Safety Fast! November 2018 by MG Car Club

THE MARQUE OF FRIENDSHIP

November 2018 Volume 62 Number 11 £3.95

THE

CAR

CLUB

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EXPERIENCING THE RETRO-EV MGA ● BRAKE CALIPER WOES ● MG’S IN THE BLOOD - A SPRINT AND HILL CLIMB STORY Safety Fast_Nov18_Covers.indd 1

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Inside this issue 7 9 14 59 60 61

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

69 71 82 92 98

Overseas Review Centre Updates Register Updates Classifieds Looking Back

Features 16

MG in the blood – a sprint and hill climb story How Peter Clark embarked on his Midget sprinting and hill climbing

Project MGA – Body Preparation The body gets prepped and the paint goes on

My experience of the Retro-EV MGA Tommy Lyngborn experiences the Electric MGA

Brake Caliper Woes Colin Grant shows how to change a caliper on an MG TF

Event Report The Devon and Cornwall Centre’s Tamar Old Bridges Run

Snetterton Race Report Champions crowned at Snetterton MGCC finale

BTCC Championship A round-up from the final round held at Brands Hatch

Overseas News The other Swiss event in August reported by Ginny and Barrie Cartmell

Newsletters 38

MGA Newsletter Autumn Tour, More on the MGA De Luxe and What’s in a name

MGB Newsletter MGB Register Weekend in Ironbridge, MGB Register Lecture 2018 and BGS … A car with a long competition history

MGF Newsletter

MGF Register Goes to France, Holidays are coming, Speed Kings and more 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

Standard Rate Post

Single

£50

£55

Joint

£54

£59

Young Members 15-20

£15

Available soon

Young Members 21-24

£30

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The polywrap that this magazine mailed in is recyclable. Published by: Hine Marketing, Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton Glos, GL2 9LN. Tel: 01452 730770

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Welcome

Peter Clark’s MG Midget which has been built for Sprinting and Hill Climbing in the MGCC Speed Championship. Photo: Andy Knott

@mgcarclub

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The official publication of The MG Car Club Incorporating ‘The M.G. Magazine’, ‘The Sports Car’ and ‘Brooklands Track and Air’, Safety Fast! Copyright MG Car Club 2018

The wonderful thing about our beloved marque is the diversity of the cars that MG have produced over the years, from the Vintage and Triple M cars, with all different body styles from the 1920s and 1930s, through the roadsters and saloons of the 1950s and 60s, and the hot hatches of the 80s and 00s. Not forgetting the wonderful ZT-T estate and, of course, the SUVs in current production. An event like MGLive! really highlights the diversity and various shapes of MGs that have been produced over the years, all fashionable at the time of production and still eye-catching to this day. I recently had the privilege of visiting Longbridge and meeting some of the SAIC employees. It was great to see how passionate they were about the marque, and also excited about MG’s future with several new models on the horizon. This month sees the Club and several Registers attending the annual Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the NEC on November 9-11. You may still have time to purchase tickets at a Club discounted rate. All details of which can be found in the members area of the Club website at www.mgcc.com As we head into the darker, colder winter nights in the UK, our thoughts turn towards Christmas and the season of goodwill. Within these pages we’ve got some great new products which would make ideal presents, which you can order by phoning Ineke on 01235 849737, or why not visit the online shop at https://shop.mgcc.co.uk/ and order securely online. I was saddened to learn of the passing of Richard Ladds recently. Richard was my counterpart at the MGOC. He was such a genuinely nice bloke and I always enjoyed chatting to him at the various shows that were attended by both Clubs. We’ll have a full tribute to Richard in next month’s magazine. Until next month, drive safely. Andy Knott

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EXCLUSIVE 2019 TOURS FOR THE MG CAR CLUB Operated for the MG Car Club by Scenic & Continental Car Tours

Belgian Delights - 24th - 27th May 2019 Exclusive MG Car Club Tour

From £249.00 Per Person Including a Tasting Tour of the famous Stella Artois Brewery. Just a stone’s throw from Brussels stands the old Burgundian town of Leuven. It has so much to offer, from its amazing gastronomy to its spectacular Gothic Town Hall, a delicious Leuven pint and the atmosphere of the Old Market Square to the demure magnificence of the Saint-Peter’s church, Leuven is truly one of Belgium’s hidden treasures. Chocolates & Beer - Belgium is world-renown for its high quality chocolates, a tradition that started when chocolate was introduced to Europe in the 17th century. Today, Belgium produces 172,000 tons of chocolate per year with 2,000 chocolate shops. So culinary travellers, pack your sweet tooth! Beer is a part of Belgium’s culture with over 650 different varieties. There are approximately 178 breweries in the country, ranging from international giants such as Stella Artois to microbreweries like Domus, both of whom are based in Leuven. During your Stella Artois Brewery tour you will discover the secrets of their brewing process during a new interactive guided tour. The tour lasts approximately one hour and ends with a delicious Stella Artois tasting. Other Attractions Include: Waterloo Battlefield, Brussels, plus Autoworld, housed in the vast Palais Mondial takes visitors on journey of over 100 years of automotive history.

Price Includes: Return P&O Ferry crossing from Dover to Calais • 3 Nights at the Novotel Leuven • Buffet Breakfast each Morning • Tour of the Stella Artois Brewery & Tasting • Detailed Road Book featuring Maps, Great Drives & Local Attractions • Commemorative MGCC Tour Rally Plate • Single supplement £150.00 per person

Lake Garda & The Stelvio Pass - 3rd June - 12th June 2019 Exclusive MG Car Club Tour

From £919.00 Per Person

The Italian Lakes are unique and unmistakable. From landscapes to language, famous food to friendly locals, there are lots of bright, colourful towns around all of Lake Garda, and its clear blue waters are edged with Cypress trees, olive groves and dramatic mountains. Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy. It is a popular holiday location located in Northern Italy, about halfway between Brescia and Verona. Its shoreline is dotted with picturesque villages, medieval castles and lakeside promenades that create a unique magical atmosphere. There are 24 towns located on Lake Garda. Its 158 kilometers (98 miles) of shore length and its clear blue waters are edged with Cypress trees, olive groves and dramatic mountains. Desenzano is one of the largest towns on the lake and is popular with foreign visitors and Italian visitors alike. Located on the lake’s south west corner, it has its own train station so you can easily get to Milan, Verona or Venice. The Stelvio Pass at 2757m is one of the highest and most dramatic mountain passes in the Alps. You’ll experience the drive down the famous switchbacks driving through the heart of the Stelvio National Park before starting the descent, taking you through some great stretches of alpine forest and fast sweeping roads prior to your arrival at the foot of the pass.

Price Includes: Return P&O Ferry crossing from Dover to Calais • 2 overnight stays en-route to Lake Garda and 2 overnight stays on return Journey • 5 nights at the Hotel Drago in Lake Garda • Buffet Breakfast each Morning • Dinner included each evening • Complimentary Car parking included throughout • Detailed Road Book featuring Maps, Great Drives & Local Attractions • Commemorative MGCC Tour Rally Plate • Single supplement £350.00 per person

Jersey Island Tour - 28th September-2nd October 2019

From £439.00 per person

An island of rediscovery where landscapes are just waiting to be explored. Whether it’s the view from the battlements of a 12th century castle, a beach walk along Jersey’s unspoilt coastline or taking time to reflect while you watch the sun sink into the sea over St Ouen’s Bay, Jersey is there waiting to be discovered.

Exclusive MG Car Club Tour

Sparkling seas, golden sands, rugged cliffs, picturesque harbours and fascinating countryside await the visitor to Jersey. A welcoming island that offers the best of Britain with the added zest of France.The largest and most southerly of the Channel Islands, but still only 45 square miles, Jersey is situated on the edge of the Gulf Stream, 100 hundred miles south of England and 14 miles from France. The Island slopes from north to south to face the sun and boasts the best sunshine record in the British Isles and a climate which is milder in all seasons than the UK. Just nine miles by five, Jersey’s size makes it easy to fit plenty into a weekend; with heritage discoveries on your doorstep and miles of beaches and bays to explore.

Price Includes: Return Condor Ferry from Poole to Jersey • 4 night stay in the 3* Merton Hotel, St Helier • Buffet Breakfast each Morning • Dinner included each evening • Detailed Road Book featuring Maps, Great Drives & Local Attractions • Commemorative MGCC Tour Rally Plate • Single supplement £200.00 per person

To Book or for more for more information on our group tour planning service call our Group Relations Manager Kieran on: 01732 879153 or see: www.sceniccartours.com GROUP TOUR FULL PAGE MG Safety Fast AUG 2018.indd 1 Safety Fast_November18_3-47.indd 6

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CHAIRMANS NOTES BY DAVID T YNAN

d a s

Hello everyone, my name is David Tynan and I am proud to have been elected as the new MG Car Club Chairman at the recent Council and AGM in October at Longbridge. I am sure some of you will know me but for those that don’t, I am East London born and bred but now live in Kent. I am married to Rhona and I work for Openreach. Please do feel free to contact me on Chairman@mgcc. co.uk on any Car Club matters – but no emails about your broadband speed, please! I have been a Car Club member for 17 years now and have served in many roles, including as a Registrar and a Centre Chairman. I currently run a Monogram MGTF and a Freestyle MGF, but have had a quite a few MGs in the past, including MGBs, ZT and ZR, a 2.0 MG Maestro and a BGT V8. My background is in telecommunications and IT and since I joined the Board in 2015 I have been Chair of the IT committee as well as Vice Chairman to Ian for the past two years. Just a few words on Council, then, to begin with and to say that we all enjoyed hearing presentations from Overseas and IT, Kimber House and

plans for 2019 MGLive! It was also a privilege to help endorse the Young Members as an official Branch of the Club and to welcome the SUV cars as a Register in their own right. Ian liked to ring changes when he was Chairman, and we were all delighted to see the Ulster Centre presented with the Nuffield Gold Cup for their fantastic work on both motor sport and social activities and to have been able to grow their numbers through these activities. Council will meet again next spring, as is usual. Next year there are plans for the KH staff to visit the Registers and Centres to offer support at shows, something we haven’t been able to do so easily in the last year or two. There are many exciting projects coming up for all of us, not the least of which is celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Club in 2020 and 100 years of the MG Marque over the 2023 and 2024 period. These projects take a lot of planning and preparation and I am looking forward to sharing the progress with you all. We will set up two small sub-committees to oversee the arrangements and I can promise

you there will be an opportunity for every member to contribute. I should like to end these, my first notes, with a few words about the Board of the Club. After serving as a Director since 2009, Paul Plummer stepped down at the October AGM. Many will know Paul as the former Overseas Director. His contribution cannot be underestimated in that role which is demanding, to say the least, and he will have made many friends during that time. Paul won’t be disappearing, however, as he is now starting a fresh role with the T Register Committee. Ian Quarrington also stood down from the Board, having been our chairman for the last three years. Ian was elected a director in 2010, during which time he has been responsible for IT, then vice-chairman. He has overseen a number of changes at the Club, including new staff members and the completion of the archive extension to Kimber House. I hope to be able to meet as many of you as I can in the coming months: if you are planning to come to the NEC Classic Car show later this month do visit the MG Car Club stand where I will be working with the Kimber House staff and come and say Hello.

KIMBER HOUSE NEWS

Administration and also FdSc Motorsport Management and Logistics. Jade is no stranger to the MG brand, owning a 1969 MG Midget from her early twenties which she bought because “it would have driven her Nanna mental”. In her spare time, Jade runs a Yoga business and lives in the Oxfordshire countryside with her husband, two cats and a puppy. Jade commented: “I am really pleased to be joining the MG Car Club and getting involved with the heritage side of the brand as well as supporting the Club’s membership and motorsport programmes. I’m looking forward to getting stuck in and getting the Midget out to some events in the future!”

Jade’s working hours are Monday and Wednesday 9.00am-5.30pm, Tuesday and Thursday 9.00am-1.00pm and Friday 9.00am-4.00pm and her email address is jade@mgcc.co.uk

There is a new face around Kimber House: Jade Beckett has joined the team as Brand Communications Manager, looking after the Club’s Marketing and PR activities. Jade has joined the Club on a part-time basis from Silverstone Circuit where she was responsible for Marketing and PR for the circuit’s Motorsport calendar. Jade has a carheavy background, having worked in manufacturer Public Relations for Subaru, Isuzu and Suzuki and also marketing for Fiat and Bentley. At the University of Central Lancashire Jade studied BA (Hons) Business

www.mgcc.co.uk

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Visit: www.bikeseal.com or www.autoseal.co.uk 8 SAFETY FAST! NOVEMBER 2018

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NEWS

Meguiar’s Club Showcase Celebrations are in order as an MGF owned by member Nigel Scutt is in the finals of the 2018 Meguiar’s Club Showcase. Nigel won the prestigious concours award for his class at this year’s MGLive! event. The winner of the Meguiar’s Club Showcase will be decided at the Lancaster Insurance NEC Classic Motor Show in November! If you’re heading to the show make sure you check out Nigel’s pristine MGF. Also, don’t forget to visit the MGCC stand in Hall three, which will have a selection of special vehicles on display, all of which fit in with this year’s show theme, Built to Last.

PERSONALISED TOURS & EVENTS

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

Let us help you With over 30 years’ experience, we are confident we can help arrange your next group tour or event for your car club, or group of friends. We will work with you with as few as 4 or 5 cars on a tour, or as many as 500+ Cars, so give us a call. What do you have to lose? The North Buckinghamshire Natter The North Buckinghamshire Natter, previously held at the Bell at Beachampton, will be moving to the Shoulder of Mutton at Calverton, near Stony Stratford, MK19 6ED. The Shoulder of Mutton is a grade II listed building dating back to 1790. Our first meeting at the new venue will be on Thursday November 8 from 7.30pm. The Christmas meal will be at the Shoulder on Friday December 14, so there will be no Natter on Thursday 13. For information on the Natter, please contact David Storer on themstorers@gmail.com or 07518 911172. MG635 Register AGM Venue: Kimber House, Abingdon, OX14 1AS Date: Saturday December 8 2018 Time: 3.00pm Agenda: • Opening Address • Apologies • Minutes of 2017 AGM • Chairman’s Address

www.mgcc.co.uk

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• Treasurer’s Report • Secretary’s Report • Election of new Committee • AOB • Guest Speaker For more details or for nominations contact Steve Haines on 07772 453337 or email steve-haines@live.co.uk

‘Scenic & Continental Car Tours are very helpful and certainly make life easier for the busy leader of a car club! The hotels have been excellent and the impressive Road Books not only contained routes and maps, but also details of the places we were to visit’.

BRITISH & IRISH TOURS

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Tours are organised for the MG Car Club by Scenic & Continental Car Tours

For more information on our group tour planning service call our Group Relations Manager Kieran on: 01732 879153

or see: www.sceniccartours.com/clubgroup-tours

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NEWS

South East Centre AGM

Rallying TF

The SE Centre will hold its AGM on Saturday November 17 2018, starting at 12.00pm, with free refreshments provided afterwards. Venue: St. Nicholas Youth Centre, Bay Path, High Street, Godstone, Surrey, RH9 8DT

Those of you who attended MGLive! this year I’m sure would have seen the Rallycross MG TF, and spoken to its driver, the enthusiastic Heiko Paries from Germany. Heiko and his team headed back to the UK in September to compete in the BTRDA Clubmans Rallycross Championship, which was established in 1977, at Lydden Hill. Unfortunatly all didn’t go to plan with the TF, and a loud engine knocking noise during practice put paid to the event for Heiko and his team. With the TF now back in Germany, the team are fitting a new engine and hope to return to compete in the Clubmans Rallycross Championship next year. The MG TF during practice at Lydden Hill. Photo: Ralf Hofacker

Agenda 1. Welcome and apologies for absence 2. Approval of the minutes of the 2017 AGM 3. Matters arising from the above 4. Chairman’s Report 5. Treasurer’s Report and adoption of accounts 6. Secretary’s Report 7. Election of Officers 8. Election of Committee Members 9. Any Other Business

R A

M R B

O cy pe al to

Nominations for election to the Committee and/or Officers should be submitted to the Chairman, Derek Edwards, 143 Carlton Road, Reigate, RH2 0JG, or email edwards. mgmadness@ntlworld.com to be received by November 9 2018.

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Kimber Stores, your one stop Christmas Shop

This is a selec�on of merchandise available from The MG Car Club. For more informa�on or to order any of the merchandise

please visit Shop.mgcc.co.uk or call Ineke on 01235 849737www.mgcc.co.uk

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POSTBAG

MGLive! Further to the correspondence in recent issues of Safety Fast! regarding the format of MGLive! I have attended the Silverstone event many, many times since 1969, in TB, TC, five different MGBs, and the last ten years in my TF135. I just feel I would like to express an opinion, whilst perhaps naively and not aware of any of the financial (or political) requirements or negotiations to make the event possible. When I come to the major and most prestigious MG event of the year which, incidentally, I think should still be called MG lnternational (what a wonderful image does that portray), I want it to be dedicated as far as possible to the marque. I really don’t need to see Porsche, Carbir or GunnTS11 racing at the event. A huge loss to the character and particularly the heritage of the event, of course, are the Triple M racers, which were the most exciting races of the weekend. Why have they gone elsewhere? Is that perhaps a financial issue?

There is now also a significant reduction in trade stands at the event. A look back at previous programmes of just a few years ago shows a reduction of around 50% of traders. We now have a Lifestyle Marquee, selling, amongst other things, children’s clothes, soaps, candles and wreaths(!). Plus, with the attraction of a car whizzing around on two wheels it seems as though the event is turning into something closer to a circus type of event. My thoughts are that Brands Hatch is a very nice circuit, perhaps more interesting and visible to spectators, and with exclusive MG racing on Saturdays, plus all the other events on Sundays, this might be worth considering. l do, of course, appreciate all the hard work and effort from both the Club and volunteers to make the thing happen and whatever the format of the event is, or what it will evolve into, l shall attend until I’m too decrepit, and after that l shall still be there in spirit. Yours sincerely, Richard Wells.

September Looking Back The photograph of the tartan red MGC on page 98 of September’s SF! shows yours truly in my MGC at the NEC Classic Car Show in November 1988. The white MGA behind is Nick Cox’s twin Cam 44 FTO. There was also a Blue MGB GT V8 out of shot and the theme for the stand that year was “The Mighty MGs” as in Graham Robson’s book. Phil Ritcher had persuaded me to join the MGCC in 1986, and along with Alan Peacock, we had some terrific times travelling to and showing our cars in the late 1980s. I restored XDA 601G between 1983 and 1987 and won the Cynthia Bately Trophy at MGCC Silverstone Concours in June 1987. I bought the car from Barry Sidery-Smith in 1984, and on getting it home immediately stripped it to begin a three-year restoration. I won many competitions with the car before retiring from concours to concentrate on driving and enjoying the silky, effortless power of that wonderful engine. I eventually sold it in 1994 to Frank Baldwin from Weymouth, but I have never seen it since. Janet always says it was the best MG we ever owned and we certainly enjoyed using it for long-distance events. A very nice surprise to see the MGC in Safety Fast! Kind regards John Day

14 SAFETY FAST! NOVEMBER 2018

MGB Register Lecture I’m a member of the Midget Register but I’m writing to express my thanks to the MGB members who organised the MGB Register annual lecture. It was a fabulous event with the humour of Paddy, Rosemary and Alec, combined with the excellent “management” of the day by Graham Robson to make it one of the best events I’ve ever attended. I went with my son who at first I thought may not enjoy the historical nature of the day, but he was taken aback by the feat of those who managed the 10,000-mile drive, particularly in cars the size of the B and also the little Midget, even though it didn’t manage to complete the event. Please pass on my thanks to those members who planned and organised this wonderful day. Alas, we are all of an age that we need to take part in and enjoy the opportunity of hearing from these wonderful people who took part in events which will not be repeated. Kind regards, Chris and Kris Flemington

www.mgcc.co.uk

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FEATURE

MG IN THE BLOOD

A SPRINT AND HILL CLIMB STORY By Peter Clark Photos Colin Grant and Andy Knott

ix years ago if you had asked me what sprinting and hill climbing was my answer would have included athletics and high power 4WD cars. Quite why I had no knowledge of the Sprint and Hill climbing side of motorsport is surprising as I grew up with motorsport, both four and two wheel varieties. Having a father who was a development engineer at the

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Abingdon MG factory meant that cars and motorsport were never far away. Growing up I remember rallycross meetings, days out at Silverstone to see dadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mates racing and a number of race cars being worked on in the garage. One car was 138 DMO which some of you may know has some legendary race history, it was owned Bob Neville and driven by him and Roger Enever, but thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s another story. One early memory for me was a trip

to scotland with a family friend who accompanied us for the holiday in his MG Midget. After having been passenger around the highlands in his orange 1275 Midget the desire to own one was set in my mind. So when my father said come and have a look at the latest project back in 2012 I was even more interested than usual as I knew it was a Midget. Then when I saw that it was no standard car but a road legal racer I

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FEATURE

was on board. The plan at that time was rebuild the car and tidy it up while thinking about what to do do with it when finished. The rebuild probably took about six months at the end of which I got my first drive. It was not what I expected, this was nothing like the trip to Scotland. This Midget was noisy, uncomfortable and difficult to keep going at anything like low speed. Needless to say I was hooked, here was a car I had always wanted to have but with more potential for fun than I ever imagined. So the next stage was a track day to see what it could do and to help us decide how best to use the car. Our local track day venue is Abingdon airfield so we booked in and gave the car a run. It was not a complete success the car was not running well due to carburetor issues, I managed to spin it and although I was trying to go fast I ended up holding up the other drivers. Track days were not going to be the answer. The cockpit, cut off switch and fuel tank

The lightened door catch.

The answer turned out out to be Sprinting and Hill Climbs after another of fathers mates suggested we give it a try. The idea of being able to use the car to its limits to be in competition with the clock and have the opportunity to drive the best circuits in the country

The tuned A series with the large VW diesel radiator to keep things cool

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felt right to us both. So â&#x20AC;&#x153;Team Clark Racingâ&#x20AC;? was born, I was going to drive and father was going to be chief mechanic responsible for special tuning to give us a competitive edge. So over the winter of 2012 we did some homework on events, clubs, championships, regulations and a licence. Then in 2013 we were ready for the first meeting which was at a small sprint circuit at Rushmoor being run by the Farnborough club. It was mid March cold damp and dark. I was using a borrowed helmet, race suit and gloves as until I had actually tried it I was not going to fully commit. It was not the best of starts to our new hobby, the track was so damp they needed to remove moss from some areas before practice. I did however try to keep the car on the track and only over did it twice! To top it all dad went down with the flu and I dropped the helmet I had borrowed. On the positive

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FEATURE

side everyone was friendly and happy to answer our questions which was good as we were a bit lost at first. That first season in the Luffield Sprint Championship only included Rushmoor; Abingdon and Llandow before being cut short by my broken foot following a motorcycle accident. Shortly after which the bike was sold and I decided the Midget was to be the focus of my attention. Team Clark has now completed a further four seasons and is now in the sixth in what is now called the MG Car Club Speed Championship. So far we have limited the traveling to no more than 100 miles from home. Even with limited traveling we have been able to compete at some world famous circuits and hill climbs including Prescott, Goodwood, Shelsley Walsh and Silverstone. This for me has been one of the attractions of the sport. To be able to take your car around these circuits and on these hills in the company of some like minded friendly people is amazing. I have to say that the people you meet at these type of events and especially in the MG Championship

are another reason why we will keep coming back. We have made some really good friends in the short time we have been competing. This does not mean things are not competitive, they are, very much so. This is the other side of the these competitions, they are competitions, but with a difference. The difference being that for the most part you are competing with yourself. It’s amazing how hard you try to beat your previous best time when returning to a circuit or hill. It not so much matters how quick or slow everyone else is, am I quicker than before? that’s what counts.

The oil catch tank neatly installed

The car in action at Goodwood

So how to improve your times, this becomes the question we are all working on. For me it’s been mostly about learning how to drive the car fast but within my limits. For my father it’s been about improvements to the car year on year. When it comes to the end of the season we decide what modifications we can do over the winter to give us better times. As I said at the beginning our car started out as a racer so its not been standard since we had it. This does not mean

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FEATURE

Peter and Geoff with the Midget Register Car of the year trophy

suggestion, get along to an event and see for yourself. A good way to find out what’s on would be to visit the MG Car Club Speed Championship website and check out the calendar of events. As you are reading this in the MG Car Club’s magazine chances are you have one or enjoy them so this way you will find some friendly MG people to natter too. The events take place right across the country and some are even free to the public but check online first. To see the Midget in action why not visit Peter’s You Tube channel at www.youtube.com/channel/ UCMFyDAOUzm7Zp1IB3pssUpw

we’ve had trouble working out how to improve it though. Modifications have included simple things like soft compound tyres right up to adding a fiberglass front, race cam and many, many other things. In fact the car was the midget register car of the year 2017 so we must be doing something right. Having a modified car is one option but there are classes for standard cars as well so this helps keep the cost down. In fact many people use road legal cars that they drive to the event making it the most affordable motorsport on offer. So perhaps you’re thinking you would like to see first hand what grassroots motorsport looks like or even want to give this sport a try. Here’s my The Midgets have to run with two seats in the MGCC Speed Championship, one bucket seat and one go-kart seat to save weight

www.mgcc.co.uk

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FEATURE

PROJECT MGA BODY PREPARATION

Following on from last monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s report on the fitting of the Vitesse gearbox and the sand blasting of the body, this month we focus on the body preparation ready for painting

otswold Accident Repair Centre which is based in Witney, Oxfordshire, is undertaking this work. They are specialists in this field with years of experience behind them. The body has been sand blasted by them, and now the hard work starts. But before we go on to the body preparation, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s do a quick recap. Before removing the body from the chassis they checked all the panel gaps and made sure they were good. They then braced the car so there was no movement when the body was

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removed from the chassis, making a note of any packing pieces fitted, so when the body is refitted to the chassis the same number of packing pieces are used to retain good panel gaps. The sand blasting has removed all previously applied filler, and this has shown up damage to the front and rear ends of the car where at some time in the past it has been involved in a collision. The damaged radiator duct was removed which gave them access to the back of the front shroud. This was repaired by using Mig and Spot welding. Welding has also

been carried out on the rear panel and rear wings, also due to previous accident damage. Other than this the car is in very sound condition with the box sections and internal panels in remarkably good rust-free condition. This is mainly due to the perfect climate conditions in California where the car has spent most of its life. For preparing the body after sand blasting/welding repairs, an orbital sander with a 120 grit pad is used to achieve a smooth finish which would bring to light any dents or imperfections. Any dents would then

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FEATURE

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be filed as necessary so less filler will be needed. Then the panels are skimmed with filler and rubbed down until straight. Finishing is done by hand with 2 0 grit long and short sanding blocks. They do not use lead loading for dent filling. But if lead is found on the car, normally used at the factory on panel joints, it is checked and if sound is left as it is. After all the preparation work has been finished, they etch prime the whole car with three good coats of high build primer. This is then baked and left for a few days to dry, to stop any paint movement. This will then be rubbed down with 2 0 and then 500 grit sanding blocks. The car is being repainted in Pewter Metallic, which was a limited edition MGB colour. This colour will be the base coat, with two coats of clear lac uer applied over the top. Next month we will cover the body being returned to RPS to be mated to its chassis and the final build.

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FEATURE

ecently I wrote about the Finnish Company RetroEV, and their incredible MGA. The nature of their business is, together with Grips Garage, to restore and convert classic cars to electric drive. They have currently converted a Triumph GT6 and an MGA, called MGA-EV. During the winter there was a fair held at the Technical Museum in Stockholm, where Retro-EV was invited to show their cars. At the show the managing director of Retro-EV, Michael Richardson, invited me to come for a test drive in the spring when the car was fully functional and ready for the road. It wasn’t hard to convince my friend Göran, a keen MGA Twin Cam owner, to come with me. A few days before our departure an email arrived that said “there has been a small accident”. When showing the car to a potential customer from Monaco they had not secured the bonnet properly so it blew up, denting the car. The car was now at a workshop, and Michael had been

Michael at Grips Garage with the MGA-EV

promised that it would be ready for our arrival. The day before we were due to test the car we flew to Helsinki, where Michael joined us for dinner and told us that the car was ready to be delivered the next day. Michael picked us up the next morning in a very Swedish car, a Volvo

Amazon 123S estate, a much-loved and well-used car that he had bought from Arizona via eBay. The Volvo is a future project that Michael hopes to covert to electric for his wife as a present on their 50th anniversary in a few years. At the premises we were given a tour of Grips Garage, a very impressive facility; not that big but with

MY EXPERIENCE OF THE

RETRO-EV MGA By Tommy Lyngborn

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FEATURE

The MGA-EV arrives, ready to be tested

all the correct tools, and employees who have lots of experience in quality car restoration. The garage housed a myriad of stunning classic exotica including an Austin-Healey 100, Jaguar, Rolls Royce, and a Ford Mustang, as well as a lot of cars that were undergoing work that

we could admire, like a Maserati Merak, a rally-equipped Volvo Amazon, Aston Martin DB2, E-types and a MercedesBenz 290 Cabriolet from 1936, which was at the end of an incredibly well done restoration. Grips Garage made a very solid impression on us.

At about 11.00am the MGA-EV arrived on a trailer. It was unloaded and made ready for us, but now came this tripÂ´s only disappointment. Michael informed us that the car has not yet passed the MOT and that it would need to be transported to Lahti in the afternoon to display at FinlandÂ´s greatest car show. That meant that Michael would not let us drive the car ourselves, but he of course wanted to give us a ride with himself as a driver. As I got into the passenger seat I promised to take some action shots, so Michael dropped me in position ready to take some photos. Michael passed me several times and it was clear to see that this was a car with a considerable turn of speed. When I had taken the pictures that I wanted, I waved to Michael and

The smile says it all, Michael at the wheel

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FEATURE

The Volvo Amazon 123S estate that Michael hopes to electrify eventually

The quick charge socket is neatly hidden behind a hinged grille

The interior of Grips Garage

he stopped to pick me up. I entered the passenger chair again. It is not very easy, as it is narrow, but once in place I found the bucket seat very comfortable, I was surrounded by excellently formed leather. Göran who is a size or two bigger than me thought it was very narrow!

Back in the car Michael puts it in ‘the gear’, which means he pushed the original gear lever forwards. You can only choose between forward, reverse and neutral. As we head out on the road Michael pushes the accelerator and it is a surreal feeling that hits me. OK, there is some noise from the engine, drivetrain and tyres but it is nothing compared to what I am used to in classic cars, or

even modern cars for that matter. When Michael hits the pedal a little harder I got a real kick in the back with the instant power and torque. We reached 100 on the clock in no time, and I was very impressed. “The speedometer is in miles,” said Michael, “but I don´t think it is correct.” “I don´t think so either,” I answered, but whatever the speed it was fast for an MGA!

Happiest Swede in Finland, Göran experiences the MGA-EV

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FEATURE

The low slung windscreen and stunning interior of the MGA-EV

The car is equipped with coil over and independent rear suspension supplied by Hoyle Suspension. It sat very well on the road, and bumps and pot holes were effectively taken care of, and pushing it through the bends there was very little body roll and the A felt very stable. As well as making sure the MGA handles well, disc brakes are fitted on all four corners to match the performance and make sure the car stops promptly. We noticed some small vibrations just before the car stopped, but this will be corrected when the software is upgraded back at Grips Garage.

The sensation of speed is improved by sitting quite high. The battery pack is on the floor under the chairs, which makes you sit higher than normal, and

together with the low windscreen the experience of the wind is reinforced considerably. It was an awesome ride I was given, I just wish it could have been longer. I´m sure I will have the opportunity for a real test drive later and then give a better review. The question is: is it ok to do something like this with our classic cars? Is this something we (and coming generations) have to accept to keep our classics on the roads? Governments and organisations of different kinds do what they can to reduce the freedom we have had. Maybe it is therefore right to convert classics to electric drive to be able to use them?

The author gets to experience the power of the MGA-EV

Here are Göran´s opinions of the MGA-EV. The car is expertly restored by Grips Garage with an exceptional finish. An MGA addict like me found some small irritating details, for example there are too many studs for the tonneau and they are in the wrong place, but this is a minor irritation. The electronics and the driving pack are neatly installed under the bonnet. The charging socket for slow charging is smartly hidden under a Sebring cap where you normally fill petrol. The socket for fast-charging is placed behind the grille and a genius construction makes it possible to hinge the grille up to be able to charge the car. Smart! Since I purchased my first MG I have aged, and during the last 50 years with my second MG I have mastered the technique for getting in and out of the car. To enter this new generation of MGA was pretty hard! Michael has raised the floor for the batteries to fit between the beams. That may be necessary but for us well-grown Nordics it is a problem.

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When Syd Enever introduced his modern designed MGA in 1954 there was an outcry through the car-world. MG had, during many years, had great success with a large number of sports-cars that all had upright radiators and high wire-wheels under free mounted wings. Syd Enever defended his decision by saying: “A Sportscar shall look fast even standing still.” When Michael put the pedal to the metal in the MGA, I was shocked by the great acceleration, then by the wind that made me breathless as it came over the top of the windscreen. When I got over the surprise and I realised what I experienced, I began to laugh to myself, what a rush. An electrified MGA with marvellous performance and excellent road holding thanks to low centre of gravity and Hoyle´s suspension. Sure, the MGA-EV is impressive! But how would it be with the original windscreen? Will I get protection for the wind? And with the hood up can I, with dignity, enter and leave the car, and will my head have space enough?

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Chock the front wheels and using a good quality jack lift the car and place on axle stands. Once fully secure release the handbrake.

BRAKE CALIPER WOES by Colin Grant

Note: DO NOT attempt to carry out this work if you do not have the correct mechanical knowledge/tools/space, etc. Entrust the work to a garage.

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Having established which side the offending caliper is located, remove the wheel.

e have had quite few calls at the Club recently relating to sticking rear brake calipers. Issues arise when the handbrake element of the caliper seizes or the brake piston seizes. Most people have the handbrake issue where all of a sudden when releasing the handbrake the lever feels sloppy, meaning you can pull it up and down with little effect. The other symptom being a hot smell coming from the rear of the car due to the pads being held on against the disc or binding noises. In extreme cases the pads can get so hot that the bonding fails and the pads can fall out when braking causing unthinkable consequences. In the case of the handbrake linkage seizing, the only course of action is to replace the offending caliper/calipers. In fact, I would fit replacements if I had any problems associated with the calipers as life is too precious to skimp on brake items. Many people have asked if this is a job they can undertake. The answer is yes, if you have the tools, space and know-how, otherwise leave it to your local garage to carry out the work. To demonstrate the replacement procedure, I took a new caliper I had â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;in stockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and fitted it to my low mileage TF to show what is involved using the following photo sequence.

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FEATURE

With wheel removed, you can now see the caliper and behind it the four fixing bolts.

Next the clevis pin holding the brake cable needs to be removed. But first remove the clip that holds it in place.

Or leave the cable clipped to the bracket and remove the two holding bolts and move to one side.

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I now take a brake clamping tool and clamp it to the brake hose to stop excess fluid being lost when the banjo bolt is removed from the caliper.

The clevis pin can now be removed.

Undo the top and bottom caliper slider bolts with a 12mm socket.

Next I remove the brake banjo bolt and washers.

With the cable now free, the fixing clip can be removed and the cable pulled out of the holding bracket.

The caliper and pads can now be removed.

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FEATURE

Pads and metal guides after being removed. Note the metal wear indicator extension is on the rear pad.

Replacement parts laid out ready to be reassembled. Note that I am using a new replacement caliper complete with carrier, although refurb calipers are available at lower cost. New bolts, fixing clip and clevis pin/clip will be used, which I feel is a must.

Slide in the brake pads.

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Using a 14mm socket remove the caliper carrier bolts. If fitting a refurbed caliper it won’t come complete with the carrier, so it’s good practice to check the sliding pins and re-grease plus fit new rubber seals.

The piston in the new caliper needed to be set to its home position and there is a special tool available via eBay to do this. It fits onto the end of the piston via four dimples and you then wind the piston back using a ratchet into position. Pin nose pliers can be used but it’s much easier with the special tool.

Fit the caliper, and torque the bolts to 45Nm.

Once undone, remove the carrier.

Replace the caliper carrier and torque the bolts up to 85Nm. You can apply some copper grease to the bolts to aid removal at a later date, but it has been said that this can affect the correct torque setting. I will leave it to you to decide. Then fit the metal guides, applying a tiny amount of copper grease to the surface where the brake pad sits.

New Banjo bolt complete with new copper washers ready to fit. Never re-use the old washers when fitting this bolt.

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FEATURE

Remove the plastic protective plug from the caliper, fit the Banjo bolt to the brake hose and then bolt to the caliper using a torque wrench set to 30Nm. Remove the clamp from the brake hose.

Refit the brake cable using the new locating clip and clevis pin/clip.

New caliper in place ready to bleed the system.

Attach the brake bleeding kit plastic hose to the bleed nipple, and get a friend to sit in the car and pump the pedal when requested. The kit has a non-return valve built in, but I tend to do it the old-fashioned way. The process is to open the nipple with an 11mm spanner, and get your helper to push the pedal down. Once down, tighten the nipple and get him to release the pedal. Follow this process until there are no more air bubbles to be seen along the plastic tube. Then get your helper to pump the pedal. If the pedal is firm and the brakes operating normally, the job is done. If the pedal feels spongy carry out the bleeding process again until the pedal is firm and there are no more air bubbles to be seen. A good test is to apply pressure to the pedal and see if it slowly goes down. If it does, re-bleed the caliper again. If not, the job is completed.

Remember to top up the master cylinder as you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want the level to drop, causing air to get into the whole system. After fitting the wheel, remember to torque the wheelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nuts up to the correct torque which in the manual is 70Nm.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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EVENT

Phillip Hats 1914 Model T Ford at the finish

Roger Mayo in his MGB being followed a gaggle of other MGs

TAMAR OLD BRIDGES RUN

By Alan Davis

n September 2 an interesting mixture of 60 vintage, classic and sports cars assembled in the village square at Bradworthy, North Devon, ready to tackle the maze of lanes zig-zagging across the Devon/Cornwall border. After an excellent bacon butty and hot drinks in the Bradworthy Inn, the first car was flagged away at 10.00am by Keith Prance, owner of the village garage, the remainder leaving at minute intervals. The object of the day was to pass the source of the Tamar, then by crossing and re-crossing the county border, drive over every bridge between source and

Horsebridge over the River Tamar www.mgcc.co.uk

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Awards made by Fierek Pottery

salt water. The route took entrants across some little-used roads, passing through Alfardisworthy, Bridgerule and Boyton to Lifton, where an hourand-a-half lunch stop was arranged at

Lifton Farm Shop and Restaurant for food and socialising. The afternoon part of the route took drivers through Tinhay and Felldownhead to cross Greystone Bridge, then on to Horse Bridge and Gunnislake New Bridge (built in 1520!), the 20th crossing of the Tamar. After diverting to Cotehele Quay for photos, the group assembled to form a display at Harrowbarrow Village Hall after completing the 90mile route, and where the local ladies laid on a superb cream tea for 120 people. A huge range of vehicles took part, including MG cars from 1933 to the present day. The most impressive car entered had to be the 1914 Model T Ford driven by Phillip Hart who completed the course arriving at the finish only minutes behind the modern entrants. After tea, Class awards were presented, which were specially made and fired for the event by the local Fierek Pottery This event was organised by Alan and Verona Davis for the Devon and Cornwall Centre of the MG Car Club. Fellow MGCC members Terry Bolt and Jeff Hearn accepted a donation on behalf of Macmillan Cancer Care, out of profits made on the day.

Alan Davis presenting the donation to Terry Bolt and Jeff Hearn

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

WELCOME TO THE MGA NEWSLETTER

Another season over and only the NEC show to come as a welcome finale to what has been a notable year. Notable certainly for its amazing weather, although I do recall a rather wet Brooklands back in the spring at MG Era. The MGA Autumn Tour, details below, also did not get the best of the weather, unfortunately, but in between we were blessed, initially at least, with many hours of sunshine which eventually became somewhat of a challenge. Our cars were not really built for extremes and overheating was always an issue!

DATES FOR YOUR 2019 DIARY • • •

• •

•

MG Era Brooklands, Sunday April 14 MGA Register Spring Tour, May 17 to 19, Mynyddoedd â Mor – Mountains and Sea The 2019 MGA Register Spring Tour will take in a truly magnificent part of the UK, Anglesey and Snowdonia, and will give two contrasting and enjoyable driving days. The base will be the Royal Victoria Hotel in Llanberis, at the foot of Snowdon. MGA Day 2019, Sunday August 11 The Register has now made provisional arrangements to visit the Shuttleworth Collection in Bedfordshire. Many will be familiar with this venue, which features both aeronautical and automotive museums, along with Swiss-style gardens and a sculpture trail. For more details, see www.shuttleworth.org/the-collection Details of both MGA Register events at www.mgcc.co.uk/mga-register/eventsin-2019/

COTSWOLD AND THAMES VALLEY MGA AUTUMN TOUR SEPTEMBER 21-24 2018 35 cars and their guardians arrived at the Milton Hill Hotel in Steventon on Friday September 21, eager to participate in two days touring the Cotswold and Thames Valley. A BBQ was held in the evening and a good social buzz ensued. We woke on Saturday morning to grey skies and drizzle but, not deterred, we all set

off via the Vale of the White Horse at Uffington on our way to MGCC in Abingdon where staff had laid on coffee and biscuits and guided tours of the premises. We then proceeded to Nuffield Place, the home of William Morris, where 12 cars were able to park in front of the house for a photo call. Still braving the rain we continued

across the Downs to Goring and Streatley, then on to the Ridgeway and then back to the hotel for a Gala dinner. The weather was still no better on Sunday so, windscreen wipers on and hoods up, we set off to the Oxford Bus Museum for a trip down memory lane. Back to the cars and, what is that in

MGAs outside Nuffield Place 38 SAFETY FAST! NOVEMBER 2018

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the distance? Blue Skies!!! We head off down to Combe Mill Industrial Museum and it’s quickly out of the cars to take hoods down at last. The views across the Cotswolds were now visible, although some of the country lanes had developed overnight fords. Sunday evening we gathered for an excellent dinner and another opportunity to catch up with MGCC friends. The feedback has been very positive. The routes and route books were well received, the hotel, staff and food were excellent and everyone had a brilliant time. The 2018 MGA Autumn Tour was organised by Jill and Graham Eke, to whom many thanks.

R Days and G Jebb with their MGAs outside the Bus Museum

CAROL SHAMONSKY The North American MGA Register (NAMGAR) has announced the sudden passing of its Chairman, Carol Shamonsky. Carol passed away in her sleep on September 30 2018.

MORE ON THE MGA DE LUXE In the July 2017 edition of Safety Fast! I wrote a piece entitled ‘The MGA De Luxe – Some of the Story So Far’ which set out an aspiration to produce a series of articles setting out the story of the MGA De Luxe. This is the first of such articles which will necessarily go over some of the ground covered again. Ask an MGA aficionado today “what is an MGA De Luxe?” and you will get an essentially unvarying answer. “It is an MGA Twin Cam with a push rod engine probably best sums it up. Two important points arise from that answer. The first is that the MGA De Luxe is thus generally regarded as a distinct model of the MGA and the second is that there is strong name-recognition of such a car as an MGA De Luxe. However, ask that same question back in 1960 when the vehicle was introduced and it is likely that you would have got no answer at all, although it now seems possible, even probable, that in the background the De Luxe name, and with it the status as a de facto separate MGA model, was already slowly evolving. In this article we will cover whether or not these ‘Twin Cam with a push rod engine’ cars constituted a separate MGA model and possibly just how the title De Luxe became attached to the car.

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Carol was well known within the MG and NAMGAR family. She had been a long time NAMGAR member and was Vice Chairman of NAMGAR. She subsequently became NAMGAR Chairman in 2015 and had a few short months to complete her tenure. Carol will be sorely missed by the NAMGAR community.

WAS THE MGA DE LUXE A SEPARATE MGA MODEL? My belief is that the MGA De Luxe is not, was not and could never have been a separate model of the MGA. Yet, nevertheless, it is today regarded and treated as a separate model of the MGA by the MGA and classic car community as evidenced, if by nothing else, by this series of articles about the MGA De Luxe. It is not, and was not, a separate model because MG did not delineate it as such and MG alone were the ultimate determinants as to whether a car constituted a separate model. MG delineated models of the MGA by VIN changes, so the Original MGA (now known as an MGA 1500), the MGA 1600 and the MGA 1600 MkII had sequential VIN numbers but the VIN alphabetic prefixes differed for each of the three models above. The MGA Twin Cam had a completely different VIN system. That gives four models of the MGA but the VIN prefixes also delineate between Roadster and Coupe, so were these separate models? They were not, being simply variants of the models to which they related. MG included the differences from the owner’s perspective relevant to a De Luxe (albeit not under that name) in the 1600 MkII Handbook and, in the case of the MGA 1600 in the

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MGA NEWSLET TER

Handbook Supplement (AKD1628). Likewise, the differences were included in the Service Parts Lists for both models in one publication (AKD1215) which, rather confusingly, also had sections relating to the ‘Standard Model’ and the ‘All Round Disc Brakes Model’ to address the actual differences. Nevertheless, this possibly rather challenging choice of words could not confer model status on what MG always described as an option. If a ‘Twin Cam with a push rod engine’ car was not a separate model, what was it? Was it a variant such as the difference between Roadster and Coupe? I can see no case for saying a De Luxe was a variant and, indeed, as I have noted, MG themselves consistently described the modifications that were made when manufacturing, and the resultant specification of, a De Luxe as constituting an option. To be MG documentation specific, the description as an option appears in the MGA 1600 MkII brochure (H6007 dated 5/61) and the rarely seen Salesman’s Reference produced by MG (AKD1003B) featuring the MGA1600. Now, as usual with trying to work out the genetic code of the De Luxe, things are not that simple. You could make a case that if Roadsters and Coupes were separate models, as opposed to variants of the same model which is what I believe them to be, then the De Luxe should fall into the same category. The reasoning behind that position takes us to the MGA production records which reside at the British Motoring Industry Heritage Trust at Gaydon and which are available for inspection on request. It is from these records that a Heritage Certificate for an MGA is derived and, as I have pointed out before, the records do not contain the alphabetic VIN prefixes I refer to above. The VIN prefixes that appear on your Heritage Certificate are extrapolated from the data in the production records and some of that

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data is delineated by colour alone. In particular the differentiation between Roadster and Coupe is colour-coded, with a Roadster having a red entry and a Coupe a blue entry. Likewise the De Luxe is colour-coded, with brown being a Roadster and green being a Coupe. Further, the FIA also confuse the issue albeit very much at MG’s instigation. The FIA reserve the right to treat a variation of a model with enhanced performance as a different model for the purposes of homologation. MG entered De Luxes for Sebring in 1962 and cars which have always been treated as De Luxes for Sebring in 1961. I have written at length in the March 2017 edition of Safety Fast!, in an article entitled ‘Fake News’, about the confusion that MGA homologations are in generally. The homologations neither represent reality, the MGA 1600 MkII was never offered with fibreglass wings as a factory fitted option for example, nor are some variants capable of homologation as presented because the minimum number of cars required to be produced, being 100, was never reached despite the RAC certifying to the contrary. Of course, how would the RAC have known any different or anything other than what they were told? MG alone at that time knew the actual production figures! Nevertheless, MG must have felt themselves vulnerable about the 1962 entry cars and in so doing managed to homologate the 1600 MkII De Luxe as a separate model, although the standard car was included as an alternate, and also, following this and a year after it had ceased production, the MGA 1600 Coupe De Luxe was homologated in isolation, of which only ten true versions were ever built. The MGA De Luxe was, nevertheless, not a separate model of the MGA. You will note that we have not defined what an MGA De Luxe was in the metal, so to speak, other than in terms of the perception that it was

and is a ‘Twin Cam with a push rod engine’. I did address that question more specifically in my earlier article, but suffice it to say that De Luxes all have common features which define them, but outside that there is a large range of variation of specification. What’s in a name? However, to be regarded or treated as a model, as against a variant or an option, you need a name to hang around the car you are describing. Accordingly, as the car came to be treated as a model, a process almost certainly instigated from within MG, if not by MG, and by Wilson McComb, one time editor of Safety Fast!, it needed a name to build model status around. The American distributors had already tried and, I believe it is fair to say, failed to attach a label to the option with the 1600 MkII Competition name in an article in the May 1962 edition of Sports Car Graphic. ‘Competition’ was probably MG’s second favourite generic term in period, after ‘De Luxe’, for something it wanted to specify and add market appeal to. Examples being Competition seats, also known of course as Competition deluxe seats, which myth would have tell were fitted to all De Luxes and thus conveniently explain the De Luxe name derived from this invariable fact. This is simply incorrect; there were more De Luxes specified with standard seats than Competition or De Luxe Seats, of which only 120 were specified, although it is of interest that 83% of the 1600 De Luxe cars, as against only 17% of the 1600 MkII De Luxe cars, had them. MG applied the name deluxe not only to the seats, which in any event were more ‘deluxe’ in design than ‘competition’, but also to an optional set of sliding side screens for the MGA 1600 and 1600 MkII, although how they differed from the standard side screens, if at all, was not clear and there is only one type of side screen in the relevant Service Parts List.

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8” colour touchscreen*

mg.co.uk

Apple CarPlay™*

LED DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS

MGmotor

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

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MGA NEWSLET TER

Other examples of BMC using the De Luxe name include the Morris Minor 1000, available in De-Luxe or standard form, and the original MG Midget and MKII Sprite where a deluxe ‘model’ had a rev counter and more chrome – the deluxe model quickly evolved into the car offered as standard and the name was dropped. Indeed, what is the car’s proper title? A De Luxe, De-Luxe, deluxe, some other variant or even some other name altogether, as in possibly Competition, or (and there is one suggestion in the literature) MGB! MG always marketed the car in period, to the extent that they marketed it at all, as an option, generally the ‘Dunlop Disc Brakes All Round’ option but often with ‘Dunlop Road Speed Tyres’ included in the title, as these tyres were generally, but not seemingly invariably, included in the specification. The University Motors advert which ran in July 1960 on more than one occasion seems to encapsulate the essence of MG’s marketing strategy, the words De Luxe being notably absent even from the description of the seats which were described as ‘Competition’. Having extensively searched the period literature, there is no MGrelated reference including the word De Luxe as being applied to the car; it was always referred to as an option as described above. However, to complicate the picture further, there is one advert which appeared in Autosport on July 29 1960, the same edition as the University Motors advert. Parade Motors (Mitcham) were an MG dealer, albeit under the auspices of the London Main Dealer, University Motors, and it seems unlikely that they dreamt up the De Luxe name themselves. It must therefore be a possibility that the name was already in colloquial usage, either in the factory or in the MG marketing organisation.

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Autosport Advert advertising Disc

Brakes all round

It is, however, noteworthy that despite further adverts for both new and used De Luxe cars appearing up to the autumn of 1962 in both Motor and Autocar none were advertised with the title De Luxe attached. MG’s earliest reference to the Disc Brakes all round ‘option’ is probably on the back of a publicity photograph for the MGA 1600, said to feature Miss Tasmania. Although photograph 92813 is undated it is obviously after the demise of the Twin Cam and subsequent research has shown it to have been issued on May 25 1960. The other early reference is in the 1600 Handbook Supplement AKD1628 titled “Series MGA 1600 Supplement to be used with the Driver’s Handbook AKD1172B when Road Speed tyres and disc brakes all ro[u]nd are fitted as optional extras” relating to the option which has an 05/60 reference. You will note the square brackets around the ‘u’ which was omitted on the actual document – so much for MG’s proof reading. A copy with a July 27 1960 date stamp can be seen here http:// mgaguru.com/mgtech/books/pdf/ Drivers_Supplement_1600.pdf You can see from the above that the term De Luxe, although never used by MG in period, was in the environment of the car from its inception.

The advert that appeared in Autosport on July 29 1960

MG first referred to the title De Luxe applying to the car in Safety Fast! in July 1963 on Page 31 - Portrait Gallery No.26: The MG Series ‘MGA’. This was one of a series of articles by Wilson McComb, then Editor of Safety Fast!, about each variant of MG car. Wilson wrote: “When the Twin Cam ceased production in April 1960, the decision was taken to build an intermediate model to satisfy those who coveted the all-round disc brakes of that model, but not its rather temperamental engine. So some 1600s, known as the ‘1600 De Luxe’, were built with push-rod engines in Twin Cam chassis, and a very pleasant car this littleknown model proved to be”. Safety Fast! was very much Wilson McComb’s creature at that time and there is good reason to attribute the general adoption of the De Luxe name to him. By 1965 Wilson had published an article on every MG produced in Safety Fast! including the one on the MGA referred to above. His recently appointed successor, Stuart Seager, then produced an article over two editions in February and March 1965

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MGA NEWSLET TER

The caption on the back of

photo 92813

entitled “MGs Through the Ages” which had a picture and a précis about every MG car produced, based on Wilson’s articles. You will note, however, that the 1965 précis refers only to the 1600 MkII whereas the 1963 article refers to the 1600 alone. These two articles in turn became a publicity poster with the same title, which went through many iterations into the 1970s and consistently described a De Luxe in similar terms although the actual technical description varied.

Interestingly Michael Allison, of Triple M Register fame, recalls Wilson commentating at the Firle Hill Climb in 1962 when Michael attended as a spectator, rather than a competitor, whilst running in the engine of his car. When the car on the cover of August 1962 Safety Fast! went up the hill Wilson referred to it as a De Luxe over the p.a. and Michael then went to see him to ask him just what a De Luxe was, the answer being as one would expect. In conclusion, MG never used the term De Luxe officially in period although it is likely to have been in common usage from the time of the development of the car and thus this name probably originated from within MG. The name De Luxe was almost certainly embedded by Wilson McComb through the pages of Safety Fast! and by 1965 was as official as it was ever going to get.

The last published reference I could find to a De Luxe being referred to, correctly of course, as the Disc Brake All Round Option was in a 1968 Glass’s car model specification guide. The fact is that if you talk about an MGA De Luxe today with almost any MGA owner they will know exactly what you mean.

The scan of the March Safe ty Fast! 1965

SALES DEPARTMENT

1947 MG TC Single ownership from 1969 to 2013. The subject of a recent 11-year restoration and recent engine rebuild

INFO@CLASSICMOTORHUB.COM : +44 (0)1242 384092 : GLOUCESTERSHIRE, GL7 5NX www.mgcc.co.uk

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

WELCOME TO THE MGB NEWSLETTER Lots of news for this four-page spread, but I have to start on a sad note. Roger and Nicky Boys have had to put Paddy, their West Highland White Terrier, to sleep. He was 16… a good age for a small dog. Paddy enjoyed being with them on all their MG jaunts and he will be missed by his many friends and admirers.

Roger and Paddy

BGS …. A CAR WITH A LONG COMPETITION HISTORY Andy Smith, who has owned MGBs since the 1970s, is having a busy year with his 1963 Rally Car. BGS 861A is an ex-California mark 1 MGB which was one of a batch of similar vehicles repatriated by Ron Gammons for the 2,500mile Pirelli Classic Marathon series in 1988. BGS was totally rebuilt from the shell up for use by Malcolm Gammons and Glen Jarvis in the 1989 event. The car performed faultlessly and they took a class win and 15th overall – the best standard car by miles, winning the team award for MG with Stirling Moss and Ron Gammons. In 1990 the car was fully modified to FIA standards, bored out to 1840cc with Webber 45DCOE carburation to provide 130bhp, via a close ratio gear box and Quaife Limited Slip Diff. In this (its current) specification, BGS was driven to seventh place by Rally legend, Roger Clark, with Tony Masson on ‘the clocks’ in the 1990 Pirelli Classic Marathon. For 1992 it was back to the Classic Marathon, this time sponsored by Mitsubishi, the crew being Sir Stirling Moss and Zoe Heritage. The pair had run a big Healey in the 1991 event but decided to go back to an MGB for 92, Stirling putting BGS through its paces to finish another faultless performance in seventh place. There then followed a 20-plus year period when the car was owned and campaigned by ex-Historic Rally Register Chairman Chris Hunt Cooke who, apart from competing with

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BGS ready for the 2018 Monte Carlo Classique Rally

the car on many Marathon events, went on to win the Clubman’s rally championship in 1996 and 1997, followed by further outright victories in the HRCR classic trophy series in 2002 and 2003. Then came the HERO Le Jog team prize with David Kirkham in the navigator’s seat in 2005, followed by an outright win in this toughest of classic car rallies by coming overall first in the Le Jog Rally of 2007. “Keeping up with all this history is an impossibility,” says Andy, who is

Sir Stirling Moss with BGS during the Mitsubishi Classic Marathon 1992

only too happy to enjoy the experience of driving a Brown and Gammons wellprepared competition car. It’s superbly modified with a tight, well-balanced (Gerry Brown-built) engine and performs well under pressure, coming on cam at 2800rpm and pulling faultlessly all the way to 7000rpm, currently running with a 4.9:1 ratio which provides plenty of punch for hill climb sections of any event. Andy, along with son Nick, has competed with BGS on the Summer Trial, the RAC Rally of the Tests and numerous smaller events since he purchased the car in 2015. This year he has entered and completed the Monte Carlo Classique, a 1,600-mile Goldwinning epic from its Paisley Abbey start at 6.00pm on a snowy night in late January down to the Cote D’Azur, some four days later. That has been followed by the R section of both the Land’s End Trial in March and, most recently, the R section of the Edinburgh Trial.

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MGB NEWSLET TER

MGB REGISTER WEEKEND IN IRONBRIDGE The eagerly awaited MGB Register weekend this year was based in Ironbridge and involved trains, planes and automobiles and lived up to all expectations. On Friday September 14, 35 of us with MGBs of all ages met up at the Valley Hotel in the heart of Ironbridge for a weekend of catching up with friends old and new, exploring historic Ironbridge and the surrounding countryside. We were greeted with a warm welcome and a pack with details of the weekend’s activities by John and Gill Watson. The pack contained all we needed to know about meal times, and easy-to-follow tulip diagrams of the routes for Saturday and Sunday’s runs. Friday evening we all met for drinks and dinner, after which John gave us an introduction to the varied and interesting things that were planned for the weekend. Saturday After a hearty breakfast and armed with our route plan, we left the hotel and drove through Ironbridge past the “Ironbridge” covered in scaffolding and plastic sheeting for conservation work, crossing the gorge and looking for the country lane that would take us to Much Wenlock. The quiet lanes made for a very pleasant drive through small villages to and on through Church Stretton, over a cattle grid and onto the single track road that climbs up the Long Mynd with spectacular views over the valley below. The Long Mynd is open heath and moorland and is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

MGBs at the Valley Hotel, Ironbridge

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Roger and Joan Cooper’s MGB GT parked at the Midland Gliding Club

The birthday cake at the Midland Gliding Club

Driving up, it is easy to see why and on the way we pass many sheep that roam freely along with the Welsh mountain ponies introduced to graze and help conserve the heathland. At the windswept peak, some 1,500 feet above sea level, we pulled into the Midland Gliding Club and parked among the gliders and the odd helicopter (now that’s the way to travel). Arrangements had been made for us to join some gliding club members who were waiting for us. We spent an enjoyable half hour having coffee and tea cakes and chatting about gliding and MGs. We even disturbed their preparations for a birthday party later that day and were shown a magnificent cake modelling the airfield and gliders. Leaving the gliding club we descended a very steep single track road with more spectacular views across the valley (difficult to envisage bringing the long glider trailers up this road but they do!).

As we approached the bottom of the valley there were signs warning us of pheasant out for a stroll along the road and, sure enough, they were. On past Bishops Castle, an old market town, and across the border into Wales and through Montgomery, continuing on quiet country roads to Powys Castle bustling with visitors. Here was another opportunity for tea and cakes, visiting the castle or walking in the extensive gardens. The castle and gardens are owned by the National Trust (always handy to have your cards with you) but the Herbert family who owned the property for over 400 years still own much of the surrounding land and many of the items on display in the castle. On leaving Powys Castle it was time to make our way back to England and Ironbridge, going round Welshpool and onto country roads and lanes, over the Shropshire canal, up a steep climb and on to Minsterley. Time then for some A roads back towards Shrewsbury and Telford, then finally onto B roads, neatly delivering us back at the hotel. Sunday Another dry and bright day saw us again driving past the Ironbridge, crossing over the gorge and past

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yesterday’s turn to Much Wenlock and on towards Broseley. Today’s run would explore the area south of Ironbridge around Bridgnorth and Kidderminster, taking in the Severn Valley Railway and a National Trust property. Leaving Broseley and passing through Bridgnorth onto the B4363, we start looking for an old pub (just an ancient sign swinging in the breeze) down a narrow wooded lane through a ford (mind the pot-holes). Back to civilisation and we are looking for another narrow lane that will lead us to a pub and the Severn Valley Railway Highley Engine House and museum. It is time for a coffee and a look around the museum with its exhibits of a number of their engines, all in working order, including Gordon pulling the night postal sorting carriage and a tank engine pulling a bright orange Highley Mining truck. Over the road to the station and an opportunity for a ride on the trains for those who wished to do so. Leaving the trains behind we travelled round Bewdley and south along country roads to Dunley and a lunch stop for those in need of refreshment. Next, on to Stourport over the river Severn, through the town where the route takes us back towards Bewdley, then north through Habberley and on to Dudmaston Hall (NT) and a cup of tea. Entrance to

Neil and Jenny Hyett in their MGB GT, tackle the ford during the Sunday run

the Hall is via an apple orchard where each tree has a wooden label hanging from a branch giving the variety of apple and its use. Dudmaston Hall is full of contrasts. Alongside its family history, in part of the house there are Modern Art galleries created by the last owner, Lady Labouchere. After visiting Dudmaston it was main roads to Bridgnorth and Sutton Maddox then country roads through Coalport and back to Ironbridge. At dinner each evening John gathered all the photos we had taken during the day and displayed them on a screen, generating much discussion and seeing what others had discovered. Dinner on Sunday included the traditional raffle, with the money raised this year going to the restoration of Jean Denton’s Marathon MGB. Over the whole weekend Thomas

Becks and Ulrike Zollmarsch, who not for the first time travelled from Solingen in Germany to be with us, were busy taking video and photos. Their video of the weekend can be seen via the latest MGB Register eNewsletter. The weekend was extremely well organised and run by John and Gill who deserve huge thanks for all the time and preparation that made the weekend so enjoyable. Thanks also to the Midland Centre colleagues for producing the interesting and varied runs on Saturday and Sunday. Monday morning came all too quickly and it was time to say goodbyes and turn our thoughts to next year’s Register weekend that will be based near Woodbridge in Suffolk, September 13 to 16 2019; perhaps we will see you there. Alan and Jacqui Wright

The MGB of Thomas Becks and Ulrike Zollmarsch

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www.mgcc.co.uk

24/10/2018 16:42

MGB NEWSLET TER

MGB REGISTER LECTURE 2018

The lecture gets underway. Photo: Colin Grant

With the MGB Register interest in the London to Sydney Marathon MGB, we thought as it is the 50th anniversary of this 1968 event we would have this as the subject for our 2018 Lecture. Radley College’s excellent theatre facilities welcomed nearly 200 Motorsport enthusiasts on a very wet Saturday. On arrival, they were greeted with a display of three Marathon and World Cup cars including the MGCC-owned MGB of Jean Denton/ Tom Boyce. On entry, a warming tea or coffee was offered by the ladies from the MGB Register and the chance to buy a raffle ticket to win one of two books written by Robert Connor on the London to Sydney. These are available from www.mgb-register.org John Watson, our MGB Register Chairman, welcomed everyone and explained why we had chosen this subject. We then watched a film showing the Start at Crystal Palace through to Bombay. At this point the motoring journalist Graham Robson was introduced. He then welcomed Rosemary Smith, who had flown over especially from Dublin. Rosemary drove a Lotus Cortina on the event. Then Paddy Hopkirk and Alec Poole were introduced; they should have won the event but

stopped to help a driver who was hit by a non-competing car, driven by a police officer. They were driving a BMC-entered 1800 Landcrab, finishing second. We enjoyed a good 40 minutes of Irish banter between them all, with Rosemary telling us how she drove over the Khyber Pass in reverse as she only had two working cylinders, and Paddy commenting that all the girls talked to Alec and not to him. After a short coffee break we watched the cars travel from Perth to Sydney, then our second group of guests were BMC manager, Bill Price, David Harrison who competed in a Lotus Cortina entered by the British Army Motor Association, and Hugh Chambers whose father, Marcus Chambers, was the Comps manager with Rootes Group with the winning Hillman Hunter. David told us how he towed Rosemary’s car across India to Bombay. Bill was very vocal on the BMC1800 and the hydrolastic suspension system, telling us about the pump fitted in the back seat so it could be used while moving. To this, Paddy shouted out: “I

People gather in the foyer. Photo: Colin Grant

always wondered what that was for.” Hugh, who was eight years old at the time of the event, explained how shocked his father was when the Hunter won the event. He then told us of his career in Motorsport. His position from November 1 will be the new CEO of the MSA, so we will have a MGB racer at the helm of UK motorsport which will be good for the MGCC. Following the talks, there was an autograph session and those who had purchased a limited edition poster of the Marathon MGB got them signed by all present. We have videoed this event and intend placing it on YouTube shortly – please refer to the MGB Register website for details. We will also if required produce it on a DVD.

Alec, Rosemary and Paddy being interviewed by Graham. Photo: Colin Grant

Rally Cars greet the guests. Photo: Colin Grant

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True greats Tuesday 4th December 2018 AN IMPORTANT LONDON CHRISTMAS AUCTION OF FINE HISTORIC MOTOR CARS THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL HALLS, VINCENT SQUARE, LONDON SW1

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15/10/2018 13:43

24/10/2018 16:51

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

WELCOME TO THE MGF NEWSLETTER

, 1

HOLIDAYS ARE COMING…

SPEED KINGS

Last year we took the ferry from Poole to Jersey for our MGF Register (Inter) national event and this year we took the underground across the Channel for a foray into Northern France. Where will we venture next year? Well, the answer is… Durham! The French trip was a mix of remembrance for the Great War, closed roads, empty villages, farmers with shotguns and dogs, getting lost and the realisation that keeping a dozen or so together across France is not an easy task! Ian and Angie Wright did a brilliant job in organising the trip, keeping everyone informed months in advance via emails, planning routes and places to visit, arranging for dinners and barbecues. They deserved a medal for all the hard work but

When you think of the MG Speed Kings you tend to think of George Eyston, Goldie Gardner, Stirling Moss or Phil Hill but how many think of the actual fastest man on earth, Andy Green? Andy is the current World Land Speed record holder and is now striving to improve his record with the incredible Bloodhound SSC project. However, a year after he achieved the amazing speed of 760.343mph in Thrust SSC he became involved in an official MG speed record attempt to pair the fastest man on Earth with the fastest MG ever. The MG EX255 bore the outward appearance of a streamlined MGF, but was powered by a turbocharged Rover V8 with which it was hoped that they could achieve in excess of 255mph, breaking the record of 254.91mph set by Phil Hill in 1959 in MG EX181. Unfortunately, it was an ill-fated project and Andy Green did not get to drive it in anger. However, the story of how MG got to Bonneville is fascinating and we mark the 20th anniversary of the attempt in depth in the next issue of our Register magazine, FasTForward. You can subscribe to the magazine through our online shop www.mgfregister.org/shop

Ian and Angie at Les Ballastieres

we gave them a couple of bottles of French “Vin” instead, with a big thank you from all of us as well! Ian has written an account of the trip which appears here.

SANTA CLAUS IS COMING… No sooner have we put away our shorts and MGF Register T shirts than it is time to think about the jolly chap with a bushy white beard. What could you ask him to drop down your chimney, you may wonder? Well, how about some new items in the MGF Register shop – lovely tiny teddies must surely be at the top of the list and ours are still in summer mode with their MGF Register T Shirts on. They are only £5 and some of the profit will be going to our charity this year, the RNLI. Looking for a stocking filler? Look no further than a tin of MGF Register mints – only £2, or how about the new Roger Parker book “Everyday Modifications for your MGF and TF” priced at £21? There are plenty of other items in our online shop, including pens, stickers, badges, beanie hats, books, etc, and you can

www.mgcc.co.uk

The MGF Register bear – ideal for Christmas

go to our Top Signs clothing shop to order virtually anything with an MGF Register logo. You will then be perfectly ready for Christmas. Go to www.mgfregister.org/shop to begin your MGF shopping experience.

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24/10/2018 16:51

MGF NEWSLET TER

MULTI REGION EVENTS

Around 50 cars with the Club at Bicester, including other Registers

We are very keen to get our Regions together and have been expanding our repertoire now to include other Registers. A great example of this has been the Bicester Scramble where we organised a plot for not just us but the

A hot summer’s day and mixed bag of MGs with the Register at Hanworth

MGA, B, Z and Midget Registers – plus a stray Corvette! Around 50 cars in total, and I suspect we’ll be doing much the same in January for the next Scramble. We also dipped a toe in the water

at the Hanworth Classic Car Show, opposite Hampton Court, in the heat of the summer where we had Bs and As join us in the park. We’ll be doing that one again in 2019, too.

DURHAM, DURHAAAAM ETC I can never get the Pink Panther theme out of my head when I think of Durham. Sorry, but I know you are still thinking about Durham yourself, aren’t you? The details have been released and we are trying something never before attempted by the MGF Register – a stay at a holiday park. The stunning Heather View Leisure Park is situated just outside Stanhope in the Durham Dales. There are plenty of scenic drives and places to visit in this beautiful part of the country and, once

again, Ian and Angie will be getting their route planners out to help us get the best out of the area. The Park has a restaurant, bar and entertainment for the evenings to make the best of the social side of the Club. There are three levels of accommodation – Superior Caravans, Deluxe Caravans and Deluxe Lodges. They come in two or threebedroom varieties and you can choose to share with MG friends or hire the whole thing just for yourselves.

The special discounted prices start at £177.65 for the Superior 2, rising to £279.65 for the Deluxe 3 Lodge. This is for accommodation and is per unit (not per person); meals, etc, will be extra and payable at the time. The event takes place from Friday September 20 to Monday September 23 and you can book now direct with Heather View on 0330 053 5524 quoting MGCLUB15.Hurry, though, as there are limited places available and many have already been booked.

MGF REGISTER GOES TO FRANCE After a successful first national Register holiday in 2017 to Jersey, organised via Scenic & Continental Car Tours, a fresh supply of “Toughie Tablets” and more than likely a pint too much, led to us taking the decision to do it ourselves with an affordable foray to the Continent. There was a lot of searching of books and maps, ably assisted by two cats who had a canny knack of sprawling across the bits I was trying to look at. Northern France was finally chosen, as the area was well known to

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us from our days in the Honda Owners Club and previously staying at the Les Ballastieres with its great facilities and wonderful British ex-pat hosts, Sue and Paul. As it is 100 years since the end of the Great War, and with the location of St Pol-sur-Ternoise being so close to the memorial locations of Vimy and Thiépval, two drive-outs were worked out to give options to those attending. The details were finalised and posters were put together with a second Châteaux being held back, as we thought it might be needed.

Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme

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MGF NEWSLET TER

Last minute polishing during the crossing

The weekend was announced on the Forum and social media with a launch time of 7.00pm to be fair to all. The time arrived; laptop, iPad and mobile all suddenly started going crazy and glowing hot like a blown head-gasket, with all seven rooms at Les Balls being reserved within 20 minutes, so the reserve accommodation was brought out and those five rooms were all snapped up by the end of the evening. Information booklets and route details were sent out to all the 24 people in around 30 emails over the following months – ticking off dates on the calendar until we got to the Thursday of the weekend itself. Eleven cars out of the dozen chose to stay at the Holiday Inn Express near the Tunnel at Folkstone. From midafternoon people started turning up from all points of the country, with most Fs and TFs managing to park in a line outside. The occupants met up with

old and new friends over a few jars and glasses in the evening. The longest distance travelled went to father-andson team Steven and Bob who had travelled down from the North East. Friday morning and everyone was up bright and breezy for buffet breakfast. Cars were packed, roofs down, flags on, uick final polishing and checks that everyone had the route details. Ron and Joan arrived to complete the group and off we went, allowing extra time to get to the Tunnel terminal anticipating a long wait to get through the check-in booths. Typically, there was no queue at all. Everyone was through within a matter of minutes and we made our way to the terminal car-park to await being called to the departure lanes. A good opportunity for a final line-up of our cars, and we felt good that we couldn’t get lost getting to France as there was a whopping big arrow on the road pointing us in the right direction… We all set off to the train, the plan all running smoothly to keep together… until the Customs checkpoint where the first six cars were signalled to go in to the check bays. Comments were made that it was my Union Flag waistcoat that brought us to their attention. The other six cars sailed straight past us to the departure lanes! Thankfully, the latex gloves were kept in their boxes, as the only drugs we had were paracetamols and if we had explosives it would have only been a party popper! Unfortunately, that delay meant that the staff at the

Tunnel hadn’t placed us in our own lane. Just to add to the fun, when we got to the train, they put some of us on the top deck and some of us on the bottom deck – cunning plan now not quite so cunning! During the crossing, some got in a bit of extra polishing time, whilst I went off searching for everyone to discuss re-grouping just after we got off the train, on the side road in the route instructions that we were to take. What could possibly go wrong… … Well, what went wrong was, like a total Rodney, I missed the right-hand fork that was in my own instructions I’d produced for everyone! With some behind following along, convinced that I wouldn’t have boobed with my own route! Much laughter and banter came through the walkie talkie radios, but we soon looped around to the right road again. At the next roundabout there was a slight bit of confusion as there were two routes to Guines. Three cars were spotted heading off on the A304, not

Ian at Azincourt, France

All ready to board.

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All together ready for the off

the A305 where we were all waiting on the side of the road. It’s not just the Red Arrows that can split off in all directions, you know. A decision was taken that, as everyone had the route sheets, we would carry on and hopefully meet up with the others at the first re-assembly point south of Guines. And then we found the first one – ROUTE BARRE – a blooming sign we would become very acquainted with trying to get to Saint Pol, with Guines town centre closed off due to a farmers market and road resurfacing thrown in. U-turns were made and back onto the main road to loop around the closure to get us back on track with everyone taking a right turn at the main crossroads, but Tim and Liz decided to take the scenic route by turning left. We felt like singing Ten Green Bottles, or MGFs. Another stop to re-group and a couple more missing cars managed to catch up, so we were only missing three cars now – would we ever see them again? We all set off together to continue via the rural villages and roads, making good progress past Le Wast and enjoying the scenery and empty roads until, yep, another ROUTE BARRE! This was the route to Desvres,

so another stop for the maps and to work out where to go. Whilst doing this, the other three missing cars came into view and re-joined at the back, together again! A new route sorted and off we went again, heading to Wirwignes, of which Richard and Jeanie suddenly remembered why they knew the name: they’d been there before, so at least one couple weren’t quite lost! With the “cunning plan” back on track, all 12 cars kept together until we hit the main roundabout at Guines and again lost some. A quick “comfort stop” but the place was closed so had to be very “earthy” then again that darn yellow sign appeared, stopping us going the scenic route via Parenty. We kept on the main road to our lunch stop at Hucqueliers, with everyone going to the local bar and restaurant for lunch. Large plates of food for only a handful of euros were enjoyed, all managing to order their food and drinks in their best attempts at French – only for the owners then to speak good English, but at least we tried. Odd to see an English taxi parked outside the place, too! After lunch, it was decided that trying to keep all 12 cars together was just not working, so we split up into smaller groups of three or four cars and this made things so much easier,

Brits abroad

Enjoying an evening meal

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even though most still managed to keep in sight of the others and off we all went to our next planned stop – Agincourt museum. Over lunch, Tim had discovered that it was closed for a refurbishment, and guess what – the fourth ROUTE BARREE! We were getting used to them by now! At Agincourt the mandatory comments about “one in the eye”, etc, were made, a few pics taken and then on our way to Saint Pol and our accommodation. A couple of welcome beers for the guys, and glasses of crushed grapes for the ladies at Les Balls, and cars unpacked into the accommodation with El Presidente looking after the Donkey Hotel team. Friday evening was at our own leisure but all of the Les Balls team went out, led by Ren and me to introduce everyone to the Old Post Office a Bistro and, more importantly, a microbrewery that is home to the Brun. Oh boy, what a glass of heaven that stuff is, and rather potent at 6%ABV… We all had a great welcome from Bruno, the owner, who still recognised me and Angie, asking if we were still on motorbikes but we replied no, now MGs. We were all a little loud enjoying the camaraderie, especially the Thames Valley tribe. We went up into the Bistro for some amazing food – my chicken turned out to be steak, due to a slight miscalculation of the menu translation but was still top notch. The Donkey team sent a message through to say they had found a nice little restaurant near to their accommodation, so all were happy and fed.

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24/10/2018 16:52

MGF NEWSLET TER

It was time to make tracks back to Les Balls, so we said our goodbyes to Bruno and all left to go back, but after 30 feet four of us succumbed to the lure of the Brun again, so turned around and went back in for a couple more, much to the amusement of Bruno. Saturday morning saw bright skies and everyone at Les Balls together for a typical French breakfast of breads, pastries, cereals, jams and a rhubarb and ginger jam that was apparently just Angies! The Donkey Team made their way down to Les Balls, and all set off following a uick briefing of how we get through the town to our destination at Vimy, the Canadian Memorial, via some deserted back roads and villages. Upon arrival we booked a guided tour of the tunnels and trenches for all 24 of us, allowing time for a leisurely walk up to the ridge and memorial itself, with time for reflection on the impact and reason for it. The tour guide was very good, explaining how they were students from Canadian universities and stay in France on four-month secondments. We went down 9m and along a 160m length of communication tunnel then were shown the trenches of both the Allies and the Germans, amazed at how close they had got to each other. After the tour, some made their own way back and some went off to explore other sites near to Arras for the afternoon, where they went underground in the tunnels underneath the city. We found a lovely little café that was happy to serve us on their patio with coffee, enjoying the peace and quiet and sunshine. Saturday evening was group meal night at the Golden Lion Hotel. The entire group were together and tucking into a three-course menu chosen prior to the holiday and enjoying the huge platefuls of food that were just great quality and only 18 euros a person. Good laughter, banter

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and chatter throughout the entire evening was had by all. After breakfast on Sunday at the two locations, the majority met up at Les Balls to take part in the second optional drive out to Thiépval, the British memorial to the 72,000 missing soldiers from the first few months of the Battle of the Somme. Although still using the small group method of travelling, we managed to keep reasonably together driving the 80mins down to Thiépval. We took in the very British Lutyens-designed memorial of red brick and stone, with all of us finding this a far more solemn experience than the Canadian memorial, but everyone was glad to have visited and paid their respects. We left Thiépval to then go to Avril Williams Ocean Villas Tea Rooms, via the Ulster Memorial and the Newfoundland Memorial at BeaumontHamel where there were more grasscovered trenches. Eggs were supplied by the free-roaming hens in the gardens of the tea rooms, served with frites. Following the lunch stop, people set off at their own pace making their way back to Saint Pol via some very back-road villages and towns, again all near deserted. There were plenty of French farmers in the fields, though, with shotguns and dogs! Sunday evening was BBQ night at Les Balls, with Angie and Vicki getting in all the food with donations from everyone. They presented an amazing table full of food, with me doing the cremating of the meat on the brick BBQ in the courtyard. Wine was also included, with Steve generously donating a crate of stubbies. It was a wonderful evening of eating, drinking and chatter between every one of the group. There was laughter and great tales told by all, some stories so funny that tears were rolling down faces. I must have cooked the meat OK, thankfully, as no-one reported being ill the next morning! Following breakfast we said goodbyes to our hosts and

each other. People made their own way back again in little groups to the Tunnel for our late afternoon crossing. That sadly became a little later than it should have been. Steve and Bob had set off earlier as they had the mammoth distance to do once back in the UK, but everyone else all came together again at the terminal prior to finally, after delays at the terminal, getting on the train back to Blighty and its potholes, something that we had not encountered for the entire time in France. The National Holiday was great fun, with so much laughter and banter, and making of great new friendships and will certainly be a holiday that we’ll never forget and probably be talking about for months. A big thanks to the 24 people that supported the Register and took part in the weekend. It was these people who made the weekend such a great hoot and proving once again that MG certainly is the marque of friendship.

Canadian Memorial, Vimy.

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Steve Collier on pole for the Lackford Engineering Midget and Sprite Challenge. Photo: Dickon Siddall

t19

CHAMPIONS CROWNED AT

SNETTERTON MGCC FINALE

everal champions were crowned under cloudless, early autumn skies at Snetterton, the venue for the final MGCC race meeting of the season, and the Club’s first on the Norfolk circuit’s three-mile 300 layout. The overall Peter Best Insurance MG Cup title had already been decided in favour of Class A frontrunner, Darren Harris (ZR 160), while Nick Arden (ZR 170) already had Class B sewn up, but it was all to play for in Class C, for modified cars. Sadly, Richard Buckley was unable to take part, having rolled his Rover Tomcat at Nelson in qualifying.

By Ian Sowman

A pair of rapid Metros led the way at the start of the first race, reigning champion Alan Brooke shooting through from row two to lead Mike Williams into the first corner, but his tenure was short-lived as a broken throttle cable ruled him out on lap four. Williams took over the mantle but he was also ruled out when a fuel hose came off two laps later. That left the Tomcat of Matthew Simpson out front, having started on row three, but Dave Nixon (Tomcat) hunted him down and was challenging for victory on the last lap. However, a spin at the Palmer lefthander dropped Nixon back to fourth, with Simpson holding on to win from

Peter Burchill’s ZS 180 and the Class B ZR 170 of Dan Jones, who had a tremendous first outing of the season that was rewarded with the Driver of the Race prize. Kayleigh Twigger was having one of her strongest races to date – right on the Class C pace in her Tomcat – until a spin at Brundle ruled her out. Meanwhile, Harris beat Aaron Ross in Class A. The second race followed a similar pattern in that both of the Metros expired while leading, but this time it was Williams that was first to go, making it just six finishes from 12 races. Brooke had made up a couple of places in the final third of the opening

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Andrew leading his brother Jack Ashton in the Drayton Manor Park MG Metro Cup. Photo: Martin Price www.mgcc.co.uk

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David Jones in his MG Metro Turbo. Photo: Dickon Siddall NOVEMBER 2018 SAFETY FAST! 55

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The 2018 MG Trophy Champion Graham Ross. Photo: Dickon Siddall

time threw it all away with a spin at Hamilton on lap two, salvaging only fourth position. That left Luti out front, having taken track position from Ross at Oggies on the opening lap. Ross, meanwhile, did all that he needed and stroked the car (which he reckoned was understeering after the race one incident) home in second, ahead of Makar. “I’ve been doing this since 2008, so I am in my 11th year but never really had a concerted effort on the championship,” said Ross, having wrapped things up. “I am not in the first flush of youth so I am really chuffed!” After irkpatrick went off at the first corner, Firth initially led in the ZR 170 division but was passed by Turnbull at Wilson on the second lap. Turnbull was handed a bit of a cushion when Burgess slotted in behind him after his spin, and Firth was unable to chase him down – but did wrap up the Class B title. While Turnbull took his first class win of the year, Fergus Campbell was an excellent third and claimed Driver of the Race. In Class C, Ballard and Booth (following an engine change) slugged it out for the title but although young Ballard won on the road, Booth did enough to take the class crown. The Lackford Engineering Midget and Sprite Challenge was also resolved in the final race, with simultaneous lead battles in different classes both potentially having a bearing on the final result, although multiple

lap to run second, which became the lead when Williams pulled up. Threewheeling his Metro around the circuit, Brooke looked set to take the victory but Simpson was closing on the final lap and Brooke could only crawl over the line, handing the Tomcat man his second victory of the day. Burchill came home third, collecting enough points to wrap up the Class C championship. Dave Nixon fended off top Class B driver Jones for fourth overall, while Harris again topped Class A, runner-up Ross earning Driver of the Race this time. The destination of the MG Trophy, supported for the event by Norfolk Motor Group, went right down to the wire, but Graham Ross emerged on top from a weekend that did not quite follow his plan. He did qualify on pole position, and was joined on the front row by Paul Luti – who appeared not in his regular Class B car but in past champion Chris Bray’s ZR 190. Having changed the clutch after qualifying to a more standard part, Luti made a terrible start to the opening race, with Jason Burgess storming through from row two to lead. Luti climbed back to third before a safety car period, then

lost out to Ross Makar at Riches at the restart, before the latter went straight on at Agostini. A lap later, the seventh, Luti made contact with Ross at Wilson hairpin and grabbed second, before Ross spun down the order at Hamilton – although importantly he remained third in Class A, and eventually regained that position on the road. Up front, Burgess defeated Luti by 0.7s to also pick up Driver of the Race. In a typically crazy Class B race, Ryan Firth came out on top although Sam Kirkpatrick had been ahead almost race-long. “He just pulled off under the bridge, I don’t know if he missed a gear or what, mused the beneficiary. Matt Turnbull and Tom Butler completed the podium, while the two leading Class C contenders both failed to finish. Tylor Ballard was ruled out when start line contact left a wheel hanging off, while ohn Booth’s engine blew on the final lap. Guest Joshua Bacon triumphed from Joe Dalgarno. Race two was, by and large, a relatively sedate affair. Burgess again scorched into the lead, but this

Ryan Firth pushing his MG ZR 170 hard during the MG Trophy Race. Photo: Martin Price

Pippa Cow leading Paul Campfield in the Lackford Engineering Midget and Sprite Challenge. Photo: Martin Price

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www.mgcc.co.uk

24/10/2018 16:52

SNET TERTON

overall race winner, Stephen Collier, eventually triumphed. Stephen Watkins had been almost three seconds faster than anyone else in qualifying, but was unable to take up his pole position after his gloves had been mislaid prior to the start of the race. After joining from the pit lane, initially with a misfire, he climbed as high as fourth position. Collier took an unchallenged win, but a brilliant battle for second played out with the position changing “about twenty times” according to David Morrison, who narrowly lost out to Driver of the Race, Richard Wildman. Pippa Cow defended magnificently in Class E to keep reigning champion Paul Campfield who was trying to keep his own title hopes alive – at bay for eight laps, until he dived ahead on the inside line at Riches to claim the class honours. Ed Easton also looked to have maintained his challenge going into the final race with another Class D win – but that victory came in spite of damaged rear suspension after clouting a kerb, which ruled him out of race two. Watkins started the second race from the grid as expected, and he outbraked Collier to grab the lead at Agostini on lap four. Down to second and with his championship chances increasingly tenuous, Collier was afforded no respite by third-placed man Morrison. However, Watkins’ car appeared to become increasingly ill-handling, regularly running wide at Oggies and finally spinning out of the race there, handing Collier the victory from Morrison. In Class E, Campfield was doing all he could by fending

Darren Harris (55) fighting hard during the Peter Best Insurance MG Cup Race. Photo: Dickon Siddall

off Cow, who was never more than a couple of tenths behind him and thoroughly deserved Driver of the Race. Collier’s victory, however, confirmed him as the 2018 champion, and it wasn’t just Watkins and Morrison that he was up against in the final race he also struggled with the low sun. “I couldn’t see a thing, it was blind going into Riches and Hamilton,” he said. “You just had to turn in and hope for the best.” The Drayton Manor Park MG Metro Cup was sealed by Jack Ashton, with victories at the final meeting shared between him and his brother Andrew. Jack immediately assumed the lead of the opening race with brother Andrew soon following him, once he had seen off fast-starting team-mate Shamak Glodek. The top two pulled well clear of the rest, with the gap between the Ashton brothers coming down towards the end of the nine-lap distance. “I am always rooting for a battle with my brother, but seemingly something always

happens. So it is good that we have had one and to beat him,” said Jack. “I gave it the kitchen sink but couldn’t quite get him,” countered his sibling. For the first couple of laps there was a fantastic dice between Glodek and Mark Eales but after that settled down the best action came in the battle for eighth, behind Driver of the Race, Tim Shooter. Richard Garrard eventually came out on top. Jack Ashton drove suitably cautiously in the second race, staying out of trouble and claiming fifth position in order to seal the crown. Hopes of an Ashton on-track win were threatened, however, when Eales took the lead from Andrew at Hamilton, only to ruin his chances by going straight on at Murrays further around the second lap. Glodek briefly took the lead on the third lap, but Andrew Ashton controlled the race thereafter. Dan Balster completed the podium, while Phil Goodwin was rewarded for his seventh place with the Driver of the Race trophy.

The Peter Best Insurance MG Cup Race sets off, with the Metros of Alan Brooke and Mike Williams leading the way. Photo: Dickon Siddall www.mgcc.co.uk

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RACE TORQUE

t has been a fantastic year of racing across the MG Car Club Championships, with many of them having to wait until their very last races of the season until the final result was decided. A report on the last race meeting of the season, at the East Anglian track of Snetterton, can be found elsewhere in this magazine, so I do not intend to write about that here. Instead, it is my great pleasure to introduce myself and to let all MG Car Club members know of changes that are under way to ensure the future of the race series for this great marque, which has so much motorsport within the pages of history that both the factory and the Club have helped to write. As you all know, Ron Gammons recently resigned as Chair of the race sub-committee, providing an opportunity to review the strategy of this group and the direction that we need to take in order to ensure the future of racing for all of the competitors, officials, marshals and others that enjoy this aspect of Club Membership. Over 1,700 people are involved. We should not underestimate the loss of experience that this change faces us with and we will need the support of all as we attempt to bring positive changes. Back in 2004, Bill Wallis, the then highly charismatic and proactive President, asked Geoff St John Mitchell to join Ron on the sub-committee. It was decided to work with the Club Championships to run six race meetings and to tackle the paddock atmosphere, and to include Guest Championships such as Morgan, Porsche and, with Ron’s guidance, more recently help develop the hugely successful Equipe GTS.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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by Mark Baulch

Together with Andy Green, who has been Clerk of the Course for several years, Pete Macwaters, Chair of MGCC Trophy Championship, Paul Goodman, long-time commentator as well as Chair of the North West Centre and John Hutchison, Competitions Secretary, this group will be joined by both myself and James Wheeler and I shall introduce James in more detail next month. Many of you will already know him from his appearances in an MGB at race days and his involvement in the MGCC BCV8 Championship. I have been involved in motorsport since first marshalling on an event in my early teenage years, when the rules around this were rather more loose! Those of you that visit the MG Welcome Centre on a Race Day may have been subjected to my voice over the sound system as I present the trophies to the drivers and interview them about their races. This is a role that I have enjoyed for the last three years and it is by no means my first experience on the microphone, as I was previously the resident commentator at a circuit in Dorset. I have been involved in virtually every

aspect of motorsport over the years and continue to work on Goodwood events, the British Grand Prix and the UK round of the World Rally Championship. I also work with several other Car Clubs in different capacities and I am the Rally Championship Co-Ordinator for the Association of Central Southern Motor Clubs. I grew up with MGs around me, my mother owning several Midgets from the early 1970s through to the 1980s. The most intriguing fact is that she also managed to christen me with the initials MGB. No, really! So, to business. In order for MGs to continue to race regularly within their own race series, the sub-committee have formulated a plan to try to encourage more cars to join the grids in 2019. We plan to run six meetings again and to expand the eligibility factors, such as MG3s being encouraged to race along with, potentially, other Austin and Rover models. I will share more of this with you over the winter months and as the MG ‘family’ grows, I look forward to meeting many of you in the Welcome Centre in 2019.

The mixed marque Equipe GTS running at Brands Hatch. Photo: Dickon Siddall

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

MG on track

DONINGTON AND ANGLESEY

he first week of October marked a very busy few days for MGs on Track, with our Donington event taking place on the Monday followed by Anglesey on the Friday. Whilst the weather was overcast for some of the day the Donington track was dry and grippy, allowing our members the opportunity to enjoy this undulating circuit to the full. It rained intermittently throughout the morning at Anglesey when the shorter Coastal layout was in use, but dried in the afternoon when we switched to the longer International course. However, the track surface at this circuit remains high in grip even in the rain, so our enthusiasm for this scenic and very challenging venue was undamped. We take one dedicated MG session at this event as guests of the Lotus 7 Club whose antics in such featherweight cars never fail to entertain, and we thank them warmly for their invitation. Although Anglesey is a long way for

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those of us who live in the South of the country the circuit is well worth the effort of getting there, especially if one can utilise the spectacular route via the Llanberis Pass with its glimpses of Snowdon through the cloud (and the rain)! The Donington event was noteworthy for the number of Midgets and Sprites that were in attendance, as our friends from the Midget and Sprite Club (MASC) had chosen to invade this track day en masse, thereby raising the Spridget tally to 24 from a more typical two or three! It seems that, as a breed, Midget owners are unable to resist introducing a few â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;improvementsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to their cars. Engines ranged from the factory-fitted A-Series and 1500 engines in various levels of tuning, the relatively common K-Series conversions, one car with a Ford Zetec engine, plus, although I did not witness it with my own eyes, one example rumoured to have V6 power. It is therefore unsurprising that claimed power outputs ranged from an adequate 64bhp to an even more adequate 190bhp!

Richard Wharmby is a member of the MASC committee and had never taken part in a track day before Donington, so I took the opportunity to find out his thoughts on the event. He has owned his 1500 Midget for 14 years and has carried out a few gentle modifications in this period the car now has a gas-flowed cylinder head, high lift cam and sports exhaust, plus the front suspension benefits from the well-known Frontline upgrade. Richard was persuaded to attend by his fellow committee member, Neil Thomas, who sprints and hill-climbs his own Midget, and who assured him, from his own experiences at MGoT days, that a well-organised and safe event was guaranteed. Although he came along not completely sure of what he was letting himself in for, after attending an entertaining briefing and driving his first sighting laps Richard was at ease and knew it would all be ok. His only problem was a plug lead coming loose during the second session of the day which, as all MG drivers know, is not rated as even a hiccup on the

www.mgcc.co.uk

24/10/2018 16:52

MG CAR CLUB SPEED CHAMPIONSHIP MGS ON TRACK – 2018 CALENDAR MGs on Track – 2018 Calendar Please visit www.mgs-on-track.com to register, check availability, or to book a track day. Registered members will receive regular newsletters and notification of event opening dates. NEC Classic Car Show – November 9-11 Visit us to say hello, or even to help on the stand for an hour or two if you’re feeling sociable; email johnr@ mgs-on-track.com to find out more. Brands Hatch ‘Indy’ – December 3 Our last event of 2018. Wrap up warm, and don’t miss the chance to enjoy this undulating circuit including Paddock Hill Bend! Details of the 2019 Calendar next month scale of reliability but merely comprises part of the charm of owning an older vehicle, especially one being driven in considerable haste around a track! Summing up his day Richard told me: “I bought the car for fun, and that fun has just gone up a big notch. At the end of the day this is not a race; you just go as fast as you like to go, and you learn so much about your car and the track. It’s been fantastic for a first track day. I’ve got the bug and will do it again without a shadow of a doubt.” So, there you have it; yet another life transformed by just one MGs on Track event! Hopefully Richard will not be alone in planning to enjoy more of our days in the future. We welcome MGs of all ages and, indeed, drivers of all ages to our track days. You do not have to drive a ‘soupedup’ vehicle; providing your MG is in a condition that would see it pass an MOT even a factory-standard car will provide huge amounts of fun and satisfaction out on the circuit. Safety is always our first priority, with on-track behaviour governed by our own ‘rules of etiquette’ to control overtaking, etc., to ensure a friendly and enjoyable day out for all participants. Do come and talk to us at our stand at the NEC on November 9 to 11; if you’ve never come to an MGoT event I hope that we can persuade you to give one try, and we can certainly answer any questions that you may have. As you can see from the Calendar, Brands Hatch in early December is your last chance to enjoy a track day in what remains of the year. Very competitively priced, this event will ward off the onset of the winter blues and is much more fun than a flu jab! See you there.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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

At the time of writing there are Just two events to go, and the end result can still go at least two ways. In my next article I will be able to bring you the final results of another well-supported season. As things are hanging in the balance, I would like to address more parochial matters. The awards for our Championship are distributed on two separate dinner dates. Over the years these occasions have sometimes suffered from dwindling attendances and this is a great pity. Not only are they a great social get-together, I feel that they should be regarded as the culmination of the season and the chance to celebrate in a civilised atmosphere with the individuals that you have had so much fun with throughout the year. In addition, a word to the non-competitive MGCC members who have maybe read my monthly articles. Why not come along and put a face to the names you have read. ou will find them most welcoming and happy to discuss all aspects. First off we have the North West Centre dinner and awards night. This is held at the Deanwater Hotel at Woodford, near Stockport. It consists of an excellent meal which is interspersed with a high-class raffle and an inter-table competition which comprises guessing the number of components sealed in a large jar. During the meal there are forays between tables utilising the provided party poppers, pea shooters and balloons. Following this we have the award presentations for both the Speed Championship and the Cockshoot Cup race series. A really impressive display of Silver and Glassware. Afterwards, for those with any energy left, there is dancing to a disco or you can swap reminiscences over a few drinks. This year, as the event is to be held on December 1, we are pushing the boat out with a full festive theme. Turkey and tinsel with all the trappings will be the order of the evening. Full details and booking forms are available on the North West Centre website. The South West Centre dinner is held on Saturday February 23 2019. The venue is the Limpley Stoke Hotel, near Bath. There is a formal dinner followed by the awards presentation for both the Speed Championship and the SW Centre. This is a very impressive venue and the Centre committee make everyone very welcome. I do not have further details of the menu, etc, at this time. All details are available on the South West Centre website. Please support these events – you will not be sorry.

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BTCC CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 10 – BRANDS HATCH

utumn tints greeted the drivers and teams as they arrived at Brands Hatch circuit in Kent. The 60th anniversary Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship was concluding with the final three races to be held on the fast and demanding Grand Prix Circuit. There were only two drivers with a realistic chance of becoming champion. Colin Turkington driving his BMW was the firm favourite, having shown incredible consistency but only taken a single race win. The chaser was Tom Ingram, the leading independent, showing his incredible driving talent in the Toyota Avensis. The other 29 drivers were all seeking a good result before the winter, either to show that they were worthy of driving in 2019 or to motivate their teams to improve their cars before next season. The AmDtuning.com team with sponsorship from RCIB Insurance and Auto Aid had worked wonders with the MG6 cars during the season. They had always looked very smart and season-long driver Rory Butcher had demonstrated his talent and skills by regularly finishing in or just outside the top ten. Financial issues had resulted in three different drivers in the second car, with Josh Caygill occupying the seat at Brands Hatch.

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By Paul Goodman. Photo: Dickon Siddall

None of the drivers had tested on the GP Circuit this year and so had no experience of the performance of the latest specification Dunlop tyres. Two 40-minute sessions were scheduled for the teams to test their machinery on what was forecast to be a dry weekend. Under sunny skies the two MG6 drivers struggled, being unfamiliar with the cars on the GP Circuit. Qualifying was dominated by Hondas. Brett Smith secured his firstever pole position with the two new shape Civic Type Rs of Dan Cammish and Matt Neal ending up second and third quickest. Rory had a good run but finished up 25th with osh continuing to have problems and ending up in 31st place. The championship contenders had to drag their success ballast around the long circuit and were well down the grid. Race day dawned dry and cold with the tension building to the start of the first of the three races. As expected, the Honda domination continued for the race, with Dan Cammish winning and Matt Neal coming second. Brett Smith held on to third from Jack Goff. Colin Turkington finished ahead of Tom Ingram and so increased his substantial lead in the championships. The two MG6s had steady runs with Rory finishing 2 rd and osh 26th. The sky was cloudier for race two with all the attention and drama being

on the title contenders. Despite their success ballast, the two Honda Civic Type Rs dominated the race, with Dan Cammish winning from Matt Neal. Andrew Jordan drove the Pirtek BMW into third place under huge pressure from Tom Ingram’s Toyota which had worked through the field. Further back, contact put Colin Turkington’s BMW out of the points, but this was enough to secure the championship for the third time in his career. Rory’s MG6 got involved in a damaging incident and retired to the pits but Josh got his head down and finished 21st in his best run so far for the team. The final race of the season was a real show-stopper with the two former MG drivers, Ash Sutton and Josh Cook, dicing closely for the whole race. Josh held first place in his Vauxhall Astra, with Ash in the Subaru on his tail. The two came out of the final corner side by side, with Ash winning by a tiny margin. Sadly, the MGs were involved in contact with Josh retiring. Rory stayed in the race and finished 2 th, securing him fourth place in the Jack Sears Trophy on the same points as Matt Simpson who secured third by having a better record of higher placings. After the race, the trophies were presented, and the spectators and teams left the circuit already looking forward to the 61st season, due to begin in April 2019.

www.mgcc.co.uk

24/10/2018 16:52

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OVERSEAS NEWS

THE OTHER SWISS EVENT IN AUGUST

his report is a snap-shot of eight days spent in Switzerland with Marcus & Ursula Brundler – to share with you everything we did on our fabulous eightday event in Switzerland this year would fill this issue of SF! Marcus and Ursula threw all but the kitchen sink into what turned out to be an amazing tour of mountain passes, museums, farm tasting events, scenic road runs, and much more. So, the following is an account of just one day of our great trip. It was an early start with breakfast at 7.00am on the August 7. Bushytailed and bright-eyed we all set off for our 100 mile drive, with the first stop being The Swiss Transport Museum in Lucerne. Fortunately for

By Barrie and Ginny Cartmell us, Marcus had arranged beforehand for all our well-turned out MGs to be part of the museum exhibits for that morning. We were able therefore to drive straight in and take up pole position in front of the main museum building. Museum staff duly taped the cars off so the visiting public could not get too close and mark this fabulous display of British motor heritage. We had four hours to explore and enjoy this amazing site, viewing cars and other means of transport through the ages, including the unfamiliar which we were unlikely to see ever again. It wasn’t just cars on display. We saw also cycles, trains, trams, aircraft – including flying boats skateboards, and even an early shopping trolley. It seemed that

anything with wheels was on show in all its glory. It was the best Transport Museum we have ever visited in terms of interactivity, variety and pleasure, and catering for the very young to the very old. Certainly worth another visit if we were ever to be nearby again. The four hours passed very quickly and we were soon on the road again. The next stop from Lucerne was to take the car ferry across to Beckenried. It was a beautiful afternoon driving of mountain passes through the most delightful Swiss villages, and with temperatures ranging from around 30 to 36 in the afternoon. The heat only let up as we drove higher into the mountains, but soon we were on the downward slopes again.

The MGs parked outside the Swiss Transport Museum in Lucerne 64 SAFETY FAST! NOVEMBER 2018

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OVERSEAS NEWS

As all great things must always come to an end it is said, and, unexpectedly, our day certainly did. About 40km away from the event hotel, two thirds down a mountain pass, Barrie informed me (very calmly) “We don’t have any brakes”....! “Oh dear” along with a few other

words were exchanged, but using the hand-brake and gears we came to a stop on the side of a narrow pass. It soon became clear that we needed assistance. After talking with both our home mechanic and other knowledgeable ‘C’ owners on the trip, the only thing we could do was to get down from the pass and limp back to the event hotel as best we could. Fortunately, we were not alone. John and Karen Newey (MG RV8, Summit Garage) and Mike and Angie Haughton (MGC GT) had stopped to help us. With neither car wanting to go ahead

On the car ferry heading to Beckenried

of us, both MGs followed behind as we gingerly drove down off the pass and to our hotel. With one of the disc brakes stuck on, Barrie had to drive with his foot underneath the brake pedal to prevent the wheel hub from getting too hot. We were constantly updated by Karen directly behind us via mobile phone, confirming our brake lights were not on.

Barrie and Ginny’s MGC with a typically Swiss backdrop www.mgcc.co.uk

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OVERSEAS NEWS

Once back at the hotel it was into the boot for the mass of spares we carry, only to find that a brake cylinder was not one of the items we had. But, we know a man that did have the right spare – Marcus. He came to the rescue and with the help of Heinz Mueller, better known as the ‘MGC Whisperer’. Heinz worked on our car the next day, and with within little time at all he had us back on the road as he waved us on our way proving that the ‘marque of friendship’ lives on. Thanks to all that helped us along the way and a very big thank you to Marcus and Ursula for putting on a first class event in Switzerland and marking 50 years of the MGC. Tops down, glorious weather and stunning scenery

Enjoying the Swiss roads

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24/10/2018 16:53

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24/10/2018 16:53

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

t is always interesting to see modern technology being adapted to old cars, and no, I’m not talking about using your smartphone to navigate your way home via Google Maps. A great example is LED lighting. Opposite Lock, the magazine of the MGCC Sydney, emphasises the benefits of LED lights. The author recounted a story whereby a low-slung MGC with no central, high-level brake was rear-ended at a junction. The other driver claimed they simply didn’t see the dull brake light bulbs. The MGCC Germany magazine MG Kurier also features LED lights, but this time in the dashboard clocks. Gone was the warm, orange glow of the conventional bulb. In its place was the harsh blue-white glare of the LED globe. I get the brake light upgrade, but I wasn’t sold on the dashboard…

Slightly more low-tech is the littleknown Timing Mirror, reported in the MG Kurier. According to the strictly confidential’ factory memo, a small mirror is attached to the bell housing of the MG 1100 and 1300 saloons, so that the TDC mark can be seen. A stroboscopic timing light can then be used to set the ignition timing. A simple and clever solution, if a little vulnerable to damage. It’s great to try to spot MGs on the TV and in the movies. I suspect the most famous film star MG is Elvis Presley’s 1960 MGA, featured in ‘Blue Hawaii’. However, Medlemsblad

www.mgcc.co.uk

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from the MGCC Denmark highlights another great MG movie moment from the 1952 flick Monkey Business’. The film stars a bright red MG TD. Oh, and some humans called Cary Grant, Marilyn Monroe and Ginger Rogers. In June 2011, the car sold at auction for $210,000 although there is some disagreement regarding if it was the actual car used in the film.

Now, I don’t want to stereotype, but this all-consuming lifestyle of ours (ie ‘MG’) is a bit, well, male dominated. It is therefore heartening to see a female perspective every now and then. Take Magasinet, from the MGCC Norway. In ‘Ladies Corner’ can be found pink MG baseball caps

and Norsk MG Klubb sew-on patches. Meanwhile, the Ladies Register of the MGCC Victoria (Australia) takes a couple of pages in Wheel Spin magazine, covering everything from the exploits of the club’s female motorsport competitors, to cookery demonstrations. I do enjoy seeing those deadend ‘what might have been’ design prototypes. MG Kurier carried an article relating to the EX234 model of 1965. Billed as the next generation MGB, the car boasted an A-series engine, Hydrolastic suspension and all-round disc brakes. However, it was just a little too ahead of its time, with both the MGB and Midget still selling in big numbers. Just as well, as to my eyes it lacked style, despite the Pininfarina design.

And finally I really love the road runs organised by our Centres and Registers, such as the Old Speckled Hen Run. It’s great fun following the directions via tulip diagrams. However, I wonder how I would get on with the road trip reported in The Octagon, from the Western Australia MGCC? A brace of MGBs can be seen at the start of ’90 Mile Straight, Australia’s Longest Straight Road’. Just wake me up when we get there…

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The Sixteenth Norfolk Riviera Run Organised by the Mid Norfolk Anglia Centre MGCC Meet

Thursday December 27 2018

START: Running Horse Restaurant, Hawthorn Way, Fakenham NR21 8SX (next to Morrisons Supermarket) FINISH: Vera’s Coffee Shop at Wayford Nurseries, Stalham Meeting from 9.00 am with cars away between 10.00 & 10.30 am Tea, coffee & bacon or sausage butties available from 9.00 am. Lunches available from 12.00 until 2.30 pm. Please advise if required All food to be paid for by you on the day ENTRY: a voluntary contribution of £2 per person will be appreciated on the day, of which at least 50% will be donated to a local charity.

Please return the details requested below to assist us with the catering at the start and ﬁnish. Forms can be downloaded from www.mgcc.co.uk/anglia-centre and posted to: William Ball, 23 Alan Avenue, Newton Flotman, Norwich, NR15 1PY or email the information to rivierarun@mgccanglia.com I would like to join the Norfolk Riviera Run on Thursday December 27 2018 Name ................................................................................................................................................................ Address:............................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................... Postcode ....................................................... Telephone .......................................................................................email ........................................................ Car make/model.......................................................Reg no;....................................... Colour ........................ Total number of people in car........................................................................................................................ I/we would like.............................Breakfast butties at the start I/we would like.............................lunches at the ﬁnish Please return this form to the address above by December 15 2017 or email late entries to rivierarun@mgccanglia.com

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CENTRES

ABINGDON WORKS

LINDA COTTER sfscribe@mgabingdon.org.uk www.mgabingdon.co.uk It’s difficult to believe that by the time you read this, we’ll be truly into winter and what’s regarded by many as the ‘Close Season’ for MG activities. Well, if that is the case, we can have no complaints this year, after the wonderful summer we’ve had. But why not enjoy driving your MG a little longer? Some of the winter months provide a lovely backdrop for open top motoring. The ‘golden leaves’ of autumn is a particular favourite time of year for me. I just love seeing the rich tapestry of colour on the trees, and with the wind in your hair and heater on full, it makes for a great drive through our beautiful countryside.

You will recall that due to a shortage of active AWC committee members/volunteers, we were forced to curtail this year’s organised events. Regrettably, the responsibility of planning, organising and running a full calendar of events was becoming just too much for the small number of individuals that the Centre depends on for planning such activities. This was not a decision taken lightly by your committee, and I’m pleased to announce that following a review of the situation, we’ve decided to have another go at organising a full calendar of activities for 2019. At the time

ANGLIA

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

The MGCC East Anglian Tour Two years in the planning, it was the first Anglia Centre weekend event of modern times, starting from an idea by Margaret Beresford and Barbara Pratley and developed by them into a complete weekend touring event. Their outline plans were brought to the Anglia Centre Committee for approval which was immediately and wholeheartedly given. The event was very well received and the maximum number of bookings of 25 cars for the complete weekend package was filled. In addition, there was a concurrent Sunday run which was well supported by entries from local members. Our base was the Ufford Park Hotel Golf and Spa complex

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at Melton, Woodbridge. Friday was arrival and signing-on, very ably done by Margaret, Barbara and Liz Pelling, while Mike Pelling directed MGs to the specially designated parking area. Goodie bags for the entrants were most welcome and contained an excellent offering thanks to our sponsors. The bar lounge was the place to meet, chat and enjoy a complimentary drink before dinner in our private dining room. After dinner coffee was followed by a tricky quiz devised by Mike Pelling. Well, tricky for some but one team scored 39 from 40!! Saturday was the big one. Following a country route over mainly small roads we made our way to Reedham Ferry. This is a

of writing, we hope to offer a St. George’s Day run, a Summer Picnic, and an Autumn Leaves run as well as our flagship Old Speckled Hen and Boxing Day runs next year. If we are to be successful in organising these events, we really do need your help. If you feel you can support the committee by volunteering to plan, organise or help run any of these events on the day, please do get in touch. There was a good turnout at Oxford Garden & Shopping Village on Saturday September 8 with around 50 MGs of all ages – from a PA to a new ZS – providing a rolling display throughout the day. Here is the Nurseries’ Andy Plumtree presenting David Laidlaw with his “The Car I’d Most Like to Take Home” award for his MGB.

A favourite with many members is the Classic Car Show at the NEC, the final major event of the classic car owner’s calendar. Dates are Friday 9 to Sunday November 11. Look up the details here:- www. necclassicmotorshow.com/ Finally, a warm welcome to all new members. We hope to see you at an event soon.

chain ferry and accommodates just two cars (three MGs at a squeeze) at a time. Crews then proceeded to follow the road books to Horning where we boarded the Mississippi Paddle Boat for a delightful cruise on the Norfolk Broads. Some attractive, expensive, riverside houses were passed, many with boat houses or docks. Wildlife was abundant; traffic on the water was quite busy, crowned by a Norfolk Wherry in full sail, a marvellous sight. On our return to dry land we again followed the directions back to our base, the day’s run comprising some 112 miles through the best of Suffolk and Norfolk countryside. Dinner was again an excellent four courses with a glass of wine. Sunday was much more leisurely. After breakfast and checking out, an easy run of about 19 miles took one to

Snape Maltings where coffee and some shopping could be enjoyed. Then just 14 more miles to our final rendezvous at Thorpeness Country Club for a farewell buffet lunch. Sadly, the weather was terrible, very wet with some roads having water right across. 10 souls from the local area braved it together with the remains of the weekend entrants. A very successful weekend event with some great by-roads driving, together with great scenery. The hotel was top rate. And the organisation throughout was impeccable. Margaret and Barbara were everywhere aided by other Centre Committee members and two local members marshalling as required. Many thanks to all who organised, planned and executed. Here’s to next year! Roger Latham

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CENTRES

CALEDONIAN

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

Firstly an apology! The date of the November lunch is not as stated in last month’s Notes, it is actually on the 18th, still at the Huntingtower Hotel in Perth. You should still be able to book but check the website for details. We will be making a special presentation on the day so please attend if possible. You can now book for the Chilly Willy lunch in Stirling on January 1, the first event of the New Year. This is always a good lunch in relaxed surroundings, so again please check the website. It’s much more enjoyable than watching daytime TV! And later in January, on the 24th, we have our annual Film

Night at Kirkintilloch Golf Club. We had one arranged for January this year but had to cancel it twice due to adverse weather, so hopefully we will manage it in 2019. I already have a selection of films looked out but would welcome any old Scottish MG items, whether touring or motor sporting. What do you have? A light supper will be available, and again please book through the website. The programme for next year is presently being arranged and we are keen to visit some new shows. We have attended Dumfries in the last two years and also visited Tain this year, but if you are aware of a worthwhile show in an area we don’t usually

DEVON & CORNWALL YOUNG JANNER II bobslatter@hotmail.com www.mgcc.co.uk/devon-cornwall-centre/ By the time you read this, the Tamar Classic Trial, jointly organised by ourselves and Launceston and North Cornwall Motor Club, will be over, hopefully successfully, and in decent weather. May I take the opportunity to say thank you to all the marshals from the Centre who helped on the day. Without you, the event could not be held. Now on to future events and the only one for this month is the Annual Inter Natter Skittles Match, once again being held at the Fox and Hounds Hotel, Bridestowe, near Okehampton, EX20 4HF and being organised by Tony Short. The date is Saturday November 17 and time is 7.00pm for 7.30pm. There

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will be the usual menu of bar snacks, all priced at £10.00 per head. The menu can be found on the Centre website or contact Tony directly for its contents. Please confirm with Tony your attendance and menu choices by November 14 at the very latest on 01392 832665 or 07775 681995 or pairofshorts91@ outlook.com We are trying to get a

visit then please get in touch. We have members all over Scotland and would like to support you wherever you are, so let us know if you have any suggestions. Our shows this year celebrated 45 years of MG V8s and we did well to take a Best Car Club Stand award at both Thirlestane and Bo’ness. For next year the only anniversary I can think of is 90 years of the MG Midget, with the first M type

appearing in 1929. I think the MMM Register are planning a special M type event but M types and more modern Midgets are a bit scarce in the Caledonian Centre, although it would be good to try to produce a Midget time line… Any offers? The 2019 Programme will be posted out with the annual Newsletter later this year. And as we approach Christmas don’t forget about the MG gifts available from our regalia team!

Calendar of Events together by the start of 2019, so if you have any ideas of something a little different you would like us to arrange, please let the Committee or Natter leaders know and we will see what we can do. You do not have to organise it, we will take on that task for you so that any necessary paperwork is done correctly. This is especially important at Natter level; if you are planning any event locally, let’s make sure that we do not have another similar event very close, either in date or vicinity. There are many local car shows that we know Centre members

support on behalf of the MG Car Club, so let’s include them in the Calendar, if you know the dates already. The Natters are being well supported all over the Centre, but I would like to remind organisers that any changes made to venues or dates of meeting be announced as soon as possible, as there is nothing more embarrassing than a Club member from another Centre, who may be in the area on business or holiday, turning up to an empty Natter. This gives us time to alter the website and also inform Kimber House.

Some of the entries on the Tamar Old Bridges Run at the lunch time stop, Lifton Farm NOVEMBER 2018 SAFETY FAST! 73

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LINCOLNSHIRE

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

November Natters: Wolds Wednesday 7: Abbey Lodge Monday 12; Wishing Well Wednesday 14; Three Horseshoes Thursday 15; Lincoln Tuesday 27; Red Cow Inn Thursday 22 Luncheon Club: Wednesday 21. Time to celebrate! Richard Withington, one half of our longserving luncheon club organising team of Vicki and Richard, recently received his 50-year membership award from Club president, John Day. They surely must have started as junior members. Under fair skies, the East Kirkby peri tracks were again dusted by our Autumn Autotest

competitors. After 12 tests, some of them of confusing simplicity, the fastest SWB/Special driver was Malcolm Clark in his MG Midget, closely followed in class by Michael Denton in ‘Old Nail’, a Midget, recently revived. In the LWB Class, Mark Peters led the way in his shared V8 engined MGB, followed by Darren Williams in a Re*au*t. Well at least Darren and son Dan have an MGF waiting in the wings for next year. Roll on 2019! Top of the charts with FTD was Duncan Peters in the rumbling V8. Don’t know who paid for the fuel, but I know who burnt the majority of it!

Thank you to all the organisers and marshals who made the series of autotest/autosolo events happen, and to all the willing participants whose exuberance made the days for those who watched. Who will have won the glittering prizes at our annual Dinner and Awards Presentation, to be held on Saturday February 2 2019 at the Bentley Hotel, Lincoln, I hear you ask. You’ll have to wait and see, but to find out more information about the dinner, please look on the Centre’s website, where an application

form can be downloaded from the Calendar entry, or contact the organiser, our illustrious chairman Andy Rake, on andyrake@aol.com We’ll all be delighted to see you there. As the nights draw in, it’s time to consider our Natter Christmas meals. In order to avoid a Yuletide clash, the first to take place will be the Lincoln Natter at the Ferry Boat Inn, Washingborough, on November 27. Please check with your local Natter leaders for details of other celebrations.

Nigel Pack enjoying the freedom of East Kirkby autotest in his MG3

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CENTRES

MIDLANDS

BRIAN OSBORN brianosbornmg@gmail.com www.mg-cars.org.uk/mgccmidlandcentre/

It’s me again! In the spring I was looking forward to another hectic MG season and hopefully a bit of sun so that we could go topless. Well, both happened and I hope you enjoyed them whilst they were there. The Midland Centre had a successful season with a Spring Taster Trial, Spring Sprint, Welsh Touring Rallye, Victory Trail, Summer Sprint and the recent Autumn Trial on September 23. The ‘new’ Autumn Trial as I shall refer to it, due to us losing the use of our venue of the past 40+ years at Burton Dassett, was held at East Lodge Farm, Bromsgrove, site of our Taster trials. The site proved able to accommodate a full PCT-type event and we were able to run six challenging sections and two special tests on nondamaging farmland. All of which were well enjoyed. A lower than usual entry of 20 included five MGs – two in class 2 (TA, TC), a Midget and two MGFs in class 6, but unusually no Class 1 Front Wheel Drive cars. Our trials are run to Car Trials (PCT) regulations with Classic Trials classes, in case you wondered. After a wet start that turned sunny, the Best MG was Adrian

Tucker-Peake (MGF) with a score of 20 points lost, who won the Allen Cup. He was closely followed by the A7 of Don Skelton who won the Autumn Cup for his efforts as the best non-MG. Class winners were D Bingham (A7); G Houghton (MGF); I Nute (Melos); the Novice award went to M Wills (VW) and an award for the best young newcomer went to 14-year-old Joe Leach (Cannon) who did better than his dad. Our thanks to all who helped, but if the Centre is to hold any more trials we will need more help. Recently I have been assisted by Adrian Tucker-Peake to set up and Tony Lake as Secretary of the Meeting and Entries, but my tenure as Clerk of Course is coming to an end and we need volunteers, so if you fancy getting involved please let me know. Talking of trials brings me to the MCCs 94th Edinburgh Trial, held on October 5 in the Derbyshire Peak District on another wet Saturday in an otherwise dry week, certainly made it interesting. Out of an entry of 210, including 80 bikes, there were only 10 MGs – an M Type, J2, PA, two Midgets, MGB, two MGFs plus an MGB and a TF in the new class R.

Dave Morris powers up a hill in his TC during the Autumn Trial.

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Adrian Tucker-Peake in his MGF on the Autumn Trial

The days when these events were dominated by MGs and Morgans seem to be over as they get less every year. Class 0, which was introduced some 10-plus years ago to be a less demanding route for the newer drivers or older cars, was a bit rough and stony this year and not recommended for standard road cars, but the new Class R is aimed at them and very suitable. So, hopefully, maybe more MGs in the Exeter Trial next January. My 1970 MGB Roadster had a go at this event in October 1990 and has entered the three MCC events most years since, so has had a hard life. This time I was with Tony Lake as bouncer and we did OK getting up all the sections and so we claimed a Tin award (as yet to be confirmed). The Edinburgh has had a hard time over the last few years, losing the use of several

of its traditional sections, but hard work by CoC Roy Newton has restored this to a great event. That is it for the Centre for this year. We hope you got involved and, if so, that you enjoyed; there should be more next year. As I write we have just released preliminary details of our annual Welsh Touring Rallye to be held on May 17-19, this time based on Llangollen with the Saturday Run still in the planning stage. After 20+ years of this event, there are still interesting roads in North Wales to explore. It promises to be good. More later. Entry forms will be available on our website in December, but any prospective entrants should contact the Entries Secretary – Roger King on 0121 476 6649 or rogerking43@gmail. com to register your interest.

Stunning scenery on the Edinburgh Trial

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CENTRES

NORTH WEST PAUL GOODMAN 01625 876300

There are just a few weeks left before the Centre Annual Dinner Dance and Awards Presentation. There are still tickets available for the Christmas meal at The Deanwater Hotel, Woodford, on December 1. All the details can be found on the Cockshoot and Centre websites. Alternatively, you can contact David Rainsbury at david@rainsbury.com There are three social events for you to attend this month. Our new venue in West Cheshire is proving to be a real success, so please join in at The Shrewsbury Arms on Tuesday November 13. A week later we will be indoors at the Plough and Flail on Tuesday November 20. Finally, the last lunchtime meeting of the year will be on Wednesday November

28 at The Goshawk, Station Road, Mouldsworth, CH3 8AJ. It was great to meet a lot of members at EventCity in September. We also talked to a lot of visitors with MGs of many different types who were not Club members. It is a real challenge to convert this potential into joining. One of our aims in 2019 will be to try to grow the Centre membership which has been static for some years. The final Cockshoot Cup race of the year was run at Oulton Park on September 29. Quite a few members came along to support and chat to the drivers. A big and late surprise was the entry of Colin Robertson. His brand new MG3 190 had been completed and he travelled down from Scotland to

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

The year is passing as quickly as ever, with only a few events still to attend. The Fairmile are holding a talk on November 8 “Restoring a TF”, for details contact Ian Ailes (mgv8ian@gmail.com) The NEC Birmingham Classic Car Show takes place on November 9-11, with a 15% discount on advance tickets. www.necclassicmotorshow.com. The event includes Club stands, auctions, auto jumble and over 3,000 vehicles exhibited; one to rival the Roger Dudding collection. This year’s AGM is scheduled for Saturday November 17 starting at 12:00pm at

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St Nicholas Youth Centre, Godstone, RH9 8DT. All members are invited to attend. The AGM is followed by a free two-course buffet lunch. If you need any further information, contact Philip Bayne-Powell 01483 811428 or 1942mgman@gmail.com The Three Horseshoes Natter – technical talk being held on November 19 (John Morgan johnv.morgan@btinternet.com). December sees a Black Horse Treasure Hunt being run by Tim Beck (07780 688955) on Sunday December 2 and the Brooklands Natter holding their awards night on December 11 (Danny Byrne dannybyrne@talktalk.net).

Colin Robertson’s MG3 at Oulton Park. Photo: Helen Waddington

give it a trial run. The car ran as a guest and finished third, behind the two ZR 190s of Ray Collier and Gary Wetton. Ray was confirmed as Cockshoot Champion, with Mark Bellamy winning Class B, Ian Wright Class A and Christopher Greenbank Class F on the final lap of the last race. Planning is well under way for our 2019 events. The Cockshoot Cup and the Speed Championship will be continuing with only minor changes. We hope to be running the Anglesey Sprint weekend on May 4-5 and the Scammonden Dam Hillclimb on May 19. Scammonden has had a recent

inspection by the Motor Sports Association with the green light given to using it in future years. We hope to increase the number of runs and displays that we organise. If you attend a local show, then we can arrange publicity material and the loan of one of our lightweight flags with base. Finally, we would like to thank all the members who have played a part in our successful 2018, both in helping with organising and attending. You are far too numerous to mention individually, but without you there would be no MGCC.

Round-Up: The Fairmile Natter held a very successful talk by Bill Price, ex-BMC Comps Department Manager ,who looked at the life of Pat Moss, one of the most successful female auto rally drivers and sister of Stirling Moss, who it is said taught her to drive when she was just 11. In 1954, turned down by Standard Triumph, she was offered a deal by MG cars which included the use of a works MG TF 1500. Pat went on to achieve overall victory in 1960 at the LiegeRome-Liege in an Austin-Healey 3000. Bill also spoke about the lightweight Cs, one of which was brought along to the meeting by Dave Saunders, a car which was previously driven by Paddy Hopkirk who is usually associated with Monte Mini Coopers. This

model was specifically fabricated out of aluminum body panels in order to reduce the weight and to increase the overall performance of the car. The Autumn Gathering was also held in September but disappointingly was scuppered by gale-force rain, leaving only a handful of very enthusiastic members and dedicated organisers and marshals to attend.

One of the Works BMC lightweight Cs driven by Paddy Hopkirk, displayed outside the SEC Fairmile Natter on the occasion of Bill Price’s lecture to the members. Photo: Jon Glover

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SOUTH WEST

JIM LOTT email chairman@mgccsw.com Website www.mgccsw.com/ Facebook www.facebook.com/MGCCSW Twitter @mgccsw I am preparing the documentation for the Kimber Car Trial, the last event of the 2018 South West Centre calendar. A report on the event will be in next month’s notes along with the results of the 2018 South West Centre Drivers Championship.

The autumn run to Haynes Motor Museum took place on September 23 but due to some very inclement weather only four cars took part. A disappointing turnout, considering we have over 1,200 members in the South West Centre.

TYNE TEES

TONY WOOD anthony@scrutonvillage.co.uk

Winter beckons, the season of nostalgic memories for the best open car summer in living memory, so why not indulge them to the full and come to either of our main Natters in November, which will be themed as Nostalgia evenings, old times remembered, old fashion faux pas revisited, old… well, you get the idea! Coulby Manor on the 1st, Ridley Arms on the 12th. September saw the Old Speckled Hen Run and Road Safety Trial with 31 crews tackling a route utilising some of the lesser-known roads of the North Yorkshire dales, providing a great driving route with spectacular scenery. Adding a little spice to the mix, a range of MG and motoring-based questions were

thrust at the unsuspecting by our chief route control Marshal, Noel (Firm but Fair marking policy) with devious tests of driving skill at the main halts (Park with your LH rear wheel on the spot, harder than it looks !). Over cream teas at the Rokeby Inn and with harmony restored in most crews (“I told you it was Nuvolari in a K3”) final results showed that Bill Marchant and Mags Farquhar in their MGF Steptronic had triumphed with only 33 penalties to take the Trial award. Eric Turtle’s lovely 1275 Midget took the OSH pre-1981 award (why do we see so few Midgets out nowadays?). Regular visitor Jane Parry took the post-1981 award with her well-known MGF ‘Zip’.

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The Annual Dinner and Awards evening will be our next event. This will take place, once again, at the Limply Stoke Hotel, near Bath, and details will be appearing on the website shortly. The lunchtime Natters continue to be popular with our members. The Natters are held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at the Burcott Inn, Wookey, Somerset (Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Sep and Nov) and the White Hart, Iron Acton, near Bristol (Feb, Apr, Jun, Aug and Oct).

There is no lunchtime Natter for December as it so close to Christmas. The photos this month show some of the MGs that have attended the lunchtime Natter at the White Hart during February and June 2018. The Committee is planning next year’s event calendar and if you have any ideas or comments on events you would like us to organise, please get in touch via my email address at top of these notes.

Maurice and Christine Standish deservedly won the Spirit of the Event award in their beautiful 1939 Keller-bodied WA, a real handful on those narrow roads! All these good people, and hopefully many more, should be putting in an appearance at our Annual Dinner and Prize Presentation to be held once again at the Gibside Hotel, Whickham, just off the A1 Western Bypass. We are always

made most welcome, an excellent four course meal is provided, our Raffle in aid of the Great North Air Ambulance gets ever larger, the tales get taller, the laughter louder as the evening progresses and a splendid time is guaranteed for all, as Messrs Lennon and McCartney would say. Can you resist? Hopefully not; tickets are £24pp available from Noel, noel.lindford@btinternet.com

“Making a splash”, featuring Maurice and Christine Standish’s WA. Photo: Noel Lindford

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CENTRES

YORKSHIRE

DAVID COPEMAN 07920 064585 www.mgccyorkshire.co.uk North – Colin Brear After our end of season Run in October and visit to the Classic Car Show this month, you think “where has the year gone!” The fabulous summer weather resulted in us wanting more soft-tops-down events, so: North Yorkshire members have been very active with runs to Spain, the Isle of Man and Suffolk. We continue to get large numbers attending our Natter Nights at the Tempest Arms. A talk on “Drones” last month was excellent and very informative. South – Geoff Norcliffe Having returned the day before, our September Natter featured tales from our own European

tour. The journey took in Belgium, France, Germany and Luxembourg and included a visit to see the Schlumpf collection in France; loads of Bugattis but no MGs. Well, it’s their loss. The Black Forest gained everyone’s vote as the highlight of the trip and the best hotel, too. Here we enjoyed a free tour on a vintage bus through the forest. East – Brian Rylance Following the success of the Autumn Run, Ray proposes doing the ‘South Riding Run’ using a suggested social route during October. Members have been canvassed for possible dates. Next meeting is the InterNatter Quiz, October 11, 7.30 pm.

ULSTER

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

What better way to end a hot summer but an energetic Night Trial. Noel Cochrane and his team had set the route on the evening of September 7 around the Holywood Hills above Belfast. The event comprised nine tests, seven of which were run twice. With a mix of farmyard autotests, tricky country lanes and mixed tests including ploughed fields, as the evening got darker the 30-strong entry of a mix of MGs and contemporary road cars seemed to get quicker! With a warm, dry night, the event almost ran like clockwork except for a few communications gremlins on a couple of tests. At the finish at Spring Cottage Crafts outside

www.mgcc.co.uk

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Comber, Will Corry and Peter Moreland-Moore in their Midget claimed first place, arriving back to an excellent supper provided by Beth Reid and her team. Congrats to Will and Pete and to Noel for another successful Night Trial. As mentioned last month, we assisted MGOC to run this year’s MG Day in Carrickfergus and on that day raised over £2,230. The cheque presented to the RVH Liver Support Group was for a massive amount of £5,000. Again, well done all and thank you to those who contributed in any way. We had our last PCT of the year on Saturday October 6 in a field up Craigantlet. It was a glorious day and the view was

West – David Copeman This year’s summer has, with the odd exception, meant the majority of events have taken place in warm sunshine. Let’s hope for a repeat next year. The Inter-Natter quiz last month indicates that we are heading for the MG hibernation period for some. With the quiz completed we await the results. After the pie and pea supper last month we will abstain in November, ready for our December Faith Supper. Tiger – Pete Welbourn The September run, organised by Bill and Janet, was a change to the norm. We met at The Old Tile Works on the south bank and drove to the new International Bomber Command Centre, near Lincoln, for lunch and a tour of the museum.

The winds on the day did not affect a pleasant drive through the Lincolnshire countryside but they did result in our guided tour of the monument being replaced by a talk in the museum. This did not detract from the experience which was very interesting and quite moving. Should you visit, have a look for the tile dedicated to F/O Thomas Lofthouse. He volunteered in Australia, came over to the UK to train, became a rear gunner and rather than a posting abroad as he expected was retained and flew from Driffield. Thomas survived, returned to Australia, married and raised a family. The tile in question was placed by Pam Lofthouse, an MGCC member who attends the Tiger Natter with her partner, Rob.

out of this world. Stephen, Trevor, Gordon and Carol arrived bright and early to set it all up and even though the field was dry it wasn’t an easy one. There were three tests which were run four times each and almost everybody had some sort of penalty, except for Bailie Thompson who achieved the only clear run of the day. He entered twice and competed in his wife Barbara’s MG3 and also the Corsa. Needless to say, he had the clear run in the Corsa. It was also wonderful having Will Thompson back with us. He has just finished his studies at Cranfield and hasn’t been able to compete all year. Denis Bell competed in his Aygo. This was his first trial and he thoroughly enjoyed the day. Our newest junior member, Zak Armstrong, was out with Grandpa Mike in the MG3; Mike beat him on the Trial but Zak beat Mike on the

grass driving test. A cracker day all round. Dates for your diary: November 3 AutoSOLO at TTS, Dundrod Road, Crumlin December 11 Mince Pie Natter from 7.30pm at Shandon Park Golf Club January 1 2019 New Year’s Day Treasure Hunt – start and finish venues tbc January 9 2019 Nosh ‘n’ Natter in Poacher’s Pocket, Lisbane

Zak and Mike in the MG3

NOVEMBER 2018 SAFETY FAST! 79

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Classic and Sports Cars are extremely proud to have for sale this newly completed MG TA Special. This Q- T Type 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 based on the MG Q-Type. 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. Supercharger Front mounted direct drive period style supercharger. 2” SU carburettor mounted on aluminium supercharger manifolds Aluminium induction tubes leading to aluminium coated cast iron inlet manifold with pressure relief. Suspension & Steering Front – New Andre-Hartford shock absorbers. Rear – Overhauled Armstrong hydraulic dampers. Rebuilt Steering Box New 15 ½” Blumel style Steering Wheel Brakes Aluminium Alfin style brake drums. Differential Differential rebuilt and all bearings replaced. Gearbox Gearbox rebuilt. All bearings and seals replaced. Remote shaft replaced and casting re-bushed. Bell Housing shaft replaced and casting re-bushed. Dashboard & Instruments Period style dashboard anodised matt black. Period instrumentation and controls matt black anodised bezels. Large rev counter, Radiator Temperature, Supercharge Boost, Oil Pressure, Clock and Lap Counter. Upholstery Wooden seat frames covered in maroon leather. Side panels with map pockets also covered in maroon leather. Split Tonneau in black mohair.

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REGISTERS

VINTAGE

JOHN VENABLES 01865 862573 johnandtriciav@gmail.com

As we draw to the end of another successful year, we start looking forward and I now have a couple of dates for your new diaries which I am sure you have by now purchased for 2019. On Sunday March 19 2019, we hold our AGM which is always a good event with lunch and a speaker at the Shillingford Bridge Hotel, near Wallingford. We also hold a raffle. Sadly, last year the snow came and we had to cancel it for a later date, which was not well supported. All are welcome, so let us hope we have better weather next year. The other date is our spring run which takes place between April 29 and May 3. This is being held at Sheringham in Norfolk and is

being organised by our secretary, Debbie. Full details will be out very shortly; this promises to be up to the usual standard. The Register will also be supporting MGLive! but we await the dates from Main Club which should be soon. This is, of course, the season for fettling the old girls, and I have a number of things to do to GU. She is a little tired in certain areas, but a few days out in the garage should restore her to her former glory. Next month will be the last time I shall write these notes, as I am handing over to a new scribe. Having done them for about seven years now, I feel it’s time for a change.

TRIPLE M

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

At this time of year, as the season winds up, J2396 normally trundles along to the South West Centre Kimber Trial at Pagans Hill, near Chew Magna in darkest Somerset. It’s become a bit of a ritual, as it was the last event attended by car and previous keeper. Alas, this year it was not to be. After years of near-faultless engine running (bar the odd electrical gremlin), we developed a misfire in the wet weather – “the usual” I casually thought. However, this time playing with plugs, leads, distributors, etc, made not a jot of difference and a rather crude thumb on the cylinders pointed towards low pressure on cylinders two and

three. Rummaging in the cave of plenty produced a proper meter and 50% less compression on both (even a thumb can detect that)! That, the slightly shabby rear mudguards and front apron (new ones have been sitting on the garage shelf for well over 10 years) have prompted me to do some proper work over the winter and give the car a bit of a going-over (well, the brakes could do with a bit of attention too, there not being a huge amount of adjustment left…). As for the engine: I suspect it’s the cylinder head gasket which has been there for I don’t know how many years. Fingers crossed it’s nothing more.

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I am of an age where I remember the Second World War quite well, and the excitement, as an eight-year-old, when an Airspeed Horsa glider being towed

to Normandy came down almost in our back garden, fortunately landing in the field there. What a day! Luckily only one of the crew was injured, and he recovered.

GU in good company during the Vintage anniversary event in 2010

Welsh Tour 2019 The MMM Tour in 2019 will take place in central Wales. The allimportant dates are from Thursday September 19 (assembly pm) to Sunday September 22 (depart after lunch). Organiser Chris Little has put together a route of great appeal to both drivers and passengers, passing through the beauty of the hills on roads chosen with our cars in mind and including some fascinating visits. Further details will be announced in January. Without any obligation, please register your interest by emailing ian. goddard5@btinternet.com to

receive the further information when it becomes available. Our photo this month, from October’s VSCC Race Meeting at a very wet and soggy Castle Combe, could easily (if it wasn’t for the modern overalls, etc,) have been taken 40-odd years ago – though far be it for me to remind these two gentlemen just how long they’ve been mixing it with these cars! On close inspection, it looks as if Barry Foster has ‘borrowed’ a set of 18” wheels from the Q Type (maybe they had a better depth of tread?). Being ‘local’, I had intended to pop along, but was thwarted by the aforementioned head gasket.

Barry Foster and Dave Cooksey having a ‘swimming’ time at Castle Combe! Photo: Colin Murrell www.mgcc.co.uk

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REGISTERS

SVW

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

Our new Facebook group ‘SVW Register’ has attracted 87 members so far and they have posted some very interesting and unique content. Anyone

interested in SVW MGs is welcome to join, so look for us if you’re on Facebook. Dick Morbey spotted this interesting picture on the

WA Tourer, probably in Scotland in the 1950s

Y TYPE

JERRY BIRKBECK jerrybirkbeck@btinternet.com www.mgccyregister.co.uk Tel: 01926 258691 Mob: 07855 566325 Insurance This is a topic that is often not discussed in the classic car press and on social media, although of course most publications include a list of insurance companies. I am often surprised how conservative many owners are as to who they insure with. A number choose to use the company that their everyday car is covered with. Though I would imagine that the majority use one that regularly advertises in the magazines and weekly papers that cover our small world. The key about insurance is that you get what you pay for. However, you never know how good the cover is until you have to make a claim.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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What you need to do Classic car insurance is remarkably cheap, especially when you factor in the age and reliability of the vehicle in comparison with a modern. Of course, the view taken by the companies involved is that the car(s) are well maintained, garaged, with probably no more than two drivers and of course limited mileage (either self set or a maximum of 3-5k per annum). The rates offered for, say, a Y Type can be less than one hundred pounds. All this sounds very reasonable. However, I would suggest that a check of the small print is essential (some points may be impossible e.g. ensuring that car is locked when parked – really, on a YT?) and you must ensure exactly what the cover includes, for example rescue and get you

Triple-M Register forum. He passed it to Jim Andrews who circulated it around the committee for comments. It’s a rare WA Tourer and the photo seems to have been taken outside a branch of Lloyds Bank Limited (this can just be made out in the reflection), probably in the 1950s. The registration looks like 122 SR, a configuration that started in 1953. ‘SR’ was Dundee so it’s likely to be somewhere in Scotland; perhaps someone may recognise the building. The Scottish connection leads us to think this is probably one of 8 WA Tourers ordered by the Glasgow Constabulary, the original registrations of which were CGE 183 to 190 inclusive. It was probably black and the

rather tatty hood points towards a hard life, so it all fits together. Perhaps that police force had a policy of re-registration of police cars when sold on, unlike my own ex-police VA Tourer, which still carries the original registration and even the original number plates! Writing this in early October, I have no idea where the months have gone, but looking back at the year we have done quite a lot. My last planned classic car event was on October 14, although there are still the monthly MG and VSCC meetings which can still be enjoyable on crisp winter days. New Year’s Day has become a traditional time to take an old car out, too.

home scheme (including UK and EU), arrangements for repairing the car in the event of an accident and if a write-off, whether you are able to salvage some of the parts, etc. Under driver cover, you may wish to include your partner in the case of you being unable to drive. Do you have children who may wish to use the car – is this possible with your insurance or will you have to pay an extra premium? All straightforward and reasonable questions, I would suggest. Assuming that you are happy with this, all companies require a valuation and photographs of the car(s) that you are seeking to insure. Valuation is critical and too often overlooked when the vehicle may be appreciating more than you are aware. Once you have checked and are happy with what is required, then have a chat with fellow owners and find out whom they

would recommend, and ask if they have had to make a claim through them. It is only then you can make a reasonable assessment. Over the last 25 years of MG ownership we have used just three different companies, all of whom have provided an excellent service. We changed when the price increase was more than 30% in the initial case, and that the cover only included five drivers and not the eight we needed with the second company. Now we have a multi-vehicle insurance cover for two moderns and the YT and TC. This covers `any driver over the age of 30, unlimited mileage for all the vehicles and AA roadside assistance and recovery. All this is eight hundred pounds a year, and considering that I had had a separate quote from the AA for the roadside rescue relay service alone at 25% of this cost then I thought that was not unreasonable. Hope this helps!

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REGISTERS

T TYPE

JOHN WARD 01621 773606 johnw.ward@yahoo.co.uk www.mgcc.co.uk/t-register Communications It is now a year ago that we ceased publication of TRN. Since then, apart from these monthly scribblings, the best way to keep T Register members informed on all matters T Type is by the modern medium of technology, the website. Now fully sorted and updated, the website mgcc.co.uk/ t-register is the address to contact us on. Also, by this method you can receive the monthly T Register Newsletter which provides detailed information on all ‘T’ matters and is available as a fully formatted email direct to your Inbox. All you have to do is contact the Editor, David Wardell, on david.wardell@

tiscali.co.uk – make sure you explicitly say you want to receive the T Register Newsletter and that he has your email address and the monthly newsletter will be sent direct to you. On a related topic, all will now be aware of a new government doctrine to plague us… GDPR… (General Data Protection Regulations) and the need for us to comply with this new legislation. We will shortly be finalising our submission to the main Club of the list of the databases we hold of T Type owners and their cars and where they are kept, and we think that, broadly speaking, we have already been

MAGNETTE

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

Good to see so many people and cars at the Lou Shorten Tribute weekend in Norwich – there’ll be a full write-up in the next newsletter. Still catching up on previous

events, Jeremy Carrington sent a report from the Kop Hill Climb where he’s been a regular with his MKIV Farina Magnette ‘Madge’ since 2009 (long before

conforming to the GDPR requirements. However, recently the number of people who open the above Newsletter has suddenly dropped from about 70% to 40%, and we think it is because under the general raising of awareness generated by the need to conform to GDPR, email providers have tightened up their servers on what they autothink is spam. There are things we can do at the sending end, but please also keep checking your spam/junk folder in your email program. Marking the T Register Newsletter as ‘not spam/junk’ actually sends that info back to the email server so you will then receive it in your inbox in future. Also, if you have suddenly stopped receiving the Newsletter, contact David Wardell as above.

2019 and future events With the 2018 Autumn Tour well behind us, time to think about next year. Rutland is the chosen venue, a little-known area in the East Midlands based at The Haycock Hotel (PE8 6JA) just off the A1. The dates are September Friday 6 to Monday 9. Places are limited, so if you want to be there contact the joint organisers, Bill and Sally Silcock, on 01525 750468 or better on treg.sec@ virginmedia.com The spring trip this time is again to Normandy on April 8-12 2019, and as in previous years this is proving to be a very popular event and there are 33 rooms reserved of which 31 places have already been taken up, so again if you wish to go I suggest you urgently contact Bill and Sally Silcock as above.

the Register started supporting Kop Hill officially) often doing the hill run in addition to displaying in the Clubs area. This year, Madge was resplendent with new Salmon Pink interior and carpets which Jeremy had fitted in time for his granddaughter’s wedding, having previously used the car for both his daughter’s and niece’s weddings. With considerable effort also expended on body and mechanical restoration over the years as well, you can imagine that when asked once to sell Madge for use in ‘Banger Racing’, his response was rather brief and unprintable! More Kop Hill photos are on the website. Amongst other articles added recently, there’s a report from Loz Scott on the Wagga Wagga event (New South Wales), and 1960s Derrington adverts for their alloy cross-flow

head and tubular manifold, kindly contributed by Ian Sykes from his considerable archives. Also on magnette.org Graham Austin provides a salutary tale about brake pipes which may in fact be relevant to other cars with twin front brake cylinders. He discovered that the original metal pipe joining the cylinders had been replaced by a previous owner with a longer version, projecting further from the backplate and positioned such that it could rub slightly on the kingpin at full lock. When Graham detected a slight leak in the garage, the pipe was not far off being completely worn through, which could obviously have had disastrous consequences. So it would be well worth checking if you haven’t inspected your brakes recently.

Jeremy and ‘Madge’ at Kop Hill

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REGISTERS

MIDGET

MIKE PARKER mikeparker78@talktalk.net www.midgetregister.com/ MGCC Lackford Engineering Midget/Sprite Challenge The last two rounds of the 2018 Challenge finished in brilliant sunshine, with good racing right down the field in all classes. Leading the championship was Edward Easton in his Class D car, winning his class in the first race but watching the second from the pit wall as the rear

road spring had broken. This left the title open for Class A leader, Stephen Collier, to take the Championship, but it wasn’t without a fight as in both races he had a race-long battle with Richard Wildman, David Morrison and Stephen Watkins, who started from the pit lane after arriving at the assembly area without his driving gloves!

Steve Collier’s MG Midget. Photo: Rebecca Farrow

MGC

MIKE HAUGHTON mgc_mike@btinternet.com

That was an amazing summer weather-wise (mostly!) in the UK and Europe. There was lots going on – a great event at Fawley Hill, a fabulous Swiss Tour by several C owners, a scorching MGLive! and seeing your Cs at shows around

the country! Now it’s the time of year when we can’t get out so much, so make some time to get into the garage and get your C ready for 2019 – perhaps even get an MoT check in case you’ve missed something.

If the battle at the front was great to watch, the Class E battle was even better, with Paul Campfield’s Healey Sprite and Pippa Cow’s MG Midget inches apart for the whole race, with Paul just winning. Never mind, Pippa, there is always next year, I hope. Race two was much the same, with the battle at the front even better. Morrison pushed Collier for the lead helped by Wildman, David Weston who had come from the back of the grid. David had to work on his Midget clutch not once but twice, which meant moving the engine forward to replace the clutch pipe, so battling at the front was just reward for his hard work. Class E was the same as the first race but Pippa was awarded driver of this race and Richard Widman driver of the

first. So ended the season, with Steve Collier winning Class A, Edward Easton Class D and Paul Campfield Class E. Thank you to all the drivers who participated this season and thanks to all your helpers, and a big thank you to Lackford Engineering for supporting the Championship, and we all look forward to seeing you next year. Lauran at Kimber House has asked me to find a Race Midget for the stand at the Classic Motor Show at the NEC, Birmingham, which you would think would be easy. But no, most were being sorted for next season after the battles of this one, but we have got the Championship-winning car of Steve Collier, who does not think there is much work to do in the close season! So why not come and say hello and view the car on the MGCC stand in Hall 3:370.

Our Christmas meal gathering is on November 24 – if you haven’t booked, there are one or two spaces available at the time of writing. Contact Mike as soon as possible to check. Planning is well advanced for MGC weekend 2019 – put the weekend of July 6-7 in your diaries. I think we’ve found a

great location and an interesting ‘diversion’ from looking at cars on the Sunday afternoon. Full details will be announced early in the new-year. Our 2019 AGM will be in Salisbury, followed by the Downton Car show and Cuckoo Fair, during the May Bank Holiday weekend. There are also plans for a Jersey tour starting on May 8. Again, more information will be available in January. There is still some MGC 50th merchandise available – please check the C Register pages on the MGCC website for details. I’m sure we can post out in time for Christmas! We also now have fleeces for those chilly winter days at only £20, available in various colours and sizes. These have to be ordered, and take about 10 days, so contact Mike if you want one.

Reminding us of the top down motoring of the summer, MGCs and an RV8 in Switzerland.

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REGISTERS

VICTOR SMITH 0208 392 9434 victorsmith@v8register.net www.v8register.net Updated MGV8 Price Guide An update of our six-monthly MGV8 Price Guide will be released during November. An interesting development seen in the market is an emerging

demand for RV8s from buyers in the USA. Feedback from the member following the prompt sale of a low-mileage UK spec RV8 in BRG advertised on the RV8s for Sale web page on the

FWD

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

As regular readers of the FWD Register notes will know, this year marks 30 years of the MG Maestro Turbo. The MG FWD Register, along with the Maestro & Montego Owners Club, have been celebrating throughout the year, and one of the events headed up by Andrew Stokell from the Maestro & Montego Owners Club was the Big Boost event which was held at the BL Autumn Rally at the Milton Keynes Museum.

Andrew did some research and found out that the last time there was a concerted effort to get MG Maestro Turbos together was for their 10th anniversary, when they got 40. However, the intervening years have not been kind to our somewhat rust-prone MG Maestro Turbos, so it was no mean feat that Andrew managed to get 13 together. While some might consider that unlucky, we thought 13 was amazing, as did

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V8 website noted: “the car is being exported to the USA. I think we will be seeing more of this with RV8s now that the cars are 25 years old, which means that early RV8s are no longer subject to the 25-year import restrictions for imports into the USA. The buyer is a friend of a guy who recently bought a Nightfire Red RV8 from a V8 Register member”. See our ‘More’ web page for the price guide and market report. www. v8register.net/more.htm

Curry restaurant in Knowle, just west of Stoneleigh. See our ‘More’ web page for information.

MG V8 Curry and Stoneleigh show Now the date for the– Triumph Stoneleigh Spares Day has been announced as Sunday February 10 2019, and the annual V8 Curry evening held the evening before the show is planned for Saturday February 9 at the Lloyds

Fuel duty freeze In October the Prime Minister confirmed the pledge to freeze fuel duty by ruling out any increase in fuel duty in the Budget later in the month. There had been speculation that the annual fuel duty freeze, in place since 2010, might have come to an end, with an inflation-linked rise used to pay for the £20bn in extra annual funding promised for the NHS. The continuation of the freeze was the ninth year in a row. Average petrol prices have gone up by 11.5p a litre in the last year, with diesel rising by 14p a litre. The continuation of the freeze is very welcome news for motorists at a time when crude oil prices have continued rising, putting pressure on pump prices.

the visitors to the rally. The colour breakdown was five green, four red, two white and two black. Andrew organised a home-baked cake which was delicious and appreciated by everyone. Sadly, the FWD Register doesn’t have a stand at this year’s Classic Motor Show at the NEC, but the Maestro & Montego Owners Club do and they will be flying the flag for the MG Maestro Turbo. They are planning to have four there, one of each colour, so if you’re going to the show, make sure you call in at the MG Car Club’s stand and also the Maestro & Montego Owners Club stand.

For those of you who haven’t been to the BL Autumn Rally before, I thoroughly recommend it. It is organised by Tom Morley, a longstanding BL enthusiast, and best of all it is both free to take your car to and free to enter as a member of the public. You will only need to pay an entrance fee should you wish to look around the museum. It is aimed at all BMC, BL, Austin Rover and Rover Group-era cars. The cut-off date is 2000 and all MG models up to 2000 are welcome. Other BL models were well represented and there was a reasonable number of MG Metros and one or two MG Montegos and MG ADO16s. Tanya Field

www.mgcc.co.uk

24/10/2018 17:17

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

New Replacement MG RV8 Heatshield Fits above catalysts on the underside of the car. Stops heat ingress and paint burning on underside of car £119.50

RV8 front radiator cover Black £199.50 Part Carbon Fibre £227.80

Genuine RV8 heater valve (ZKC 5119 - the correct one) £54.95

genuine & conversion parts Tel: +44 (0)1746 710810 Fax: 01746 710999 email: sales@mgv8parts.com Callers by appointment only at Highgrosvenor, Worfield, WV15 5PN (between Bridgnorth & Wolverhampton)

OVERSEAS MAIL ORDER AVAILABLE Full workshop facilities: servicing, repairs, MoT and prep. RV8 wood refurbishment & mail order services worldwide. Catering for all MGB, V8, V8 conversions & RV8 vehicles. ALL PRICES INCLUDE VAT

RV8 Main header rail and filler. £59.95

RV8 Petrol Tank Sender with Seal & Locking Ring. £59.95

www.mgv8parts.com RV8 Expansion tank £79.95

RV8 New Polyurethane rear anti-roll bar bushes. £16.70 for the pair

V8 Engine Steady Bar This is the best you can buy for the money! £50.60

BRAND NEW high torque starter motor. British made £252

HERITAGE APPROVED

RV8 boot stays. £30.20 each

RV8 cars available for sale - please call

RV8 Spax Krypton filled dampers

Adjustable on car through 28 different stages £129.00 each (front) £142.25 each (rear) full set £522 - save £20.50

CM08.17/H1/p

NEW All Alloy 15 inch Replacement Wheels for the GTV8 With an alloy centre and a highly polished alloy rim. Weighs approx 2kg lighter. No further rusting. £399.60

New, better quality, harder wearing replacement overmats. Original patterns, colour & embroidered with MG logo. Pair RV8 mats £99.50

URGENT PROOF Please check this proof carefully for errors in style, content and layout. Although every care is exercised in preparing your advert, we cannot hold ourselves responsible for any inaccuracies you may overlook. SHOULD YOU REQUIRE ANY ALTERATIONS TO THIS PROOF PLEASE TELEPHONE BEFORE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ AND QUOTE ADVERT NO. _ _ _ _ _

Telephone 01206

Fax 01206 500180

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

www.mgcc.co.uk

Safety Fast_November18_48-98.indd 89

NOVEMBER 2018 SAFETY FAST! 89

24/10/2018 16:56

REGISTERS

ZR/ZS/ZT

JOHN THOMPSON Tel: 07854 275541 johnt5@btinternet.com www.mgcc.co.uk/zedregister Events and shows On Saturday September 29 we returned to Snetterton for the traditional finale to the MGCC racing season. This year we were treated to a dry and bright autumn day. Of particular interest to ourselves, of course, was the Trophy Race. The first race was the usual fast and furious affair, whilst the second race was more sedate. In the end, however, congratulations firstly to Jason Burgess for securing the Class A title and driver of the race in race one, Ryan Firth for securing the Class B title, and John Booth for securing the Class C title. In the Peter Best Insurance MG Cup there was some excellent driving from Register treasurer, Peter

Burchill, with a second place and second in class in race one, and a third place and third in class in race two. Full reports on the day’s racing can be found in the motorsport section of the Club website. The parade laps during the lunchtime were popular, with 27 drivers signing on during the morning. Slightly later than originally planned and not held during the lunchbreak(!), we watched the first Trophy Race from the assembly area before heading out on the circuit ourselves. The Register will be heavily promoting the parade laps during 2019 and will be encouraging members to make the most of this unique opportunity.

MG6.3.5

STEVE HAINES Steve-haines@live.co.uk www.facebook.com/groups/MG635Register https://twitter.com/635register The Register held its last summer gathering for 2018 at the Silverstone BTCC round on September 16-17. Owners took advantage of the MG Car Club weekend ticket deal with infield parking and the Club gazebo and shop set up on the Sunday. There was a great turn out, if a little less than recent years, with a real mix of modern MGs including some MG GSs and ZSs on the stand. There was

also general parking for MGCC members and their lovely MGs in the parking area next to the Wellington straight. It was good to meet friends old and new as well as sign up some new owners and have a good catch-up. It was a bit of a tough weekend on the track yet again for the AMD RCIB AutoAid team on what is traditionally a good track for the MG6. Let’s hope

90 SAFETY FAST! NOVEMBER 2018

Safety Fast_November18_48-98.indd 90

UPCOMING EVENTS Our final show of the year, the Classic Motor Show at

the NEC, takes place over the weekend of November 10-12. Unfortunately, we were unable to secure a stand at the show this year; don’t let that deter you from attending! The main Club have a stand so please go and support them. It is an excellent show and well worth attending if you haven’t done so before. We are in the midst of putting together our 2019 Events Calendar so keep those diaries to hand.

that some investment comes along to help the team continue into the next season so we can once again support them in what is a great race series. The MG 6.3.5 Register AGM will take place at Kimber House in Abingdon this year on Saturday December 8 at 3.00pm. If you wish to come and offer your help to the committee please do, and add

your names to the events tab on our Facebook page so we can accommodate numbers. The annual Christmas meal will take place from 7.00pm at the Ock Mill Beefeater in Abingdon, also on December 8. Hopefully there’s still plenty of room at the Premier Inn next door. Sean Round is organising the meal, so please get booked in with him if you wish to attend.

As we mentioned last month, Super Car Saturday was held at the Castle Combe racing circuit on October 27. This event is supported by Register treasurer, Peter Burchill, and Vulcan Racing each year with their ZS 180. All monies raised at this charity event go to the Stroke Association. We will be supporting this event next year.

www.mgcc.co.uk

24/10/2018 16:56

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

Sole Suppliers of ECU tuning to MGCC Trophy Championship Call us to arrange YOUR upgrade

Terms Apply

GENUINE NEW & USED MG ROVER PARTS AVAILABLE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR ALL MG ROVER VEHICLES GUARANTEED SATISFACTION & FRIENDLY SERVICE HELPING KEEP MG ROVER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD COLLEGE MOTORS UNIT 1 STURT FARM IND EST BURFORD, OXFORDSHIRE OX18 4ET TEL: 01993 823560

(TOTAL-ROVER38) collegemotors1@gmail.com WWW.ROVERMGSPECIALIST.CO.UK

www.mgcc.co.uk

Safety Fast_November18_48-98.indd 91

NOVEMBER 2018 SAFETY FAST! 91

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

MG TF 135 Spark ltd ed (just 28,000 miles)

MG TF 135 Sunstorm +H/Top (Just 22,460 miles)

2005 (05 Reg) Manual Petrol Finished in: Xpower Grey/Black leather grey inserts. Superb very low mileage ltd edition Spark having covered just 28,000 miles. Fully documented service history with all old mots and original bill of sale. Full Spark spec sports pack 2, chrome packs, front fog lights. One of the last made registered £4,995

2005 (05 Reg) ManualPetrolFinished in: Silver/ Black leather grey inserts. Jjust 500 made. Previously supplied by us. These high spec model, colour coded removable hardtop, Black soft top, sports pack 2, chrome packs, front fog lights, has. Full service history , new headgasket / water pump / cambelt. Very low mileage TF135 ltd edition £4,895.

MG TF 135 Facelift model (One of just 31 made)

MG TF 115 Facelift mdl (just 40,000 miles)

2005 (PP Reg) 54,000 Miles Manual Petrol Finished in: Sonic Blue/Black leather Outstanding TF135 facelift model, with a private MG TF reg number. Full Black leather sport seats, soft ride suspension, Black hood with a heated glass rear screen, engine water level sensor, front fogs, wind deflector, etc. Superb condition. £4,895

2005 (05 Reg) Manual Petrol Finished in: Xpower Grey /Black Immaculate Facelift model TF115 fitted with glass heated rear screen, soft ride suspension, engine water level sensor. Also fitted with remote locking not standard to TF115’s, having covered just 40,000miles with a fully documented history. Outstanding condition, unrepeatable £4,295.

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

MARTIN MARTIN SMITH SMITH

www.churchsquareautos.com

www.usedmgtfspares.co.uk www.usedmgtfspares.co.uk

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.

1936 MGTA This car has been in the same family since 1968. It was in need of total restoration, which was carried out by the owner over the following four decades, finally seeing the road again in 2009. The body fit is excellent, as is the interior trim. Illness prevented fitting the hood, tonneau and sidescreens, all of which come with the car, plus the necessary fittings. The car has done very few miles since fitting a reconditioned MPJG engine about three years ago; it runs well, and shows 60+ psi oil pressure. Some spares available. For sale at £22,000, or near offer. For further details or to arrange viewing, please contact Stewart Penfound on 01273 507216 or via Email at spstuff@btinternet.com (Shoreham, West Sussex)

The MG specialists for MGF-MGTF -MG3

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

www.usedmgtfspares.co.uk

Tel: 07722 175473 Units 1&2, Westlane Farm, Westlane, East Lydford, Somerset TA11 7HD Email: smudgemg@yahoo.co.uk 92 SAFETY FAST! NOVEMBER 2018

Safety Fast_November18_48-98.indd 92

MGC GT 1969

Manual. Refurbed wire wheels with all new tyres, also new carpet set. Black leather and original steering wheel. The paintwork would need tending to in the future, but still a very attractive car at a bargain price of £11950. Please contact Email: robcook10@talktalk.net (for info and pics) Tel: 07798 678354. (Folkestone, Kent)

MGTF135

Owned since 2006. 44,000 miles, in excellent condition. Garaged & dry use mainly. Matching hard top, chrome roll bars with wind deflectors from Rimmer bros. Tomtom, Sony Bluetooth player, Lexus rear lights, (all original parts kept, rear lamps radio etc). Head upgrade by local MG specialist. All receipts etc. Recent front discs & pads. Contact for full pictures. Any inspection welcome private sale. Getting too old to use. £2850. Email kezton@btinternet.com or Tel: 07970875593. (Exeter, Devon)

Original paintwork of pearlescent woodcote green is deep and lustrous. Woodwork is unmarked and has no crazes or cracks. Seats in stone leather with matching carpets and trim. Car starts on the button, has done approx 53000 miles, uses no oil and is smooth and quiet. The suspension bushes have been replaced with modern poly bushes, a new starter motor and a recently fitted new mohair hood. The car comes with an unused spare wheel, wind break and hood tonneau. £18500 Tel Jamie 016263 65360 (Devon)

In silver. Outstandi used as weekend Car is always kept Mileage, 3 former Hard Top inc, Cust performance exha ed brake disks, coolant pipes fit eagle F1 tyres fitte £2,995, Contac 07722093011 (We

1979 MG Midg

73k miles. Origina trim. Excellent run 04/19. Dry use garaged. Owne £5750. Call 07902

2001 MGF 1.8

1934 MG NA Magnette

1994 MG RV8

MGTF 1.8 80th

2 seater. 1286cc., 6 cylinder, overhead cam. The car was bought in 1963 requiring a full rebuild, including upholstery, manufacture of new bonnet panels and other parts. This was completed in 1972.The present colour scheme would have been available for MGs of the period. This car competed in the 1935 Monte Carlo Rally as one of a team of 3 cars. It finished 77th overall and 26th in the Light Car Class. It was driven by E Denyil-Lee with codriver Charles Lewin. It was originally painted maroon and had cycle wings. These and other equipment were removed after the Rally and the car returned to its present standard form. £65000 o.v.n.o Contact: Norman Vankoningsveld 01379 643206

Cherished from reluctantly for sal British Racing cream/walnut leat trim. 81,500 miles Feb 2019. Origi garaged. Full histor ted 300 miles ago in 2017. Reasonab age. £1500 o 07866181793 (De

1980 MGB Ro

Excellent condition MOT to July 2019 tonneau, also cloth ber bumpers have conversion. £6000 or 01625 820380.

www.mgcc.co.uk

24/10/2018 16:57

CL ASSIFIEDS

enquiries@mgsforsale.com

www.mgsforsale.com

01707 876089

wire wheels with o new carpet set. d original steering work would need future, but still a r at a bargain price e contact Email: talk.net (for info 07798 678354. )

06. 44,000 miles, in on. Garaged & dry tching hard top, with wind deflecer bros. Tomtom, player, Lexus rear l parts kept, rear Head upgrade by st. All receipts etc. s & pads. Contact Any inspection sale. Getting too 850. Email net.com or Tel: xeter, Devon)

MGTF 1.8 80th Anniversary In silver. Outstanding condition only used as weekend car in summer. Car is always kept in garage. 43,938 Mileage, 3 former keepers, Fire Red Hard Top inc, Custom Trevor Taylor performance exhaust fitted, upgraded brake disks, Stainless steel coolant pipes fitted underneath, eagle F1 tyres fitted with full spare. £2,995, Contact James on 07722093011 (West Midlands).

Magnette

Chassis number 93. Believed to have been built as a dealer MGF Cup Race series promotion car but basically unused for most of its life and as a result it is completely rust and corrosion free. Fitted with full cage and fire eater system and comes with many spare wheels and boxes of bits some of which are possibly Cup car parts. 1800cc engine and gearbox supplied but not fitted. Road registered and I have applied for a V5c. Suitable basis for a competition car or could be converted back to road use. More pics available. £1750 or make an offer! For more info call Bob on 07870 407111 or Email: mgcarsscotland@gmail.com

73k miles. Original body panels and trim. Excellent running order. MOT 04/19. Dry use only. Always garaged. Owned since 1991. £5750. Call 07902298146 (Cambs).

www.mgsforsale.com

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

Factory produced , GD2D1 2389 in basically sound reliable running order, not a polished to death Trophy Queen nor a rust bucket and a bit scruffy under the bonnet. Repainted by a former owner of 39 years in Pewter, previously Tundra so who could blame him. Recently re-trimmed in red leather and grey carpet, surprisingly economical driven modestly. 31mpg in tour in Germany earlier this year. £15250, call Geoff 01562 851544 (N.Worcs)

MGA 1959

1980 MGB Roadster

Excellent condition, mileage 67508, MOT to July 2019. New hood and tonneau, also cloth cover. The rubber bumpers have had the chrome conversion. £6000.Tel 07787363713 or 01625 820380.

www.mgcc.co.uk

Safety Fast_November18_48-98.indd 93

MGB Roadster Mk1 Pull Door Handle (GPJ896C), three former keepers since Feb 1965, British Racing Green Coachwork, nicely mellowed Black leather interior trim, original period steering wheel, Mohair hood, chrome wire wheels, overdrive, older restoration on original shell with good structure, paintwork not perfect but still much admired, more recent works have included new correct period petrol tank, new brake calipers, electronic ignition, carburettor overhaul & carpeted boot, previously sold by ourselves, available now £12,495.00.

SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF OUR STOCK

1975 MGB GTV8

Cherished from new and now reluctantly for sale to good home. British Racing Green with cream/walnut leather and walnut trim. 81,500 miles, MOT until end Feb 2019. Original hood. Always garaged. Full history. Front tyres fitted 300 miles ago and new battery in 2017. Reasonable condition for age. £1500 ono. Paul on 07866181793 (Derbyshire).

MGB Roadster 1974 Restoration 2010 (ORH304M) Only 4 former keepers, chrome bumpers, overdrive, Rostyle wheels, nice but not perfect Blaze Red coachwork, structurally sound having had new castle rails, inner sills, jacking points etc. in 2010, very good condition original style Black vinyl interior trim, wood rim steering wheel, small history ﬁle with DVLA ownership data, old mot’s, invoices including structural build of 2010, nice tight power train providing a very pleasant driving experience indeed, just arrived £8,950.00

URGENTLY WANTED ANY MG ANY YEAR, ANY CONDITION

1979 MG Midget

2001 MGF 1.8i

, 6 cylinder, overar was bought in full rebuild, includanufacture of new d other parts. This 1972. The present would have been of the period. ted in the 1935 y as one of a team ed 77th overall and Car Class. It was nyil-Lee with coewin. It was origioon and had cycle other equipment fter the Rally and to its present stan0 o.v.n.o n Vankoningsveld

1995 MGF pre production

07831 556666

Imported from USA and chassis-up restoration in ‘90s. 33k miles since. MGB 5-bearing Fast Road engine 1950cc Stage 2 tuned with high lift cam, comp clutch, brake servo, 5 speed box, suspension antiroll bar, koni shocks, aluminium rad with twin Kenlowes. Electronic ignition. Luggage rack and bags, spares including non-louvred bonnet. Full history. £29,500. Tel: David 01404 45360

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

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

1960 MGA 1600 COUPE Iris Blue, blue leather trim, arm rest. Fully restored car from bare shell, everything restored or replaced. Fully rechromed, all new trim, bare shell repaint. New wings. Boot carpets, boot rack. Unleaded rebuilt engine. 5 speed gearbox conversion for effortless touring. Superb car, last owner since 1973! Would cost in excess of £60k to restore MGA Coupe like this. £32,500

1968 LANDROVER 88” SERIES 2 PETROL Marine Blue, new chassis, totally restored, new trim. Rear seats, seatbelts front and rear. Superb all round and a superb investment. £24,995

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

1973 MGB GT V8 RACER BRG, full race spec car, but road legal, ideal for race/track day/sprint or just fantastic fun on the road. 3.9l race spec engine. Extinguisher system. Race tyres. Full cage. Superbly prepped car and fantastic value @ £18,995

SEBRING SPRITES We manufacture these cars to order, we have all tooling etc and can produce 2-3 per year. Pictures show our sprint/climb car. They can be produced for sport or road use to spec (full bespoke trim has been manufactured and available in red, black and barley). Please call for more spec and info. From £27,995 (on new shell, other packages available - please call).

NOVEMBER 2018 SAFETY FAST! 93

24/10/2018 16:57

CL ASSIFIEDS 1933 MGJ2

1995 MGRV8

No 1562. Rare colour Oxford Blue, 28,000 miles, current owner since 2006. Garaged. £15,500. Contact James Mobile 07804 347797. Email: maydayjames@gmail.com (Cambridge)

MGTF135

Owned since 2006. 44,000 miles, in excellent condition. Garaged & dry use mainly. Matching hard top, chrome roll bars with wind deflectors from Rimmer bros. Tomtom, Sony Bluetooth player,Lexus rear lights,(all original parts kept,rear lamps radio etc).Head upgrade by local MG specialist.All receipts etc. Recent front discs& pads.contact for full pictures Any inspection welcome private sale..getting too old to use. £2850. Tony Noble. Email: kezton@btinternet.com or tel: 07970875593. (Exeter)

1933 J2 MG

Registration, original numbers for chassis, engine and body. Not concourse but a good usable car. Present owner for 44 years, kept as original as possible with a long list of work carried out, £30,000 Email dkeithjeffreys@gmail.com Tel: no 01629813376, for details and more photos. (Derbyshire)

Rare swept wing model. Black with green trim. Lovely condition, fitted with uprated brakes but originals available. Realistically priced - I need the space for a new project. £28,000. Tel: 01344 424258. (Berkshire)

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

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

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

MGZR Express 160 Van

Genuine very rare 160 Express with 29,000 miles from new! One previous owner with sales invoice. All electrics plus optional Air Con, coil over suspension, spare wheel & toolkit. In very good condition. Recent 12 months M.O.T and service. Ideal advertising vehicle or track car. A fast and fun MG. Would px for MGF/TF or disabilty vehicle, hence sale. £3995 or any offers considered.new! Mark 07976 693650 (West Midlands)

94 SAFETY FAST! NOVEMBER 2018

Safety Fast_November18_48-98.indd 94

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

24/10/2018 16:57

correspondence. All adverts should be submitted by the 10th of the month for the following months issue.

Speed of the Wind

SALE FORSALE SPARES SPARESFOR HOW TO ADVERTISE HOW TO ADVERTISE

Members Memberscan canadvertise advertisetheir their spares sparesfor forsale/wanted sale/wantedfree freeofof charge chargefor foritems itemsup uptoto£250. £250.Over Over £250, £250,ororfor fornon-members non-memberstoto advertise, advertise,there thereisisaacharge chargeofof£20. £20. ToTosubmit submityour youradvertisement advertisement email emailColin ColinGrant Grantatat colingrant@mgcc.co.uk. colingrant@mgcc.co.uk.Please Please remember remembertotoinclude includeyour your membership membershipnumber numberininallall correspondence. correspondence.AllAlladverts advertsshould should be besubmitted submittedbybythe the10th 10thofofthe the month monthfor forthe thefollowing followingmonths monthsissue. issue.

Speed Speedofofthe theWind Wind

By ByR.R.S.S.Lyons. Lyons.AAcomprehensive comprehensive and andRomantic RomanticStory Storyofof Speedmen Speedmeneverywhere. everywhere. Edited Editedby byCaptan CaptanG.G.E.E.T.T.Eyston Eyston 1936 1936Card Cardcover coveredition editioniningood good condition. condition.£20.00 £20.00plus pluspostage postage Contact ContactPaul Paulon on01872 0187224214 24214

Roadster MGB MGBRoadster

fibre pairofoffibre bumperpair Chrome Chromebumper test evertest Onlyever wings.Only frontwings. glass glassfront pair £100pair plan.£100 Changeofofplan. fitted. fitted.Change largely axlelargely banjoaxle MGBbanjo ono. ono.MGB and brakesand includesbrakes complete completeincludes ono. £250ono. diff.£250 nodiff. butno shaftsbut half halfshafts email 07742067072email Phone Phone07742067072 davidwitham1961@yahoo.co.uk davidwitham1961@yahoo.co.uk (Warwick) (Warwick)

YYType Type

Radiator Radiator£40 £40 Inlet/exhaust Inlet/exhaustmainifold mainifoldwith withSU SU carburettor carburettorand andalloy alloyair airfilter. filter.£70 £70 Inlet/exhaust Inlet/exhaustmanifold manifold£30 £30 Pair Pairofofhandbrake handbrakecables, cables, unused unused bargain bargainat, at,(half (halfnormal normal price price) )£70 £70 Front Frontengine enginebearer bearer £30 £30 MGB MGB Pair PairofofSU SUcarburettors carburettors£40 £40 MG MGTA TA 66volt voltbattery battery trays trays£40 £40 Front Frontwing wingbrace brace£30 £30 Radiator Radiatorheadlight headlighttie tiebracket bracket £30 £30 11petrol petroltank tankend endpanel panel £15 £15 Buyer Buyercollects, collects,parts partslocated locatedinin Darlington Darlingtonarea. area. ororpostage postagecan can be bearranged arrangedatatcost. cost. Tel: Tel:Richard Richardon on01833 01833660000 660000oror email email rgb_architects@gmx.com rgb_architects@gmx.com

MGC MGCROADSTER ROADSTERSPARES SPARES inc incaluminium aluminiumbonnet bonnetwith withfittings, fittings,

windscreen windscreenframe, frame,engine engineblock, block, exhaust exhaustmanifolds, manifolds,flywheel flywheel&& more. more.01604505723 01604505723oror mgrey47997@aol.com mgrey47997@aol.com(Northants) (Northants) MGC MGC Sound Sounddeadening, deadening,under underbonnet bonnet felt felt11piece, piece,new newand andunused unusedfrom from Moss. Moss.Part PartNumber NumberAHC925/6. AHC925/6. Free Freecollection collectionororpostage postageatatcost. cost. Telephone Telephone07801259261 07801259261 (Towcester) (Towcester)

MG MGMidget Midget

1275 1275cylinder cylinderhead head£70 £70 Propshaft Propshaft £10. £10.Radio Radiocentre centre cons conswith withspeaker speaker£10 £10 4.2 4.2diff diffassy assy £30 £30 55half halfshafts shaftssteel steelwheels wheels £60 £60 Early Earlytype typerack rackand andpinnion pinnion£30 £30 Oil Oilcooler cooler £15 £15 13" 13"steering steeringwheel wheel£5 £5 Tel Tel 07782 07782659936. 659936.(West (WestWilts) Wilts)

www.mgcc.co.uk

Safety Fast_November18_48-98.indd 95

By R. S. Lyons. A comprehensive and Romantic Story of Speedmen everywhere. MGA MGA Edited by Captan G. E. T. Eyston Special SpecialTuning TuningBook Book(AKD (AKD819A) 819A) 1936 £4 £4Card cover edition in good condition. £20.00 plus postage MG MGMagnette Magnette Workshop Workshop manual manual Contact Paul on (AKD (AKD573) 573)£5 £5 01872 24214 MGA MGAService ServiceParts PartsList List3rd 3rd

WANTED

A pair (one LH / one RH) of original door spears for 1956 MG Magnette ZA. Must be original brass items.Re-chroming no problem. Please contact Iain on 0141 334 5090 Mob: 07824 CL ASSIFIEDS 793459. iainwright3@aol.com

WANTED

Radiator Shell for MG TF (1955). Happy to consider one that needs re-chroming or minor repair. Please contact John 07979 315075 or Email: mcdougalljs@btinternet.com

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

Edition Edition (1215) (1215)Would Wouldbenefit benefitfrom from Roadster MGB (1579) (1579)£5 £5 pair of fibre bumper Chrome MGB MGBWorkshop Workshopmanual.(Haynes manual.(Haynes wings. Only ever test front glass 111) 111)£4 £4 Change of plan. £100 pair fitted. mandmbryan@talktalk.net mandmbryan@talktalk.net

ono. MGB banjo axle largely complete includes brakes and shafts but no diff. £250 ono. half MGF/TF MGF/TF email Silver 07742067072 Phone Heritage Heritage hard hardtop topPlatinum Platinum Silver davidwitham1961@yahoo.co.uk paint paintcode code(MNX). (MNX). Complements Complements (Warwick) any anybody bodycolour. colour.Very Verygood goodconcondition ditionwith withlight lightbeige beigeleather leatherroof roof

lining.Complete Completewith withworking working Ylining. Type

heated heatedrear rearscreen. screen.Fits FitsallallMGFs MGFs Radiator £40 Inlet/exhaust mainifold with SU &&TFs TFsininjust just aafew fewminutes, minutes, carburettor andinto alloy air filter. hardtop hardtopclips clips intoplace place over over£70 the the Inlet/exhaust manifold £30 folded foldedsoft softtop.Wall top.Wallstorage storage Pair of handbrake cables, brackets bracketsincluded. included.£250. £250.Buyer Buyer unused bargain at, (half normal lects. col col price )lects. £70 Also Also MG MGRover Rover boot boot rack rackininvery very Front engine bearer £30 good goodcondition conditionwith withallallfitting fitting MGB including including locks,&&fitting fitting instrucinstrucPair of SU locks, carburettors £40 MG TA Please tions. tions. Pleasephone phone01302 01302570 570 6 209 volt battery trays 209for foreither either item item£40 (leave (leavemesmesFront wing brace £30 sage sage if ifnot not in). in). (South (SouthYorkshire) Yorkshire) Radiator headlight tie bracket £30 1 petrol tank end panel £15 MG MGMidget Midget Buyer collects, parts located in Maniflow Maniflowexhaust exhaustmanifold manifold Darlington area. or postage can throughthe the car. Stage StageIIIILCB LCB bethrough arranged atcar. cost. Part Part no no CLM031RSII CLM031RSII Tel: Richard on 01833 660000 or Bought Bought new newbut butnever neverbeen been email rgb_architects@gmx.com used, used,suit suitcompetition competitionSpridget Spridget £150. £150.Tel Tel01179650890 01179650890ororemail email MGC ROADSTER SPARES peter_batty@hotmail.com peter_batty@hotmail.com

inc aluminium bonnet with fittings,

windscreen frame, engine block, exhaust manifolds, flywheel REGISTRATION REGISTRATION FOR FOR&SALE SALE more. 01604505723 or T15 T15EMG. EMG.Turbo Turbo1.5 1.5Engine EngineMG, MG, mgrey47997@aol.com (Northants) This ThisISISEco, Eco,Electric, Electric, Eric’s Eric’sMG MG ??. ??.Offers Offersplease please MGC Krg969@sky.com, Krg969@sky.com,07955 07955 Sound deadening, under bonnet 767674, 767674, (Hampshire) (Hampshire)

felt 1 piece, new and unused from Moss. Part Number AHC925/6. TTand andYYParts Parts Free collection or postage at cost. TC TCset set3307801259261 tool toolkitkitspanners spanners£30. £30. Telephone TD/Y TD/Ypair pairheadlamps headlamps£90. £90.TF TF (Towcester)

Front Frontvalance valance(below (belowgrille) grille)new new £20. £20.Rear Rearbuklkhead/door buklkhead/doorpillar pillar MG Midget panel panelfor forrestoration restoration£20. 1275 cylinder head £70£20. T/Y T/Ypetrol petrolcap, cap,new new£40. £40. Propshaft £10. Radio centre Lucas Lucaswiper motor-working motor-working£50. £50. cons withwiper speaker £10 Tel: Tel:01344 01344424258 424258

4.2 diff assy £30 5 half shafts steel wheels £60 Early type rack and pinnion £30 Registration Registration Number Number Oil cooler £15 IfIfyou youare are building buildingaaworks worksreplirepli13" wheel £5 ca casteering MGB, MGB,Mini Mini ororHealey Healeythen thentoto Tel 07782 659936. (West Wilts) finish finish it itoff off you youneed need aanumber number

close closetotoaaworks worksone!. one!. I Ihave have GRX GRX865D 865Don onretention retentionfor for immediate immediatetransfer transfer £1250 £1250oror make makean anoffer! offer!For Formore moreinfo infocall call Bob Bobon on07870 07870407111 407111ororemail email mgcarsscotland@gmail.com mgcarsscotland@gmail.com

H4 H4

Two Twocompatable compatableL.E.D. L.E.D.headlight headlight bulbs bulbsfor forsale. sale.£38. £38.Please Pleasering ring 01363 01363775672. 775672.

Number NumberPlate Platefor forSale Sale £2500.00contact contact 6151MG 6151MG£2500.00

Heritage hard top Platinum Silver paint code (MNX). Complements any body colour. Very good condition with light beige leather roof lining. Complete with working heated rear screen. Fits all MGFs & TFs in just a few minutes, hardtop clips into place over the MG MGMidget Midget Mark Mark 22 folded soft top.Wall storage 1964 1964original original carpet carpet set setBuyer ininblack. black. brackets included. £250. Average Averagecondition conditionbeleived beleivedcomcomlects. col pletet pletet£25 £25plus pluspostage. postage. Also MG Rover boot rack in very Also Also interior interior trim trim kit, kit, black black good condition with all fitting conbeleived beleived complete, complete, average average condition dition£25 £25 plus plus postage. including locks, &postage. fitting instrucMGB MGB Workshjop Workshjop manual. manual. Good tions. Please phone 01302 Good 570 condition condition £15.00 £15.00 pluspostage. postage. 209 for either item plus (leave mesTel Tel01483 01483480413 480413 sage if not in). (South Yorkshire)

David Davidon on01400272602 01400272602ororemail email davesmart1@btinternet.com. davesmart1@btinternet.com.

WANTED WANTED

MG Midget

Maniflow exhaust manifold WANTED WANTED through the IIRH) LCB AApair pair(one (onecar. LH LH/Stage /one oneRH) ofoforigiorigiPart no CLM031RSII nal naldoor door spears spearsfor for1956 1956MG MG Bought newZA. butMust never been Magnette Magnette ZA. Must be be original original used, suit competition Spridget brass brass items.Re-chroming items.Re-chroming no no £150. Tel 01179650890 orIain email problem. problem. Please Pleasecontact contact Iainon on peter_batty@hotmail.com 0141 0141334 3345090 5090Mob: Mob:07824 07824

WANTED

Parts for Naylor 1700 cc TF (year 1989). Rear suspension coil springs (pair). Manufacturer’s part no. E 10.5150 (AVO Ltd) . Also: Rear suspension shock absorbers (pair). Manufacturer’s part no. PF/ 160 / 105. jshross@btinternet.com

793459. 793459. iainwright3@aol.com iainwright3@aol.com

WANTED WANTED REGISTRATION FOR SALE

Radiator RadiatorShell Shellfor forMG MGTF TF(1955). (1955).

URGENTLY WANTED

T15 EMG.toto Turbo 1.5 Engine MG, Happy Happy consider consider one one that that This IS Eco, Electric, Eric’s MG needs needs re-chroming re-chroming oror minor minor ??. Offers pleasecontact repair. repair. Please Please contact John John 07979 07979315075 315075 oror Email: Email: Krg969@sky.com, 07955 mcdougalljs@btinternet.com mcdougalljs@btinternet.com 767674, (Hampshire)

MIKE ROLLS

MGA/MGB/MGC/V8/ 2016 MIDGET/SPRITE ETC WANTED WANTED

SERVICES FOR MGs

Parts for Naylor Naylor1700 1700cccc TF TF(year (year TParts and YforParts Any Condition from non

runners to rebuilt cars

1989). 1989). Rear Rear suspension coil coil TC set 3 tool kit suspension spanners £30. springs springs(pair). (pair).Manufacturer’s Manufacturer’s TD/Y pair headlamps £90. TF part partno. no.EE10.5150 10.5150 (AVO (AVOLtd) Ltd). . Front valance grille)shock new Also: Also: Rear Rear(below suspension suspension shock or any time on TRADE MEMBERbuklkhead/door £20. Rear pillar absorbers absorbers (pair). (pair).Manufacturer’s Manufacturer’s panel for £20. part partno. no.restoration PF/ PF/160 160 / /105. 105. Email: jshross@btinternet.com jshross@btinternet.com T/Y petrol cap, new £40. Lucas wiper Website: motor-working £50. (Northwood, Middlesex) Tel: 01344 424258

Please call Edward

Specialising in all MG’s 07774 484497 01923 840236 ejwhitescars@aol.com TEL/FAX: 01258 820337 www.mgandporsche.com

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

Registration Number

2016 6 If you201 are building a works replica MGB, Mini or Healey then to in all MG’s TRADEit MEMBER finish off you need a Specialising number 01258 820337 close to a worksTEL/FAX: one!. I have Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 8am-6pm, Wed: 8am-5pm, Sat: 8am-1pm GRX 865D on retention for immediate transfer MG TF RED -1954 £1250 or MG TF 1250cc, withinfo original make an1954, offer! For Red more callred interior and black carpets. This car was originally Bob on 07870 407111 or exported email to Switzerland and was always been right hand drive, in 2001 it was re-imported mgcarsscotland@gmail.com

SERVICES FOR MGs

to this country after having a mechanical restoration over there. It is a very genuine car with a great MG number plate, lovely history with black and white pictures of the family that owned it H4when new, it has recently had new wire wheels and tyres ﬁtted andcompatable comes with goodL.E.D. weather headlight gear and heritage certiﬁcate. This TF drives beautifully. £26,995 Two

bulbs MGfor TCsale. - 1948£38. Please ring 01363 775672. MG TC, 1948, British Racing Green, ﬁtted with a re-con engine

and 5 speed gearbox supplied by Andy King and has only done 1,500mls since fitted. The car has black interior, aero screen, Number Plate for Sale telescopic shock absorbers at the front, 16in wheels at the front and 19in wheels£2500.00 at the back, good hood, weather gear, (side screens a 6151MG contact little tatty) and history file. Theor is aemail very good usable classic which David on 01400272602 is lovely as is but could be improved if wanted. £24,500 davesmart1@btinternet.com. 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. DAX 427 COBRA -1973 Dax 427 Cobra, 1973, Built between 1984 - 1988 using number one of a series two chassis, Jaguar series two front suspension and Jaguar S Type rear suspension and Spax shocks all round, it has a Chevy 5.7ltr engine with a Getrag gearbox. Dark blue with grey interior, MOT’d until May 2019 and comes with good history file with invoices etc. This cobra is now a historic vehicle, tax exempt and built to a high standard. £29,995 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”

NOVEMBER 2018 SAFETY FAST! 95

24/10/2018 16:57

Insurance for all MG’s classic and modern

Call for a quote today

01376 574000

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Colne Classics

MG Power Steering and restoration specialists

www.classicmg.co.uk MGB V8 Supersports Roadster, Heritage shell. This bespoke, ultimate MGB was hand built by the MG Owners club workshop and magazine featured during the build, Grey leather interior with mohair hood. 2001-2002. 4.6 litre engine with R380, 5 Speed gearbox. Too many details to list please call for speci cation £29,500

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

NEW MGB Baulk Rings

www.bighealey.co.uk

MGR V8 in Oxford Blue, 25,500 miles Repatriated in 2004 and fully maintained regardless of cost. Rare colour, air conditioning. No.1134 with R380 gearbox. £23,500

CNC Machined in the UK to our specification Brass 2nd & 3rd/4th £59.95+VAT Steel 4 synchro £49.95+VAT

30 MGS FOR SALE MGS URGENTLY WANTED TO PURCHASE

For the ‘best’ in MG high-performance Parts Hotline: +44(0)1543 472244 E-mail: sales@bighealey.co.uk DENIS WELCH MOTORSPORT, YOXALL, BURTON ON TRENT, STAFFS DE13 8NA, UK

STEVE McKIE SPORTSCARS Tel: 01932 568822

CHESTERFIELD

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

KEEPING MORRIS & MG ALIVE FOR THE FUTURE Welding to MOT standards Vehicle safety checks undertaken

DERBYSHIRE

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

Mechanical repairs and servicing Bodywork/paintwork

www.stevemckiesportscars.co.uk

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

The Great British

•

Specialists in the repair and restoration of MG cars

Steering Wheel

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

13:0

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

Steve McKie Sports Cars Hi-Res.indd 1

23/06/2010 13:46

The Brooklands We manufacture the BROOKLANDS

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

Ww14” ENo Nalso in W

NO ABLE Ivo AILry AV

Now also 15½ inch wheel

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

john@johnkimble.co.uk

K KIMBLE

Tel: 01803 835757 Fax: 01803 834567

Premium Quality since 2003 • Custom Indoor from £150

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

EST 1969

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

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

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

96 SAFETY FAST! NOVEMBER 2018

Safety Fast_November18_48-98.indd 96

I-240085.indd 1

15/05/2017 www.mgcc.co.uk

13:33

24/10/2018 16:57

Call for a quote today

01376 574000 CL ASSIFIEDS

B12 - BARRIE CARTER_CLASSIC MOTORING 19/04/2018 09:35 Page 1

Insurance for all MG’s classic and modern

X-pag’ – ‘X-pag’

www.classiccarinsurance.co.uk

‘T-type’ – ‘T-type’ – ‘T-type’ ‘X-pag’ – ‘X-pag’ – ‘X-pag’

spect and we buyWe and selland T-types andT-types otherand classics. restore refresh both X-pag engines, gearboxes, trim, paint; every aspect and we buy and sell T-types and other classics. Running out of T’s for we have some interesting objects to occupy yourself after retirement and banishment to the garage. f after retirement and banishment tosale thebutgarage.

or many nd call for

Very unusual and rare cycle car. A French Poiriet FIAT 124 125cc and 200 miles COUPE 1975 indicated delightfully RHD. Superb differentinterior and with original, 2 dash seats and 3 gears and protector, mini-lite you won’t fall off and we have another one! This has rep wheels. Unmarked paintwork, lovely chrome. In lovely done a un-welded colossal condition, 600 miles! Both unrestored and nice you will never find one like this. Beautiful £4,500 inside each.and out. £12,995

I seem to have acquired a corner of dormant but redeemable MGs. “So eyes down looking”, as the bingo caller said. 2 TD’s. Both from the I.O.M. and both in awaiting redemption mood. Not rusty old heaps. Just driven into storage and left, as the elderly owner could no longer drive. Both are RHD and have been in long term ownership. No 1 is red and very solid, and I’ll get it running. Good interior and chrome, and has had an historical rebuild. No 2 is old English white has had a body off rebuild at some point, it will be running shortly. They both need recommissioning are very sound and not rust heaps. Both are £16,250.00 Also, the time warp TC which I sold some years ago. It is a running car that after a fettling exercise can be used as is. Delightfully scruffy with GF wings, it has had one owner for over

50 years. It would be lovely with cycle wings. £17,950.00 And to cap that then this Pinto Engined Roller Skate has come from the same Manx collection and is registered as a Lotus 7 - which it may be… I’m no expert in these things, but I reckon its a cracker! Totally complete and running, with that identity I think it’s worth £7,000.00. Try me. Ruby is not so much a faded Queen, but a 2 owner pretender to the throne. £6,250.00. And then we have this twice ex championship TC highly prized and known in MG TC racing circles. I bought it to use on the road as a hooligan, but my aging limbs make ingress and egress a little difficult. Full race 1350 engine. LSD telescopics, anti tramp bars… and much more. A thoroughly well sorted race wining TC with a rather scruffy disposition and so cheap at £22,500.

T-Type restorations and XPAG engine rebuilds and general MG servicing are the mainstay of our business. We welcome your custom.

www.barriecartermg.com

FIAT 124 COUPE 1975 RHD. A beautiful unrestored Australian car, 1 owner for 25 years, soon here, please ring. 4Sight Lighting Company....................68

Hoyle Suspension ................................67

Adrian Flux ..........................................87

Just Right Autos Ltd.............................58

EST’D

1989

Autoseal.................................................8 Kimble Engineering Ltd .......................96 T-Type restorations and XPAG engine rebuilds .......................................97 Kmaps .................................................91 and general Barrie MG Carter servicing are the mainstay of our Beech Hill Garage................................94 Longstone Tyres .................................20 business. We welcome your custom. Bespoke Rallies ..................................54

mg.com

OOF

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RT NO. _ _ _ _ _

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URGENT PROOF MG GEARBOX AXLE DIFFERENTIAL CM04.18/B9/ffr

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

dy off rebuild terior is all urbishment. chrome. ared and w weather 26,950

My corner of Faded Splendour

CM06.18/B12/dfff

THIS MY OWN MX5. A This is a Mk1 very rare MK1 very early bytoa MX5car thatrestored according Westland Helicopter engineer. garage It must my be MoT the only MXhas with never been welded. unscuffed leather seats. It has a twin stainless exhaust, It passed with no upratedadvisories. brakes, adjustable It is the shocks,rare newV spec, hoodwith et al.unmarked It handles and interior, drives superbly. leather Brace bar, Alloy coil wheels propel it. These cars embody the ultimate 60s sports overs overs, alloy wheels, electric windows, full original experience without the problems. It also has £1000 worthtool of kit, player. and appears to be rust free I had a new with hood today's fitted last stereo/cd Yesterday's classic panache reliability. quickly exhilarating year.I love It is fiit…a tted with a veryappreciating expensive radio and DVD player, bolide…and onlyone£3,995. Lotus itbadge on…then itsit40k. whatever of thosePut is, Iabought for myself and used all last summer, but now it needs a new appreciator. A rare MK1 andPOIRIET sought after... I hope... £5,250 FRENCH 125cc.

Manor Garage .....................................87

Martincheck Smith Used ......92for errors in style, content OVERDRIVE SPECIALISTS Please thisMGTF proofSpares carefully and layout. Mech-Mate Ltd ...................................25 Although every care is exercised in preparing your advert, we cannot hold C.C.H.L ...............................................76 MG Mecca...........................................93 OVERHAUL – REPAIR – EXCHANGE UNITS ourselves responsible for any inaccuracies you may overlook. British Motor Heritage.........................IFC Brown and Gammons.........................11

FULL WORKSHOP FITTING MG Motorsport ...................................67 YOU REQUIRE ANY ALTERATIONS TO THIS PROOF PLEASE Car Service pack .................................72SHOULD MG Sales Centre .................................41 Car Cover Shop ..................................96

SERVICE AVAILABLE

All work carried out by time-served Carole Nash Insurance .........................8TELEPHONE BEFORE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ AND QUOTE ADVERT NO. _ _ _ _ _ Midland Classic Restoration ..................3 BMC/BL engineers Chertsey Minors .................................96 Church Square Autos ..........................92 Classic & Sports Cars (Essex)........80-81 Classic Motor Hub ...............................43 Clive Wheatley .....................................89 College Motors Burford .......................91

Mike Authurs Classics (MG Midgets) ..94

Mike Rolls ............................................95 Mike Satur ...........................................63 Moss Europe Ltd .................................25 NTG Services....................................OBC

Worldwide Mail Order Service Visit our eBay Shop and Website for products and details

Unit 20c (Rear of 20/22)

T 020 8577 1505

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w heathrowtransmissions.co.uk

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

Oselli Ltd ..............................................63 Colne Classics .....................................96We reserve the right to charge for any alteration to this Peter Best ..............................IBC, 96, 97 COYS ...................................................48 is a departure from the original copy Peter James Insurance .......................68 Crown Classic Cars .............................91 Rally Preparation Services ...................25 David Manners ......................................8 Rees Bros ............................................68 Dennis Welch.......................................96 Retro Sports Cars ...............................10 Distributor Doctor.................................67 Don Trimming ......................................97 Rimmer Bros Ltd .................................85

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Fishers Services ..................................87

Skiptune...............................................87

Footman James ..................................22

SMR ....................................................93

Former Glory........................................96

Steve McKie Sports Cars.....................96

Foston’s Ash Inn ..................................74

Summit MG.........................................72

Frontline ..............................................36

Sussex Classic Car Parts.....................89

Halls Garage ........................................91

The Hutson Motor Co Ltd ......................3

Heathrow Transmission .......................97

Torro Sports Cars Ltd...........................94

Hewitt Racing ......................................94

Vitesse Global Ltd ................................85

www.mgcc.co.uk

Safety Fast_November18_48-98.indd 97

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.

Choice of heavy duty PVC, ICI Vynide, Everflex, Duc k and Mohair AL MAKES & L incl: MG, MODELS Tr Escort, Giumph, olf etc.

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NOVEMBER 2018 SAFETY FAST! 97

24/10/2018 16:58

LOOKING BACK IF YOU CAN TELL US MORE ABOUT ANY OF THESE CARS OR THE EVENTS, WE ARE ALWAYS KEEN TO HEAR FROM YOU AT KIMBER HOUSE; CONTACT THE MGCC ARCHIVIST PETE NEAL ON PETERNEAL@MGCC.CO.UK.

The official publication of The MG Car Club Incorporating ‘The M.G. Magazine’, ‘The Sports Car’ and ‘Brooklands Track and Air’, Safety Fast! Copyright MG Car Club 2018 Editor: Andy Knott 01235 849730 / 01235 555552 andyknott@mgcc.co.uk Deputy Editor: Colin Grant 01235 849733 colingrant@mgcc.co.uk Editorial Committee: William Ball, Andy Knott, Colin Grant, Adam Sloman PR and Communications: Jade Beckett 01235 849731 Advertising: Hine Marketing 01452 730770 Published by: Hine Marketing, Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton Glos, GL2 9LN. Tel: 01452 730770 Distributed by: Air Business. Merlin Centre, 4 The, Acrewood Way, St Albans AL4 0JY Tel: 01727 890600 President: John Day Vice Presidents: Ron Gammons, Don Hayter, Peter Best, Bill Silcock. Chairman: Dave Tynan

eoff Dear takes the exNancy Mitchell MGA through the first test in the West Hants and Dorset C.C. Hartwell Cup Trial in 1959. Needless to say, he went on to win his class. Photo by A. Hollister. Could this be an MG TD? It could when it sports a body by Bertone and was marketed by Stanley H. Arnolt of Chicago, USA. Philip Bayne-Powell’s 1953 Arnolt MG convertible was photographed by Mark Rathbone on the 1998 Regency Run. Here we see Mark Prutton with the car that helped him win the ACEquip Championship and the Cockshoot Cup in 1999. Photo by Paul Goodman.

Vice Chairman: George Wilder Treasurer: Richard Colston Directors: Dave Saunders, Peter Opie and Peter Cook Company Secretary: Colin Grant Staff Members: Adam Sloman (General Manager 01235 849732), John Hutchison (Competitions Secretary 01235 849738), Andy Knott (01235 849730), Liz Allsworth (Membership Secretary 01235 849734), Colin Grant (01235 849733), Jade Beckett (01235 849731), Cherina Scarrott (Finance Officer 01235 849736) and Ineke Sherman (Merchandise 01235 849737) Honorary Members: Michael Allison, Ron Gammons, Peter Best, Don Hayter, John Quenby, Sir Stirling Moss, Paddy Hopkirk, Norman Ewing, Piers Hubbard, Rob Oldaker, Steve Hanegan, Gerry McGovern, June Wallis, Ann Hawke, John Dutton, John Day, Julian White, Bill Silcock. Company limited by guarantee The Club, as a corporate body established as the MG Car Club Limited, is a company limited by guarantee. Every member of the Club undertakes to contribute to the assets of the Club in the event of its being wound up while he is a member, or within one year after he ceases to be a member, for payment of the debts and liabilities of the Club contracted before he ceases to be a member, and the costs, charges and expenses of winding up, and for the adjustment of the rights of the contributors among themselves, such amount as may be required, not exceeding one pound. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information at the time of going to press, neither The Publisher (herein referred to as Hine Marketing), the Editor, nor the MG Car Club can accept any responsibility or loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any material in the publication. The opinions of authors are their own and Hine Marketing, the Editor and the MG Car Club are not bound to agree with opinions expressed herein. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Safety Fast! and The MG Car Club badge are protected through trademark registration in the UK and in the foreign countries where Safety Fast! circulates. Readers are warned that if they attempt any mechanical or other modifications or methods referred to herein, they do so at their own risk and no liability will attach to the MG Car Club, the Editor nor Hine Marketing. Neither shall the MG Car Club, the Editor nor Hine Marketing have any responsibility for the accuracy of the content of the editorial, neither the content of any advertisement published in Safety Fast! It should be noted that neither Hine Marketing, the Editor, nor the MG Car Club make any recommendation in respect of any goods and/ or services advertised or featured in this issue. It is the responsibility of readers to satisfy themselves that the goods or services offered or referred to are bona fide and in no instance shall Hine Marketing, the Editor or the MG Car Club be held responsible for the quality or suitability of any such items.

98 SAFETY FAST! NOVEMBER 2018

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www.mgcc.co.uk

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

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

Approved Insurance Provider

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

0328 PBIS MG Car Club Advert 297x210mm_ART3.indd 1 Safety Fast_Nov18_Covers.indd 3

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

T& Type or MGA &

series catalogues- email or phone for your copy

NTG Motor ervices Ltd 2 2-2 Bramford Road pswich Tel + 1 1/2 a + 1 2 sales mgbits.com

P1 A

British Motor Heritage Approved - founded 19

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