deflectors and tailgate pull strap. Full service history all documents and two keys.

Selling due to need for small Automatic. £5350. Phone 01993 776945 ( Witney Oxfordshire)

1979 MGBGT

M.O.T until Nov 2018. In need of a few minor repairs but basically a sound car. Will be road tax exempt next year. Many new parts including drivers seat renovated, new suspension bushes and electronic ignition installed. Compression tested to read 11,10,11.5,12 Bar. 40,500 on the clock. Service records back to 1990. Starts and drives well, good runner. £4750 ono. Phone Richard of Manor Garage on 01235 767751 (South oxfordshire)

1952 MG TD 1953 MGTD MGTF160 80th Anniversary Last special edition before MG’s 2005 collapse. 1,600 made 500 allocated to UK. Three colours: black, silver, iconic Goodwood green.

Three engines: 115, 135, 160bhp.

Only 43 were green 160s. Only nine remain. Only two had colour-coded hard tops. All original. Brochure, purchase invoice, certificate, later paperwork. Always MG serviced.

Garaged. Just 68k miles – 4,800pa.

Reason for sale. £8,500. Call Jonathan: 07799 417850. (Bicester)

RHD UK spec. cars build date 14th July 1953. Matching numbers, with no mechanical defects, conversion to unleaded. Solid chassis and tub, no rust/rot. Carefully maintained during my ownership:- 11,000 miles since engine overhaul. Respray 2015. Rewire, new brake m/c and pipes etc. New battery 2017. ALL instruments as original and working (including clock!). Full weather gear.

Must be seen to fully appreciate the quality of this car. £21950. Contact Mike on 01493 394926 07974 421827 or email mike.lees@outlook.com

An original TD in excellent mechanical and bodywork condition.

Recently fitted with a 5 speed gearbox and new set of tyres. Original right hand drive car and only 2 owners since new. Full weather gear and tonneau. Drives well and is very reliable. £24,500.00.

Tel. 07947 359791 or email: l.hogarth@clara.co.uk

1931 MG F1 Magna MGB Heritage Shell

Old English White, showroom condition bought for 1963 donor car.

Including petrol tank, chrome trims etc. All never used. £8,500 ono.

Some donor car parts also available.

Tel 07720435308.

92 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2018

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

Restored 25 years ago. Rebuilt engine with new Phoenix crank & steel con rods 2008. Matching Numbers. Original M G No Plate.

Owned since 1960. Used regularly £45,000.00. Phone 01805 938365 (North Devon)

www.mgcc.co.uk

CL ASSIFIEDS

1978 MGBGT

Excellent Condition.

Carmine Red/Black leather Club Sports seats, Mileage 47.385, 2 litre Ivor Searle engine fitted at 42,493 miles, Overdrive, 123 electric ignition, Hydraulic Power Steering, Minilite type wheels with Yokohama 175/70 R14 tyres. Extensive restoration & improvements (details on request), Lowering kit fitted (to fit chrome bumpers), Alpine CD/Radio. £6,995.

Tel: 01502 722122 / 07920 054422.

Email: roger.moran@yahoo.com

Roger Moran, Openview 4 Godyll Road, Southwold, Suffolk IP18 6AJ

enquiries@mgsforsale.com

01707 876089

www.mgsforsale.com

07831 556666

MGB Roadster MK1 Pull Handle Model (909EVD) MGB Roadster 1963, Mk1 pull door handle model, 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

URGENTLY WANTED

ANY MG

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

MG TF 135 Spark ‘SE’ Facelift (just 22,600 miles)

MG TF 135 Facelift mdl (just 35,000 miles)

2005 (54 Reg) Finished in: Sonic Blue/Black leather grey inserts Rare Facelift model Spark ‘SE’ in Immaculate condition, the last ltd edition model made by MG / Rover. Has covered just 22,600 miles repeat 22,600 miles and just 940 miles since 2011, with FSH plus mot’s.

Supplied with a new headgasket/water pump/cambelt (fitted 16/4/2018) and fresh mot (no advisory’s). High Spec. True collector/showcar Immaculate original condition thoughout. £5,995

2005 (05 Reg) ManualPetrol Finished in: Xpower Grey/ Full Black leather sport seats Very low mileage Previously supplied by us @16,000miles. Facelift models are fitted with Soft ride suspension, glass heated rear screen, upgraded heater controls. Alloys are 6 spoke 16”, engine water level censor, passengers airbag, Supplied with a new Headgasket / cambelt / water pump and new mot. Colour coded hardtop is available for this TF. A very high spec TF in Immaculate original condition thoughtout. £4,695

MG TF 135 Sunstorm ltd ed + H/top (38,000 Miles)

MG TF 135 Sprint Ltd Ed+ H/top (Very high spec)

2004 (04 Reg) Manual Petrol Finished in: Silver/Black half leather grey inserts Ltd edition Sunstorm with removable hardtop. High spec model fitted with smokestone cockpit, chrome packs, front fog lights, sports pack 2, 11 spoke 16” alloys , Black soft top with new rear window, Wind deflector, Documented service history with bills /old mots etc, Supplied with a New headgasket/water pump / cambelt (just fitted 26/3/18), Can have silver alloys or Black as fitted. Superb condition thoughout. £3,295

Rare low mileage Sprint ltd edition model just 500 made, previously supplied by us @ 25,000miles now just 44,000 miles. This High Spec Model with sports pack 2, 16” 11 spoke alloys, chrome packs, smokestone cockpit, black leather sport seats with grey alcantara inserts, front fog lights is also fitted with the following extras, a colour coded Hardtop, new hood with a glass heated rear screen, Cruise Control yes Cruise Control, Bluetooth stereo, rear park censors and is in outstanding condition £3,695

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

www.churchsquareautos.com

MARTIN SMITH www.usedmg spares.co.uk

Quality New and Used MGF & MGTF Spares Covering all models from 1995 > 2006 All items Supplied - from body panels, interiors & engines to headlights & wheel nuts

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

www.mgsforsale.com

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

www.mgcc.co.uk

Tel: 07722 175473 East Lydford, Somerset Email: smudgemg@yahoo.co.uk MAY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 93

CL ASSIFIEDS

MG TD 1951

Very good condition. Restored in 1990s after being brought back from USA and converted to RHD, unleaded head, higher ratio back axle, brakes overhauled and new master cylinder, stainless steel exhaust, tyres replaced two years ago. Car well maintained. Detailed history with photos. Ivory white with red upholstery, luggage rack.

Current MOT. Many spares and manuals included. £18750.

Tel: 01628 620506 (Berks)

MG TF 1500 1955

Right hand drive. Red with brown interior & beige tonneau. Wire wheels, new leather upholstery and in good condition as little used for the last 6 years. Owner for 15 years & stored in a heated garage.

Price £25,500. Contact Email: derek.hayes@trhayes.co.uk for further information & phone number. (Bath, Somerset)

1961 MGA 1600 MkII

1968 MGC 3.0 ROADSTER

In Mineral Blue.Very original excellent condition with wire wheels, works hard top, soft top, recent tonneau, half tonneau, boot rack. Plus a 2 child rear bench seat, with safety belts. Full 7 year restoration recorded in bound photographic album and receipts plus full previous history. Additionally wax oiled underside, electric fan, re-shimmed rear axle diff. Electronic distributor. Smooth six cylinder engine tourer with o/drive 3rd & 4th, very reliable. Current mileage c 15000, fully maintained since restoration.

Currently registered in UK with MOT till August 2018. Serious enquiries only at £34,450. Contact Ken on Tel: 07785308463 (Oxford)

2001 MGF STEPTRONIC

55500 miles - MOT till July. Stainless waterpipes , gasket done. Excellent condition body and mechanicals .

Upgraded interior, nearly new tyres, new radio , new steering wheel.

Sale to include, contrasting black hard top, with heated rear window and new headlining, stand. Half and very rare, full tonneaus, windstop.

Indoor cover. Personal plate , 'MY F Utterly reliable, including tours of France. £3495. MGCC member, selling as we've run out of garage space! Tel. 07802318950 or email jongloveractor@gmail.com

94 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2018

Roadster in Old English White with red upholstery. Ex US car, benefitted from full body restoration and conversion to RHD. More recent mechanical restoration includes engine rebuild, 5 speed gearbox, telescopic rear shocks, electronic ignition, chrome wire wheels, boot rack etc. Summer use only, looks great, drives beautifully £25000. Phone Alastair on 01721 721203 (South Scotland).

1996 M

In my c garaged. dition. A miles on Cobra a R380 ge export advancin Conditio

1995 M

Japanese Dec 200 tan inter engine 3 Recent s Half an Windsto Laserline conditio on 0780 terr y-a (Warring

1975 M 1974 MGB GT V8

Original factory Chrome Bumper V8 in Citron. Condition 1. MOT to June 2018. Overdrive on fourth.

Black interior. Britax folding sunroof. Serviced regularly and maintained to a very high standard. Many new parts last year. Heritage Certificate. MG registration number on retention. SW MGCC member. £22,420. 07790 388242 or 01249 783434 a/phone.

1500cc i new eng including seat belt bished to Some we £6000. contact (Glos)

1973 M 1973 MGB Roadster Heritage shelled nut-and-bolt.

Concours. Private sale. For provenance initial fact sheet: stephen.meadows@manx.net

www.mgcc.co.uk

Flame, v tion, mi interior, very go July. £ 01255 6 (North E

h brown au. Wire stery and used for 15 years e. mail: k for ne num-

I

hite with , benefitation and e recent includes rbox, telonic igniboot rack ks great, Phone 3 (South

Bumper MOT to n fourth. ing sunnd mainard. Many Heritage on numCC mem8242 or

nd-bolt. le. For sheet: nx.net

CL ASSIFIEDS

1996 MGRV8

In my care for 15 years. Always garaged. Ex Japan, in excellent condition. All MOT’s available. 32000 miles only. Half tonneau, windstop, Cobra alarm system. Over mats, R380 gearbox. Original Japanese export documents. Regretably advancing years is reason for sale.

Condition1/2. Tel: 0113 2500212.

1968 MGC

In tartan Red. Manual/overdrive.

Reclining leather seats.Walnut dash.

11k miles since full engine rebuild, Kent cam, lightened flywheel, gas flowed head, 6 branch manifold, twin SS exhaust. Uprated suspension, anti role bar, Bildstein shocks all round. Late 80’s full restoration, recent minor body restoration and full repaint. New clutch just fitted.

Car in excellent condition and runs superbly. Contact: David on 07872664863. 01259781559 or davidchapman262@btinternet.com

1995 MG RV8

Japanese import. UK registration Dec 2008. Woodcote Green with tan interior. Fuel injected Rover V8 engine 3.9ltr 190bhp. 15,900 miles.

Recent service. MOT to April 2019.

Half and full tonneau covers.

Windstop and storage bag.

Laserline immobiliser. Very good condition. £21,500. Contact Terry on 07803 908076 or email terr y-aquarius@hotmail.co.uk.

(Warrington)

MGBGTLE

Built 2nd October 1980. In metallic Pewter colour special edition.

Magnesium alloy wheels, sequential chassis number. 674 of 1000. GT Chassis Number 391 of 580. New Ivor Searle balanced engine RS105412 fitted 19 August 2011 at Mileage 20,500. Present mileage 29,313. Overdrive. Chassis Waxoiled. CD/Radio. Garaged/kept under cover throughout. 2 Owners. On SORN. £8,000 Email: jeremybishop560@gmail.com 07722-212468. (Lingfield, Surrey)

1975 MG Midget

1500cc in very good condition. All new engine parts have been fitted, including front and rear lights. New seat belts and carpet. Seats refurbished together with front bumper.

Some welding has been carried out. £6000. For further indoirmation contact Roger on 01242 257511.

(Glos)

1973 MIDGET (RWA)

Flame, very good all round condition, minilite wheels, refurbished interior, excellent mechanics and very good paint/bodywork. MOT July. £ 5750. Please call David on 01255 675358 or 07740 636158 (North Essex)

www.mgcc.co.uk

MGRV8

First registered 19.10.95 in Japan. Re registered in UK 6.6.05. Total mileage (evidenced) 33634 miles. MOT due Aug. 2018. This vehicle has only been used, since 2010, in dry conditions. It has been dry stored and covered when not in use in a garage. It is generally in excellent condition with a half tonneau and full tonneau. Hood, tyres and wheels all excellent. colour, Woodcote green. all original, includes japanese/english history. £17,375.00 contact john 07867557983.

(Wiltshire area)

Postcombe Service Station A40 London Road, Postcombe ,Oxon,OX9 7ED

Est. 1986

MGS URGENTLY WANTED TO PURCHASE. MGOC Recommended MG Car club trade member

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

1995 MG RV8 Woodcote, Stone trim. Superb order. We have repaired a side scrape as car was classed a ‘D’ category by insurance company, but very minor damage, pics available. Reconalised trim, new door cards, new screen and exch frame.

Refurbed wheels, new mohair hood, new wood dash, caps and console, in fact all the RV8 foibles have been attended to. A superb car and not the usual tired offering £21,995

1960 MGA 1600 COUPE Iris Blue, blue leather trim, arm rest. Fully restored car from bare shell, everything restored or replaced. Fully rechromed, all new trim, bare shell repaint.

New wings. Boot carpets, boot rack. Unleaded rebuilt engine. 5 speed gearbox conversion for effortless touring. Superb car, last owner since 1973! Would cost in excess of £60k to restore MGA Coupe like this. £32,500

1973 MGB GT V8 RACER BRG, full race spec car, but road legal, ideal for race/track day/sprint or just fantastic fun on the road. 3.9l race spec engine. Extinguisher system. Race tyres. Full cage.

Superbly prepped car and fantastic value £18,995

1965 MINI COOPER Old English White, Dove Grey roof, Red Brocade trim. Totally restored, last nut and bolt. Totally immaculate in every respect. £32,500

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

1974 MIDGET 1275 RWA Blaze, Autumn Leaf trim. Restored car, totally solid, home restoration. Drives superbly. Weber carb. Great little car. £5,995

1960 MGA 1600

Completely original right hand drive model, except rear wings which are fibre glass. Matching numbers, opriginal 4 numbers 2 letters registration number. Disc wheels, non runner in need of complete restoration. £8000. For more details contact Paul on 01584 861312. (Shropshire)

MAY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 95

be fitted without using bolt on adapters.2 wire wheel front hubs with good wheel bearing.

This is everything you will need to convert steel wheel car to beautiful. Chrome wire wheels. Offers on all or separate items please.Photos sent on request. Ring 07802192706 MGA MGA or page.page@btinternet.com New pairofofchrome chromeoverriders overriders New pair (Hertforshire) £40the thepair. pair. £40 MGTDinner innersteering steeringcolumn. column.No No MGTD longer available £80.

The available MG Companion longer £80.

MGF setofof44Ulyett 16inch inch66spoke spoke

By Kenneth £15.00 Paul MGF set x x16 alloy wheels from MK22MGF MGF Hancock 01367 870136 alloy wheels from aaMK with 3 good tyres £160 (Oxfordshire) with 3 good tyres £160 MGB 4 x new tyres. Firestone MGB 4 x new tyres. Firestone 165x80 14. £50 the set.

165x80 14. £50 the set.

Small size get you home spare MGF Rear Lamps.

Small size get you home spare wheel, never used so as new Pair.never Valeo Ref:so 2267.

VGC. wheel, used as new £25. £20 + p&p. Tel 01204 494597 £25.

MGB early 3 synchro starter (Bolton) MGB early 3 synchro starter motor as new only used over 3 motor as new months. £60.only used over 3 months.

All free £60. collection or postage at Safety Fast! Magazines All free collection or postage cost.

1980-87 most years completeat– cost.

Telephone Jack on 01280 loose Telephone Jack on 01280 1988-2006 all years complete – in 848529 (Buckingham) binders(Buckingham) 848529 2007-2017 all years complete – Reg loose Number MG2189 For On retention Reg Number MG2189 Freesale. to person collectingdocufrom near ment. £3750ono.

Stow on the retention Wold, Email; Glos.

For sale.

On docususiehague@hotmail.com Tel. 01451 824223 or email ment. £3750ono.

Email; roymill@waitrose.com susiehague@hotmail.com

XPAG valve chest cover. - £20 Water pump c/w pulley. - £20 Box of unused valve springs, now rusty through age, but always stored inside. - £30 Leather rear spring gaiters. - £40 Sidescreen frames, 1 complete, 1 partly dismantled. £40 MG WorksRelated Related MG &&Works 2 bar TD hood frame. - £75 Registration Numbers.I’m I’mthinning thinning Registration Numbers.

2 pancake air filters.

- £20 my collection of personal plates&& myPlus collection of personal plates a multitude of smaller TD havethe thefollowing followingfor forsale. sale.All Allare are have parts, including unused rubber on retention for easy transfer; on retention for easy transfer; items, horn in pieces, fan blades, MG03BOB MG03BOB distributor, coil, fuel pump and MG52MAD MG52MAD many to small hubwhatevcap Happy sell items one oflike these, Happy to sell one of these, whatever goes first!etc.

Price is £850 ono Whilst I am happy eremblems goes first! Price is £850 ono each to send parts out at cost, if you each PRX 224 want to see and collect, I am sitPRX 224 This is similar to the series used on uated near to Taunton, Somerset.

This is similar theTwin series usedPrice on works MGAs and Cams.

Phone for more information: works MGAs and Twin Cams. Price is £950ono 01823 421748 or email: isGRX £950ono 865D paulejacobs@hotmail.com.

GRX 865D This is similar to the series used on This is similar theMini series used on works MGBsto and Coopers. works and Mini Coopers.

Price MGBs is £1650ono.

Price is £1650ono.

For more details contact Bob For more details Bob or MacGillivray on contact 07870 407111 MacGillivray on 07870 407111 or email mgcarsscotland@gmail.com email mgcarsscotland@gmail.com

Insurance for all MG’s classic and modern

HOW TO ADVERTISE HOW TO ADVERTISE

Memberscan canadvertise advertisetheir their Members sparesfor forsale/wanted sale/wantedfree freeofof spares chargefor foritems itemsup uptoto£250. £250.Over Over charge £250, or for non-members to £250, or for non-members to advertise, there is a charge of £20. advertise, there is a charge of £20.

To submit your advertisement To submit your advertisement email Colin Grant at email Colin Grant at colingrant@mgcc.co.uk. Please colingrant@mgcc.co.uk.

Please remember to include your remember to include membership numberyour in all membership number in all should correspondence.

All adverts correspondence.

All adverts should be submitted by the 10th of the be submitted byfollowing the 10thmonths of the issue. month for the month for the following months issue.

MG3 WHEEL /TYRE/JACK MG3 ETCWHEEL /TYRE/JACK As new, never been used. A useful ETC

accessory as been MG3’sused. not supplied As new, never A useful with spareaswheel. accessory MG3’s not supplied Buyer collects 50 pounds Call 0118 with spare wheel.

9842581 (Berks.)

Buyer collects 50 pounds Call 0118 9842581 (Berks.)

MGA 5 X 15 inch Chrome wire MGA

veryChrome good condition, 5wheels X 15 inch wire hardly very used,good 5 inner tubes also wheels condition, good condition. 4 X 2 eared hardly used, 5 inner tubes also spinners also good condition. good condition. 4 X 2 eared 2 Splined Conversion halfspinners also good condition. shafts. These fit Steel wheel 2axles Splined andConversion allow wire halfwheels to shafts.

These fit Steel be fitted without usingwheel bolt on axles and allow wheels adapters.2 wirewire wheel front to be fitted without on hubs with good using wheelbolt bearing. adapters.2 wire wheel This is everything youfront will hubs good wheel needwith to convert steel bearing. wheel car This is everything you wire will to beautiful.

Chrome need to convert steel car wheels.

Offers on all wheel or sepatorate beautiful.

Chrome wire sent items please.Photos wheels.

Offers on all or sepaon request.

Ring 07802192706 or page.page@btinternet.com rate items please.Photos sent (Hertforshire) on request. Ring 07802192706 or page.page@btinternet.com (Hertforshire)

The MG Companion

By Kenneth Ulyett £15.00 Paul

Hancock 01367 870136 The MG Companion

(Oxfordshire) By Kenneth Ulyett £15.00 Paul Hancock 01367 870136 (Oxfordshire)

MGF Rear Lamps.

Pair. Valeo Ref: 2267. VGC.

£20 + p&p. Tel 01204 494597 MGF Rear Lamps.

(Bolton)

Pair. Valeo Ref: 2267. VGC. £20 + p&p. Tel 01204 494597 (Bolton)

Safety Fast! Magazines

1980-87 most years complete – loose Safety Fast!

1988-2006 all Magazines years complete – in 1980-87 binders most years complete – loose 2007-2017 all years complete – 1988-2006 all years complete – in loose binders Free to person collecting from near 2007-2017 all Wold, years Glos. complete – Stow on the Tel. 01451 824223 or email loose roymill@waitrose.com Free to person collecting from near Stow on the Wold, Glos.

Tel. 01451 824223 or email MGA 1500 roymill@waitrose.com Original wire wheel (painted) 4.5x15 in good condition.

Complete MGA 1500with Michelin ZX tyre with approx 4mm tread. £30 for colOriginal wire wheel (painted) lectioninorgood buyer pays postage in 4.5x15 condition. which case can remove Complete with Michelin ZXtyre tyrefor boxing up. Contact: Graham Ardern with approx 4mm tread. £30 for colon 01903 774770 or email lection or buyer pays postage in grahamardern@btinternet.com. which case can remove tyre for (West Sussex) boxing up. Contact: Graham Ardern on 01903 774770 or email grahamardern@btinternet.com.

(West Sussex)

96 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2018

TD Parts MGA Oil bath1500 air filter in excellent conTD Parts Original wire wheel (painted)

dition.

(Nofilter ali. elbow).

- £300 Oil bath air in excellent con4.5x15 in good condition.

XPAG cast iron exhaust manifold dition.

(No ali. elbow). £300 Complete with Michelin ZX tyre with copper gasket and attachXPAG cast iron exhaust with approx 4mm tread. manifold £30 for colments. - £200 with copper gasket andpostage attach-in lection or buyer pays XPAG Standard Rocker cover, no which-case ments. £200can remove tyre for cap.

- £50 boxing up. Contact: Graham XPAG Standard Rocker cover,Ardern no XPAG valve chest or cover.

- £20 on -01903 774770 email cap. £50 Water pump c/w pulley. £20 grahamardern@btinternet.com.

XPAG chest cover.

- £20 Box ofvalve unused valve springs, (West Sussex) Water pump c/w pulley. £20 now rusty through age,- but Box of unused always stored valve inside.springs, - £30 now rustyrear through age, but - £40 Leather spring gaiters. always storedframes, inside. 1- £30 Sidescreen complete, Leather spring gaiters.

1 partlyrear dismantled. £40 - £40 Sidescreen frames, 1 complete, 2 bar TD hood frame.

- £75 12partly dismantled. £40 pancake air filters.

- £20 2Plus bar TD hood frame.

- £75 TD a multitude of smaller including unused 2parts, pancake air filters.

- £20rubber items, horn in pieces, fan blades, Plus a multitude of smaller TD distributor, coil,unused fuel pump and parts, including rubber manyhorn smallinitems likefan hub cap items, pieces, blades, emblems etc.

I amand happy distributor, coil, Whilst fuel pump to send parts out like at cost, if you many small items hub cap want to see collect, am sitemblems etc. and Whilst I am Ihappy Somerset. touated send near partsTaunton, out at cost, if you Phone for more information: want to see and collect, I am sit01823 421748 or email: uated near Taunton, Somerset. paulejacobs@hotmail.com.

Phone for more information:

01823 421748 or email: paulejacobs@hotmail.com.

Midget and MGC Parts Midget early Rostyle wheels Midget and MGC Parts ADCO4x

with tyres £100.00 Midget 4x early Rostyle wheels Rareold alloy rocker cover, with Half Tonneau £45.00 with old tyres £100.00 Monza filler cap, to fit BMC “B” MGC Steering Rack – I.e. pastMGA, last Half Tonneau series £45.00 cylinder heads MOT, replaced with rack Magnette, MGB. Don’t think MGC Steering Rack –fast past lastthis £100.00 has replaced ever been used.

MOT, with fastU.S rackmanufacAll in good Buyer collects tured in thecondition.

‘70s. £150 O.N.O. plus £100.00 Call 01934 519122 or email: postage at cost. Call Chris on All in good condition.

Buyer collects graham.springthorpe@btinternet.com 07703 186355 Call 01934 519122 or email:

graham.springthorpe@btinternet.com

MG Midget and MGB Spares MGC Midget new unused coil for Five Dayton 5J xMGB 15front wheels MG Midget and Spares springs.

sale. new Spokes needfront refurbishing.

Midget unused coil Midget Steering £100. 1275cc ContactParts.

Keith S/H on 01582 springs. items.

Suspension, w/w front hubs 715972 or email: Midget 1275cc Parts.

S/H Steering with knock on’s. Many other parts. keithdoherty@ttyper.co.uk. items.

Suspension, w/w hubsfor MGB, new unused rearfront springs (Harpenden, with on’s.Herts)” Many otherthe parts.

V8 knock or R/bumper GT. £100 pair.

MGB, unusedFor rear springs Buyernew to collect. more info for tel: V8 or R/bumper 01494 813903. GT. £100 the pair.

Buyer to Bucks) collect. For more info tel: (South 01494 813903.

(South MGBBucks)

MIDGETS! WANTED

ADCO

MGB

Disc wheel rust free tube axle with standard 3.907 CW&P complete with drive shafts, wheel and pinion bearings and hub caps, in good serviceable and cared-for condition. FOC on collection or plus £90.00 carriage to UK. stephen.meadows@manx.net or Telephone: 01624 818163 (Isle of Man)

MGB Roadster.

Tonneau cover. Full black vinyl cover with central zip and pop-stud fastenings. Fits later models with headrests. Good condition, second hand. £100. Tel: Keith on 07884 435599. (South Bucks)

WANTED WANTED MG M Type

Spares wanted including one pair finned brake drums, front apron, both rear aprons, number plate bracket, brake cam lever, body tub.Contact Chris on 07714 850045.

Disc wheel rust free tube axle with

withwheel drive shafts, wheel Disc rust free tube and axlepinion with bearings3.907 and hub caps, in good standard CW&P complete serviceable and wheel cared-for with drive shafts, andcondipinion tion. FOC onhub collection plus bearings and caps, inorgood £90.00 carriage to UK. Specialist Contact the Midget serviceable and cared-for condistephen.meadows@manx.net tion.

FOCAUTHERS on collectiononorAbingdon plus or MIKE Telephone: 01624 818163 £90.00 carriage to224 UK. 07703 465 CHROME (Isle of Man) stephen.meadows@manx.net or BUMPERED MIDGETS in Telephone: 01624 818163 excellent condition bought up to (Isle of Man)

£8,000. View current stock at

www.mgmidgets.com

WANTED WANTED ALL MG MODELS!

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

Discretion assured.

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

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

CALL DIRECT ON:

MGB Roadster.

Rare alloy rocker cover, with Monza filler cap, to fit BMC “B” series cylinder heads I.e. MGA, ADCO Magnette, MGB.cover, Don’t with think this Rare alloy rocker has ever U.S manufacMonza fillerbeen cap,used. to fit BMC “B” tured cylinder in the ‘70s. £150 series heads I.e.O.N.O. MGA, plus postage at cost.Don’t Call Chris Magnette, MGB. think on this 07703 has ever186355 been used. U.S manufactured in the ‘70s. £150 O.N.O. plus postage MGC at cost. Call Chris on 07703 1863555J x 15 wheels for Five Dayton sale. Spokes need refurbishing. £100. Contact Keith on 01582 MGC 715972 or email: Five Dayton 5J x 15 wheels for keithdoherty@ttyper.co.uk. sale.

Spokes need refurbishing.

(Harpenden, Herts)” £100. Contact Keith on 01582 715972 or email: keithdoherty@ttyper.co.uk.

(Harpenden, Herts)”

01376 574000

standard 3.907 CW&P complete MGB

Tonneau cover. Full black vinyl 07787 528131 cover with central zip and pop-stud MGB Roadster. fastenings.

Fits later models with Tonneau cover.

Fullcondition, black vinyl headrests.

Good second 4Sight Lighting Company......... 76 EJW Classic and Sports ........... 97 Motor Passion......................... 23 cover central zip andon hand.with pop-stud £100.

Keith Adrian Flux Tel: ............................

7607884 Fishers Services...................... 76 Motor Wheel Services.............. 71 Aldon Fits Automotive ....................

435599.

(South Bucks) fastenings. later models82with Footman James ...................... 31 NTG Services ........................OBC Barrie Carter .......................... 97 Former Glory........................... 95 headrests.

Good condition, second Oselli Ltd ................................ 78 Beech Hill Garage ................... 94 Frontline ................................ 39 Paul Depper MGs .................... 74 hand. £100.

Tel: Keith on 07884 Bespoke Rallies ..................... 29 Halls Garage ........................... 76 Motor Heritage .............IFC Hoyle Suspension.................... 57 Peter Best ..................IBC, 96, 97 435599.British(South Bucks)

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

SALE FORSALE SPARESFOR SPARES

items. Suspension, w/w front hubs with knock on’s. Many other parts. for a rear quote today MGB,Call new unused springs for V8 or R/bumper GT. £100 the pair.

Buyer to collect. For more info tel: 01494 813903. www.classiccarinsurance.co.uk (South Bucks)

WANTED

Brown and Gammons ................ 9 C.C.H.L ................................. 84 Car Cover Shop ...................... 88 Carole Nash Insurance .......... 26 Chertsey Minors ..................... 88 Church Square Autos .............. 93 Classic Oils ............................. 57 Clive Wheatley ........................ 71 College Motors Burford............ 65 Colne Classics ........................ 88 Cotswold Car Storage ........ 52, 52 COYS ..................................... 24 Crown Classic Cars ................. 65 David Manners.......................... 6 Dennis Welch.......................... 97 Distributor Doctor .................... 65 Don Trimming ......................... 97 Duckhams ............................. 13

WANTED WANTED MG M Type

Just Right Autos Ltd ................ 46 Kimble Engineering Ltd............ 97 Longstone Tyres ..................... 40 Manor Garage ........................ 74 Martin Smith Used MGTF Spares .................................. 93 Mech-Mate Ltd ....................... 88 MG Mecca.............................. 95 MG Motorsport ....................... 57 MG Sales Centre ..................... 35 MGBGT ‘LE50’ & MGBT For Sale.................................. 93 Midland Classic Restoration ....... 3 Mike Authurs Classics ............. 96 Mike Rolls .............................. 88 Mike Satur.............................. 49 Mirror Trim.............................. 74 Moss Europe Ltd ..................... 26

Spares wanted including one pair finned brake drums, front apron, WANTED both rear aprons, number plate MG M Type bracket, brake cam lever, body Spares wanted including one pair tub.Contact Chris on 07714 finned brake drums, front apron, 850045. both rear aprons, number plate bracket, brake cam lever, body tub.Contact Chris on 07714 850045.

Peter James Insurance ............ 49 Rees Bros ............................... 62 Retro Sports Cars ................... 32 Rimmer Bros Ltd ..................... 32 Robin Lackford Motor Engineering ........................... 49 Scenic Car Tours .................... 11 SMR ...................................... 93 Steve McKie Sports Cars ......... 88 Summit MG ............................ 82 Sussex Classic Car Parts ......... 82 The Grand Folly....................... 42

The Hutson Motor Co Ltd ........... 3 Torro Sports Cars Ltd .............. 96 Vitesse Global Ltd ..................... 6

www.mgcc.co.uk

Call for a quote today

B12 - BARRIE CARTER_CLASSIC MOTORING 19/04/2018 09:35 Page 1

01376 574000

Insurance for all MG’s classic and modern

www.classiccarinsurance.co.uk

‘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.

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 highest standards. Lightweight pistons, steel crank and special rods, big valve head and cam, triple plate clutch with spider flywheel. It has only had one race in the hands of an ancient 76 year old and is now for sale to replaced by a more placid lump! It is complete as removed from the car and has its inlet manifold, new 45DCOE and special distributer.

The gearbox is the very rare 3 synchro c/r straight cut type as used in the works cars. It would cost at least £15k to build this ready race unit, my price is £7,500 or will split. It would make a fabulous road car unit... but... its up to you. Reciepts of the engine rebuild are available.

AUSTIN RUBY 1936.

Remarkably this lovely, original, and unspoiled Ruby has had only TWO 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. £7,995

MG TC 1948.

This has been subject to a body off rebuild a few years ago and little used since. The interior is all new red leather and it has had an engine refurbishment. All the wheels are new and it has excellent chrome. The car was from a dedicated owner who cared and pampered it. It is in lovely condition with new weather condition and tonneau, Very nice to drive. £25,950

WOLSELY HORNET 1932.

6 cylinder. In lovely order.

It has had many thousands spent on a superb leather interior, professional complete engine rebuild, new sliding sunroof, excellent manual transmission. It drives very nicely and has been to many shows over the years and is very rare. £8,995

AUSTIN 1936.

Austin Ulster Constructed with care and knowledge some years ago, on a long wheel base chassis it was built using a modified engine, with a larger carb and branch exhaust, and 4 speed box. The brakes are hydraulic front and cable rear. Its seats are the correct fitted brown leather, and it has a Brooklands exhaust. This cuddly Ulster rep is in great oily rag condition, and I won’t clean it, Its new owner might, but its as it should be, and should be VSCC buff form Elligible as a PVT. Its bloody lovely, and a rising VSCC contender... or just an appreciating funmobile. £16,950

CITROEN 2CV. A lovely restored 2CV, galvanised chassis – lovely interior, rebuilt engine, new top, special 2CV number. £7,450 FIAT 124 COUPE 1975 RHD. Superb interior with dash protector, mini-lite rep wheels.

Unmarked paintwork, lovely chrome. In lovely un-welded condition, you will never find one like this. Beautiful inside and out. £15,995 T-Type restorations and XPAG engine rebuilds and general MG servicing are the mainstay of our business.

We welcome your custom.

www.barriecartermg.com

DONHOODS-SFAug07.QXD:Layout 1

23/9/09

16:22

Page 1Kimble-SF_Nov-09.qxd:Kimble MGE 1_8 col 3.3

DON HOODS UNBEATABLE QUALITY – UNBEATABLE VALUE!

The Great British

26/10/09

Steering Wheel

The Brooklands We manufacture the BROOKLANDS

URGENT PROOF

Steering Wheel from the original BLUEMEL tooling. It is not

DIRECT FROM THE MAKERS – a Far Eastern copy and is made using the original methods and traditional materials. The CENTRE BOSS fixing kit, again WITH OVER 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE Please check this proof carefully for errors in style, content and layout.

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

Choice of heavy duty from the original tooling, not only fits the MG TC and , ICI in preparing your advert, we cannot every care isPVC exercised hold VynAlthough ide, Everfle pre-war MGs, but the TD, TF and MGA. There are boss x, Duck and Mohair ourselves responsible for any inaccuracies you may overlook. kits for other makes and kit cars too.

AL SHOULD YOU REQUIRE MAKES LANY ALTERATIONS TO THIS PROOF PLEASE incl

& MODEL

ingham B23 Hampton Road, Birm

13 Tel: 0121 373 13 OFFICE SOUTHERN SALES

00 Tel: 01202 7422

BROOKLANDS AEROSCREENS are

S

: MG, Tr TELEPHONE BEFORE NOusing . _ _ _laminated __ ph_, _ _ AND QUOTE ADVERT Esco _ _iu_m_ made glass to original also rt, Golf etc.

CARPET SETS FOR MOST MODELS

www.donhoods.com

Ww14” ENo Nalso in W

NO ABLE Ivo AILry AV

Now 15½ inch wheel

specification to suit all vintage and sports cars.

john@johnkimble.co.uk

K KIMBLE

EST 1969

Tel: 01803 835757 Fax: 01803 834567

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

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

MGB, MGC & Midget Competition Parts

URGENTLY WANTED

www.bighealey.co.uk

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

Any Condition from non runners to rebuilt cars

For the ‘best’ in MG high-performance Parts Hotline: +44(0)1543 472244 E-mail: sales@bighealey.co.uk DENIS WELCH MOTORSPORT, YOXALL, BURTON ON TRENT, STAFFS DE13 8NA, UK

www.mgcc.co.uk

CM06.18/B12/dfff

TRIUMPH TR3A RACE CAR. A very well known multi class winning car built from a rust free S.A shell. It has just had a very expensive refresh with replacement block, very special steel crank and rods, lightweight pistons, full race head, new cam, twin 45s, special exhaust, completely rebuilt C>R> dog box, twin plate clutch, quaife LSD, competition brakes, and suspension. Composite wings, (steel wings availabe as a package) safety devices cage, foam filled tank, plumbed in fire extinguisher system. Repro Minilte wheels and twin 45s. This TR is a serious contender in many series and has many class wins to its name. It is ready to race in a variety of series, and is giving top end HP. There are probably enough parts as a package with it to make this an FIA car. It has not been raced since its preparation and is ready to go. £36,500

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

MAY 2018 SAFETY FAST! 97

13:0

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 849731) 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.

T

hree more pictures from the Brian Moylan Collection, with this month’s theme being the Abingdon factory.

Our first photo (by John Seager) is of MG retirees John Thornley (left) with MG 1, his personal MGB GT and Syd Enever (right) with the last ever MGB off the line (preserved at the British Motor Museum at Gaydon, Warwickshire).

Our next picture shows Syd Enever’s two most famous designs parked up by the Marcham Road with the abandoned MG works acting as a backdrop. The single storey building with the glass skylights was the personnel department, whilst the tall building on the right was used as

98 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2018

the telephone exchange. The MGA belonged to Brian Moylan – perhaps you can tell us who is driving the MGB Our third photograph is a Midget publicity shot taken on the MG factory sports ground. L to R are ‘Nobby’ Hall, Pat Powell, Den Green and Brian Moylan, all from the BMC Competitions Department, as are the cars seen in the background.

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information at the time of going to press, neither The Publisher (herein referred to as Hine Marketing), the Editor, nor the MG Car Club can accept any responsibility or loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any material in the publication.

The opinions of authors are their own and Hine Marketing, the Editor and the MG Car Club are not bound to agree with opinions expressed herein. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Safety Fast! and The MG Car Club badge are protected through trademark registration in the UK and in the foreign countries where Safety Fast! circulates. Readers are warned that if they attempt any mechanical or other modifications or methods referred to herein, they do so at their own risk and no liability will attach to the MG Car Club, the Editor nor Hine Marketing. Neither shall the MG Car Club, the Editor nor Hine Marketing have any responsibility for the accuracy of the content of the editorial, neither the content of any advertisement published in Safety Fast!

It should be noted that neither Hine Marketing, the Editor, nor the MG Car Club make any recommendation in respect of any goods and/ or services advertised or featured in this issue. It is the responsibility of readers to satisfy themselves that the goods or services offered or referred to are bona fide and in no instance shall Hine Marketing, the Editor or the MG Car Club be held responsible for the quality or suitability of any such items.

The MG Car Club, Kimber House, PO Box 251, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 1FF Tel: 01235 555552 Fax: 01235 533755 E-mail: mgcc@mgcc.co.uk www.mgcc.co.uk If visiting The MG Car Club using Sat Nav please use OX14 1AS

www.mgcc.co.uk

classic car insurance PBIS specialises in classic car insurance, as well as insurance for other collectable classic vehicles. We have been supporting the MG Car Club, its Centres & Registers, for over 30 years so we know what is important to you.

Our ‘Abingdon’ policy covers classic use for MG’s 3 years and older. The policy includes free agreed value, roadside assistance and recovery within UK/EU, limited mileage options and discounts for multiple car ownership.

ASK US TODAY ABOUT OUR CLASSIC MG COVER call now for an instant quote

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

Approved Insurance Provider

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

  Â? Â?Â?Â? Â? Â? Â? Â?  ­ €Â? €  Â

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K029E Ratchet for hand brake TD/TF ÂŁ116.50 inc VAT

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L059BP Knob - set of 2 for windscreen wipers TF & Y Type ÂŁ58.80 inc VAT

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