Safety Fast! May 2019

THE MARQUE OF FRIENDSHIP

May 2019 Volume 63 Number 05 £3.95

THE

CAR

CLUB

LT D

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

THE MG OHC ENGINE, 1929-1936 ● AN MGA AT THE MILLE MIGLIA Safety Fast_Cover May2019.indd 1

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THE ORIGINAL AND THE BEST As the original equipment manufacturers to companies such as Rover, MG, Triumph, Jaguar and many others over the years, Tex has established an unsurpassed reputation for quality and service.

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Inside this issue 7 8 10 14 59

Club Matters and Kimber House News News Products Young Members Branch Race Torque

62 63 71 82 92 98

MGs on Track MGCC Speed Championship Centre Updates Register Updates Classifieds Looking Back

Features 12

MGLive!

MGLive! to be rested for 2019

17

The MG ohc engine, 1929-1936 Mike Allison looks at the engines used in the pre-war Midgets, Magna and Magnette cars

24

Event Reports Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show, Pride of Longbridge and Brooklands MG Era Day

31

An MGA at the Mille Miglia John Gautrey reflects on his experiences with the exFitzwilliam MGA during the iconic Mille Miglia re-enactment

54

BTCC blasts back into action The 2019 season kicked off in style during April at Brands Hatch

56

MGCC season kicks off with plenty of duels in the sun Several MG Car Club championships and series headed to the Club’s opening 2019 meeting at Silverstone’s national circuit

65

Overseas News MG Car Club Luxembourg’s Balkans Tour

17

Newsletters 38

T Type Newsletter Rebuild Seminar 2019, Technical Tips, Car of the month and more

43

MGB Newsletter MGB Register Spring Run and a few tech tips

49

MGC Newsletter C-related events on the calendar, Salvage Hunters Classic Car and MGC Memorabilia

28

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

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

Membership Type

Direct Debit Rate

Standard Rate Online

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Single

£50

£55

£55

Joint

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Young Members 16-20

£15

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Young Members 21-24

£30

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Published by: Hine Marketing, Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton Glos, GL2 9LN. Tel: 01452 730770

4 SAFETYFAST! MAY 2019

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Welcome

The ex-Fitzwilliam MGA in the hands of Steve Dixon during the Mille Miglia re-enactment. Photo: Fabian Gallucci

56

@mgcarclub

FO U N D E D 193 0

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

Copyright MG Car Club 2019

In this issue we bring you the sad news the Club has reluctantly taken the decision to rest MGLive! this year. It wasn’t a decision that was taken lightly, but I’m sure you would have read in the last issue that Silverstone need to carry out essential track maintenance during June.

After talking to Silverstone and other venues it became clear that hosting MGLive! this year just wasn’t feasible; there’s a full explanation printed on pages 12-13. Rest assured, though, MGLive! will return in 2020 bigger and better to celebrate the MG Car Club’s 90th Birthday.

Although there is no MGLive! this year there are still plenty of events for you and your MG to attend. The main Club’s attended a few already this year, starting with the excellent Pride of Longbridge, organised by the hard-working Gemma Cartwright and her team. The show is a great community event that recognises the demise of MG Rover whilst celebrating the great that comes out of Longbridge. Held at Cofton Park, right outside the Longbridge factory gates, the day brings the ex and present workforce, community and enthusiasts together to see the fantastic manufacturing and local heritage. The following day the Club were flying the flag at Brooklands for their MG Era day where, this year, Brooklands celebrated ten decades of MG, from “Old Number One” to the present day.

During lunchtime a selection of MGs paraded around the circuit at Mercedes-Benz World, with ascents of Brooklands famous Test Hill during the afternoon. These are just two of the varied events throughout the year to which you and your MG are invited. There’s something for everyone, from runs to racing.

I’m working hard trying to get my MGF up together for the (fingers crossed) excellent top down summer ahead of us in the UK, and look forward to attending as many events as I can.

Hopefully see you at an event soon?

Until next month, drive safely.

Andy Knott

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CHAIRMANS NOTES

BY DAVE T YNAN

At the beginning of April we sadly made the announcement that the decision has been made to rest MGLive! for 2019.

Council were contacted and informed of the situation and they voted to support this course of action.

All ticket holders for 2019 will have been contacted and refunded by the team at Kimber House.

The Executive committee and team at Kimber House are already focusing their efforts for 2020 into a new format International MG meeting, keeping the best elements of MGLive! but bringing in some fresh, new ideas to widen the event’s appeal.

Following my February chairman’s notes we have had a number of CRBs donating money to support the Young Members branch. This is great news

and I thank all of you for supporting them. We also have the new SUV Register and I hope you will show the same incredible support for them.

I had the pleasure of attending the MG Era Day at Brooklands, which was organised in part by MGCC South East Centre members Jon Glover and John Davies. Unlike last year’s wet event, we had good bright weather, if not a little cold. There was a great turnout of MGs from Triple Ms, T Types, MGAs, MGBs MGC’s V8 (MGB, RV8 and ZTs) along with MGF/TFs, Zeds and newer MG6 and 3s. The Kimber House team were also in attendance with a Club stand.

I enjoyed wandering around and chatting to many of you and looking at all the great cars and aviation displays and enjoyed watching the cars tackle the test hill.

In the last week of March the MG3 low-cost racer built by the SAIC Motor UK Technical Centre, with help from the MG Car Club, made its dynamic debut at Castle Combe Circuit.

SAIC Motor UK Technical Centre Interns were tasked with building the car using an ex-engineering vehicle donor car as part of their Internship Project.

The car has been built with low-cost motorsport in mind, using a minimal budget (£5,000) to convert the car into a racer with a specification that allows the car to compete in a Club championship, which shares a low-cost ethos.

MG3 had its first race in Class A (standard – road going cars) of the MG Cup, at the MG Car Club’s first race meeting at Silverstone’s National Circuit alongside the Club’s MG Trophy, BCV8, Cockshoot Cup and MG Metro Cup championships.

The MG Cup has been running for over 30 years, with a simple structure and regulations designed to keep costs to a minimum and provide a challenge for new and experienced drivers alike.

The regulations have been produced to allow any MG3 model to be converted and get on the grid.

KIMBER HOUSE NEWS On April 3 Cemetery Road erupted to the sound of six cylinders as four MGCs burbled their way down to Kimber House. It was a special occasion for one of those MGCs. Richard Davies’s Snowberry White Roadster had left the Abingdon MG Factory exactly 50 years ago to the day.

www.mgcc.co.uk

MGSF_May2019_3-46.indd 7

As the four Cs parked around the back of the John Thornley Suite for a photograph in the glorious sunshine,

they were greeted by Andy Knott and John Hutchison who welcomed them to Kimber House and proceeded to give the eight members a tour of the building, from the cabinets displaying memorabilia from all eras of MG production, to the Marathon MGB and prototype V8 GT on display, and the archive that holds such things as our pre-war chassis records and extensive photo collection.

After spending time at Kimber House looking at all the MG memorabilia, the Cs headed off on one of the original Abingdon MG test routes, as used by the MGs after production and before they were signed off by the factory, before they headed for home. If you would like to visit Kimber House, please do get in touch.

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NEWS

The New MG ZS Limited Edition Limited to just 400 units, the ZS Limited Edition adds even more style to MG’s popular ZS range, thanks to a long list of visual and specification enhancements over the mid-trim Excite model on which it is based. Available from just £14,995 OTR, the ZS Limited Edition continues MG’s ethos of offering customers the very best value for money products on the market through the addition of a whole range of new and unique aesthetic enhancements – all for just £950 extra over the standard Excite model.

Starting on the outside, the ZS Limited Edition is immediately identifiable by its exclusive Arctic White paint and high-gloss black grille, accentuated further with the addition of red trim highlights on the front and rear bumpers. To complete the exterior

treatment, the limited-run MG ZS comes with 17-inch Diamond Cut alloy wheels.

Continuing the eye-catching design from the outside into the cabin, MG has equipped the ZS Limited Edition with a unique red stripe seat trim with red leather-style bolster, while the distinguishable colour trim extends to the air vents and colour-coded stitching on the steering wheel, gear-lever gaiter and door cards.

International Sports and Classic Car Show May 27 – 29 2019 at the East of England Arena & Events Centre, Peterborough.

Joining together Classic and Sports Car enthusiasts from all over the UK and beyond, the 2019 International Sports Car & Classic Motor Show will cover the entire 250 acres of showground space as well as the huge Peterborough Arena and other exhibition buildings with more than 3,500 iconic classic & sports cars.

The International Sports Car & Classic Motor Show brings together the UK & Europe’s leading classic car dealers offering stunning cars for sale, along with over 350 classic car clubs offering a diverse mix of marques.

As a member of the MGCC you can claim your free entry by visiting www.internationalsportscarandclassic.co.uk/home click on ‘Get Tickets’ and choose the ‘Show Car Entry Ticket’.

8 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2019

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MG Y Register AGM Venue: Cricklade House Hotel, Cricklade Date: Saturday May 4 Time: 4.45pm Agenda 1. Apologies for absence 2. Approval of the 2018 AGM minutes 3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Matters arising from previous minutes Chairman’s Report Secretary’s Report Treasurer’s Report Regalia Report Election of Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and Committee 9. Any Other Business Nominations for committee and AOB items should be forwarded to the Secretary no later than May 1 2019.

SVW Register AGM Venue: Van der Valk Avifauna Hotel, Hoorn 65, 2404 HG, Alphen aan de Rijn, Holland Date: Wednesday June 26 2019 Time: 6.00pm Agenda 1. Apologies for Absence 2. Approval of minutes of previous AGM held on July 10 2018 3. Matters Arising 4. Chairman’s Report 5. Treasurer’s Report and Adoption of Accounts 6. Secretary’s Report 7. Election of Officers and Committee 8. Any other Business Any nominations for the committee plus any items for discussion in writing please to:- Jim Andrew, SVW Register Secretary, 31 Latimer Road, Cropston, Leicestershire, LE7 7GP. jimrhoda@ btinternet.com

www.mgcc.co.uk

24/04/2019 16:46

NEWS

MGTAMGTBMGTC MGTDMGTFMGBGT MGTFMGZRMGKN MGVAMGZSMGSA MGWAMGZTMGGS

MG Car Club to star at Petrolicious Drivers’ Meeting The MG Car Club is pleased to announce a starring role at the upcoming Petrolicious Drivers’ Meeting at Bicester Heritage, where it will join a select group of UK car clubs in a joint activity inside the specially curated, 200-car strong event.

Californian-based Petrolicious creates quality, original videos and articles for classic car enthusiasts that celebrate the inventions, personalities and aesthetics that ignite a collective lust for great machines the world over.

The first ever Petrolicious Drivers’ Meeting, to be held on Sunday, May 12 at Bicester Heritage, marks the first Petrolicious event to be held outside of North America. The former RAF bomber base in Oxfordshire will house a curated selection of vehicles that range from Rambo Lambos to homologation specials, a vintage Williams grand prix car (with matching transporter) to an ex-works Colin McRae Subaru Impreza WRC car.

The MG Car Club will be joining a limited selection of other premium UK car clubs in a Joint Clubs Display, which will see each participating club nominate a car from their membership that has a particularly outstanding story.

The vehicles will be presented alongside their stories at the Drivers’ Meeting, where attendees will be invited to vote for their favourite story. The winning vehicle and club will be featured in an article on the Petrolicious website.

MG Car Club members are invited to prepurchase their tickets using the supplied Code (PETMGCC19) which will give them access to a Members’ Lounge with coffee, other amenities and special benefits to help them get the most out of the day. https://petrolicious.com

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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

MG3 MY18 EXHAUST ANNOUNCEMENT:-

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For more information contact Mike at MJS Auto and Marine, telephone: 01903 244908, mobile: 07956 575220. Web: mjsautoandmarine.co.uk

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M C 1 W T

M MG & AMC Parts in partnership with John Woods Motorcare Ltd have had their range of Stainless Steel Exhaust Systems extended to now include the new 2018(MY) MG3.

The system has been developed and manufactured by Peco Silencers Ltd and is exclusive to us. It is made from 304 Stainless Steel and is a 2” Cat Back performance system and incorporates a unique (to the new MG car range) externally visual 2 1/4” polished Stainless Steel rolled tailpipe finisher.

No bodywork or modification to the rear bumper panel is required.

The system has a Lifetime Guarantee.

With each system sold a free Stainless Steel Rear Bumper Heatshield will be included. This is secured in place by Stainless Steel Allen Head Bolts. This enhances the overall finish of the exhaust system and is reminiscent of the original Zed Series MG Rover bumper heatshields.

The full system price is £345 (inclusive of VAT and shipping) - First 10 people to order will get an MG Car Club member special discount price of £329.

2011-2016 MG3 and MG6 (Petrol) Peco Systems also available from £289.99.

A similar Stainless Steel Exhaust system is in development for the new MG ZS / GS and details will be announced shortly.

Contact: MG and AMC Parts Tel: 02392 220222 or 07454 006080 Email: admin@mgandamcparts.com Web: www.mgandamcparts.com

10 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2019

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MICROSTEER EPAS FROM DC ELECTRONICS DC Electronics’ new Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system, Microsteer, is the perfect universal solution for road use. Each kit comes as a complete ready-to-install package, comprising the MGU (Motor Gearbox Assembly), ECU, wiring harness, input and output shafts, and DCE’s innovative Tuning Box. The Tuning Box allows the driver to easily adjust the amount of assistance by using a potentiometer or, if preferred, the system can be made speed sensitive (a separate speed sensor is available, for cars that don’t already have a digital speed signal). A full User Guide comes with the kit, explaining everything you need to know in simple terms.

The retail price is £665.00 (plus VAT, not including shipping) but MG Car Club members can take advantage of an exclusive 5% discount available for any purchase paid for prior to October 2019 (just call on 01621 856451, quoting discount code DCEMGCC1). Information on the system, along with full contact details, can be found at www.dcemotorsport.com

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MGLIVE!

MGLIVE! TAKES A REST FOR 2019

T

he MG Car Club is devastated to announce that the decision has been made to rest MGLive! for 2019, and refocus efforts into a new format International MG meeting for 2020.

During March, Silverstone Circuits Limited made a decision to carry out essential track maintenance during June 2019, meaning that MGLive! wasn’t able to take place at the venue on the selected dates, leaving the Club without a venue or date for MGLive! 2019.

MGLive! is a meeting steeped in history, with an event being held every summer for the past 68 years. Given this history, the Club has been exploring options to move the event to a new location and/or date for 2019.

After extensive research into new locations and dates, it has sadly become clear that there are no feasible options to host an event this summer and the decision has been made to rest MGLive! for 2019 as a final resort.

12 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2019

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All ticket holders for 2019 will have now been contacted by the Club and full refunds automatically issued.

Adam Sloman, General Manager of MG Car Club, commented: “We are very sorry to be updating everyone with such disappointing news.

“The Club has been incredibly determined to try and find an alternative solution for MGLive! this year and sadly, the deeper we have delved into all of the options – different venues, dates, hosting an entertainment-only event – the less feasible putting on MGLive! in 2019 has looked.

“It has been incredibly challenging to find a venue that has capacity to hold a race and/or entertainment event in the peak of the season, with the capability to put on a large scale event in such a challengingly tight timeframe. We’ve spoken to a number of venues; and it has become very clear that moving the entire event at short notice just isn’t possible.

“It is such a shame, with so many members and classic car enthusiasts purchasing tickets in advance in record numbers. We are deeply sorry to all of those ticket holders who had supported the Club and event.

“We’d like to thank the members of the Club for their overwhelming support and all their many suggestions of venues and introductions to venues up and down the country.

“The support from venues, classic car events and the classic car community has been truly aweinspiring and all we can say is we are incredibly grateful and thanks to everyone involved for all their support and help.”

The Club are planning to regroup and refocus efforts for 2020 into a new format International MG meeting, keeping the best elements of MGLive! but bringing in some fresh, new ideas to widen the event’s appeal.

www.mgcc.co.uk

24/04/2019 16:47

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YOUNG MEMBERS BRANCH

NEC, THANK YOU AND GOODNIGHT!

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n behalf of the Young Members Branch I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported the Branch thus far; for their words of wisdom, generous help, and financial contribution. In particular, I’d like to thank the Caledonian Centre, the Vintage Register, the Midget Register, and the Douglas Mickel Fund for their extreme generosity in helping to get the Branch off the ground. We aim to keep the momentum up and to continue to grow the Young Members Branch at the pace that’s now been set – watch this space!

By Shaun Nelson

We enjoyed a successful weekend at the NEC’s Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show; displaying James Crow’s stunning MG ZS, Max Authers’ lovely MG Midget, and Ellie Macbain-Williams’ very promising MGA project, all on our YMB stand. Shows like this always offer a great opportunity to get to know members of the Club, chat and network amongst the Registers and other clubs, and drum up interest from the general public – as well from certain television personalities! Here’s to many more successful shows in the coming months. Cheers!

Ellie and Iwan with Mike Brewer on the Young Members stand

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www.mgcc.co.uk

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24/04/2019 16:47

18/80s leaving the Edmund Road factory en route to Carbodies, Coventry

THE MG T OHC ENGINE, 1929-1936

By Mike Allison

There are few engines in motoring history that excite or irritate motoring historians more than those of the pre-war Midgets, Magna and Magnette cars. www.mgcc.co.uk

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here has always been something of a mystery about the origins and design of the single overhead camshaft engines fitted to pre-war MG cars. Historical facts are that these units sold in large numbers, bringing sports cars within the pocket range of many salaried young men, and won many significant awards on the race track, absolutely dominating the 750 and 1100 cc classes, and the field of motoring trials. Here we seek to remove some of the accumulated folklore and provide the true story of these engines, which in the 1930s provided MG cars with unprecedented power outputs.

The pre-war small sports car market was dominated by the MG cars which were built and sold in thousands when other manufacturers struggled to sell in hundreds or even tens. The success of the cars had to be due in large degree to the engines which powered them, although the chassis which carried them was equally good, and the cars were sold on the slogan “Safety Fast!� which was fully justified at a time when good

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George Eyston in an R Type on the famous Brooklands Banking.

handling meant the ability to run in high gear smoothly from idle speed.

Until the late seventies, MG cars were developed from standard Morris and Wolseley cars using, at first, the side-valve Morris Oxford engine. The first ohc Morris engine was designed by Frank Woollard and his team for the Morris Light Six car, 1926/7, which was unsuccessful. It had a 2468cc displacement, with then conventional 110mm stroke, 69mm bore. The camshaft was chain driven, with timing inlet: 14BTDC, 56ATDC, exhaust: 55BBDC, 15ATDC, which was adventurous for the time! It is generally accepted that the MG General Manager, Cecil Kimber, was involved but in all honesty, it must be said that Kimber was no engineer, and that it was the Coventry engineers which designed and put the unit into production. This unit was used in the 18/80 MG, of which there was a racing version in 1930, which proved unsuccessful, despite the care lavished on the car… the whole project was (in hindsight!) a total anachronism, trying to chase the much simpler Talbot, and aping the success and style of the Bentley of the earlier 1920s but at a lower price. Around 700 of the MG model were produced, between 1928 and 1931, but the engine continued in production until 1935, being used in the Morris Isis model, as well as in marine applications.

Wolseley Motors was owned by the

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Vickers organisation and had assiduously worked its way into insolvency, due to a lack of interest in the running of the private car business by the Vickers board of directors, but had good manufacturing resources, and a new series of car engines, ranging from a four-cylinder to an eight, all ohc layout, and based on the success of earlier models, using a shaft drive to the camshaft. In 1927 the company was bought, lock, stock and barrel, by Sir William Morris for £730,000. Part of the Wolseley car manufacturing problem was that they kept every model in production, instead of concentrating on their latest designs and phasing out obsolescent models. So, in addition to a new “B” series of ohc units, they were still producing the older range, right back to pre-1914 side-valve designs!

The three engines from that range which continued in production under

Morris Motors were an 847cc four, a 1271cc six and a 2200cc six, which need not concern us with the MG story. The small four was immediately sidelined for the Morris Minor car, which would enable Morris Motors to take on the Austin Seven and Triumph Seven models in the marketplace, while the small six was set aside for a new Wolseley model, the Hornet, which was a Morris Minor with the six stuffed in!

At Edmund Road (the original MG factory, near Cowley works) the Minor was quickly rebodied and an MG Midget emerged. This work seems to have been carried out between July and September 1928, so there was not a lot of time spent on development!

The bore and stroke were 57 and 83 mm respectively, and the camshaft was driven via bevel gears and a vertical shaft, which incorporated the dynamo, which acted as a vibration damper, a

Lord Nuffield discussing matters with Leonard Lord. www.mgcc.co.uk

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FEATURE

problem which had been encountered in the earlier ohc Wolseley engines as crankshaft speed increased. The valve timing was inlet: 9 ATDC 50 BBDC, exhaust: 32 BBDC 15ATDC, very pre1914 war! Porting was all on the left of the engine, with siamesed inlets and the centre exhaust for cylinders 2 and 3, also siamesed. Valves were equal sized at 1.125”, with 30-degree seats. The combustion chamber was a rounded-off diamond shape, which was retained throughout the engine life. The crankshaft was a non-counterbalanced forged steel unit supported at the front in a ball race and at the rear in a whitemetal lined sleeve. Connecting rods were also steel, machined from forgings with white metal directly applied, and a pinch bolt small end, although originally duralumin alloy had been used for these, as on earlier cars built by Wolseley.

By the time the Midget was in production early in 1929, the 18/80 was obviously obsolescent, although production continued into 1931, with a few cars being built from spares stock in 1932. The 1930 Brooklands Double Twelve Race, in which one of the racing 18 hp cars was entered, also featured a private entry of a team of three Midgets

supplemented by two other entries. H N Charles was by this time the Chief Draughtsman of the MG Car Company, and his principal workshop support (officially the foreman) was Reg Jackson.

Jackson was a time-served mechanic and was always trying to find ways of improving performance, and quickly realised that the cam timing of the Midget was poor. He hand-ground a camshaft to give inlet opening at TDC, which gave a modicum of overlap, and a considerable increase in performance, with the power increasing from 20 to 29bhp at around 5,000 rpm. While the big car failed after less than two hours running, the Midget team took the team prize, and surprised all with their speed and reliability, averaging over 60mph for the 24 hours, inclusive of stops for fuel.

Charles set about designing a revised cam timing and came up with what was to become “standard” for most of the subsequent models. This was inlet: 15/55, exhaust: 50/20. He also specified an increase in inlet valve to 1.25”. This improved the breathing of the engine to such a degree that over 6,000 rpm could easily be achieved.

For 1931 a new chassis was designed, and the first model to use

this was the C-type Midget, or “Midget Mark II” as it was officially known initially. To place the engine in the 750-cc class, bore and stroke were 57 mm x 73 mm (= 746 cc). In the 1931 Double Twelve, it not only took the team prize, but also the first five places in the race, outpacing the opposition, and leaving many broken cars in their wake. The revised engine was run at 6,000+ rpm for the whole 24 hours!

Engine output was up to 35bhp, using high-compression pistons and a fuel with ethanol added (around 20%, I believe) to aid cooling.

Next came supercharging, at first with a modest boost of around 8 psi, but gradually increasing to 12/14 as the change to fuels containing methanol took place, which enabled more ignition advance to be used without overheating.

A revised cylinder head at the end of 1931 was designed by Charles, using eight ports, four each side, and revised water flow around the exhaust ports, which rendered water pumps almost unnecessary. The J-model Midget, introduced towards the end of 1932, featured the new head, and engine output, unsupercharged, for this model was 36 bhp at 5,500 rpm.

MG 18/80s and M Type Midgets head down the MG Abingdon factory line www.mgcc.co.uk

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HN Charles (tall suited gentleman) overlooks the work on the C Type Midgets

The J4 racing model, with 14/16psi boost, was up to 72 bhp at 6,500 rpm, on 60% methanol fuel, the balance being benzene hydrocarbons (called at the time “benzole”, a spurious mixture of benzene and toluene, derived from coal tar). The use of these high engine speeds had raised a problem using noncounterbalanced crankshafts, which broke in service when engines were run at low speeds in a high gear, but connecting rods were also fracturing at the small end at high speed, so a “Catch 22” situation had arisen. At high speed the conn-rod broke, while at low speed the crank broke! The latter problem was solved using a floating gudgeon pin located in a cylindrical bronze bush, which came into production during 1933. The next design improvement was to introduce an extra crankshaft bearing, but before that, we revert to 1929/30, and the Wolseley Hornet car.

On paper, it sounds a good recipe for a high-powered car, which was cheap in the marketplace, but in practice, this was its sole virtue. The engine was mounted right over the front axle, and although the chassis had been lengthened, there was no extra stiffening or cross-bracing and the body was mounted right over the rear axle. This resulted in a poor handling car, which purported to be a

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“luxury small car with high performance capability”, and furthermore suffered badly in the hands of the garage trade, for whom the realignment of the vertical drive after the regular decarbonising of the engine required in those days resulted in oil being thrown by the (exposed) coupling above the dynamo, and drenching that instrument with oil.

The same problem was arising with the Minor, but oddly not so much with the MG: Charles had issued a maintenance instruction to MG dealers which lessened the problem. The basic design of the engine was not dissimilar to the Midget, but four main bearings were used for crankshaft (and camshaft), with the two intermediate mains being cast aluminium rings, bolted to the crank and fed through from the front end of the block.

The rear main was a plain bush, with the rear journal fitted on a taper, with key location. The front main was a thrust ball race, as on the Midget, with shim adjustment to correct the end float.

During 1931, Wolseley Motors redesigned the camshaft drive to use an enclosed chain, and were left with some 1,700 unused and now obsolete engines and these were offered to MG at a “special price”. The Midget chassis was lengthened and used an extra crossmember, and the six-cylinder engine was

used in a new “12/70 Magna” model.

This car, with attractive four-seat open and closed bodywork, was an instant sales success, selling at less than £300, or £100 more than the Midget. It was also a success in trials, but on the race track it was found that water flow through the engine was poor and that water boiled in the cylinder head if the car was pushed hard over long distances.

Valve timing was identical with that of the original Midget, and a redesign of the engine started at Abingdon.

Another small problem was that the small diameter of the camshaft (0.875”) resulted in the valve timing of the rear cylinders being different from that at the front as engine revs increased. This problem had killed off the straight eight-cylinder engine which Wolseley had proposed back in 1927, and before it went into production fortunately, although the single surviving engine now resides at Gaydon.

Charles redesigned the head, including a camshaft of 1” diameter and cross-flow porting, and arranged for Wolseley Motors to produce this engine for MG use alone. He also favoured a capacity reduction to 1100cc (57 x 71mm = 1086cc) with eyes on the next international capacity for speed records, as MG had already established

www.mgcc.co.uk

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every record in the 750cc class. The journal size was increased, and the intermediate mains were changed to steel forgings, while the front ball-race was replaced with a plain metal bush, crankshaft thrust being taken at the rear of this. He had reasoned that the shorter stroke enabled the use of higher crankshaft speeds to achieve hitherto unobtainable power outputs from restricted displacement. This work was completed during 1932, and a new range of cars was projected for 1933 called “Magnette”, or K-series. The car was previewed at the 1932 London Motor Show.

A supercharged racing engine was tested and found to surpass expectations, producing over 120 bhp at 6,500 rpm on petrol (about 80 RON) using a 12/14 psi boost. Unblown, the engine was giving around 40 bhp at 5,500 rpm, but because it was to be used with the then fashionable preselector gearbox, needed to have a “slower” valve timing to enable a low idle speed to be used, and this reduced power to 36 bhp. This at a time when 20/25 bhp was considered the norm from 1.5 litres, and 4,000 rpm was considered a high engine speed… the MG was only 1,100! The K-series was not a sales success, probably because the buying public were not ready for

high-revving engines, which needed to be driven hard. 4,000rpm was necessary to achieve 60mph, and while the cars were capable of sustaining this, the mechanical noise was above what was considered “acceptable” particularly in the saloon version. The supercharged racing car was, however, a complete success, winning its class in the Mille Miglia and then in several other races in high profile.

One of the sales mistakes made was to continue the Magna range, which used the same engine as the Magnette, but the car was cheaper, and simpler, and better-proportioned in profile, even if the handling was not as good as either the Magnette or the Midget! However, it was Magnas which won unsupercharged laurels in rallies and a couple of races, when the engine output was stretched up to 55bhp at 6,000 rpm by dint of using higher compression ratios, yielding a top speed of 90/95 mph.

During 1933, power from the four-cylinder was increased by using higher boost pressures, and by using the crankshaft bearing dimensions of the K-series engine, and introducing a centre main bearing of similar pattern, the crankcase strength was greatly improved. At the same time, camshaft dimensions were also increased, and the entire engine became stronger.

MG J2 Chassis with engine ready for display at a motorshow

www.mgcc.co.uk

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The original M-type engine installation, showing the carburetter under the exhaust manifold. Petrol supply was by gravity from a 4 1/2 gallon tank on the scuttle.

The installation in the J2, inlet manifold now on the offside, with an electric fuel pump behind.

All these improvements were brought into production early in 1934 in a new P-series Midget, although power remained at 36 bhp, it was with much greater reliability. By mid-1934, the racing equivalent Q Midget was introduced, using a Zoller blower delivering air/fuel mixture at 22-25 psi, and power at 113 bhp (from 750 ccs!) at 7,200rpm, on 60% methanol fuel. An increase to 80% methanol mixed with acetone and benzole aided reliability, as well as giving a small improvement in power. Sadly, the car proved difficult to drive, lacking the required level of road holding. Also there were issues with the supercharger, which proved to lose output pressure during a long race, but the model proved successful in short races at Brooklands and Donington.

The power produced by the Q-Midget was the highest per litre of any pre-war engine, regardless of size.

In competition, both track and trial, MG became victims of their own success, and superchargers became unfavoured with race organisers. The RAC deemed that the 1934 TT race would be run for series-produced unsupercharged road-equipped cars only, but in this they were unsuccessful as many small manufacturers produced special competition cars in very small

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FEATURE

N-type engine. The final flowering of the six cylinder engine, showing the carburetter layout, developed from racing experience.

numbers, and no series production cars! By the time the full regulations were published a standard MG body was found to be too wide to comply! This was no problem, and an unsupercharged N-Magnette engine was revised to meet the requirements.

The N-Magnette had replaced both the K and L series cars, using an improved K-type engine, reverting to the 57 x 83 mm size, giving 1271 cc.

So touchy were the MG people about these dimensions that they declared the size to be 57 x 84, or 1286 cc., differentiating the engine from the Wolseley dimensions, but the latter company had increased the stroke of their own engines to 90 mm. As developed for the TT, compression went up to 9.8: 1, about as high as was possible to go using the benzole fuel specified for the race, and revised camshaft timing to inlet 25/60, exhaust 60/25. This gave a free revving engine and using twin 1.375” SU carburettors achieved 74 bhp at 7,000 rpm, gearing the car to 105 mph at that speed.

The ultimate version of a car using this engine was the R-Midget, which used a Q engine in an all independently sprung chassis, which overcame many of the problems getting the power on the road. A road-going version of the

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chassis was on the drawing board, but Sir William Morris became ennobled, as Viscount Nuffield, and sold all his private motor interests to his old Morris Motors, now called Nuffield Industries. This meant that Wolseley Motors (1927) Ltd, the MG Car Co Ltd, and the SU Carburettor Co Ltd were all sold, at £100 each, into a large group which was struggling with reorganisation, and Leonard Lord in charge. Lord was no engineer, although a motor man, and was heard to declare that he wanted “none of that suspension nonsense” on any of his cars and that racing was a waste of time and money. He also apparently said that “no engines in this group will have camshafts”! I give him the benefit of the doubt on that one, and assume he meant overhead camshafts!

From 1936, all MG and Wolseley cars had to use common parts with those used by Morris Motors. All three companies continued to produce individual cars suited to their own markets, which proved something of an achievement. Wolseley continued to supply engines and gearboxes for these, the engines being pushrod ohv, except for the smallest engine which had side-by-side valves, used in the Morris Eight model.

However, the car design departments were centralised at Cowley, and eventually, in 1937, H N Charles moved back to the aero industry. He was involved with making the variable-pitch propeller viable and in time for the looming war.

At MG he had been the inspiration for the improvement of the MG Midget and Magnette ranges, and increased power from 20bhp to 140plus, from 750 ccs: the highest specific output per litre of any engine pre-war, and all in the space of seven years. The speed record for 750cc had risen from around 85 mph to 140-plus, and the 1100 cc from 110 to 200 mph. All this from a design started in 1928, from one with its origins in 1918!

MG, of course, built on this success story, reverting to the technically simpler pushrod engine designs, although with larger capacity engines, and the name became even more successful in the marketplace. By the time I joined the Company in 1964, production per week was closing on the numbers produced in a year with ohc engines pre-war, and the cars were easier to maintain and more reliable, but the little Midgets and Magnettes were remembered with affection by those who knew them.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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07/12/2018 12:01 24/04/2019 16:47

EVENTS

THE 2019 PRACTICAL CLASSICS CLASSIC CAR & RESTORATION SHOW

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www.mgcc.co.uk

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his year’s Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show, was bigger and better in every way with more halls, more clubs and more visitors than ever before.

With 20 per cent more floorspace and 174 motoring clubs, a whopping 28,846 attendees enjoyed live working, demonstrations and over 1,300 display vehicles.

Once again, the MGCC attended in force, and the MG marque was well represented with recent restorations like Pete Cooper’s fantastic MG Maestro Turbo, which was highlighted in the top six restorations of the year, and Mike Brewer’s MGA adorning the MG Car Club stand, to the cars that needed a ‘bit of work’ like the MGA and MG Montego Turbo in the ‘Barn Find’ section.

Greeting those who entered hall 5 was the MGB Marathon car and just around the corner from there were four of the five parts representing the MG Car Club at the show. The ZR/ZS/ ZT Register were busy promoting their ‘Save Our Zeds’ campaign by displaying their Trophy Yellow campaign car, which was filled with balloons. Visitors were encouraged to guess the number of balloons in the ZS whilst donating to the Register’s charity of the year, the Stroke Association. The other two Zeds on the

www.mgcc.co.uk

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stand were Tony Cotter’s Supercharged V8 ZT and the MGCC ZR160 Express.

Backing onto the Zeds was MGs on Track, who were kept busy all weekend with enthusiasts enquiring about track days and the trio of MGs being displayed, showing that whether you owned a ZR, MGB, or were lucky enough to own an MG SV-R, all are welcomed by MGs on Track.

Adjacent to the stands was the main Club stand with the Young Members Branch backing onto them, who were working hard on the stand, none more so than Ellie Macbain-Williams who was nominated as Young Member of the Year in the National Car Club Awards.

The Young Members were showcasing their new range of merchandise as well as the trio of MGs, from Ellie’s MGA which needs a modicum of restoration, together with Max Authers’ well-used MG Midget and James Crow’s rare MG ZS in Glacier.

The main MG Car Club stand also featured a trio of cars, all of which drew the crowds, from the bright red MGF Trophy to the SAIC Interns modified MGB, fitted with an MG GS 2.0 turbo engine, which graced the front cover and featured in the November 2017 issue of Safety Fast! and finally the restored but modified Pewter MGA belonging to the Wheeler Dealer Mike

Brewer, and featured extensively in Safety Fast! over the past year.

The fifth part representing the MGCC was the FWD Register, who could be found at the back of hall five near the Sporting Bears stand. With a good selection of FWD machinery on display, including a lovely 1100 belonging to Derek Porter, many a visitor was heard saying “I used to own one of those”.

The Sporting Bears Motor Club, located next to the FWD stand, saw their fundraising efforts through the popular ‘Dream Rides’ create £15,700 for children’s charities across the UK. The Dream Rides Garage saw the return of the stunning traction engine that never stopped giving rides around the outside of the halls all weekend.

TV motoring celebrities attending the show included Wheeler Dealers’ Mike Brewer, Car SOS’ Fuzz Townshend and Tim Shaw, Salvage Hunters: Classic Cars’ duo Drew Pritchard and Paul Cowland, The Car Years’ Vicki Butler-Henderson and Alex Riley, the guys from Lazy Boy Garage, and actorturned-racing-driver Kelvin Fletcher.

The 2020 Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show, with Discovery, will take place from Friday 27 to Sunday March 29 2020. You can be assured the MG Car Club will be there.

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EVENTS

MG ERA DAY BROOKLANDS

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n a cold but sunny day, MGs descended on Brooklands for the annual MG Era Day. This has become a very popular event in the MG Calendar and is always well attended. This year was no exception, with cars ranging from Vintage to modern day. The Club marquee was set up near the Brooklands Club house and we were kept busy all day, talking to members, selling Club merchandise and signing up new members.

This year Brooklands was celebrating 10 decades of MG from Old Number One, which was on display having been loaned by the British Motor Museum at Gaydon, to the present day. The display of cars around the Octagon badge in the paddock featured a car from each of the first eight decades of MG production.

There was also a very impressive line-up of competition cars which included the London to Sydney Marathon MGB which the Club took along.

At lunchtime there was a parade of cars around the circuit at MercedesBenz World, together with ascents up the famous Test Hill during the afternoon. There was also a Concours

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By Colin Grant

competition where judges chose the Best MG of the Day. The star of the show had to be Old Number One but there were many other interesting cars on display including two Jacques Coune MGB replica cars, MG XPower SVs, and a rare Rover 100 6R4.

There was also much to see including Concorde, and a newly opened Aviation Exhibition Centre which had an exhibition called ‘First to the Fastest’ covering the story of Alcock and Brown’s early flight, to the

introduction of the Harrier. Added to this were the motoring exhibitions, Bus Museum and the many planes on display, all contributing to making it a great day out for all the family.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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All MPG and CO2 figures quoted are sourced from official EU regulated laboratory test results. These vehicles are WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light-Duty Vehicles Test Procedure) type approved vehicles. However, in-line with Government guidance, to facilitate direct comparison between different models from different manufacturers and to accommodate the full transition to this new testing regime, we have displayed the NEDC figures. These NEDC figures are the values for this vehicle used in all registration and taxation until further notice from the UK authorities. Fuel consumption and efficiency figures are provided for comparative purposes only and may not reflect “real world” driving results. Model shown: MG3 Exclusive with Hello Yellow paint at £12,795 on the road (OTR). OTR prices include VAT where applicable, vehicle first registration fee, delivery, number plates and 12 months’ Vehicle Excise Duty. “From” price is based on OTR price of £9,495 for MG3 Explore. £1,250 deposit contribution applies to 4 year 5.0% APR . Representative on Personal Contract Purchase and is available at participating dealers until 31st March 2019. Finance by MG Financial Services CF15 7YT. Subject to satus, availability and terms and conditions. Applicants must be 19 or over.Prices are correct at time of being published and are subject to change without notice. Please see your local dealer or visit

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A

ll eyes were on the skies on the run-up to this year’s Pride of Longbridge, after last year’s event had to be altered at the eleventh hour due to the Cofton Park venue being waterlogged; instead, Longbridge-built cars surrounded the streets around the factory site.

This year the sun managed to break through the clouds and Longbridge fans descended on the famous Cofton Park, located opposite the hallowed Longbridge factory gates, in their thousands. The Pride of Longbridge event was conceived by Gemma Cartwright and first ran in 2006, a year after the factory was shut by MG Rover, to commemorate the first anniversary of the closure and to remember all those who worked in the factory over the years and those who so sadly lost their jobs in 2005. Gemma and her band of loyal volunteers have been working tirelessly every year since to organise a Pride of Longbridge event.

This year’s event officially started at 10.00 on Saturday April 13, but the queues started forming early on.

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

The weather remained dry with sunny spells, which allowed plenty of cleaning and displaying of cars,

some of which were totally standard, others highly modified, all wonderful to see and former employees mingled with the crowds of people, reminiscing of their time spent in the factory. As people left the Park at the end of the day, social media became awash with positive comments and photos. Gemma and her hardworking team are already well on the way to planning Pride of Longbridge 2020 – definitely an event for your diaries.

PRIDE OF LONGBRIDGE

By Andy Knott

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www.mgcc.co.uk

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Steve and John approaching the start on the Viale Venezia in Brescia 2017.

AN MGA AT THE

MILLE MIGLIA

I

John Gautrey refelects on his experiences with the ex Fitzwilliam MGA during the iconic Mille Miglia re-enactments Photos by FABIAN GALLUCCI from Argentina

t is now Spring 2019 and the realisation has set in that it will be unlikely that I will ever be able to repeat the excitement and emotions of competing in what Enzo Ferrari once called “the most beautiful motor race in the world.” For the early part of the last three years my thoughts have been somewhat consumed by the preparations (albeit minimal in my case) and the anticipation of what is to come when, together with my old school

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friend Steve Dixon, we begin the one thousand mile journey that is the Mille Miglia. So now, in place of anticipation of what will be, I am forced to reflection of what have been some of the most exciting and rewarding experiences of my life. Instead of keeping these reflections to myself, I have chosen to write them into the following short story in an attempt to tell a little of my participation in the Mille Miglia reenactments of 2016, 2017 and 2018.

Most motoring enthusiasts are well aware of the story of the Mille Miglia, originally an open road race that ran from 1927 to 1957, when it was stopped due to safety concerns following a number of serious accidents which cost the lives of drivers and spectators alike. Many MG enthusiasts may also be aware of Steve’s passion for the MGA, which began back in the 1960s with a 1600 Mk2 and continues today

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with his guardianship of UPO 929, a 1955 Tyrolite Green MGA with an unmatched competition history through 1956 and 1957 as part of the Fitzwilliam Racing Team.

The Fitzwilliam team took UPO to Club and National events throughout the UK and Europe, including Rheims and Nürburgring, but perhaps most pertinent to my story, the 1957 Mille Miglia where, driven by John Hogg and Bill Jones, it finished 85th overall and second in the limited-price class to the Austin Healey 100/6 of Tommy Wisdom.

Steve has been fortunate to have been able to compete in the Mille Miglia re-enactment more than a dozen times, each time in an MGA with impeccable period Mille Miglia credentials. Each time, he has been accompanied by friends including another old school pal, Gordon Palmer, who gave me much-needed advice after, much to my surprise, Steve asked me to join him as co-driver in 2016.

Then to get the opportunity again in 2017 and 2018 was beyond belief. As my home is in Canada, my involvement in the lead-up to the events has been minimal. All the work to get the entries in to the organisers and prepare the car falls on Steve’s shoulders.

It is here that the expertise and skill of Chris Redfern is heavily relied upon.

Chris has a thriving business restoring classic cars. The finished projects that leave his workshop in Egham reflect

UPO at the Mille Miglia in 1957.

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the meticulous attention to detail that is Chris’s speciality. Based on how Steve wants the car set up for the event, he will typically strip it down, examine everything and replace or repair whatever is needed.

For 2016 and 2017 Steve and I towed the car down to Brescia. For 2018 we chose to take the lazy way and had the car shipped down with other event cars, leaving us free to enjoy a leisurely drive down, following some of the same roads we travelled back in the 1960s when we drove an ex-London ambulance around Europe

enjoying what might be called a “hippy” existence for a few weeks.

The base for the Mille Miglia in Brescia is the Fiera, an exhibition centre with a huge indoor space that, prior to the start, fills with hundreds of very expensive cars. Apart from the 450 or so event cars, it also becomes home for many modern supercars, Ferraris, Lamborghinis and others. My mind boggles at the thought of the value of this collection as it must easily exceed one billion pounds.

It is in the Fiera that the final paperwork is completed and the cars pass through scrutineering. As co-driver it is my job to diligently go through the “Road Books” with the details of the route and of all the special stages that must be completed along the way.

This requires me to enter the times and distances of each of the stages into the timing computer as it is in this detail that our success or failure depends. The eventual winner will be the car that most closely meets the exigent targets set by the organisers. However, there is one factor in this over which we have no control. Each entrant is given

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Leaving the control in San Marino in 2017

a coefficient (a handicap) based on the age of the vehicle which practically ensures that the winner will be a prewar car.

When the moment finally arrived for us to pull up to the start on the Viale Venezia in Brescia in 2016 I was truly ‘pumped’. The huge crowd surrounding the start was

something which I had never remotely imagined or experienced. There were photographers everywhere (something which would soon become normal) and I was rapidly feeling a bit overwhelmed. When the flag dropped and we were off, it took several

Passing through the beautiful Parco Sigurta, Valeggio sul Mincio in 2017.

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minutes before I remembered that my job was to ensure that Steve stayed on the road and stayed on the route.

Day 1 and Day 2 of the 2016 event were unfortunately rather wet as we had a lot of rain, which somewhat took the edge off of the experience as we were obliged to run with the windscreen, wipers and the hood.

However, Day 3 out of Rome was brilliant, made even more so for me when Steve handed me the driving duties. I was a little nervous, UPO is a very valuable car, but I soon settled down and began to drive with confidence.

The route north from Rome passes through some of the most famous of all the Italian cities including Florence and Siena. It also passes through the beautiful Tuscan countryside where, even in the car, the smell of the wild flowers is very apparent. Our

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FEATURE

In the Piazza del Campo, Siena 2018. One of my highspots of the event.

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FEATURE

2016 adventure did not end well. A mere five kilometres from our muchanticipated lap of Monza, and just 50 from the finish line, the car rolled to a halt. We were forced to abandon the rest of the event and return to the Fiera with the car on the trailer.

When Chris stripped the car back at Egham, it was found that the crankshaft had sheared. Chris did his magic and a couple of weeks later the car was competing again in Le Touquet, France.

For 2017 I was much better prepared for the challenge. UPO had benefitted from an engine refit which had it set up much more in tune with the requirements for an endurance event. The weather for the start was splendid and the car looked fabulous as we left the start for the, relatively short first day’s drive to Padova. We had no problems but the support crew did not fare so well. The clutch failed on their rental vehicle and they were left way back, scrambling to find alternative transport late in the evening. This they achieved only to have the new vehicle with all the spares and tools towed away overnight for being illegally parked.

With no lap around Monza, the 2017 route was not quite as interesting as 2016. What was interesting was our arrival in Rome. Approaching the city, we could see a storm approaching. The rain began to fall and here we were in an open car with no roof or windscreen to speak of. I soon had a vision of us sitting in a Tyrolite Green bathtub with water up to our waists.

With visibility reduced to almost zero we had no choice but to stop and

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On the famed Monza circuit in 2018

call up the crew to fit the roof, after which it was pointless to continue to the finish line for the day so we headed for the hotel for the night.

The organisers, recognising that many entrants had been affected by the weather, chose not to award penalty points to those who missed the finish; thank goodness, as we had been doing quite well up to that time.

Steve gave me the great honour of driving the last leg of the 2017 event up to the ceremonial finish line in Brescia. I am sure that the grin on my face graces many of the photographs taken at that time. Together with the crew, and in the company of Nicolo Menegolli of the Italian MG Car Club, we were able to celebrate our achievement in some style.

I was really looking forward to the 2018 event as the Monza circuit was back in the route, which brought with it the chance to exorcise the demons of our near miss in 2016. For 2018 we were given a race number of 419 which meant that we would be starting and finishing each day rather too close to the back of the pack of 450 entrants. I must also say that, after the two previous years, I have realised

that the routes for the first two days are the least interesting and more or less unchanged from 2016 and 2017.

It was therefore good to get into Rome on time and get that all behind us with no major incidents – unless you want to call some frantic braking on the red carpet in Arezzo which left the crowd laughing as the carpet rolled up beneath our wheels and the organisers scrambling to get it fixed before the rest of the cars arrived. Steve is still waiting for some wag to post the video on YouTube!

Day 3 dawned bright and sunny and full of hope which was quickly shattered when, due to a navigational error (GUILTY) we missed a critical turn leaving Rome, which saw us having to travel 20kms out and 20 back along the autostrada to regain the route. We were now well behind the pack and knew we were in for a big penalty.

Steve drove with some purpose to recoup as much time as possible but it was a good while before we caught up with the other event cars. I made a similar error entering Milan on Day 4, but with the aid of GPS and the help of the locals we quickly got back on track and made it to the Milan control

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FEATURE

without penalty. I was overjoyed when we pulled into the gates at Monza and were ushered out on to the track. We knew we would not be able to drive as quickly as we would like, thanks to the time trials throughout the circuit.

However, some of them were a good distance apart and Steve was able to get the foot down for a while; the trick being to enjoy a quick drive and hold up just before the timing hose.

After a good lunch at Monza, the remainder of the route was more or less a procession to the finish in Brescia. As usual it was chaos as we approached the Viale Venezia, with the crowds all pressing in to get a good look at the cars. Like most of the competitors we turned off the engine and slowly pushed the car towards the finishing ramp. The upside to this was the opportunity to raise a glass (just one!) to the team and ourselves for making it safely to the end. Furthermore, Chris also gave the car its traditional kiss in appreciation of its success.

Once again I was given the honour of driving to the ceremonial finish line, an experience I was able to share with Chris Redfern who took Steve’s place in the car. The smile on his face as we

were given the chequered flag was something to behold and just reward for his efforts maintaining the car. As a bonus, he kept the magnum of fine wine which had been presented to us.

As I think back on the wonderful experiences of three times participating in the re-enactment of the historic Mille Miglia, many things come to mind. The crowds along the way, the support (and encouragement) of the Italian police assigned to the event, the lack of food and sleep, the smell of the wild flowers as we drove through Tuscany, the many beautiful old towns and cities through which we passed and, of course, the company of an old friend without whom this would not have been possible.

There are some things around the event that I think could be improved upon, but it would be trivial to criticise.

After all, getting 450 cars with 900 participants plus all the support crews, marshals and officials safely around Italy must take an awful lot of dedication and work, before, during and after.

My profound thanks go to Steve for giving me such an opportunity. It was a privilege to have been able to compete with him in the Mille Miglia.

In case you think that’s my view alone,

Steve assures me that he believes exactly the same, even after all the times he has taken part. I am sure he will continue to participate, as he can with a real MM veteran car and as long as he feels fit enough to do it.

Who knows, perhaps he will need my support again in which case he will certainly get a positive answer!

Last but not at all least, I want to thank the car, the little MGA, UPO 929, for providing such a wonderful experience. As a one-time TR3A driver (and Frogeye Sprite as well) I can easily see how the nimble, delightful-to-drive MGA was every bit as competitive in those bygone days.

In thanking the car I must also thank the crew who so cheerfully and keenly supported our venture.

Anthony, Kevin and perhaps most valuable, Chris, who has put all his experience and love into the car over the last few years. To see Chris’s delight, or concern, rise and fall throughout the event as the various trials, tribulations and successes came and went is to understand the meaning of the words ‘enthusiasm’ and ‘dedication’. Those attributes cannot be bottled.

John Gautrey with Chris Redfern at the ceremonial finish line 2018

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Lancashire Classics Unit 8, Kings Court, Leyland, Lancashire, PR25 2LE

MG A 1800 1957 MGA, 3,800 miles since total nut & bolt restoration. Finished in Red with Black interior. The car has undergone a total restoration & is fitted with a modified MGB 1800cc engine & Sierra 5-speed gearbox, which gives excellent performance. It is also fitted with up-rated seats for a more comfortable ride. The original engine, gearbox & seats which have all been fully refurbished will be supplied with the car.

£34,995

MGB 1976 “P” MGB Roadster. Recently converted to Chrome Bumpers. Minilite style wheels. Lots of work undertaken & a huge history file comprising previous MoT’s & invoices.

A good usable classic British sports car.

£6,995

Details of all cars can be found on our website

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MGSF_May2019_3-46.indd 37

website: www.lancashireclassics.co.uk

Mobile: 07434784444

24/04/2019 16:48

T T YPE NEWSLET TER Paul Plummer Tel: 01926 854574 ptplummer@icloud.com

WELCOME TO THE T TYPE NEWSLETTER The equinox passed us by on March 20, so spring is really here and it’s time to get those T types out on the roads again after a winter of fettling. By the time this article goes to press, two further T Register events will have happened, the Spring Tour of Normandy and MG Era Day at Brooklands, both of which will be reported upon in future editions.

I will be introducing a regular feature to this four-page Newsletter spread, entitled ‘Car of the Month’ which will showcase one of the Register members’ cars. If you would like to have your car featured here please contact the Scribe at the above address.

Additionally, I will run some simple ‘Technical Tips’ to keep you informed.

REBUILD SEMINAR

A bunch of enthusiastic participants gather around the display car

The TF1500 gets close inspection during a break.

Ron Gammons addresses the crowd 38 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2019

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Ron explains the art of fitting weather equipment on a T Type www.mgcc.co.uk

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T T YPE NEWSLET TER

Eric Worpe explains surface preparation to the busy room

This season’s events started with the T Reg Rebuild Seminar which took place at the British Motor Museum at Gaydon on Saturday March 23 2019.

65 enthusiastic ‘T Typers’ attended the event and listened keenly to three sessions:  The trials and tribulations of a TD restoration.

A thoroughly practical and down-to-earth presentation by Ian Ailes on his experiences.  How to carry out a DIY respray. Eric Worpe gave us detailed information on paint types, surface preparation and spraying techniques.  Fitting weather equipment on a T type. Hood and side screen fitting, materials used and pitfalls to avoid, were discussed by Ron Gammons.

These presentations were followed by a Question and Answer session.

T REGISTER PIN BADGE

Additionally, Roger Wilson was there to sign copies of his new book on T type MPJG, XPAG and XPEG engines. The Register organised a ‘Bring and Buy’ parts mart and regalia sales.

Paul Plummer and Bill Silcock showing how to fold a T Type hood correctly

T REGISTER AGM The T register AGM took place on Saturday March 23 at Gaydon, immediately after the rebuild seminar had concluded.

A summary of this meeting will appear in the next edition of our email Newsletter.

WANTED

This smart, newly created pin badge is now available to Register members from the Shop at the T Register website.

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A young friend of mine has acquired a ‘barn find’ TF1500 and is setting off down the long restoration road to completeness.

Many items are not available which can be easily sourced, but the radiator is missing and he is trying to source a second-hand one that can then be professionally refurbished or exchanged.

Any condition considered.

In the first instance please contact the Scribe at the above address.

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T T YPE NEWSLET TER

AN ALBUM OF MOTOR CARS I recently found in a charity shop, this album of cigarette cards by John Player.

Although undated, it was priced at one penny!

Car No 31 is a red TC, and although it is not possible to read the caption in this reproduction, it reads: “MG Midget Series Two Seater.

The latest form of the MG Midget has a 10hp engine in the same light but sturdy chassis; the power-weight ratio is consequently better than ever. The top speed, timed at Brooklands is over 80mph; there is more acceleration than with previous MG Midgets and the same good steering and cornering. The four-cylinder overhead valve engine is of 63.5mm bore and 102 mm stroke and 1292cc capacity and the RAC rating is10hp and the annual tax is £7 10s; there is a fourspeed gearbox with synchromesh. The chassis has a 7 ft 10 in, wheelbase and a 3 ft 9 in track. The car is priced at £222.”

ROYAL TD I spotted an item in the newspaper reporting on the recent state visit to Cuba of Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall.

They attended a British Classic Car event in Havana and were loaned a TD by a local restaurant owner.

Charles commented: “The one I was driving is the most beautiful car,” but Camilla “thought it was difficult to get in and out of elegantly”.

TECHNICAL TIPS Lucas Parts. Lucas used to put the date of manufacture on its products. If you are not sure if a part is original, look for the date. It’s often a month or two before the car was built.

The date also helps you establish if the right part is fitted to your car.

Reflectors. The law changed on October 1 1954, so that all cars built from that date had to have reflectors fitted and all cars built before that date had to have them fitted retrospectively.

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The government made the announcement on April 7 1954, so MG would have started fitting them sometime between these dates for all you TF owners. All cars are now required to have reflectors, irrespective of age.

Seat Belts. Seat belts became compulsory in all new cars in 1972. They do not have to be fitted retrospectively, but if they have been fitted they must work to pass an MOT. Wipers. Wipers do not have to work to pass an MOT if your windscreen can be folded down!

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T T YPE NEWSLET TER

T REGISTER CAR OF THE MONTH

TF10027 as it is today, pictured at Nuffield Place

Name

David Wardell

Car model

TF 1500

Year

1955

Chassis number

TF 10027

Engine number

XPEG3934

Reg number

911 EMV

Years owned

49

TF10027, an original UK market car, was assembled on March 25 1955, one of the last T types to be built.

It was sold by University Motors in London and first registered on May 10 1955, 911 EMV being a Middlesex number.

It followed the normal path of being used hard in its early years and by the late 60s was decidedly scruffy.

I bought it in Manchester in 1970 as

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an everyday car. I used it as regular transport, driving it hard, 150 miles down the M1 at 4,500rpm and 70mph!

In 1978 I decided to restore the car, as the rear inner wings were rotted through. When I pulled the car apart I found the body wood was totally rotten, so I bought a new body‌ then everything ground to a halt! I had good intentions, but

pressures of work, a mortgage, a young son, and suddenly 20 years had sped by.

In 2000 we had moved to Milton Keynes and I’m not sure how I managed to keep it, with my wife commenting that it was the biggest Meccano set in the world and that it had to be sold or restored.

I took the crazy financial decision to have it professionally restored by Naylor Bros in Shipley and in 2003 my TF arrived at my new home in one piece!

I use the car regularly throughout the year, avoiding wet, dirty, saltcoated roads and covering about 2,000 miles annually.

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

WELCOME TO THE MGB NEWSLETTER You remember from April’s notes that Peter Nixon from Tyne Tees Centre was searching for parts for his hardtop and found a possible contact in the USA. He tells me that he ordered the retaining strip that he needed and that it has now turned up and is a perfect fit! That’s good to know, then.

It would have been nice to get my BGT out this past couple of weeks, but, as my photograph shows, it has been used to store Easter Eggs (nice and cool in the garage and out of the sun). These are prizes for a Great Easter Egg Hunt organised annually on Portreath Beach in Cornwall for under-5s and over-5s…by Camborne/Redruth Lions Club.

But how many Eggs are there in the Car? Send me an email with your guess (davidpbroadhurst@hotmail.co.uk) and we will pick out a winner and organise a prize from the Register regalia. Cut off May 15. Last year there were more than 500 children, and even more enthusiastic parents, digging frantically for the buried treasure. The beach looked like a minefield afterwards. Hint…I don’t have all the prizes…

There are still a few places available on the Register weekend in Suffolk in the autumn. See the website for more details and a booking form.

I shan’t comment about losing MGLive! this year, other than reminding everyone that Silverstone is a Motor Racing Circuit, not merely another disused airfield, because of efforts made by the MGCC after the war.

Photo 1. Ready for the Great Easter Egg Hunt

A few tech tips from your new Register Committee member, Mike Barclay MGB Bonnet: Refitting the bonnet on an MGB after working on the engine can be a bit of a fiddle, trying to line up the height and fit across the front wings. If you look at the bonnet hinges and the corresponding mounting points on the bonnet you will notice 2 x 1/8 inch holes drilled through each. These were used by the factory when refitting the bonnets at the end of the line to ensure the bonnets went back in the same place when removed at the start of assembly. When fitting the bonnet, once the bolts are in, fit a 1/8” piece of bar (drill bit is ideal) in each hole, adjust and the bonnet should fit correctly.

MGB Rostyle wheel nuts: Using the original wheel brace or a normal socket

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to remove the wheel nuts on Rostyle wheels usually results in damage to the chrome plating. If you have a socket set with a plug spanner socket use this as it is the correct size for the nuts and fits all the way down the nut preventing damage to the chrome.

Cheap thief deterrent: Unfortunately we are seeing more and more MGBs stolen these days. Because of the era these cars come from there is very little to stop anyone breaking in (particularly the Roadsters) opening the bonnet, “hot wiring” the ignition and the car is gone. All MGBs have an electric fuel pump. Power to the pump is fed from a white wire connected where the front and rear harnesses

join in the group of bullet connectors below the fuse box. If you remove this connection and make up a small harness connected to a secret switch (mine is mounted in a hard-to-find place under the dash) you can turn off the pump when you leave the car. If someone tries to take the car it will only run for around 200m before running out of fuel. OK, it will not stop the determined thief but it might just make them abandon their attempt to steal your car.

Bonus wiring: This only works for MGB Roadsters. The front wiring harness for both Roadster and GT is the same. This means on a Roadster the wiring for the rear heated screen

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MGB NEWSLET TER

is present but not used. This leaves a +12 wire feed (green) and return wire (white/black) that terminates in a bullet connect in the bundle of bullet connectors below the fuse box.

This can be useful when wanting to add things like a radiator fan override switch, avoiding having to add extra

wiring under the dash and through the bulkhead to the engine compartment.

Battery conditioner: MGB batteries are not located in the most convenient place, making the connection/disconnection of a battery charger/conditioner time

consuming when wanting to use the car. The cigarette lighter on later cars is permanently connected to 12V. Using a suitable lighter plug connected to your charger output makes disconnection/connection quick and simple. Make sure you get the polarity correct.

MGs gather at Millets Farm for the start of the 2019 MGB Register Spring Run. Photo: Ellie Macbain-Williams

MGB REGISTER SPRING RUN I couldn’t go to the Register-organised Spring Run but did go on the local event organised by John Harvey, leader of the West Cornwall Natter. This was a castle to castle event starting at St Mawes and finishing at Caerhays. Three MGBs, two TFs and a 1937 TA took part. All open top motoring on a bright but chilly day. Good to blow the cobwebs away and give the cars an airing after the winter. The gang up country seemed to enjoy themselves... according to Roger and Nicky Boys...

The MG season has started. The MGB Spring Run for many is the first major event of the year and all owners look forward to taking the opportunity to shake the cobwebs off their MG. There were approximately 74 cars that pitched up at Millets Farm, near Abingdon, for the start. There was quite an MG buzz in the cafe as we all met up with old friends and discussed the modifications and work that we had completed during the winter, and naturally there was the opportunity to put the world to rights – Brexit, despite being a taboo subject, got a mention! The warmth and smell of cooking breakfasts and hot coffee made it difficult to get motivated and set out on the route. The weather did its best for us; despite remaining cool and overcast all day, we were fortunate that there was no rain for the whole time we were out in the car, hence the

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roof remained down, but a warm jacket and woolly hat was required.

The first section of the route was brilliant; it took us deep into the Cotswolds, exploring some beautiful villages built in traditional style featuring the lovely warm Cotswold stone and thatched roofs. The roads were interesting and at times challenging. Goodness knows how

much it would cost to fill in all of the potholes and refurbish the roads of this area, let alone the rest of the country.

Lots of MGs were seen parked up in delightful places, taking lunch before completing the route to The Classic Motor Hub, Bibury. Great credit here goes to Roger and Joan Cooper for planning the interesting and varied route. Nicky and I made a couple of silly errors due entirely to a lack of concentration which caused us to miss a turning. However, we have resolved to complete it all again during the coming summer when the views will be less shrouded in mist.

David Broadhurst’s MGB GT in good company at St Mawes castle www.mgcc.co.uk

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MGB NEWSLET TER

Top down, ready to head off from Millets Farm on the 2019 MGB Spring Run. Photo: David Shannon

MGs of all shapes and sizes line up at Millets Farm. Photo: David Shannon

MGs line up at the finish of the 2019 MGB Register Spring Run, with Kingston House forming the perfect backdrop. Photo: John Watson

The Classic Motor Hub, Bibury, is a fascinating place, filled with an interesting array of exotic classic cars, the majority of which are for sale and could be tempting if you have deep pockets. Everybody was very friendly and made us all extremely welcome and we were encouraged to explore.

I have to admit that as we did not get there until 2.30pm we did not get an opportunity to look round, just time to

grab a coffee before it was time to set off on the second section, which took us back towards the start where we had an opportunity to visit Kingston House at Kingston Bagpuize.

The Classic Motor Hub regularly advertises in Safety Fast! and holds a number of British Coffee and Classics events throughout the year, so keep your eyes open and visit them, you will not regret it. Look at www. classicmotorhub.com for information.

The route back was more direct and gave us all an opportunity to speed up and enjoy the wind-in-thehair motoring. The Kingston House owner was on the gate to welcome us all. Approximately 40 cars made it to

the end. We guess the other cars had headed for home. Here we had the opportunity to go into this fascinating house, steeped in history, as well as explore the grounds or simply enjoy afternoon tea while continuing the conversation with friends plus, as a bonus, super homemade cakes, some of which were made by the owner!

Nicky and I completed 140 miles by the time we got back to Newbury and enjoyed the ‘Boneshaker’, our 1964 MGB, during an excellent day out to start the MG year. Thanks go to the MGB Register Committee for organising such a wonderful event. Shall we do it again next year? Yes, please.

Roger and Nicky Boys.

The half way halt, the Classic Motor Hub at Bibury. Photo: Mark Rathbone

www.mgcc.co.uk

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MGB Register Weekend 13th–16th September

2019 Kindly supported

By Moss Europe

Join the MGB Register for a weekend away in

Suffolk based at the Ufford Park Woodbridge Hotel(www.uffordpark.co.uk from 13th – 16th September 2019 Enjoy a weekend of scenic driving, excellent food, and socialising There will be full day tours on Saturday and Sunday set in stunning countryside and surrounding areas The cost is £465 per double / twin room for the 3 nights dinner, bed and breakfast.

Event limited to 30 cars - first come first served.

There is in addition a £60 administration fee (to cover MSA and police approvals, rally boards and route books etc.) payable to the MGB Register with your entry form.

Please post your completed booking form (tear off the bottom of this notice) together with your cheque for £60 made payable to:MG CAR CLUB Ltd, MGB REGISTER, post to John Watson, 26 Lucca Drive, Abingdon on Thames OX145QN – Mob 07770 575 236 Your entry will be acknowledged with the MGB booking code, which you will need when you reserve your room directly with the hotel.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Driver’s Name:

Email:

Co-Driver’s name:

Telephone:

Address:

Mobile: MGCC Member Number:

MG Model & Year: Postcode:

Registration Number: We collect you personal details to enable us to administer the event.

We do not pass your details to any third party other than where required to facilitate entry as part of the event.

Your name will be published as part of a program or list of entrants. Pictures may be taken & used to promote future & past events.

MGSF_May2019_3-46.indd 46

24/04/2019 16:49

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MAY 2019 SAFETY FAST! 47

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

WELCOME TO THE MGC NEWSLETTER With summer time now firmly with us there is more opportunity to get our car out of the garage and start using the car a bit more. So just a quick summary of C-related events on the calendar for the forthcoming months.

May 3 – The C Register AGM to be held at the Rose & Crown, Salisbury, SP2 8JQ at 4.30pm.

May 4-5 – Salisbury – Downton Engineering Works Show on Saturday and the Downton Classic car run on Sunday 5. The Saturday event coincides with the local ‘Cuckoo Fair’ held in Downton and is highly recommended.

May 8-12 – MGC Jersey. Around 12 cars are heading for the island, to take in Liberation Day on Thursday 9, a tour of the island on the Friday, and additional events being held on the Saturday and Sunday. Thanks to Jon Glover for organising this for us.

Details of our adventures will appear in Safety Fast! soon, with updates on the MGC Register Facebook page, too.

June 9 – MGs in the Park – Cotswold Wildlife Park, Gloucestershire. Contact Peter Mapson for details on peter.mapson@ bowermapson.co.uk

June 15-16 – MGLive! has unfortunately been cancelled this year due to circumstances out of the Car Club’s control. Please see the announcement in last month’s Safety Fast!

July 6-7 – MGC Day 2019, on Sunday July 7, is being held at Holdenby House, just north of Northampton.

With no MGLive! this is your opportunity to get together with other Cs and their owners and show off your car! We will base the event at the De Vere Staverton Hotel, near Daventry, for those wishing to make a weekend of it. Special rates at the hotel have been arranged. Please book with the hotel directly quoting reference MGCC050919. Further information and booking forms can be obtained from Mike Haughton or myself.

October 6 – End of Production Ball is provisionally being organised at the Chateau Impney Hotel in Droitwich.

This will be held depending upon the level of interest shown by Register members, so if you think you would like to attend the event then please let your secretary, Mike Haughton or myself know within this month.

The C Register has seen a few new members joining us earlier in the year and so we would specifically like to extend a warm welcome to all of you and look forward to meeting you at some of the events during the year.

Just a gentle reminder that if you have changed your address, email or indeed purchased another or recently changed your car, please let Barrie and Ginny Cartmell, or anyone on the committee, know. It is imperative that we can keep the Register updated.

Finally, just a quick mention to invite anyone who would like to contribute an article to the C Register section within Safety Fast! to please get in touch as we are always on the lookout for interesting editorial and photographs (current and historical).

Two short articles this month. We would be very interested to know about your collections of C artefacts, too.

Happy C motoring.

Colin Howes

A busy Chateau Impney during the 50-year celebrations. We’re looking at holding an end of production ball there in October

www.mgcc.co.uk

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MGC NEWSLET TER

SALVAGE HUNTERS CLASSIC CAR

MGCs with an RV8 on display at a previous Downton Engineering Works Show

MGC DAY JULY 7 2019

HOLDENBY HOUSE, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE A special event for MGC Cars and their Owners!

Event booking forms, prices, weekend hotel details if required, and further informaaon—all available now from: Mi Mike Haughton—MGC Register Secretary mgc_mike@bbnternet.com +44 787 657 2202 or +44 151 336 1994 And on the MG Car Club—MGC Register —News Page: www.mgcc.co.uk/mgc-register/news/ Book early to avoid disappointment!

Last date for event only booking = June 7 Last La date for hotel booking = May 17

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Here in the UK during the end of January, Quest TV channel screened a programme called ‘Salvage Hunters Classic Car’ in which an MGC CT was purchased, ‘restored’ and then advertised for sale. For those who missed the programme it can be seen on YouTube. Search for ‘Salvage Hunters Classic Car S02E03’.

Unfortunately, the last seven minutes of the programme has the sound missing but most of that relates to the work carried out on a second car in the same programme, which was a BMW 6 Series.

After the programme there was some inevitable ‘debate’ on the MGC Register Facebook page discussing the pros and cons of the work carried out. There was clearly some annoyance of the repeated description of the MGC being a ‘mini or poor man’s Aston Martin’. The focus of the restoration was very much towards the paintwork, interior and wire-wheels and clearly some first-class work had been carried out in these areas.

Disappointingly, the programme failed to make any reference to the engine, running gear or structural details of the vehicle and only concentrated on what would make the car look pretty in order to justify a heavily inflated price tag! Each programme normally ends with a buyer being found and a handshake on the deal; not in this case, however.

Some weeks later the car appeared on the UK eBay site at £29,950 and also the Car and Classic website but now seems to have gone to ground. So we have lost contact with it unless anyone can provide us with an update.

Clearly the programme was aimed towards the general TV audience rather than the knowledgeable enthusiast for the car; however it was certainly a missed opportunity in my opinion.

www.mgcc.co.uk

24/04/2019 17:00

MGC NEWSLET TER

MGC Day programmes from 1992-1998

Some of the Silver Jubilee memorabilia, including the VHS video

MGC MEMORABILIA During many years of C ownership it is inevitable that some of us at least will amass a certain degree of memorabilia relating to the marque and more specifically to the model.

With Corgi and Dinky models along with sales and publicity brochures possibly being some of the most popular collectors’ items, I thought it could be interesting to take a look at other C artefacts. Here are a few of my acquisitions.

August 2 1992 saw a milestone event of the car by celebrating the 25th anniversary at the Patrick Collection Museum in Birmingham.

The obligatory rally plaque and entry programme were issued. The programme lists some 142 entrants with some very familiar names! The day finally culminated with a total of 147 Cs in attendance. Along with the programme was an entry ticket for the

www.mgcc.co.uk

MGSF_May2019_47-98.indd 51

The banner that adorned the wall during the 50th celebrations

grand price of £5.50 per person, and for the special occasion a grille badge indicating allegiance to the MGC Register was also produced.

Lesser known, during the event a video was recorded and was made available to customers and friends of Bromsgrove MG Centre in the following months. Unfortunately, this only exists in VHS format and so playback opportunities are now somewhat limited.

Building on the success of the silver anniversary, the MGC Day then became an annual event. In 1993 the meeting was held at the Avoncroft Museum in Bromsgrove, 1994 – Stanmore Hall in Bridgnorth, 1995 – Hanbury Hall in Worcester, 1996 we returned to the Avoncroft Museum. In 1997 the 30th anniversary was held at the West Midlands Safari Park and in 1998 MGC Day was staged at the

Heritage Motor Centre in Gaydon.

Examples of programmes still exist as mementos.

At the 50th anniversary, those of us who were lucky enough to attend the evening events couldn’t have missed the collection of posters adorning the walls of the venue, some of which were available to purchase. Given my close involvement with the silver anniversary event it seemed poignant that the banner depicting the ’92 programme and handbook covers was made available to me.

Not specifically C-related, although was provided with every car released from the factory, is a leather key fob.

This was also supplied with MGBs of that era. One side of the fob had the MG octagon logo, the other side had printed “Real English leather used in this upholstery”. I have only ever seen one MGC which has the original key

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MGC NEWSLET TER

The drawing of the MGC by a local illustrator

A replica of the original key fob which was supplied with MGCs

fob intact, and that car is a GT which resides in Switzerland. Sadly, mine in the photograph is a replica, but none the less an interesting artefact and an additional point to be had for the concours guys.

One of my nicest surprises was when a local illustrator took it upon himself to draw a picture of my car. A bit of clever sales and marketing on his part as I was unlikely to refuse to buy the picture afterwards but, that said, the lines and form which he achieved in the picture were quite remarkable.

The level of detail and character shown in the reflections from the chrome bumper and over-riders is outstanding and all told the illustration is very pleasing to the eye.

On very rare occasions something comes up which is just too good to turn down, even though it was quite expensive at the time. They say that you never regret your extravagances!

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MGSF_May2019_47-98.indd 52

The item in question is a blueprint copy of the ADO52 specification and technical data issued internally at the MG Car Company Ltd. It consists of seven pages in total and details the engine specification, drive train, braking system, suspension, steering and electrical system. It was compiled

on August 17 1967 and the circulation list includes one or two familiar names including a certain Mr Thornley, Mr Enever and Mr Jackson along with several other members of staff within Abingdon. It would certainly be interesting to know upon whose desk this document landed!

Blueprint copy of the ADO52 speciďŹ cation and technical data issued internally at the MG Car Company Ltd

www.mgcc.co.uk

24/04/2019 17:00

www.mgcc.co.uk

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BTCC

BTCC BLASTS BACK INTO ACTION

E

XCELR8 Motorsport opened a new chapter in its history at Brands Hatch on April 7 when the team made its debut in the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship with two heavily reworked MG6 GTs. Alongside the new series and new cars, EXCELR8 also fielded two drivers fresh to the BTCC: Rob Smith and Sam Osborne.

It would be the Honda of Josh Cook, BMW of Andrew Jordan and Honda of Rory Butcher who all claimed a win apiece on a breathless afternoon of racing.

It was Cook who left the Kent venue with the standings lead as he followed up his victory with two solid points finishes in the day’s other contests.

Adrian Flux Subaru Racing’s Ash Sutton took pole position during qualifying on Saturday, but that counted for very little once the action got underway amid changeable conditions on Sunday.

BTC Racing’s Cook won the opener after getting his tyre tactics spot-on, as others switched to the new Dunlop BluResponse wet tyre with fog and drizzle shrouding the circuit.

54 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2019

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Photo: Dickon Siddall

Cook – starting the race in tenth – was the first of many further back to gamble on dry tyres, and it proved to be a tactical master class.

Cook dropped back initially as the wet conditions sent cars twitching around the 1.2-mile Indy circuit, but the tide turned on lap five when Cook set the fastest lap in his new Honda Civic Type R (FK8).

Cook never looked back and it was merely a case of who would join him on the podium as the Dunlop SportMaxx-shod dry tyre runners began surging up the leader board.

It was local man Jake Hill who made his way into second in the TradePriceCars.com Audi, much to the delight of the partisan crowd, and Team Shredded Wheat Racing with Gallagher’s Tom Chilton followed him home.

Andrew Jordan then scored the first victory for the all-new BMW 330i M Sport as he surged his way through from 15th on the grid in race two.

Changeable conditions again greeted the grid ahead of the race, but unlike the first contest, all 30 drivers chose to start the race on the Dunlop SportMaxx dry tyre.

After myriad overtaking manoeuvres up and down the order in the early running there was a three-way tussle for the lead – between Cook, Sutton and Jordan – midway through the race.

The ballast-laden Honda of longtime leader Cook couldn’t hang on as Sutton made one of his textbook moves at Graham Hill Bend to snatch the lead. Jordan immediately put him under pressure, however, and the 2013 Champion eventually cruised by the 2017 Champion on lap 16 to take the first win of the season for the Bavarian marque.

Sutton held on to second, but not before withstanding an almighty effort from Adam Morgan, Jake Hill, Tom Ingram and Stephen Jelley.

Cobra Sport AmD Autoaid/RCIB Insurance’s Butcher claimed victory in the final encounter after Team Shredded Wheat Racing with Gallagher’s Chilton was handed a post-race penalty.

Chilton crossed the finish line first on the road but in a post-race appeal was adjudged to have gained an advantage during contact with Matt Neal’s Honda.

The Surrey man failed to give the position back during the race itself and was therefore penalised by the addition of five seconds to his overall race time, handing Butcher his first-ever BTCC win.

Josh Cook and BTC Racing top the Drivers’, Independent Drivers’, Teams’ and Independent Teams’ tables at this early stage of the season, whilst Honda and BMW share the lead of the Manufacturers’ standings. Sam Osborne is currently sitting in 22nd place and Rob Smith 28th as they head towards Donington Park.

www.mgcc.co.uk

24/04/2019 17:01

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A minutes silence to honor the much missed Pam McCarthy

MGCC SEASON KICKS OFF WITH PLENTY OF DUELS IN THE SUN

S

everal MG Car Club championships and series kicked off their race seasons at the Club’s opening 2019 meeting at Silverstone’s national circuit – in highly unseasonable warm and sunny weather.

MGCC MG CUP SUPPORTED

BY PETER BEST INSURANCE The MG Cup wasted no time in providing exciting racing action after the winter break. And Richard Buckley was the star of the show, winning both season-opening races in his Rover 220 Turbo. This was despite starting each race second-last due to his clutch cable getting stuck in qualifying, and in both races he rose through the field in doublequick time. It all also got Buckley the Driver of the Day award as well as Driver of the Race for his second showing.

In the first race Buckley, his clutch woes now sorted, rose to lead by one-

56 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2019

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By Graham Keilloh. Photos by Dickon Siddall third’s distance, taking the spot from Stuart Tranter who was competing in the invitational class in a Tomcat.

Tranter finished second and Peter Burchill in a ZS 180 got third.

And that wasn’t the only impressive part of Buckley’s achievement. “It’s the first time I’d driven the car since I rolled it at Snetterton last year,” he said.

“I hadn’t tested it or anything. I had to rebuild it over the winter. It was

all damaged, broke some engine parts, so I didn’t have time to test it before the race. So it was literally out of the box. And after quali I didn’t think I was going to be anywhere! But it seems to work alright!”

Race two resembled a replay of race one as Buckley again climbed through the pack rapidly, though this time it looked for a while that he might have to give best to leader Matt Simpson

Rob Spencer leads Ian Prior in the BCV8 race

www.mgcc.co.uk

24/04/2019 17:01

in his Tomcat. Simpson had made his own recovery from starting ninth – due to a combination of traffic and oil on the circuit in qualifying – and the two friends engaged in a tough, but fair and respectful, scrap for several laps.

Simpson admitted to making an error with a camber adjustment which made his Tomcat “completely undriveable” and sounding like it was going to break, which meant he couldn’t get onto the race one grid. The matter still impacted his car somewhat in the second race, and forced him to take a compromised racing line on right-handers, something Buckley took advantage of.

“He outsmarted me!” Simpson laughed. “He worked out where I was going to be slow and managed to do me! It was great. I knew he was going to get me to be honest and it was hard enough to hold him off for as long as I did.”

Simpson followed Buckley home in race two less than a second shy, and Tranter completed the top three.

Burgess was able to claim Class B victory this time, finishing fourth overall, while Gil made it two Class A victories from two.

MGCC BCV8 CHAMPIONSHIP The opening BCV8 race meeting of the year was a poignant affair as it came a few weeks after the sad passing of its popular long-time co-ordinator,

Paul Clackett in his ZS 180 leads the LE500 Phil Standish during the Cockshoot Cup race

Pam McCarthy, as well as mere days after the memorial service to honour her life. To pay tribute all drivers got out of their cars before the race and assembled at the front of the grid for a minute’s silence and the competing cars carried stickers in her memory.

“It’s a massive shock for all of us. We are as a championship all mourning a little bit at the moment,” said chairman of the championship, James Wheeler.

“But the key thing is to try and keep going, keep strong and enjoy it, because if she’s looking down at us she’ll want the championship to be as successful as it’s always been. The only thing is, we need about three or four people to do what Pam could do as one person! So we’re looking forward to the season, and all racing for Pam!” The race was won by habitual front-runner, Rob Spencer. Starting third, he stormed past the front row pair, Neil Fowler and Ian Prior, at the

start and held off his fellow GT V8 runner Prior for the rest of the way, beating him home by 1.1 seconds.

It was a ‘double podium’ for the Spencer family as Rob’s son, Jordan, got home third, and with it claiming Class C victory. This was despite his GT V8 smoking for much of the distance, to the point that Jordan had to reach across to open his passenger window!

Stephen McKie in his GT V8 won Class B by 3.9s from Howard Grundon’s similar machine, and McKie claimed Driver of the Race with it.

David Strike in an MGB GT won Class AB comfortably.

MGCC DRAYTON MANOR PARK MG METRO CUP WITH THE COLLEGE MOTORS MG TROPHY Reigning Drayton Manor Park MG Metro Cup champion Jack Ashton, of Team Purple Helmets, picked up where he left off last year by winning both

The MGB of Max Cawthorn (29) leads the Equipe GTS pack

www.mgcc.co.uk

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the season-opening races at Silverstone from pole in his Rover Metro GTi. Yet if he thought that his brother and team-mate – and closest challenger last year – Andrew sitting out this season would give him an easier ride he was rapidly dissuaded of the notion, as in both races Jack had to fend off a strong challenge from Dick Trevett’s MG Metro Turbo.

Dan Willars in a Rover Metro GTi completed the top three, heading a frantic four-car battle for third place, resolved in his favour when Mark Wilson in his MG Metro Turbo had an off-track excursion at Woodcote.

Willars also was rewarded with the Driver of the Race accolade.

In the second race, leader Ashton again was chased by Trevett but again looked just about capable of keeping him out of striking range. This time, though, Trevett’s Metro hit late technical problems, as he blew up with just two laps remaining.

Wilson inherited the race two runners-up slot, after a race-long demonstration of watertight defence to hold off Willars in third. This also got Wilson Driver of the Race.

EQUIPE GTS A The Equipe GTS Group A pitstop race boasted the largest grid of the meeting, with no fewer than 31 machines lining up! Group A victory

The distinctive Metro of reigning Drayton Manor Park Metro Cup Champion Jack Ashton

was largely about one man though, as Lee Atkins dominated in his TVR Grantura 1800S. He took pole with a lap almost 1.3s under the nearest challenger then won both overall and in Class A3 with little fuss. Chris Ryan in a Triumph TR4 had a more eventful time, finishing second overall as well as winning the A4 class despite a fivesecond track limits penalty. He still was 7.5s clear of third-placed Mark Holme’s MGB Roadster in the official results.

EQUIPE PRE-’63 The Equipe Pre-’63 race was a much closer affair, with Neil Fisher in an Austin Healey Sebring Sprite, John Pearson in a Healey 3000 and Mark Holme in a 3000 Mk II engaged in a tight race-long battle for victory. After nearly 40 minutes of racing the trio finished just 1.6s apart. Fisher won out, vaulting from third place into the lead with an earlier pitstop, at the expense of early leader Pearson and his close chaser Holme. Holme managed to pass Pearson for second place on

Rover Tomcats battle it out in the MG Cup, with Richard Buckley (20) leading

58 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2019

MGSF_May2019_47-98.indd 58

the penultimate lap, also therefore beating Pearson to the Class 6 win.

EQUIPE GTS B The Equipe GTS Group B race, which shared the track with the Pre-’63s, was won by the MGB Roadster shared by Olivia Wilkinson and Austin Kinsella. They finished a lap ahead of runner-up Noel Leonard, who was also in a Roadster.

MGCC COCKSHOOT CUP The Cockshoot Cup season-opener had particular intrigue as Ray Collier, who dominated the championship last year, was not competing.

The opening race of 2019 was won by Paul Clackett in his ZS 180. Poleman Clackett was beaten predictably off the startline by Phil Standish’s rear-wheel drive MG TF LE500, which started second, but Clackett passed Standish to re-take the lead at Brooklands on lap one.

This was just before the safety car was deployed for a multi-car accident at Becketts, which accounted for Ashley Woodward’s ZS 180 and Chris Greenbank’s TF 160. Standish then dropped out shortly after green flag racing resumed, losing drive out of Becketts.

Clackett won ahead of a recovering MG Midget driven by Keith Egar, who started seventh and was running ninth when racing resumed after the early safety car. He then frequently was the fastest man on the track and took second place from the ZS 180 of Simon Lowery three laps before the end, shortly before Lowery retired with smoke billowing from his ZS 180.

www.mgcc.co.uk

24/04/2019 17:02

RACE TORQUE

MGCC Silverstone National Circuit silverware winners

RACE TORQUE

by Mark Baulch

2019 is already ‘racing’ past By the time that you read this, we will not only have enjoyed a great day of racing at Silverstone at the end of March, but also had our end of April event at Brands Hatch. It had been a long winter, but it was great to see so many of the regular faces at the meetings, as well as a few new ones and some new cars, fresh in their 2019 liveries.

Brands Hatch is a favourite circuit for many, including myself as it was my local circuit as a child and I enjoyed many days of watching racing there back in the 1970s and 1980s, even meeting James Hunt and obtaining his autograph!

The Triple M racers are celebrating 90 years in 2019 and we had a very strong entry indeed as I write, so I am sure that we will have celebrated their anniversary in a fitting way.

Conversely, the racing at Silverstone included the debut for the MG3, which

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MGSF_May2019_47-98.indd 59

successfully picked up trophies in both races, making lots of students very happy. Hopefully this is the start of something exciting, as this is the first new model to race since the MG6 in the British Touring Car Championship.

Inevitably, the car will need some work to increase competitiveness, so all of the paddock will watch with interest as they learn and progress.

We now look forward to our next fixture, Donington Park on Saturday 20 and Sunday July 21. We have a packed timetable for the weekend, with plenty of British metal streaking around this historic tarmac, including nearly all of the MG Championships and our friends from Morgan, plus a three-hour relay with the Equipe GTS competitors.

We will also be joined by the Sports 2000 racing series, the fastest racing cars in the UK. The open-topped, closed-wheeled racers are always exciting to watch, as their regulations create close racing and a number of

classes mean that battles can be seen throughout the field.

So, as always, we look forward to seeing you at one of our events in 2019. Do come along to the MG Welcome Centre and enjoy refreshments as well as the awards ceremonies after the races, which we like to make enjoyable for all involved.

This is a big part of being in the ‘MG family’, making our events some of the friendliest in the sport.

A momento showing all the circuits being visited by the MGCC in 2019.

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1951 MG TD in a beautiful dark green colour with light biscuit interior.

The engine was rebuilt in 2005 with an unleaded head and a 5 speed gearbox conversion was also fitted at the same time.

In 2010 the ash frames, metal work and woodwork were replaced and then a full respray was carried out.

2017 A new hood, sidescreens and tonneau were fitted along with a full service and brake overhaul.

£24,995.00

Classic and Sports Cars are extremely proud to have for sale this newly completed MG TA Special.

This MG TA Special recreation has just been finished to the highest standard and the rebuild and restoration quality is “probably” the best you will ever see. No expense has been spared and the eye for detail is second to none.

SPEC All aluminium ‘Boat-Tail’ design bodywork.

Small boot space for overnight bag.

Side foot plates to aid entry to the interior.

Fully overhauled XPAG Engine bored to 1300cc.

Ported cylinder head and fully unleaded.

New Sports Camshaft and matched distributor.

Engine Fully Balanced.

Stainless Steel fish-tail side exhaust.

1981 MGB rubber bumper roadster in green, (originally an LE in gold) Black vinyl interior with black carpet, New black vinyl hood, Alloy wheels, Hard Top, Various MOT’s and invoices

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£88,495.00

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

MG on track

NORTH WEALD EXPERIENCE DAY

W

ith great track days at Goodwood, Bedford Autodrome and Cadwell Park safely under our belts already this year, it’s time to cast the net wider and try to encourage more of you to share the pleasure that is an MGs on Track event. Whilst our regular track days are mostly held at motor racing circuits and are enjoyed by drivers of all abilities in a wide variety of MGs, our North Weald Experience Day on July 5 is predominately directed towards novices, those who have never tried one of our events and, just as importantly, those who are not sure that a track day is ‘”their sort of thing” and need persuading otherwise!

Held in the wide-open environment of an aerodrome, safely segregated from the aeroplanes, the event offers the chance to explore both your abilities and your car’s handling under the watchful eye of performance driving instructors.

No special equipment or helmets are required, just enthusiasm and an MG. Priced at £ 60.00 for an MGCC member, with second drivers and passengers

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free of charge, the event presents an inexpensive, fun and sociable day out.

Numbers are restricted to just 23 for the day, and with each exercise being undertaken by just one car at a time the risk to both vehicle and driver is minimised. At the start of the day cars will be tested for exhaust noise, with the limit set at 105db measured with the car stationary and at 75% of maximum revs; this is very, very loud, so unless your car is routinely mistaken for a passing Vulcan bomber drivers of road cars should have no concerns! North Weald aerodrome is very close to Harlow, and just a mile or two from the M11, so is readily reached from most areas.

After an optional visit to the onsite catering bus, the day proper commences with a group introduction and an explanation of the day’s activities, the first of which will be the high-speed bend. You will be encouraged to approach the bend at ever increasing speed (measured with a radar gun) until you reach or exceed the limit of road-holding. Eventually this exercise may lead to a disorientating but harmless spin on the open tarmac, after

which the instructor will offer advice, encouraging words, and send you back out to put your newly found knowledge to the test before progressing onto the next exercises. Confidence in both your own abilities and the potential of your car will grow as the event proceeds, and you will be ready to try your skills on the two circuits formed of cones that will be set up for the final portion of the day. A hint of competition enters these last activities as your ‘laps’ will be timed; in previous years we have witnessed intense rivalries ferment, particularly when a car is shared between husband and wife, or between father and son!

As only one car is in action at any time there will be a few moments to chat and compare notes with your fellow participants before your next chance to get it just right.

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

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

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MG CAR CLUB SPEED CHAMPIONSHIP MGS ON TRACK – 2019 CALENDAR MGs on Track – 2019 Calendar

JOHN WILMAN, BEECHFIELD, FERN BANK, CHAPEL-EN-LE-FRITH, HIGH PEAK. SK23 0JJ TEL: 07778 165186 WWW.MGSPEED.NET

PPlease 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 20 A fast and open track; long straights combined with a challenging infield section.

Blyton Park – June 3 Not a traditional racing circuit, but a fun and friendly venue boasting a layout with real character.

Castle Combe – June 24 The first of two annual visits to this very welcoming circuit in Wiltshire.

North Weald – July 5 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.

Croft – July 12 Experience one of the hidden gems of British Motorsport on a day shared with Lotus on Track.

Brands Hatch GP – August 1 A rare chance to experience the full GP Circuit with fellow MG drivers.

Anglesey – August 12 Experience this challenging circuit on a day shared with the Lotus 7 Club. Overlooking the Irish Sea and with views to Snowdonia, this track offers something for all.

Castle Combe – September 9 A second opportunity to enjoy the thrills of this everpopular track which includes a couple of chicanes and high speed, technical corners!

Donington Park – October 7 A flowing, historic circuit in the Midlands, featuring the fantastic Craner Curves and Old Hairpin sequence.

Goodwood – October 28 A second visit in case you missed the first due to popularity!

Brands Hatch ‘Indy’ – December 2 Our last event of 2019. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy this undulating circuit including Paddock Hill Bend!

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Sunday April 7 saw the start of our season at Curborough sprint course, near Lichfield. The track is part of an old airfield complex, as so many are, and on this occasion the event is promoted by the MGCC Midlands Centre. This is their first of two visits per year and a long-established season opener. For the past few years we have been able to start in March with an event at Rockingham Raceway in Northampton. However, that venue is now being bulldozed to make way for houses. So another one bites the dust.

Established events have taken a considerable hit this year. First of all we found that the Stowe circuit was not available to us for running our sprint on the Sunday of MGLive! This sprint had gathered a very firm following over the last few years from MGs and other one-make car clubs and one can only hope that all the hard work was not wasted and we will be able to run there again.

Then, with very little forewarning, came the news that MGLive! was to be cancelled altogether as Silverstone had decided to resurface part of the track. I can only imagine the impact on the staff at Abingdon; I am glad it’s not my problem to deal with.

However, onward and upward. Curborough was slightly short on entrants, although the vast majority were MGs, and this meant that those present were able to have a goodly number of runs. The weather was dry, overcast and cold but drivers reported that there was plenty of grip. A wide age range of MG cars was represented, from a solitary MG3 to pre-war T types. It was good to see the MGA model out in more than single figures, with Martin Woollacott in his well-used coupe and Phil Smith with a recently acquired Twin Cam. This is a beautifully prepared example and I look forward to seeing it perform throughout the season. It is a pity that we don’t see more MMMs etc at this event as their presence really spices up the atmosphere.

It was good to see past championship winner, Ian Beningfield, back after a year’s sabbatical with the Midget nicely resprayed. Andy Walker in the Mighty V8 MGB took the fastest MG slot.

Coming up is Harewood, Goodwood and our Anglesey weekend, so plenty to report in my next article.

May dates for your diary May 5 Anglesey Sprint MGCC (NW) May 11 Llandow Sprint Bristol Pegasus MC May 18 Wiscombe Hill Torbay MC May 19 Rushmoor Sprint Farnborough & DMC May 19 Scammonden Hill MGCC (NW) May 25 Prescott Hill Bugatti Owners Club

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Meet and greet with an Oldtimer Club in Austria

MG CAR CLUB LUXEMBOURG’S

BALKANS TOUR

O

ur ten MGs plus one guest Jaguar set out in August on our three-week tour which was destined to drive through ten countries. Our first leg took us to Düsseldorf via Belgium and on to Innsbruck in Austria, and from there to Graz where we all stayed at the highly recommended Hotel Pfeifer zum Kirchenwirt for two nights.

As a traditional hotel, the Pfeifer offered as much well-maintained patina as our cars.

Budapest followed on what was a long drive which took in Hungary’s top summit – the Kekestetö and the notable Puzsta with its famous gypsy villages. Unsurprisingly, the distance took its toll on some of the cars, but the faults were mainly electrical and were easily fixed. Romania followed, with a visit to the art deco and art nouveau-rich Oradea. Perhaps the distances were telling on the drivers as well, as with great embarrassment two of our party badly shunted each other

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By Rob Koeller

at a traffic light. The damage to an MGA especially looked terminal as far as the trip was concerned. However. the resourcefulness of Romanian classic car enthusiasts soon found a new tyre, straightened a bumper, and replaced a headlight with one from an old east German Trabant.

Our tour took us through the Carpathian mountains to picturesque Sibiu-Hermannstadt, Transylvania’s capital. The organisers of a FIVAacknowledged rally in Sibiu allowed our group into their ‘parc fermé’ for three days and nights. Three generations of MGs turned heads,

Setting off on the train in Dusseldorf to Innsbruck MAY 2019 SAFETY FAST! 65

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MGs at the Croatia/Slovenia border

such that many Romanians discovered the marque at first hand. The rally enabled us to enjoy Transylvania’s wonderful scenery and to view their fortified churches and mountain passes. We encountered also a mix of horse-drawn as well ordinary vehicles, and witnessed also some of the local drivers’ ‘interesting’ overtaking manoeuvres. The main Romanian roads are up to the standard of similar roads in the rest of Europe, while the more minor roads are close to European roads as they were when our MGs were built.

From Transylvania we travelled through the farmlands of Walachia and on down to the Danube along the famous Transalpina mountain road. Built for military purposes, this road tends to use summits rather than valleys; the effect is to maximise visibility but to increase your vulnerability – the clear, roadless view is akin to sitting at the front of a light aircraft. While the MGBs coped well with the mountain roads in third gear,

the Fs and TFs with their lower torque K-series engines tended to get too hot on the slower, steeper inclines. By now, Romanian national TV had heard about the eccentric Europeans driving their old cars through their country and came to Eselnita for Interviews and some footage. The unfamiliar world of MGs and drivers driving for the fun of it appeared next day on Romanian national television.

Pressing on, so we crossed the Danube and the border into Serbia.

Faulty MGB electrics delayed us, but as with everywhere we went, there was always someone who knew someone else who was familiar with classic cars. We arrived at the picturesque mountain town of Mechavnik, situated on the border with Bosnia. Once engulfed in the wars of the early nineties, Mechavnik is a peace project

Top down enjoying the roads and scenery

Visiting a car museum in Croatia

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and so many houses and important buildings have been restored to their old splendour and double up as guest houses. From Mechavnik, the next morning we set off to cross the border to Bosnia and Herzegovina and into Visegrad on the River Drina. Another peace project has created a new town on the Drina – Andricgrad. Consisting of Turkish, traditional Bosnian and Serbian, and Austrian-style architecture, the town’s honourable intentions are clear, yet it also has an inevitable Disneyland feel to it. Pressing on, we arrived in Sarajevo which, despite the horrors of its recent past, stands today as ever at a crossroads of oriental and occidental cultures.

So while our hotel accommodation and food was to the best Western European standard, the town also offers an old Turkish market and many

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OVERSEAS

Waking up un Sunday morning, at the moment when the train passed Bingen and next to a very low-onwater Rhine river, we all knew we would soon arrive in Düsseldorf and then start the last two-hour drive back home to Luxembourg. Needless to say, everybody made it back safe and unharmed, with a collection of great impressions and memories.

Ionesco Rono in Oradea sets to work repairing the MGA in his garage

small workshops housing leather workers, sheet metal fabricators and blacksmiths, among others. Mostar followed Sarajevo and although it is evident that peace produces prosperity, the scars of war remain on many buildings. Old resentments are for some just below the surface, but the historic Mostar bridge has been reconstructed as a symbol of reconciliation using donations from many governments worldwide.

Start of the regularity run, FIVA Rally in Sibiu

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Getting closer to the end of our tour, we set out to leave Bosnia and head in the direction of Croatia. The BGT overheated due to a leaking heater valve so we manufactured an appropriate blank gasket from an old Tetra Pak carton. This solved the problem and, fortunately, there was no sign of permanent damage. Perhaps in need of some ‘normal’ holiday, we stayed for four nights in Sibenik.

Situated on the Adriatic coast, Sibenik is the perfect antidote to sweaty driving and unreliable alternators.

Entering the Schengen area from Croatia via Slovenia was uneventful, so that we progressed to Slovenia’s capital of Ljubljana with its Austro-Hungarian flavours. Pressing on, we entered Italy via Tarvisio and then on to Pontebba before entering Austria at Sonnenalpe/ Nassfeld and regrouped in Weissbriach where we took the short drive to Dellach im Drautal where the local classic car club, the ‘Oldtimerfreunde Dellach’ had set up a farewell party and the overnight stay for us. Despite light rain, we had a big barbecue, live music and a rather short night before getting back on the road towards Innsbruck on the next day. Nobody wanted to use motorways, so our last leg took us through more mountain scenery, crossing Felbertauernpass and Gerlospass. Finally all cars arrived at Hauptbahnhof Innsbruck in time, where we had them loaded on the train and we made ourselves comfortable in the sleeper cars of the same train.

Safety: there is nothing to be afraid of. All places we have visited are more than safe enough, people are welcoming and friendly. In the very touristy spots you will obviously have to be careful about your belongings, but no more than in Paris or London.

Food: haute cuisine is definitely not what you will find in these countries.

Most of the time it is simply basic, traditional and very tasteful, made of local products coming directly from the farmer to the table. Local dishes are soups, meat or fish accompanied by all forms of potatoes or polenta, cabbage salad and peppers. Vegetables are rarely part of the menu. Vegetarian or Vegan are luxury concepts which people have not come to think about yet, now that they finally can eat to their appetite 20 to 30 years after the end of communist regimes and/or wars.

Roads: surprisingly good, certainly a lot better than expected. The worst roads we encountered were in Hungary (all roads except motorways) and Romania (beware of secondary roads which can be a simple, mileslong series of deep potholes – over which Romanian kamikaze-drivers tend to fly regardless of their suspensions) Driving styles: Hungarians tend to like showing they are at home, so make way. Especially to the mafia-linked big German limo drivers (no honest Hungarian can afford such a car) which seem to think the road belongs to them, whatever traffic comes ahead.

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Suggestions on hotels not to miss: Graz: Hotel Pfeiffer zum Kirchenwirt Romania: Continental Hotels – Romanian hotel chain grouping the old “nomenclatura” hotels.

Nicely revamped to modern standard, they retain some of their socialist charms. Very priceworthy and always at central locations – if you do not want to look out for the bookings or Airbnb alternatives.

The result of the quick 120€ repair

Borders: considering that we left and re-entered both the Schengen space and the EU, and that we were carrying a Jag S-type boot full of spare parts and tools, no problems. Provided, though, everyone has their paperwork ready (passports, car registration and insurance cards). The spare parts and tools were passed simply by explaining that we carried them in case… and pointed to the classic cars. On some borders, officers stopped the convoy to have the time to grab a camera and take pictures, to which we happily obliged.

Cost: Three and a half weeks touring 10 countries sounds like an expensive road trip. Well, considering the quality of the hotels and the food (a dinner every other night was included) we had, the excursions (boats, trains, museums, buses) and the auto train, in the end not so much. The total price negotiated by the club for the package was roughly 1,800€ for the total trip. But you need to add fuel (about 10 fills), drinks and additional food.

Orsova/Eselnita: Hotel Mai Danube, situated on the banks of the river, this brand new Hotel has big, cosy rooms, a nice swimming pool, a heavenly terrace, and the crew running it treats their guests as if they were members of the family, not simply customers. Possibly the best place of the whole trip, with superb food and selected wines from the region. Could not get any better and if we had stayed longer none of us would possibly still have fitted in their cars.

Sarajevo: Hotel President, a classy place which offers lavish rooms at the entrance of the old market of Sarajevo. Make sure you reserve parking spaces in the garage, as there are only a few spaces available. They have the best price ratio in a town somewhat on the expensive side, due to the mass of Arab money flowing into it.

Mostar Blagaj: Hotel Blagaj

TV Interview with the organiser of the MGCC L Balkan Tour

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Now Building Race MGA Roadster Similar to our Coupe

Better Response • More Torque More Power • More Economy MORE FUN! Installed in your factory ecu by ex factory engineers!

Also Building MGC GTS Sebring Road/Trackday

Sole Suppliers of ECU tuning to MGCC Trophy Championship Call us to arrange YOUR upgrade 01442 832019 PARTS - SERVICE - SALES mail@mgmotorsport.com MGB/C’s BUILT TO ORDER. CALL FOR COMPLETE LIST

PARTS - SERVICE - SALES

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

27th Old Speckled Hen Tour Sunday May 26 2019

Your Details Mr / Mrs / Ms Full Name ...........................................................................................

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

MGB/C’s BUILT TO ...........................................................................................................

Town .................................................................................................

Post Code ..........................................................................................

Phone ................................................................................................

Mobile ...............................................................................................

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

PARTS - SERVICE - SALES ORDER. CALL FOR COMPLETE LIST

MG Car Club Membership No. ........................................................

MG Car Information Model: …………………………............ Registration No: …………………… Year: …………….... Years Owned: ……………....

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 20 2019 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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ANGLIA 2019 MG CAR CLUB

SUMMER PICNIC

MGCC ANGLIA SUMMER PICNIC AT OXBURGH HALL (NT) The Anglia Summer Picnic is on Sunday June 23 at Oxburgh Hall, Oxburgh near Swaffham, Norfolk, PE33 9PS. Seven miles South-West of Swaffham and three miles from A134 at Stoke Ferry 17 miles south of Kings Lynn.

BOOKING FORM

(a photocopy is acceptable) Note - entry to this event must be pre-booked.

Oxburgh Hall is a romantic moated Manor. Built in 1482 there are 500 years of history with hidden doors, rooftop views and a priest’s hole. Victorian Gothic interiors and ornate architectural additions reflect a romantic view of Oxburgh’s medieval past. Climb the spiral stairs of the Tudor gatehouse for panoramic views. Explore the walled garden and the French parterre. There are some 70 acres of grounds with woodland walks.

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

Event entry is at a special rate of £7.50 per MGCC member. Child rate is £3.00 (between 5 and 15)

Post Code...............Phone............................................. (in case of query)

Admission to the garden and grounds is included.

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

Note: National Trust members entry is free with their NT card but please advise me for planning purposes.

NT members are asked to make a donation of £2.00 per member payable on the day.

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

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

MG model ..................................................................................................

MGCC membership no ..............................................................................

Cheque enclosed for £ .............. payable to - “MGCC Anglia Centre” Please send booking form and cheque AND please enclose a stamped addressed envelope. Send to: Roger Latham (MGCC Anglia Centre), 10, Hawkridge, Shoeburyness, Essex SS3 8AU. Phone 01702 580472 (evenings) - queries only.

Note: All information collected is solely for entry to this event.

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CENTRES

ABINGDON WORKS

RICHARD MARTIN sfscribe@mgabingdon.org.uk www.mgabingdon.co.uk Whilst I did get the chance to drive an MG3 when it first appeared, today was my first ‘proper’ drive of one, courtesy of a loan car from our friends at Summit Motors in Maidenhead. Choosing the rural route home, it was a fun drive in the 90th Anniversary edition, but I suspect I shall be in the passenger seat tomorrow on the return journey! Oh well, it’s good to share enjoyable experiences!

If you’ve not yet entered the 2019 Old Speckled Hen, please be quick and make use of the entry form elsewhere in this issue. The cut-off date (and numbers limit) is fast approaching!

Later in the year, we’re again running an Autumn Leaves Run

which will be on Sunday October 6. By the time you read this, there will be an entry form in the Events Calendar of our website and, if space can be found, one will be appearing in a future issue of Safety Fast!.

Between these two events, we will again be supporting the Notcutts Car Show on Sunday July 7 and, for the first time, we’ve booked space at the Kop Hill Climb over the weekend of September 21-22.

Working with the B, Magnette and Midget Registers, the aim is to have a multi-model display with Register and AWC banners fluttering in the breeze. When booking in to the event on www.kophillclimb.org. uk/ select MG Car Club Abingdon Works Centre from the drop-down

ANGLIA

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

Silverstone We may have lost MGLive! this year but we have still been racing at Silverstone and Anglia Centre drivers have been winning, with David Strike taking a convincing first in class in the BCV8 Championship race with his MGB GT, while Chris Whitewick finished a creditable fourth in class in the MG Cup. It was an emotional start to the season for the BCV8 drivers who had lost their longtime friend, Pam McCarthy, as reported last month. A minute’s silence was held in her memory before the start of the race and the grandstand erupted into applause as the cars formed up on the grid.

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Open Evening The Mid Suffolk Club Meet will be hosting their Open Evening on Friday May 10 at The Lion, Needham Market, IP6 8EH. Always a popular meet, the Open Evening attracts a large number of very interesting MGs of all ages to the car park, along with other vintage and classic cars.

They will be starting at 6.00pm.

It is well worth a visit. See the Anglia Centre website or call John Cumming 01359 731141 or Graham Wills 01379 890732.

Committee Meeting Please make a note of the new venue for the committee meeting to be held on Saturday May 18.

We will meet at The Lion, Ipswich Road, Needham Market, IP6 8EH.

choice of clubs to be located with us for the event. If you don’t, then you will be allocated to the individual display parking. For club pitches, the organisers allow cars up to 1994.

For individual display, cars up to 1979 – hence the need to ensure members select the Club when booking (especially if the vehicle is under 40 years old).

If anyone is intending going to the Cotswold Wildlife Park on Sunday June 9 for MGs in the Park, how about meeting up and all entering together to have an AWC ‘display’? If you’re interested Tony Cotter would like to know, so

drop him an email c/o sfscribe@ mgabingdon.org.uk Finally, we heard recently from a former Regalia Officer that he’s discovered a couple of old regalia items tucked away at the back of his garage! A few of the former MG Factory bricks and some of the Commemorative Cover Limited Edition stamps which we used to sell. We hope to make these available in Kimber House so if you’re visiting, please ask Ineke about them.

Welcome to all our new members whom we look forward to meeting during the coming months.

You don’t have to have a red car to be in the AWC Wanderers, but perhaps it helps

If you would like anything discussed in the meeting contact the secretary Roger Moran secretary@mgccanglia.com or have a word with your local Club Meet host who can contact on your behalf. The meeting will start at 10.00am.

booking in early for the Anglia Summer Picnic being held on June 23 at Oxburgh Hall. See the Anglia website for the entry form or Safety Fast! this month.

MGs On Track May 20 sees MGs On Track visiting Snetterton on the 300 circuit. You may well already be booked in to drive at the event, but even if you don’t plan on driving yourself it is well worth a visit to watch the action and to mingle with the drivers, look at some very interesting MGs and generally mix with other likeminded MG people. If you need more information contact Duncan Wood duncanw@mgs-on-track.com Anglia Summer Picnic As reported last month, get your

David Strike with his MGB GT

MAY 2019 SAFETY FAST! 71

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CENTRES

CALEDONIAN

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

Pleased to say that our AGM passed over without fuss!

Committee members never know what matters might be raised but on this occasion very little was raised or discussed. Tony Smith stood down as Chairman to be replaced by Paul Snee, but Tony will remain on committee joined now by newbies Gordon Thomson, David Wilson and Mike Pelling. Mike served on the Anglia committee before moving north, and it will be interesting to see what new ideas he and our new chairman and committee members will bring. Watch this space!

As you know, the Caledonian Centre does not award many trophies but a longstanding

trophy, awarded annually, is the Cooper Bowl originally presented

by George and Carol Cooper.

This year the committee decided to award it to Willy Scott in appreciation of his long service as our webmaster, and as one of his final duties Tony Smith made the presentation at the AGM. In the pic our secretary Nancy Crichton, new chairman Paul Snee and Treasurer Leslie Duncan look on.

Places are still available on the one-day May run on May 19.

Starting from Balloch the run will head to Argyll. The organiser, Jim Greenhill, knows plenty of good driving roads in the area so I’m sure it will be an excellent run.

Check the website for more details.

DEVON & CORNWALL YOUNG JANNER II bobslatter@hotmail.com www.mgcc.co.uk/devon-cornwall-centre

Hopefully we will have had another successful National Drive It Day on Sunday April 28, with several Natters organising runs to a common finish at the Lifton Farm Shop and Restaurant for a late Carvery Lunch.

Also, if this issue of Safety Fast! arrives in time, you may just be able to get an entry in for the

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Atlantic Coast Express Run, if you have not done so already.

Over the next couple of months, I intend to highlight our Natters as they are an integral part of the success of the Centre and a means of attracting new members. Also, we need to make sure all the details and times are correct, especially as we enter

And our first show, Thirlestane Castle on June 2, will soon be on us. If you have not yet entered but would like to, then contact Tony Smith on 07770 927803 or myself, details above, and we will try to accommodate you. This is the largest show in the Borders and one of the largest in Scotland, so well worth a visit.

And please don’t forget your Glamis entry. The event is on July

13-14 with the main show being on the 14th. Details are on the website.

Some of you, I know, prefer driving to showing! Don’t forget it’s a good run to Thirlestane or Glamis and that the organisers have runs planned for the Saturday… Sorted!

And please remember that at our shows ALL MGs are welcome, irrespective of age or even condition … and we only show MGs, so your model will be in good MG company!

And although the show organisers charge an entry fee, the Centre does not, so you get free entry. It’s a bargain!

If you are available to help set up at these shows then please let me know and I’ll let you have details. Many hands make light work!

the holiday season and may well have members from other Centres wishing to attend whilst they are in the area.

I will start with the Exeter and East Devon one, held at the New Inn, Whimple Road, Broadclyst, EX5 3BX on the fourth Tuesday of the month. This is a 17th Century inn complete with oak beams, an extensive menu of traditional pub food and a good selection of real ales and wines. This is a very pleasant venue.

Held at lunchtimes during the winter months, it has once again reverted to an evening meeting from now until September. By request of the regulars attending, it was suggested that it start from 6.00pm onwards if eating, or an hour later if not partaking of a meal. This seems to be a successful format for several Natters throughout the Club, as

some of our older members do not like driving their MGs in the darker winter months.

There had also been a discussion about additional lunchtime meetings on the second Tuesday, either at the New Inn or another suitable venue. This will give members another chance to give their cars a run out in the better weather.

Contact Tony Short as the Natter leader on exeter-east.devon@ mgccdc.org or phone 07775 681995 for further details about times and venue.

The picture this month is of some of the regular attendees’ cars at a recent gathering at the New Inn. Next month we will hopefully have a full report on the Spring Break being held at the Shillingford Bridge Hotel on the banks of the Thames between Oxford and Henley.

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CENTRES

LINCOLNSHIRE

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

May Natters: Wolds Wednesday 1; Wishing Well Wednesday 8; Abbey Lodge (Landlord’s Choice) Monday 13; Three Horseshoes Thursday 16; White Hart Thursday 23; Ferryboat Tuesday 28.

Luncheon Club: Wednesday 15.

May Events: Autosolo East Kirkby Sunday 19.

Well, there’s good news and bad!

Firstly, the bad – after a very successful year of leading the Centre (often to unexpected venues) we have lost our Centre Chairman, Andy Rake, from our committee following his decision to stand down. His enthusiasm, sartorial elegance and sheer sense of fun will be sorely missed.

Further bad – in an announcement by Adam Sloman, General Manager of the MG Car Club, it was confirmed that this year’s MGLive! event, scheduled for June 15-16, is to be rested, following the loss of the Silverstone venue on the selected dates. A very sad time for all those who have already put so much effort into organising the event. You definitely deserve our thanks and support.

Here’s to next year!

So, even more reason to support our local events this year, and maintain Octagon levels.

And now; the good – following the Centre’s AGM, where volunteers were in short supply, seasoned campaigner Steve Hall has thrown his hat in, and taken

MIDLANDS

ANDY ROBSON www.mgccmidlandcentre.co.uk admin@mgccmidlandcentre.co.uk

A relatively quiet start to the year here in the Midland Centre, with our long-standing Spring Trial not on this year’s calendar, so our first Centre event was the Spring Sprint at Curborough on April 7. We had a smaller-than-usual entry list of 34, but the quality was still there, if not the quantity. The weather stayed dry but cool, and everyone had an enjoyable day’s competition without serious incident. Impressive spectator numbers were boosted by a sizeable contingent of MGs, including a group from the MGF Register’s Central region. Thanks to all who turned up.

Class winners were:- Class 1A John Fox in a Renault Clio; 1C Terry Pigott, MGB; 1E Nick

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Ashman, MGTC; 3A Richard Watkinson in a Midget. The Midnight Cup for Fastest MG of the Day went (surprise, surprise) to Andy Walker in his MGB V8 with a time of 61.03 seconds. The Weston Trophy for FTD was awarded to Glyn Sketchley who ‘cleaned up’ with a time of 56.25 secs in his Hayabusa-engined Force FT single-seater.

In other areas, our various local MG enthusiasts groups (Natters, to you and me) have been preparing their annual events, so please visit our website and view the ‘Events’ page for information on these and other opportunities to drive

the reins as Centre Chairman for the coming year. Always a champion for the Centre, Steve is shaking off his ring-rustiness to lead us again, after a sabbatical of a mere 27 years; with new ideas for Centre events, and further encouragement for newcomers.

We also welcome Malcolm Clark onto the committee, co-opted as Vice-Chairman, a very experienced autotester, competitor and provider of sage advice.

As we move into May, our first event is a “turn up and shine”

Landlord’s Choice at the Abbey Lodge, Kirkstead, Woodhall Spa on Monday 13th. No need to book, just be there by 7.30pm for 8.00pm if you want your car to be judged.

A nominal entry fee of £2 gets your motor on the list.

On the 19th, we return to East Kirkby for an autosolo. For an entry form, please see our website: www. mgcclincolnshire.co.uk/ or contact our Competition Secretary David Stonehouse on 01790 754774 or email: davidstonehouse1@ btinternet.com

Steve Hall, up for the challenge, Cadwell Park

your favourite cars.

For some time now, we have been trying to organise an Autosolo event, but something always crops up to prevent it. So, for this year we have accepted an invitation from the Cannock & District Car Club whereby MGCC members can enter one of their Autosolo events at the Curborough circuit.

These are spread across the year, so please view our website’s ‘Events’ page for further details.

Our Welsh Touring Rallye in May is now pretty much booked up, although there may be a few single rooms still available.

Anyone interested in signing up for this popular weekend should contact Roger King on 0121 476 6649.

With the disappointing loss of an MGLive! weekend this year, we have approached the

Midland Automobile Club with a view to linking up with their Classic Nostalgia weekend on the same dates – 15-16 June – at Shelsley Walsh. This ‘miniGoodwood Revival’ has proven to be popular in previous years, often with famous-name guests in attendance and interesting cars running up the hill. We are awaiting details of this year’s ‘theme’ and discounted ticket prices, so – yep, you guessed it – please check our website for updates.

Finally for now, our 2019 printed calendar went out to all Midland Centre members with the March edition of Safety Fast!. If you didn’t receive yours, and would like one, please contact the Committee via our main email address – admin@mgccmidlandcentre. co.uk

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CENTRES

NORTH WEST PAUL GOODMAN 01625 876300

The North West Centre is offering lots of opportunities for you to exercise your cars this month.

The first events are on Sunday May 12. This is the day of the Candles Run and you might just be able to get a late entry. Also on that day, we are going to gather MGs together at the Veteran’s Café, Barton Aerodrome. This is a regular “cars and coffee” meeting so there should be plenty of

exotica on view. Our other social events during the month are the Shrewsbury Arms on Tuesday May 14, the Plough and Flail on Tuesday May 21 and the lunchtime meeting on Wednesday May 29 which will be at The Alvanley Arms, Cotebrook, Nr Tarporley, CW6 9DS. Our first major show of the year is at Tatton Park on June 1-2.

We will be displaying a wide range of cars on both days so please chat

Paul Clackett Winning at Silverstone. Photo: Dickon Siddall

to us if you are visiting.

May is also a busy month for competitors and spectators.

Rounds two and three of the Cockshoot Cup Championship will be raced at the Croft Circuit, near Darlington, on May 18-19. The loss of MGLive! has reduced the Championship to eight rounds with the best seven scores to count, so the results at Croft will have a major bearing on who wins at the end of the season. Also that weekend, on May 19, we will be running our Scammonden Dam Hillclimb. Cars will be running against the clock up the tarmac road from the base of the dam to level with the M62 motorway. It is a very steep climb with several very tight corners. Access to the venue is from the lake side of the motorway through a tunnel. We are looking for a few extra members to help

run the meeting. Spectators are welcome to attend, but please park next to the water and walk through the pedestrian tunnel because of the limited parking space in the paddock.

Looking back to March, the first race of the season for the Cockshoot Cup Championship at Silverstone was won by Paul Clackett driving the V6 ZS previously owned by Jason Simm. Keith Egar’s K series engined Midget was second from Mike Ashcroft in his original works ZR 190. The other class wins went to Adam Jackson (ZR170), Brian Butler (MGF), and Paul Wignall (ZR160).

Finally, looking forward to June, please mark Tuesday 18 in your diaries. This is the day of the Plough and Flail Concours meeting which is going to be bigger and better than ever.

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

May promises to be a very good month for MG motoring, starting with the Belgium Rally being held on May 3-6 2019 travelling to Oudenaarde with 21 cars already entered. They will be touring the Flemish Ardennes region of Belgium and Club runs include Waterloo and Ghent with an optional meal and boat cruise.

Contact Derek Edwards (01737 765891) for further details.

The Brooklands 12/12 event takes place on June 15-16 at the Brooklands Museum, KT13 0QN, where there will be an MGCC SE Centre display – contact John Davies for more details on 01737 241971.

The summer gathering at Michelham Priory is still be finalised, details will be live soon.

Contact Philip Bayne-Powell on 01483 811428 for further details.

Other dates to note include: The annual Awards Sunday lunch is being held at Hartsfield Manor, Betchworth (RH3 7AA) on Sunday May 19. Full details and menu are available on the MGCC SE website or contact Austin Banner austin.banner@ gmail.com

Events Round Up The Spring Naviscat was a great success with 19 cars attending, including seven cars from the invited Inter Register Club (IRC) and 12 MGs including MG Y Type, TC, MGA, MGBs and an MG Z Magnette.

Most people had plotted the six-figure map references

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MGSF_May2019_47-98.indd 77

Cars arrive top down for the Spring Naviscat. Photo: Janice Leigh

by 11.30am and so set off to scour the beautiful South Downs countryside to answer the clues at the given locations. The day was almost perfect with quite a strong wind, very noticeable on the top of the Downs.

Contestants returned by the 2.30pm deadline and enjoyed an excellent three-course buffet lunch followed by the results.

Full details of the day: www. mgccse.co.uk/2019/03/18/springnaviscat-2019-report/ Please note a Natter change –The Nuthurst Natter at the Black Horse, RH13 6LH has changed its meeting from the 2nd to the 4th Tuesday of every month.

The Club is now actively looking for volunteers to fill two vacancies: 1. Newsletter Editor www.mgccse. co.uk/2018/10/08/newslettereditor-urgently-wanted/ This goes out electronically to those who have signed up to receive this.

2. MGCC SE Scribe, writing the monthly Safety Fast! South East notes If you are interested in taking on either of these roles please contact Philip BaynePowell (01483 811428) or Derek Edwards (01737 765891). These also include being part of the MGCC SE Committee.

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Two tours through history - one magnificent finish!

MG CAR CLUB TYNE-TEES CENTRE Sunday 2nd June 2019

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 £20.00 per car for MGCC members, £24.00 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: 24th May 2019

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This event has a Motorsport UK Permit

* Limited to 60 cars in total *

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CENTRES

SOUTH WEST

JIM LOTT chairman@mgccsw.com www.mgccsw.com/ www.facebook.com/MGCCSW @mgccsw As I write these notes (in early April) the signs of spring are in the air and parts of the country are having snowfalls! I am about to recommission my MGF after its winter hibernation and hoping to use it for the events in April.

With the news that MGLive! is being rested this year, the events calendar is looking a bit thin for June, as we have lost the California Cup and the Autosolo from the South West

The 2018 Summer Picnic at Iford Manor. Photo: Jim Lott

Championship. The committee have also decided to give the Bristol Classic Car Show a miss this year. The costs for the event are escalating and it takes a lot of work to organise and set up the stand for very little reward for the Club. The committee are working hard to see if we can find some events to replace those lost due to no MGLive!.

Looking at the events calendar, our first event in May is the Wye Valley Social run on Sunday 12. This year the venue will be Llanthony Priory, which is the ruined remains of a former Augustinian priory located in the picturesque Vale of Ewyas, seven miles north of Abergavenny. A run from the Severn View (Aust) Services on the M48 will be organised by Simon Lott with

TYNE TEES

TONY WOOD anthony@scrutonvillage.co.uk

We have a new Committee member. Kevin White volunteered to attend the last meeting and was unsurprisingly co-opted before he was able to escape. A Midget owner and keen attendee at the many shows in the area, he has been graced with the title of Car Show Coordinator so watch this space. It was also decided to donate £251 to aid the formation of the Young Members Branch – an odd sum, but check your MG history for the significance of the number. Tyne Tees has a fine tradition of helping other groups.

We provided the finance to enable the formation of the FWD Register and we in turn received help from

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MGSF_May2019_47-98.indd 79

NE (now Yorkshire) Centre in our formative years.

March 24 saw the Sunday Lunch Run when 11 cars enjoyed a superb scenic route organised by Dennis Hope, with a fine carvery lunch at the finish at Bolam, both aspects much enjoyed by all who took part. Sadly, we have had to move the Northern Natter Treasure Hunt to a new date TBA, as we felt it was better if the organiser was able to be there! It will happen when we can pin him down.

Looking forward to the Prince Bishops and St Cuthbert’s Runs on Sunday June 2 which, as usual, are run simultaneously, the former starting from Lord Stones

Last year’s Wye Valley Social Run to Croft Castle. Photo: Jim Lott

assistance from me to route prove.

On Sunday June 9, Alan Diamond and Dave Heath are organising the annual SW Centre Summer Picnic. This year we are going to the Avon Valley Railway, Bitton, BS30 6HD. Full details are available on the website. There are no organised runs for this event, just turn up and bring your picnic. Steam train rides will be available from

11.00am until 4.00pm with allday rover tickets.

Sunday July 28 sees us back at Claverham Court Farm for the MGs on Grass 2 Autotest, organised by Dave Coppock. This event is an Autotest on grass and is open to all drivers, including those under 17 providing they have a licensed driver in the passenger seat. Full details and entry form will be available on the website shortly.

Country Park and the latter from the Maritime Heritage Centre at Newbiggin. Both routes join in the Wear valley to finally arrive at the best of finish venues, Palace Green, Durham. Contact Noel for an entry and don’t delay, it’s always a popular event.

Saturday June 15 sees our annual invitation to Scruton Fete where you can enjoy a traditional fete. All interesting vehicles welcome, please arrive by 1.30pm and stay until 4.00pm.

No entry required, contact Tony for further details.

Dennis will again be organising the ever-popular Fish and Chip supper run on the evening of Friday July 19, and following that on Sunday 21 we have our first-ever Centre stand at Newby Hall classic car show. If you

want space on the Club display contact Noel as we only have space for 30 cars in our area and if you don’t let us know you are coming we won’t have room. The same rule applies to Croft, 30 cars both days so don’t keep it a secret if you want to be included in the display.

Finally, our Autumn Tour on October 2-4 is in the Borders, based at the Dryburgh Abbey Hotel in St Boswells. Visits to Roslyn Chapel and the new Jim Clark Museum are planned.

Accommodation is £170 per couple per night for dinner, bed and breakfast, £140 single occupancy, plus £40 Centre fee to cover permits and organisation expenses. Contact david. alexander2012@btinternet. com asap.

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80 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2019

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Oselli graduate spec MGA Roadster with Sebring Oselli body styling. Huge performance spec £POA

www.oselli.com

Other Tubular long branch exhaust Oselli cast rocker cover £185 Weber carb kit £795 Performance distributer £265.00 Head and engines supplied on an exchange basis Prices subject to VAT

www.mgcc.co.uk

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CENTRES

YORKSHIRE

DAVID COPEMAN 07920 064585 www.mgccyorkshire.co.uk North – Nick Mann Our March meeting was a very convivial affair with all members sitting down to a splendid meal at the Tempest Arms, our regular meeting venue. Naturally there was much table talk around the decision to cancel or at least postpone MGLive!. I suspect Silverstone has lost many friends over this decision. April will return to our normal format of speaker/activity which will continue uninterrupted until the end of the year.

South – Geoff Norcliffe It is that time of year when event news and entry forms come flooding into our inboxes, and at the meet we arranged many of the entries and, where needed, accommodation to take part in these. The Yorkshire Centre has

a very busy calendar this year and other events that we attend mean that from April to October we are running out of free weekends; but that’s what it is all about, isn’t it?

East – Brian Rylance The Duke appears very successful for our group, attracting a significant number of new members, and some longstanding members are now attending again. The food is very popular and reasonably priced.

The meeting resolved to again meet at the Duke for our April Natter, but to meet at and assess the Wheatsheaf at the May Natter, as the Duke will be closed for refurbishments. There was no support in the room for a change of Natter date, which was unanimously voted to remain the

ULSTER

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

Our Nosh ‘n’ Natter on March 12 was a great way to start the month, with 25 attending; in fact Peter and Jackie Staff travelled from Fermanagh to join us. Lyn Holmes had even brought her daughter Sami and new grandson Sebastian (a potential Junior Member in a few years) along to meet us. The food was super and people travelled

Andrew Earney rounds a pylon on Test 2

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from table to table to catch up on the chat and we all agreed it was a resounding success.

We ended March with the Ulster Centre’s round of the NI Autotest Championship Round on Saturday March 23 at Transport Training Services, Nutt’s Corner. Thanks must go to Martin Hutchinson for letting us play in TTS’s ‘back-yard’ yet again. Ashley Lamont produced a bewildering set of three tests for the Championship contenders, and for the Clubman classes slightly less complex tests for those cars. We had 20 competitors in both groups, making a total of

2nd Thursday of the month.

West – David Copeman Old news now. At the March AGM, hosted by our Natter, Colin Brear took up the mantle of Centre chairman, with the retiring chairman, Stephen Dobson, taking on the role of treasurer.

The Daffodil Run and Drive it Day started off the season in April. May will be quite a busy month, with Yorkshire MGs heading North to join the Caledonian Centre’s annual May weekend. On our return from Scotland, the Wolds Way and Heartbeat Runs all take place.

Tiger – Pete Welbourn We had a pleasant March spring day for our first Luncheon Run. The sunny weather persuaded 24 members to assemble for a scenic run over East Riding back roads to Bert’s Bistro at Brandesburton.

It was good to see new member Bill out in his NG

open tourer. Open, as in it is not equipped with a hood; if anybody out there is familiar with NG vehicles please get in touch.

The next lunch run The Crown and Cushion at Welburn in the North Riding.

Vale of York – Ken Cothliff Some 20 members were at the Masons on March 21.

Discussions on our Heartbeat Run on May 25. We will be waved off by Rhona Walker, the wife of the late author of the “Constable Books”, Nicholas Rhea, on which the TV series was based.

We have now organised an MG gathering at Real Aeroplane Company at Breighton Aerodrome, near Selby, on July 6. If any other MG owners are interested in joining us, I do need to know on behalf of the caterers. Please contact me on kencothliff@hotmail.co.uk

40 competing. The tests were so difficult we ran out of pylons and had to scrounge some from one of the Autotest Drivers Club!

However, after nearly four hours to set up, we got under way after midday, and dry conditions at least made marshalling comfortable but marshals had to have eagle-eyes to ensure the competitors were going the right way! Test 1 was very long which meant competitors unfortunately had to wait for a long period between runs.

However, everyone enjoyed the tests and top at the end of the day was Ashley (Westfield 733.9 secs) followed by David Thompson (Nova 746.7 secs) and Steven Ferguson (Mini Special 749.6 secs). Richard and Andrew Earney were out in their newly completed light-weight Mini – which was their Mini road

car in which they had competed in many of our events. However, for the time being it is now confined to round the pylons.

The Club had three members in Midgets competing in the Clubman Challenge and three members in the Autotest Championship. The Ulster Centre was definitely well represented in the NI Championship.

Reports on the Film Night 16/4, Derek Walker 27/4 and Drive it Day 28/4 will follow in next month’s SF! Dates for your Diary: 8 May Nosh and Natter – 12.45 at Poacher’s Pocket, Lisbane 23 May Autotest at Carlisle’s Coal, Crossgar – Sign-on from 5.30pm entries will open on www.rallyscore. net on May 1

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REGISTERS

VINTAGE

IAN QUARRINGTON IanQuarrington999@BTInternet.com

If you missed coming to the Register’s AGM in March at Shillingford Bridge, then you missed a good, lively, fun meeting which was well attended. It was good to see friends old and some new again.

The AGM saw the committee re-elected almost as per last year, with Peter Mace kindly referring to your Scribe as “finally coming out of the closet” by my revealing my email address.

Any suggestions for a suitable retort will be gratefully received.

The meeting was followed by a super lunch and one of the best speakers I have heard at any MG-related event. We all enjoyed a talk on the Transport Trust by Mike Lunch. What a

fascinating group it is. I think the group were really surprised to see old aerial photographs of the original MG factory in Oxford, as well as insights to other vintage transport delights.

I hope you all enjoyed the latest edition of the Bulletin put together by your Secretary, Debbie. It arrived just before the AGM so we owe thanks to Debbie and to Andy Knott at HQ who worked hard on the new publishing software to get it printed and posted out in record time. Now, here are some words for you to not just think about but to help the Club and the Register with, please. Data. Email and home addresses. If you have changed any of your personal

TRIPLE M

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

The season was off to a good start with a busy April. Good thing then that May is a bit quieter, leaving you with plenty of time to prepare your car for what is yet to come. With MG Live! off the table, our main 90th anniversary event will be taking place at the Register’s Summer

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Gathering on July 7. Full details will be made available as they unfold, but do make sure you have this date firmly pinned in your diary.

Talking of this year’s celebrations; anniversary pins and car badges are now available from the library.

details please do let Rob Constant (our Registrar) know, as well as Liz Allsworth at KH, so the Club can not only have upto-date records but can keep you informed by email of any news.

I am off to MG Era day at Brooklands on April 14, where I understand there will be pride of place for our Vintage Cars and a display of models throughout the decades. Should be a good

day out. There are lots of events coming up from now on, so please, it would be lovely to see as many of you as possible out and about in the cars. A wise man once said to me that our cars are like the human body: if you don’t exercise them then they will get poorly. Food for thought. Next month I will be able to report back on the spring event in Norfolk.

While you’re planning your summer anyway, here’s a rather shameless plug: Do consider crossing the pond to The Netherlands for the annual Dutch Triple-M Meeting; beautiful countryside drives, some fun and games, good food, good drink, a highly romantic farm and orchard as a base, and good company should provide another marvellous event. Plus there’s room for some old-fashioned camping, taking us back to how events were run back in the 70s and 80s. Or are you all too old for that?!

Oh, and don’t forget the AGM on June 2; please try and support this meeting by attending.

More info on all of the above can be found on our website under Events and Library Sales.

Car of the Month is the F-type Magna, the first of the

six-cylinder models. The F2 is arguably the prettiest of all Triple-Ms, with its cycle wings, slightly sloped radiator shell and looong bonnet, but my personal preference goes out to the four-seater version, the F1, the F3 being a four-seater also but with 12” brakes as opposed to the 8” ones on the F1. When the F-types were first introduced in late 1931, they proved to be quite popular. One particularly well known F1 is F0597, the car Kitty Brunell drove in the 1932 RSAC Scottish Rally and of which many lovely photographs – taken by her father Bill – are known Left it is pictured outside the Stag Hotel in Edinburgh. More info on the model’s technicalities can be found on the Register’s website under Model Profiles. Plus, if you have a minute, give Ian Ross’s website dedicated to the F-types a browse at fmagna.org.uk

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REGISTERS

SVW

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

Last month I reported on all the work I’ve recently done on my VA Tourer and promised to report on the test drive. I’ve now taken it out several times on different road surfaces and can report that it now drives superbly, never better!

Everything seems tight and stable with much more precise steering, only occasionally pulled by the tram-lining effect that is simply the nature of the car. Most rattles have also been eliminated. So, I’m very pleased and, as I write this today, I’m about to take it on a 25-mile round trip to my favourite VSCC pub meeting. I hope to see some of you at The MG Era Day at Brooklands on April 14.

Y TYPE

March saw a spate of 10 new members joining our SVW Register Facebook group and we’ve now exceeded 130. It’s a great place to see what fellow owners and enthusiasts are up to world-wide and to find out how to fix that niggling problem.

When you read this at the beginning of May, the SVW event in Holland (June 2527) is fast approaching. I’m especially looking forward to the boat trip and buffet on the Tuesday evening. Menu options for the Wednesday dinner will be requested in advance, so please make sure you’ve told the organisers about your booking. Many of the locations visited and roads travelled

will be several feet below sea level! We’ll also have a sightseeing tour of Kinderdijk, a Unesco World heritage village, where there are 19 windmills.

Another visit will take us to the northernmost border of the Roman Empire. Please keep an eye on the website under Social Events (and Facebook) for the latest news.

In the March edition I wrote about SA Tickford EXX 100.

I’m pleased to report that the car still resides with its longterm owner in Hampshire and I was able to put the family of a previous owner in the 1960s in touch with the current owner.

They’ve already exchanged photographs and an original log book may well be reunited with the car.

Enjoy your MG in the spring sunshine (UK, at least!).

posts since it was revamped in late March 2019.

JERRY BIRKBECK TEL: 01926 258691 MOB: 07855 566325 As an example, on Monday birkbeckjerry@gmail.com www.mgccyregister.co.uk April 9 2019 Neil Cairns posted a handy guide to users of Y Types entering the new ULEZ (Ultra Low sites and is simple and effective MG Y Register Facebook Site Emission Zone) in Central London. to use. All it means is that anyone Although a number of Y owners He checked the Transport for who owns a Y or is interested are not on Facebook or other London’s website. in the model can, on requesting social media, some sites are of It confirmed that his YB does membership, be free to post or great interest to many and help, have to pay, but NOT the Central comment. You do not have to be a guidance and advice can be found London charge. Neil passes on member of the MGCC Y Register. very quickly. Therefore, it is good to TFL’s comment: Thanks to both Neil and Peter there see that two of our older members is a very healthy contribution of are actively involved in promoting “No LEZ charge due for thoughts, ideas, photographs and the “Y” cause. this vehicle. videos. It also enables one to post Neil Cairns set up our original site This vehicle meets the required a number of images rather than some years ago. It has a lot of emission standards, is exempt from the tedious approach on some sites information, although an issue was of one photo at a time. the rather cumbersome process The site is fully monitored and that had to be followed for anyone any offensive material is removed wishing to post any information. immediately and the member is Neil and Peter Vielvoye have barred from using the site. now addressed this through The changes have proved a ‘members only site’. This is beneficial, with a good number of commonplace practice on many

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the scheme or is subject to a 100% discount”.

This applies to all classic cars over 40 years of age.

Meeting older cousins I was driving to Yorkshire on a beautiful sunny day on April 1 when I came across a superb collection of mainly Austin 7s in a pub car park not far from Sheffield. The YT looks quite modern in contrast!

Enjoy the summer in your Y, or to misquote the wonderful Dave Allen: “May all your Ys go with you!”

Y meets some older cousins

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REGISTERS

MAGNETTE

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

We had a productive Register committee meeting at Kimber House at the end of March, with some good discussion about improving our social media presence, and also events

for 2020. Nothing absolutely confirmed yet, but we’re conscious that it’s necessary now to plan further ahead than perhaps has been traditional, to get really good venues and

Magnettes and their owners at the Cotswold Wildlife Park

MGA

EDWARD VANDYK TEL: 01488 608810 mgascribe@vandyk.co.uk Whilst not all change at the MGA Register, there was a significant change at the AGM held in Abingdon on April 6.

The Register now has a new Chairman – Ian Wilson – who took over from the Register stalwart Peter Morgan.

George Dutton penned the following about Peter: “When I was chair of the Register in 2005, Peter came to the AGM as a member just to see what was going on. I think that he had not long returned to the UK after a period of years working in the USA as a Chemical Engineer. He brought back his 1500 MGA, bought from the Police in Houston, Texas. Little did he know that we were

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looking for a new Secretary for the Register, Colin Grant having decided to stand down.

“Peter put his hand up and the next 14 years are a credit to him as Secretary, Chairman, Tour Organiser, Choir Master, Story Teller, Car Park Attendant and general ‘good egg’. Helped at every step of the way by Hilary.”

On behalf of the Register he was presented with a two-volume biography of Reid Railton, Motor Engineer and designer of many record-breaking cars and boats, including the Goldie Gardner MGpowered EX135.

The MGA year kicked off with MG Era at Brooklands on April 14 with a good turnout and display of well-presented MGAs

attendance, so the aim is to fix at least the major weekend events more than a year ahead.

We’ve also added to this year’s calendar the Oxfordshire MGOC ‘MGs in the Park’ at Cotswold Wildlife Park (June 9). This has quite often been a semi-official Register fixture in recent years, and Magnettes are always made welcome there, so with free entry for car and driver it’s a great way to fill the gap left by MGLive!.

Magnettes and Steam When you read this we’ll have had our first UK event of 2019, at Bletchley Park, and the visit to Norchard Station on the Dean Forest Railway will be almost upon us (May 6). The main event is on Bank Holiday Monday, from 10.00am, however there’s plenty to see and do in the Forest area for those making a

fresh from their winter quarters.

The weather could be described as kind but cold, an improvement on 2018! Drive It Day up next.

MGA South West Day will be held on Sunday July 14. Details are now on the Register website and intending entrants should please register with Alan Whitfield in advance. www.mgcc. co.uk/mga-register/events in2019/ Another date for your diary – Stockfest19 Car Show and Touring Assembly, the Rare Breeds Tour. This will be held on Sunday August 18 and the arrangements will be as previously, with the Touring Assembly returning at lunch time for food, music and other entertainments for all the family in the afternoon. Details and links will be on the Register website and can be found at

weekend of it. Hopefully you’ll have given organiser David Griffiths confirmation if coming (01423 873132), but you’ll still be very welcome if not, and we’ll also be pleased to see other MG models there.

Service record sheet Jeffrey Bridges has kindly provided a useful spreadsheet which brings together Magnette service items and recommended intervals in a convenient form for recording work done. He comments that there are one or two additions which surprisingly weren’t mentioned in original manuals, such as draining and refilling the brake/clutch hydraulic system (although the interval for this will depend on whether silicone or traditional glycol fluid has been used). You can find the spreadsheet on magnette.org

Peter (right) being presented with his gift by George Dutton

www.stockfest.co.uk Tour entry forms can be found at www. rarebreedstour.co.uk If you are worried about taking your MGA into the London Ultra Low Emission Zone, which is larger than the Congestion Charge Zone, then fret not. All vehicles eligible for the historic taxation class, with certain commercial and overseas exemptions, need take no further action and the charge will not apply to them – although the Congestion Charge of course still applies.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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REGISTERS

FWD

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

The weekend of March 22-24 saw the FWD Register attend the NEC Practical Classics and Restoration Show at the NEC Birmingham. This has always been a very successful show for us and this year proved no different.

This year we displayed a stand of three cars, comprising two MG Metros in both original and facelift form and an MG 1100 of the ADO16 range. The MG 1100 is a very nice car owned by Derek Porter, that up until two days before being

MGF

TIM MORRIS 01932 882467 scribe@mgfregister.org www.mgfregister.org Spring is here and summer is on the horizon, so it’s the ideal time to think about Christmas! Yes, we are returning to Cricklade House Hotel for our third end-ofterm Christmas bash and have moved back a little in time to the weekend of Saturday November 30. It will be the same format as before – arrive on Saturday afternoon, chill out at the hotel, have a beer in the bar, go for a swim or jog around the grounds.

Then in the evening we gather for our festive dinner and a bit of disco boogie afterwards, or more retiring to the bar dependent on your fitness levels. Next day we go home or you can tootle off somewhere, as fits your fancy. In mid-April nearly 30 rooms are

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already booked so don’t hang about much longer and email Ian to let him know you are coming, at events@mgfregistr.org The daffodils were out at the Chairman’s weekend which took place at the tail end of March and it was a pleasant spring day when the Register gathered on Saturday for the AGM and awards afternoon which took place at Wroxall Abbey. We moved a little further north to the Midlands from our normal Abingdon base this time and changed the format of the weekend to present the awards in the afternoon. That left a pleasant gap to explore the hotel and Church and Priory ruins, which was once the site

delivered to the show was in a partially stripped-down state, having received some attention to front end paint work.

The first MG Metro was Ben Hatton’s fully restored MK1 which stepped in at the last minute following a change in circumstances for the owner of another car that was originally planned to be on the stand.

Our third car was a very clean, original, unrestored MK2 MG Metro owned by David Collins. David’s car had only just returned to the road following a number of years in storage and he had spent a lot of time in the previous weeks leading up to the show getting the car ready. This included a head gasket replacement and a full recommission.

Overall, we had a very successful show with loads of

interest in the cars, in particular Derek’s MG 1100. These seem to be the hardest cars for us as a Register to find for events and so it was really good for us to have the car on the stand.

One thing that Derek did bring to our attention was an early 1990s article featured in Auto Express about a “Metruck”.

This was a project undertaken by a group of Rover apprentices and was a custom-built truck derived from the front end of a Metro and the back end of a Montego.

This seems to have disappeared from everyone’s knowledge, so if anyone knows anything about it please do get in touch.

By the time you are reading this we will have held our annual spring run. This is always an enjoyable event and a report on this will feature in next month’s Safety Fast!.

of the home of Sir Christopher Wren some time before MG was invented, and many of Wren’s family are interred here.

Afterwards, a pleasant hour or so sitting on the terrace sipping your favourite tipple as the sun descended. The evening dinner was held in the hotel and the next day MGF/TFs gathered in the car park ready for the Sunday Day Run. This year the Register is supporting the Brain Tumour Charity and a very tall local representative waved the cars away on a 50-mile scenic drive. That ended at a moated manor house, Baddesley Clinton, a massive two miles from where we started, and more daffodils were in bloom bringing a splash of yellow to a grey day, in stark contrast to the Saturday. A big thanks goes to Ian and Angie for the organisation and to those

who attended and helped kick start our charity fund-raising for 2019.

I mentioned the awards and I just have room to mention the winners:Tanswell Trophy Members of the Year – Nigel and Helen Scutt; Priests Trophy for Significant Contribution – Michael Benecke; Special Awards – Ron Kemp, David Koskela, Keith Williams, Dee Walker; MGF/TF of the Year Trophy – Helen Waddington’s MGF Cup car; Brian Griffin Sports Trophy – David Coulthard; FasTForward Trophy – John and Ann Riley; ICHBABDA – Alan Bradley; Photographic Cup – Peter Hofmann.

Congratulations to all the 2018 winners and to all members who contributed to making 2018 another great year for the MGF Register.

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REGISTERS

MIDGET

MIKE PARKER mikeparker78@btinternet.com www.midgetregister.com/ Although our own Midget and Sprite Challenge wasn’t participating at the March MGCC Silverstone meeting, Midgets and Sprites did feature in other Championships which were racing. Dennis Wharf spotted an interesting Sebring Sprite out on track.

Watching the first round of the Equipe GTS Pre-63 race series recently at Silverstone, I was intrigued to see Neil Fisher’s Sebring Sprite out-drag Bob Binfield’s 3.8 litre Jaguar E-Type away from Maggots hairpin and on down the straight of the short course. I thought perhaps the E-Type driver had a missed gear, but no, the little Sprite punched above its weight throughout,

ultimately winning the race, and showing a clean pair of heels to all the big Healeys and other more powerful cars in the process. Even the lightweight Lotus Elite with an alloy Coventry Climax engine couldn’t compete, nigh on three seconds per lap slower. Also, a couple of Climaxengined Turners these, too, being

V8

VICTOR SMITH 0208 392 9434 victorsmith@v8register.net www.v8register.net V8 Technical Day The event will be held on Saturday June 1 at a study centre near Watlington in Oxfordshire, just west of the M40. The topics will include the replacement 5-speed Mazda gearbox, what is involved with an installation, who can supply and install the kit, how it performs in an MG V8, and the costs. Fellow member Peter Berry has recently had the Mazda gearbox installed in his MGB GT V8 and will support the presentation. Waterless coolants will be reviewed, with an assessment of the claimed benefits alongside water-based coolants for an MG V8. With increasing thefts of classic cars, a presentation on trackers and what

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they can do by monitoring and notifying you of any disturbance to the vehicle, and how a tracker can help recover the car if were to be stolen. A review of our MG V8 Price Guide, updated at the beginning of May, will be included. Each topic will be followed by a short Q&A session.

Do book a place early – see our ‘More’ page for booking details.

V8 Lincolnshire Tour 2019 The V8 Tour will be from Thursday 12 to Monday September 16 2019 in Lincolnshire and is planned to give a taste of some of the attractions in this oftenunderrated county. The tour will have contrasting scenery, from the open flat fenlands to

pretty lightweight cars, but being two seconds slower.

In the programme it listed the Sprite with a 1275cc engine, which is quite interesting as I didn’t think the 1275 was announced until 1966, but assume the later blocks are allowed in the interests of reliability. But it just goes to show, as we’ve known all along, a well driven and prepared Spridget can more than hold its own against some stiff

opposition when out on track, and provide for onlookers very exciting racing.

With the loss of the 2019 MGLive! meeting, and with-it a round of the Midget and Sprite Challenge, our sponsor Robin Lackford have arranged for us to join the B.A.R.C. meeting at Mallory Park on Bank Holiday Monday May 27 2019 with two 20-minute races and qualifying in the morning, so a good day to look forward to.

the largely unknown Wolds, with visits to Lincoln Castle and Cathedral, Heckington Mill Windmill, the 8 Sail Brewery, the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre and the Kinema in the Woods at Woodhall Spa. The tour organisers are Richard and Victoria Withington. An event information web page and booking details are available via the ‘More’ web page at www. v8register.net/more.htm

organiser is Ian Quarrington. This early announcement will enable members in the UK and abroad to make a “save the dates” entry in their diary.

Further information will be released later in the year, including details of the base hotel, the programme for the tour and the costs and booking arrangements.

V8 Kent Tour 2020 The next V8 Tour in the popular series will be from Monday 21 to Friday September 25 2020 and based in Kent with tours and visits to places of interest in the area, like Chartwell, and Sissinghurst, Rochester for the Cathedral and Castle and Chatham for the excellent Dockyard Museum. The tour

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SUNDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2019

MIDGET REGISTER ROAD RUN TO CLAYDON HOUSE AND GARDENS

Starting at Timothy’s Restaurant , Fosseway Garden Centre, Moreton-in-Marsh, this year’s route will take you, once again, through some typical Cotswold Villages and lanes where you can enjoy the scenery at a leisurely pace.

Name ……………………………..

Claydon House, Courtyard and Gardens is located to the south of Buckingham, the estate being owned and managed by the Verney family, who have over 600 years of history there, and the house being maintained and operated by the National Trust.

……………………………………..

The Gardens were initially laid out for the 2nd Earl Verney by James Sanderson, a pupil of Capability Brown.

MGCC Membership No ………….

The House comprises double height rooms crowded with carvings and a collection of oddities and marvels. All Saints Parish Church sits alongside the House.

As always, informality is key, the estate having excellent gardens, lovely grounds and tea rooms, plus a special MG parking area where we can all meet on arrival. An enjoyable day can be expected!

Address ………………………….. ……………………………………..

Tel No …………………………….

MG Model/Other…………………. ……………………………………...

Entries to: John Grainger, 10 Oak View, Great Kingshill, High Wycombe, Bucks HP15 6HB. Tel 07785 902920 I enclose a cheque for £ ……….made payable to MGCC Midget Register, ENCLOSING ADDRESSED ENVELOPE PLEASE, or online at: www.midgetregister.com

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

Entry to Claydon House is free for National Trust members and available to non-NT members at a discounted rate of £6.00.

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REGISTERS

ZR/ZS/ZT

JOHN THOMPSON Tel: 07854 275541 johnt5@btinternet.com www.mgcc.co.uk/zedregister Events and shows March and April always seem to be busy months and there is so much to write about. We begin back at the NEC over the weekend of March 22-24 for the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show. Returning to the show for our third year, we aimed to ‘raise the bar’ higher again this year by building on the experience gained last year. All the preparation and behind-the-scenes work paid off and we had a very successful and enjoyable weekend. We had all three Zed variants on display; the Club’s Silver ZR 160 Express Van which contrasted with the Trophy Yellow of our campaign car. Completing the trio was Tony Cotter’s Rosch super-charged ZT 385 in Trophy Blue – many thanks, Tony. All three cars pulled in an admiring audience and certainly contributed to the overall success

of the weekend. Having all three variants of Zeds on display was brilliant, especially Tony’s ZT V8 as it showed ‘what could have been’ had MG Rover survived longer. The reception the Zeds receive in their home city is fantastic and it’s great to meet people who have worked at Longbridge or who worked on the Zed production line. Several new members joined the Club with Zeds over the weekend – welcome to all of you. The weekend also marked the official public launch of our ‘Save Our Zeds’ campaign. We were inundated with compliments and queries about the campaign works which was great. Our campaign car also helped raise money for our charity of the year, The Stroke Association. Thanks to everyone who guessed the number of balloons!

On Saturday April 12 we returned to Birmingham for the

annual Pride of Longbridge gathering. Our eyes were fixed on the weather forecast on the days prior to the event, but fortunately this year it was dry and we were able to access Cofton Park. The day dawned bright but very cold, but despite this we had an excellent day.

Walking around the park it was great to see such a mix of vehicles which were built just across the road. Sadly, the plant is now a shadow of its former self. With the huge number of Zeds present we took the opportunity to promote the Register and give our ‘Save Our Zeds’ campaign a really big push. It was great to meet so many people who are

enthusiastic about their Zeds and want to keep them alive.

Towards the end of April was the second race meeting of the year, held at Brands Hatch over the weekend of 27-28. There will be a full account of the meeting in the next update.

Upcoming events ‘Zeds in the West’ is now only a few weeks away but there is still time to book if you fancy an exciting day out in the west at the Haynes Motor Museum. 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

“ZEDS IN THE WEST” “A fantastic day out in the West Country. “Zeds in the West” will take place between 10.00am and 4.00pm at the Haynes Motor Museum” The Haynes Motor Museum is the UK’s largest exhibition of great cars from around the world. A living and working museum with over 400 cars from 50s/60s classics through to the exciting super cars of today Complete your day out in Café 750 and visiting the gift shop Discounted entry into the museum

SUNDAY 12th MAY 2019 For further information contact Paul Money at paulmoneymg@gmail.com

88 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2019

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www.mgcc.co.uk

24/04/2019 17:06

FORMER GLORY The MG COLLECTION

Celebrating 30 Years of Showroom MG Sales offering the Largest selection of Classic MG’s in the UK www.classicmg.co.uk • 40 MGs IN STOCK www.classicmg.co.uk

MG TF 1500, 1955 Original right hand drive, Immaculate paintwork to high standard. leather seats and new weather gear, new wire wheels and tyres. £28950

MGB ROADSTER 1970, MK2 correct mk2, GHN4 model, alloy bonnet. Bare metal respray , special leather interior and mohair hood, wires and overdrive, detailed engine bay. £14750

MGA 1600 MK2 COUPE, RARE HOME MARKET CAR old english white with deluxe leather seats. Bare shell respray in 2014. Fully photographed. Peter Burgess eco tune head, fully rebuilt throughout with history back to 1972. previous full rebuild by brown and gammons. Dunlop replica wheels. Heritage certificate and original green log book. valuable plate. £31500

MGB GT 1968 mk2 Primrose bare shell restoration by Fisher MG services, previously supplied by us. Full sunroof, wires, leather and overdrive. Heritage certificate showing all details. showing primrose from new. J Registration as it was in the channel Islands when new. correct GHD4 with alloy bonnet. £tbc

MGB GT JUBILEE, 1975, SPECIAL MODEL fully restored bodyshell and new interior. Full sunroof, detailed engine bay. One of the best Jubilees I have owned. £7950

MGC ROADSTER,1968, TARTAN RED, 51000 MILES FROM NEW Much recent work including unleaded head, new servo, maniflow exhaust system and electronic ignition. new chrome wires. Excellent paint finish. original leather steering wheel. £25950

MG PA, 1934.

Delightful pre war MG that is currently being re commissioned by us. £TBC

FACTORY GT V8, 34,000 MILES FROM NEW,1974 Aconite with full sunroof and original period vinyl covered roof and tailgate. Much recent expenditure including suspension and cooling system. Remarkable time warp condition. Just arrived. £TBC

FACTORY GT V8 WITH UPGRADES, 1974 original chrome bumper model. Rebuilt engine with uprated heads and holley carb. 5 speed gearbox , uprated front brakes and suspension. Excellent bodywork and repainted in MG Mineral blue. full sunroof.

Very quick example. £18950

MGR V8, NIGHTFIRE RED. 1994 , imported from Japan in 1998. 53000 miles and in superb original condition. New stainless full exhaust system. Full history. Tonneau cover and tool kit. Workshop manuals. £22000

MGC GT 1969, RCY 8G previous full body restoration to show standard,including fully detailed engine bay.A well known MGC at all the MGC club events. Rebuilt engine, gearbox and overdrive.

New suspension. electronic ignition, good history file.

Fully refurbished interior. Drives superbly. £19950

MGC ROADSTER, 1969, SNOWBERRY WHITE,5 SPEED, 200BHP. very special MGC as it was the first one to be fitted with the MG Motorsport 5 speed gearbox conversion and with Triple webers make this a fantastic drive.

Fully restored shell. MGOC Executive leather seats and matching blue mohair hood. Magazine Featured and tested. Built by renowned specialist Doug smith.

Heritage certificate and supplied new by University Motors London. £29500

MGR V8, 1995, OXFORD BLUE 28000 miles, excellent original car . no.1562.

Some details could be improved.

Air conditioning has been removed. 2 owners since repatriation from Japan in 2oo2 £18500

MGB V8 ROADSTER, HERITAGE SHELL,1966 Mineral blue with 72 spoke 15” wire wheels. Bespoke build to exceptional standard. 3.5 Litre new engine and 5 speed gearbox. v8 axle. Edelbrock carb, uprated suspension with Bilstein shocks. MGC alloy bonnet. detailed engine bay. Please call for full spec. £25950

MGC GT 1968, TRIPLE WEBERS WITH UPGRADES. Overdrive. New leather seats. Huge history file showing restoration and upgrades over many years. Twin pipe maniflo exhaust system. Full sunroof. Parabolic rear springs, twin fuel pumps. Kenlowe fan. £19,950

MGB ROADSTER MK1 PULL HANDLE, 1963 black with chrome wires. Bespoke biscuit leather interior by PJM. Californian shell that has been professionally built to uk spec. 6600 miles since rebuild. All original panel work and structure.

Currently being prepared for sale by us. £TBC

MGB HERITAGE SHELL, 1972, BRG. CHROME WIRES AND LEATHER INTERIOR. Resprayed in 2017 and previously supplied by us. £15950

University Motors Jubilee V8 Rare factory built example in black with the stripes fitted by the supplying MG dealer in Epsom.

79ooo miles from new and 4 owners. Recent upgraded front brakes [clive wheatley calipers], MGOC Leather seats, full sunroof.

Rebuilt gearbox, stainless exhaust. One of the best driving v8s available. Louvred alloy bonnet for better cooling. £21000

MG TD, 1951, FACTORY BLACK, UK CAR new chrome wires and beige leather with matching tonneau. Previous full restoration with new ash frame. Very clean underside and drives superbly. Currently being prepared for sale. £24,500

MGA ROADSTER, 1600 MK 2, UK CAR, 1961.

Rare year model, in original chariot red. Heritage certificate. Body off restoration to exceptional standard. Detailed engine bay. All new /reconditioned throughout. All new leather and weather gear. Recent work by beech hill garage. Just arrived. £16500

MGOC RECOMMENDED DEALER • MG CAR CLUB TRADE MEMBER 01844 281700 • nigelguild@hotmail.com

YOUR MG WANTED TO PURCHASE MGSF_May2019_47-98.indd 89

24/04/2019 17:06

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.

1950 MG TD

Rebuilt some years ago to nearconcours standard, interesting history folder.

Complete with full weather gear, touring spare parts owners manual and workshop manual. Current condition very, very good. £25,500. Contact Lou on 01380 725 363 / 077476369 65.

(Devizes, Wiltshire)

MGTA

Acquired in 2013 after it had spent all its life in Sweden. It has been completely stripped and rebuilt. and fitted with an XPAG engine c/w a five speed gear box.. Completely rewired and all the hydraulicshave been replaced. Refurbed wire wheels, new springs and shock absorbers, braking system renewed.

A new fuel tank was fitted and all the bright work was re-chromed or replaced. The interior has been reupholstered in leather. New hood and side screens, new tonneau cover, etc., etc. Full bare metal respray in burgundy over black. Full photographic record of restoration and history file which includes a long stay in a Swedish Motor Museum. Offers in the region of £35,000. For further information contact Richard on 01704872367

1959 MGA 1600Mk1

54

Reg.

MGTF

‘Spark’

160VVC 20,000mls. Sonic Blue, Alcantara ‘Smoke’ Trim, Current owner 13 years, ‘comfort’ suspension, upgrade. Alpine, hands free digital receiver, upgrade speakers (4) + S’woofer, FSH, cambelt & water pump changed 2013, MOT Oct. New Toyo tyres, always garaged. Comes with Windstop, Hardtop (Black), half tonneau, HD tailored hood protector + full ‘garage’ dust cover, + host of extras.

Superb condition. £4125.

01622814561 (Kent)

Australian-assembled. Rust free, engine and close-ratio gearbox rebuilt from ground up in 2017 for the 2018 season in the UK. Body painted in 2016, 3 quaiff diff ratios, new Dunlop L-Section tyres. She is ready to race - perfect for the Equip Pre63 Series. She is virtually FIA compliant (Group Sa in Australia) so can also race in Europe. Please make an offer around GBP30,000.

Spare engine and gearbox also available. Contact Geoff Barron (for Dave Godwin) on 07788577730

MGTD Matching numbers, has the larger flywheel and 8” clutch. Cylinder head has been converted to unleaded and larger valves and new springs fitted. It also has the larger manifold with HS 1.5” SU carburettors fitted. Car was completely rebuilt in 2013. It also had a professional bare metal respray in Damson Red. There is a full photographic record of the restoration and an interesting history file.

Offers in the region of £25,000. For further details contact Richard Sherman on 01704 872367

1969 MGB V8 Roadster.

Totally rebuilt phosphated bare shell up. Waxoil injected. Resprayed Iris blue. Blue leather seats and walnut dashboard. Developments V8 new stage 3.4. six litre cross bolted engine. Weber 500. MGR tubular headers and all stainless exhaust. AP clutch. Rebuilt 5 speed gearbox. Uprated water and oil cooling. EVO3 front suspension.

Konis all round. Rebuit BGT V8 axle. Parabolic springs, panhard rod, trailing anti tramp bars. Big brakes (HiSpec). MGC bonnet and minilites/avons otherwise looks like a beautifully restored stock MGB roadster, with 290bhp that ticks over at 800rpm, and stays cool. 6000miles, 2000 with this engine and suspension. Good reason for sale - rebuilding 2 other MGs. Looking to recover half build cost. Tel: 07774 434161

1060 MGA 1600 Coupe

Excellent mechanically,drives very well but has damage to nearside rear panel,too good to scrap,86450 miles,mot july 2019, any offer considered. Telephone: 07759840707 (West Sussex)

90 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2019

MGSF_May2019_47-98.indd 90

Heritage shell, 11k from rebuild, exceptional condition. Chrome wires, walnut dash, and trim.

Garaged. Tonneau covers. Chelsea pewter with blue leather seats etc.

Drives well, lovely car £15000. Tel 07817451360. (West Yorks)

1998 TF LE500

Scorched Red. Only 6000 miles.

Beautiful car. All LE500 luxury features - aircon, wind stop, rear parking sensors, hood bag and hood protector, leather interior and black alloys, full sized spare wheel, works hard top. Never used in inclement weather. Recent MOT. Private sale.

Sensible offers please to Michael at Cardiff 02920563957

MG 14/40 1929

2 seater sports. Rare car, only five known survivors. Older restoration,running and driving very well and very good history file. Lots of spares included in the sale. £35000 or nearest offer. Phone Dublin 00353872694013.

MG TF 1953. 1250 cc

1937 MG TA

2002 MG ZR 1.4

MGB Roadster 1974

Stunning looking in Iris blue.

Previously restored. Interior like new. Very showable. More photos available. Must be seen. Nothing needs doing. Reluctant sale for health reasons. £19,750 ono. email: ericpeacock@yahoo.co.uk or phone: 01621 869412 (Essex)

Very good condition. British Racing Green. Green leather upholstery.

Restored in 1989 by previous owner. Mileage since restoration 4929. Seller owned since 2006 and serviced annually by Classic Car Specialist. Black Tonneau cover and two other covers. MOT'd annually in July despite exemption. Extra photos are available on request by email. Large history file dating back to 1988, including restoration photos. £36,000. Tel: 07763459185 or mike_simmonds@btinternet.com (Woodbridge Suffolk)

US import converted to RHD. Used for some 10 years prior to strip down to rolling chassis. 100% complete. All parts in good condition. Engine rebuilt with new crankshaft. Stainless exhaust. Wire wheels. Rebuild halted due to ill health. View by appointment £13,500. Call 01425 654641 after 7 May. (W. Sussex)

MGRV8

Woodcote Green. Kept in a heated garage and is in superb condition.

MOT till July ‘19. Mileage 30219. All MOTs and history available. Ill health forces sale. Tel: 01680 300398. (Isle of Mull)

www.mgcc.co.uk

24/04/2019 17:06

CL ASSIFIEDS

BARRY WALKER

Estd.1968

SOME OF THE FINEST MGs FOR SALE SEEN ANYWHERE

British Motor Heritage approved

1937 MG SA ‘ALL WEATHER’ TICKFORD d.h.c This is the finest restoration of an SA, I personally have ever seen. It is truly stunning, luxurious and fit for royalty.

Complete rebuild record, very rare model and an impeccable investment........................Reduced to £79,500

1935 MG PB 2-seat sports.

This truly magnificent ground-up restoration offers a Phoenix c/b crank, Cosworth pistons, lightened f/wheel and close-ratio g’box. In perfect order, this is one of only 2 road-going MGs eligible for the Mille Miglia. Side or nose mounted s/charger optional. Immaculate..........................................£55,000

1934 MG PA EX. LEICESTER POLICE CAR A very original car with full history. Period police photos, factory extras as recorded in the chassis file. In fine driving order with nice patina. Uprated engine and gear box and still finished in its original black with green trim. Very good value. Reduced to.......£35,000

1946 MG TC SPORTS One of a batch of TCs exported

by Abingdon to Ceylon. Returned in 1952 and now a total chassis-up rebuild to the highest standard; all matching numbers. Very interesting history. All paper work, orig. buff log book, V5c and original registration.

Reduced to.....................................................£37,500

1933 MG J2 - 2 SEAT SPORTS The ‘Amelia Island’ concours winning car. It has to be seen if you want to see how a J2 should be restored. Heavy crank, forged rods, deluxe dash, immaculate paint & Collingburn trim & weather gear. Finished in the original colour scheme of black with brown interior, of which only 12 were supplied...£48,750

We carry a range of side-mounted and nose mounted superchargers’ service accessories, mirrors, luggage racks, genuine tool kits and mascots – see website

Robin Lawton

FOR OTHER CARS IN STOCK – PLEASE SEE OUR WEBSITE Vintage & Classic car specialist

COMMISSION SALES: Our highly regarded service is always available to you.

Over 50 years244103 Email: barry@barrywalker.com Tel: 01789 400181. Fax: 01789 400230. Mob: 07836 Web: www.barrywalker.com experience

Busy Pre-Spring already - thinking of selling? Talk to us first!!

Vintage & Classic car specialist Fellow Enthusiasts always welcome at our new Premises in the Heart of The Meon Valley Over 50

Robin Lawton

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

years experience

Busy Pre-Spring -already - thinkingof of selling?

Talk toTalk us first!!

Busy Spring already thinking selling? to us first!!

Enthusiasts always welcome at our new Premises in the Heart of The Meon Valley FellowFellow Enthusiasts always welcome at our new Premises in the Heart of The Meon Valley

1934 MG PA Airline Coupe Totally restored

1924 Vauxhall 23/60 OD Kington Tourer

1924 Vauxhall 23/60 OD Kington Tourer

Imposing and powerful - ideal for longer distance touring

Imposing and powerful - ideal for longer distance touring

MGTC 1949 Old English White, green trim. A superb restored example. Frame and body superb.

Just had steering box. New wheels and tyres. New dash, Brooklands steering wheel. 5 speed box. A lovely car and a pleasure to drive. £29,995

1972 MGB Roadster, Old English White, red trim.

Totally restored , everything new/recon. 2L fast road engine. Sports leather seats. Everflex red hood. W/ Wheels. Drives like new, superb, S/S boot rack, sports wheel, painted dash. Hydraulic bonnet struts, K&N filters. Would cost in excess of £35k to build. £27,995

1976 MGB Roadster. Ermine White (like Old English), black trim, red pipe. Antique Red carpets. Sports leather seats. Moto Lita wheel.

Minilites. All new chrome. Red boot carpets, mohair hood. Genuine 55,000 miles from new.

Superb shell, recent respray. Drives superbly. A super car. £11,995

1957 MGA 1500 Old English White, red trim, w/w. Absolutely lovely car, restored very well a few years ago. Tonneau cover. Lovely panel fit. Reliable. Lady owner last 15 years.

Used for many tours, loads of history. A superb car. £25,995

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 13:59like this.. £29,995

1995 MGRV8, Woodcote Green, stone beige trim.

New beige mohair hood, new (original) tonneau, interior in excellent condition, new door cards. Re veneered dash console and door caps. 48,500 mls.

Screen frame (refurbed). Power steering, upgraded to Clive Wheatley Spax shocks. Suspension poly bushed. New clutch and slave cylinder, new boot stayst. We also have a very rare hardtop for sale for the RV8 in Woodcote @ £2750. £22,995

1950 MG TD Concours restoration

1952 Healey Tickford Sports Saloon

1952 Healey Tickford Sports Saloon

In fastidious ownership last 20 years, extensive history

In fastidious ownership last 20 years, extensive history

SO LD

LD

SO

1954 MG TF 1960 Austin Healey Sprite MK1 Many extras Many upgrades Please see full information on all of the Motor Cars we are currently offering by visiting our Website

1933 Riley 9 Lynx - Almost Certainly the best in existence £49,500 SOLD after just 3 days with us!

1931 Riley Alpine 14/6 Fabric Saloon

Total restoration, exceptional throughout, much history

1932 Riley 9 Gamecock

1933 Riley 9 Lynx - Almost Certainly the best in existence £49,500 Riley Alpine 14/6 Fabricborders Saloon 01420 474919 enquiries@robinlawton.com1931 Surrey/Hampshire/Sussex

restoration, exceptional throughout, much history Full details on our WebsiteTotal including other quality MGs

SOLD after just 3 days with us!

www.robinlawton.com

Please see full information on all of the Motor Cars we are currently offering by visiting our Website 1932 Riley 9 Gamecock

01420 474919 enquiries@robinlawton.com Surrey/Hampshire/Sussex borders

01420 474919 enquiries@robinlawton.com Surrey/Hampshire/Sussex borders Robin Lawton March 19 Page.indd 1

www.robinlawton.com

06/02/2019

April 19 Page 95.indd 1

n Lawton March 19 Page.indd 1

www.mgcc.co.uk

MGSF_May2019_47-98.indd 91

05/03/2019 13:58 06/02/2019 13:59

MAY 2019 SAFETY FAST! 91

24/04/2019 17:06

CL ASSIFIEDS MGJ2

Swept wing, same owner for 50 years and has been unused for many years. Needs light reconmisioning.

Was car of the year in the past in the Triple M Register. Tel: 01494 813903

1948 MG TC

1997 MGF VVC

BRG. One owner, garaged from new. Only 43300 miles. Good condition, reliable. MOT with no advisories.

Modified head gasket.

Windbreak. £1500. Tel 01329 846604 or email Ian at ianpile46@icloud.com (S. Hampshire)

1959 MGA TWIN CAM

Roadster in chariot red, with black interior and red piping, original from new. All as it should be. Off the button, owned 16-year plus.

Paint minor blemishes, mechanically sound, 2 owners only in 30 years. A box full of original records, old MOTs, receipts etc etc., original green and buff registration documents, waxoyled, cinturato tyres, hood, tonneau and side screens good. £37,650. Tel: 01313432574. mandu787@gmail.com

1972 MGB GT

Due to health issues have to part with this much loved car which we have owned since 2005. Fitted with later 18V 847 engine with modifications by MG Mecca.. Very reliable car which has been kept in a garage in our ownership. Full documented history. £4,750.00. 01984 632811 (West Somerset)

My TC has had since new, with t 1968. During th TC6996 has bee careful conserva up restoration an tory condition. includes a rebuil ern crankshaft s steering box and box. New wiring lines are among m refurbished item selective re- chro the original fact weather equipm recommended t this classic MG w tory. £36,000.

785840

1959 MGA 15 1994 MG RV8 In Night fire red. UK Vehicle. 48000

miles. MOT till June, will come with new mot. Mechanically all good.

Needs Windscreen surround. Work carried out history ie recipts ect ect. £17,000. Contact Tony on 077144 59768 / 01268 553251

MGBGT

Full bare shell professional restoration a year ago. Engine rebuilt by Brown and Gammons, restoration completed by Kim Cairns Classic cars. Numerous brand-new parts, original parts used where possible.

Unleaded conversion, lots of photos. New MOT, new black leather interior, wire wheels, wood rim wheel etc. £8,495 ono. Tel: 01279 508386.

In Glacier Blue. car in sup Completely res rebuild and spra 123 electronic i speed conversi brakes. Stainle MGB anti-roll absorbers. Re-c luggage rack and New carpets, up tonneau. Alumi and bag. £32 434753 alansanders46@

1958 MG MAGNETTE ZB Varitone/Island green / Dark green.

Original specification, 1496cc engine, hardened valve seats. Serviced annually, MOT to 29/1/20. New loom 2002, s/steel exhaust. Owned + garaged 20 years – 2 previous owners. All work documented for our ownership + some previous history. In good running order, used regularly for shows and runs. Drives well, very reliable. Ready to use and enjoy - would benefit from some interior / exterior cosmetic work if and when desired. £9,500. j o. g ay t o n @ b t i n t e r n e t . c o m (Surrey)

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1967 MGB R 1953 MGTD2 1250cc

British Racing Green, beige interior, new beige hood and tonneau, new petrol tank. One caring owner from 1969, green log book, T reg.cert. comprehensive maintenance history and invoices.

Excellent condition throughout. £20,000. Telephone 01904 489719 (York area)

(Series1), first re present owners 2004. Ivor Searl engine (2002), r tery conversion, starter motor an new Firestone ty tonneau cover, r leather seats. M and MOT exemp Please ring Terry for further inform

www.mgcc.co.uk

24/04/2019 17:06

CL ASSIFIEDS

enquiries@mgsforsale.com

876089 556666 B32 - MIK01707 E ROLLS SERVI CES_MIKE ROLLS SERVIC07831 ES 13/12/2012 09:50 Page 1 1948 MG TC

C

er, garaged from miles. Good conOT with no advid head gasket.

00. Tel 01329 mail Ian at om

ues have to part ed car which we 2005. Fitted with ne with modificaca.. Very reliable n kept in a garage Full document,750.00. 01984 merset)

My TC has had only five owners since new, with the last owner since 1968. During the last 18 months TC6996 has been the subject of a careful conservation based chassisup restoration and is now in ex-factory condition. The specification includes a rebuilt engine with modern crankshaft seals, an improved steering box and a five speed gear box. New wiring loom and brakes lines are among many other new or refurbished items including some selective re- chroming, a re-spray in the original factory red and new weather equipment. Inspection is recommended to fully appreciate this classic MG with continuous history. £36,000. Telephone: 01440 785840

MGB Works Car

BRX854B is probably the most original of all the remaining ‘works’ cars, having been in storage for at least 30 years, and had little use since official works competition. It’s history is fully documented from build to present day and is good value for money compared to other genuine factory cars. Please ‘phone john 07831104020. Price £169,000

MGB Roadster 1969 Older Restoration (WYN721G) MGB Roadster, 1969, chrome bumpers, overdrive, wire wheels, older restored vehicle with good solid structure, Black coachwork now requiring some improvement, black leather interior trim, nice engine with good oil pressure, smooth gearbox & overdrive, just arrived £9,950.00

URGENTLY WANTED

ANY MG MIKE ROLLS

ANY SERVICESYEAR FOR MGs 2016

MGB Race Car

DRX258B is a ‘homage’ to the works car and comes form the same stable. It is a fully race prepared ‘FIA’ MGB and ready to race in Eqipe GTS and in fact any historic meeting world wide. For more details phone John on 07831104020. Price £39,995

ANY Specialising CONDITION in all MG’s

SEEMEMBER OUR WEBSITE FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF OUR STOCK TRADE

www.mgsforsale.com TEL/FAX: 01258 820337

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.

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

1959 MGA 1500cc

essional restorangine rebuilt by mons, restoration m Cairns Classic rand-new parts, where possible. on, lots of phoew black leather eels, wood rim 5 ono. Tel: 01279

1250cc

www.mgsforsale.com

In Glacier Blue. Excellent touring car in superb condition.

Completely restored. Body off rebuild and spray. Engine rebuilt.

123 electronic ignition. Hi-gear 5 speed conversion.

Front disc brakes. Stainless steel exhaust.

MGB anti-roll bar. Rear shock absorbers. Re-chromed bumpers, luggage rack and windscreen frame.

New carpets, upholstery, hood and tonneau. Aluminium side screens and bag. £32,000. Tel. 01761 434753 or email alansanders46@yahoo.co.uk (Bath)

2016 201 6

TRADE MEMBER

en, beige interid and tonneau, ne caring owner n log book, T ensive mainteand invoices. on throughout.

01904 489719

www.mgcc.co.uk

MGSF_May2019_47-98.indd 93

SERVICES FOR MGs Specialising in all MG’s

TEL/FAX: 01258 820337

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

MG TC, 1947 1993 MGRV8

In nightfire red An original factory press car. 47050 miles. Mot 6/4/20 Always garaged, never used in wet conditions. With current owner 12 years. A very tidy car in good condition. Original tool roll and owner’s handbook. Fitted with new hood, windstop, tonneau cover.

Original radio. Disc player. For sale due to owner’s age and failing health. £18,750. Contact 01948 781091, 07850 551132 or Email: p e t e r fe n t o n 1 9 4 2 @ g m a i l . c o m (Whitchurch, Shropshire)

1967 MGB Roadster.

(Series1), first registered 1/1/68. In present ownership since August 2004. Ivor Searle rebuilt unleaded engine (2002), recent 12 volt battery conversion, oil cooler, radiator, starter motor and windscreen. As new Firestone tyres. Red hood and tonneau cover, red carpets and red leather seats. Mileage 92,055. Tax and MOT exempt. £11,500 o.n.o.

Please ring Terry on 01379 898660 for further information.

MIKE ROLLS

2000 MGF 1.8 Wedgewood SE. 52,000 miles. Stainless exhaust and water pipes. Matching hard top. Recent cambelt. Full service history by Rover and MG specialists. £3,300 ONO. Tel: 01765 608529 (North Yorks.)

MG TC, 1947, finished in black with beige interior and weather gear, it has been fitted with a re-con engine which has only done 10,000 mls. The car comes with a very good history file including old MOT’s, invoice’s and details of work done over several years. The car has recently had Blockley tyres fitted all round. It does have one or two minor paint blemishes but still presents itself very well. £25.995

MG TD - 1953

MG TD 1953, Finished in British Racing Green with green interior and Tan weather gear.. This MG TD had a light restoration in 2009/10 and it is a beautiful car. It has a good history with the original buff log book and drives extremely well. £26,995 Available this summer, MGB Roadster, 1970 rebuilt completely and finished to a very high standard, spec is as follows, rust free Californian shell, red with black leather interior, fast road 1860 engine, unleaded, Stainless steel sports exhaust, electronic ignition, electronic fuel pump, 4 speed OD gearbox, chrome painted wire wheels, and single window Mohair hood, all components will be either new or refurbished. £29.995 Available shortly, MGB Roadster, 1973 Chrome bumper, Blaze Red, Chrome wire wheels and Overdrive, in very good condition £10,995.

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

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

MAY 2019 SAFETY FAST! 93

24/04/2019 17:07

CL ASSIFIEDS

1969 MGB roadster.

Very good original condition. Just 50 years of wear and tear. Rusty boot lid but new one with car. Enjoy as is or road going restoration.

Insurance valuation £10.000. Open to offers. Matthew 07702242103.

(Taunton Somerset)

1967 MGB GT

88206 miles. This vehicle benifits from many new parts; the electrics were converted to negatve earth, all brake and clutch were replaced with copper piping, hoses were replaced. underlay and carpets renewed, side and door panels renewed. Seats recovered with black leather, and piped with red trim. Walnut dashboard fitted and steering wheel replaced with a leatherbound type. Body work is now requiring some attention.

MOT to 29/08/2019. £6250. call 07802 411001 (please leave a message if not answered and i will get back to you). (West oxfordshire)

1973 MGB GT V8

Factory produced. Glacier White.

Bare metal respary and engine rebuild in 1999. S/S exhaust.

Uprated suspension. Garaged.

History. Current owner 8 years.

Excellent condition. £21950.

Email: rgtysoe@hotmail.co.uk.

Mobile: 07785734310 (Oxon )

1966

MGB

ROADSTER

MGC 117D. In red, only 79,450 miles. Restored in 1990 (approx) lots of original features. Heritage Certificate + history. Recently serviced, overhauled cylinder head and valves, hardened seats, runs on unleaded fuel. Overhauled brakes, new Rad and 4 x new tyres + more work carried out. £16,500ono. Call Joe 07796 145424 or email sales@joedesira.co.uk

Restored 20 years ago. Still in very good condition. Lovely reliable car.

Good could probably do with replacement. Insurance value £5000.

Open to offers.

07702242103. (Taunton Somerset)

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Cycle wing project - front and rear axles are completely refurbished with all new components and have been upgraded to the larger 12” hydraulic brakes, suspension plates brand new, rear springs new, many more mechanical components new or refurbished. The body, although looking a little tatty is in surprisingly good condition. V5 in my name. I never had it’s original engine or gearbox, the car was fitted with a Ford sidevalve engine and accompanying gearbox, which is included in the sale. More photos available. I have some dashboard components and switchgear. £15,000 or near offer.

Please email Maddy.tomkins@hotmail.com or call Alex on 07832 219765.

MGTF135 2005

New MOT, New Hood heated window, hard top, bootrack, leather heated seats, other extras, 14300 miles, dry use, new: battery, timing belt, alternator, fabulous condition; ill health forces sale, £4,150 Peter 0127628181 (Surrey)

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: 07787 528131 UK Based Buyer

1936 MG TA

First registered 15/10/1936. Car No 0469. The previous owner had the car for nearly 40 years and had done a great deal of work including all new timbers and panelling, wiring loom, engine rebuild, new hood with correct two window and much much more. Keeping very careful records. I have two box files of invoices, drawings, photos etc. Buff log books going back to 1945. I acquired the car in 2015 continuing to maintain and improve. New brakes with Alfin drums, soft grab shoes. Lead free head, phosphor bronze valve guides etc. Electronic ignition from The Distributor Doctor. .S/Steel fuel tank, correct fuel change over tap. Jaeger Instruments including water gauge.

Oil pressure 55psi, water 75F. In the winter of 2017 I stripped the body down to the chassis for a full respray in BRG. At the same time re trimming in beige. Please phone or email for more details. £29500.00. Call 07867 552334 or 01395445820. My Email address is ajbeach@hotmail.co.uk

SELLING YOUR CAR?

1976 MG Midget.

MG J2 1933

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

2004 MGTF 1.8

Lovely well cared for MGTF with just 59k miles. New MOT until 30th March 2020 with no advisories. Full service history from new. It has had all the essential work the TF needs including upgraded head gasket, new cambelt, a glass rear window etc. 5 speed manual. Black with tan/black interior, nice Kenwood stereo system. Alarm, 6 spoke alloy wheels with quite new tyres. Recent new Battery and starter motor. £1,850 or very near offer. Contact Steve on 07880 601116 or email steve@beetle-juice.co.uk (Surrey)

MIDGETS! WANTED

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

www.mgmidgets.com

1951 MGTD Mk11

USA import in 1989 with RHD conversion prior to full chassis up restoration in mid 1990s. Engine rebuild by Peter Edney with Brown and Gammons recon gearbox and clutch. 4.3 rear axle plus new half shafts. Electric cooling fan, spin on oil filter conversion, anti roll bar, replacement rad and brake master cylinder. S/S exhaust, Firestone tyres, flashing indicators, and high level brake light. Very reluctant sale £24500. For more information please phone Graham on 01234 358729 or email graham.sue358@btinternet.com (Bedford)

Garage clear-out, after 50 years in MG’s I am trying to retire and get rid of all the junk. (Sorry not PC, all the beautiful previously cherished parts!)

A lot of it is competition and ‘fast road’ but ‘normal’ stuff as well.

Please go to my web site www.hewittsracing.co.uk and click on spares. I can also build you a good engine, and have time for just one more rebuild/ renovation.

Please ring 07831 104020 for a chat.

www.mgcc.co.uk

24/04/2019 17:07

CL ASSIFIEDS

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

MG TF LE 500 +H/T+A/C, (1 owner just 7,081miles)

2009 (59 Reg) 7,081 Miles, Manual, Petrol Finished in: Graphite Grey/Black leather A very rare Immaculate 1 owner low mileage LE500 254/500. Full spec Colour coded hardtop, black softop with heated glass screen, Air con 16” 11 spoked alloys, soft ride suspension, Abs braking, engine water level sensor, front fog lights, chrome packs, rear park censor, wind deflector etc. supplied with a full service and a new cambelt and water pump etc.

Full service history. This LE500 is totally immaculate thoughout. £10,495

TED

AN W G

RM

U YO

r e m

r o F

y r o Gl BY

01844 281700

nigelguild@hotmail.com

MGOC Recommended Dealer 40 MGs in Stock Best Prices paid with friendly advice. Est 1986 Fast payment and collection

URGENTLY WANTED MG TF 135 Spark ‘SE’,+ Hardtop (Just 48,000 miles)

MG MGF /TF . Agents for Kmaps+Pektron repairs.

2004 (54 Reg) Manual Petrol Previously supplied by us in 2015 @ 46,000 miles with a new headgasket etc, FSH High spec model. Black leather sport seats with Grey alcantara inserts with the ‘MG Logo’, Chrome packs, Silver interior pack, front fog lights, wind deflector etc also supplied with a colour coded removable hardtop. Moted & serviced this Spark plus fitted a new Cat & Lambda Sensor. £4,495

We are agents for KMAPS and offer a while you wait service for your late MGF’s MGTF’s & LE500/85th’s....................We also offer to repair/replace your Pektron relays and in most cases supply your cars Key entry code. We can also offer this service by post. Please speak with David.

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

Any Condition from non runners to rebuilt cars

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

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

(Northwood, Middlesex)

Colne Classics

STEVE McKIE SPORTSCARS CHESTERFIELD

•

DERBYSHIRE

Specialists in the repair and restoration of MG cars

MG Power Steering and restoration specialists

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

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

01255 432693, 07714 675319

Tel 01246 454527 • Fax 01246 453681 Albert Street North, Chesterfield, S41 8NP Custom made and standard fit covers for your car from £99

Steve McKie Sports Cars Hi-Res.indd 1

New MG

23/06/2010 13:46

Competition Half Shafts

www.bighealey.co.uk

Not only are these stronger than the original half shafts they are also lighter than any other design available.

Premium Quality since 2003 • Custom Indoor from £150

• Made from brand new forgings of higher grade steel and surface treated.

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

• A direct replacement for standard.

from £112

• Soft Indoor Stretch from £99 NEW!

• To suit cars with a Banjo axle and bolt-on wheels.

(Covers for all other cars too)

MGB: MCRAX152 Midget: ZCRAX152 £345.00 each + VAT

Online database for the perfect cover at www.carcovershop.co.uk Tel 01780 749449 I-240085.indd 1

www.mgcc.co.uk

MGSF_May2019_47-98.indd 95

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

15/05/2017 13:33

MAY 2019 SAFETY FAST! 95

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

Call for a quote today

01376 574000

Insurance for all MG’s classic and modern

MGF/TF Hard-top

In Starlight silver (off 2005 TF) Good condition although HRW cable detached from window.

Loss of storage space forces sale. £140 ono. Tel: Rick 07493 280657 (Westerham Kent)

MG15 MAD

Number plate for £800 or nearest offers. Telephone: 07920487873 Or email: erikgorrel@gmail.com

MGB 4 synchro

Overdrive gearbox £150. New boxed Brake shoes £15. 4 new spinners (8 TPI) with MG motif £65. 2 wing liners £25. Set of Rostyle wheel trims £20. New exhaust down pipe £35. 01425 654641 (Hants)

Triple M Parts

Engines, gearboxes, axles, carbs, instruments, electrics, metal parts, plus many other items including pistons, conrods, rad and suround. J2 parts including new heavy crank, plus other parts.

Would like to sell parts as a job lot. No traders please. Tel: 01494 813903. (Bucks)

MG Midget Parts

N/S front wing for Mk3 Midget, good condition no dents or rust £100. Phone Geoff on 01235 868534 Mobile: 07789127449 Email: clarkmorlands@aol.com

MGB

Gearbox (later type) Non-overdrive. Free.

Steering Rack, Good Condition also Free.

Phone 07836505163. e-mail clive.pearce1@btopenworld.com.

(Collect from Wolverhampton)

1976 MGBGT

I have acquired a very low (14,000) mileage and am replacing the engine with a 5 litre V8. I subsequently have on offer a complete really super engine, overdrive gearbox, and back axle with all ancillaries plus a stainless exhaust to any club member.

Please contact Gerry Cain 01707 270683 or 07899 925357 or email Gerry@reprocopy.co

Y Type/TF Parts

Y type boot lid hinges, brand new unused by NTG £150, they now cost £195 TF running board strips brand new unused by NTG £135, they now cost £172.

Telephone 01732362073.

Above are plus postage at cost or can be collected from near Tonbridge Kent

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Specialist in MGA, B, C, V8, RV8, Midgets, and MGF. Also specialists in early Minis

For friendly advice contact Pete Giles on Tel: 01296 433550 or Mob: 07831 404968 www.mgsonthenet.co.uk www.mgsonthenet.co.uk email: peter.giles@mgsonthenet.co.uk 10STREET Rabans Aylesbury.

HP19 BUCKS 8RS HP20 1EB UNIT 18, PARK IND Close, ESTATE, OSIER WAY, AYLESBURY,

EST’D

Spares for sale

5 Centre Lock wire wheels: 4 tyreless, 1 fitted with Firestone (in good condition) 174/70. WHY? MGA Coupe seats 2 will need reupholsering WHY? Contact Bob rmarshall123@btinternet.com 01794 388538 (Hampshire)

MG MIDGET 1973 Parts

4 x Wire Wheels 155/R13 for refurbishment.

1 x Pair of black vinyl seats, fair condition (small tear on seam) 1 x 3 spoke steering wheel.

Photos supplied. Open to offers.

Call Joe 07796145424 Email: sales@joedesira.co.uk (Bury St Edmunds)

Bucks Sports & Classic Car Centre

CC10.12/MG16/p

HOW TO ADVERTISE

Members can advertise their spares for sale/wanted free of charge for items up to £250. Over £250, or for non-members to advertise, there is a charge of £20.

To submit your advertisement email Colin Grant at colingrant@mgcc.co.uk. Please remember to include your membership number in all correspondence. All adverts should be submitted by the 10th of the month for the following months issue.

www.classiccarinsurance.co.uk

1989 MG GEARBOX AXLE DIFFERENTIAL OVERDRIVE SPECIALISTS OVERHAUL – REPAIR – EXCHANGE UNITS

FULL WORKSHOP FITTING SERVICE AVAILABLE MGF HARDTOP

Silver, lined, heated rear window, very good condition. Collection only. £250. Tel.07773708301.

(Smethwick, West Midlands)

TD/TF XPAG 1500cc

Engines newly built. Fast road camshaft, lightened and balanced.

Lip sealed. Strage 11 unleaded TC - same specification.

Later build 1350cc either TC or TD/TF. Can be fitted with laystal alloy cylinder head. Contact Ron 01422 823649 or 07790458386.

Email: valerieandron@gmail.com

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

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

T 020 8577 1505

Greater London TW3 1UA

w heathrowtransmissions.co.uk

Kimble-SF_Nov-09.qxd:Kimble MGE 1_8 col 3.3 26/10/09 Hanworth Road, Hounslow E heathrowtransmissions@gmail.com

The Great British

Steering Wheel

The Brooklands We manufacture the BROOKLANDS

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

Lucas Fog Lights

One pair of Lucas SILVER LANCE fog lights with covers ref FT/LR6/9.Beautiful condition.£50 the pair plus P&P. Please phone 01603 429868

13:0

Ww14” ENo Nalso in W

NO ABLE Ivo AILry AV

Now also 15½ inch wheel

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

EST

john@johnkimble.co.uk

K KIMBLE

1969

Tel: 01803 835757 01803 834567 23/9/09 16:22 Page 1

Fax: DONHOODS-SFAug07.QXD:Layout 1

WANTED WANTED MGA 1500/1600

Starting handle. Metal oil filler cap with retaining wire. Not fussed about condition as long as they are useable. Email davidbrown@archerbrown.com

MGA

WANTED

Roadster rear shroud for my rebuild project. Some repair work not objected to. Photo’s and a price would be helpful. E-mail markluty@tiscali.co.uk or call 07808178971.

UR

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

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

•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.

Please check this Although every ca ourselves respons

SHOULD YOU R

TELEPHONE BEF

Choice of heavy duty PVC, ICI Vynide, Everflex, Duck and Mohair AL MAKES & L incl: MG, MODELS Tr Escort, Giumph, olf etc.

mingham B23 7JJ Hampton Road, Bir

Telephone

We reserve the

13 Tel: 0121 373 13 E OFFIC SOUTHERN SALES

00 Tel: 01202 7422

CARPET SETS FOR MOST

MODELS

www.donhoods.com

www.mgcc.co.uk

24/04/2019 17:07

Call for a quote today

01376 574000

B4 - BARRIE CARTER_CLASSIC MOTORING 21/02/2019 11:20 Page 1

Insurance for all MG’s classic and modern

I owned this incredible Alfa/Riley special about 30 odd years ago and marvelled at its fabulous design and hand beaten aluminium body panels and Panache. Built on a shortened Riley chassis it is a true special. Registered 1952 and with 2 ltr Alfa engine and 5 speed box it encompasses all that is vintage and classic imaging the style of prewar Alfas. It is a sculpture and drives as you would expect. Gorgeous and unique, and a star any where it goes and at fraction of its mentor. £26,950

TC Race/fast road car, allegedly twice championship winner, fully modified to T reg. specs. Full race 1350 engine! “1/2” S.Us branched manifold, plumbed in ext. comp clutch, alloy body panels, 15” wheels, tramp bars modified brakes, teles, cage, race seat, and more. It’s as scruffy as raced and very quick. Ideal circuit, race or hillclimb. £23,950

Vauxhall 10, 1939. This lovely car was the property of a friend who used to show it.

It appears to have had an historic body off rebuild and kept its lovely original interior.

We are just finalizing engine work and it will have to be run in by its new owner. Not many like this.... £9,995

MGA race car, Prepared for the US series and raced at Watkins Glen.

1650 all steel engine, Kinky race seat, LSD, Fully plumbed in system, triple Mater Cyls, wires, uprated brakes, race suspension mods, lovely rot free body and chassis. Three GP wings one steel, steel wings available, fuel cell, twin facets, so much and so cheap. LHD but if you’re racing, no one’s coming the other way. Eligible for so many events or road. So cheap! £23,950

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. £9,995

www.classiccarinsurance.co.uk

Citroen 2CV6 Dolly. What a lovely 2CV. Probably the best I’ve had. Plums and Custard they call the colour but this one has a gorgeous all leather Plums and Custard interior, lovely floors and panels, eyebrows, leccy ignition, Remote control radio, history and indicates 26,000 miles. It’s lovely and drives as it should.

Faster than you think and handles and stops superbly and you can get a bike in the back!! 2CVs are highly collectable and appreciating... one of the last ones built. £8,995 Austin A40 Somerset, somewhat different, 30 odd years in the same garage owner’s possession, Already a very low mileage and unmolested car, he prepared it for long distance reliability rallies. It still has its Targa and Le Jog plaques. The brakes were uprated to A60, teles, uprated diff, and has a 1500 MGA type 1500 engine and modified it to.

You’ll never find a better one. Goes extremely well, as you’d expect. Looks standard though. It’s lovely. £12,995

Amilcar body with dicky seat, 20s/30s in very good condition.

Ready to fit a medium sized chassis. Body, wings, running boards, hood, doors, bonnet, all good and ready to fit. £3,250

CM04.19/B4/pa

k

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

www.barriecartermg.com

4Sight Lighting Company....................55

Just Right Autos Ltd.............................48

Adrian Flux ..........................................53

Kimble Engineering Ltd .......................96

Autocar-Electrical.................................80

Kmaps .................................................69

Autoseal...............................................72

Lancashire Classics.............................37

Barrie Carter .......................................97

Longstone Tyres .................................76

Barry Walker .......................................91

SPECIALISTS IN CAR SHIPPING AND TRANSPORTATION

Worldwide export and import services

Manor Garage .....................................64

Beech Hill Garage................................92

MG Mecca...........................................91

Belt-Up Safety Products ......................55

MG Motorsport ...................................69

British Motor Heritage.........................IFC

MG Sales Centre .................................27

Brown and Gammons.........................11

Midland Classic Restorations ................3

Bucks Sports and Classic....................96

Mike Authurs Classics .........................94

Car Cover Shop / Hindsight .................95 Carole Nash Insurance ......................42

Mike Rolls ............................................93

Church Square Autos ..........................95

Mike Satur ...........................................47

Classic & Sports Cars (Essex)....... 60, 61

Moss Europe Ltd .................................42

Classic Car Hub ...................................30

NTG Services....................................OBC

College Motors Burford .......................64

Oselli Ltd .............................................80

Colne Classics .....................................95

Peter Best ..............................IBC, 96, 97

Crown Classic Cars .............................72

Peter James Insurance .........................9

David Manners ......................................6

Rees Bros ............................................64

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

www.rjjfreight.co.uk

chinita@rjjfreight.co.uk

URGENT PROOF FOR DISPLAY ADVERTISING

Dennis Welch.......................................95Please Retro Sports checkCars this.................................6 proof carefully for

errors in style, content and layout. preparing your advert, we cannot hold Don Trimming ......................................96ourselves responsible for any inaccuracies you may overlook.

RJJ Car Shipping and Transportation 97 Distributor Doctor.................................53Although every is exercised in Rimmer Bros Ltdcare .................................30

IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF

Duckhams ..........................................29

Robin Lackford Engineering .....64 SHOULD YOUMotor REQUIRE ANY ALTERATIONS TO THIS PROOF PLEASE

EJW Classic and Sports ......................95

Robin Lawton ......................................91 TELEPHONE BEFORE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ AND QUOTE ADVERT NO. _ _ _ _ _

Fishers Services ..................................72

Scenic Car Tours .................................13

Footman James ..................................15

Skiptune...............................................55

Former Glory ................................ 89, 95 Fostons Ash Inn ..................................74

Steve McKie Sports Cars.....................95

Halls Garage ........................................55

Summit MG.........................................72

Hewitt Racing .....................................94

The Hutson Motor Co Ltd ......................3

MGSF_May2019_47-98.indd 97

PLEASE CALL NICK ON 01452 730770

We reserve the right to charge for any alteration to this proof which Torro Sports Cars Ltd...........................94 is a departure from the original copy

Heathrow Transmission .......................96 Hoyle Suspension ................................47

March 2019 Volume 63 Number 03 £3.95

SMR ....................................................93

Frontline ..............................................16

www.mgcc.co.uk

THE MARQUE OF FRIENDSH IP

Vitesse Global Ltd ...............................53

THE CLUB

CAR LT D

ABINGDON-ON-THAM

ES

FO U N D E D 193 0

MG’S BEST KEPT SECRET? ● HEBRIDEAN HOPSCOTCH ● TRACING THE ROOTS Safety Fast_Cover.indd 1 21/02/2019 16:18

MAY 2019 SAFETY FAST! 97

24/04/2019 17:08

LOOKING BACK IF YOU CAN TELL US MORE ABOUT ANY OF THESE CARS OR THE EVENTS, WE ARE ALWAYS KEEN TO HEAR FROM YOU AT KIMBER HOUSE; CONTACT THE MGCC ARCHIVIST PETE NEAL ON PETERNEAL@MGCC.CO.UK.

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

Copyright MG Car Club 2019

Editor: Andy Knott 01235 849730 / 01235 555552 andyknott@mgcc.co.uk Deputy Editor: Colin Grant 01235 849733 colingrant@mgcc.co.uk Editorial Committee: Andy Knott, Colin Grant, Adam Sloman PR and Communications: Jade Beckett 01233 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: Dave Tynan Vice Chairman: George Wilder

T

his rather nice photo of a Y-Type saloon comes with no details of either the car or driver. We think it may have been located in the Far East at the time the picture was taken. We know it’s a long shot, but somebody might just know something…

This next photograph is from the MGB Press Release on September 20 1962. Could perhaps be used to settle a few arguments as to what went in those early cars! R and LH drive cars were pretty much the same under the bonnet to begin with.

Treasurer: Richard Colston Directors: Dave Saunders, Peter Opie and Peter Cook Company Secretary: Colin Grant Staff Members: Adam Sloman (General Manager 01235 849732), John Hutchison (Competitions Secretary 01235 849738), Andy Knott (01235 849730), Lauran Gallacher (Assistant General Manager 01235 849735), Liz Allsworth (Membership Secretary 01235 849734), Colin Grant (01235 849733), Jade Beckett (01233 849731), Cherina Scarrott (Finance Officer 01235 849736) and Ineke Sherman (Merchandise 01235 849737)

Beyond knowing that these pictures were supplied by Nigel Hedges, we have no further knowledge re this stunning MGC. We think this image may well have been taken in Bournemouth, but in which decade?

Honorary Members: Michael Allison, Ron Gammons, Peter Best, Don Hayter, John Quenby, Sir Stirling Moss, Paddy Hopkirk, Norman Ewing, Piers Hubbard, Rob Oldaker, Steve Hanegan, Gerry McGovern, June Wallis, Ann Hawke, John Dutton, John Day, Julian White, Bill Silcock.

Company limited by guarantee The Club, as a corporate body established as the MG Car Club Limited, is a company limited by guarantee. Every member of the Club undertakes to contribute to the assets of the Club in the event of its being wound up while he is a member, or within one year after he ceases to be a member, for payment of the debts and liabilities of the Club contracted before he ceases to be a member, and the costs, charges and expenses of winding up, and for the adjustment of the rights of the contributors among themselves, such amount as may be required, not exceeding one pound.

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information at the time of going to press, neither The Publisher (herein referred to as Hine Marketing), the Editor, nor the MG Car Club can accept any responsibility or loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any material in the publication. The opinions of authors are their own and Hine Marketing, the Editor and the MG Car Club are not bound to agree with opinions expressed herein. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Safety Fast! and The MG Car Club badge are protected through trademark registration in the UK and in the foreign countries where Safety Fast! circulates.

Readers are warned that if they attempt any mechanical or other modifications or methods referred to herein, they do so at their own risk and no liability will attach to the MG Car Club, the Editor nor Hine Marketing. Neither shall the MG Car Club, the Editor nor Hine Marketing have any responsibility for the accuracy of the content of the editorial, neither the content of any advertisement published in Safety Fast!

It should be noted that neither Hine Marketing, the Editor, nor the MG Car Club make any recommendation in respect of any goods and/ or services advertised or featured in this issue. It is the responsibility of readers to satisfy themselves that the goods or services offered or referred to are bona fide and in no instance shall Hine Marketing, the Editor or the MG Car Club be held responsible for the quality or suitability of any such items.

98 SAFETY FAST! MAY 2019

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24/04/2019 17:08

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PeterBest_SafetyFast_MGCarClub_Advert_297x210.pdf

1

07/01/2019

14:28

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.

Approved Insurance Provider

Our ‘Abingdon’ policy covers classic use for MG’s 3 years and older.

Policy benefits may include: • Free agreed valuations • Roadside assistance and recovery within UK/EU • Limited mileage options • Discounts for multiple car ownership • Club member discounts

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ask us today about our classic mg cover

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call now for an instant quote

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01376 5 574000

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visit: www.classiccar www.classiccarinsurance.co.uk email: info@classiccarinsurance.co.uk info@classicc

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Peter Best Insurance Services Ltd Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registration No. 307045 | Registered in England No. 2210270

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Parts for TA to TF 1936-55, YA YB YT, MGA & Magnette.

Secure online shopping at: www.mgbits.com or by phone.

Worldwide shipping.

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

K950

Disc brake kit for most models from £612

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MGA 15/1600 Mk1 grille slat set special clearance price £26.40

K189TS TA/B or K189RS TC Superior master cylinder with brass body & stainless cap

£296.40

NTG Motor Services Ltd 282-284 Bramford Road Ipswich IP1 4AY Tel: +44(0)1473 406031/2 Fax: +44(0)1473 742087 sales@mgbits.com British Motor Heritage Approved - founded 1966

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