Safety Fast! October 2019

THE MARQUE OF FRIENDSHIP

October 2019 Volume 63 Number 10 £3.95

THE

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CLUB

LT D

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

THE THIN BLUE LINE ● MG RECORD BREAKING-THE FINAL YEARS ● LET THE SHOCK TAKE THE STRAIN Safety Fast_Cover October2019.indd 1

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SH TI I BR 8 T A 94 E 1 GR CE A N I S

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WELCOME OCTOBER HIGHLIGHTS

MGCC AT THE SNETTERTON 300 Join the MGCC for the last Club race meeting of the year on October 5, as several of our championships go down to the wire. It’s going to be an exciting meeting. Information from www.mgcc. co.uk/motorsport/

T

he summer seems to have flown by in the UK, with plenty of chances to use your MG due to the mostly wonderful weather we experienced. Lots of members took the opportunity to visit Kimber House, and it was wonderful to see you all. In September we had a rather special group of visitors over two days. They were at Kimber House to be awarded their 50-year membership awards. These are members who joined the Club whilst the MGB was heading towards the peak of production and the Abingdon factory was a hive of activity – what wonderful times.

As we move on to the darker, colder nights my activity turns from driving the MGs on a regular basis to more maintenance and a mild restoration of my MGF, which has been a bit neglected over the past couple of years. Hopefully it’ll all be up together and look presentable for 2020, which happens to be the 25th anniversary of the MGF. The MGF Register have got a large event planned for July 25-26 to be held at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon – make a note in your diaries as it promises to be an event not to be missed. More details will be published in Safety Fast! in due course, but do keep an eye out on the dedicated website www.mgf25.org If all goes to plan! At the November Classic Car show we hope to introduce you to our 2020-2021 project car, a two-seater, affordable classic built before 1995! I’ll leave you guessing for now, but for those who are keen to see it before we announce it in Safety Fast!, don’t forget to book your NEC tickets using the Club discount code, which will give you preferential rates on the on-the-door rate. You can book the tickets securely at www.necclassicmotorshow.com/club-tickets using the MG Car Club code of CC5708.

It’s a wonderful show which seems to increase in size year on year; hopefully I’ll get to see you there.

Until next month, drive safely.

Andy Knott

Membership Type

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ZR/ZS/ZT REGISTER OPEN DAY A chance to go behind the scenes at Kimber House in Abingdon on October 6. Tour the Club building and browse the large range of regalia and merchandise in the Club shop.

More details from www.mgcc.co.uk/ zedregister/

AUTUMN LEAVES RUN Join the Tyne Tees on October 20 for their final run of the year as it winds down in a relaxed style, a fine 57-mile route finishing with a Sunday Lunch at the Emirates Riverside Stadium. Entry form in this issue.

MGCC AGM The AGM is being held on October 26, at the Hilton Garden Hotel, Abingdon, commencing at 3.00pm. All members are welcome to attend. For the agenda and details see last month’s news page.

For many more events during October please visit www.mgcc.co.uk

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

www.mgcc.co.uk

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JULY 2016 SAFETY FAST! 3 www.mgcc.co.uk

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INSIDE REGULARS 7

Club Matters and Kimber House News

8

News

10 Products 12 Postbag 14 Young Members Branch 65 Race Torque 66 MGs on Track 67 MGCC Speed Championship 69 Centre Updates 80 Register Updates 92 Classifieds 98 Looking Back

NEWSLETTERS 39 Triple M Newsletter 44 MG635 Newsletter

FEATURES 16 THE THIN BLUE LINE The Metropolitan Police undercover MGC, WGJ 208G

23 MG RECORD BREAKING An article marking the 60th anniversary of The 1969 Metropolitan Police undercover MGC photographed in a rural Oxfordshire setting. Photo: Andy Knott

23

the final outing of EX181

31 LET THE SHOCK TAKE THE STRAIN SPAX, a British company producing suspension products since 1959

48 OLD NUMBER ONE IN AUSTRALIA? Matt and Colleen Spoljarevic of

31 57

Queensland, and their replica of Cecil Kimber’s ‘Old Number One’

52 THE NAMGAR ANNUAL GATHERING Report on the 2019 annual MGA gathering for North America that took place in Dubuque, Iowa

57 AN ACTION-PACKED OULTON PARK All the action from the penultimate MG Car Club race meeting of the 2019 season

60 BTCC ACTION All the British Touring Car action from Thruxton and Knockhill

www.mgcc.co.uk

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www.mgcc.co.uk

23/09/2019 15:28

CHAIRMANS NEWS

W

hen I wrote last month’s notes I was reflecting on the recent heatwave; well, I wasn’t expecting the warm weather to come back but what a pleasant surprise, giving us more time for enjoying our MGs. I am coming up to completing my first year as MG Car Club Chairman, and whilst I have really enjoyed my time I have had to make a very difficult decision.

Like a large majority of you I am still working full time and unfortunately my job is going through a number of changes which will see my free time reduced somewhat. This would mean that I won’t have the time required to give 100% as Club Chairman. I therefore contacted our President advising him that I would not be seeking re-election as Chairman at our October AGM. This is not a decision I have taken lightly.

This led to lots of discussions between myself and senior members of the Club to find a suitable candidate to take on the Chairman’s role.

I am pleased to announce that Paul Money has agreed to step up and, subject to election by Council at the AGM, become our next Chairman.

Paul was co-opted to the board early this year and I am sure you will recognise him from his work with the ZR/ZS/ZT Register. I am confident that Paul will be a great Chairman and wish him all the best.

I was planning to stand down from the Board, but it was suggested that I should remain as a director, which I agreed to do as I still can offer a lot to the Club and help support Paul in his new role.

In last month’s notes I asked if anyone was interested in joining the MGCC Board as a director and I am pleased to say that we have had a number of enquires in to Adam at Kimber House.

We have been busy working on a members’ survey and the culmination of that will be an online questionnaire for members. It is important to us to know what you think of the Club, CRBs and what we do, but also where we can improve. Please keep an eye on our website for further details.

Keeping up to date member information is vital as it allows us to contact you with information relevant to your Club membership. The challenge has been that email addresses are often changed but we are not advised, the same when we change our cars. So to try and assist in this we have been working on a new members area where this information will be displayed when you log in. This is currently in beta testing and we hope to have it deployed in the next month.

I would like to thank you all for your support which has helped make my year as Chairman very enjoyable. It truly has been an honour.

KIMBER HOUSE NEWS Kimber House was busy with visitors over the month of September, with the Beaulieu Autojumble and Goodwood Revival meeting close together. People travelled from far and wide to those events, calling into Abingdon to take photos of their cars by the old MG Administration building and visiting Kimber House to look around the displays and purchase some MG merchandise.

Amongst the visitors were a group of 22 from Denmark, who arrived in a selection of MGs from a V8 to a Y Type belonging

www.mgcc.co.uk

Safety Fast_October2019_3-42.indd 7

to Palle Moldrup and his wife. The Moldrops are no strangers to traveling distances in their Y Type; last year they went on an epic journey, leaving Denmark, travelling through Germany, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey before arriving in and travelling around Iran for a month. Many of us wouldn’t dream of travelling that far with a modern car, let alone one that’s 70 years old. Palle said they encountered very few mechanical issues whilst travelling in the Y. What an experience!

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NEWS JIM CLARK MUSEUM OFFICIALLY OPENED

Formula One legend, Sir Jackie Stewart OBE, officially opened the new Jim Clark Motorsport Museum in Duns, Scottish Borders on Thursday August 29.

Following a tour of the new museum, Sir Jackie unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion and took part in a Q&A session with other invited guests, including fellow patron of The Jim Clark Trust and three time Le Mans winner, Allan McNish.

Speaking about the new Jim Clark Motorsport Museum, Sir Jackie said: “I would like to congratulate everybody who is

responsible for being able to bring together enough money to do something as nice as this. Really, you should all be very proud of it and I think a lot more folk are going to come to Duns to see it.”

Sir Jackie added: “When Jim Clark was racing he was my hero and forever will be. He was certainly the best racing driver I ever raced against, we had a great life together and he was an enormous help to me and taught me so much about the business. The manner in which he drove racing cars was just different to everybody else so I had somebody very good to learn from.”

The museum, which opened to the public in mid-July, has already welcomed more than 5,000 visitors in that time.

Adult admission to the Jim Clark Motorsport Museum costs just £5 with visitors able to return as often as they like for free for the following 12 months. For more information, visit www.jcmm.org.uk

NAS CAR RUN

MG MOTOR INDIA BUILD A BRIDGE TO BRITAIN

On a damp Sunday morning, 52 cars turned out for the Inaugural NAS Car Run in aid of The National Autistic Society. The start point was MG and Alfa Spares in Chadderton, with stops at Cafe Autisan at Whalley Abbey, Hebden Bridge and Hollingworth Lake, finishing at The Ancora restaurant where the majority of the competitors enjoyed a three course meal after an 85 mile run. Ethan (Jason Swinyard’s, owner of MG and Alfa Spares, son) who is autistic, flagged off the first cars away. With the proceeds from the run and a raffle, as well as some kind donations, Jason and his team managed to raise just over £1,500 for The National Autistic Society.

In a move further underlining its commitment to facilitating inclusive growth and people development opportunities, MG India announced the launch of ‘Bridge’, an internship programme for next-gen global professionals. As part of the unique twomonth long internship programme, MG India will enable foreign students to visit the carmaker’s facilities and understand how the brand is approaching the market in India through manufacturing orientation and retail immersion.

MG India’s latest initiative is aimed at facilitating two-way learning for the next wave of automotive professionals, both from India and other international markets that the brand is operating in. By giving students an in-depth insight into industry best practices, local business processes and market-specific strategies, MG aims to facilitate superlative learning and growth opportunities for the programme candidates. In addition to hosting international students, the carmaker will also explore opportunities for its employees in India to gain cross-market exposure and development.

.

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Flagging off the Bridge programme in its first year, MG India hosted students from Britain at its facilities. The students attended training programmes at the company’s headquarters in Gurgaon and its Halol manufacturing facility, enabling them to experience and learn more about MG India’s operations. The British students also interacted with Indian customers at select showrooms as global brand ambassadors for MG, further spreading the word around MG’s rich legacy and how it became one of the world’s most celebrated car brands.

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/09/2019 15:28

NEWS A TRIBUTE TO JUNE WALLIS

On Tuesday August 27, a significant number of Senior MG Car Club Members joined with many friends and volunteers from the NSPCC to attend the funeral of June Wallis, widow of the late Bill Wallis, former President of the MGCC, along with her close family. June had died recently after a long illness.

Among those from the MGCC were the President John Day, Vice Presidents Ron Gammons and Bill Silcock and their wives Valery and Sally, along with Victor Smith, Piers and Linda Hubbard, Geoff and Sharon St John Mitchell, Nic Houslip and Martin Price. Kimber House were represented

by Liz Allsworth, Andy Knott and Adam Sloman. The congregation listened to June and Bill’s daughter Louise reflect on her Mother’s long life at home, at work, especially as part of the famous Code Breakers at Bletchley Park during the war, and as a volunteer with both the MG Car Club and the NSPCC, where June had raised the largest recorded sum of money for the charity over her years working with them.

The service was held in Solihill near to June’s home at Knowle. Music from the organ included the Schubert Ave Maria played by former Club Chairman Ian Quarrington and was followed by a gathering at a local golf club where many memories of both June and Bill were shared.

It transpires that the Funeral Director is a 50 year MG Car Club Member and lifelong supporter of the Midlands Centre, who had known both Bill and June through competing in trials with his MG T type.

This was in every sense a celebration of the life of an extraordinary lady whose personal and family contribution to our Club will forever remain in our memories.

Ian Quarrington

www.mgcc.co.uk

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PERSONALISED TOURS & EVENTS

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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?

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

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OCTOBER 2019 SAFETY 15/08/2019 FAST! 914:57:02

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PRODUCTS

This page is a free service so if you have a product that would be of interest to our members contact Colin Grant at colingrant@mgcc.co.uk

CAR NUMBER CLASSICS

BY NICHOLAS YOUNG

Reviewed by 251 GRW What a weighty tome - over nine lbs in weight. It’s slightly over A4 in size too with 1304 pages!

The book sets out to develop the ideas initiated by Noel Woodall in the 60s - even though he didn’t have a distinctive registration plate on his car – he set in motion, through his books, the ideas which have led to personal number plates today.

The author met Woodall and had told him he would really like to write a book about the very early classic registrations. After his death in 2013 the author received a letter from Woodhall’s widow telling him of their intentions and inviting him to pick up the reins.

The book is very much a snapshot in time – January 1904 – looking at registrations issued to English Authorities at that time (Boroughs and County Councils thus no DVLA). This takes in the single letter registrations and double letters up to FP only. For completeness the Scottish single letter registrations and similarly with Ireland, is included.

The main part of book provides details of the early registrations and the people who owned the cars to which they were attached and, if still in use today, the vehicle carrying them now.

The second part of approximately 100 pages is mainly illustrations of cars to day carrying classic or personalised registration plates.

Although there is little MG interest it will be a fascinating read for those with any interest in classic number plates and its history.

Publisher: Pieters and Young Ltd. Price: £50 plus £8.50 p&p from www.carnumberclassics.com ISBN: 978 1 5272 3046 0

MGC GTS LIGHTWEIGHTS ABINGDON’S LAST RACERS

MG LE

BY DAVID MORYS

Reviewed By Peter Neal The MGC GTS has always been something of an enigma. What exactly was the purpose? When were the cars produced?

Did they fall foul of the closure of the Abingdon Competitions Department? How many were built and, more to the point, have they survived?

In his fascinating new book ‘The MGC GTS Lightweights’ David Morys has attempted to answer these and other questions. It would seem that there are few more qualified to do so, as the author has been absorbed by his subject pretty much from the time these cars first appeared on the scene in the mid-sixties. No detail is spared in his search for answers regarding these very special factory-built cars.

The book begins with a comprehensive history of the MGC before launching into its main topic. What follows is a fascinating appraisal of the facts as they are known plus a skilful interpretation of clues to be found in a number of contemporary photographs. These factory-built lightweights never really achieved their full potential but with their flared wheel arches and business-like frontal treatment look so right-on that they continue to spawn replicas even to this day.

With its easy-to-read text and a wealth of photographs, this new offering from Veloce Publishing is recommended to anyone remotely interested in factory generated MGC racing cars.

Available from Kimber Stores at www.shop.mgcc.co.uk or telephone Ineke on 01235 849737. Priced at £35.00 plus P&P.

LIMITED EDITION MG WATCH

The MG Car Club is delighted to announce the Limited Edition MG watch, created by fine French Watchmaker, Yema.

The watch is a Limited Edition version of Yema’s famous Rallygraf watch. The chronograph uses a Quartz movement and consists of a main dial and two sub-dials with beige aluminium insert, reminiscent of a dashboard, finished with an MG logo.

The perforated British Racing Green leather bracelet is finished with beige top stitching, reminiscent of a colour scheme found on many classic MGs. The Rallygraf watch was first launched in 1966 and was designed for motor racing and drivers of classic cars with a tachometer and chronograph protected by an ultra-solid stainless steel case and mineral glass.

The MG Car Club have a limited number of watches remaining, priced at £215 for MG Car Club Members or £250 for non-members, plus postage and packaging.

For ordering details contact office@mgcc.co.uk or phone Ineke on 01235 849737

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POSTBAG SOMETHING FOR THE LADY MEMBERS I write in respose to the letter published in a previous Postbag by Susan Gordon.

I appreciate your comments with regards to Safety Fast!. I often flick through the magazine thinking “not more racing news” but I think the difficulty the Editor has is pleasing all the members; there has to be variety to please all. Like you, I am a loyal Car Club member and I have found by volunteering I have got a lot more from the Club. I am not denying there are still a small number who feel the Car Club should not be for younger members or women, but by working on Register Committees I have tried to bring new, innovative ideas and other viewpoints (not always successfully, I have to add) to move the Club forward and promote different events and activities and a different perspective and viewpoint.

When my car was on the Car Club stand at the NEC numerous visitors asked if my husband minded me displaying his car, shocked when I told them it was mine and even more surprised when they realised I knew what I was talking about and actually carried out a lot of the maintenance myself.

There may be space in a future edition of Safety Fast! for a feature on women in the Car Club; after all, there are numerous ladies on the CRB Committees, several ladies working at Kimber House, several lady racing drivers and marshals, all of them aiming for one goal: to enjoy the MG marque.

Volunteering has lots of rewards and a sense of achievement and I am pleased to say I was the first lady awarded the “marque of friendship” award, given to me in recognition for my voluntary work and promotion of the Club. Get involved – the more you put in, the more you get out.

Debbie Brading 12 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2019

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THE HAMILTON MGC Seeing the photo of Anthony and Lewis Hamilton, in the MGC, on the front of Safety Fast! has raised a question in my mind. Has Lewis Hamilton ever driven it and if so, what does he think of the C? The C had a bad press in its day and was said to have lost the “Abingdon THE MARQUE OF FRIENDSH touch”. I have heard that Cs work IP August 2019 Volume 63 Number 08 £3.95 better with modern tyres. I don’t know how standard Mr Hamilton’s C is, but other things being equal, you wouldn’t expect it to be as quick or handle as well as a V8. Nonetheless, were Mr Hamilton junior in the C and me in my slightly modified V8, I am sure I would be shown a clean pair of heels, at any circuit you care to name, heavy engine or not (I should not be surprised that Mr Hamilton senior is a better driver than most of us, as was the case with THE CAR a navigator to a number of top rally CLUB LT D ABINGDON-ON-THAM drivers; I think some of it rubs off).

ES THE BATTLE OF THE BABIES ● CLUNK Back in 2014, at Le Mans Classic, I ING AND CREAKING ● JEKYLL AND HYDE remember a particularly well-driven Austin Healey 100/6 (could have been a 3000) that beat all bar one or two D type Jaguars in its group (and all the Ferraris, Aston Martins, etc). It was a perfect example of how important the driver is, though back in the 1950s, the D Types would mostly have been driven by the best drivers, rather than those with the deepest pockets. I also recall how John Cleland drove a Pilbeam Vauxhall at Prescott and was only a 1/100th or two off beating the regular works Pilbeam driver. Good professional drivers are something else and I’m sure that multiple world champions are on another level again.

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Martin Evans

ROGER ANDREASON Reading the Magnette Register newsletter I was saddened to learn that Roger Andreason had died in May 2019.

Although I did not know Roger directly, having started racing myself in the late 1960s, one tends to remember the names of fellow competitors especially those who were successful in the various categories of MG racing.

As well as Roger’s (and Judy’s) success in the Magnette I have a very clear memory of Roger racing a Marcos GT in 1978. By then I had changed from taking part in Modsports races to the Midget challenge but on the same day at Mallory there was a Modsports race and I was spectating on the outside of Gerards corner.

While the cars were on the grid on slicks there was a sudden rain storm but the race started nevertheless. To the average competitor a nightmare situation. Immediately the track was very wet and Roger’s control of that Marcus on slicks at Gerards was simply amazing and he ran away from the opposition with ease.

It was a very accomplished drive and has stuck clearly in my memory from over 40 years ago and I thought it was appropriate to share this, having heard of Roger’s recent passing.

James Thacker www.mgcc.co.uk

23/09/2019 15:28

POSTBAG MGAS DON’T NEED MGB ENGINES!

THE HISTORY OF THE MYSTERY

When the MGA was launched it set a whole new standard. The beauty of the MGA is that it drives really well without needing to be messed with and that’s the whole point of the thing!

I’ve had MGAs, MGBs and an MGC. The worst of them to drive in standard form by a country mile was the MGC, and that’s after I had restored it. But the best drive by a country mile was, and still is, the MGA. Admittedly, my MGA 1600 is a UK car with original logbook and matching numbers all around, so it would be a crime to start tarting it up.

On the other hand, it could be argued that a 1500, U.S lefthooker import with a broken engine may be less of crime to carve about, but regardless of all that let’s be clear: MGAs don’t need MGB engines to cope with modern-day traffic!

If you stuff an 1800 engine into it then just be honest with yourself and admit you’re doing it because you want it to go faster than it does now and that’s the only reason!

Let me explain: my MGA is standard but I restored it to asnew condition.

I drive my 1600 all the time and the engine pokes out 76bhp according to Bob Burgess’s rolling road and it’s great for 21st century motoring.

Last year, I took it to France and back and it covered 1,400 miles in three days, much of it on the motorways (and French drivers don’t mess about on motorways). It didn’t miss a beat, neither did I hold anyone up, or find its 0-60 time of 13.5 seconds a problem getting on or off motorways or out of junctions, etc.

Recently I took it for a blow through hood down on an “A” road and some motorway. It was sunny, just above freezing and I cruised along happily with all the other motorway traffic at, guess what, maybe slightly more than 70mph!

Now a certain celebrity has been messing with his MGA and he says he wants to use it to tour around to shows, presumably so people can get acquainted with the delights of the MGA and it needs the upgrades, he says, to make it more compatible with modern-day driving conditions.

The tragedy is that, unlike some of the less successful MG designs over the years, it doesn’t need “upgrading” to make it a really good drive – it’s unnecessary!

So, to those guilty parties out there I say: Please stop telling people that MGAs need 1800 engines to cope with modern driving conditions – they don’t!

Oh, and let me dispel a couple of other myths: My engine doesn’t have an electric fan and it doesn’t overheat, even in traffic in 30 degrees.

And finally, with a little practice you can erect the hood in a couple of minutes and the same the other way. My best time is 90 seconds.

But if you want the performance and all the creature comforts as well, get a different car.

Meanwhile, enjoy your standard MGA!

In response to Michael Hudson’s letter in a previous Postbag regarding the history of his MGF, T318 BAN. I can’t help with regards to the servicing, but the original supplying dealer was Austin Rover Financial Services, so the car may have been a fleet or management car of some sort, which might explain why the car was serviced at Gaydon and Longbridge. With regards to the car having “the lowest trim level”, Michael’s car is 1 of 10,409 VVC-engined MGFs produced with the Ash/Green trim, out of a total 21,618 MGF VVCs built, so not an unusual interior trim level.

Simon Broom

Louise Davies (daughter of June and Bill Wallis)

www.mgcc.co.uk

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Nigel May

AUGUST LOOKING BACK

I bought the VA Tourer featured in Looking Back in 1998 from Jean-Marie Gillen who lives in Luxembourg. It had been restored in Holland by Peter van den Heuval. In 2005 I sold it to Bill Brehaut, who lived in Picton at the top of the South Island of New Zealand.

Bill then sold it to David Jones, also of Picton, two years ago.

The photo published was taken in 2001 at the biennial pre-56 rally held in Masterton (70 miles north east of Wellington) that year.

The happy driver is Roger Vardy-Smith who lives in Warwickshire.

Gary Wall

JUNE WALLIS I am writing to thank so many people from the MG Car Club for their kind messages of condolence on the recent loss of my Mother, June Wallis. Whilst she had been ill for a few years with Alzheimer’s Disease, and the end was without doubt the best for her, it doesn’t make the loss any less. The numerous message of kindness and support I have received, and the huge number of faces from the Club at her funeral have certainly given myself and the rest of her family, great comfort. Thank you all, she would have been most honoured and proud.

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YOUNG MEMBERS

Shaun Nelson shaunnelly@hotmail.com

MEMBERS SPOTLIGHT –

JOSH LANGSTAFF A

s a child, I always used to ask my Dad about the cars that he owned back in the 80s and 90s. From Maxis to Capris, Dad has a really diverse taste in cars – much like I do now. There was one car that always stood out, though, his red 1978 MGB GT (MFV 80T, if I remember rightly). I’m 20, and currently work at my local MG Dealer as a ‘valeter’ in East Yorkshire, having done so for roughly half a year now.

Forever curious about the MG marque, in December of 2017 I was gifted a 2003 MG ZR 1.4 ‘Atomix’. Marcy, as she was

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called, served me well for many months.

The ZR was so characterful, and after sitting in a barn for two years she certainly had her quirks, such as the very leaky sunroof that was later thoroughly sealed with duct tape! Unfortunately, as with many ZR’s, head gasket failure got her in the end. She was replaced with my current MG, a 2014 MG3. Both MGs have been great driving experiences and ones that I shall never forget.

Being part of the MG Car Club, the Young Members Branch, and being on the

committee for the Yorkshire Centre for the past year has been fantastic. I’m now the Yorkshire Centre Social Media Manager and I’ve met some great people through being involved with the Club. I’m hoping to have many more memories in my MG, which currently is involved in my MG Sports Concept Vehicle project (or SCV), so please do see the 6.3.5 Register Newsletter for more details on that!

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/09/2019 15:28

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05/09/2019 11:38:44 23/09/2019 15:28

FEATURE

THE THIN BLUE LINE

By Colin Grant Photos by Colin Grant and Andy Knott

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www.mgcc.co.uk

23/09/2019 15:28

FEATURE

B

ack in 1967, as a young 16 year old, I was employed as a Police Cadet, stationed at the then-Berkshire Constabulary’s Abingdon Police station. Being a keen motorcyclist and having a passion for cars, especially MGs, (well, my Dad was working at the

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MG factory) I befriended the traffic patrol officers and was fascinated by their stories of fast chases in pursuit of law-breakers.

There were two Police motorcyclists riding Triumph Saints and the car-based patrolmen, two of whom were very big, burly guys who drove the Police-equipped

Austin A110 Westminster. This was a large black saloon with a six-cylinder engine and large armchair-style front seats, being aptly suitable for their large bulk.

After one fast pursuit the poor old Westminster expired and the car had to go away to the Police garages for a lengthy

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FEATURE

repair. This meant they had to be equipped with a loan car. They were hoping it would be another Westminster, so you can imagine their surprise, and my delight, when an MGB GT turned up in full Police trim. Watching these two big guys trying to get into the GT had the whole staff at the station rocking with laughter. After much disquiet and constant moaning they eventually got their beloved Westminster back.

But that GT had always stuck in my mind as for the time it looked amazing in its Police trim, being white in colour with Police written on the doors, front spotlight, Pye FM radio that was fitted into the glove box, blue flashing light fitted on the roof and, if memory serves me well, it had a Winkworth bell fitted. The rear seats had been removed at the Police garages as this enabled most of the necessary equipment to be carried that could be needed when they were called upon to attend an incident. This included reflective traffic cones, folding accident signs, first aid kit, blankets, a spade, broom, and on occasions radar speed detection equipment. So with these memories in the back of my mind it was a pleasant surprise for me when Nigel Guild, of MG Specialist Former Glory, rang and asked if we would like to drive a special Police MG that he had in stock.

The car in question was an MGC, registration WGJ 208G. In 1969 the Metropolitan Police ordered this car, together with 18 others, over a three-year period, to be actively used as unmarked traffic cars, utilising their powerful engines to catch and surprise those not obeying the law on our roads. This car has been completely restored to a high standard, with excellent attention to detail, and has been fully verified by the Historic Police Vehicles Register and also has a Heritage Certificate.

Inside, the Pye radio and handset are contained in the glove box, a switch for the Winkworth bell is located on the dashboard and the car’s only outside marking to make you aware it was a Police vehicle is a black plate above the rear number plate with the wording Police. This, of course, was only seen by the unsuspecting law breakers when their car was overtaken and they were signalled to pull over with the Winkworth bell sounding in their ears!

The cars were sometimes known by the patrolmen as “roller skates” because of their ability to break away if accelerated quickly in the wet. The cars were equipped with calibrated

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www.mgcc.co.uk

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FEATURE THIS CAR HAS BEEN COMPLETELY RESTORED TO A HIGH STANDARD, WITH EXCELLENT ATTENTION TO DETAIL, AND HAS BEEN FULLY VERIFIED

BY THE HISTORIC POLICE VEHICLES REGISTER AND ALSO HAS A HERITAGE CERTIFICATE.

www.mgcc.co.uk

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FEATURE speedos which were checked after each shift on a rolling road for accuracy, and if out it would mean the speeding tickets handed out that day would be cancelled.

Most of the MGCs supplied had manual gearboxes, but some were equipped with automatics. The cars had a two-man crew, so in the event of arresting a drunken motorist they would have to radio for back-up and wait for a patrol car or van to pick up the arrested suspect. The cars were loved by the young patrolmen who would drive with the hood down. Older patrolmen preferred driving with the hood up! Sadly, with the advent of performance cars coming onto the market which were better suited for the Police role, having the ability to easily carry the equipment required and being able to transport a suspect, the MGs were phased out.

WGJ 208G looks like any other sixties MGC. That is until you go to the rear of the car and see the Police sign. So you can understand people’s surprise when they had given that MGC in their rear view mirror a run for its money, only to be pulled over and booked. The interior also looks very standard until, of course, you open the glove box.

Underneath the bonnet it again

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WGJ 208G LOOKS LIKE ANY OTHER SIXTIES MGC. THAT IS UNTIL YOU GO TO THE REAR OF THE CAR AND SEE THE POLICE SIGN. looks standard, albeit with a chrome rocker cover and pancake air filters. The car comes with steel wheels fitted with chrome hubcaps.

Out on the road the first thing that strikes you is its smoothness and its ability to pull away, seemingly in any gear at any speed. The torque from the six cylinder engine is just amazing. We took the car around some of the picturesque country roads that surround Former Glory’s premises at Postcombe, near Thame, in Oxfordshire.

There was a mixture of sweeping bends and a few long straights which were ideal for getting a feel for the car.

As I own a modern MG TF, I found the steering to be on the heavy side but soon got used to it. The understeer did take a bit of getting used to and I did have a couple of minor moments when going into bends and can understand the criticism given by the testers of the day. But once you were aware you made allowances and drove accordingly, and I found it became a joy to drive.

Of course this car is about power, which is why the Metropolitan Police chose it, and it doesn’t disappoint. With its 145bhp, 2912cc six-cylinder engine capable of 120mph it was ideally suited to its task. I found overtaking slower traffic was a breeze, although being used

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FEATURE

to modern brakes I had to increase my normal brake pedal pressure to gain the same effect. The car’s ride was excellent even over uneven surfaces and undulations in the road. The gearbox I found to be a pleasure to use, with the overdrive operating incredibly smoothly.

My test drive came to an all too soon end and I reluctantly handed the keys back to Nigel. He informed me that the car was now sold but he had just taken

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in a Police MGBGTV8 that was up for sale, tempting!!

My experience had been one of nostalgia, bringing back memories from another era. I didn’t pursue my career in the Police and left after three years, deciding it wasn’t for me, taking up a career in office equipment. But the experience of driving a well-sorted MGC,

particularly with the history of this one, really made my day and one I won’t forget in a hurry.

Our thanks go to Nigel Guild of Former Glory for the opportunity of driving this car. Nigel can be contacted on 01844 281222.

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23/09/2019 15:29

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FEATURE

T

his year marks the 60th anniversary of the final outing of what is possibly the most famous of the MG record breakers, EX181, widely known as ‘The Roaring Raindrop’. EX181 was in fact commissioned in 1954 at the suggestion of well-known record breaker Major G E T ‘George’ Eyston. It was in fact Eyston who had persuaded MG to go record breaking in the first instance, way back in 1930.

Driving EX120, he became the first man in history to achieve the ‘magic’ 100mph in a 750cc motor car. Having garnered yet more records for MG over the following years with both EX120 and its successors EX127 (Magic Midget) and EX135 (based on the K3), he decided to move on to greater things in the shape of the outright land speed record. At this juncture he handed

the MG portfolio over to another talented driver in the shape of Col. Goldie Gardner, who continued to gather records for MG on a more or less annual basis up to 1952 with of course the obvious exception of the war years. An enforced retirement for Goldie on health grounds catapulted George Eyston back into the frame at Abingdon once more. Now a director of the massive Castrol Oil Company, George was in the happy position of being able to provide funding towards the building of a new record car that would more readily represent the current thinking of the MG Car Company.

The result of this co-operation was a brand new record breaker utilising the prototype MGA LH drive chassis fitted with a bespoke body similar in many ways to the old EX135.

Syd Enever, MG’s chief engineer, was, at that time, very much a one man band, particularly as his one and only (trainee) draughtsman, Roy Brocklehurst, had been called up to do his National Service. Syd appealed to Cowley for assistance and was allocated the services of a young and enthusiastic designer by the name of Terry Mitchell for a couple of months. Terry was quickly into his stride and designed the body shell for the new car now designated EX179, using the templates for EX135 and modifying them accordingly to suit the new chassis. Works carpenter Harry Herring soon turned these drawings into a full size ‘egg-box’ pattern which was then shipped to Midland Sheet Metal to have the aluminium body made. These boys really knew their stuff and very soon the

MG RECORD BREAKING – THE FINAL YEARS

By Peter Neal

EX181 with crew on the salt flats in 1959 www.mgcc.co.uk

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George and EX127 ready for a Record Run

George Eyston piloting EX120

Kim and Goldie Gardner comparing notes prior to Goldies 200mph run on the German Autobahn in 1939

well-proportioned bodyshell emerged from their workshops. This was quickly riveted to the lightweight tubular steel frame and shipped back to Abingdon to be painted and fitted to the running chassis.

In an attempt to give a boost to MG sales in the US, the 1466cc XPEG TF1500 engine was chosen to power the new car.

It’s doubtful whether this fooled anybody but it was a good excuse to go record breaking again and it did help to keep the Company’s name in lights. After a brief workout at the MIRA test track at Nuneaton, the car was shipped to the Utah Salt Flats in America where George

Eyston was waiting with a small team to ready the car for its first run. Eyston would share the driving with Ken Miles, a young Englishman now domiciled in California.

The idea was to emphasise the reliability of the engine rather than its out and out performance, coming away with a haul of National and International class F records between 10 miles and 12 hours, plus a raft of even longer distance records with the Austin Healey 100S. Whilst Eyston was pleased with this success, what pleased him even more was the fact that he’d got MG back into record breaking. At that time George Eyston was the only man alive who had driven a car in excess of 350mph.

His stint in EX179 must have seemed like a Sunday afternoon drive by comparison!

Using Terry’s design skills on EX179 was to prove opportune. When MG’s General Manager, John Thornley, was given the go-ahead to open a small design office at Abingdon to engineer the MGA for production, Terry was one of three designers invited to transfer from Cowley to MG to join Syd Enever’s team.

As soon as he had returned from the USA, George was back at Abingdon

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lobbying for yet another new record breaker. Although EX179 had proved itself on the salt, it wouldn’t be suitable for the kind of speeds now envisaged.

Reid Railton, who had designed the body of Goldie Gardner’s car with which he reached a speed of 204.28mph on the German autobahn in 1939, was called in as a consultant. He suggested the midengine layout which was adopted by the Abingdon team. This would enable the car to have the lowest profile with the smallest possible frontal area. Terry was immediately co-opted onto the project and, finding some RAF aerofoils in a book, started to draw up some possible body shapes. From this Harry Herring began making 1/8 scale models which could be tried out in the Armstrong Whitworth wind tunnel in Coventry. The final layout had the engine sitting amidships driving the rear wheels, with the driver sitting in a semi-prone position at the very front of the car, very much in the style of the modern Formula One car.

In a break from tradition, the chassis was to be a brand new one-off design rather than utilising one from a production car. The responsibility of creating the new chassis was given to (who else but) Terry, with the instruction that it was not to interfere with his day job! This generally meant working on it after normal finishing time. Terry was an ardent ‘special’ builder in his spare time and was currently working on his own two-seater sports car.

This featured a tubular chassis frame, with MGA style front suspension and a de Dion rear suspension. Terry felt that he could adopt the same basic idea for EX181, as the new venture was now called. Syd Enever’s main requirement was that the frame should be as strong as possible so that should the car go out of control for any reason, the driver would stand a good chance of surviving in one piece. Terry opted for a frame consisting of two large diameter (3.5ins) longitudinal steel tubes with X-tubes forming a ladder construction with a square section tube welded to the frame forming a roll over bar just behind the driver’s head. The chassis also had an MGA front X-member welded in position to carry the front suspension units.

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George Eyston seated in the cockpit of EX179

Stirling Moss seated in EX181 cockpit with John Thornley and Syd Enever looking on at the 1957 Press Preview

One departure from normal was the use of 15ins wheels in order to keep them within the optimum body envelope. The wheels and tyres were specially developed

by Dunlop to run safely at the kind of speeds envisaged by MG. The de Dion rear suspension that Terry designed for EX181 was probably not strictly necessary for the type of work that it would be doing.

Nevertheless, he felt that it would be a good opportunity to try out a system that could perhaps be incorporated in a future MG. As most of the components could be made in-house, Syd Enever was happy to go down this route.

It was considered too dangerous to fit front wheel brakes and in fact only a single

disc was fitted to the rear axle, which it was recommended should only be used at speeds below 100mph to avoid overheating.

At the request of the nominated driver Stirling Moss, a fireproof fuel tank and fire extinguisher system were included in the design.

A basic four-speed manual gearbox was used with the following calculated change points: 1st to 2nd 59mph 2nd to 3rd 103mph 3rd to top 159mph The engine of choice would of course be the new Twin-Cam unit that was in the process of being designed for the MGA by Morris Engines Branch.

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EX181 in unpainted form at the 1957 Press Preview

1955 was the year that MG took four special aluminium-bodied MGA prototypes to the Le Mans 24 Hour race. As a result, record breaking had to take a back seat.

By the end of the year, however, BMC had put a blanket ban on all factory sponsored motor racing. This left the way clear to go

record breaking again the following year.

EX181 would not be ready for 1956 so George Eyston had no choice but to take EX179 back to Utah again, except that this time it would be fitted with an early unsupercharged version of the Twin Cam (1489cc) engine. The long-distance records

that the team had set in 1954 had all been beaten by an OSCA the following year, so Abingdon opted to go for these same records again in 1956. This time, with the new engine and Ken Miles and Johnny Lockett sharing the driving, the plan was to go for larger margins to dissuade the

At Brize Norton Airfield for trial run, now painted and with tail fin added 26 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2019

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opposition from having another attempt for a while! This time the flying ten miles was recorded at a very respectable 170.15mph by Johnny Lockett.

Once back from the USA, there was no doubt that all the attention was now focused on the brand-new record car EX181. Unveiled to the press at the Abingdon factory in its unpainted form in the Spring of 1957, it was hailed as an immediate sensation. Amongst those gathered there that day it soon gained the soubriquet ‘The Roaring Raindrop’!

Although most of the attention that day was centred on Stirling Moss, John Thornley and Syd Enever, nobody could have been more proud on that occasion than Terry Mitchell, the man who had poured so many hours into its creation.

The main purpose of this preview was to cover the ‘Stirling being fitted’ angle which would be for immediate publication.

Technical details would be released once the record attempt had taken place.

This would subsequently reveal that the car was fitted with a new version of the 1489cc Twin Cam power unit having a strengthened crankcase to accommodate

Stirling Moss celebrates after his successful run on the salt in 1957 when he achieved 245.11mph

the massive Shorrock supercharger blowing at around 28lb pressure.

The car, now painted a pale metallic blue with a contrasting royal blue below the waistline, was to be shipped to New York on the liner ‘Queen Mary’ that July,

ready for its debut on the Salt Flats in early August. EX179 was also included, fitted this time with an A-Series engine, which would be known as the ‘Streamlined Morris Minor 1000’, to be driven by David Ash and Tommy Wisdom. Fortunately,

Phil Hill looking cool after his record run in 1959 pushing the flying mile up to 254.91mph www.mgcc.co.uk

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the name had been changed to ‘BMC Development Project EX179’ before appearing on the salt.

John Thornley had, as a matter of caution, engaged the American driver Phil Hill who would drive the car should Stirling Moss not be available. In preliminary testing Hill achieved a one-way speed of 250mph, thus proving what the little car was capable of. Thornley and Eyston agreed to keep this information under wraps until Moss had had a chance to drive the car, believing that Stirling’s name would elicit the greater amount of publicity for the project.

Before Moss had a chance to even get in the car, the salt flats were hit by a severe storm which left the course waterlogged.

After a long and anxious wait for the salt to dry out, at dusk on Friday August 23 with the conditions less than ideal, Stirling attempted a last ditch effort to make his attempt. His brave decision paid off when the timekeepers announced that he had achieved a two way average of 245.11mph for the flying mile. At this point George Eyston declared the mission a success and decided to call it a day.

Whilst all this had been going on, John Thornley had been busy establishing a BMC Competitions Department at Abingdon. It was therefore under this banner that EX179 (now named EX219 and called an Austin Healey Sprite!) and EX181 were, in 1959, again shipped off to the Bonneville Salt Flats to strut their stuff. This time Eyston and his crew would attempt to increase the speed above 250mph and also have a crack at the Class E (up to 2000cc) by taking a spare engine bored out to 1506cc. Once again Moss and Hill had been engaged to drive the car and once again the venue was plagued by heavy rain. Moss had no choice but to return to Europe for a prior commitment so the 1506 engine was fitted to the car. As soon as conditions allowed, Phil Hill took the car out on the still damp salt and recorded a remarkable speed of 254.91mph for the kilometre and 254.53 for the mile. There is little doubt that given ideal conditions a speed in excess of 260mph could have been achieved. However, we will never know as subsequent to this 1959 sortie, BMC decided that the company should rest

Detail of rear axle showing installation of single rear brake disc

on its laurels and consign these amazing record cars to history.

EX135, EX179 and EX181 can be seen to this day at the British Motor Museum at Gaydon where they stand testament to the skill and ingenuity of the men who designed and built them. Let us be sure that this important part of MG history will never be forgotten.

The crew celebrate their success on the salt with EX179

28 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2019

www.mgcc.co.uk

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FEATURE

LET THE SHOCK TAKE THE STRAIN Words and photos by Colin Grant and Andy Knott

T

he Oxford English Dictionary defines handmade as ‘made by a person using just hand tools, not by a machine’; although not strictly to the letter, SPAX do make their on-car adjustable dampers mainly by hand using an experienced workforce, and machinery where it makes economic sense to make production viable.

SPAX are a British company founded in 1959 by Norman Butcher, who lived in a village called Spaxton, from where the name of the company comes. Norman originally produced car fog lamps and then moved into rebuilding lever arm and other dampers. He then developed, with

Production foreman Bert Thorogood, an adjustable telescopic damper for road and racing. Soon after, the company was sold to Reproductive Engineering and production was moved to Jersey. The sales operation was in London, where people would pull up outside, go purchase their SPAX products and then fit them at the roadside.

This was a time in the 1960’s/70’s when performance parts and modifying cars were becoming commonplace with businesses like Demon Tweeks and Ripspeed selling their products, and SPAX became the market leader in the UK. In the mid 90’s the company began to develop complete suspension packages,

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Some of the various gauges of tube available

The area where the production process begins

The tubes are cut to the correct length

Deburred, and then measured for accuracy

The machine that washes the tubes ready for welding

1938 Schaublin rotary machine used to produce the valve block

which were tailor made for each car.

Export sales were rapidly expanding and SPAX was becoming a household name all over the world. Their reputation soon reached the racing community and they became heavily involved in all types of racing, and in 1983 they also supplied the land speed record car Thrust 2. So

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successful were they that the Thrust SSC team also chose SPAX to break the land speed record at 763mph, a record that still stands to this day.

In 1998 the whole company moved to one site in Bicester, which is their current location, shortly after they were bought by new owners. A new factory with many

modern systems was introduced, allowing flexibility in production which is the envy of other manufacturers. In 2001 SPAX became one of only a handful of British manufacturers to be granted the German TĂźV seal of approval for quality. At this time they also introduced a completely re-designed range of gas pressurised

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/09/2019 15:29

The unique SPAX adjustable valve block

The valve block is stamped with a unique ID code

Welding the valve block to tube

The valve welded neatly in place

Tacking the bottom bush holder loop in place

Bush holder is then neatly welded to the valve block

External and internal tubes of the dampers ready to be cleaned

dampers, with Krypton gas used in the adjustable dampers and Nitrogen in fixed rate dampers.

Today SPAX continue to manufacture their famous products, and we were kindly invited along to see the processes involved in making their world-famous dampers. We were greeted by Steve

www.mgcc.co.uk

Safety Fast_October2019_3-42.indd 33

The tumbler, cleaning the dampers ready for powder coating

Meads, their Technical Sales and Marketing Manager, who together with Tony Shakeshaft, their Managing Director, gave us an overview of the factory and its manufacturing process. Tony explained that SPAX use British components where practical, but as, unfortunately, there are no suitable steel manufacturers in

the UK, this has to be imported. The majority of the assembly process is by hand and the dedicated production staff are all skilled craftsmen. SPAX use a batch manufacturing system producing six units at a time. This aids the production process so that at no time is one section held up awaiting another to finish.

OCTOBER 2019 SAFETY FAST! 33

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The dedicated powder coating booth

Measuring the powder coated damper before assembly

Dampers being powder coated in SPAX yellow

The various components for the internal assembly

Fitting the correct adjuster to the bottom of the damper

Pressing the internals in to the damper tube

An airline was used to ensure there was no swarf

Filling the damper with synthetic suspension fluid

Tony went to pains to stress that they are a manufacturing and assembly company, not just buying in components from manufacturers to assemble on site. He showed us the raw components before the processing started and how body, pressure and capillary tubes are all cut to length to start the process.

He pointed out that at every stage of production QC ensures they reach the high standards expected from SPAX products.

We were interested in the MGB lever arm conversion kit that SPAX produce, an on car adjustable kit which requires minimal modification, which, as the SPAX strapline has it, ‘Will Transform the

Handling of your Classic Car’. Tony took the time to explain the operation of the ubiquitous Armstrong lever arm dampers, found on so many MGs, compared them with a modern telescopic damper and explained why so many owners upgrade with conversion kits. It seems lever arm dampers were popular with designers

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www.mgcc.co.uk

23/09/2019 15:30

Damper rod is inserted and then pressed

Damper is gas pressurised with Krypton gas

The damper is then checked on the Dyno

The correct bushes and colletts are selected

The bush is lubricated ready to be pressed

The bush is then pressed into place

Checking the production list before fitting the last few items

as they offer a compact solution which, bolted directly to the vehicle, dissipates the heat generated through the chassis.

Their operation however is dependent on numerous linkages which suffer from play, and their control valve design is such that low speed bleed is the same in both directions and doesn’t provide

www.mgcc.co.uk

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Fitting the adjustable knob to the valve

scope to independently control bump and rebound forces. SPAX are renowned for their adjustable telescopic dampers, and their design provides the opportunity for drivers to control the stiffness of their suspension to get the ideal set up on their cars, improving handling, predictability and driver confidence.

As well as having MGB products, they also have a range of suspension components for a whole host of other MGs including the Magnette, MGA, Midget, MGC, Maestro, Montego, RV8, F/ TF and ZR/ZS. Rick Harris, Production and Warehouse Manager, introduced himself and took us

OCTOBER 2019 SAFETY FAST! 35

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Shroud fitted, and Sam proudly showing the finished MGB damper

through the procedure to manufacture a set of MGB SPAX Gas Adjustable Dampers from start to finish. The process starts with a picking sheet, with every component listed as an individual item. As you can imagine there are plenty of variables, with different tension springs, rubber compounds and Teflon seals used in the process to ensure each car model has the best components suited to the car’s handling characteristics.

Once the correct gauges of tube have been cut to the correct length, deburred and pre-washed, they use a Swiss Schaublin rotary machine to produce the unique SPAX adjustable valve block that fits their body tube; this is then stamped with SPAX and a unique ID code, which provides traceability to date, batch materials and operator used in production.

This is then skilfully hand welded in place, together with bush holder loops and any required bracketry. Everything is then cleaned in a tumbler which uses ball bearings in its cleaning process (they also have a shot blasting cabinet when needed), before metal is phosphate cleaned in SPAX’s newest machine. Exterior body tubes are then Epoxy powder coated, twice, in the popular yellow which SPAX have been associated with since their inception, and oven baked to ensure durability and long life.

The final assembly process then starts in a clean area, with the valves and adjusters being fitted to the damper body, and shims being fitted to the piston. It’s worth noting that high grade induction hardened, chrome plated steel is used for the damper rods, and stainless steel for the height adjuster threads,

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providing the high tolerance and corrosion resilience required.

Synthetic suspension fluid is then added, which will pass through the tiny orifices and ports which combine to form the adjustable damping circuits inside the shock that vary the damping response to tune the car’s suspension for different conditions and driving styles. The damper is then gas pressurised with Krypton gas; this ensures that damper fade is minimised by preventing cavitation (air bubbles forming in the oil which degrades performance in non-pressurised dampers when they are worked hard). A final check is carried out on the damper using a Dyno that operates the shock absorber simulating driving on various surfaces. A read out of its performance is shown on a computer screen, and only when the damper performs within the very tight tolerances required is it given the OK. The final part of the process is fitting the correct grade bushes, adjuster knob, rubber end cap, the bush holder on the top and the sheath that protects the damper rod.

The damper is then cleaned and boxed ready for delivery.

Rick mentioned that because of their production process it’s easy for them to make bespoke units to the customer’s requirements in small batches, one of the reasons that SPAX are still successful in Track competition cars. We asked if they only supplied to the car trade. Rick said they

A few of the products available from SPAX

have supplied their products for all sorts of industrial uses including RNLI Lifeboat seats, tailor made to the requirements of the Lifeboat men to soothe their rough passage when attending a call out.

It’s great to see a British company thriving in a very competitive market by making top class products. OK so you will be able to buy a cheaper, non-adjustable product, but will it be a handmade British product using the best components money can buy, and last the test of time?

SPAX have kindly offered 10% off their prices for members of the MG Car Club, by quoting MGSPAX10. For more information and the SPAX online shop please visit www. spaxperformance.com or phone SPAX on 01869 244771.

The MGB lever arm conversion kit

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/09/2019 15:30

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

NEWSLETTER

WELCOME TO THE

TRIPLE M NEWSLETTER

B

ack in June, when the J Type was Car of the Month, I used a rather lovely picture of one C.C. Evans trialling his J2 (above). I mentioned the car was probably being assisted up the hill by horses, but from Colin Butchers, who has a complete library stowed away in his head I’m sure, I received the following comment: “Horses? No chance! The hill is not a ‘natural’ trials section, but was created as an incline to allow stone from the quarries at the top of the hill to be lowered on railway trucks running on rails down to the main railway line some way from the bottom of the hill. In those days there was a powerful winch at the top to do the job, but this fell into disuse when the quarries closed – probably late in the 19th century. At the bottom of the

www.mgcc.co.uk

Safety Fast_October2019_3-42.indd 39

hill, the rails crossed the main Birdlip to Cheltenham road and the continuation on the opposite side of the main road is still known officially as ‘Tram Road’. The hill was first used in the Colmore Trial in 1935 when it caused havoc. One problem was its proximity to Cheltenham – easy walking distance from the town, but in fact many people chose to bring their cars which were then parked on both sides of the main road. A portable winch was in place at the top (probably a portable traction engine, like a steam roller) but after having to winch up 20 out of the first 22 cars, a vital part of the winch broke up. Incidentally, the two successful cars were both MGs: Haden’s blown PA and Attwood’s Magnette. A powerful six-wheeled lorry was brought out, but this wasn’t up to the

job, so the hill was cancelled. Strangely, for the next two years the hill did not prove to be so formidable, but after the 1938 Colmore it was no longer used – I suspect due to the massive parking problem caused by spectators’ cars and resultant objections from the local police.”

Bill Abbott also got in touch and he informed me of the following: “Cecil Evans and his wife Joan, sitting next to him, were very keen ‘triallists’. He was a successful Bristol businessman who went on to buy NA0776 which I have owned for the past 54 years.” And seeing as it’s the N-type’s turn this month, what better car to pick than this one? Bill continues: “Cecil part-exchanged the J2 in September 1935 for a 1936 NB four-seater, paying his friend Morgan Marshall of Imperial

OCTOBER 2019 SAFETY FAST! 39

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NEWSLETTER Motors, Bristol, an additional £185 for this new car. He carried on successfully trialling the N-type for the next two or three years before deciding ‘trialling one’s everyday car was a mug’s game’. Together with a friend, he then went on to build ‘Ophelia’, a trials special, abandoning MG, although many of his later specials had MG bits in them.

Many years after I had owned ‘JB 6864’ as my student runabout, and shortly after I had rebuilt her, I made contact with Joan Evans, drove down to Bristol and took her for a ride in what I described as ‘our car’. You can imagine she was thrilled and I was delighted to hear lots of her stories. When I asked why they had bought a four-seater, rather than a more sporty two-seater, she told me it was so she could ‘get in the back and bounce’.

She also said ‘the trick was to rev the engine to 6,000rpm in first gear, drop the clutch and then immediately pull it into second, whereby the car would leap up the hill’. It was amazing the punishment these cars put up with and not surprising why Cecil built a special for trials.

Joan went on to explain Cecil was friendly with McDermid and the other works drivers and Morgan Marshal suggested they go to the factory to collect their cars rather than pay MG the £5 or so to deliver the cars. This possibly explains

why ‘JB 6864’ is registered so close to the works cars. She also told me that if a works car was sick, they had stepped up on occasions to complete the team when going for a team prize.”

I’ve included two pictures of the car for your enjoyment. The one above shows NA0776 on the 2013 Triple-M Register Welsh Marshes Tour climbing the Devil’s Staircase in Powys, South Wales.

This stunning shot was taken by Peter McFadyen. The other one shows the car back in its youth.

Finally, as ever; visit our website and go to Model Profiles for more info on all things N-type.

QUIZ TIME!

Still only six replies to my latest quiz! Still too hard? Whatever the case, I will stubbornly continue this quiz thing, even if only for the lovely debates I get to have with those rare contestants ‘backstage’. Plus, alright, I’ll make this month’s offering a true piece of cake, see if that entices you to enter en masse!

Anyway, all six offerings were more or less correct and into the hat they went; this episode’s winner is Alan Grassam! No doubt he already has a copy of the current Triple-M Register Yearbook, so I’ll come up with something else to commemorate his win. Or we could all enter next year’s final Kimber Classic Trial and please him thus? I’m sure he could think of no better gift than a full entry list to celebrate the trial which post war’s reintroduction could be considered to be his

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www.mgcc.co.uk

23/09/2019 15:30

NEWSLETTER brainchild. Apologies for this little wander off topic; I hope I got a tiny bit of a point across …?

Back to the quiz and the answer you’ve all been waiting for: The photograph (bottom left) showed 2M1594, the car now owned (or since 1960 rather) by Michael Boulton. The occasion was of course the solo endurance trial held on May 29 1930 when the car ascended famous trials hill ‘Beggar’s Roost’ 100 consecutive times in the hands of amateur enthusiast Kenneth Marsh. So far so good, but then we come to the people portrayed; The caption going with the picture in the 2010 Yearbook in which it featured (in fact, there’s a whole wonderful article on the car in there and yes, copies are still available through our librarian Rich Stott, see our website) says that standing next to the car on the right-hand side is Marsh’s brotherin-law who remains nameless, seated in the car Marsh himself passengered by the – also nameless – RAC observer, followed by Reg ‘Jacko’ Jackson, the Morris publicity man and H.S. Linfield, journalist for the Autocar.

One of the contestants offered the Morris publicity man to be H.D. (Harold) Parker instead who supposedly attended as Shell rep, the company that apparently sponsored the whole affair. I’ve seen pictures of Harold Parker though, and I don’t think this is quite correct. Someone else got Kenneth Marsh confused with Roy Marsh, the bloke who wrote to the Light Car & Cyclecar magazine back in the day, suggesting an MG Car Club were formed, when they really are two different people altogether. Yet another one said Linfield worked for the aforementioned magazine when he did in fact work for the Autocar. Personally, I highly doubt the man on the far right is Linfield; I’ve seen several photographs showing Linfield to be of nimble structure, quite the opposite of the chap depicted in our quiz shot. With all of them gone, I don’t think we will ever be certain as to who’s who, but it sure is fun trying to find out! It’s all about the journey, not the destination, right?

Now for your new assignment! All you need to do this time is tell me which models are depicted and to make it easier still, I’ll make it a multiple choice examination.

Answers to the above email address, please, to be in with a chance of winning a 90th anniversary lapel badge.

www.mgcc.co.uk

Safety Fast_October2019_3-42.indd 41

Top photo • J1 Midget • J2 Midget • J3 Midget • J4 Midget

Middle photo • PA Midget • PB Midget • NA Magnette • NB Magnette

Bottom photo • F1 Magna • F2 Magna • L1 Magna • L2 Magna

OCTOBER 2019 SAFETY FAST! 41

23/09/2019 15:30

NEWSLETTER LOOKING BACK

In July’s ‘Looking Back’ this shot of the 1991 Kimber Classic Trial was featured questioning if the two cars were still active within the Club. The answer – a firm yes in both cases! – comes from Steve Dear who wrote a good old-fashioned letter to say the black car is our Chairman Jeremy Hawke’s J2396 which was then still owned by his late father, Mike, who basically grew up with his J2, having purchased it in 1953 at the age of 19. Mike was, of course, also Register secretary and yearbook and infoletter editor from the early 70s right through to the early 90s. He passed away in 2010 and is, I’m sure, still sorely missed by many.

The red P-type (PA1997) belongs to Steve’s old mate Derek Moore who has owned his car since 1966 and actually took part in this year’s ‘Kimber’ back in April together with his son Adrian, the latter now doing most of the driving while I’m sure he used to be the one passengering when he was still tiny.

A FINAL BIT OF MUSING Re-reading all the above, I notice that all the people I’ve mentioned have been involved with MGs for decades and decades and I think that’s one of the best bits of our beloved marque, how people seem to stick with it. In my opinion, this is in part made possible by the fact that MG is – whatever you

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Steve is one of our Register’s founder members, his car receiving Register number two with Mike Allison’s ‘Monte Carlo’ NA0307 being number one and Mike Hawke’s aforementioned car, number three. He also informed me of the fact that his ‘Old Number Two’ (PB0556) has been repurchased by his son Kim (Yes, named after our ‘founding father’, how cool is that?!) a couple of years ago and should be back on the road this Christmas after an extensive engine overhaul. If you’ll allow me another plug; I certainly hope to see this car competing at next year’s final ‘Kimber’ as a fitting tribute to the event, to Kim’s Dad and to Triple-M history in general!

Finally, my own tuppence-worth regarding this photograph is that I think that the wax coat-covered back belongs to Alan Grassam with his darling missus Pauline next to him.

think of the marque’s current owners and those others back in the 80s and 90s – still alive, as opposed to Riley, Wolseley and Triumph to name a few ‘dead’ marques. However, this is at the same time a fair warning to people not yet involved and contemplating becoming so; once you are, you won’t ever be able to let go!

Until next month: Safety Fast!

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/09/2019 15:30

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29150 (63) CAR MIX (half).indd 1

29/07/2019 10:49

OSELLI CLASSIC & SPORTS CARS

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£2150 £2500 £2950 £3010 £3250 £4100

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Other Tubular long branch large bore exhaust Oselli cast rocker cover £185 Weber carb kit £799 Performance distributor £265 Head and engines supplied on an exchange basis Prices subject to VAT

www.mgcc.co.uk

Safety Fast_October2019_43-98.indd 43

1958 MGA Roadster, finished in Flame Red, with black leather interior with red piping. Fully restored to the original specification, £39,950

www.oselli.com

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

OCTOBER 2019 SAFETY FAST! 43

23/09/2019 16:52

NEWSLETTER

Steve Haines Steve-haines@live.co.uk www.facebook.com/groups/MG635Register twitter.com/635register

WELCOME TO THE

MG6.3.5 NEWSLETTER It’s been a slightly quieter year than usual, mainly to no MGLive! this year, but we have still seen a lot of local activity in the regions on runs and meets where the most modern of MGs have been made very welcome. Some owners who are also part of other Registers have also provided some variety with 6s and

3s at meets throughout the country.

This month we’ll look at plans for a modified MG3 by one of our young members, a local event in the North West and a farewell from our Chairman.

Steve Haines

THE ‘SPORTS CONCEPT VEHICLE’ Since buying my MG3 over a year ago, there has been one thing that’s bothered me and that’s the small amount of power you get from the engine. Yes, you can work the engine hard and overtake in third gear but it I feel that the MG3 was a missed opportunity for a fantastic, simple, hot hatch! All the underpinnings are there, too. Handling-wise, the 3 is fantastic as it’s one of the only cars I’ve ever driven that can handle really well on a nice, twisty road, gripping to every corner along the way. The engine isn’t actually a ‘bad’ engine, it just hasn’t had the right modifications. If you don’t believe me, take a look at the MG3 Trophy Concept, as that made really good use of the 1.5 lump that comes standard with the car.

The MG3 Trophy Concept car.

Photo: Matt Woods

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The only problem is that it was a one off.

This is where my idea comes in.

All the time I have owned my 3 I’ve wanted to do something to it, but what exactly? It’s something that I’ve pondered on for the past year but I’ve decided to make an unofficial MG concept car, known as the Sports Concept Vehicle (name inspired by the Rover CCV) or SCV

for short. I aim for the SCV project to be what I feel should have been the top/ sport model from the original 2013 MG3 lineup. Not only do I want to make the car perform better on the road, I also want it to have a visible and technical difference to the other models in the range at the time. Something that would make the modern MG owners and the designers at the old SMTC UK proud of their little car and what was designed and made!

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/09/2019 16:52

NEWSLETTER Several ideas have been floating about on what I should do, but here is what I have thought of so far: New exhaust system: This will be sourced from a reputable MG specialist and have been developed especially for the car. So far the favourite is the Peco system developed by MG AMC/John Wood’s Motorcare. Not only do I want it to have some sort of a power difference, I also want it to make a lovely exhaust burble. As standard, the 3 has a single centre box system that gives a great noise for a standard system but when I do blast it down the road and get a nice overrun off it, I always want more! Not too little, but not so much it’ll wake the dead.

Engine Modifications: I do have several modifications in mind including a new air filter unit from ITG for better air flow, but allowing me to keep the original air box as I’d like to keep the badges and logos on the cover. Plus new Magnecor Ignition Leads. These are very highly recommended from several members of

the Register as the modification is known to give a noticeable improvement to both the acceleration and the power of the car.

I’d also love to bolt a turbo on it but at the same time it would be nice to keep it as close to something that could have been released in 2013.

Cosmetics and Electrics: There are several things I want to do in this area.

First off, I will be designing a set of unique side decals for the SCV project. It is tempting to have these similar to the diagonal XPower decals from the early 2000’s but I’m still deciding on what is going to work with the design of the car.

I am wanting to lean towards a more retro look for the car as nostalgia is all the rage at the moment, but the angular lines of the 3 would suit some retro cues from older MGs. I will be putting some Hella foglamps on the front of the car as shown in the concept image. I will also be replacing several parts of the interior. I’m hoping to get the seats and door cards replaced to

something more suitable. Finally for now, I would love to change the gear stick gaiter for some nice stainless steel/chrome insert and a nice wooden gear knob with MG on the top to replace the plastic one that originally came with the car. All of this will be done on my own 2014 MG3 assembled at Longbridge.

My plan is to take a journey to Kimber House before and after the project is finished, along with the Longbridge factory. Once the project is finished I will be taking it on a road trip to Scotland to do the NC500 (or the alternative as shown on The Grand Tour Amazon Show).

If you would like to get in touch about the project, please feel free to email me at joshlangstaff@gmail.com. I will also hopefully have a full feature article with more pictures when the project is fully underway! Hopefully this can go really far and make the MG3 into something even more amazing!

Joshua Langstaff

MGS AT THE GOLD CUP John Woods Motorcare Customers Motoring Club attended the MSV Oulton Park Gold Cup over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

As well as over 15 Classic Cars each day they had 3 MG6s in attendance, Mark’s MG6 BTCC Edition, Adam Woods MG6 ‘John Player Special’ Edition and Chris Scragg with his MG6 TSE. Adam decided that his MG6 needed some sprucing up to make it stand out a bit from the crowd. So ‘Designs for Signs’, based two units down from us, compiled the JPS and Castrol Graphics to Adams specifications along with Gold pin-striping and applied it to his car. As he also needed new discs and pads all round he took the opportunity to paint the calipers gold and do a subtle gold paint addition to one of each of the spokes on the wheels.

The subtle styling of Adam Woods MG6 ‘John Player Special’ Edition

Other cars displayed on the stand over the weekend were: 1980 Mini Pickup, 1970 MGC GT Sebring, MGB GT, 1970 Fiat 500 Arbarth, 1974 Triumph Dolomite Sprint (Historic Rallye Spec),

The three MG6s at the Oulton Park Gold Cup www.mgcc.co.uk

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23/09/2019 16:53

NEWSLETTER 1972 Porsche 911E (Historic Rallye Spec), 1966 Ford Corsair, John Woods 1963 Ford Anglia 123E, 1971 Rover 2000, 1962 Ford Thames 307E, 1969 Triumph 2000, 1973 Triumph Stag, 2001 MGF, 1965 Jaguar ‘E’ Type, so the MG6s were in very good company!

Mark’s MG6 was also used to mark the start of the 2019 Llandudno MG Snowdon Run. The Lady Mayor of Llandudno waved all 200 cars off on the run. Gallaghers MG also had an MG3 and MG ZS on display and they also did the 110-mile run. In total there were two MG3s, one MG6 and two MG ZSs on the run alongside the other 200+ MGs of all eras.

The gold and black purposeful-looking MG6

The Lady Mayor of Llandudno waving off an MGB on the start of the Snowdon Run

VHS LTD Vehicle Handling Solutions Ltd offers you a service that can provide the ultimate in driving dynamics, with bespoke ride and handling characteristics tailored to suit your driving style and personal preferences.

VHS Ltd is run by Alan Phillips and Andy Kitson, who have worked on the dynamic performance of every MG vehicle since MGF! They have, after leaving SMTC, launched a series of suspension improvements for the MG3 given their detailed knowledge and design of the chassis.

MG3 Ride Improvement Kit

by VHS Ltd

The MG3 ride improvement kit uses a pair of tailored rear springs and spring aids, tuned by VHS specifically for the MG3.

Whilst being endowed with a sporty and agile dynamic performance, the standard MG3 can suffer from jerk disturbance. This can become tiresome, particularly for rear seat passengers.

The VHS kit is a simple and effective means of improving ride quality, whilst retaining the MG dynamic character.

Features include: • Revised rate powder coated rear springs.

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Ride height adjustability is included front and rear. The monotube, gas pressurised damping has been optimised for ultimate road driving – good ride quality at low

46 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2019

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speeds, ultra-stable at high speed, yet suitable for everyday use.

Features include: • Bilstein’s monotube damper technology as used by us for our MG TF ride comfort kit.

• Substantial increase in camber stiffness, for improved response and cornering power.

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• Excellent suspension travel retained – a must for decent handling on poor roads.

Price tbc.

All available now from info@ vehiclehandlingsolutions.com

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/09/2019 16:53

NEWSLETTER THE MGCC 635 CHAIRMAN’S RETIREMENT…

Steve Haines’ MG6 GT

Well, it’s been a really enjoyable five-year tenure as Chairman of the MGCC 635 Committee and a real honour to represent the owners and MG Car Club members since December 2013. As with all great things, they come to an end and it’s time for someone else to take the reins. Following the AGM this coming December. I will hopefully be able to still be involved in the Register in some capacity… if nominated and voted in, of course!

There have been lots of highlights in that time through the BTCC, MGLive!, MGs on Track, SMTC and Longbridge connections and visits, filming for MG India and MG China, Pride of Longbridge, and most of all the new friends I have made through social events both nationally, locally and internationally through the MG Car Club Registers and local Natters.

I would say the biggest surprise was at Thruxton BTCC in 2017 when the BTCC team

The roof of the MG6 BTCC Touring Car sporting the MG635 Logo

FORTHCOMING EVENTS The AGM will take place at Kimber House in Abingdon this year on Saturday December 7 at 3.00pm. If you wish to come, please do, and add your names to the events tab on our Facebook page so we can accommodate numbers. We are always looking for enthusiastic

www.mgcc.co.uk

Safety Fast_October2019_43-98.indd 47

had Aron Smith’s roof wrapped with our logo in to say thank you for supporting MG Motor with owners’ cars on their stand for several years at this event. I was quite touched!

We have helped to support the setting up of the MGCC SUV Register in 2018 and have worked very closely with other Registers over the years. It has sometimes been tricky convincing people that “yes it is an MG!”, but generally we have been well received with our most modern of MGs that are keeping the marque alive, and long may they do so.

We have made contact with groups in Thailand, China, India and Australia as the brand and models have expanded worldwide.

I will continue to enjoy my MG6 and my wife’s MG3 as we have no plans to change them in the near future. Hopefully there may be some interesting modifications to enjoy soon!

A huge thank you from me to all of the committee members, owners, MG Car Club staff and fellow Register committees for making it all such a good laugh along the way. Most of all, it shows that MG truly is the Marque of Friendship!

Steve Haines

The MG6 BTCC at Thruxton in 2017 with MG635 Register members and committee

owners to be part of the committee and help out with various things throughout the year.

This year, our guest speaker will be Alan Phillips of Vehicle Handling Solutions, formerly of SMTC chassis division.

The annual Christmas meal will take place from 7.00pm at the Ock Mill Beefeater in Abingdon, also on December 7. If you’re quick, you can get a fairly cheap deal at the Premier Inn next door!

OCTOBER 2019 SAFETY FAST! 47

23/09/2019 16:53

OVERSEAS

OLD NUMBER ONE IN AUSTRALIA?

By Peter Cook

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www.mgcc.co.uk

23/09/2019 16:53

OVERSEAS

Abingdon Motors, Dutton Park in Queensland,

M

att and Colleen Spoljarevic of Abingdon Motors, Dutton Park in Queensland, have embarked upon an unusual project. They are building a replica of Cecil Kimber’s ‘Old Number One’ – FC 7900 – currently on display at Gaydon. It needs to be borne in mind that FC 7900 has had a chequered and obscure existence. It was sold by Cecil Kimber shortly after his Land’s End Trial success in 1925, was in a severe accident in 1930 as FMO824, and was rescued from a Manchester scrapyard after a chance sighting by an Abingdon employee. Returned to Abingdon in 1932, the car was ‘restored’ by apprentices who, Matt and others believe, had little regard for original detail. This means in effect that the car on display at Gaydon is in some respects – perhaps crucial respects – not the same as the car sold by Cecil Kimber to a friend in 1925.

Given the above, ‘replica’ isn’t quite the right word for the Abingdon Motors’ project, as Matt and Colleen are attempting to build their version as faithfully as they can to match the 1925

Land’s End trial car. Areas of dispute include the dashboard, instruments and colours, among others. The task therefore is very challenging, and not only by having to source the exact FC 7900

The mold for the Hotchkiss-type OHV head which is being manufactured using 3D printing technology. www.mgcc.co.uk

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OCTOBER 2019 SAFETY FAST! 49

23/09/2019 16:53

OVERSEAS components close to a century after they were manufactured. There is a distinct lack of contemporary descriptions of FC 7900’s technical details available, and photographs are also few in number, of low resolution and monochrome. This means that one of the key aspects of the car – its colour – is by no means a given. Matt is convinced that although the Gaydon car is painted red, there is a very good chance that the original colour was grey undercoat – standard for Morris Garages prototypes of the time. It is also clear that the original wheels were not painted silver, but more likely black. As for the upholstery … it’s anyone’s guess.

Matt and Colleen have visited Gaydon and were allowed to photograph and measure the display car as much as they felt necessary. Along with technical advice from the Early MG Society, the visits to Gaydon have proven to be of great value in the absence of any drawings.

Matt’s intention is that his replica will participate in the 2025 Land’s End Trial in the UK. While the classic and vintage car communities in Australia have tended to regard the Federal authorities as being generally unhelpful – over asbestos among other issues – the Queensland registration authority has co-operated in one important respect: Matt and Colleen were unable to have the car registered as FC 79 zero zero, but they have been permitted to use FC 79OO – close enough for all but the pedantic.

Abingdon Motors – itself having been in business for about 60 years – has carried out a number of special MG projects, but this one has proved to be the most challenging. The starting point was a partially restored 1924 Morris Cowley which was offered for sale and this gave Matt the idea of attempting a replica of Kimber’s famous car. The Cowley chassis was cleaned and its arches over the rear axle modified and reinforcement plates added as per FC7900. Gradually, original components have been located and purchased – or sometimes donated. The rear axle, front and rear suspensions with 12-inch brake drums have been fitted.

A major headache has been FC 79OO’s engine. Originally Cecil Kimber used a

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Hotchkiss OHV unit of which roughly 200 were made for the short-lived Gilchrist cars (1920-23). This was a lucky find by Kimber, who spotted the engine when touring the factory after his boss William Morris had bought Hotchkiss. It would be close to impossible to find such an engine today, so the plan is to use a Cowley block which is very similar to the Hotchkiss original, but instead of it being configured as side-valve, a Hotchkiss-type OHV head is being manufactured using 3D printing technology. The eventual appearance of

the engine will be very close to the original Hotchkiss engine and will also be of the era.

Matt and Colleen’s enthusiasm and determination in recreating an MG landmark is to be much admired – being 11,000 miles away from Gaydon doesn’t help. Excepting the engine, there may even be a case for claiming that FC79OO is more original than the original! I am sure all MGCC members wish them well, and we hope to see FC 79OO at Kimber House sometime soon.

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/09/2019 16:53

New products available from

MERCHANDISE

KIMBER STORES MGA Book £45

Abingdon MGCC Ladies Polo £23

Garage Sign £32.50

Mug Abingdon Admin Building £9.50 each

MG Car Club Keyring £5

MGB LE Socks £9.99

Fridge magnets £5 each

MG6R4 Socks £9.99

Caps £10 each

Heritage Hats £12.50

All prices exclude P&P

To order please visit shop.mgcc.co.uk email ineke@mgcc.co.uk or Phone 01235 849737 www.mgcc.co.uk

Safety Fast_October2019_43-98.indd 51

OCTOBER 2019 SAFETY FAST! 51

23/09/2019 16:53

OVERSEAS

G

T44 was held in Dubuque, Iowa, with headquarters in the Hotel Julian which is in Downtown Dubuque overlooking the Mississippi and the paddle steamer of the local River Museum. Dubuque was founded by Julian Dubuque, a French trapper.

The Registration was there with the Vendor’s suite alongside but some were staying in the Holiday Inn, a block away, which had some covered parking and was where the lecture rooms were situated.

The Newcomers and General Reception was held in the Julian on Wednesday evening. People then went into Dubuque to find a restaurant for a meal, if required, although there was one on site. Old friends were reunited at this time as happened to us.

Thursday was the first full day of organised activities for those who wanted them. The Magnettes had their own breakfast early on and Tech sessions started at 9.00am. One was on the history

of the MG Car Co. and the other was Kent Prather on the rear crankshaft seal on a B-series engine. John Twist doing his inimitable rolling servicing advice. The afternoon would have enabled attenders to choose from two more tech sessions, one on North American MGA racing (Dave Nichols) but the second speaker was unable to attend.

There were two tours available to participants which they could do at any time, one to the Potosi beer and winery, the other a wine and baseball tour. This last took in a visit to a vineyard with the chance to sample and buy the wine and on to a site which was used for a wellknown (to baseball supporters) film called “Field of Dreams”. The pitch featured in the film is sited in a field of corn and is still there and aficionados may recreate their dream. The evening had an invitation to parade through Galena’s Main Street and sample the many restaurants there. The parade seemed to peter out with drivers

Hotel Julian in Downtown Dubuque

diving into the first parking space that they could, leaving the Main Street a car park in its own right. The town has many small shops for clothes and souvenirs and many good restaurants where most tended to eat. We had been given a lift by another couple without their MGA, owing to NAMGAR duties.

Tech sessions started early on Friday morning, a reversal of timing allowing

NAMGAR GT44

By Piers Hubbard

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www.mgcc.co.uk

23/09/2019 16:53

OVERSEAS

Kent Prather’s race car

those giving the talks to listen to somebody else in the afternoon or go on the brewery and vineyard tour. On this day Dave Nicholas was replaced by Mark Brandow on the Story of the Devin. During the afternoon three or so of the MGA race cars drove through the town to be in attendance at the evening event. All attending then transferred to the Brewery/ Winery for a barbecue and an address by David Hobbs, the Guest of Honour.

The pretty Devin Sportscar

MGAs as far as the eyes can see on the rally field

www.mgcc.co.uk

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OCTOBER 2019 SAFETY FAST! 53

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OVERSEAS

MGs take to the streets in Gallena

Saturday was the day of the concours and all headed to the field next to the Mississippi, cars being laid out in the many classes NAMGAR have for this

The “Field of Dreams”

purpose. There were many excellent examples and many colours. These included one of the Lancashire Police Force’s black MGAs with a copy of Andrea

Green’s book in the boot. When first seen he was an “olice” car with a sticker covering the “P”. It appeared that he had been stopped by a young policeman

MGA affectionately know as Honeybee 54 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2019

Safety Fast_October2019_43-98.indd 54

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/09/2019 16:53

OVERSEAS

The MGB shuttle bus running from the Julian Hotel

with hand on gun who accused him of impersonating a police officer and told his cancer-suffering wife to shut up, leave the car and put her hands on the fender.

Back-up was requested which turned up in force as they had all been in a local café. Taken to Court, the Judge was not impressed and told the policeman what he thought and let the offender go. He now travels with the “P” obscured.

The earliest MG was probably the NA Airline of Lew Palmer, certainly the only MMM model that I saw, but there were about 160 cars all told. The main classes were the varieties of MGA, each split between wire and non-wire wheel classes.

There were many variations in aspects of the cars but winners were selected. One car that attracted much attention was the MGB shuttle bus running from the Julian. By midday the temperature had risen considerably; all retired to their hotels to prepare for the GT44 Banquet which would close the evening with speeches and the prize giving. I understand that the new Chairman, Tom Medeen, was there, having taken over after the much-missed Carol Shamonsky. Regrettably I did not see him. It was also revealed that GT45 was to be hosted by The MGCC Rocky Mountain Centre and held in Colorado Springs on June 1-5 2020.

After closure the racing element moved up to Road America, the racing

circuit at Elkhart Lake, where the meeting would be held starting on July 18 with the racing at the weekend. We called in on Thursday and were able to meet some old friends racing there and one, Kent Prather, took time to take a group of us on a couple of laps of the interesting circuit.

Walking the Paddock was fun, with cars

ranging down from CanAm through IndyCar and ex-Formula One to TCs. There was an MG Vintage Racers featured race which included over two dozen MGs from TC to MGC. We saw some practice but time did not permit us to stay until the weekend.

A great event much enjoyed.

Ben and Cyndi Nolan with their 1959 MGA www.mgcc.co.uk

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23/09/2019 16:54

COMPETITIONS

The Tomcat Turbo Kay Twigger ahead of Chris Boulton in the MG Cup. Photo: Dickon Siddall

AN ACTION-PACKED OULTON PARK

M

G Car Club reconvened at the spectacular full-configuration Oulton Park track in Cheshire for its penultimate race meeting of the year, and provided a dramatic day of racing. Four MGCC championships were joined by two guests from Porsche Club GB, and there were almost as many seasons of weather during the day, too,

By Graham Keilloh

with an overcast morning and sunny afternoon separated by a short and extremely sharp rain shower! Something that only added to the on-track action!

MGCC Cockshoot Cup Paul Clackett in his MG ZS wrapped up this year’s Cockshoot Cup championship in the previous round at Anglesey, but

Ray Collier heads Danny Winstanley in the ZS 180, MG Cup. Photo: Dickon Siddall www.mgcc.co.uk

Safety Fast_October2019_43-98.indd 57

this was by no means the end of the excitement as at Oulton Park he was involved in a three-way fight for the win with a scarcely credible conclusion.

A few of Clackett’s usual closest competitors weren’t at Oulton, including Keith Egar, with an engine problem, and Michael Ashcroft. But 2018 champion Ray Collier was again racing his ZR 190,

The Midget of Mike Peters leads Ashley Woodward’s MG ZS in the Cockshoot Cup. Photo: Dickon Siddall OCTOBER 2019 SAFETY FAST! 57

23/09/2019 16:54

COMPETITIONS

Jack Ashton (98) leads the Metro field during the Drayton Manor Park Metro Cup. Photo: Dickon Siddall

and multiple Caterham champion Danny Winstanley also was racing as a guest, driving Howard Hunt’s up-for-sale ZS 180 for the first time. Clackett started only eighth, as he had problems with his electrics in qualifying. Winstanley and Collier meanwhile filled the front row, Winstanley’s best some 2.5 seconds quicker.

Clackett quickly made up for lost time, though, as on the opening race lap he stormed into the lead! On the third lap, however, Collier and slow-starting Winstanley got by and moved clear, aided

by Clackett self-admittedly making a couple of gear selection errors.

Winstanley took the lead from Collier on the following lap at Hislops, and the front duo ran nose to tail until a dramatic final lap. The engine of Karl Green’s MG ZS blew up at Old Hall, and while he pulled off quickly oil was left on the fast opening turn. Winstanley and Collier both hit the oil and went off into the barriers.

This let Clackett through to win by 17s from Peter Bramble’s Roadster in second and Ashley Woodward’s ZS 180 in third.

“It’s the old saying: to finish first, first you have to finish,” Clackett said. “To finish the season with a win, that’s how I started the season. I ran well in the race, I’m over the moon. Loved every minute of it.”

Mike Peters was fourth home and with it an impressive Class B winner.

Colin Stubbs was third home in class and

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crowned Class B champion, while his title rival Jimmie Johnson was fourth in class.

Peters’ performance got him both Driver of the Race and Driver of the Day awards. All three class winners also won the Vicky Peters Trophies.

Drayton Manor Park MG Metro Cup In Oulton’s Drayton Manor Park MG Metro Cup races we at last got a close fight between the dominant Jack Ashton and Dick Trevett’s rapid A-Series, which we had been denied since the seasonopener at Silverstone, due in part to unreliability for Trevett.

Ashton won the opening race by 6.5s from Trevett, leading all the way, though Trevett was hobbled by his boost being too low. Tony Howe got Driver of The Race after finishing fourth having started ninth.

But in race two the close AshtonTrevett battle was at last joined. Trevett, his boost sorted, got ahead at the start, leaving Ashton with a conundrum on where to pass. But Ashton was getting a good run out of Druids into Lodge and it was there that he got by on the second lap. “I could have blocked him but we don’t do that,” said Trevett. “If he’s quicker he’s quicker. And he wouldn’t block me.”

Trevett then chased Ashton spectacularly, though the odd slide too many helped Ashton edge clear, his

advantage peaking at 3.8s. Trevett noted his rear tyres were a little too worn as well, though added that this was not why Ashton beat him. They finished just 2.1s apart, though Trevett had a five-second penalty added for track limits. He still was classified second, and got Driver of the Race, with Howe this time third.

“We had a good ding-dong,” said Ashton of race two. “Only a couple of his errors caused him to drop back a little bit.

If it weren’t for them he’d have been right behind me for the whole race.”

Ashton with his two wins, poles and fastest laps at Oulton therefore continues his 100% record in the Metro Cup this year. He is aiming to complete the clean sweep at the Snetterton finale next month.

MGCC MG Cup supported by Peter Best Insurance Mike Williams continued his strong form in his swift Metro GTi by winning the opening MGCC MG Cup race supported

by Peter Best Insurance. He led all the way from pole, though the race wasn’t entirely straightforward, as much of the 3.5s lead he had built early on was eliminated by a brief safety car call. Also, Druids turn was treacherous for most of the distance due to oil on the circuit. “It was the scariest corner in the world before the oil went down and once there’s oil it is the scariest corner in the world plus!” said Williams.

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/09/2019 16:54

COMPETITIONS

MG Trophy race, Patrick Booth in his MG ZR 190 to the fore. Photo: Dickon Siddall

Williams beat championship-leader Richard Buckley’s Tomcat home by just under a second, with Matt Simpson’s fellow Tomcat close-at-hand in third. Stuart Tranter in the invitational class, also in a Tomcat, was fourth, just ahead of the ZS 180 of Peter Burchill, who got Driver of the Race for his effort.

Both the joint Class B championship leaders Iain Dowler and Ian Boulton hit problems in the first race. A piston or crankshaft failed on Dowler’s ZR 170 early on, which sent him spinning in a cloud of white smoke at Druids, miraculously without any of the “about eight” cars behind hitting him. He still had to sit out race two, as there wasn’t enough time to complete the required engine change.

Boulton had started at the back after a problem with the inlet manifold in qualifying meant the car wouldn’t accelerate properly and was short on revs.

Having swapped the inlet manifold for the race he rose to run second in class, but his 170 slowed late on as he heard the big end bearings fail. He nursed his car to the end and passed through the pits on the final lap, wanting to not necessitate a recovery of his car or drop things on the track, only to discover that meant he was classified as a non-finisher. Third-in-the-table Chris MG Cup, Peter Burchill leads Iain Dowler and Darren Harris. Photo: Dickon Siddall

www.mgcc.co.uk

Safety Fast_October2019_43-98.indd 59

Boulton took the Class B win, leading all the way.

Williams looked well on the way to winning the second race, too, but a brake problem pitched him off at Druids. This let Buckley through to win, holding at arm’s length a multi-car scrap for second, and he admitted that fortune smiled on him. “Mike was just too quick, to be fair,” he said, “but then he had his brake problem. I just sort of managed the gap to the flag.”

The scrap behind had a dramatic conclusion. Matt Simpson got by Burchill for third at Hislops on the final lap with a sharp out-braking manoeuvre, then tried immediately to line up a similar move on second-placed Tranter at Druids but found at the corner that his brakes had gone! The pair therefore collided and were out, letting Burchill through to second while Chris Boulton got third and another Class B win.

Ian Boulton returned from his race one problems and again came charging through from the back and this time finished second in class. This also got him Driver of the Race. Carl Robinson took both Class A wins from Aaron Ross.

The Stoneacre Hyde MG Trophy The opening Stoneacre Hyde MG Trophy race was an incident-packed affair, with the

track still wet after the sharp rain shower.

Much of the race was behind the safety car after a multi-car incident at Shell Oils on lap one, which accounted for Adam Jackson, Fred Burgess as well as eventually, after a pitstop, second-place starter Patrick Booth.

After the safety car went in, championship leader and poleman Graham Ross led the three remaining laps and crossed the line first, but received a 10s penalty for being out of position at the start.

This dropped him to fifth overall and second in class. Robin Walker inherited the victory and got Driver of the Race with it. Habitual frontrunner Doug Cole finished only seventh overall, and third in class, after locking up and spinning at Shell Oils just after the safety car was withdrawn.

Tom Butler was second home and with it got the Class B win, just ahead of Paul Luti and Sam Kirkpatrick who’d both had their problems. Kirkpatrick spun to the back at Hislops on the opening lap, while Luti also had lap-one drama, having a poor start then dropping down avoiding a melee at turn one, which he reckons left him with just two cars in the entire field behind him! He was delighted with his 170’s handling in the wet.

Ross made partial amends by winning race two, this time in the dry, leading all the way. Cole on the opening lap meanwhile made a similar mistake at Shell Oils as in race one, which preceded a storming comeback to finish second and which got him Driver of the Race. For a time it looked like Cole might even catch Ross but the reigning champion had pace in hand and won by 3.6s.

Walker got third after Booth picked up a late puncture. “A win and third – better than I’ve ever done before! So very pleased!” Walker said.

Luti bagged the Class B win, heading a tight four-car battle which included Matt Turnbull, Burgess and Jackson. Kirkpatrick finished a lapped 17th after picking up rear-end damage at the first turn avoiding another spinner, then having to pit. His and Turnbull’s results – Turnbull didn’t finish the first race after bending driveshafts in a gravel excursion and pitting due to an excessive vibration upon rejoining – ensured it was a good day for Ross in the championship.

OCTOBER 2019 SAFETY FAST! 59

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BTCC

T

he seventh round of the British Touring Car Championship may not have delivered another haul of points for EXCELR8 Motorsport, but there were still plenty of positives to be taken away as the crew continued to eat into the performance deficit at Thruxton.

Having shown truly impressive pace last time out at Snetterton – particularly on the softer Dunlop tyre – for safety reasons all teams were limited to Dunlop’s harder rubber only for Thruxton, making the job of finding a good balance between outright speed and driver comfort even more difficult to strike.

Qualifying was a challenge. Smith changed setup across Saturday, and was still searching for the ideal balance into the first competitive session. He would start 28th, while Osborne had other issues after a strange collision with Mark Blundell’s Audi through Cobb corner wrecked his chances of improvement from 30th. Both drivers were disappointed, but knew there was more to come.

Sunday showed improvement from the start, with Smith climbing multiple places in the early laps of race one to run as high as 23rd as he got stuck in to a tight battle with Jack Goff’s Volkswagen and Nicolas Hamilton’s Ford. Smith stuck his ground well, and was unlucky to lose out to Goff on the final lap when the VW man managed to squeeze past into Church corner, leaving Smith 25th at the flag.

Osborne, too, made strong early progress, but was struggling with the balance of his car around the fast sweeps. Despite climbing to 24th early on, he slipped back to 28th at the flag. However, the result still showed both drivers moving forward from their starting positions.

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TRICKY SECOND THRUXTON OUTING Photos: Dickon Siddall

Race two was more of the same, with Smith leading the line for the MG6s, starting 25th but climbing to 23rd at the finish, courtesy of some brave overtaking on Aiden Moffatt’s Infiniti and Michael Crees’s VW. Osborne held his own in a tussle with Hamilton and Senna Proctor’s Subaru to finish 28th.

The final outing of the weekend proved even trickier, thanks to the additional element of rain towards the end. While the field lined up on a fully dry track, the heavy clouds overhead threatened to upset the order, and the rain arrived with just a handful of laps remaining.

Smith got a solid start to run in a tight pack with Carl Boardley (VW), Stephen Jelley (BMW), Moffatt and Tom Chilton (Ford). While he ultimately dropped a spot to finish 24th, the timesheets showed a vast improvement from the start of the weekend as Smith’s race pace chopped a full second off the deficit from the start of the weekend as the team’s setup improvements continue to find traction.

Osborne kept things clean and tidy in the tricky conditions towards the end to hold off ex-Formula 1 racer Blundell for 26th spot. Again, Osborne’s times showed a distinct improvement, with his best lap practically halving the gap from the start of the weekend.

It was to be a Honda hattrick on race day. Cobra Sport AmD AutoAid/RCIB Insurance’s Sam Tordoff converted pole position into victory in the opening contest, before BTC Racing’s Josh Cook topped the second bout. Dan Cammish then claimed a first win of the season for Halfords Yuasa Racing in a fantastic finale.

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/09/2019 16:54

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OCTOBER 2019 SAFETY FAST! 61

23/09/2019 16:54

BTCC

E

XCELR8 Motorsport put on an impressive display in difficult circumstances during its first visit to Knockhill for the eighth round of the British Touring Car Championship.

The Scottish track is about as unique as BTCC venues come, with its tight and twisty nature making it a rollercoaster of a lap, and meaning it presents a tough engineering challenge for teams to find a suitable balance to make cars both stable and fast. Experience plays a big part in both car and driver competing towards the front of the grid. For drivers Sam Osborne and Rob Smith – both new to the Fife venue – the focus was more on developing the MG6 GTs to deal with the challenge ahead.

During qualifying getting a clean lap on a circuit measuring at just 1.266 miles was a difficult task for both drivers, leaving them disappointed to qualify 28th and 29th. But, if anything, their grid positions actually played into their hands at the start of the opening race on Sunday.

Osborne and Smith made up a handful of places during a chaotic first lap of the race, as Mike Bushell, Nicolas Hamilton and Michael Crees all encountered trouble at McIntyres. A further incident between Matt Neal and Ash Sutton handed the EXCELR8

duo another two positions, while mechanical woes for Rob Collard, Stephen Jelley and Ollie Jackson ensured Smith would finish 21st, with Osborne right behind.

Race two was a totally different story as those who suffered in the first race were keen to make their way through the field. Osborne and Smith sensibly remained focused on their own races and again stayed out of trouble, with Smith battling to 22nd and Osborne taking the flag in 25th after a tight battle with Mark Blundell and Hamilton.

The final race of the weekend completed a successful maiden outing at Knockhill, and produced an entertaining on-track battle between Osborne and Smith, with the pair ending up 22nd and 23rd, and with both drivers’ lap times getting within that magic second of the front-running crew, all of which boasted significantly more experience and data

POSITIVE KNOCKHILL DEBUT Photos: Dickon Siddall

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Safety Fast_October2019_43-98.indd 62

for the circuit. It showed marked progress from the team.

The three Knockhill races were won by different drivers. The day began with Scotsman Rory Butcher getting the home crowd on its collective feet as the polesitter reclaimed the lead on the final lap to win an exciting opener race in his Honda.

The title race was then blown wide open as BMW driver Andy Jordan claimed victory in race two, whilst his team mate Turkington was forced out of contention during a podium fight with home hero Butcher. The third bout belonged to TradePriceCars.com’s Hill, who took his first BTCC win with a commanding lightsto-flag performance. Hill’s success was also the first for the Audi S3 in the BTCC, as the Kent driver became the tenth different race winner in the 2019 season so far.

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/09/2019 16:54

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RACE TORQUE

RACE TORQUE

by Mark Baulch Photos Chris Phillips

MOTORSPORT ELITE DRIVER PROGRAMME …a young driver’s experience.

With thanks to the organisers of the MG Car Club Trophy series, I am delighted to bring you these words this month from one of their drivers: Hi, my name is Josh Bacon. I was born on September 5 1999 and I am a racing driver from Warnham in West Sussex. I have been racing for around 12 years now and I am currently enrolled on a course at Loughborough College.

The course I am on is called Motorsport UK AASE Elite driver programme. It is for boys and girls in college years of education to further their knowledge in the world of motorsport and aims to help them understand the world that they are competing in.

Last year the course was changed to a two-year course, down from three years.

This means that each month I spend four days a week for two weeks staying up in Loughborough. This gives the students time off to prepare and attend their race meetings and train for upcoming events in the two weeks that they are not at college. The students get expert advice on all aspects of the course, including a personal psychologist and nutritionist to make sure you are in peak physical and mental condition for competing.

All the drivers are assigned a driver coach, too; this year it has been Adam Gould who used to race in the British rally championship as well as a few races

in Clio Cup UK, giving him experience in both disciplines. With Adam, we review previous races as well as training to show ourselves areas we can improve on.

An equally useful way that Loughborough stands out is that the AASE programme gets to use iZone, a simulator training facility at the famous Silverstone racetrack. Here the students are put through their paces against the other drivers, as well as learning new techniques from the experts.

They teach you about setup, i.e. how changing a setting on the car can alter its performance. At iZone, they also have a gym area which allows the students to work on reactions as well as cardio. The final session at iZone is the pressure day

where you are split up into groups and you must perform well as a group. This includes stints driving a car set up by your group to individual one lap sprints.

The course consists of two BTEC courses and a diploma in sporting excellence.

Year one of the programme • Pearson BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Business • Pearson BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Sport • Diploma in Sporting Excellence • Motorsport UK Academy Motor Vehicle Education Year two of the programme • Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Business • Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Sport • Diploma in Sporting Excellence • Motorsport UK Academy Motor Vehicle Education We get guest speakers coming in as well to talk to the group, such as the head of health and safety at Motorsport UK, to tell us about how the world of safety is changing in motorsport and how incidents can be prevented.

Josh races in the MGCC MG Trophy championship and is currently heading the class C points table; for more information go to www.mgcc.co.uk/trophy. By the time that you read this, the MG Car Club racing family will be at Snetterton for the final rounds, so we should know whether he has managed to clinch the title!

Photos:- Josh in action. Photos: Chris Phillips www.mgcc.co.uk

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MGs ON TRACK

MG on track

Duncan Wood duncanw@mgs-on-track.co.uk

ANGLESEY TRAC MÔN

M

Gs on Track’s annual trip to the seaside for our Anglesey event shared with the Lotus Seven Club is one that regular members view with happy anticipation. The circuit is set on the edge of the Irish Sea with panoramic views across to Snowdonia, and boasts elevation changes, a wide variety of corner styles, and some very high-speed sections for those that like that sort of thing, which is probably most of us! This year the date was set for mid-August rather than October as in previous years and, whilst in North Wales there is no guarantee of summer sunshine, the day was bright and dry with gentle breezes, so the track was in perfect condition.

As the circuit is quite some distance for members living in the south of England and even the southern parts of Wales, many took the opportunity to stay over at least two nights, with several extending this to a full week. Thirteen of us met for a very sociable drink and meal on the Sunday evening before the event, with nearly as many repeating the experience on the Monday evening where, as you might imagine, the track day was relived with some exaggeration and much embellishment! On Tuesday morning, in

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Safety Fast_October2019_43-98.indd 66

what is becoming an Anglesey tradition, a convoy of five MGs began the journey home via the Llanberis Pass, passing in the shadow of Snowdon, and pausing for coffee and chocolates at The Riverside Chocolate House near Betws-y-Coed, before parting company and taking our own routes homeward.

The Anglesey track can be configured in several ways; the 1.55 mile Coastal circuit was used in the morning, swapping to the 2.10 mile International GP layout for the afternoon sessions. The circuit designer reputedly tried to incorporate some favourite corners from around the world, so we have the Corkscrew from Laguna Seca reproduced on marginally smaller scale, plus the historic Monza banking recreated for slightly slower speeds (at least in an MG). The mix of high-speed corners and very tight and technical turns provide a real test of the car’s handling and the driver’s abilities, with many finding that the brakes in particular could be stretched very close to the limit.

As one might expect, a warm welcome awaits all who visit the Anglesey circuit, including from the marshals and the staff in the pleasant café. However, it is circuit manager Andrew Crighton who really

Photo Avril Smith

goes the extra mile to ensure a happy day for all. Not only was his morning briefing informative and entertaining, but Andrew also took the time to hold another talk later in the morning at which MGoT drivers could ask specific questions about preferred lines and braking points; with his detailed knowledge of the track his answers were exact and very useful.

Finally, almost with the air of a country vicar at the parish fete, Andrew made a point of greeting and talking to nearly everyone in the paddock, and was again more than happy to give us the benefit of his experience both at this specific venue, and from his wider racing career.

Although autumn is upon us, we still have three more events to enjoy before the end of the year. Quite different in general layout and characteristics, both Donington and Goodwood are historic circuits that are consistently popular with MGoT members who relish the varied challenges that they offer. Donington is a swoopy layout that follows the contours of the surrounding parkland, whilst Goodwood hides its origins as a wartime airfield with tasteful landscaping and upmarket catering! Due to this popularity, as I write both events are sold out, but it is

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/09/2019 17:14

MGS ON TRACK – 2019 CALENDAR Please visit www.mgs-on-track.com to

MGCC MGCCSPEED SPEEDCHAMPIONSHIPS CHAMPIONSHIP John Wilman, Beechfield, Fern Bank, Chapel-en-le-Frith, High Peak. SK23 0JJ Tel: 07778 165186 www.mgspeed.net

register, check availability, or to book a track day.

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

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

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

A Midget leaves the line for a blast up Shelsley Walsh. Photo: Dennis Wharf

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

always worth signing up to the reserve lists as last minute cancellations due to work commitments or mechanical problems are not without precedent. As always, spectators are welcome to events, and there is always ample opportunity for prospective newcomers to our track days to meet and chat with regulars who will be happy to answer your questions or persuade you to give it a go!

Finally, we have the Brands Hatch event arranged for early December, which offers a last chance for a track day blast before the onset of winter proper. We use the short Indy circuit for this event, which includes one of the UK’s most exciting and sometimes scary corners, Paddock Hill Bend. Brands Hatch offers excellent catering, and benefits from pit garages should the weather be less than welcoming, so give yourself an early Christmas present and join us there.

www.mgcc.co.uk

Safety Fast_October2019_43-98.indd 67

In this month’s missive I would like to explore the ethos of speed eventing rather than events reports.

Sometimes, particularly when you have been involved for a long time, it is possible to lose sight of the camaraderie that prevails and the mutual respect and co-operation that exists between our competitors. This can be illustrated by the events that took place during our visit to Shelsley Walsh in July. Yes, 26 of our number entered but it is the underlying stories that make for good telling.

Andy Walker and Stuart Gilbert have been competing against each other in their respective big banger V8 MGBs for many years. Stuart’s car is currently undergoing an extensive rebuild. Aware of this, Andy invited Stuart to share drive his car for the day. An offer gratefully accepted by Stuart, and in that way the two rivals were able to spend a happy day together which otherwise, being at opposite ends of the country, they would not have been able to do this season.

Steve Luscombe is a long-term competitor in his highly modified Midget and just before the Shelsley event suffered the breakdown of his tow car.

Without hesitation, Mike Rolls provided a replacement to enable Steve to attend and compete. Mike, of course, is the father of Ben Rolls who is a direct competitor of Steve’s in the modified Midget class. No self-interest there, then.

David Tandy, another competitor in the modified Midget class, had the misfortune to break a rocker shaft during practice and was preparing to pack up and go home.

However, James Thacker just happened to have a spare secreted about his person and with a bit of mass spannering David was able to fix the motor and compete in the timed runs.

It is worthy of a mention that James managed to beat our young flyer Ben by a narrow margin in the timed runs. Youth, I am happy to say, sometimes has to bow to experience.

This not the first time by a long way that this kind of thing has happened but it just serves to reinforce the way we do things at our level of motor sport.

Coming up in September, classic courses Gurston Down, Wiscombe Park and Harewood Hill will be reported on in the next article.

OCTOBER 2019 SAFETY FAST! 67

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CENTRES ABINGDON WORKS Richard Martin sfscribe@mgabingdon.org.uk www.mgabingdon.co.uk October already, where did the summer go?

Driving back, top down, earlier this week from the last 2019 ensemble of a popular – 145 cars, etc – local classic vehicle gathering on a village green outside the village pub, the headlights were on and it was only 8.00pm! Hopefully, there are still a few open-topped driving days in 2019 ahead.

Thinking back, as well as some local events, we did manage a few open-topped adventures over the past few months. The B joined in the Drive it Day celebrations on the Isle of Wight and the TF

Wanderers vineyard visit. Photo: James Page

ANGLIA Rob Muir 01206 862619 scribe@mgccanglia.com www.mgccanglia.com Snetterton Saturday October 5 sees the main event in the Anglia Region this month as the MG Car Club are back at Snetterton for a busy day of racing on the 300 circuit.

As the season draws to a close, many of the drivers from the Anglia Region are in contention

was our choice for a week of touring around the Isle of Man and, a few weeks later, enjoying the delights of a week in Yorkshire. I hope you too have happy memories of enjoying your MG during 2019 with, I hope, more to come before it ends.

During the past few weeks, AWC members have been out and about being part of the Families Day at RAF Benson whilst enjoying the very impressive flying displays and supporting the Midget Register’s Run to the Claydon Estate in Buckinghamshire. As you read this, it may not be too late to take part in our Autumn Leaves Run which takes place on Sunday October 6. There was an entry form in September’s magazine or one can be found on www.mgabingdon.org.uk/events/ events-calendar/#event|autumn-leaves-run|872

The Natters have also been busy with the Wanderers visiting a vineyard and the Rising Sun visiting Robin Lawton’s classic car establishment; both trips also involved pub lunches! On the horizon, as I write, there are planned Natter trips to the WW2 bunker in Uxbridge (Wanderers) and a talk (Black Horse) on how “one man’s inventive genius may have led to the birth of the car industry in Bampton”; instead the town became known as Downton! With the dark nights approaching rapidly, please do try and get along to your local Natter and see what they have to offer. AWC Natters are listed on www. mgabingdon.org.uk/about-us/pub-meets/ Welcome to all our new members whom we look forward to meeting during the coming months.

Rising Sun visit to Robin Lawton’s. Photo: Michelle Lawton

for awards in the various racing championships which will include the MGCC MG Trophy, the Peter Best Insurance MG Cup, Drayton Manor MG Metro Cup, Lackford Engineering MG Midget & Sprite Challenge and the MGCC BCV8 Championship.

The paddock will be open at this event, allowing spectators to get up close to these fantastic machines as they are prepared to race.

Try to get along and give support to our local racing men and women; they put such a lot of effort into building their race cars, are always happy to chat, and deserve our support.

The racing is always very close and exciting as you can see from the first archive photograph. The second photo, of a full race Sprite being prepared in the paddock, shows the innovative engineering that goes into building so many of these fine race cars.

Club Meets As the Autumn draws on, many of the Club Meets will be moving on from their local touring assembly runs and will be looking forward to end of year award presentations and, dare I say it, Christmas Dinner events. Club Meets are free to attend for all Club members, you will be assured of a warm welcome and by going along you can plan to have some relaxing winter evenings with likeminded people

www.mgcc.co.uk

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CENTRES CALEDONIAN Bob MacGillivray 07870 407111 mgcarsscotland@gmail.com www.mgcaledonian.com The season is rapidly drawing to a close… One more run this month and there should also be one in November. Tony Smith usually organises the October run, and is again this year. Starting from the Wallace Monument, Stirling, a short tour will take you to lunch in Crossford and then to the Bus Museum at Lathalmond. Both the October and November runs should be good; check the website for details and book there.Our shows this year at Thirlestane, Glamis and Bo’ness have been well supported despite mixed weather, but, as your committee will soon be preparing details of next year’s events, if there is another show you would recommend then please let us know. Our Bo’ness event had two members bringing their cars all the way from Orkney! Maybe it’s time to revisit these islands?

Our annual Chilly Willy event on January 1 is on the website. New location, which hopefully will suit more members; again, book on the website.

We will probably also run a Film night in January. Although I have a good selection, I’m

DEVON & CORNWALL Young Janner II bobslatter@hotmail.com www.mgcc.co.uk/devon-cornwall-centre The Summer Gathering at the Frog and Bucket, South Petherwin near Launceston, went well with nearly 40 members’ cars ranging from an MG PB to several modern MG TFs meeting there for an informal natter. Thank you to Chris, the landlord and a real petrol head, and his staff for coping with the sudden influx. We have all learnt a lot about trying to organise such an informal event.

Quite a few members took a leisurely and tranquil trip on the Tiverton Canal in a horse-drawn barge, the Tivertonian, recently. This is one of only three horse-drawn barges left in England. This was followed by an excellent lunch at the Tiverton Hotel, all organised by Sheila Ballard. Thank you, Sheila, for co-ordinating it so successfully.

Hopefully the trip to the Haynes Motor Museum at Sparkford on Sunday September 22 will have gone well, especially as the South West Centre had promised to meet us there also.

Hopefully there will be a report and pictures in the next newsletter. www.mgcc.co.uk

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always looking for more! Anyone with old MG or Scottish Centre or general Scottish motoring or motorsport items, please let me know.

Bookings for the German European Event of the Year next year are now open. If you would like to go and have not yet booked, then I recommend you do so now! And if you are successful in obtaining a place then please let me know. We are keen to organise an ‘official’ Caledonian group for this event. It’s a year or two since we last did this and a repeat would be good fun!

And again, next year, one of our major events will have a heavy emphasis on Jim Clark and for this we need large photos or other items of related memorabilia. If you think you can help, and we can borrow items from you, then please get in touch with me.

One non-MGCC event which some of you might have noticed was the ‘three Hills

and the Rest’ event organised by Tartan Tarmac.

This was planned for September and would have given the chance of a drive up the hills at Doune, Forrestburn and the Rest and be Thankful with a walk up the Bo’ness hill. Unfortunately, it has had to be postponed but look out for it next spring.

If you were thinking of sending me an article for this year’s Newsletter, then don’t delay! Please contact me soon. And your committee is still looking for someone to look after our Regalia sales. Interested in discussing? Let me know.

That’s all for now.

The Tamar Classic Trial is being held on Sunday October 20, once again jointly organised

by Launceston and North Cornwall Motor Club and ourselves. As usual we need marshals to help on four of the sections, so any assistance would be appreciated. If you can help on the day, please contact Colin Bird on 01822 834181 for further details.

I have covered a couple of the Natters in recent notes and with a couple of the others (North Cornwall and North Devon) now having roving meetings on a monthly basis, the easiest

way to keep up with these is to check the Centre website under the Club Meetings banner. We do still have one problem, though, and that is a lack of a monthly meeting in the West of Cornwall area. Is there anyone out there willing to try and arrange a one-off meeting in the future? Should a venue be found, I can email members in that area to publicise it for you and see where that takes us. I realise that members do not necessarily like to travel far to meetings, so a local one keeps members in touch with each other and keeps the Marque of Friendship alive and well.

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A trio of MGs at the Tiverton Hotel Lunch OCTOBER 2019 SAFETY FAST! 71

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CENTRES LINCOLNSHIRE Ian Mackenzie 01529 497849 MaccaV8@aol.com www.mgcclincolnshire.co.uk October Natters: Wolds Wednesday 2; Wishing Well Wednesday 9; Abbey Lodge Monday 14; Three Horseshoes Thursday 17; Ferryboat Tuesday 22; White Hart Thursday 24.

Luncheon Club: Wednesday 16.

October Events: Jubilee Trophy Naviscat Rally, Sleaford Sunday 6.

Almost 100 cars, predominately MGs, gathered at Doddington Hall near Lincoln, on August 18.

Dodging occasional showers, the judges reviewed the cars, finding Peter Newman’s MGB GT to be the car of the day. An excellent display of virtually all MG models, along with non-MGs from Austin Ruby to Hotchkiss, Maserati to Volvo, all enjoyed the hospitality of the Birch family’s Elizabethan mansion. Thanks must go to Geoff and Vicki Edge and their team for organising a splendid event.

August also saw the final two rounds of the year’s ‘Landlord’s Choice’ series of Pride of Ownership events at the Wolds Natter and the

MIDLANDS Simon Morris simonmorrisbmmcmgcc@gmail.com As you receive this month’s Safety Fast! there will only be one remaining competitive MGCC Midlands-organised event left in 2019. On Sunday October 13 we will be holding our Trial at East Lodge Farm, near Bromsgrove. As well as our usual taster day for novice drivers this year we have merged the event with the final round of the BTRDA Trials championship. If you fancy a late entry or find you are available to help marshal then please contact Tony on 07821 165575.

Competitor entries were low at this year’s MGCC competitive sprints at Curborough resulting in a small financial loss which has forced us as a committee to review their future. This process is underway and we are considering contributory factors. Both events did get a good entry from the MGCC Speed Championship, for which we are thankful. We lost out on entries from our invited clubs. Many club motorsport events these days need invited club championships in order to balance the books. We are constantly looking to

www.mgcc.co.uk

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The massed ranks of cars at the Poacher Concours Show

Wishing Well at Dyke, being a friendly spot of fun competition requiring only that you turn up at the appropriate Natter in an MG. Results will be announced at next year’s Annual Dinner.

We also had a display of cars at Revesby Country Fair, a typical country show with a huge assortment of activities from horse show jumping and fairground attractions, craft tents, dog show and locally sourced food outlets, to tractors.

Lots of tractors. A brilliant, restful day out in the Lincolnshire ‘big sky’ sunshine. We also recruited two new friends to the fold.

Boston Steam and Vintage Festival over the weekend of August 31-September 1 saw a collection of our MGs putting on a show of cars,

but also included a trip around the display arena on both days, with the very well-informed MC chatting to the owners about their cars. Plenty of steam, from both full-size traction engines and miniatures moving around the showground, to small stationary engines and enormous vintage working engines tasked with log-cutting. The field was alive. And we were all royally treated to the hospitality of Kimm and Andy Rake from their encampment. Another great weekend.

Looking ahead, we have the Jubilee Trophy Naviscat Rally on Sunday October 6, starting at 10.00am from Heckington Mill (O.S. 146435) based in the Sleaford area on O.S. ‘Grantham’ Map number 130. For more information, please contact me.

invite other championships to our rounds. We are slightly disadvantaged in this regard as there are so many events at Curborough each year. Many clubs already have enough Curborough rounds. However, we have a few options to investigate. We are also looking to see if running only one sprint event per year will result in a stronger entry. Another idea we are considering is a combined two-day event on one weekend. This provided cost savings for both the organisers and the competitors.

If you have views on this subject please contact me on simonmorrisbmmcmgcc@gmail.com I have been asked by a number of people if sprints and hillclimbs are in decline, and I do not think that is an easy question to answer.

We and many other clubs certainly do not enjoy the level of entries that an organiser could have boasted of 40 years ago. I spend quite a lot of time as a marshal or official at various sprint and hillclimb events around the country. Overall, I think in the last 10 years the number of entries at events has not dropped a great deal. Most events at the big four hillclimbs (Harewood, Prescott, Shelsley Walsh and Loton Park) enjoy almost full entry every month. Events at unique venues also tend to be

very popular. Even at Curborough some events have very high entries. and yet other events the next week can struggle. So to summarise, I do not think there is a massive decline in the popularity of sprints and hillclimbs. I do however think that a lot of drivers are choosing the events they attend with more care. The ever-increasing costs of the safety equipment could be a contributor. Motorsport UK have tried to mitigate this by creating categories for modern, cheap road cars to compete with a reduced level of safety requirements. Modern cars provide more protection and therefore the latest international level of flame-retardant overalls and helmet are not needed, a lower cheap level is required. Initial results are quite promising, in that some clubs are getting quite a few entries in these classes. Watch this space to see if this does make a difference long term.

On November 3 MGCC is an invited club to the Cannock and District Car Club all-forward Autotest to be held at Curborough. If you wish to enter or marshal please contact www.cdcc.org. uk or 07807 054309. The Midlands committee will be monitoring interest in this event from the MGCC community.

OCTOBER 2019 SAFETY FAST! 73

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CENTRES NORTH WEST Paul Goodman 01625 876300 Our three regular social events are open to you to attend this month. First is The Shrewsbury Arms which will be our venue on Tuesday October 8.

One week later, we will be assembling at the Plough and Flail on Tuesday October 15. There have been a lot of newcomers arriving at the Plough in recent months. If you have joined the Club recently, we are particularly keen to meet you at one of these events. Finally, the Wednesday lunchtime gathering is on October 30 at

The Carriers Inn, Delamere, Hatchmere, Norley, WA6 6NL. Looking further ahead, now is the time to order tickets for the Dinner Dance and Awards Presentation. The event will be at the Deanwater Hotel, Woodford, near Stockport, on November 30.

The ticket price is ÂŁ38 for which there will be a full three-course festive meal plus special surprises.

After the meal the Cockshoot Championship Awards and Speed Championship Trophies will be presented, followed by a chance to dance and chat. Tickets are available from David Rainsbury by emailing david@rainsbury.com The room is set out with round tables, so we are able to cater for

Pete Bramble Leads the Cockshoot Cup Race at Oulton Park. Photo: Dickon Siddall

SOUTH EAST Ray Ruffels and William Opie raywillmg@gmail.com www.mgccse.co.uk The new Newsletter is now available, so if not received download via MGCC SE website at www. mgccse.co.uk/category/news/ Last chance for the Autumn Naviscat on Sunday October 6 at 10.00am starting and finishing at the Bo Peep Public House, near Chelsfield in West Kent BR6 7QL. For more details contact Chris Leigh on candjleigh@yahoo.com.

The Brooklands Motorsport Day is on Sunday October 13, an exciting day for all MG enthusiasts.

Share Hill Climb MG SE Centre area www.mgcc.co.uk

Safety Fast_October2019_43-98.indd 75

Contact John Davies on 01737 142971 for further details.

Events round-up The Tour of the South East took place on August 11 starting at the Dukes Head, Copthorne, and centered on the lovely countryside of Surrey and Sussex, finishing at the Copthorne Hotel for lunch.

All the 38 people taking part (17 cars) commented that the route had introduced some new roads to those normally encountered in the Wanderers monthly meetings; Roy and Jill Baker were thanked for their help in planning the route.

It was good to see such a variety of cars and participants taking part including an MG3,

members and guests from six to ten around a single table. This is a great opportunity to entertain your friends in the run-up to Christmas.

One of the award winners is Paul Clackett.

Two second places at Anglesey in August secured the Cockshoot Cup with one round still to be run.

Paul has had an outstanding first season in the powerful V6-powered MG ZS. Runner-up in Class C is Keith Egar with ZR power under the bonnet of his Midget. Mike Ashcroft secured third in Class, driving the last-ever factory-built MG ZR190. Colin Stubbs won Class B in his MG ZR 170 with some consistent driving. Runner-up was Jimmy Johnson in a similar car, with Ian Whitt third driving his MG Midget. In the smaller classes the MG Midget of Ian Wright triumphed in Class A with Brian Butler having a perfect record winning Class F. Finally, some sad news. Harry Whitehouse, who raced an MG TB and competed in speed events in a Mallock, died in August. His funeral was attended by a contingent of members which included half of the ten longest-serving North West Centre members. Harry was renowned for the humour that he provided at our meetings. For all his competition career, his racing licence had a picture of him as a baby attached to it!

MG RV8s, MGB GT V8, MGB, MGF, MGA, MG Magnette, MG TFs, MG YTs, MG NA and MG YB, all immaculately driven and presented, of course!

The Shere Hill climb on September 1 was a great success, with a diverse range of motorised propulsion in the paddock and on the hill this year. The reputation of this excellent up-close event is spreading, with increased UK and international entrants.

MG competitors included B roadster, MGA Twin Cam (driven by Martin Warren event Chairman), P Type supercharged, MGB GT V8, TD and Midgets.

The SE Centre gazebo was busy, accompanied by a superb display of Members’ cars.

Some of the MGs on the Tour of the South East. Photo Roy Baker OCTOBER 2019 SAFETY FAST! 75

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Main Attractions

Facts and Figures

European Event of the Year 2020

• UNESCO World Heritage Site Residence Palace • Wine estate Bürgerspital • Rothenburg ob der Tauber • Road trip along “Mainschleife” • Boat tour on river Main … and not to forget: • You and your MG!

5th to 9th August, 2020 Location: Würzburg (Bavaria) and surroundings Booking starts: 1st October, 2019, midnight CEST visit www.mgcc-eeoty2020.de

Club holidays in Bavaria

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5th to 9th August 2020 Würzburg, Germany www.mgcc-eeoty2020.de

Tyne-Tees Centre Autumn Leaves Luncheon Run Sunday 20th October 2019 ENTRY FORM

Tyne-Tees Centre end of season run starting from Dobbies Garden Centre, Ponteland, where breakfast options are on offer from 9:00am. Starting from 10:00am onwards, this 57 mile road run takes you on scenic byways not used on our tours for many a year. The route takes us via Hadrian’s Wall into the Tyne Valley, heading west and tracking the River Tyne upstream, before travelling on through Slaley Forest. We then drive through the Derwent Valley, before the final part of the route takes us into County Durham and a unique finish by the River Wear at Emirates Riverside Stadium, home to Durham County Cricket Club. With reserved parking to display our cars, we will have Sunday Lunch in the Riverside Suite, dining whilst overlooking the famous Test Cricket pitch.

Your details: Mr/Mrs/Ms First Name Address Email: MGCC Membership No: (if applicable) Your car’s details: Make

Model

Surname Home Tel. No.

Year

Postcode Mobile:

Reg. No.

Package Price for this event is £35.00 per car, based on the following: All entrants receive a Rally Plate, Tulip style Route Book, and Sunday Lunch for two people served in the Riverside Suite, at the Emirates Stadium.

Please choose your Sunday Lunch options: Roast Beef Lunch Roast Chicken Lunch Make cheques payable to MGCC Tyne-Tees Centre. If using Internet banking the details are as follows: Sort Code: 40-43-13 Account No: 41051067 quoting ALR and your surname.

Please send your entry form to Noel Lindford, 3 Springbank, Peterlee, Co. Durham SR8 1FA or email to: noel.lindford@btinternet.com Further information is available from Noel on 0191 5870753 or 07432 152095 Closing date for entries is 11th October 2019. This Touring Assembly will have Motorsport UK Approval

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CENTRES SOUTH WEST David Jacobs 07989 898348 d.jacobs2006@btinternet.com Although not MG related, what is now becoming an annual event took place on August 3 and 4.

For the fifth year, Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason and his wife, Annette, allowed their land and gardens to be open to the public.

Their home, Middlewick House in Corsham, Wiltshire, is a Grade ll listed Georgian house.

It has been their home since 1995 when they bought it from the Duchess of Cornwall.

Thousands attended over that weekend and the event supported two local charities, the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust, and Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

Nick is a classic car enthusiast, to say the least, and has a superb collection of extremely valuable vehicles, many of which were displayed around the gardens for all to admire close up. Among his collection of Ferraris the 250 GTO, pictured above, is probably the most valuable, which doesn’t seem to prevent him from racing it. Its value can only be guessed at, but a similar car sold in recent years

TYNE-TEES Tony Wood anthony@scrutonvillage.co.uk If T S Eliot thought April was the cruellest month, he overlooked August as the busiest, at least in Tyne Tees.

The opening weekend kicked off in fine style at Croft Retro weekend where classic racing met fine cars and vintage fashion. As well as 30 cars each day on our stand, Tyne Tees set the sartorial benchmark with members Owen Frankland and

The Rev checks one revolution! The caption says it all, but for those who may not know, Tony Wood plays a (very convincing) vicar for historical tours of Scruton village and railway station! www.mgcc.co.uk

Safety Fast_October2019_43-98.indd 77

at auction for $46,000,000! (He paid £35,000 for it in 1977, and everyone thought he was mad.) Other cars on display included the Carrera Panamericana Ferrari MM, the Michael Andretti Formula 1 Mclaren, a Bugatti type 35, a Maserati Birdcage, and an Austin 7.

And not a security guard in sight!

For those not interested in cars (?), there were many interesting craft and trade stands, a climbing wall (which probably helped to stop the kids climbing all over his cars) and stalls selling homemade cakes. Visitors were also able to tour around the stables to see their

John Pinkney winning the best-dressed male on Saturday and Sunday respectively.

Fast forward a fortnight to the Treasure Hunt where John and Sarah Pinkney triumphed again, hustling the TA into prime position from Ray Abbott’s BGT which was somewhat handicapped by a lack of navigator, so even reaching the finish was a triumph.

The following weekend John and the TA took the best pre-war car award at the Darlington Classic car event, where we were visited by Graham and Ruth Beck in their newly restored TF 1500 (sans front number plate) who called in between their wedding and reception. The car was finished the previous day but no one could find the front plate – it eventually turned up in the tool box!

Bank Holiday Sunday was enjoyed at Hamsterley Hoppings by the fabulous five who made it, and Monday saw a great turnout at the Wings event at Fishburn Airfield with cars, planes and general jollity orchestrated by John Grant.

September 1 saw the merry multitude of 38 preparing to tackle the Old Speckled Hen Reliability trial, appropriately led away by Paul Hetschkun in the Old Speckled Hen-liveried MGB.

four horses, and also their rare breed pigs and two piglets, which were to be auctioned in aid of the charities.

The weather stayed kind for the two days, and several members of our Natter managed to attend. Maybe we should include this in our calendar of events, as there certainly seems to be something for everyone, and there was plenty of room for free parking in the adjoining field where a Club picnic could be held.

On Club-related matters, don’t forget the Kimber Car Trial at Pagans Hill Farm, Chew Stoke, on Sunday October 13. Volunteers to help set up the course on the day before would be very welcome, and the same goes for marshals on the day. Contact Jim Lott 07773 491953 for full details, or take a look at the South West Register website.

During a challenging and highly scenic route crews were bemused by questions on MG models, car badges and the 1930s Highway Code as well as tests of driving skill involving things as diverse as a carpet with a black spot. Add a little changeable weather (some crews home and dry, others shouting “I need to get these wet trousers off”) and a memorable day was had by all. Best pre-81 was Bob Thompson’s MGA Coupe, Post-81 Richard Pearson’s MGF, Spirit of the Event award went to Anita Lachowitz’s pretty AH Sprite and the OSH Reliability trophy went to Maurice and Christine Standish in their WA, a magnificent achievement in the least manoeuvrable car on the event. Thanks must go to the marshalling team of Peter and Vanessa Macey who together with Noel kept things rolling along.

Opposite you will find an entry form for the Autumn Leaves tour on October 20. Our final run of the year winds us down in a relaxed style, a fine 57-mile route finishing with a Sunday Lunch at the Emirates Riverside Stadium, home of Durham Cricket and all for the unbelievable price of £35 per car including Sunday lunch for two . Entries limited to 60 cars, don’t miss out.

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CENTRES YORKSHIRE Ken Cothliff kencothliff@hotmail.co.uk, mgccyorkshire.co.uk August started with Centre members turning out at the Croft Historic Festival at the old WW2 bomber airfield near Darlington, now a popular racing circuit. MGs were hosted by our friends at Tyne Tees Centre, and members from three Yorkshire Natters – North, South and Vale of York – made the trip north in fine weather, the forecast rain holding off until we were heading home. There was some great classic car racing and some of us got the chance to tour the circuit for a couple of “parade laps”.

There was a good attendance at the Burleyin-Wharfedale Festival and Car Show, again with several different Natter members making a good day. East Natter’s August evening run ended with a pub meal and quiz.

The big event of the month for the Yorkshire Centre in August was the annual Dales Run on August 25, around the most beautiful countryside. As you will have seen on the national news the area had a really

ULSTER Carol Willis 07831 345560 www.mgcculstercentre.co.uk carol.mgulster@hotmail.co.uk Our August Nosh and subsequent visit to Ferguson’s Linen Factory was a very successful day, attracting 27 on the outing, some in their MGs. The Downshire Arms fed us extremely well from a very good-value, appetising and varied menu.

We had a great evening at the Ulster Classic Trial on August 30. Noel Cochrane and his team had worked out a route that didn’t involve unnecessary road miles but packed in challenging tests in interesting locations. The result was a truly awesome 15 tests in one evening with an entry of 24 MGs and period classics – not an MX5 in sight! A lastminute test reshuffle due to a coincident running race in Newtownards required Carol to swiftly amend the road book in the wee small hours. Also, a ‘Yellow Warning’ weather forecast didn’t bode well.

However, on the evening, the car park at Ballyblack Community Hall filled with glorious sounds of tuned engines. Not all sounded so good though but, after some fettling of Angus Johnson’s Frogeye, normal

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bad battering from heavy rain just a week or so before. The run had been planned by Paul Croft to include roads and bridges around the Swale Valley which were washed out, so he and Rosemary had to do a lot of re-planning to ensure the run was avoiding damaged areas.

Special thanks are due to them for all the extra work involved. That the run, with 102 cars making up a large field, went ahead in scorching temperatures made the day very special.

At the West Yorkshire Natter, a discussion was held about the future of the MG Car Club in our

area. Many of the members noted that changes meant that the days of members attending the same Centre events together are a thing of the past. (In fact, there were many members of different Natters at the August events as you have already read.) The West Natter comprises mature members as well as a younger group, keen on motorsport, both preferring different events.

As long as MGCC members are out and about in their cars enjoying the vagaries of the British summer weather, that is all that matters – now thoughts turn to the autumn and winter days.

Top down weather during this year’s Dales Run

service resumed and all were on their way. Not for long, though, as Jamie Hanna soon had to splutter the yellow Midget back onto its trailer; he suffered electrical problems. Robert Dickson, not long out of hospital, was himself down on power – not that it showed as he threw the rally Mini with abandon around the tanks at McGimpsey’s yard. Most came through unscathed but sadly Angus Johnson broke a half shaft with three tests to go. On through farmyards, Council yards and silage digester plant as daylight gave way to pitch blackness, two laps of the route were duly completed and all returned to the Community Hall for a sumptuous spread laid on by the members of the Community Hall. The standard of driving was superb and the commitment total, given the value of many of these cars. With the whine from the Minis, the snort from modern-engined Midgets, the unmistakable boxer sound of a VW Beetle to an unsympathetically but brilliantly driven BMW 2002, all were being flailed around the yards between byres and concrete walls.

Such a spectacle and just wonderful! Overall first place went to David Cochrane and Ruth Steele in their Midget, a mere 1.9 seconds ahead of Will Corry with sister Adele Kennedy in the hot seat.

David Cochrane and Ruth Steele. Photo: Vanessa Eakin

In third, with a number of test FTDs, came Robert Dickson with daughter Catherine.

So, we offer a massive thank you to Noel and his team for putting together another superb Ulster Classic Trial. Thanks also to all the marshals and landowners whose generosity made the event possible. Finally the weather, not too bad at the end of the day, allowed everyone to enjoy a superb evening’s sport.

Sunday, September 1 saw a collection of MGs on display at the Ulster Transport Museum at Cultra.

Between the MGOC and the Ulster Centre, together with a few others, over 30 cars turned out with their owners having a bacon bap for breakfast. A very social and friendly occasion with lots of banter and believe it or not the rain stayed away.

Date for your Diary: Saturday October 5 PCT, venue tba

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REGISTERS VINTAGE Ian Quarrington IanQuarrington999@BTInternet.com Always expect the unexpected and it will happen.

Peter Jones would normally be filling the pages this time around but not so this month, but please look out for a bumper four-page spread from Peter in a near future issue. I am always in awe of his archive of photos and memories! Let’s have a look at what is coming up in the next few weeks that will interest the Register.

One of the best parts of our Club is that no matter where you live or which MG you drive, you can join in an MGCC event anywhere. Here are a few examples for October, starting with the AWC Autumn Leaves Run on October 6 which starts at the Notcutts Garden Centre at Nuneham Courtney and winds through the countryside to finish at the Arboretum at Batsford – surely the best time of year to see the trees there. Look on the AWC website for more information.

This is one I think we must support if folks are available. The ZR/ZS/ZT Register are having a gathering at Kimber House on October 6, they need lots of support from the more Senior

SVW Paul Campbell svw.safety.fast@gmail.com www.svwregister.co.uk Front Suspension Bump Rubbers Jim Andrews reports. On a run out to a local MG meeting, the steering on my VA Tickford felt different on the drive home than it did on the way out. A cursory check eliminated the possibility of a loose wheel or wheel bearing.

A few days later when greasing up the suspension, I noticed that the front offside bump rubber was missing. A second-hand rubber I had in stock was fitted and the steering felt normal again.

Evidently, by having more free spring movement on the offside (the missing rubber) and semi-restricted movement because of the bump rubber on the nearside it was affecting the steering geometry.

During my VA ownership I’ve always had the conical type fitted, but the ones supplied as replacements were a more solid rubber type with a small depression in the top. On checking my revised 1946 edition of the VA Service Parts List, the illustration is of the solid rubber type

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Registers, please. Did you know the Modern Zeds have a campaign “Save Our Zeds”, such is the concern about the numbers of cars rapidly disappearing from our roads. As I keep telling everyone and I will keep telling everyone, as long as there is an Octagonal MG badge on the car, no matter its age, it IS an MG! Moving to the South East Centre now, there is a Naviscat run on October 6, and another Autumn Leaves run, this time on October 20. In the Midlands, on October 13 there is an Autumn Trial at East Lodge Farm, near Bromsgrove; contact Tony Lake (01604 589104) for the details. Trials can be such a lot of fun to spectate at, let alone take part in.

Two more for your diaries: near Bristol on October 13 there is the SW Centre Kimber Car Trial, a famous event and well worth travelling to and finally, bringing you back slightly more to the centre of the country, a Sunday Scramble at Bicester Heritage on October 6. These are becoming very popular and you are guaranteed to see all sorts of exotic cars from nearly every decade between 1920 and the present day. Look up the relevant CRB websites for all or any of these events, or if in any doubt give the folks at Kimber House a call, they

will be pleased to hear from you and give you the information you will need.

Don’t forget the Club’s AGM is on Saturday October 26 at 3.00pm in the refurbished Hilton Garden Inn, Abingdon. You will be made very welcome.

I do hope these dates have given you some inspiration to go out and enjoy your Vintage Cars before winter sets in, and to remind you just how much so many willing volunteers are doing on our behalf all year round, please come along to an event to support them and get the most out of your Club Membership.

but it states: “Front Axle Buffer Comm. Ch. No. VA1945”, indicating it was changed at chassis number VA1945. I know from factory photographs that the solid type was fitted to the early cars, therefore is it possible that the illustration had not been changed to show the conical type?

I decided to carry out a check on the compressibility of each type by squeezing them in a vice – the solid rubber one compressed from 1” to 7/8” giving 1/8” compressibility; the conical one compressed more progressively from 2” to 1 1/4” giving 3/4” compressibility.

I was in a quandary about which type to fit.

The solid type relies on the springs to provide

resistance until making contact with the bump rubber abruptly, whereas the conical one provides some assistance to the spring resistance before progressively stopping movement.

I decided that I would remain with the conical type, but if I owned an earlier VA (before VA 1945) I may have fitted the solid type to maintain originality. From my experience it’s important to change the bump rubbers as a pair so as not to affect the steering. The solid type is available from a well-known supplier of SVW spares and the conical ones are the similar to those fitted to the MG TC (requiring slight elongation of bolt holes), available from various suppliers.

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REGISTERS T TYPE PAUL PLUMMER 01926 854574 scribe@tregister.org Doesn’t time fly? October is upon us and the summer(?) is almost over, but I hope you were able to enjoy some ‘top-down’ T Type motoring.

By the time you read this the Autumn Tour to Rutland will have come and gone; for a full report visit our website.

Sadly, we have to report the passing of Harry Whitehouse, well-known T Type racer and hill climber who died recently aged 86. Brian Sayer, another T Type racer and contemporary of Harry, penned these few words: “Harry Whitehouse, who sadly died recently, was a big man with a big personality. I well remember staying with Harry and Liz at their home in Manchester, when we raced at Aintree and Oulton Park. Harry raced his TB very successfully, and he was known as the gentleman racer.”

Our condolences go to his family.

Our intrepid hill climber Keith Beningfield was in action again, this time at the MGCC Speed Championship at Shelsley Walsh, where he

Y TYPE Jerry Birkbeck 01926 258691 Mob: 07855 566325 birkbeckjerry@gmail.com www.mgccyregister.co.uk When you read this we will be into autumn and perhaps, just perhaps, may be enjoying an Indian summer! I am writing these notes prior to setting out to Liverpool and meeting up with 16 other Y owners before sailing the following day to the Isle of Man. Hopefully we will enjoy one of Peter

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managed to reduce his previous best time by half a second.

Read the full story on our website at: T Register Competitions > Hill Climbing On August 18 the MGCC Switzerland held their annual T Type event in Schoftland, with 46 T Types participating and amongst them was this unique 1952 TD, bodied by Swiss coachbuilder Aigle who were in business from 1948 until 1988 Don’t forget that bookings for the 2020 European Event of the Year open on October 1.

The event, taking place at Wurzburg in August, is hosted by MGCC Germany who celebrate their 50th anniversary.

Sharp’s latest Y Tours. I will report back next month and no doubt there will be plenty of photos both on our website and Facebook sites.

Ys in Switzerland Our dear friends Victor and Evelyne Rodrigues, who live in Switzerland, are proud owners of an MG YA which, along with their other MGs, they exercise regularly. Victor sent me a note with some photos of a Y that they came across at a recent event. I’ll let Victor tell the story: “We are enjoying driving our MGs, attending local gatherings and meeting with friends.

On Sunday August 22, at the traditional Dolder Classic Car Meeting in Zurich, we met with Richard Seidemann driving his very nice Maroon Y-Saloon.

After a long period of months or even years, I guess,

of a full restoration it now looks outstanding indeed. The car was found in boxes in a farmhouse in Switzerland. Really amazing! And a fantastic rescue job. Our late good friend David Pelham was involved in the supply of parts for the restoration, e.g. gearbox and other rare bits.

Here are some photos taken at that occasion that could be of Interest to you.”

Classic Car Show – November 8-10 2019 Some of you may be attending the Classic Car Show at the NEC in November. This huge event is a must for any classic car owner. Perhaps the one downside is the cost of parking. When I visit I generally park at one of the nearby stations and then catch a train in. Just a thought when planning your intinerary, should you be attending.

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MGB CA

REGISTERS MAGNETTE Stephen Tickell 01737 760330 stephen.tickell@gmail.com www.magnette.org I should have mentioned in my last update the successful ‘Magnette Day’ international event which took place on July 26-28 around Lake Constance and attracted 16 cars. You can find Gunter’s report on magnette.org, including this photo at the house of organiser Richard Gervé who has the non-runner amongst his Magnette collection.

Just a reminder that the Lou Shorten Tribute weekend in Norfolk, our last Register event of the season, is almost upon us (October 5-6). Hopefully you’ll already have contacted John Harris if planning to attend the dinner and awards presentation at Wensum Valley Hotel, but if not he may still be able to squeeze you in. All are very welcome, though, to just turn up for John Shorten’s Saturday ‘open house’ at 44 The Street, Lenwade, for good company and a buffet lunch, although advance notice would certainly help with catering arrangements.

In the afternoon Mike Laflin will be talking about supercharging and other modifications to his Z and Farina Magnettes. This was intended to happen at

MGA Edward Vandyk 01488 608810 mgascribe@vandyk.co.uk The 2019 summer is behind us and it was one, your Scribe suggests, that fell squarely into the ‘typical English summer’ category. Nevertheless there were still plenty of memorable MGA moments. We now have the NEC show to look forward to and some winter fireside reading of David Knowles’ comprehensive (335 page) new book ‘MGA – the Revolutionary MG’. A review of the book will appear in a forthcoming edition of Safety Fast!

There are still places for the MGA Spring Tour, One Weekend – Two Countries, May 8-11 2020. The event will be based at The Grange Hotel, near Bristol, and the tours will run through Glorious Gloucestershire and Wonderful Wales. For the entry form and details of how to book please go to the 2020 Events page on the MGCC MGA Register website www.mgcc.co.uk/ mga-register/events-in-2020/ The MGA Register Committee is always looking for new members, so if you are free and fancy seeing what happens at a Committee meeting you would be most welcome to attend the November 23

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O

Non-runner at Lake Constance

the open day last year; however on that occasion we had a change of plan due to heavy rain, and Mike instead regaled us indoors with anecdotes from his lifelong involvement with cars (and farm machinery).

I’m sure the weather will be better this time, and no doubt Mike will still have plenty of anecdotes left!

On Sunday morning we meet at Bressingham Gardens, near Diss, which features a narrow-gauge railway, vintage fairground rides and Dad’s Army museum. A discount on normal admission price is available if you book with John.

Committee Meeting at Kimber House: 10.00am for 10.30am.

Chartered Surveyor, Chris gained a local reputation as a renovator of old houses. He was also, for many years, churchwarden and bellringer at St James’s Church in Normanton-on-Soar, Leicestershire.

Despite deteriorating health, Chris and Mary still managed to attend and enjoy the Register’s meeting at Llanberis in May this year, with driving shared with their son Dave. In the last two years, daughter Jo has also become an MGA enthusiast, and it is gratifying to hear that TOC 220 will remain with the Ashworth family as a cherished classic car.

A Tribute to Christopher Donald Ashworth – “one of life’s gentlemen” (14.8.1946 – 7.7.2019) In recent years, Chris (together with his wife Mary) had been regular attendees at the Register’s Spring and Autumn Meetings, driving his white 1960 MGA Roadster TOC 220, which he had skilfully rebuilt from the remains of several wrecks. Chris has owned several MGs and had an MG L-type before he was married to Mary in 1970 and they both attended the Natters at the Phoenix Inn, Hartley Wintney. The L-type was followed by a red MGA in which they both toured Scotland in 1971. At the time of his death, the love affair with MGs continued, as he had begun the restoration of an M-type Midget.

Chris’s engineering skills were considerable, probably starting with his purchase of a car for £3 while still a 16-year-old-pupil at Lancing College in Sussex! Outside the car world, he was a talented sportsman, playing cricket, tennis and football, as well as swimming, and in later years became a knowledgeable fly fisherman. By profession a

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GHN4/5 & GHD4/5RH 914696 56 Exhaust 58 SCREW, LH & 1 lock mechanism 1 May be replaced models up to GHN5/GH 2 AHH6666www CZA2365 GASKET, inlet hose connector 91469 13 SCREW, 59 .rim D5-258000 (1968-71 to door bros.com by 3 synchro 1 ERR4935P Gearbox STRIKEmer manifold, all lock mechanism 1 87 END, door R PLATE, type door pull 6 SF6040815 AHH6667 Kits include; carb, ). / E-MA enginesPaints tin 'B' post: Mountings GLZ118, see to remote pull, RH control : IL: sales@r GHN4/5 inlet manifold RH above. cost), thermost Gearbox 14 WASHE mechanism & GHD4/5 models , 14" chromed composite 54 imm at housing, accelera 2 1 air cleaner Note: The May erbr R, CZA2366 levelling plate/acc 4 LH ERC3990 be replaced os.c See panel opposite PMZ306 1 omup totypeGHN5/GH D5-258000 (1968-71 by 3 synchro 15 SCREW, shakeproof CZA3310 elerator cable tor and choke cable kits,(K&N at extra introduced onimproved composite 1 60 Note: for 88 LKJ50 further a SCREW SCREW adaptor inlet 1/2" door lock & remote engines and 4 ). details. spacer is included pull GLZ118, 5° carb WF702101 , striker plate for 4x4 , door pull to door: from 1992 approx. manifold a sensible upgrade 57 1 gasket was0020 Cooling control to door 16 WASHER, CZA3311 linkages see above.

Access CARBURETTOR to 'B' post, BY .PHON See alsoE:‘Optiona with the 2" filtersapplications. onwards on earlier engines first Propshaft The composi 14 long , but isories chrome ONLY, 390cfm to allow clearanc 0152 required in addition often used as PMZ308 te gasket type Manual choke. l Parts’ originally fitted 17 WASHER, spring 2 such either 5680 61 e end as for Vacuum a 1 with fuel to seals tin SCREW the or 14 WL105001 pump the tin item.

00 ERR7283 may secondary. conversion kit. plain Supplied jetted stainless , striker plate / which RB7254 2 SF604121 ON LINE: must be used composite manifold gasket, 4 may be www in 18 DOOR HANDL RMP308 for 3.5 litre. to 'B' post, be used with Heater MGB & MGB with their matching 89 DOOR PULL:steel Primary but whichevfact of end seals and 14 short & .rimjetmer GT: 51, secondary Index er the case they 4 RMP308SS WP5 clamps should ERR7282 clamps Rear Axle 19 SCREW, handleE, interior 53..com Controls 62 SHIM, striker GHN5/GHD5 with Edelbrock (the different JETS, replace bros not be mixed 2 JPC8387PA END SEAL, manifo models from 4 SF604061 / E-MAIL: sale to remote types and matched plate: dual to GHN5-294250 GHN5/GH control For tuning larger ment, supplied as ). ld gasket: including 3" air plane inlet manifold 0.032 s@rimm & GHD5-296000 D5-258001 a pair: for tin capacity/modified 20 WASHER, mechanism gasket erbr (1971-72).

Black engines. os.com 2 48 jets 0.064 including 2" air cleaner for composite 54K20 A/R Fuel RB7722 2WD Front 21 FINISH spring 112 2 619076 gasket AJM645 System See note on end Autumn Leaf ER, 2 WL1050015 Suspension with Offenhauser cleaner 2 BFP1469PA 51 jets 1 RB7254JET4 RB77222WDL A/R 22 KNOB, doordoor lock knob cut-out BHH341 ERR7283 360 dual plane OW CLAMP, end seal:seals and clamps above. 2 Navy 1 lock, interior 2 RGK6476 including 3" air 53 jets AHH6547 1 RB7254JET5 8 inlet manifold 23 SCREW, for tin gasket Ochre knob to lock mechan 1 2 RGN6476 AHH6513 including 2" air cleaner end seal 55 jets 1 RB7254JET5 1 RB72622WD for ism Exhaus compos cleaner Rear 24 STRIKER, door latching Beige 63 1 t ite 2 DOOR HANDL 2 RMP212 602076A RB72622WDL 56 jets RGT6476 1 RB7254JET5 3 , 'B' See note on endgasket end seal Suspension 25 SPACER, 90 SCREW, Roadster & GT E, exterior OW 2 seals and clamps 2 striker to 'B' post post ERR7282 door pull to door AFH1684 2 models GHN3/GH ADAPTOR PLATE SCREW, end RGX6476 26 SCREW, 2 above.

1 RB7254JET5 5 (3 synchro, 1965-67 GHN5/GHD5 712837 seal clamp A/R 14A46 striker to 'B' post KIT, models from 6 , push buttonD3 secondary Gearbox NI DOOR HANDL to GHN5-294250 GHN5/GHD5-2580 4 27 BUFFER 73 PMZ308 door handle).

2 Replaces existingjet , door to 'B' post Road Wheels 4 SF604061 602236 91 DOOR PULL: & GHD5-296000 (1971-72 01 Roadster & GT E FITTING KIT secondary jet 28 SCREW, 1 QJ12990S The standard ). models GHN3/GH mounting 2 712837FK buffer securin 4 (3 synchro, 1965-67 AHH6273 GHN5/GHD5 This kit allowsplate on the Holley 390 has plate. g models from , push buttonD3 64 DOOR HANDL & GHD5-296001 Propshaft 4 GD910161 GHN5-294251 door handle). performance. the fitting of a pair of jets a single 53 jet. on (1973 on).

Jets sold separate FACET ‘RED to increase Roadster & GT E, exterior Brakes All V8 models.

Black ly. models GHN4/5 OVERHAUL KIT High capacity TOP’ FUEL PUMP (4 synchro, 1968 AHH8885 & GHD4/5 2 Kits include; carb, on, push button conversions. electric pump suitable KIT 1 Autumn Leaf 65 NUT, handle inlet manifold STUD, NUT & 2 Includes unions. for 4 barrel carb RB7259 Rear Axle door handle), cost), thermost X2A15 1 , 14" 00 WASHE RB725 all chromed to Mount V8 models.

FACET ‘RED TOP’ remotely in engine 4H R MOUNT All models with door air cleaner (K&N Navy cable kits, and at housing, fuel feed banjo Brake & 2 supplied with X2K1500 bay.

92 SCREW, 2WD carb kit ING KIT: 66 WASHER, 'push button' exterior door 4 FACET ‘RED TOP’ FUEL PUMP ONLY 1 applications. 5° carb levelling plate/accand bolt, accelerator andat extra HN2005 Clutch GASKE door handles.

2 choke spring elerator pull RB725 X2N15 UNIONS T, 1 Pair. to carb cable Note: door All models with 9B Front GHN5/GHD5 00 RB7254S to manifold adaptor for 4x4 Hydraulics a 1/2" ONLY models from 1 4 SECONDARY linkages. Seespacer is included with the RB7259A Suspen & GHD5-296001 GHN5-294251 67 WASHER, 'push button' exterior door 4 WL105001 GHF431 1 also ‘Optiona DIAPHRAGM 2" filters to allow RB7181 DOOR HANDLE handles. plain sion required in addition l Parts’ 93 NUT, plastic on (1973 on). All V8 models. clearance for All models with CARB FLOAT , INTERIOR 2 QJ130465 to the conversi such as fuel pump which 'push button' on kit.

68 GASKET, JPC8387PA GHN5/GHD5 exterior door 4 may be Steering WP5 FLOAT ADJUS MGB & MGB models from handles. door handle, small 1 QJ123140 4 TER & GHD5-296001 GHN5-294251 13H2494 GT: All models with Rear on (1973 on). 'push button' CAM KIT (includes REPAIR KIT with Offenhauser 1 QJ123050 69 GASKET, All V8 models. exterior door 2 ROAD Suspension handles. 617402 door handle, large SCREW - BUTTER5 cams) including 2" air 360 dual plane inlet manifo All models with 1 QJ130610 Electrical 3 SYNCHSTER & GT MODELS AIR CLEAN 'push button' ld GHN3/GHD3 70 GASKET RO, 1965-67, exterior door 2 ELECTRIC CHOKE FLY with Offenhausercleaner A/R QJ140 14" diameter ER KIT: handles. 617403 PUSH BUTTON SET, RA132 29 REMOTE 865 with element, chromed ‘pancake’ type DOOR HANDL for one doorpair, including 2" air JWR dual port inlet manifo 32WD CONTROL MECHA Road Wheels MANUAL CHOKE suitable for Holley air cleaner, complete 1 E handle QJ130 See ld cleaner All also NISM: CONVE 880S models Bodyshell RH K&N filter assys.

Excludes cable. & Edelbrock carbs.

RSION with 'push button' 2 14G27 RA13232WDL DOOR HANDLE NI GASKET 1 standard (3" RB7184 OW , EXTERIOR LH & Panels SET, car set, for exterior door handles. 92S ACCELERATOR K&N RECESS 1 deep) AHH7484 ED two door handles & boot lid handle CABLE KIT: 30 SCREW, AHH8885 low-profile (2" Brakes 1 remote control 1 Holley & Edelbro TYPE All models with RB7438 deep) AHH7485 For extra bonnet 31 WASHE to door AIR CLEANE ck, 'push button' 71 LATCH, 1 6 Universal, Holley 4 barrel carb 1 exterior door1 14G2791K RB7439 REPLACEMENT clearance.

PMZ30 KIT - RA1397R Body 32 WASHE R, spring boot lid/tailgate handles.

RB7278 ELEMENT, air 72 SCREW, R, plain 6 WL1050018 ACCELERATOR Fittings 33 Brake & standard elemen 1 cleaner: latch to boot lid/tailg 1 RB7278B AHH7450 DOOR HANDL Adapts ball end CABLE ADAPTOR t 73 WASHER, 6 Clutch ate E, interior 3" deep to pedal.

4 1 WP5 34 SCREW, PMZ30 RB7278A 74 WASHER, spring KICKDOWN KIT Hydraulics handle to remote 2 JPC8387PA 2" deep 4 WL1050018 1 RB7438EL - Holley 390 Interior Trim control mechan SD1 Borg Warner 75 COVER, plain K&N element auto.

1 RTC117HOLLEY latch (GT models) 1 4 (re-use RB743 & Fittings 35 WASHER, spring ism able) CHOKE CABLE 9EL WP5 76 SCREW, 2 3" deep 54K20 KIT cover to tailgate 36 LOCK MECHA 1 Steering AHH7596 77 STRIKER, 21/4" deep 2 WL1050015 (GT models) NISM; 1 1 RB7438ELKN No. DESCRIP 1 RB7290 PJZ602 RH ADAPTOR, TION 78 SCREW, boot lid/tailgate latch Hood & 1 RB7439ELKN striker to body 1 Connects air breather pipe ZKC6132 LH cleaner 79 WASHE LOCK SET, 3 Hardtops 1 1 AHH7451QTY REQ. PART No. R, RB7654 Electrical 2 37 WASHER, AIR CLEANER base to engine flame trap/brea AHH6179S PIECE GHF117 80 WASHER, springNo. DESCRIPTION 1 ther.

AHH7452 Allows clearanc SPACER: 2 38 CIRCLIP, anti-rattle GHF331 QTY e over linkages 81 HANDLE, plain remote control 2 REQ. ALH1879 when using 2" 1/2" spacer 2 Chassis PART No. to lock filter.

GHF300 Engine See panel opposit Bodyshell mechanism link 82 GASKET, boot lid/tailgate No. DESCRIP 1" spacer Plates & 39 SCREW boot TION 1 e for further 1 4 Cylinde AHH6179 -2 4 Sync , BY9340 & Panels 83 LOCK ASSEM lid/tailgate handle details.

13H2023 hro Decals 40 STRIKE lockr to1door GEARB CARBURETTOR QTY 1 1 REQ. BLY, AHH61 door: BY9341 R PLATE, 'B' All models with PART No. ONLY, 500cfm 80 Manual choke.

SF604 post: OX ASS’Y,6non-ov 'push button' 081 erdrive Supplied jetted RH exterior door , recond: 4 cylinder Primary jet 0.086, RH RA1335 for 3.5/3.9 litre.1 handles. - 4 Sync Engine Body secondary 0.095, V8 LH metering rods K&N FLAT TYPE 6 FRONT COVER 1 hro Paints 41 1 LH chrome bumpe 0.065 AHH7758 Fittings AIR CLEANE SCREW, striker , gearbox BHH972 TUNING/CALIB x 0.052 jet.

1 r models R KIT pair plate to 'B' post AHH7759 1 rubber bumpe 4 cylinder models RA1398 1 22H10 long BHH97 Includes 4 assortedRATION KIT GROMMET, 53R Oil Cooler 2 GEARBOX ASS’Y, r models deadloc 1 1 jets and 5 metering V8 models 1 BHH973PR3 1 GEAR LEVER for tuning larger Accessories 42 SCREW BHM50 RA1335C , striker plate Does not include 2overdri 22H1055 locks, 20Rk security rods Interior Trim capacity ve, recond pair standar to 'B' post 121 : NUT, front BHH2049 overdrive SF604 1 631773DL 1 d clip 7fix type, FUEL FEED BANJO /modified engines. short unit. & Fittings 22B684 pair cover 4 cylinder 8 WASHE nut fix & BOLT 43 SHIM, striker GASKET KIT R, spring 1 631773 8 Clutch plate: 4 SF604061 NI GASKET, type, pair 1 GHF201 RA1335B chrome bumpe K&N FILTER, 9 GASKET, Index door lock 1 0.032" (cut to shape 63177 8 Holley r models STUD, front 1 3NF Pancake (14") cover & NUT & WASHE GHF33 1 DOOR PULL LOCK SET, 3 10 OIL rubber bumpe 1 NI 22H10 RA1335D Hood & filter assemblyEdelbrock 4 barrel carbs: ASSEMBLY R MOUNTING piece (2 doorSEAL, front 2 May also be fitted 0.064"(cut to shape of striker) BHH972G 1 GUG705707G 2 52R , bolts directly All models supplied with KIT: locks & cover 619076 1 with 'push V8 models A/R r models with Engine & on to carb.

Hardtops of striker) M 2WD 11 button' 2 carb kit 41 GLZ118 lock): BHM50 SIDEexterior recessed type ‘X-stream’ filter top (lid).

COVER, boot 1 GASKET, carb with19R gearbo 141 1 handles. clip fixing 88G545 BHH341 1 46 SWITCH Gearbox 3 BOLT, gearbox toA/R x RB7254S to manifold 12 locks T, door 3" 40 deep. Sits low (assembly) , overdri 48G78 engine: 0R fixing doorGASKE ACCELERATOR side cover on carb for extra 1 with nut Mountings September 1976 ve N.B. for use with 22B309 1 AHH6179S 1 1 4 cylinder models RA1397 Chassis 13doorSCREW bonnet RB7181 CABLE KIT 1

BY PHON on, overdrive manual choke locks , side 520999A NI SCREW Engine E: 01522 ACCELERATOR flat type (assem models. only. 52 clearance.

1 AHH6179SN 1 22B319 1 2 3/4�

ONLY, 14 WASHER, cover RB7278 568000 / ON CABLE ADAPT bly) 51 long 2 1/4" deep, fits 48Plates & 10 4 Cylinder 47 LINK WIRES, overdrive switch 2 spring OR 39 CHOKE CABLE 1 either manual HU857 LINE: www 1 3 1/4� long 4 15 MAIN or automatic RA13946 X-STREAM RB7278A KIT 52099K&N Cooling ‘X-stream’ BH605 8 Decals 9AS 10 CASE, choke.

September 1976overdrive switch .rim 221 AUTO CHOKE gearbo AIR mer GHF332 FLOW LID For maximumair flow (lid only) 1 x .com 1 on, overdrive bros 3� long 2 ASSEMBLY RB7290 BH605261 48 CAP: 15372RA1399 air flow. Replaces 4 cylinder models models.

6 K&N lid. Available / E-MAIL: sale RED 45 standard pancake Engine V8 V8 models 1 1 in RA132 black, N.B. K&N filter BH605241 red or s@rimm Paints 3ACH chrome bumpe switch Heater & . & gear erbr be purchased assembly (recessedpolished 2 1/4� long knob os.c Features dipstick r or flat type) must separate September 1976 om 44 1 Controls 1 on, overdrive ‘X-stream’, blackly. 50 AAU8099A arm gaiter hole. hole and oval clutch release22H1054 3� long 4 models.

BH506181 gear knob Oil Cooler 4 WASHER,

BY PHONE: Accessories 1 RA139 ‘X-stream’, red rubber bumpe 43 9BLAC 4 September 1976 spring: 01522 5680 BH506241 37 r on, non-overdrive 1 K Features BHH19 49 1 ‘X-strea 00 4 filler GROMM 00 cylinder models 1 models. plug hole and / ON LINE: www m’, polished RA1399RED Fuel ET, gear lever release arm gaiter rectangular clutch22H1463 47 50 GAITER, System 1 RA1399POLIS V8 models .rimmerbros hole.

Clutch 7 1 5 gear V8 models 36 .com GHF333 HED Index BHH2049 5 NUT, gearbo 4 cylinder modelslever: 4 38 42 8 / E-MA Features filler GHN5/GHD5-2580 x to engine GHF333 IL: sales@r49 all V8 models.

4 cylinder models.

3 01 (Oct 1971) 22B682 arm gaiter hole.plug hole and round clutch 1 immerbros.c 7 onwards, Can be fitted release Engine & Exhaust NI FITTING GHF201 16 DIPSTIC to all 4 synchro 35 7 om KIT, gearbo K models.

42 15 Gearbox vinyl 4 cylinder models, 4 cylinder modelsx to engine: 8 chrome bumper.

1 Mountings 22B549 17 PLUG, drain 34 Black Contains items 6 1 3, 4, 5.

Gearbox RP1651 Qty. increases & filler 1 Beige V8 models BHH2072BLA for 4 cylinder 24 plus all V8 models.

CK 10 rubber bumper 9 Contains items 1 37 Navy models, BHH20 1 27 Cooling 3, 4.

72BEIGE RP1652 standard 1 25 Propshaft Red BHH2072NAV Y Magnetic 1/2 23 1 Autumn Leaf 2K583 BHH2072RED 18 NUT, rear 57 38 56 Heater & 1/2 2K583 0 1 BHH2072AUT case to main leather 16 0M case 19 BOLT, rear LEAF Rear Axle Controls 3 25 Black GHF201 34 20 WASHER, case to main case 36 5 BH505101 1 BHH2072BLA spring Navy 21 HOUSIN 21 CKL G, remote control 8 1 Fuel Red BHH2072NAV GHF332 Front 22 GASKET, 32 YL Suspension 1 System remote control 1 20 Autumn Leaf 22B522 BHH2072RED 18 23 SCREW, L 51 RING, gear lever: 1 short, housing 1 BHH2072AUT 22 22B372 to rear case 24 BOLT, long, 14 LEAFL 26 4 28 13 30 chrome GHF163 Exhaust 25 WASHER, housing to rear case 33 Rear 31 Up to Septemb 2 BH505181 spring 1 er 1976.

Suspension 26 BUSH, remote AHC187 black 29 6 selector lever GHF332 27 BREATH September 1976 1 Gearbox ER, gearbox 1 on.

BHH1986 22B295 52 SCREW, 28 SWITCH Road Wheels ring: 54 , reversing lights 1 60 21H6060 67 29 WASHER, models without 53 1 BAU1074A switch centre console 17 55 Propshaft 30 PLUNGER, 68 short (front) 1 anti-rat 50214 12 tle Brakes 6 31 SPRING, 1 long 63 SG604053 20 1 plunger 11 22A84 32 WASHER, models with centre 19 3 SG604083 1 Rear Axle spring cap AEG3123 console 65 33 CAP, anti-rat short (front) 69 Brake & 1 AEG3122 34 BUSH, gear tle spring 1 long 71 Clutch 70 64 62 SG604083 58 1 53 GASKET, 22A85 Hydraulics Front 35 GEAR LEVERlever 3 main SG604103 1 Overdrive gearboxecase to rear case 22H15 Suspension Up to Septemb 1 59 86 1 22B404 54 REAR CASE, s.

36 PLATE, gear er 1976.

22B419 gearbox 87 lever retainin 61 Overdrive gearboxe Steering WE’RE 37 SCREW, g 1 s.

HER 1 plate 22B58 55 Rear DAM25 GASKET, overdri to remote housing E TO HEL Not sure of the 9 76 38 WASHER, P Overdrive gearboxe ve to rear case 3 Suspension our technical right part for your car, double coil 22B525 1 sales team for contact s.

39 NUT, gear 37H1901 Electrical 56 SWITCH help and advice.

3 WS600051 66 knob locking 88 , overdri Up to Septemb 89 Overdrive gearboxe ve inhibitor 72 1 1 22A1613 s.

40 GEAR KNOB,er 1976.

BAU1074A Road Wheels 57 WASHER, original type switch 73 4 cylinder models, Bodyshell Overdrive gearboxe GHN4/GHD4, 1 1 and GHD5-29 74 s.

1B3736 up to GHN5-29 & Panels 58 GASKET, 502146 4250 main 41 GEAR KNOB,6000.

Brakes Non-overdrive case to rear case 75 original type 1 GUG705705G 98 4 cylinder models, 99 100 101 59 REAR CASE,gearboxes.

M GHN5-294251 1 76 77 78 GHD5-296001 BHH78 gearbo and Body 8 x Non-overdrive NI GEAR KNOB:(Oct 1972) to Sept 1976. All V8 gearboxes.

1 Brake & Fittings 79 90 102 22B368 60 PINION, models.

80 All models up speedometer Clutch 85 91 to Sept. 1976.

Non-overdrive 81 gearboxe Hydraulics wood, ‘MG’ logo 103 92 106 Interior Trim chrome bumpe s. leather, ‘MG’ r 93 1 RP1426WMG logo rubber bumpe models 82 & Fittings 1 107 22B654 105 alloy, ‘MG’ 104 1 RP1426LMG 61 SEAL, speedo r models Steering 108 1 83 42 GEAR LEVER logo DAM687 Non-overdrive meter pinion 1 84 RP1100 gearboxes.

1 September 1976 94 NKC105A 62 PINION HOUSIN Hood & 1 DAM30 43 CONE NUT: on.

79 G, speedometer Hardtops Electrical Non-overdrive 1 September 1976 95 63 GASKET, gearboxes.

22H29 on.

120 pinion housing chrome 109 Non-overdrive gearboxes.

1 Chassis No. DESCRIP 22H903B Bodyshell 64 SCREW, 96 110 stainless steel 1 TION C30505A pinion housing Plates & 44 Non-overdrive & Panels GEAR KNOB 97 QTY REQ. 1 C30505SS 2 Decals 111 SeptemberPART GHF117 65 WASHER, gearboxes.

123 1976No. No. DESCRIP on.

112 shakeproof DAM2174 TION 1 45 NUT, knob Non-overdrive 115 122 retaining gearboxes.

2 Body QTY REQ. September 1976 GHF321 66 ADAPTOR, PART No. Paints on.

1 Fittings C30623 Engine Non-overdriveright angleNo. DESCRIP (‘angle 113 drive’)TION gearboxes.

1 116 114 4 Cylinder 120694 QTY REQ. 117 92 BACKPLATE, PART No. 124 Accessories Interior Trim engine to gearbo x: 18G, GA (3 main & Fittings Engine V8 GEAR KNOB, bearing) 125 127 18GB (5 main bearing, 118 1 WOOD 12H752 Index RP1426WMG 126 original, steel 3 synchro gearbox) 119 Hood & 121 Oil Cooler alloy 1 12H1469 Hardtops 131 GEAR KNOB, 18GD, GG,1 18V 1 12H14 57 69A LEATHER 128 4 synchro and auto gearbox.

1 CAM10 132 RP1426 Chassis Clutch BY93PHON 03 LMG 135 GASKE E:T,0152 engine backpla Plates & 2 5680 te, 00 / lower, large 130 29 ON LINE: www Decals GEAR KNOB, 129 .rimmerbros 134 Engine & 94 GASKET, engine backpla ALLOY 1 12H768 .com / E-MA te, 136 RP1100 133 upper, small Gearbox IL: sales@r Paints Mountings 95 SCREW, backpla 30 immerbros.c Engine HEAD GASKET 1 CONVERSION 12H762 SET te, upper om 96 WASHER, GASKET SET, AJM1163EVAP4 Cylinder 2 3 BEARING ENGINES spring, backpla GHF105 97 SCREW, te upper screw

BY PHONE: Accessories backplate: 2 GHF333 Cooling GEG237 01522 5680 18 lower 21 00 / ON LINE: Engine V8 20 18G, GA, GD, GG, www.rimmer 8 53K1779 18V to Septemb Index bros.com / er 1976. lower Heater & 22 E-MAIL: sale 124 STUD, main 18GB (5 main Controls 23 3 Oil Cooler bearing, 3 bearing s@rimm 8 GHF10

V8 - Inlet Man ifold & Components - 4 Barrel

Carb

Interior Doo

r Pulls

ORDER

V8 - Holley 390cfm 4 Bar Carb Convers rel V8 - Hol ion Kits ley 390 Carb & Components

ORDER

Exterior Han dles

& Locks

V8 - Edelbro 4 Barrel Car ck 500cfm Conversion b Kits

V8 - Fuel Pum

p

V8 - 4 Barrel Carb Air Cleaners

Gearbox & FixingsAssembly

V8 - Edelbro ck 500 Carb & Components

External Gea rbox Components

MANUAL GEA

RBOX - 4 SYN CHR

O (1967 ONWV8 - K&N 4 Barrel Car b Air ARDClea S) ners

ORDER

ORDER

01522 568 000

Engine Backpla te & Rear Oil Sea l

ENGINE - 4

CYLINDER

ORDER

ORDER

synchro gearbox)

lower

5 8 SH606071

.

18V Septemb

er 1976 on.

Fuel 98 WASHER, spring, backpla

System

All engines except te lower screw 18GB. 8 GHF333 99 LOCK TAB, 18GB (5 main backplate lower screws bearing, 2 2K6059 te side screws 18GB (5 main 1H1020 101 LOCK TAB, bearing, 3 synchro gearbox). 1 Gearbox 18GB (5 main backplate upper screws 1H1021 102 OIL SEAL, bearing, 3 synchro gearbox). 1 crankshaft, rear: 5 bearing 3 synchro gearbox) Exhaust 100 LOCK TAB, . backpla

Contact us for your FREE copy:Tel: 01522 568000 Fax: 01522 567600 Email: sales@rimmerbros.com

Post: + " % & , - ! * , & %, ) ) , ( $ We’ve Expanded our Call Centre hours now open up to 20 hours a day - 7 days a week!

engines only.

Propshaft

standard uprated (Viton) 103 RETAINER, oil seal 5 bearing

cap All 18G Series engines.

6/10 Quantity increase d for 5 bearing Some early 3 bearing engines engines. these should be used lock tabs 125 NUT, main replaced by ACA5521. bearing cap All 18G Series engines.

6/10 Quantity increase d for 5 bearing Some early 3 bearing engines engines. these should be used lock tabs 126 WASHER, replaced by ACA5521. main bearing All 18G Series cap engines.

6/10 Quantity increase d for 5 bearing Some early 3 bearing engines engines. these should be used lock tabs 127 BOLT, main replaced by ACA5521.

18V engines. bearing cap 10

51K1482

Engine Gasket

142 HEAD GASKE T SET: OEM aftermarket LNZ108 aftermarket with head gasket copper 143 CONVERSION GASKE 3 bearing engines T SET: ACA5521 5 bearing engines standard Note: When Payen type

Sets

1

104 SCREW

1 AHU2242 1AHU2242UR 1 12H1547

engines only.

7

11

long

for 5 bearing engines.

5 bearing engines

123 WASHER,

spring

ORDER

only.

GEG237

12

00

IL:

)'+ *+- # (-- *'(-

27

26

erbros.com

65

Fuel System

62

Exhaust

60

Gearbox

59 85

84

58

51

56

89

57

Front Suspension

82 87

78

Rear Suspension

86 96

94

80

95

88

Road Wheels Brakes

101 79

104

105

81

Brake & Clutch Hydraulics

103 92

Steering 102 100

93 113

127

126

106

130 141

140

125

Electrical 99

124 128

115

114

117

98

00 / ON LINE:

118

97

Body Fittings Interior Trim & Fittings

131 132

135

133

138

Hood & Hardtops Chassis Plates & Decals

139

137 136

Paints

138

Accessories

136

www.rimmer bros

.com / E-MA

IL:

Bodyshell & Panels

129

137

01522 5680

Rear Axle

90

77

116

BY PHONE:

Propshaft

91

83

123

120

ORDER

Heater & Controls

26

134

sales@rimm

Cooling

61 67

52 53

119

.com / E-MA

27

24

68

00

109

www.rimmer bros

25

24

69 66

121

00 / ON LINE:

64 63

55

54

SERVICE KIT RP1698

GHF331

25

11

112

2 SH604121

01522 5680

15

9

Service Kits

3/1 SH604071 3

BY PHONE:

Clutch Engine & Gearbox Mountings

14

6

tem

Index

28

16 17

Lubrication Sys

Quantity reduced

58

28

13

10

8

1 AJM27 overhaul 50 1 AJM273PAYE 3 with head gasket ing complete engine 49 12B2356 128 CORK SEAL, or rear (AHU224 set. Conversion set doesuse conversion gasket set N not contain 2) oil seal. These Front/rear for main bearing cap should be ordered front (88G 561) 31 18G, separately.

12H1638 128 CORK SEAL, GA. Front only for 18GB, 2/1 GD, GG. Front/rear for main bearing cap 18V. Rear only 12H1476 for 18GB, GD, 2/1 129 VALVE, oil 4 SH605071 GG. Kit includes fan pressure relief 3 bearing engines belt, air filter, 130 PACKING (OPRV) 1 spark plugs, contact only. oil filter, fuel filter 4 PIECE, OPRV GHF332 106 BLANKING 12H86 (not set 5 and condenser. in RP1692), 131 SPRING: 1 4 synchro andPLUG, engine backplate 32 Rear AEH798 33 automatic gearbox.

CHROME BUMPE 1 34 Suspension 12H541 OPRV R MODELS 47 NI SERVICE uprated, 1 37 KIT, engine 1H756 36 132 WASHER, OPRV with paper elemenwith 25D distributor: 1 OPRV cap 1H756UR Road Wheels 45 46 t oil filter 1 Upright or hanging 133 CAP, OPRV 38 40 1 231578B RP1692 with upright spin-on 134 SUMP, oil: 1 12A1851 oil filter with hanging 3 bearing engines RP1693 Brakes spin-on oil filter 1 with 1 spin-on oil filter 39 5 bearing engines RP1694 1 12H395 conversion1 NI SERVICE , standard ALLOY SUMP KIT, engine with RP169 1 5 Fixed 12H35 KIT, OIL PUMP, 3 origina Brake & points. finned 41 35 Inc gasket, bolts. l 45D distributor: BEARING ENGINES 88G296 44 Clutch with upright spin-on 5 bearing engines 42 Hydraulics oil filter with hanging 135 GASKET, RP1696 1 12H3541AK spin-on oil filter 1 sump: 48 NI SERVICE 1 43 KIT, 3 bearing engines RP1697 Sliding points. engine with replacement 41 44 45D distributor: Steering 107 DIPSTICK 5 bearing engines 1 43 AJM503 18G, GA, GB, GD. with upright spin-on 136 SCREW, 1 72 1 73 74 76 oil filter 12H74 sump 108 GAITER, AJM504 with hanging Quantity reduced to engine dipstick RP1698 spin-on oil filter 1 for 5 bearing engines. 19/18 SH604 18G, GA, GB, GD. Electrical 137 WASHER, 1 041 1 RP169 1B173 109 TUBE, dipstick 71 shakeproof 9 5 RUBBER BUMPE Quantity reduced 70 R MODELS for 5 bearing engines. 19/18 18G, GA, GB, GD. GHF321 NI SERVICE 138 WASHER, 1 1B106 KIT, 110 plain engine with origina 3 DIPSTICK Bodyshell Fixed points.

Fitted Sept 1976 l 45D distributor: 18 18GG, 18V 581 GHF300 & Panels 139 SCREW KIT, on but can be fitted all years.

1 12H2964 with upright spin-on 111 DIPSTICK / 582 / 583 to 1972.

Contains 19 off sump oil filter with hanging 1 18V 581 / 582 RP1700 RP1648 spin-on oil filter 1 140 DRAIN PLUG, of items 136, 137, 138. / 583 1973 on, NI SERVICE 18V 779, 780, 1 12H3963 1 sump Body 112 TUBE, dipstick KIT, RP1701 846, 847.

141 WASHER, Sliding points. engine with replacement 1 For 12H2964 Fittings drain plug 88G257 45D distributor: and 12H3963 1 12H3351 .

113 SPINDLE, with upright spin-on 1 6K638 oil 75 oil filter 114 OIL PUMP: pump drive with hanging RP1702 1 CAM1039 spin-on oil filter 1 Interior Trim 1 3 bearing engines RP1703 & Fittings 5 bearing engines 1 88G296 uprated 1 GLP143 Hood & 115 GASKE , 5 bearing engines T, pump to block: 1 GLP143UR Hardtops 3 bearing engines 5 bearing engines 1 88G420 Chassis 116 STUD, oil pump 1 12H1018 Plates & 117 NUT, oil 3 51K267 Decals 118 WASHE pump R, spring 3 GHF201 119 WASHER, 107 3 plain GHF332 110 111 Paints 120 STRAINER, oil 3 GHF301 108 121 GASKET, 1 JAM2227 strainer to pump 122 SCREW: 122 1 Accessories 88G421 short Rear Axle

, backpla oil seal retainete centre/ Front r Suspension 105 WASHE R, spring

erbros.com 19

5

4

1 AJM1163EVA 1 AJM1163EVA P 1 AJM1163EVA C

sales@rimm

Index

erbros.com

12

from 1996

www.rimmerbros.com Safety Fast_October2019_43-98.indd 83

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REGISTERS MGB David Broadhurst 01209 614704 newsletter-editor@mgb-register.org www.mgb-register.org Autumn already, and our esteemed chairman is asking me to promote our new clothing and regalia.

Go to our Register website for details www.mgbregister.org…just in time for Christmas, ho, ho, ho.

John’s other request is that you make a note on your kitchen calendar of the Spring Run on April 5 2020.

This will start at Millett’s Farm Shop and go to Stowe, between Buckingham and Silverstone.

Pictured this month by Piers Hubbard is the most unusual MGB I have seen. It has been stretched and used as a shuttlebus at GT44, the NAMGAR meeting which is reported on elsewhere.

MIDGET Mike Parker mikeparker78@btinternet.com www.midgetregister.com/ This year the Midget Register Road Run was held over the first weekend in September, which this year started at the Fosseway garden centre, Moreton-in-Marsh where participants were made very welcome by members of the Register committee. After a catch-up and tea or coffee, everyone headed out on a 60-mile run through

John Ross (right) being presented with Mike Authers award by Register Chairman Pete Chaundy 84 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2019

Safety Fast_October2019_43-98.indd 84

Roger and Nicky Boys went on an adventure to Scotland to complete the North Coast 500. The whole report is too long for this month so we’ll give you a taster of what they got up to, with the main report in the four-page spread in next month’s issue.

North Coast 500 Route in the Boneshaker Our adventure of the summer 2019 was to complete the NORTH COAST 500 route, which is to circumnavigate the top of Scotland. It was friends Ian and Sue Deverall who invited Nicky and I to join them for this trip. The plan was to join a

Scenic & Continental Car Tours event, which took all the hard work out of planning the route and booking the hotels – this proved to be an excellent suggestion. We would spend a couple of extra days getting up to Scotland and also do the same on the way back.

So with all booked and paid for, cars prepared, luggage for the 12 days packed and loaded, the route to our first hotel entered into “Doris” the trusty satnav, let’s go. Don’t worry, in next month’s issue I am not going to provide chapter and verse of each day just a few of the highlights of the trip.

the stunning Cotswolds finishing at the Claydon House walled garden.

We were greeted and parked by Dennis and Linda Wharf, who for many years organised this run out for the Register; it was great to see you both still taking part. The only sad thing about the day was the low turnout MGs line up along the walled garden at Claydon House of Midgets, which this We still have a few events this year for you to event is organised for, but thank you to the enjoy, the first of which is the MG Car Club race other Registers and Centres who took part and meeting at Snetterton which will host the final enjoyed the day. It was wonderful to see a varied round of the Midget and Sprite Challenge. This is selection of MGs! At the end of the day some of very close, both for outright win and class wins, the committee looked around the cars to award so why not have a day out on October 5 before the Mike Authers Cup to their choice of car of winter and the dark nights set in and the majority the day. This is normally awarded at MGLive! of members put their car away until spring. which sadly did not take place this year. After Another date for your diary is October 26 much deliberation it was decided to award the 2019.

The Register Aldon rolling road shoot out, cup to John Ross, a local Abingdon owner who full details from Dennis Wharf on email dennis@ has taken part in many events with his Midget, loisweedon.net so well done, John.

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/09/2019 16:56

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C & F ENGINEERING Half Page ad final.indd 1

OCTOBER 2019 SAFETY FAST! 85

11/07/2019 18:55

23/09/2019 16:56

REGISTERS V8 Victor Smith 0208 392 9434 victorsmith@v8register.net www.v8register.net Back axle surprise Peter Nixon is restoring an MGB Roadster with a V8 conversion and on checking a second-hand V8 back axle before installation, he was surprised by what he found. He noticed a broken piece of a bronze thrust washer from the planet gears lying in the oil – not what one wants to see.

Using a screwdriver he could move the planet gears by about a millimetre on the pinion shaft, so obviously this called for new thrust washers to be fitted. As the remains of the planet gear thrust washers had signs of wear, there would also be wear in the sun gearing thrust washers, and this wear would produce a noticeable clunk from the rear on moving away.

On draining the hypoid oil, four further pieces of the two planet thrust washers were found.

On stripping down the brake hubs to be able to get at the drive shaft to free off the sun gears, a further piece of a planet thrust washer was found embedded in the left side outer oil seal, having

MGC Mike Haughton mgc_mike@btinternet.com www.mgcc.co.uk/mgc-register/

worked its way through the differential half shaft bearing, along the axle tube, through the wheel bearing into left side oil seal, effectively destroying the oil seal. He checked the bearings, they seemed fine.

Re-assembling the differential gearing with the planet gear thrust washers to eliminate the wear in the sun gears required a 40 thou and a 48 thou bronze thrust washer to be fitted. See the full note on the ‘More’ page.

The Touring tank features include internal baffling for better fuel control and a bottom mount lowprofile drain plug for easy service and cleaning.

It’s made from Terne-coated steel to help prevent internal corrosion, with exterior black paint for OE style looks.”

With increasing ethanol levels in motor fuel, the absorption of moisture during a lay-up can increase the risk of corrosion inside the tank so the coating is welcome. The additional capacity of 1.3 gallons (10.8%) could produce a useful additional range of between 35 and 39 miles for an MGV8 averaging 27-30mpg. See our ‘More’ web page for the full note.

“Touring” fuel tank Moss offer a “long range” touring fuel tank for £96 and says “this tank has a 13.3 gallon capacity and is compatible with the standard tank sender.

Webasto sunroof Chris Bound reports he found from a quick search on the internet that the well-known Webasto sunroof installations service provider “R&S Coachbuilts” has ceased trading and that the “Trimming Centre” in Lewes in Sussex is now the sole distributor of Tudor Webasto coachbuilt sunroofs worldwide. On their website they also offer a repair service for the Britax Weathershield sunroof.

See our “More” webpage at www.v8register. net/more.htm

Those of you who know Mike and Maggie Wright, or just read last month’s Safety Fast! with the wonderful story from them, will be saddened to

hear that Mike passed away after fighting cancer for some time. A great guy, and our thoughts are with Maggie and his family at this time.

Simon Wilkinson has one of the last MGCs, and we wish Maisie a happy 50th birthday. She was first registered on September 2 1969, and could quite easily have been left to rot away and been lost forever. Originally a Metropolitan Police patrol car in white, an extensive two year restoration was completed in 2009 resulting in the lovely Primrose yellow you see now.

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www.mgcc.co.uk

23/09/2019 16:56

Building engines and supplying cylinder heads for the Midget and MGB for over 35 years.

All engines are built in our own workshop and come complete with flywheel, clutch, water pump and front pulley and are ready to ‘drop in’.

We can also rebuild your existing engine.

We supply standard unleaded cylinder heads as well as our renowned Stage 2 fast road heads.

Please check website for full cylinder head specs.

Price Guides MIDGET 1275 Std Unleaded Engine £1995 1275 Balanced Engine £2295 1275 Balanced Engine With Cam £2450 1275 Stage 2 Engine £2950 1380cc Stage 2 £3250

MGB Std Unleaded Engine £1995 Balanced Engine £2295 Balanced Engine with Cam £2450 1860 Stage 2 Engine £2950 1950cc Balanced Engine with Cam £2900

Please check website for full engine specs.

All the above prices include VAT

Engines and Cylinder heads are sold on an exchange basis. If no exchange unit is available please add £750 to the price of a Midget engine £350 MGB. If you are looking to rebuild your own engine we also stock the full range of parts you will require from pistons to bearings, reconditioned rocker assemblies to genuine Payen Gasket Sets.

We now stock a wide range of road, performance and competition spares PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE

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Safety Fast_October2019_43-98.indd 87

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REGISTERS MGF Tim Morris 01932 882467 scribe@mgfregister.org www.mgfregister.org I think we have come to the end of a glorious summer, although perhaps there may be a few warm days to come before we pull closed the garage doors and lock up our pride and joys for the winter. Hang on, though, do you do that? Although an increasing number of F/TFs are cherished by their owners and protected at all costs, there are plenty more that are still loved but used throughout the winter season.

Our Regions don’t shut up shop and pub meets and local runs continue, perhaps less frequently than in those balmy summer months but they are still a great way to meet up with like-minded MGF souls in your area. Find your nearest group on our Internet forum, website or Facebook page – introduce yourself and you’ll soon be welcomed by the group. I know it is sometimes hard to take that first step with a new group of people but I’m sure you will find our Regions welcoming to a new face.

There has been a flurry of activity as the colder air draws near, with a multi-region meet

in Thames Valley area drawing cars from the South East, TV and Central areas. Fawley Hill is a private museum which displays the steam railway collection of the late Sir William McAlpine – including a full-size steam train set – nestled in the gently folding hills above Henley-on-Thames.

Steam is generally a common secondary interest amongst MGF/TF enthusiasts and there have been several steam-related trips in the past – including one where a member held his wedding on a steam train a few years ago, with an MGF/TF guard of honour naturally.

The National weekender took place near Durham in the middle of September. I haven’t got the full details but I am sure it was great fun in some great scenery. There have certainly been a lot of cars booking on both the full weekend and the day run itself. More on that next month.

If you haven’t registered your F/TF with us yet then you are invited to do so via our www. mgfregister.org website. One of the purposes of the Register is just that – to register all F/TFs for the future. The MGF Register has a complete record of all MGF/TFs but there are some gaps in NAC/SAIC post-2007 cars so we are particularly

interested in those if you happen to own one. Let Nigel May, our registrar, know the details by email (registrar@mgfregister.org) or via the website.

Enjoy the autumn. Runs through those lanes with falling leaves and golden colours can be spectacular, so do look up your local group and you will be welcome to join in the Fun

The Register at Fawley Hill

ZR/ZS/ZT JOHN THOMPSON 01702 298866 johnt5@btinternet.com www.mgcc.co.uk/zedregister Events We teamed up with the MGF Register again on Sunday August 18 for Monogram Sunday, which took place at Burghley House in Lincolnshire.

Fortunately, after our previous event at Shuttleworth the only rain we had was quite light and early in the morning, allowing us to enjoy a warm sunny day. In the end around 30 cars attended our gathering in the stunning setting of the Burghley Estate. These included some rare Monogram colours and some one-offs such as the only ZR produced in Moody Blue. Some of our visitors took the opportunity to tour the magnificent Elizabethan house and landscaped gardens which have been the location for many TV productions. During the afternoon we held our ‘Show & Shine’ competition. Judging was extremely difficult with so many stunning cars to choose from. Congratulations to the winners

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A few of the MGs at Monogram Sunday

and runners-up. We’d like to thank everyone who attended as we know some of you travelled a great distance to be there.

Upcoming Events After a relatively quiet September it’s back to business as we enter October. On Saturday October 5 the final racing rounds of 2019 take place at the Snetterton circuit in Norfolk. Please see Geoff in the Hospitality Suite if you wish take part in the lunchtime parade laps. The following day our Open Day and AGM takes place at Kimber House. I’m happy to announce that our guest speaker will be Mark Stacey from Kmaps. You may recall a Kmaps

article in Safety Fast! earlier this year. As promised, we have a number of exciting announcements for 2020 which will be revealed on the day. At the end of the month, on October 26, Super Car Saturday takes place at the Castle Combe circuit.

We are happy to support this charity event with all monies raised during the day donated to the Stroke Association, who have also been our chosen charity for this year.

Additionally, we have been invited to the Lancing Motor Show which takes place on October 13. We will be heading to the south coast with the campaign car and outdoor kit to promote the Zeds at this huge event which attracts over 500 classic cars.

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/09/2019 16:56

Summit:Layout 1

24/8/12

17:51

Page 1

Summit

COLLECTION FOR SALE The collection covers the following.

The MG Specialists

Magazines W g c

X-Part Auto Service Centre Car Car sales sales Free courtesy cars Free courtesy business cars Family owned/run Family owned/runfacilities business Full workshop & repairs FullService workshop facilities Bodyshop • MOT Station Service & repairs

MG CAR CLUB...SAFETY FAST! April 1959 to July 2015 only one copy missing from April 1986 MG OWNERS CLUB...

ENJOYING MG August 1976 to July 2015 Complete MG WORLD 1-43 Complete all Bound Only produced 43

Located on the outskirts of Maidenhead town centre, Berkshire, we are second to none when it comes to MG cars.

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MG TOTAL 1-12 Complete all Bound Only produced 12 MG ENTHUSIAST 1 April 1983 to Oct 2012 Complete and Bound Plus 2013/7 2014/8 2015/10

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ABINGDON CLASSICS USA Vol 1 1/2/3 Vol 2 1 Vol 3 3/4/6

Parts +44(0)1628 629707 Workshop +44(0)1628 636001 Website www.summitmg.co.uk Facsimile +44(0)1628 580291 E-mail enquiries@summitmg.co.uk

ASSORTED MG ARTICLES ALL BOUND ...TOO MANY TO LIST

MG BOOKS

Britain’s favourite sports car RV8 the manufactures story MGB parts catalogue Guide to buying an MG MGA workshop manual MGB improve and modify MGB restoration manual MGB workshop manual The little book of MG ABC of MG Haynes Great Cars MGB MGC Practical classics guide to the MGB Practical classics guide to the MIDGET A guide to buying an MG Plus lots of bits and pieces.

Will not split and it will need to be collected from Lancashire area.

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A L L D I S H E S A R E F R E S H LY P R E PA R E D T O O R D E R , U S I N G L O C A L LY S O U R CWho E DarePPetrolheads R O D UWelcome?

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We are a group of car fans who have wide experience of travelling nationally and internationally in classic and sports cars. We are active in many car clubs and have a wide range of contacts in the industry.

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Safety Fast_October2019_43-98.indd 89

OCTOBER 2019 SAFETY FAST! 89

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PLEASE NOTE: ALL RIGHTS RESERVED THIS ARTWORK IS THE PROPERTY OF CLASSIC CARS FOR SALE MAGAZINE. Fixed price servicing

NO PART OF THIS ARTWORK MAY BE REPRODUCED, STORED OR OTHERWISE All restoration work USED BY ANY OTHER PUBLICATION UNLESS PRIOR PERMISSION IS GIVEN BY undertaken THE PUBLISHERS - © MS Publications (2001) Ltd. Engine refurbishment including lead-free conversions

URGENT PROOF

Please check this proof carefully for errors in style, content and layout.

Classic car sales including Classic Car Specialists focusing

Although every care is exercised in preparing your advert, we cannot hold

commission salesourselves responsible for any inaccuracies you may overlook.

on Servicing, Sales, Restoration, SHOULD YOU REQUIRE ANY ALTERATIONS TO THIS PROOF PLEASE Insurance repair work Modifi cation and bespoke approved TELEPHONE BEFORE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ AND QUOTE ADVERT NO. _ _ _ _ _ refinishing work to a wide range of UK & Europe collection classic MG’s and delivery service

Telephone 01206 Fax 01206 500180 Unit 9, Broadfields Farm, Dunmow Road, Essex. CM77 6SA We reserve the right to charge for anyRayne, alterationBraintree, to this proof which is a departure from the original copy

01376 569355 | info@classicandsportscarsessex.com | www.classicandsportscarsessex.com Safety Fast_October2019_43-98.indd 90

23/09/2019 16:56

T-Type

Servicing, Restoration and Bespoke reďŹ nishing work Classic and Sports Cars Essex have been established for many years, and over that time have built up an excellent reputation as one of the UK’s leading T-Type specialist restorers.

We understand the need to balance maintaining originality with 21st century modifications such as 5 speed gearbox conversions, uprated brakes etc.

Our in house engineers can help you with a range of work starting from basic service packages to a

complete engine rebuild. If paint work is required, our bodywork specialist is on hand with a fully operational spray booth, boasting the highest quality work seen.

As a family run business we pride ourselves on a personal service. You will be welcome in our workshop throughout all stages of your project.

We are happy to discuss any requirements you may have so please get in touch.

We look forward to seeing you!

View all cars at www.classicandsportscarsessex.com Safety Fast_October2019_43-98.indd 91

23/09/2019 16:56

CLASSIFIEDS How to Advertise

Members can advertise their cars free of charge in Safety Fast! The cost for non members is £20. The advert will also be posted on the Club website in due course.

To place an advert in Safety Fast! please email colingrant@mgcc.co.uk with an attached photo of your car, details of your car, your contact details, price of your car, area where you live and membership number. Please keep your advert to 70 words, the editor reserves the right to edit longer adverts.

This is for one insertion only, for additional insertions please email Colin at colingrant@mgcc.co.uk

2002 MG TF

Anthracite, grey interior, black leather seats, 55,800 miles, MOT until July 2020, big brake conversion, Bilstein comfort suspension, stainless steel water pipes, Lexus style rear lights, rear spoiler, new rear tyres, 11 spoke matt black 16 inch wheels, wind deflector, hood cover, body needs some care. £1,600.Tel: 07785 314196. gordonmhamilton@hotmail.com (Lanark Scotland)

1959 MGA

Red, condition 2 - 21/2. Left factory direct to South Africa. Has been owned by me for the last 5 years. Valued by Former Glory at £25,000. Selling for £23,000. A joy to drive. May Part exchange for a goos MGB. Tel: 07977 267514 mobile or evenings 01844 215448. (Thame, Oxon)

MGC GT AUTOMATIC 2001 MGCC Freestyle

28000 miles: new tonneau; tax 2020; mike Satur wind stop & roll hoops; £3000 ono. Contact R. Kerridge. Telephone: 01245 224208.

1960 MGA MK1 1600

Original RHD Coupe. Resprayed and recent engine/gearbox overhauls. New w/w’s, tyres. Detailed history file. Nicely original, Kenlow, oil cooler, unleaded, fog and spot lights, luggage rack. Heritage Certificate. Good condition all round. £18,850. Tel: Colin on 01628 477637 (S.Bucks)

MG ZTT 260 SE

2005 MG ZS 180

XPower Grey. Excellent condition. Only 42k miles with 2 owners. FSH. Enhancements include Janspeed exhaust, EBC discs/pads, Goodridge hoses, and an ITG Maxogen induction kit. New headlights and foglights. Refurbished alloys with recent Conti Sports all round. New VIS motors and Pektron relays. The interior has Gunsmoke Alcantara seats and comes with automatic climate control, 6 CD auto-changer and new mats. 12 months MOT. £4995. Call Mark on 07540 475251.

1968 MGB

Full not and bolt restoration recently completed. Body panels replaced and repaired as required. Many new parts.

Over £8500 spent. Re-conditioned engine, overdrive, wire wheels. Original registration. SORNed. Car runs, but requires new hood, running-in and commissioning following rebuild. Change of circumstances forces sale. Price, offers in excess of £7000. Tel: 07767346581 (Wiltshire).

Please note that the Advertising deadline is October 10th for the November issue of Safety Fast!

92 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2019

Safety Fast_October2019_43-98.indd 92

Originally supplied to University Motors in April 1969 and one of 450 RHD Models.

Tartan Red, full Webasto Sunroof, and Chrome Wire Wheels. Detailed history with invoices back as 1982 and Mot certificates covering the last 15 years. Subject to an earlier restoration (photo’s held on file). In the last 6000 miles the engine and carburettor have been rebuilt with unleaded head conversion and electronic ignition. Within the last year complete new front and rear brakes, and polybush front suspension. New door glass and seals. Recent fitting of new boot floor, fuel tank, pump and new steering rack and trackrod ends. Comes with the option of the classic steering wheel or a leather covered Mota Lita unit. Any inspection welcome. Contact Gordon Hind Email: erngor@tiscali.co.uk or Tel: 016973 34267.

Rare Monogram Poseidon, 2004 Facelift Estate, 70k, excellent condition, full very extensive service history/paperwork, full MOT, SE with SE Extras pack, Sunroof, Special order Leather/Alcantara, Xenon, Heated Power seats mirrors etc, Shadow Chrome Alloys, new tyres. Rare chance to acquire. £13995 ono. Tel: 07534 466 595 or Email: ZTT@mg-rv8.co.uk (Hants)

1956 MG ZA Magnette

Registration RDG 75 included in sale.

One owner since 1984, 86500 miles. Well loved every day family car. Very reliable, recently used as car for the bride in wedding in France. Family now left home so used less. £7500, option to deliver at cost.Contact Frank on 01570 481299 or frankvautier.mg@gmail.com for more details and photographs.

Woodford Racebox

14ft Twin axle hydraulic tilting Racebox.

This trailer is fitted with a professional vinyl wrapped aluminium body by Ellis & Son Coachbuilder Ltd. Internal dimensions are, 4.27m long x 1.85m wide x 1.4m high. It comes with a 12v Superwinch GP2300, Prostor 550 Windout Awning (4m x 2.5m), Powertouch single axle motor mover, 6 new tyres, fire extinguisher and there is an air management spoiler system fitted to the front of the trailer to aid fuel economy. £5500. Contact Jack on 07979048733

(Bedfordshire)

1961 MGA 1600 MK11

Old English White with Red trim. Oselli 1950cc Engine. 5 Sped Gear Box. Wire wheels. Good chrome work. Lovely Car. Has been MOT in April this year. £25.00.00 or very near offer. Contact Charles on 07814785408 or 01993830854

1950 MGTD

In black. RHD, purchased from USA as partially restored. Previous owner fitted new floors, seats, tyres, steering wheel, good respray. Since being back in the UK a new mohair hood & side curtains have been fitted plus other work. Small amount of work still needs to be completed. Please contact for more information. £18,500. Tel 01452 525079.

Email: vlea1938@gmail.com (Gloucester)

1972 MGB Roadster

Teal blue with black interior. Navy blue mohair hood, overdrive, and half tonneau cover. History bills etc from 1988, old MOT’s from 1994. Well cared for, serviced & maintained. Tax & MOT exempt. Older restoration, paintwork now showing age.

Drives really nicely. Was MOT’d in april 2019 to ensure all in good standard. £5950. Tel: 07951692608 (Hertfordshire)

1975 MG BGT V8

Factory 3.5 ltr, refurbished in original Tundra Green, rare colour . 5 owners, genuine 79,500 miles , MOT May 2020, last owner had 44 years. All panels are original, Dunlop wheels. many new parts, etc. New starter motor, New Radiator, battery, recent rear brakes, water pump, recent service, The interior is very clean , side panels, door panels all in nice condition, The car has been Zei barted from new, the floors is solid. New Thermostat, fan switch thermostat , new Clutch Master Cylinder & Hose and clutch fluid replaced, new antifreeze in system. £23,690. Tel: 07466021553

MG RV8

First registered in Japan 19.10.95. Re registered UK 6.6.2005. Total mileage 35878.

New MOT and short service. Only used since 2010 in dry conditions. It has been dry stored, covered in a garage.

Generally excellent condition with half tonneau and full tonneau. Hood, tyres and wheels all excellent condition Woodcote Green all original. Some Japanese/ English history. £16750.00 Contact John on 07867557983. (Wilts)

MGB V8 Sebring

Bodied car with a 3.9L Rover V8 engine (soft tuned). Currently fitted with 15 x 10.5” Image split rims and wearing Avon 11” slicks. T5 gearbox rebuilt in 2018, new 60L aluminium foam filled fuel tank.

The car is ready to race but would benefit from some cosmetic improvements giving you something to do over the winter break. £25k. For more information please call. 07710 327590

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/09/2019 16:56

BARRY WALKER

Estd.1968

SOME SUPER OLD THINGS THIS MONTH

British Motor Heritage approved

ALL IN LOVELY ORDER AND AT VERY FAIR PRICES

*

1934 PA 2- SEAT SPORTS WITH FULL HISTORY. A truly exceptional P Type with history from new, a photographic record of every stage of the rebuild and amongst the top P Type restorations in the country. Phoenix crank and rods and professional engineering throughout, and therefore the perfect car for supercharging. This is NOT an average P Type............£46,500.

Supercharged...........(£55,000).

1936 MGPB. New to the market, this all matching Nos. PB and has been sympathetically restored without going concours using almost all its orig. equipment.

In view of its originality this is one of only two road going MGs to gain an entry for the Mille Miglia. Finished in Raven black with Collingburn apple green trim...................£42,500.

1947 MGTC.. What a super example of a TC. Engine/ g’box/chassis all matching.

Totally rebuilt and finished in the real rare clipper blue with beige hide. (Photos as received – all correct horn, fog lamp, etc, now fitted). Unused weather equipment. Totally genuine car ..............................£36,500.

1936 MG NB 6 Cyl Tourer.

Now this really is a nice old thing. Older restoration with recently rebuilt engine in v. good running order. Room for cosmetic improvement whilst keeping her on the road.

Powerful, plenty of leg room and ideal for rallies like the “Flying Scotsman”.

6 cyl. bargain at…......£46,500.

In the workshop for next month:

*

A BEAUTIFUL MGA 1600 ROADSTER – TOTALLY RESTORED. RED WITH BEIGE. ANOTHER TC, OLDER REBUILD, SOLID, GOOD RUNNING GENUINE CAR. CREAM WITH RED. WHY NOT FIT A SIDEMOUNTED OR NOSE-MOUNTED SUPERCHARGER TO YOUR PRE-WAR MG? All in stock now WHY NOT COMPLETE YOUR PRE-WAR MG, OR TA/B/C with a geniune tool-kit (no repro tools) as per factory parts list?

*

*

COMMISSION SALES: Our highly regarded service is always available to you.

Tel: 01789 400181. Fax: 01789 400230. Mob: 07836 244103 Email: barry@barrywalker.com Web: www.barrywalker.com

British Motor Heritage approved

SPARES

BARRY WALKER ...for the very best of vintage MGs...

SPARES

SPARES

Estd.1968

SPARES

With the re-introduction of our spares service (yes we’re back, for the last time!?) can we offer our gratitude to all those that have already written to us to thank us for offering again another reliable souce of MMM and early T Type spares, which alongside Sports & Vintage and Andy Kng should bring you a complete arena to find any part you may require. We will be a major souce of s/hand original parts, together with a general range of new parts, many of which are rare and difficult items not easily obtainable. We are investing heavily inorder not to disappoint, so if you do have spares you no longer require unther the bench, do let us know.

Please order by phone, e-mail or letter and be sure to refer to MG model and part description. All major cards accepted; but we especially welcome MMM & T Type owners to our shop and showroom, including weekends, but always by appointment please.

We WILL be improving the website

THE FOLLOWING ARE A FEW ITEMS THAT MAY BE OF INTEREST: (Some of which will also be shown on the MM Trader’s forum and our website)

1932-1934 Complete J2 engine in every respect, incl. manifolds, starter, carbs, clutch, etc...................£8,750

• • • • • • •

MG D/F/J fully rebuilt, recored honeycomb radiator.......£850 Complete J1/J2 4-speed close ration little worn g’box, incl. bellhsg, pedal, flange, etc................................£2,250 Rare F1/J1 (also suit D model) mahogany dashboard incl. glove boxes....................£250

• • •

D/F/J/L/P Handbrake c/shaft assembly complete… £750 J1/KJ2 Radiator shell with nose piece. Needs some dent removal, but good… £425 J1/F1 complete fold flat orig. w/screen with all side supports… £550 J/P Marles Weller steering in excl. cond with drop arm… £550 TA/B/C Pr. Brand new magnetic speedo & rev counter for those on a budget… £490 Pr. Rebuilt differentials, rebuilt MMM cutout/fuse boxes, carburettors (MMM & T series), door locks, door handles, octagonal side lamps, fog, spot, side, and rear lamps all in stock.

Properly restored LOCAN & ROTAX 8” and 9” headlamps. Lucas Altette horns; filler caps, bonnet catches, aeroscreens, bonnet belts, plug holders and much, much more.

A complete range of instruments & gauges. Speedos, rev. counters, odometers, temp. gauges, panels, sockets, switches & dashboards. Full ran of rubber parts.

See our website for all supercharger installations and individual parts.

Tool kits. Only original correct tools (no repros.) plus rolls, TA rubber trays, jacks, typre pumps and grease guns. MMM, TA, TB, TC, TD, TF.

* 5 fully rebuilt 19” o/laced wheels £450 lot. * Complete car set D/F/J cable brakes, everything £600 lot * TA engine block * The widest range of steering wheels anywhere, 3 spoke / 4 spoke / Brooklands/ Campbell/ Ashby – many orogianl ready strung with 3mm cord.

COME AND SEE US – IT’S THE BEST WAY. + SAME DAY MAIL ORDER.

COMMISSION SALES: Our highly regarded service is always available to you.

Tel: 01789 400181. Fax: 01789 400230. Mob: 07836 244103 Email: barry@barrywalker.com Web: www.barrywalker.com Barry Walker July 19.indd 1

www.mgcc.co.uk

Safety Fast_October2019_43-98.indd 93

05/06/2019 10:09

OCTOBER 2019 SAFETY FAST! 93

23/09/2019 17:42

1948 MGTC

Black with green interior. Owned for 20 years, very reliable. Excellent steering. Blockley tyres. Brooklands Aero Screens.

Luggage rack. MOT June 2019. All invoices for restoration kept. £27,000. Contact Christopher Hobbs on 07775 847811. (Berks)

1972 MGB GT

Flame red, with biscuit leather trim interior. Complete nut and bolt ground up restoration by professional restorer in 2013.

7,000 miles since rebuild with photos and receipts. Overdrive, electronic ignition, S/S exhaust, detailed engine bay. 9 months MOT, free road tax. Serviced every year and fastidiously maintained. Offers around £18,500. Genuine reason for sale. Contact Mr P. Taylor on 01752 846979. (Cornwall)

2009 MG TF LE500

The car is in near concours condition, low mileage only 29,000 miles, comes with matching Vibrant Orange hard top. Number 70 of 500 made. Has had many new parts fitted including 4 new tyres in the last few months. Very well looked after and has an MOT until July 2020. £5500 but open to sensible offers. Email iwanjones11@sky.com or call 07713351983 (Oxfordshire)

2005 MG ZS 180 Mark 2

First registered in 2006, the car has covered nearly 80,000 miles I have spent over £1,500 recently on the car, because these cars deserve to be saved and cherished. It comes with new cam belts, water pump and clutch. The alloys have been recently refurbished. During my ownership, I have improved the car up to its present condition. In addition, the car comes with a 12 months MOT, a JVC cd/ radio with Bluetooth hands free and a load of spares, including 4 wheels & tyres, an unpainted n/s wing, and a spare front bumper. This car is fun & fast. A much loved car by me, but, sadly, not by my wife. £2,450 ono. Email anapier.dbr@outlook.com or phone 07775 583230 (Aylesbury)

1959 MGA 1500

Lhd roadster: Low milage, rot-free Arizona import, Running/taxed, many new parts, needs finishing: £14,000 ono. Email bjjg1243@gmail.com or telephone 01865 552294 (Oxford)

MG PB 1934

Total restoration, new hubs, brakes, suspension, steering and radiator.

Professionally restored engine. Phoenix crankshaft, matching rods, Cosworth pistons, lightened flywheel and close ratio gearbox. 939cc engine with 60bhp, runs at the correct oil pressure and temperatures.

New ash frame body, Full leather interior by Collingburn. 2000 miles since rebuild.

Spotless paintwork. Recent concours winner. Part exchange considered. £55,000, Tel: 07778 427029. (London)

1999 MGF VVC 1979 MGB Roadster

Clean tidy condition,none of the usual oil leaks working overdrive on 3rd and 4th., Literally £1000’s spent by previous owner and myself. Too much to list here but includes Ivor searle engine,recent new clutch,new brakes front and rear, minilight style minator wheels with toyo tyres Motor lita steering wheel.Am near Maidstone Kent, can be put up on high stands for proper inspection and test driven. Reasonable offers invited. Phone Lance on 07973704519

2002 MGTF

Recent spend over £3,000. Including 16” Wheels and tyres, leather seats, hood with heated screen, full service including discs and pads. Many, many receipts £2,675. Contact Mark on 01827 875787 or 07775 881133. (Warwickshire)

94 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2019

Safety Fast_October2019_43-98.indd 94

63,000m MOT Dec 2019. New head gasket, cambelt, headlamps, clutch, cooling pipes, 2016/17. 3 Owners from new. Red with cream leather. £2250.

Tel 01432 761374 (Hereford)

MGTD 1951

Ivory with Green leather trim, 5 speed g/box, Leystall- Lucas aluminium head, remote brake servo, new hood and side screens. Imported from California in 1989 and converted to R/H drive.

Current owner 29 years. Registration No. 1951 MG. Good reliable car with no issues and ready to enjoy. £26000. Email davidtinker@xpag.co.uk. or telephone 07771735304. (Mid Wales)

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/09/2019 16:56

MGB Roadster

The largest classic car showrooms in central London

We H a 1967 Jaguar E Type 4.2 series 1 Roadster

1996 Range Rover Classic Vogue SEa 25th Anniversary 16.000 miles only

ve M

oved

1989 Land Rover Defender 90 Fully restored condition

1979 Mini 1275GT Fully restored

The largest classic car showrooms in central London

1967 Jaguar 1996 Range Brooklands Rover Classic ‘R’ Vogue 1971 Fiat 500LE Type 4.2 series 11998 Bentley Roadster SEa 25th Anniversary Beautiful condition Mulliner 16.000 miles only Number 1 of 100 - 42.000 miles

1971 Fiat 500L Beautiful condition

1998 Bentley Brooklands ‘R’ Mulliner Number 1 of 100 - 42.000 miles

1989 Land Rover Defender 90 1981 Rolls-Royce Fully restored condition

1979Ferrari Mini 1275GT 1991 Testa Rossa Fully restored 25.000 miles only

Phantom VI LHD 23,000kms only

1991 Ferrari Testa Rossa 25.000 miles only

1965 Mercedes Benz 220SE b Fabulous

Rangehistory Rover Classic Suffix 1987 Mercedes Benze 300SL 1933 MG J2 - with period1972 competition ‘A’ Convertible Low mileage and immaculate

Kensington

+44 (0)20 7937 8487 • mail@graemehunt.com

1965 Mercedes Benz 220SE b Fabulous

www.graemehunt.com

1987 Mercedes Benze 300SL Low mileage and immaculate

MGA Twin Cam Coupewww.mgmecca.co.uk

1981 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI LHD 23,000kms only

1971 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow 55.000 miles only

Battersea

1971 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow 55.000 miles only

1972 Range Rover Classic Suffix ‘A’ Convertible

www.graemehunt.com

nt condition having Owned since 1969. Well known to MGCC. Tel: +44 (0) 1953 717618 Fax: (0) 1953 717850 myself and other Matching numbers. Original Mineral Blue Battersea +44 (0)20 7937 8487 • mail@graemehunt.com Kensington ars. British Racing with pale grey Connolly hide on De Luxe enquiries@mgsforsale.com www.mgsforsale.com ather interior. She has seats. Body-off 10,000 miles ago. Almost seats which are in everything renewed. Built for modern is the whole interior. traffic. 1762cc TC engine, Barwell head, ard lifts the whole MGB overdrive gbox and diff. Most ntwork are very original bits included. £29,000 ono.

MG AUTOMATIC OlderOlder Nut &Nut Bolt &Restored MG CGT CGT1968 1968 AUTOMATIC Bolt 1967 Mk1 MGB Roadster and the underneath Email: jfarrington999@gmail.comMGA Twin Cam Coupe (RWD628G) MG CGT 1968, excellent Mineral The car is in excellent condition having Restored (RWD628G) MGautomatic, CGT 1968, automatic, Owned since 1969. Well known to MGCC. y immaculate. She Blue coachwork with nicely mellowed original Black 2016 MG6 GT diesel been cared for by myself and other excellent Mineral Blue coachwork with nicely mellowed Matching numbers. Original Mineral Blue late 1990s. The car leather original genuine leather MGC Facelift model. owners over the years. British Racing with pale grey Connolly hideTop-of-the on De Luxerange TL original interior Black trim, leather interior trim, originalbound genuine enquiries@mgsforsale.com www.mgsforsale.com on and a Kenlow fan 1960 MGA1.9 1600turbo COUPE Iris Blue, blue leather 1959 leather AUSTIN interior.

HEALEY She FROGEYE steering wheel,MGC nicely detailed engine compartment Green with black has SPRITE model. diesel.

48,000 milestrim, seats.Leaf Body-off 10,000 miles ago.

Almost leather bound steering wheel, nicely detailed Green, green trim. Totally restored car. California dry arm rest. Fully restored car from bare shell, everything at an original. A truly green pipingstate on the seats which are in housing the smooth 3.0 litre engine ideal with the Borg (daily driver so mileage will increase) 18” everything renewed.

Built forFully modern or replaced. rechromed, all new trim, engine compartment housing the smooth 3.0 litre engine car, now R/H/D. Bare metal respray.

Rebuilt restored 960 s British engineering. bare shell repaint.

New wings.

Boot carpets, rack. mechanicals.

Allwhole new trim etc. Great traffic. value and superb condition as is the interior.

Warner automatic making this particularly rare 1762cc TC engine, Barwell head, alloys, red bumper inserts.

MoT’dboot until ideal with the Borggearbox Warner automatic gearbox making . £12,995 impossible tolifts restore atwhole anything close to this price. Unleaded rebuilt engine. 5 speed gearbox conversion The walnut dashboard the model an ideal classic today, this vehicle apparently formed part of a collection of a deceased MGB overdrive gbox and diff.

Most June 2020.

Recent discs and pads as well this particularly rare model an ideal classic today, this for effortless touring. Superb car, last owner since £22,995.00 or 01732 887265cabin. Body and paintwork are very Would cost in excess to restore original bits1973! included. £29,000 ono.of £60k estate, inspection one can quality ofofthe rebuild from a number yearsRestored ago as new tyres.

Full leather interior, sat-MGA vehicle on apparently formed partsee of the aMG collection aAUTOMATIC deceased estate, on one and can CGT 1968 Older Nutinspection &ofBolt Coupe like this £32,995.00 @gmail.com strong with no rust and the underneath Email: jfarrington999@gmail.com with likely little of miles still very fresh inofappearance, justwith arrived nav, Bluetooth connectivity. Full service see the quality the since rebuildis from a(RWD628G) number years ago1968, and likely£24,950.00 little miles since is MG CGT automatic, excellent Mineral is sound. Engine bay immaculate. She history – serviced by SAIC Motor 2016 UK Tech-MG6 still fresh in appearance, just arrived £24,950.00with nicely mellowed original Black Blue coachwork GTverydiesel was restored in the late 1990s. The car MG BGT 1972 Last Owner 37 Years (LLF951K) MG BGT, nical Centre.

In good condition.

Spacious, leather interior trim, original genuine leather bound MGC te.Bare Facelift model. Top-of-the range TL has electronic ignition and a Kenlow fan last owner 371972 years, chrome bumpers, overdrive, economical engaging modern MG. £6500 steering nicely detailed engine compartment uild model.

1.9 turbo1972, diesel.ROADSTER 48,000 miles MGB (GWN566L) MGBwheel, Roadster, MG TF 85th fitted other2010 than that an original.

A truly chrome Rostyle wheels, Aqua coachwork nowsmooth requiring ono.

Call Adam on 07530734044 housing the uspension. (daily driver so mileage willformer increase) 18” from new, 1972, two keepers one owner for 253.0 litre engine ideal with the Borg Anniversary Edition.

One of only 50 ever stunning example of 1960 s British engineering. some improvement but a very solid vehicle indeed with a Warner automatic gearbox making this particularly rare er 8 years. alloys, red bumper inserts.

MoT’d until overdrive, structurally sound years, chrome bumpers, built, full leather Based in Sevenoaks. £12,995seats, air con, heated nice original feel and appearance, original style navy cloth June 2020. Recent discs and pads ascondition well example with good Damask Red coachwork, glass rear window, Twist of Pepper alloy Call 07930491027 or 01732 887265 trim, goldinterior seal engine fittedwalnut mid 80’s andgood drives as new tyres. Fullinterior leather interior, satk nice Black/Blue trim with fascia, wheels, wind stop, hood cover, full size email: walkermr20@gmail.com nav, Bluetooth connectivity.

Full service delightfully, good history file withRostyle original documentation xon ) original Black vinyl hood, original wheels, history spare wheel and the rare MGTF toolkit MIDGET MK1 Almond Green, Shadow Green trim. 1972 MGB Flame Red, Tan leather trim. history Full bare– servicedback bywith SAIC Motor Techto the 80’s,invoices aUK plethora invoicesand from renowned file many bothofcurrent some back tospecialists Brian Brown Classics & B Totally immaculate.

TotallyMGTF restored probably shell rebuild with history and photographic record.

This edition is the only to car, every nical Centre. In good condition.

Spacious, Hive, original Unipart Gold Seal papers, old mot’s etc.etc. etc. just arrived £5,950.00 the best MK1 available! Restored in 1992 and Minilites. Lovely engine bay. Drives superbly.

Some the 70’s, Heritage Certifi cate, old mot’s and tax discs have mechanical modification with still looks like it’s just been done. Immaculate marks in paint. Superb summer fun and great economical engaging modern MG. £6500 TF 85th etc., drives delightfully, just arrived, £10,495.00 factory uprated to make this likeMG underside, enginesuspension bay, interior trim etc. 2010 Drives investment. £11,995.00 ono. Call Adam on 07530734044 oadster new.

Unique opportunity. (would cost well Anniversary Edition. One of only 50 ever the best driving MGTF £18,995 every produced. over £40-50k to restore now!) £18,995.00 rior. The car has built, full leather seats, air con, heated Only 26000 miles £8,995.00.

URGENTLY WANTED bodywork restoration Tel: Alan on 07799 717007 or glass rear window, Twist of Pepper alloy extremely well and wheels, wind stop, hood cover, full size email: motorfan@hotmail.co.uk 00 spent on it over spare wheel and the rare MGTF toolkit (Fleet Hampshire) No rust or rot in This edition is the only MGTF to every has been recently MGmodification A 1600with have mechanical eaded to be used in factory uprated suspension to make In good condition, builtthis 1961. On the MkII MGB roadster the best driving MGTF refreshed with aRed with black interior. The car has tacho are every 58’000produced. miles. It has EU approvOnly 26000 miles £8,995.00. d doorcards liftingundergone the al papers (before this it was approved hours of bodywork restoration er.was SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF OUR STOCK Tel: Alan on in07799 717007 The or power of the motor The car has a sports Switzerland) which is holding up extremely well and ng the 1969 MGC Mineral Blue, grey leatherto trim.

Chrome AUSTIN HEALEY 3000 MKI Fern Green, email: motorfan@hotmail.co.uk ds amazing and has shehad over1960 is 79 PS and had be changed lead £10,000 on it over ford (large leatherspent trim. Restored a few years ago, rebuilt wires. Overdrive. Totally restored by ourselves 10 (Fleet Hampshire) 999.00. ono. the past fewgreen freeago. petrol.

Thecar carinissuperb blackcondition. with a beige years.

No rust rot inand box. Works years Superb Lovely body, retrim, rebuiltor engine hard top! tory) and Do not confuse the above vehicles with cheaper inferior quality models offered elsewhere. Part exchange bay.It’s Unleaded rebuiltcondition. engine. Bespoke Period works additions roof vent, interor. in a good 2 887265 or mobile the car. The engine has been recently air vent etc. Superb engine MGgreyA 1600 n a 1990’s any make of Motor Car with generous allowances. Discounted cash purchases. Viewing by appointment only trim, leather seats. A fine restored and very well looked car and loads of fun! £49,500.00 The wheel is on the left side of the car. rebuilt allowing unleaded to be used in In good condition, built 1961.

On the after car £27,995.00 please (available evenings & weekends) no obligation to purchase. All our vehicles carry a warranty, have an te. Comes MOT and are areItfully fully serviced prior to to collection/delivery. collection/delivery.

Price 38’000 Euro or £34’200 GBP. Theare 58’000 the car. The interior refreshed with a @gmail.com MOT and prior tacho miles. hasserviced EU approvscuffs, car has to be picked from France.

Phone new dashboard and doorcards lifting the al papers (before this it was approved spots are 0033 389 89 40 56 or Email: in Switzerland) The power of the motor whole feel of the car. The car has a sports e means exhaust which sounds amazing and she francoise@bignens.org is 79 PS and had be changed to lead children’ we www.mgcc.co.uk OCTOBER 2019 SAFETY FAST! 95 goes very well. £10999.00. ono. free petrol. The car is black with a beige Tel: +44 (0) 1953 717618 Fax: (0) 1953 717850 1960 MGA 1600 Mk 1 interor.

It’s in a good condition.

Please call on 01732 887265 or mobile one Chris L/H/D. complete body off rebuild.

The wheel is on the left side of the car.

07930 491027. finished in old english white with black Price 38’000 Euro or £34’200 GBP. The Email: walkermr20@gmail.com leather trim. Thousands spent and must car has to be picked from France. Phone be seen to be appreciated. £29,750 0033 389 89 40 56 or Email: Safety Fast_October2019_43-98.indd 95 23/09/2019 16:56 Tel: 07813743576 or WANTED ALL MG MODELS! francoise@bignens.org

01707 876089

07831 556666

01707 876089

07831 556666

URGENTLY WANTED

ANY ANY MG MG

ANY ANY YEAR YEAR

ANY CONDITION

www.mgsforsale.com www.mgmecca.co.uk

WANTED

www.mgmecca.co.uk

Insurance for all MG’s classic and modern

URGENTLY WANTED

B32 - MIKE ROLLS SERVI CES_MIKE ROLLS SERVICES 13/12/2012 09:50 Page 1 MGA/MGB/MGC/V8/ MIDGET/SPRITE ETC

Any Condition from non runners to rebuilt cars

Please call Edward 01923 840236 or any time on 07774 484497 Email: ejwhitescars@aol.com Website: www.mgandporsche.com (Northwood, Middlesex)

Y DB

lory

MIKE ROLLS m For E NT

UR

O Y2016

G r e

WA G M

01844 281700

SERVICES FOR MGs

nigelguild@hotmail.com

Specialising in all MG’s

MGOC Recommended Dealer TRADE MEMBER 40 MGs in Stock

TEL/FAX: 01258 820337

Best Prices paid with friendly advice. Est 1986

FastFri: payment and collection Mon, Tues, Thurs, 8am-6pm,Wed: 8am-5pm, Sat: 8am-1pm 2016 201 6

TRADE MEMBER

MIKE ROLLS SERVICES FOR MGs Specialising in all MG’s

TEL/FAX: 01258 820337

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

MG TC, 1947

MG TC, 1947, finished in black with beige interior and weather gear, it has been fitted with a re-con engine which has only done 10,000 mls. The car comes with a very good history file including old MOT’s, invoice’s and details of work done over several years. The car has recently had Blockley tyres fitted all round. It does have one or two minor paint blemishes but still presents itself very well. £25.995

MGC ROADSTER - 1969

MGC Roadster, 1969 in Old English White.

This car comes with overdrive, painted wire wheels, black sports reclining seats with white piping, uprated engine with gas flowed head, Maniflow exhaust system, Motolita wood rim steering wheel, new hood and good service history.

The car has recently been re-commissioned and serviced by us and is in good condition. £22,995 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”

96 SAFETY FAST! OCTOBER 2019

Safety Fast_October2019_43-98.indd 96

How to Advertise

Members can advertise their spares free of charge for items less than £250 in Safety Fast! The cost for spares more than £250 is £20. The advert will also be posted on the Club website in due course. To place an advert in Safety Fast! please email colingrant@mgcc.co.uk Please keep your advert to 60 words The editor reserves the right to edit longer adverts.

This is for one insertion only, for additional insertions please email Colin at colingrant@mgcc.co.uk

SPARES FOR SALE

Call for a quote today

01376 574000

www.classiccarinsurance.co.uk MG TF/ ‘A’ DIFFERENTIAL

Original equipment, 8/41 crown wheel and pinion from a TF 1500. Excellent condition with very little wear. Will fit T series or MGA. MGA diff housing, bearings, etc, all in excellent condition included. £250- postage/shipping at cost, photos available. Call Peter 07976 255202 or email p.bennett49@hotmail.com Can be viewed/collected mid-Cheshire.

MG VA 1548cc

Engine in good condition preferred but Would consider others. Main concideration is the block and crankshaft. Contact John on 07536107926.

A Series Spares

Spare Wheel and Tyre. Brand new wheel and tyre for any MG3 (185 70 R14) £40 Also a part used tyre for an MG3 (195 55 R16) £10. Buyer collects or arranges delivery. Contact Ron on 07726 326070 or ron@ronkemp.co.uk (Maidstone)

Over 200 items for sale inlcudeing, cylinder head, crankshaft, pistons, gaskets, gearbox parts, clutch parts, Carburettors complete and parts available. Complete dynamos, distributors, control boxes, fuel pumps, headlamps and rear lights plus much, much more. Email Leslie for more details at: leslie.steele@sky.com (South Oxon)

Safety Fast! Plus MG Enthusiast mags. 25 + years £100 buyer collects.

Phone 01628 523943 ( South Bucks )

5 x 4.50 by 19inch Blockley tyres and inner tubes.Part worn ideal for trailing or off road use.£50 rich.hinde@gmail.com (Cheshire)

MG3

Magazines

MG ZR

Heater control panel £10, MG TF grey pepper pot hood no rips, holes or tears, only slight wear marks, £95, Two TF 11 spoke alloy wheels in silver shadow chrome, excellent condition wheels plus tyres with good tread £100, MGB rear cockpit edging material kit, new £12, MGB black leather gear stick gaiter, new £10, ZR and ZS brochures, new, £5 each – TF wheels and hood collect only. Call 07445 932323 (East Suffolk)

T Type Parts

Altette horn and bracket £50 Oil Gauge £30. Repro petrol cap which fits! £40. TD Headlamps, pair, painted £75. TC Toolkit, spanners, set 3 £30.

TC interior door panel, footwell panel, beige, new £25. Contact Martin on 01344 424258

MGB

Rubber bumpers and mountings Complete set of front and rear bumpers, mounts, grille, badge and fastenings from a 1979 model year MGB roadster.

Bumper mouldings are in good condition, with no deformations, tears, or other defects. Mountings includes the full set of metalwork, (armatures, tie bars etc.) which have surface corrosion, but are completely sound. Ideal for a 1975 onwards MGB restoration, given the new price of these components (see Moss catalogue). £100 ono, but buyer will have to collect.

Contact Andrew on 07903 383756 (High Wycombe area).

Blockley Tyre MGA

Engine and gearbox 1959 coupe 1500cc. Turns over free, been dry-stored in garage. Removed from car due to MGB upgrade. Exhaust and inlet manifold included. As far as we know good runner. More information on request.

Engine £250, Gearbos £50. Contact: Dennis Morris, 01213584141, (West Midlands)

TC Parts

Front Axle. £350. Caster shim plate £20 Steering column £300. Steering arm(near & off side) £25. Drop arm £90. Steering column Support Bracket £30. Steering column clamp. £10 Blumells Steering wheel centre (with issues) £10. Rear Axle Casing £400. Rear Axle Check strap. £30. Rear Shock Mounting Bracket £50 Half shafts. £25. Spare wheel spinner. £25 Spare wheel tripod. £175 Email: peterjones1880@me.com or Tel: 0777 190 1730

SPARES WANTED MG Midget

1970 Oil temp gauge, must be complete and working. Contact Roger on 01217073766

MG ZT

Performance air filter element for a Rover 75 or MG ZT Petrol Engine, new or second hand Performance exhaust rear box plus stainless steal manifolds to suit (if possible) for a Rover 75 or MG ZT Petrol Engine, new or second hand. Call Keith: 0121 550 3908 (West Midlands)

Please note that the Advertising deadline is October 10 for the November issue of Safety Fast!

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.

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

CALL DIRECT ON: 07787 528131 UK Based Buyer

www.mgcc.co.uk

23/09/2019 16:57

Call for a quote today

B4 - BARRIE CARTER_CLASSIC MOTORING 21/02/2019 11:20 Page 1

01376 574000

Insurance for all MG’s classic and modern

TC Race/ fast road car, allegedly twice championship winner, fully modified to T reg. specs.

Rolling chassis £15,500. Or with full race 1350 engine! “1¾ SU’s Derrington manifold, now removed and available separately. Car has plumbed in ext. comp clutch, alloy body panels, 15” wheels, tramp bars modifi ed brakes, teles, cage, race seat, and more. It’s as scruffy as raced and very quick. Ideal circuit, race or hillclimb. Offers... not daft ones!!

MGC GT 1968 Beautifully restored to endurance and historic rally specification.This is probably the best “C” I have owned and I’m very tempted to keep it. It has been fully restored and has pictorial evidence but has had sensible upgrades, gas shocks all round, Anti Roll bar, Minilite reps with rally tyres. Sebring headlight covers and front valance. Competition quick Overdrive on all gears 10 gears!! Stage 2 head with mild cam, six branch exhaust and special system. Inside the car has rally cobra seats, belts and the correct rally navigation aids. Halda, stopwatch and Brantz clocks for endurance events. It is all topped off with a Britax matching sunroof. The car is an absolute delight to drive with oodles of torque and power. If you want the best “C” look no further. £23,950

MGC Roadster 1968, In Mineral Blue manual and Overdrive. One attentative owner for 17 years. It has a historic and very nice restoration that inccured new panels, carpets, hood, wire wheels, modified head and engine rebuilt to fast road specification. This “C” is in very lovely instantly useable condition. These cars are romping away in valve so next year you can make a profi t!. £23,500

PLUGS, POINTS & CARBS ARE WHAT WE DO! So Somehow Alan & I have Three MG C’s. We restore “T” Types, and have a massive stock of “T” Types spares and Xpag Engines. We Can carry out works on any classic, vintage or race car and have nearly 60 years experience.

Collection & Delivery is not a problem. We can prepare and rebuild race MGs or any competition car, my preivious life was in F1. Come and watch our MGA & Edd Shahs TR3A rebuilt by us, at Silverstone on Aug 8th. Always ready to advise

www.classiccarinsurance.co.uk

This lovely Citroen 2cv Dolly has undergone a very nice restoration at some point. It has more performance than most, Don’t know why, but its quicker than some others!! It has a lovely body , interior, galvanised chassis, boot rack and a large history file. These cars are rising in value very quickly and I love em! £7,995

Subaru Justy You’ve forgotten these 1200 cc FWD! Switchable!

34K I love these, a low milage lovely example.

They have MX5 Performance. Cheeky, quick and great off roaders.

Beautiful inside and out. It rubbishes 205s and rare. £4,250 CM04.19/B4/pa

k

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

www.barriecartermg.com 4Sight Lighting Company................72

Just Right Autos Ltd........................64

Adrian Flux ......................................70

Longstone Tyres .............................38

Barrie Carter ...................................97

Machine Mart..................................43

Barry Walker ...................................93 Beech Hill Garage............................94 British Motor Heritage.....................IFC Brown and Gammons.....................11

Manor Garage.................................78 MG Mecca.......................................95 MG Sales Centre.............................30

Bucks Sports and Classic................85

Midland Classic Restoration..............4

C&F Engineering.............................85

Mike Authurs Classics (MG Midgets).96

Car Cover Shop ..............................85

Mike Rolls........................................96

Carole Nash Insurance ....................6

Mike Satur.......................................61

Chisbon Restorations......................70 Classic & Sports Cars (Essex)....90, 91 Clive Wheatley.................................63 College Motors Burford...................78

NTG Services................................OBC Oselli Ltd .........................................43 Paul Depper.....................................85

Colne Classics.................................97

Peter Best..........................IBC, 96, 97

Cotswold Car Storage – Classic Car

Peter James Insurance...................68

Hub..................................................63

Rees Bros........................................61

Crown Classic Cars.........................74

Retro Sports Cars ...........................72

David Holland Books for Sale..........89 David Manners .................................6 Dennis Welch..................................97 Distributor Doctor.............................87 Don Trimming..................................74 Duckhams ......................................22 EJW Classic and sports...................96 Fishers Services..............................72 Footman James..............................37 Former Glory ...................................96 Foston’s Ash Inn..............................89 Frontline ..........................................56 Graeme Hunt...................................95 Halls Garage....................................68 Hoyle Suspension............................70

www.mgcc.co.uk

Safety Fast_October2019_43-98.indd 97

Colne Classics

MG Power Steering and restoration specialists

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

01255 432693, 07714 675319

MGB URGENT NEW PROOF Baulk Rings

Rimmer Bros Ltd.............................83

www.bighealey.co.uk

RJH Automotive...............................87

Please check this proof carefully for errors in style, content and layout.

CNC Machined in the U.K. to our RM Car Care....................................68 Although every care is exercised in preparing your advert, we cannot hold Robin Lackford Motor Engineering .61 ourselves responsible for any inaccuracies you may overlook.

Brass 2nd & 3rd/4th Scenic Car Tours .................. 9, 15, 29 SHOULD YOU REQUIRE ANY ALTERATIONS TO THIS PROOF PLEASE Skiptune..........................................87

specification

£59.95+VAT

TELEPHONE BEFORE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ AND QUOTE ADVERT NO. _ _ _ _ _ SMR ................................................95 Steve McKie Sports Cars.................74 Summit MG.....................................89 Sussex Classic Car Parts.................74 The Hutson Motor Co Ltd..................4

Steel 4 synchro

£49.50+VAT (Prices are subject to change. Please see our website!)

For the ‘best’ in MG high-performance

Torro Sports Cars Ltd.......................96 Parts Hotline: +44proof (0)1543 472244 E-mail: sales@bighealey.co.uk We reserve the right to charge for any alteration to this which Vitesse Global Ltd ...........................78 DENIS WELCH MOTORSPORT, YOXALL, BURTON-ON-TRENT, STAFFS DE13 8NA, UK is a departure from the original copy

OCTOBER 2019 SAFETY FAST! 97

23/09/2019 17:21

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

Copyright MG Car Club 2019

Editor: Andy Knott 01235 849730 / 01235 555552 andyknott@mgcc.co.uk Deputy Editor: Colin Grant 01235 849733 colingrant@mgcc.co.uk Editorial Committee: Andy Knott, Colin Grant, Adam Sloman Advertising: Hine Marketing 01452 730770 Published by: Hine Marketing, Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton Glos, GL2 9LN. Tel: 01452 730770 Distributed by: Air Business. Merlin Centre, 4 The, Acrewood Way, St Albans AL4 0JY Tel: 01727 890600 President: John Day Vice Presidents: Ron Gammons, Don Hayter, Peter Best, Bill Silcock.

Chairman: Dave Tynan Vice Chairman: George Wilder Treasurer: Richard Colston

F

or this month’s selection of pictures we have dipped into the Club’s SVW collection.

Firstly we have a fine black and white study of an MG SA by Piers Hubbard.

The venue was Penshurst and the year was 1972.

Our next photo is of an MG VA with an overseas registration in an unknown location.

Finally we have a photograph by Colin Gosney of what can only be described as a fabulous Tickford bodied MG WA. We understand that this car was originally owned by Lt.Col. Goldie Gardner.

If you can fill in any further details of these simply superb MGs, we’d love to hear from you.

Directors: Dave Saunders, Peter Opie, Peter Cook, Keith Williams (co-opted) and Paul Money (co-opted) Company Secretary: Colin Grant Staff Members: Adam Sloman (General Manager 01235 849732), John Hutchison (Competitions Secretary 01235 849738), Andy Knott (01235 849730), Lauran Gallacher (Assistant General Manager 01235 849735), Liz Allsworth (Membership Secretary 01235 849734), Colin Grant (01235 849733), 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! OCTOBER 2019

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PeterBest_SafetyFast_MGCarClub_Advert_297x210.pdf

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14:28

classic car insurance PBIS specialises in classic car insurance, as well as insurance for other collectable classic vehicles. We have been supporting the MG Car Club, its Centres & Registers, for over 30 years so we know what is important to you.

Approved Insurance Provider

Our ‘Abingdon’ policy covers classic use for MG’s 3 years and older.

Policy benefits may include: • Free agreed valuations • Roadside assistance and recovery within UK/EU • Limited mileage options • Discounts for multiple car ownership • Club member discounts

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ask us today about our classic mg cover

M

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call now for an instant quote

CM

01376 5 574000

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visit: www.classiccar www.classiccarinsurance.co.uk email: info@classicc info@classiccarinsurance.co.uk

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Peter Best Insurance Services Ltd Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registration No. 307045 | Registered in England No. 2210270

Safety Fast_Cover October2019.indd 3

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Parts for TA to TF 1936-55, YA YB YT, MGA & Magnette.

Secure online shopping at: www.mgbits.com or by phone.

Worldwide shipping.

T&Y Type or MGA & Z series catalogues- email or phone for your copy End of Season Sale

A574C C892T J001DT J003DT J062P J101A J102D J112AS J130AM J135D J707M J711AW J729PP J730P T001AL T001AR T060T S339D

Normal price Air Cleaner with K & N internal filter TD £156.82 Spinner - spare wheel TA TB TC 94.74 Seat cover kit beige leather TA TB 688.80 Interior panel kit beige TA TB 560.00 Interior panel kit grey MGA Roadster 276.00 Sidescreen cover kit black double duck TA TB 472.44 Hood fawn double duck 2 window TC 472.44 Sidescreen cover kit black Stayfast YT 565.00 Full tonneau cover black mohair TA TB 553.50 Full tonneau cover fawn double duck TD 366.54 Red leather armrest on black carpet MGA 124.80 Cockpit capping cover set black, white piping, MGA roadster 89.79 Spare wheel cover grey Hardura/grey carpet 94.60 Carpet set grey LH drive MGA 225.00 Wing stay LH TA TB TC 74.40 Wing stay RH TA TB TC 74.40 Alloy boss, spare wheel mount TA TB TC 152.20 Rear leaf spring MGA 105.68

Sale 138.00 80.40 552.00 432.00 192.00 360.00 360.00 465.00 450.00 312.00 98.40 48.00 69.00 156.00 63.00 63.00 108.00 69.60

NTG Motor Services Ltd 282-284 Bramford Road Ipswich IP1 4AY Tel: +44(0)1473 406031/2 Fax: +44(0)1473 742087 sales@mgbits.com British Motor Heritage Approved - founded 1966

Safety Fast_Cover October2019.indd 4

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