Safety Fast April 2020 by MG Car Club

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VOLUME 64

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APRIL 2020

PARTS & ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR

ISSUE 26

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MGA

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TR5-6

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SPITFIRE

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including technical advice and detailed schematics

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including technical advice and detailed schematics

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E-TYPE including technical advice and detailed schematics

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TR2-4A

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ISSUE 1

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MX-5

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WELCOME THE MGCC 90TH ANNIVERSARY PHOTO COMPETITION

fter a miserable winter and rather wet spring in the UK, at last my MGF is running and back on the road. It’s good to get back to two-seater open-top motoring in this, the 25th Anniversary of the MGF. Due to the spread of the Coronavirus a lot of the events that were due to take place throughout April and May have either been cancelled or postponed, as we’re in unprecedented times at the moment, and with the government recommendations changing on a daily basis it’s worth contacting the event organiser before traveling anywhere, and do keep checking the website www.mgcc.co.uk for regular updates. Whilst I can’t attend any events at the moment, it means that I can now do some jobs on the MGF that I was putting off until the winter, and also give it a thorough service ready for MGLive! in June and MGF25 in July. I’m sure by the winter I’ll have another list of jobs that will need doing! It was great to see a lot of dealer photos on the various social media sites, with rows of the new MGs sporting the 20-registration plate lined up ready for their new owners during March. Amongst the line-up were plenty of ZS Evs. I know a few people who have recently taken the plunge and are really happy with them. Don’t fear, though, the majority have still got their Classic MG tucked up in the garage as well as their ‘everyday’ Ev. The SUV Register is really gathering momentum now, and it’s wonderful to see the Register thriving on Facebook, and those members who have registered their ZS, GS or HS with the Club showing their new Register sticker, which looks superb. Don’t forget, you can now edit your MG details directly with the Club in the members’ area of the website www.mgcc.co.uk Once you’ve registered with a password, it’s a simple case of inputting your membership number, the email address you have registered with the Club. and your password to gain access. There is also a form available on the MGCC website to register any of your ‘new’ MGs with the Club. Until next month, drive safely. Andy Knott

Membership Type

Direct Debit Rate

Standard Rate Online

Standard Rate Post

Single

£50

£55

Joint

£54

£59

Young Members 16-20

£15

Young Members 21-24

£30

As part of our celebrations, we would like to create a gallery of photographs, submitted by you the members, that truly captures our passion for MGs and the best elements of Club life. It could be a special photo you shot at an MGLive!, the first time you got behind the wheel of your MG, you and your mates at a Club Meet, or you working away in your garage or workshop. Maybe it’s a tiny detail that you love about your MG, or maybe an atmospheric image you’ve captured of your pride and joy, or it’s your car in full flight on a road run – the options are almost limitless – the choice is yours! We want to focus on the people that make the MG Car Club. Because it’s the people that have made this Club what it is for the past 90 years. We’ll be collating the best 90 images for a special display at Kimber House in October and for the 2020 Classic Motor Show at Birmingham’s NEC this November. The images will also be used going forward as part of our advertising of the Club, where we shout about the great things your Club has to offer those who have not yet joined us. As well as that, we’ll be picking the top ten photos for a series of special prizes and we’ll be sharing some of our favourites online and in Safety Fast! in the coming months. The winner will receive a special award and their image as a canvas, but everyone who enters may see their amazing photographs in print, promoting your Club. All details can be found on our website at www.mgcc.co.uk/the-mgcc90th-anniversary-photo-competition/ The competition will close on Friday August 21 – good luck, everyone.

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

APRIL 2020 SAFETY FAST! 3

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www.mgcc.co.uk 4 SAFETY FAST! APRIL 2020

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

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 54 Twin Cam Newsletter 59 V8 Newsletter Stefan Bronkhorst proudly perched by his award-winning MG Maestro, photographed at the MG Spares Day at Houten, January 2020. Photo: Colin Grant

FEATURES 16 MGLIVE!

More information on the 2020 MGLive! event

18 FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS… The story of the MG ZR

To celebrate 90 years of the MG Car Club, we’re tracing our roots right back to the early 1930s and taking a look at the various publications the MGCC have used to communicate with their members. The front cover of this issue is based on the 1970s issues of Safety Fast! In 1968 the axe fell on the four factory clubs operating out of Abingdon, the Austin-Healey Club, the Mini 7 Club, Riley Motor Club and the MG Car Club. Safety Fast! was to cease and a new Leyland magazine called High Road was to take its place. Even the now-legendary Wilson McComb, the first editor of Safety Fast!, was powerless to halt the changes. Feverish discussions soon took place between MG employee and Club man Martin Brent, Wilson McComb, and John Thornley. John had had earnest discussions with Gordon Cobban, then the chairman of the Club’s South East Centre, a club man through and through, and in the view of Martin Brent and others, the ‘white knight’ at a time when the Club was threatened with extinction. Martin took over the editorship of Safety Fast! at the end of 1968. Wilson left employment at MG and went on to become a successful freelance author. The MGCC moved to premises over the NatWest bank in Abingdon, but alas the Club’s finances could not sustain the cost of the lease and the first Abingdon era, started in 1930, ended forty-two years later in 1972. Whilst all this was happening, Safety Fast! was still being produced but on a shoestring, but the dawn was breaking on a new era in the late 70s.

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28 21 GUN SALUTE 2020 The premier event for classic car enthusiasts in India, which is a firm fixture on the global concours scene.

32 A CHANCE CONVERSATION… Chris Matthews and his trip to the Le Mans Classic in his MGC

41 MIGHTY MODDED MAESTRO Dutch MG Enthusiast Stefan Bronkhorst and his MG Maestro

46 1937 AND ALL THAT… MG Trials teams in that year, written by Norman McKee and republished from the January 1973 issue of Safety Fast!

APRIL 2020 SAFETY FAST! 5

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CHAIRMANS NEWS

t this time of the year we normally hold a Council meeting, this year it’s been a bit different! We decided to cancel the meeting due to the coronavirus issue. The Chairman normally provides to Council a State of the Club report and I have précised and updated some of it here for you. For more up-to-date information on what the Club is doing please look on the website. As we enter the tenth decade of the Club’s life, we are in a strong position as

a Club. A number of other car clubs are having a tough time at the moment and our thoughts go out to them. MGLive! preparation is well under way and we are celebrating our Club’s past 90 years by focusing the MGLive! infield around our longest-serving members, having a special display for their cars. Later in the year we will be having a road run open to all on our Birthday weekend in October, from the Roebuck at Stevenage, where our Club first met, to Abingdon. We have lost a number of Club characters over the winter period, not least Piers Hubbard, a truly great servant of the Club, and more recently Peter Arnell of the Y Register. Our relationship with SAIC and MG Motor India continues to flourish, but this is increasing the workload on the staff at Kimber House who are charged with delivering their requirements. Some of you have raised questions about the new Club licences being required by Motorsport UK. They have introduced new rules governing base level Club motor sport competitions. This year the driver and passenger must have a free RS Clubman Licence and be Club members. There is a method of filling out a form at sign-on to cover this. This new licence has been seen to be causing problems across the car club community.

We have contacted the FBHVC and they are already in consultation with Motorsport UK on the matter. Their view is much the same as ours in that the way to comply with the requirement is to find a way of making day memberships available to cover this problem, but in the events we all organise we must comply with the current Blue Book when running them. This requirement does not appear to apply to road runs organised under a permit waiver. This is now an academic problem until at least May, as all motorsport is currently cancelled. We are again planning six race meetings this year – the first was to be held at Silverstone at the end of March. At the time of writing, the first two meetings have been postponed. We are continuously monitoring the Coronavirus issue and we have an understood commercial position with the race circuits, should we be instructed to cancel any of our meetings. We are now entering the phase of work with the Archive which involves the digitisation of the records. We have taken the Vintage records first as they are a manageable sample to gain experience with our supplier and a feel for the overall budget commitment we will have to make as we consider the remainder of our records. I wish you all a safe passage through these troubled times. Bill Silcock

KIMBER HOUSE NEWS A statement by Adam Sloman, General Manager MG Car Club Following today’s update (March 16 2020) from the Government, Kimber House will be closed to visitors until further notice. Staff that can work from home will be doing so and will be contactable via email. All contact details can be found on the Club’s website. A skeleton staff will remain in the office to handle telephone calls and manage postage. Please bear with us

www.mgcc.co.uk

during this time as it may take slightly longer to deal with telephone enquiries. Memberships, renewals and merchandise purchases can all be made via our Webshop. We thank-you for your patience and understanding during this challenging period. We will keep you updated here on our website and via our social media. For more updates and guidance, please visit: https://www.mgcc.co.uk/ mg-car-club-corona-virus-guidance/

APRIL 2020 SAFETY FAST! 7

NEWS PETER ARNELL (1944-2020)

Peter Arnell passed away on February 12 at the age of 75. He was a prominent figure in the MG world. He was a very bright pupil at school who opted to enter banking rather than attend university. He progressed quickly before becoming a successful broker on the Stock Exchange. The changing face of the institution in the late 1980s did not appeal and he found himself in a very different world and took early retirement. His interest in cars, and MGs in particular, began in his early

teens and he owned a range of models including most of the T Series and later models. He had an MG or MGs in his garage from those teenage years through to his death. He was very much involved with the South East Centre of the MGCC and Y Type Register. He is, though, particularly remembered through his longterm ownership (well his wife Suzie’s!) of a 1952 MG YB. The car was found in a small village garage in Surrey on a run organised by the SE Centre. They were driving their early NB at the time. The YB proved to be an inspired choice, as now the couple have added a further 80,000-plus on her mileage with trips into Europe and around the UK. Peter was Chairman of the MGCC Y Register for over five years during the early 2000s, a job which he undertook very efficiently. In 2010 Peter and Suzie left Surrey and moved to village life in rural Shropshire, a different but inspired choice where a good size garden and well-appointed garage accommodation were especially valued. Peter will be sadly missed by his wife Suzie and wider family in particular, but also by his range of MG friends and many others. Peter was a true gentleman who thought about and cared for others. A very sad loss. Jerry Birkbeck

CALLING ALL CLASSIC SALOON RACERS British Motor Heritage (BMH) and the MGCC have a long history of collaboration, and this is set to continue through 2020 with the announcement of an all-new 58-car race for MGLive! (June 13-14). It will be for pre-’66 classic saloons, and represents a particularly exciting opportunity for the owners of these popular cars, as it’s being staged on the Grand Prix circuit – the track on which F1 was born 70 years ago this year. The regulations are basically the same as those for the Goodwood St Mary’s Trophy – the only other stipulations being the requirement of the cars to run on Dunlop Historic Race tyres and pump fuel. The event will be of 40 minutes duration, allow entries from either one or a pair of drivers, and will be preceded by a 20-minute qualifying session. Said BMH’s Managing Director John Yea: “The criteria have been specifically chosen to ensure a truly mixed field of everything from MGs to Minis and Lotus Cortinas to the mighty Ford Galaxies, so the sight and sound of the 58-car grid should certainly be something to savour!” The race is by invitation only, so anybody wishing to participate should email details of themselves and their car asap to motorsport@mgcc.co.uk

8 SAFETY FAST! APRIL 2020

INTERESTED IN A CHILTERN REGION PUB MEET? There’s been a suggestion for an MG Car Club/Abingdon Works Centre Natter minutes from junction 6 M40. Are you interested? If so contact Greg Smith at gregory.gp.smith@gmail.com Tel 01844 351418 (home) 07975 639997 (mobile) for more information. Great venue, good car park, food, real ales. Everybody welcome. Triple-M Register – Notice of AGM Date: Sunday June 7 2020 Place: The John Thornley Suite, MG Car Club, Kimber House, Cemetery Road, Abingdon OX14 1AS Time: 2.30 pm Agenda 1. Introductions and apologies for absence 2 Consideration of the minutes of the 2019 AGM 3. Matters arising from those minutes 4. Chairman’s Report 5. Treasurer’s Report 6. Consideration of the 2019 financial statements 7. Secretary’s Report 8. Election of Officers 9. Election of Committee 10. Other business of the AGM 11 Open Forum For information about the meeting please contact the Committee Secretary, Dick Morbey, at secretary@ triple-mregister.org or phone 01494 883112. Nominations for election to the Committee and notice of any topics proposed for discussion should be sent to him by May 16 2020.

www.mgcc.co.uk

BROWN & GAMMONS FIRST FOR EVERYTHING MG! MGF/TF

Horn mount brackets, St/Steel YEB100800SS £7.15 Horn mount brackets, St/Steel, Black YEB100800SSB £7.80 Radiator Top Mount, St/ Steel ABU460310SS £8.35 Radiator Top Mount, St/ Steel, Black ABU460310SSB £9.55 Subframe Mounts, Solid Type. 2 bolt KGE000110 £23.95 ABS mount Bracket, St/ Steel SRU102100SS £40.75 ABS mount Bracket, St/Steel, Black SRU102100SSB £47.95 Clutch Alignment Tool BGF205 £16.75 Water Low Level Sensor Kit BGF1111 £167.95 Hood Modification Straps, pair DJE000010Z £25.98 Alloy Heater Knobs, set of 3, polished or Satin, For MGF or Late MGF (2000 on) and TF. Please state which you require. BGF9021-24 £36.50

MG TA, TB, TC

Dynamo Adjuster Link Box Spanner, 6 sided rear hub Spring Starter Motor Bracket Fuel Gauge Fixing Strap Front Oil Thrower Heatshield, MG TC Hub Tool, 8 sided nut Rear axle Large Brass Core Plug

AAA5831 £23.95 GAC1052 £39.55 53683 £14.95 AJH5185 £9.55 AAA5278 £6.60 GAC1036 £47.95 GAC1502BG £59.95 AAA5561BRASS £3.00 Camshaft, XPAG/XPEG, Lock Tab AAA5593 £5.65 Electronic Distributor, neg earth, without gear 27H5183CSINE £330.00 Electronic Distributor, positive earth 27H5138CSIPE £330.00 Oil Filter Conversion-Spin on GAC8001 £142.26 Small Brass Core Plug CA1056BRASS £2.34 High Quality Oil Pressure Pipe AAA627HQ £17.95 Oil/Water Gauge Strap AJH5186 £9.55

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Alloy Radiator ARH120ALY £249.95 RH Horn Bracket AAA2088 £20.38 Heel Mat, Carpet CRM2001X £10.20 Oil Pressure Pipe, high quality AAA627HQ £17.95 Rear Axle Hub Tool GAC1500BG £59.95 Oil/Water Gauge Strap AJH5186 £9.55 Front Valance Stainless Steel Screw Kit MGA9022SS £10.75 Front Wing Stainless Steel Kit MGA9090SS £23.70 Floorboard Screw and washer set, st/steel MGA9103SS £59.95 Toyo 165/80 R15 87T TL330 Tyre T1R8000 £71.99

Exhaust to Gearbox Bracket 128742 £23.64 Dynamo Adjuster Link AAA5831 £23.95 Spring Starter Motor Bracket 53683 £14.95 Clutch Return Spring to Sump Bracket AAA5800 £10.20 Uprated Gear Lever Spring 11G3144 £12.90 Rear Spring Shackle Plate AAA854 £13.19 £91.20 Steering Wheel Boss MLB8BG Electronic Distributor, neg earth, without gear 27H5183CSINE £330.00 27H5138CSIPE £330.00 Electronic Distributor, positive earth £47.95 Heatshield GAC1036

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MG3 Mark One Interior Styling Kits - Consist of Dashboard Mats, Tambour Bin Surround, Side vents and radio surround Piano Black and Red BG3500 £59.95 Metallic Grey and Red BG3502 £54.95 Piano Black and Metallic Grey (no side vents BG3501 £49.95 Carousel 16inch Alloy wheel and Tyre MG3 Fabric Mats, set of four MG3 Spare Wheel and Tool kit MG ZS Spare Wheel and Tool Kit MG GS Fabric Mats, set of four MG ZS Manual Fabric Mats, set of 4 MG ZS Auto Fabric Mats, set of four MG3 Front Brake Pads, non OE MG6 Petrol Front Brake Pads, non OE

30064821T £75.00 30073783 £48.00 30092045 £144.00 10160897 £168.00 10394095 £66.00 10160896 £66.00 10508798 £66.00 10025315Z £30.00 10008675Z £43.00

GENERAL ACCESSORIES

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MGB

Alloy radiator, 1976-80 (r/bumper) NRP115ALY £249.95 Alloy Radiator, Rear fill ARH260ALY £249.95 Alloy Radiator, MGB Centre Fill,68-76 NRP1142ALY £249.95 Fuel Gauge Fixing Strap AJH5185 £9.55 Steel Billet Crankshaft 8G2750STEEL£2,034.00 Rear Axle Hub Tool GAC1500BG £59.95 Oil/Water Gauge Strap AJH5186 £9.55 Toyo 165/80 R14T TL330 Tyre T1R2050 £71.95

All service packs consist of Genuine MG parts - Oil Filter and sump washer, Fuel Filter, Pollen filter and Air Filter MG3 MG3SERVICEK £63.25 MG6 Diesel MG6SERVICEDK £125.00 MG6 Petrol MG6SERVICEPK £58.74 MG GS GSSERVICEK £93.50 MG ZS Manual 2017 onwards ZSSERVICEK £79.80 MG ZS Auto 2017 onwards ZSAUTOSERVICEKIT £83.99

MG Morris Bear, Green Jumper MG Buster Bear, Red Jumper MG Cecil Bear, Green Jumper MG Buster Bear, Green jumper MG Badge Collection MG Mugs, Black or Red

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All prices are correct at time of going to press but may be subject to change. PLEASE MENTION THIS ADVERT WHEN PLACING YOUR ORDER TO OBTAIN THESE PRICES. All orders subject to availability. All prices include VAT @20%. CARRIAGE EXTRA

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NEW GEARS FOR MG MIDGET AUSTIN HEALEY NEW FROM DISCOUNT 1275 A SERIES GEARBOXES. FROM HEATHROW MG ROVER SPARES TRANSMISSIONS BMC/BL SPECIALISTS

Heathrow Transmissions now have stocks of new remade gears for these cars. 22G229 1st motion shaft £135.00 22G1121 3rd gear £95.00 22G409 3rd/4th gear outer hub £98.75 All prices include VAT. These gears have been out of production for decades. The new, quality gears have been tested over the last 18 months in road and race gearboxes we have built in our workshop with no problems. Contact:- Heathrow Transmissions, Unit 9 Shopwhyke Industrial Centre, Chichester (near Goodwood Circuit) West Sussex.

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Front wing stay for MG TA/ TB/TC. Left- or right-hand (LH shown). Priced at £63 plus post and packing. For more details contact Mike at NTG Services Tel: 01473 406031/32.

10 SAFETY FAST! APRIL 2020

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We’ve managed to strike a deal to have this fantastic Thermostat Kit stocked – this kit is completely metal in construction to avoid the traditional failure mode of centre weld failure. This is a comprehensive kit, including: - Thermostat Housing (PEM101050) including Lucas Thermostat (replaceable) - Curved Pipe - Straight Pipe - 2 x Straight Pipe Clips - 2 x Inlet Manifold Gaskets - Temperature Sensor MEK000030 (located in the ‘V’) - 4 x spare CDU3858 O Rings ALL parts are fully metal, making this the ultimate upgrade for the KV6 cooling system. Reliability is the main selling point of this kit – the other main feature of this kit is that you can change the thermostat within the housing, rather than having to replace the lot as you do with the original item. Supplied with lifetime warranty on all metal parts (excluding the replaceable thermostat module within the housing, which is less than £15 to replace). For more information Tel: 02380 001133, Email: sales@dmgrs.co.uk. Web: https://www.dmgrs.co.uk/

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electric for all mg zs ev from just £22,495 ^

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Fuel economy and CO2 results for the MG ZS EV. Mpg (l/100km): Not applicable. CO2 emissions: 0 g/km Electric range†: 163 to 231 miles. Figures shown are for comparability purposes. Only compare fuel consumption, CO2 and electric range figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. †These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the starting charge of the battery, accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. ^MG ZS EV range starts from £28,495 OTR. After Plug-in Car Grant of £3,000 and the MG Customer Saving, customers can purchase their MG ZS EV Excite from just £22,495. The MG Customer Saving and Plug-in Car Grant also applies to Exclusive versions. Offer available until 31st March 2020. OTR prices include VAT where applicable, vehicle first registration fee, delivery, number plates and 12 months’ Vehicle Excise Duty. Prices are correct at time of being published and are subject to change without notice.

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KEN MILES

In his splendid article about Alec Poole in last month’s Safety Fast!, John Watson mentions, almost in passing, that Alec’s father was the MG and Wolseley importer and assembler in Ireland. Bill Poole’s original company, W F Poole Ltd, was the importer and assembler for Morris Commercials but in the mid-1950s he merged with Booth Brothers, the MG and Wolseley importers and assemblers, to create Booth Poole Ltd who continued to assemble MGs (and other BMC marques) at their site at Islandbridge beside the south wall of Phoenix Park in Dublin until 1971. In the summer of 1968 I had driven down to Dublin from Belfast in my scruffy MG TC (FNT 651, where are you?) for a holiday with some friends and to my dismay discovered that one of the oil pipes to the filter had cracked and was leaking oil rather badly. Not knowing where else to go, I turned up at Booth Poole’s in the hope that they might be able to help me and to my surprise, Alec himself greeted me in the yard. When I explained what the problem was, he got one of the workshop guys to take the car and about 20 minutes later I got it back with a neatly brazed oil pipe, no more leaks and most importantly for an impoverished student ... no charge! Alec also recommended that I fit the proper bracket for holding the filter to the block as the filter was supported only by the oil pipes – hence the crack developing. The repair lasted for the rest of the summer, but on the drive back to university in London the pipe broke again and, as I recall, we used about a gallon of oil to get from Liverpool to London. But a trip out to Richardson’s in Staines sourced a bracket and an oil pipe (I don’t think I bothered replacing the filter!) and we were back in action at the cost of a few shillings. Happy days! I love the retro covers – keep ’em coming. Simon Johnston

Interested to see Ken Miles’ name has been mentioned in your Postbag page recently, as I would agree that his career has been understated, but then, although English, much of it was spent in the US. The Le Mans 66 film paid good homage to him and accentuated that he was not the easiest person to work with although a brilliant engineer. As Riverside Raceway no longer exists, Willow Springs was used for the film, a circuit I remember with (expensive!) affection as I was persuaded to race there in 1988 and to have another go at racing, mostly with various MGBs. I wondered if Ken’s accident was a similar aerodynamic event such as Chris Irwin suffered at the Nürburgring, driving the Ford P68 prototype in 1968, which ended his career, although I remember at the time that he apparently hit a hare on a previous lap which destroyed the front aerodynamics causing it to flip. Whilst I enjoyed the film, there was some poetic licence as I don’t think Enzo Ferrari ever went to Le Mans and I could not help picturing Carroll Shelby as an Elton John lookalike! Some good graphics, though! Best wishes Warwick Banks

HEADLIGHT DAZZLE An article in The Times newspaper in February 2020 caught my eye. It was about the power of modern headlights and their capacity to dazzle other road users. Apparently, Sir Henry Maybury’s committee, having been appointed to investigate the matter, came up with three conclusions: no satisfactory dimming device has been discovered; headlights that are too powerful are in common use; a maximum power should be decided upon. In my opinion this is exactly right. Only too frequently am I dazzled by oncoming headlights and having talked to others, this seems to be an experience shared by many of us. So, will anything come from the Maybury report? I doubt it. You see, The Times was reproducing a report from its paper from February 1920, 100 years ago! John Bates

THE MG CONNECTION I was very interested in the article in a recent Safety Fast! about Ken Miles and Carroll Shelby’s association with MG in the early days. It brought back memories from 2006 when a friend and I attended the Pebble Beach Concours and our attention was drawn to Ken’s much-modified TF, the Flying Shingle. I questioned the lady attending the car and asked if I might be able to have a photo taken sitting in the car. The lovely lady politely declined my request, advising the privilege was only available to children. I countered by saying 1) “I’m a big child” 2) “My surname is Miles” and 3) “I am currently president of the MG Car Club of Queensland, Australia.” Instant permission for the attached photo to be taken! Thanks for a great magazine. David Miles

12 SAFETY FAST! APRIL 2020

www.mgcc.co.uk

YOUNG MEMBERS

Shaun Nelson shaunnelly@hotmail.com

CELEBRATING THE B-SERIES ENGINE

s the weather begins to improve and the coming year starts to take shape, there’s plenty to look forward to: MGLive!, NEC classic, Bicester Scrambles, Tyre Fest. But what I’m most excited about is that I’ll finally be able to drag my MGB out of hibernation and actually drive it. For many cars this spring revival is a tender and delicate operation, akin to defrosting someone who’s been cryogenically frozen. However; when it comes to my old BGT I am certain that, thanks to its trusty old B-series engine, I shan’t run into any such trouble. Perhaps placing my faith so firmly in a 50-year-old, well-worn engine is naive of me; but in the spirit of looking to the future, I’d like to look to the past, and find what made this unremarkable engine… so remarkable. The B-series was a natural progression from the four-cylinder Austin A40 overhead valve engine of 1947, and did little to push the envelope forward in terms of radial engineering design, using 14 SAFETY FAST! APRIL 2020

well-established technology and machining practises in an all-iron construction. To summarise: what resulted was a heavy and simple engine, perfectly adequate for 1950’s motoring Britain. It was, however; engineered with the future in mind and was given ample room for additional displacement when required, starting at a mere 1200cc in 1953, and later growing to 1800cc as standard and proving to be capable of more. There was even a twin cam and 6-cylinder version! What makes this humdrum engine worth celebrating, then? Well, because of the extraordinary life it led during an incredible 57 years in production. Being heavily engineered and rather simplistic did mean that the B-series was, like its older sister the A-series, a tough and hard-wearing unit. Engines would go on to routinely do 100,000 miles without a rebuild, and the design would even prove tough enough to form the basis of a very successful diesel engine. Its versatility would see B-series

engines used in a huge range of vehicles, including; combine harvesters, canal boats, commercial vehicles, narrow gauge locomotives, saloon cars, front wheel drive cars and, of course, sports cars. In terms of MG, it would find a home in the MG Magnette, MGA, and MGB – spanning the years from 1953 to 1980. By the early 1970s the then British Leyland Motor Corporation Ltd was well aware that the B-series was getting a little long in the tooth and began the development of a successor. Using the B-series as a starting point, the O-series finally came into production in 1978, following years of delays and setbacks. With this, however; the lineage of the B-series would last until 2017, as the O-series became the M and T-series, which became the K-series and eventually the SAIC Kavachi engine. Alternatively, the O-series also became the Prima Perkins diesel (Rover MPI) which then became the L-series and finally the Land Rover TD5 engine. But where did the B-series itself end its days? One of the export successes was its use in the world-famous Hindustan Ambassador of India, a series III Morris Oxford adopted as a staple of national culture and heritage from 1958 until 2014. The B-series remained an option right up until 2011, when the diesel could no longer meet the emissions targets of large Indian cities. So, if ever we get chatting about cars and I endearingly refer to my MGB as my “Sherpa Van Sports” – now you’ll know why. I hope everyone has a pleasant year of driving their own combine harvesters. www.mgcc.co.uk

MERCHANDISE

www.mgcc.co.uk

GREAT EASTER GIFTS!

To order visit www.mgcc.co.uk or phone 01235 849737

APRIL 2020 SAFETY FAST! 15

THE WORLD’S LARGEST MG EVENT!

Join us to celebrate 90 years of the MG Car Club at Silverstone Circuit MGLive! will be packed full of exciting features to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the MG Car Club, the original club for MG enthusiasts. It’s going to be a truly memorable weekend of MG fun, so don’t miss out on the chance to celebrate this major milestone in the club’s history. All this and more! • Live action arena with car stunts and presentations hosted by Wayne Scott • Return of Russ Swift, sponsored by MG Motor UK

• Cars for sale display • MGCC displays including our Registers and Centres • Displays from the MG manufacturer

• Racing

• Live music

• California Cup Autotest

• Variety of food and drink stalls

• Autosolos plus race action on track all day.

• Kids activities

• Concours & Pride of ownership

• Lifestyle marquee for all the family

• Traders

• Circuit Parade Laps • …and MGs as far as the eyes can see!

The MG Lifestyle Marquee, for when all the cars get a bit too much! The MG Lifestyle Marquee will offer an escape from all the petrol-head hedonism with plenty of stalls featuring an array of crafts, food, jewellery, clothing, photography and other interests. The Lifestyle Marquee for this year is already taking shape and already there are some exciting and interesting exhibitors booked. Please see www.mglive.co.uk for the full list.

Traders We have a huge array of traders and specialists from the MG world and classic car industry booked to attend, just some of those exhibiting include; British Motor Heritage, Moss Europe, RPS. Smart Tech Car Care, Martin Smith and Classic Driving Developments plus many more. If you would like to enquire about exhibiting, contact lauran@mgcc.co.uk.

Coronavirus latest The MG Car Club remains committed to following the latest UK Government advice on events and public gatherings in light of the current Coronavirus crisis. At time of publication, there was no requirement nor intention to cancel or postpone MGLIve! at Silverstone 13-14 June 2020. However, during this rapidly changing situation, we will advise members via our e-Newsletter, our website http://www.mglive.co.uk and social media streams if we are made aware of any requirements to change our plans for any club events. You can read all the current advice and event updates on the MG Car Club news feed online - just click the Coronavirus updates article at http://www.mgcc.co.uk.

Buy advance tickets with confidence. Anyone purchasing tickets for any events that are later cancelled or postponed will receive a full refund or have their ticket transferred to the new date.

MGLive! is not just the world’s biggest festival of all things MG. It is also home to some of the most spectacular club motorsport you will ever see! Proving that there is something for everyone at MGLive! there is a full programme of racing out on track at Silverstone throughout the weekend, all in addition to the show field, trade arena, live music and stunt driving displays.

NEW FEATURES ANNOUNCED MG Trophy Championship

Cockshoot Cup Lackford Engineering Midget & Sprite Challenge

The MGCC Peter Best Insurance MG Cup BCV8 Championship

Stunt driving displays with Russ Swift

A new race added for another great reason to join us at MGLive!

Over the years, Russ has established 3 Guinness World Records for Parallel Parking in the tightest space, a J-Turn in the tightest space and the fastest donuts! Russ will be demonstrating all these moves, plus passenger rides, driving an MG on just two wheels and all sorts of other tricks and stunts for you at MGLive!

British Motor Heritage (BMH) and the MGCC have a long history of collaboration, and this is set to continue through 2020 with the announcement of an all-new 58-car race for MGLive! It will be a 40 minute , two driver race for pre-‘66 classic saloons, and will offer a variety of marques besides MGs battling it out for glory.

Live entertainment

The race is by invitation only, so anybody wishing to participate should email details of themselves and their car ASAP to motorsport@mgcc.co.uk

The entertainment carries right on through to the Saturday night After Hours party. Headlining the stage all evening will be The Guitar Legends who will mesmerise you with the Greatest Guitar Hits of all time.

The Village Green returns to MGLive! To ensure we offer you true ‘festival feel’. This year, we’ll have music from the Candy Girls, a ’40s and ’50s close harmony group back by popular demand, alongside the Jazz Experience, a five piece band recreating swinging renditions of beautiful songs in ‘Rat Pack’ style.

Glo-Car competition Complimenting the live music will be the annual GloCar competition organised by the MGF Register. This spectacle really brings the show alive during the hours of darkness with competitions for ‘Pro-Glos’ that have all the serious kit to make their car glow, flicker and twinkle. Plus, classes for ‘amateurs’ who can enter by grabbing anything that they have to hand to make their MG stand out at night, the more wacky the better!

MGLive! 2020 Ticket Prices

DAY

Rate

VALID

Early Bird

26th February (10:00) - 22nd April (10:00)

Advance

22nd April (10:00) - 4th June (10:00)

Gate

13th - 14th June

WEEKEND

Member

Non-Member

Member

Non-Member

£17.50

£25

£30

£40

£25

£35

£20 £30

£40 £45

Early bird tickets now on sale! Tickets are even better value this year for club members, as we would like to share the MG Car Club’s 90th anniversary celebrations with as many members as possible. It’s set to be a momentous occasion, so don’t delay – book now!

Keep watching www.mglive.co.uk for more details!

FEATURE YOUNG MEMBERS

FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGSâ&#x20AC;¦. THE STORY OF THE MG ZR By Andy Knott

18 SAFETY FAST! APRIL 2020

www.mgcc.co.uk

hen the Phoenix bid for Rover was accepted by BMW in 2000 John Towers had a saving grace in MG and soon the company was renamed as MG Rover. The appealing ‘bubble’ shape of the then Rover 25 made the MG transformation easy, with a more aggressive stance due to the lower ride height, bigger alloy wheels and the chrome front mesh which really gave this little MG road presence. It was well received by the younger generation, so much so that it was Britain’s most popular sporting hatchback throughout its production life. The ZR was launched in a choice of six colours ranging from the suitable classic contemporary Le Mans Green, Anthracite and Platinum Silver to the brighter shades including Solar Red, Trophy Yellow, and Trophy Blue. Instead of following suit with most manufacturers and naming their models L, GL, CD, etc, MG decided to name their Z range of cars on the amount of horse power the engine produced, with a choice of four engines in the ZR range. You had the ZR105 with a 1.4k series, ZR 120 with a 1.8k series, the 101PS and

later on 115PS Turbo Diesel and the rangetopping 1.8 VVC engined ZR 160. With a low insurance group of eight and a car that could accelerate from 0-60 quicker than a VW Golf GTi 2.0, it was an instant hit, especially as it came as standard with a sports suspension and lowered ride height, 16” alloy wheels and a modern interior featuring a Kenwood Stereo. If you wanted a bit more luxury from the 1.4-engined car that would easily return over 40mpg you could always go for the 105+. Cosmetically, the car only had a couple of minor tell-tale signs over the base model, these being fog lights in the front valence instead of blanks and the black ZR logo found on the boot of the base car being replaced by a more upmarket chrome-effect one. The interior of the car is where MG Rover spent the extra money, with the front wind-up windows being replaced by electrical items, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors, electrical slide and tilt sunroof and a leather-covered sports steering wheel and gearknob. The last three plus options were available as extras on the base model. The next model in the range, the

Early press photos of a Trophy Yellow MG ZR 160

www.mgcc.co.uk

APRIL 2020 SAFETY FAST! 19

MKII ZR with grid spoke alloy wheels

1.8 K-series ZR 120, was also available as a base or plus model with the same exterior styling as a ZR 105. It’s quite difficult to tell them apart, but look closely and you will see that the rear drums found on the 105 have been replaced by solid discs and the front discs are ventilated. With the extra horsepower, the car comes with ABS as standard and will see 60 in 8.6 seconds. The 120 is the only car in the ZR range you could order with the automatic stepspeed gearbox, which is an adaptation from the MGF stepspeed box. The range-topping ZR 160 is quite a different animal altogether. On the outside it’s fitted with 17” straight alloys showing off its large front and rear discs, deep body-coloured sideskirts, twin tailpipes with a metal exhaust heat shield, and just to make sure you know it’s the 160 a nice little rectangular 160 badge

Sporty MKII MG ZR 160 in Igni

tion Blue

German motoring organisation ADAC purchased 100 ZRs for driver training

sits below the ZR logo on the boot lid. The interior is also quite different. The Matrix fabric designed seats found in the rest of the ZR range were replaced by

Monaco fabric seats with leather bolsters and colour-keyed inserts. Interestingly, if you wanted air-conditioning in your 2001-2004 pre-facelifted ZR, it was only

A special edition ZR Trophy SE

20 SAFETY FAST! APRIL 2020

www.mgcc.co.uk

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MKI MG ZR 160 in Monogram Biomorphic Green

standard on the 160 but was optional at considerable cost for the rest of the range. The 1.8 VVC engine had been used in the Rover 200 BRM and later on in the 25 GTi but in its 145bhp guise not the full 160. This extra 15PS takes the ZR from 0-60 in 7.4 and tops out at 131mph, and

still manages to return over 35 miles to the gallon. In its day as now, car running costs were an important factor in purchasing a car. MG Rover realised this and from the very start of the ZR production included a Turbo diesel, in many ways the most enigmatic of the range, using their well-

Rover 200 BMR used the range topping VVC K series engine 22 SAFETY FAST! APRIL 2020

proven 2.0 litre L Series engine which had been in production since 1995. Originally starting at a slightly underpowered 101PS in the ZR but in late 2002 being tuned to a near 115PS. OK, the ZR 115 TD isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the last word in diesel technology, boasting only a solitary pair of valves per cylinder

MG Express, a practical ZR van www.mgcc.co.uk

WITH A LOW INSURANCE GROUP OF EIGHT AND A CAR THAT COULD ACCELERATE FROM 0-60 QUICKER THAN A VW GOLF GTI 2.0, IT WAS AN INSTANT HIT and no trendy common rail, particulate filtering, exhaust gas recirculating niceties and isn’t regarded as a ‘true MG’ by some purists. But consider this: it has more torque than the MG ZS180 fitted with the 2.5 24 valve V6 engine and can get from 30-50 in fourth gear quicker than a ZR 160; all this and it still returns over 50mpg. To look at, the diesel ZR it looks like the base and + models – the only giveaway that it’s a diesel being the down-turned tailpipe. The way to tell the two diesel models apart is that the rear brakes differ on the two variations with drums being fitted to the 101PS models and discs to the 115PS version. In 2004 Peter Stevens was charged with giving the Z range a makeover. The ZR makeover exuded even more attitude than before, with the rear number plate being relocated to the bumper and the front end having the now-distinctive, slatted, colour-coded grille which resembled the MG Supercar, the SV. The facelifted model also received a revised interior with the ZR+ models having a part-leather grey Axis interior. A new ‘technical grey’ dash

The band Atomic Kitten with the special edition Atomix MG ZRs

layout was incorporated which included four satin chrome rotary air-vents. Also, air conditioning was now fitted as standard on the + models in the range. The only colour which stayed available throughout the whole of the ZR

production was Trophy Yellow. The other standard colours available during the last year of production were X-Power Grey (Metallic), Ignition Blue (Pearlescent), Rio Red, Royal Blue (Pearlescent), Goodwood Green (Pearlescent), Starlight Silver

Trophy SE ZR finished in X Power Grey

www.mgcc.co.uk

APRIL 2020 SAFETY FAST! 23

(Metallic) and Black Pearl (Pearlescent). As well as the standard colours, there was also MG’s Monogram programme which allowed you to create a truly individual car by specifying a nonstandard exterior colour, customised interior and state-of-the-art entertainment system. With the earliest of the MG ZRs now being 19 years old, it’s getting harder and harder to find a good one. Thankfully, with the help of our ZRZSZT Register beating the drum with their ‘Save our ZEDs’ campaign, more and more of them are falling into the hands of enthusiasts willing to invest in this great little car. Thinking about getting an MG ZR? As with any second-hand car, there are a few things to look out for if you decide to purchase an MG ZR. Below is a rough guide to a few of the more common problems. Body and Exterior When standing next to the car, look at the brand of tyre and the wear. The better the

IN 2004 PETER STEVENS WAS CHARGED WITH GIVING THE Z RANGE A MAKEOVER. THE ZR MAKEOVER EXUDED EVEN MORE ATTITUDE THAN BEFORE brand and the fact that they all are the same and have even wear across the tyre is normally a good indication that it’s been well maintained and tracked properly. Check the alloys for kerb damage. Squat next to the car and check panels for ripples and dents. Pay special attention to the panel gaps, making sure they are all roughly even. Even on some of the last cars to leave the factory some gaps were slightly wider than others. Also, whilst walking around the car looking at the panel gaps, it’s worth checking for patchy paint or overspray on the window rubbers, etc, which is normally the sign of a botched repair. Open the boot and check the two hinges at the top. These are notorious for trapping water and starting to rust. Finally, feel the bonnet. If it’s warm it could be suffering from a cold start problem of which the current owner is aware and he may have run the engine before you arrived for your inspection!

Engine A few of the earlier ZRs fitted with the 1.4 K Series engine suffered from piston slap. If the car is started from cold and keeps rattling like a diesel it could be suffering from the above condition, which under warranty usually resulted in a new engine, or at least the pistons and valve guides being replaced. Either way, it will be costly. If you hear a similar noise but you’re looking at the VVCengined 160 it could be a sign that the VVC mechanism is well worn. Open the bonnet, check that all the fluid levels are OK, paying special attention to the oil level and colour on the dipstick; the oil should be a golden brown colour, or thin, dark colour if it’s a diesel. If it is a thick black it hasn’t been serviced recently and is due for a change. Open the filler cap and check for a mayonnaise-type substance. If it’s there it could be the sign of head gasket failure.

The five door MG ZR is a practical hot hatch. 24 SAFETY FAST! APRIL 2020

www.mgcc.co.uk

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APRIL 2020 SAFETY FAST! 25

Another sign is small deposits of oil floating on top of the water in the water reservoir connected to the radiator. The 2003 K series-engined cars were modified having metal dowels, instead of the plastic in earlier cars, locating the head gasket and so seem to be less prone to HGF. Check the water pump, which is located on most ZRs behind the plastic shield to the left of the engine, for leaks. Whilst looking over the cooling system it is worth checking the radiator for any leakage, green stains or furring from a previous leak. Another, more common, problem is oil leaking from the top front corner of the engine, which is normally down to a faulty or perished camshaft oil seal. Interior Before entering the car check that the alarm fob opens all the doors and remobilizes the ignition. Once inside check all the electrics, lights and instrument illumination, paying special attention to the electric windows on the ZR+, making sure they both rise and fall smoothly. If they judder or one of the windows drops and will not rise again itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s normally down to a broken plastic clip inside the door. Because the leather side bolsters on the seats are sports seats to give that sports car hugging feel, they are prone to being caught with things in pockets and can be torn.

ZR160 in Ignition Blue

Car Running On starting the car check for any smoke from the exhaust. A small amount of white smoke on cold days is fine, but if you get blue smoke (oil burning) or excessive smoke there is probably an underlying problem with the engine. If you hear a rattle coming from under the front, blip the throttle to see if it gets louder as it could be time to replace the catalytic converter. Next, check the clutch to find out where the biting point is. The more positive the better, and make sure it is about half way up the travel of the pedal. Put the car on full lock before setting off

MG ZR Trophy SE models, sporting the Trophy rear lights 26 SAFETY FAST! APRIL 2020

and listen for any clunks coming from the drive shafts. The power delivery is smooth on the K series engine and really seems to come alive the higher up the rev range you go. The 115PS diesels should pull hard from 1500rpm through to 3500rpm. If the power delivery feels weak it could be the sign of a faulty MAF sensor. The gearbox should be quiet (if it whines, could be due new bearings) and feel positive. If you do drive across any rough area or sleeping policemen listen for a clunk from the rear of the car. If you hear one it could signal that the trailing arm needs replacing. Paper Work Check the log book over for any discrepancies and also check the VIN number on the log book against the one on the ZR. The easiest place to check this is located at the bottom right-hand corner of the windscreen, just under the windscreen wiper. Make sure it has a valid MOT certificate. Also, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worth checking the service book to make sure it has been serviced and maintained regularly. The more receipts the seller has, the better. Finally, if you are still unsure of the car, it might be worth getting an HPI check done. There are a number of companies that can do this for you; some of the things they will check for are outstanding finance, previous damage, whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a stolen vehicle and the vehicle identity.

www.mgcc.co.uk

EXCLUSIVE 2020 TOURS FOR THE MG CAR CLUB 5114

These tours are operated for the MG Car Club by Scenic Car Tours - www.sceniccartours.com

The Enchanting Black Forest

Peak District National Park

7 Day, 6 Night Tour From £699.00 Per Person

4 Day, 3 Night Tour From £299.00* Per Person

30th May to 5th June 2020 *

15th to 18th June 2020

e siv ur clu To Ex GCC M

Coming from afar to MGLIVE!? Why not make a week of the event by heading off with fellow MGCC members for a post tour to the beautiful Peak District

INCLUDES: Return Ferry • 6 Nights hotel accommodation • Breakfasts & Evening Meals throughout • Road Book & MG Rally Plate

INCLUDES: 3 Nights accommodation at the Makeney Hall Hotel, Derby • Breakfasts & Evening Meals throughout • Road Book & MG Rally Plate

Ireland’s Causeway Coast

Personalised Tours & Events

13th to 17th September 2020

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Ever wanted to arrange a road trip for some friends? Already do, but want someone else to do the hard work? Or are you in charge of car club tours or events? 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? INCLUDES: Return Ferry • 4 Nights hotel accommodation • 4 Breakfasts & 2 Evening Meals • Road Book & MG Rally plate

Call our Group Relations Manager Kieran on: 01732 879153

All flight bookings are operated for Scenic Car Tours by our sister company, Success Tours, ATOL No. 5114 / *All prices are per person and based on 2 persons occupying a car and a twin/double room / Single supplement available on request.

For more information or to book phone: 01732 879153 or see: www.mgcarclubtours.co.uk

21 FEATURE

GUN SALUTE 2020

28 SAFETY FAST! APRIL 2020

By Adam Sloman

www.mgcc.co.uk

The 21 Gun Salute is the premier event for classic car enthusiasts in India and is fast becoming a firm fixture on the global concours scene.

rganised by MGCC member Madan Mohan, and supported by MG Motor India, hundreds of cars from across the world came together in Delhi, meeting at the iconic India gate for a flag off and road run to Karma Lakelands golf course â&#x20AC;&#x201C; around an hour outside of Delhi. Here, cars from almost every manufacturer in the world took over the

www.mgcc.co.uk

APRIL 2020 SAFETY FAST! 29

pristine greens and fairways, and for the first time, MG had its own class. Almost a dozen MGs had entered, including a pair of MGAs, one owned by Madan Mohan, joined a TD, a pair of TCs, a J2 and a YT to contest the class. Saturday provided a chance for owners and MGCC members to mingle, to look at their own cars and others on display, and most importantly for the judges to make their deliberations and ask their allimportant questions.

The following morning saw the MGs flagged off for another run, this time to MG Motor Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s headquarters and premier dealership in nearby Gurugram. Supported by an MG Hector and ZS EV, the sight of classic MGs filing onto the roads caused plenty of turned heads, waves, and smiling faces. MG Motor India treated all of the participants to a lunch at the dealership while giving them a chance to get a better look at the Hector, with one

classic MG owner ordering his Hector there and then! Lunch over, the MGs returned to Karma Lakelands for the prize giving. With hundreds of cars, and many classes, it took the judges a good few hours to work through the various winners and runnersup, but then the focus fell on MG â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the YT of Daman Thakore came away with first prize. The rarity of a YT impressed the judges, but what took the car to the

Madan Mohan addressing the crowds 30 SAFETY FAST! APRIL 2020

www.mgcc.co.uk

top of the class was its story – Daman has recently completed a painstaking restoration on the car, a car that has been in his family’s ownership for almost half a century. Restored back to its factory spec, but still used every week, Daman’s love for his YT was apparent for all to see, and his work on the car a credit. As the sun set on the course and the cars made their way towards home, or the next event, it was clear the passion for classic cars and for MG runs very deep in India and the future for the classic and vintage scene looks very exciting indeed.

MG Motor India’s Rajeev Chaba with Adam Sloman www.mgcc.co.uk

APRIL 2020 SAFETY FAST! 31

FEATURE

hilst driving back to Calais from a week spent gardening and doing DIY at my wife Cathy’s parents’ house in the Loire Valley, we decided to return home via Le Mans as it was the weekend of the Le Mans Classic. We planned to arrive at Arnage, just in time to find a good restaurant for lunch and watch the cavalcade of fantastic sports cars travel through the town. We duly parked up and found a streetside table at a suitable restaurant to watch proceedings. There is no better way to spend a lunchtime than by having a meal and a cold beer in the sunshine whilst watching and listening to a continuous file of Jaguars, AC Cobras, TRs, Healeys, GT40s, Astons, Sunbeams, Bentleys,

Ferraris, Maseratis and of course MGs. Sadly our ‘lunch stop’ eventually came to an end, as most of the cars had departed to the circuit for the start of racing. So, we headed off homeward in our red MGC GT. However, this interlude had reminded us of a time, two years previously, when we too had attended the Le Mans Classic. It all started, the year before that, whilst out for a curry with friends and Tiger owners, Peter and Shirley Linch. Peter had said that they were going to the Le Mans Classic with some fellow Tiger owners, and had a spare room in their gite, and would we like to join them in our MGC roadster? Cathy and I instantly jumped at the idea as it would also give us the opportunity to visit Cathy’s parents in the Loire valley.

The first hurdle was to achieve an MOT. This required a little bit of judicious preparation, replacing some bullet connectors in the lighting system, pumping the kingpins full of grease and adjusting the handbrake… Success, MOT passed! As the weeks went by, I started using the car more regularly, and soon realised that it left a pale blue mist behind it, when idling in traffic for any length of time. I reckoned that worn rings and guides were most likely to blame, so an engine rebuild seemed like it would be a good idea before embarking on such a trip. Fortunately, I have been an MGC owner and devotee since I was 19 years old, after graduating from an MGB roadster. Consequently, I have managed to pick up a few useful spares over the years, when they were still available for sensible money, one of which being a spare engine! The one in question had come from a car that I had previously raced back in the 80s and 90s. However, it had jettisoned some of its piston rings, via the exhaust system, on the hard shoulder of the M3 a few years back.

A CHANCE CONVERSATION… by Chris Matthews

MGC parked up at Arnage

32 SAFETY FAST! APRIL 2020

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VVK Fully loaded for journey home

This was an ideal candidate for a rebuild! All the reciprocating parts had already been balanced and lightened back in the 80s. The head had been given the Sebring treatment by John Chatham’s engine man. The whole shooting match had produced something in the region of 185bhp with triple 1 3/4 SUs back in its racing days. However, I decided to send the head to Peter Burgess to freshen it up and convert it to unleaded. The block needed to be taken out to +.060”, the crank was polished and fitted with new big ends and main bearings. However, the cam profile, a Kent 544, was in good condition and the skew gear still had plenty of meat on it. I also added an aluminium radiator with

twin Revotec fans, to cope with the high summer temperatures in the South of France, just to be on the safe side! In the meantime, I went to the MG Car Club’s Brands Hatch spring meeting to watch a bit of racing and meet up with friends. Whilst walking around the paddock during the lunch break, I bumped into an old friend, Barry Sidery-Smith, now sadly no longer with us. Upon hearing that Cathy and I were planning to go to the Le Mans Classic, he said that we simply must join him and a group of others for his annual pre-race meeting dinner at a restaurant called Les Lilas in Ecommoy, close to Le Mans, on the Thursday evening prior to the racing. He had been taking over the whole restaurant for his private party for many years. The cost was 30

Euros per head, for all you could eat and drink. So, two extra places were booked! The weeks passed, engine parts came back and were duly reassembled and painted. There’s a real pleasure in doing this sort of thing yourself. Fortunately, I have built several engines over the years, so it posed no issues for me. When it was all finished, Cathy helped me get the engine and gearbox back in the car which, for those who don’t know, you do as a complete unit. This can be a bit tricky, because it is so big and heavy. However once back in place it was simply a case of fitting the exhaust, carburettors and other ancillaries. Then came the grand firing up! First time of course, and what a glorious sound, triple carbs with twin Downton exhaust, rasping away in the afternoon stillness. There was one fly in the ointment, though, which became apparent quite quickly. The smoke which was rising from the engine bay wasn’t the manifold paint curing itself as expected, but instead, oil cascading out of the oil filter canister at its base, where I had only done it up finger tight. Instantly, I switched off the engine! About a pint of Halfords finest green lubricant had deposited itself on the garage floor. Despite this slight setback, there is nothing quite like the feeling of satisfaction when one has assembled all the individual parts of an engine and heard it run for the first time.

MGC engine undergoing rebuild

Assembled and painted, ready for fitting www.mgcc.co.uk

Cathy helping to put the engine and gearbox back in APRIL 2020 SAFETY FAST! 33

Engine back in the MGC and ready for first start-up

The months had gone by and I now had about four weeks left to get some miles on the engine before our departure for La Belle France. A few trips to work in Basingstoke, (100-mile round trip), plus several other shakedown runs, equated to about 1,000 miles before the off. The evening of our crossing arrived, and we met up with our ‘Tiger’ friends Peter and Shirley at The Still and West pub in Portsmouth, on a gloriously sunny evening. We also got to know our other travelling companions, in a red Tiger and a dark blue E Type, over a fish and chip supper, washed down with the odd cold beer. Later, as we queued up for the overnight ferry, it was like a who’s who of classic cars, (automobile heaven!).

We docked at Le Havre in the morning, and disembarked along with our companions and headed off in convoy to the pretty fishing port of Honfleur for breakfast. Once finished, it was time to hit the road, top down of course, towards our gite. Mike, in the red Tiger, took the lead and we all followed. After several hours driving, including a late stop for lunch and some food shopping, we arrived at a driveway and were ushered up to a charming house with an indoor swimming pool. A lovely young couple showed us around the property whilst we unpacked our food shopping and divvied up the bedrooms. The penny, or should I say euro-cent, dropped when we realised that there were only two bedrooms, but A car park full of classics waiting to board the night ferry

34 SAFETY FAST! APRIL 2020

we were four couples. We had turned up at someone else’s country retreat! With much embarrassment we made our hasty goodbyes, took back our shopping and left. Our gite turned out to be a couple of miles further up the road. Finally, at the correct place, every bit as nice as the first, the guys broke open the beers and the girls a chilled bottle of white wine. After sorting out the bedrooms we jumped into the pool to wash away the cares of the day and relax! After an hour or so, it was time for Cathy and me to get changed and leave the others for our rendezvous with Barry and his friends at Les Lilas for dinner. The restaurant was your typical Route National type, set off to the side of the road with parking in front. A small number of cars with the odd classic were already there, parked up at an angle, Le Mans style. We duly parked and joined everyone else in the bar for pre-dinner drinks, meeting up with friends old and new. Barry ‘held court’ as usual, ably assisted by his friend and scribe James Pitt and others. We were very honoured to be seated at the business end of the table with Barry and his daughter Heidi and her husband Simon Clarke, former MGB racer. We spent a fantastic evening chatting over old times and reminiscing about the treasure hunts we had taken part in together back in the late seventies and early eighties; it was a real trip down memory lane. However, Barry recounted one story, more contemporary. “Whilst towing the MGB race car down to Le Mans the previous day, ‘pressing on’ as usual, he got pulled over by the gendarmes, who asked to see his licence, as being of a certain age. He instantly got out his racing licence, as this was the only one of any importance to him. Dissatisfied with this, the police asked to see his ordinary one, which of course, turned out, Barry had left back at home in England. The police insisted that they swap drivers, so James Pitt took over. However, Barry, not being the best of passengers, put up with this situation for a few miles until well away from the police, then insisted they swap back for the rest of the journey”. The evening, all too quickly, drew to a close, and we had to go our separate

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ways. What a joy it is to drive our cars with the roof down, on a balmy summer’s night! The next morning, Le Mans was hot, with typically long queues to get in. But what a riot of fantastic motor vehicles. Eventually we parked and set off to mooch around automobile heaven! For those of you that don’t know ‘The Classic’, it is split into different eras or niveau. We were most interested in 50s, ‘60s and ‘70s, so we went off to watch some of their practice sessions, followed by a stroll around the various paddocks. In the 1960s paddock, along with all the other cars and drivers, we met up with Barry again, with DRX 255C, the famous Le Mans MGB, driven originally by Andrew Hedges and Paddy Hopkirk. Whilst looking over the car and chatting with Heidi and Simon, Barry introduced us to a charming French couple, Alain and Genevieve de Vautibault. They asked if we would like to join them for something to drink. Alain then produced a bottle of champagne, opened it and passed around glasses which he filled, none for the drivers of course! It Turned out that Alain’s father had been the previous Comte de Vautibault, whose family home was the Chateau de Chene de Coeur, about five kilometres away from the circuit. He had been great friends with John Thornley, the head of MG, who had used the chateau as their unofficial base for the race teams whilst at Le Mans. Barry said that the chateau was a sight to behold, although never having had time to visit it himself.

Whilst chatting, much to our surprise, Alain and Genevieve kindly invited us for lunch on the Monday after the racing had finished, so that we would be able to take a look at the chateau before heading off to Cathy’s parents’ house in the Loire Valley and subsequently on to the South of France for the rest of our holiday. Alain and his wife live in a charming cottage in the grounds of the chateau. They had handed the chateau itself over to a family member some years previously, so it could be run as an upmarket country house gite. We sat in their garden in the sunshine, sipping aperitifs whilst looking out over the glorious French countryside. After a sumptuous lunch of magret de canard, all home cooked by Genevieve, we visited the chateau itself. It was just as Barry had said. A picture of French elegance. After a good look around and the taking of photos featuring our MGC in front of the façade, we said goodbye to our newly found friends and headed off to the in-laws’ house in Loudun, south of Chinon. We spent the next five days with Cathy’s parents, doing various bits of DIY and gardening, before heading off for our holiday proper, to Le Lavandu, on the Cote d’Azur. It was quite some distance, so rather than arrive late in the evening we decided to break our journey part way. Although nothing had been prebooked, we came across the picturesque and historic town of Le Puy en Velay. As it was approaching 6.00pm we headed straight for the Tourist Office to see what

Barry and Heidi with James Pitt in background

Pre-race spit and polish for DRX

MGC with Tigers and Jaguar line up at gite 36 SAFETY FAST! APRIL 2020

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TUU in front of chateau façade

was available. Obviously wanting to close, the lady suggested only one hotel that might have a room free. We made our way to it, and lo and behold there had been a ‘no show’. As we were there, they gave us the room. The proprietor even allowed us to use his secure underground parking space for our convertible MG. The following morning, fully breakfasted, we headed off south to Le Lavandu, roof down in glorious sunshine.

Our apartment for the next week was well situated, with a five-minute walk to the pretty coastal town. Although the apartment had self-catering facilities, we found some good and inexpensive restaurants for evening meals. One in particular, The Hotel Bellevue, we had visited 10 years previously whilst on holiday with our son. With the rasp of the exhaust and the whine of gears, sunshine flashing off the white paintwork and

Cathy and me dressed in our glad rags, we headed up into the hills. Entering this characterful hillside village, Bormes Les Mimosas, like something out of the film ‘A Good Year’, (Max Skinner and Fanny Chanel, eat your heart out!) we arrived in style in the MGC, roof down in the early evening sunshine. Bliss! You cannot come to the South of France without cruising along ‘La Corniche’, the coast road. We visited St Tropez for one day, to do some people-watching, and received many admiring looks from the local inhabitants. On another day we took a boat trip to the Isle de Poquerolles, where we hired mountain bikes to tour round and explore the island, also managing to find time to hit a beach for a swim and a picnic lunch. It also turned out that one of the French holidaymakers in an apartment upstairs was having a British Racing Green MGB roadster prepared for him by a sports car garage in Paris and was due to pick it up in a couple of weeks. Obviously, I had to take him out for a thrash in mine, just to let him know what to expect – he was most impressed! In no time at all our week was over, and we had to pack for the journey home. However, Saturday morning arrived grey

Our new friends, Alain and Genevieve de Vautibault, standing next to TUU www.mgcc.co.uk

APRIL 2020 SAFETY FAST! 37

View from our table at the Hotel Bellevue

Chirs and TUU parked in front of the apartment in Le Lavandu

and overcast with light rain, an ideal time to leave! So, with the hood up, we were able to make good time back north on the auto routes. Our drive back up to the channel was largely uneventful, except whilst queuing at motorway toll booths waiting to pay, despite the engine sounding sweet and crisp, we were being enveloped in a blue haze. I had noticed this to a lesser extent from quite early in the holiday, but despite dipping the oil periodically and taking out the plugs to check them every so often, everything seemed fine, even if one or two of the spark plugs were a little black. I had just tried to put it to the back of my mind! However, upon returning home, I spent the next few days phoning around various experts to see what the issue could be. To my relief it quickly became apparent that nothing too disastrous could have occurred. After removing the rocker cover, I found that most of the valve stem oil seals had decided to pop

38 SAFETY FAST! APRIL 2020

off the bronze guides, with the effect that oil was now entering each cylinder down the valve stems, great for lubrication but not very desirable! So, head off, strip down, a bit of a decoke and new oil seals fitted, head back on and torqued down, everything reassembled and adjusted, then fired back up. The engine was as sweet and crisp as before but without the smoke. Having covered over 3,000 miles by now, the engine was pretty well run-in. I thought it would be a good time to check the compression. 200psi in each cylinder, no wonder the engine was so eager. Mind you, not surprising considering the theoretical compression ratio was approaching 12:1. Not to be recommended. However there was no sign of pinking and everything seemed to be holding together ok so far. The moral of this story is: if someone suggests this sort of trip, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hesitate, just say yes; you will have a fantastic time as well as bring pleasure to many others.

Picturesque bay on the Isle de Poquerolles

Selfie in St Tropez www.mgcc.co.uk

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FEATURE

MIGHTY MODDED MAESTRO by Stefan Bronkhorst

irst some background to MGs in my life. I am 31 years old and grew up in a village called Hurwenen in central Holland. My life was surrounded by MGs, as my Father was an MG enthusiast owning a variety of MGs over the years. As a young lad I had a succession of mopeds, go-karts and bicycles where I honed my mechanical skills, helped with tuition from my Father, who is an excellent mechanic. When I was eight years old the MGF was introduced in Holland and I said to my parents “I am going to own one of those when I’m 18!” I was told to start saving, and just before my 18th birthday I bought one and I still have it to this day. My daily driver is an MG ZS 180 which I’ve owned for nine years. My MG Maestro was delivered to the first owner on January 2 1984, by a dealership named “Sille”. The Maestro

40 SAFETY FAST! APRIL 2020

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APRIL 2020 SAFETY FAST! 41

was a company car for many years and in 1994 it was traded in to a garage called Donker, located in De Meern. Necessary mechanical work was carried out in their workshop and it was then put on display in their showroom. Some 19 years later the garage in De Meern decided to close down and were selling off their inventory. I went along to have a look and fell in love with the Maestro which was included in their sale. A deal was done and on June 27 2013 I became the proud owner and trailered my Maestro to its new home. There were things to do, as it needed a new battery;

42 SAFETY FAST! APRIL 2020

some fresh fuel and a thorough clean of the fuel system. With that, it started and it was off to the MOT station. Unfortunately it failed as the wheel bearings needed replacing. But after fitting new bearings it passed second time around. I then started driving it regularly and really enjoyed the experience. Apart from the odd minor repair here and there all went well until I smashed the sump on a speed bump!! This kick-started the first stage of my restoration. Using my Dadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s workshop I rebuilt the engine and painted the engine bay, sourcing a lot of my parts from the UK. I had already planned to

convert it to turbocharged, and luckily I found an original O-series turbocharged engine. Alongside the engine rebuild, I had to make a lot of parts myself which I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t source from specialists, like turbo pipes, brackets for intercooler, oil cooler and exhaust manifold. The second change was to the suspension which I converted to air assisted suspension. The big moment came, starting up the engine. But with the turbo and original Lucas injection system fitted it didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t run reliably, so what next? I fitted a new ECU, with a larger fuel pump, bigger injectors and some other parts to make it all work.

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APRIL 2020 SAFETY FAST! 43

After some adjusting and tuning I was driving again, but still upgrading on the way, with calipers from a Mercedes Sprinter and discs off an MG ZS 180. Everything was fine until someone crashed into the rear bumper in September 2016; that was the beginning of a full restoration. I did the bodywork myself, stripping off the old paint to bare metal, making some minor rust repairs, and modifying the body to be able to fit larger wheels. Other changes I made were upgrading the headlight, and number plate lights, changing the badging, modifying the rear bumper, and removing the seams on the roof. My biggest learning curve came from doing the respray. I spent hours sanding, painting, rubbing down, and finally applying the final coats of paint and lacquer, but the results were well worth it.

44 SAFETY FAST! APRIL 2020

I rebuilt the car in just over a month with a view to getting it ready for the MG Spares Day at Houten, in Holland, which was on January 5 2020. The Maestro was ready by the fourth! My main aim was to have it ready to compete for the best restoration of the show. The Maestro was up against strong opposition with two outstanding MGBs, a TA, a YA and a Triple-M L-type with a special body. The Triple M couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make the show on the day, which reduced my opposition, and you can imagine my amazement when I was awarded the Most Remarkable Restoration of the show having 366 out of 400 points awarded by the judges. The car is now used mainly for shows and exhibitions, although I do use it when the sun shines. It is my pride and joy and I intend to keep it well into the future.

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Engines and Cylinder heads are sold on an exchange basis. If no exchange unit is available please add £550 to the price of a Midget engine £250 MGB. If you are looking to rebuild your own engine we also stock the full range of parts you will require from pistons to bearing, reconditioned rocker assemblies to genuine Payen Gasket Sets.

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APRIL 2020 SAFETY FAST! 45

FEATURE

1937

AND ALL THATâ&#x20AC;¦ MG Trials teams in that year, written by Norman McKee and republished from the January 1973 issue of Safety Fast!

46 SAFETY FAST! APRIL 2020

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Tackling Park Rash during the 1937 Edinburgh Trial

Norman McKee at the wheel of ABL 962

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G had at last realised their drastic mistake of O.H. cam engines and cable brake vehicles came out with a fantastic motor in 1936! That motor, of course, was the TA using the MPJG engine, the forerunner to the XPAG which was to gain such success. There was a great deal of speculation as to what cars the two trials teams would use in 1937; in fact both teams drove identical cars, different only in colour scheme and that the Musketeers used bonnet straps. Crackers, colours varied slightly from previous years, wings, apron, spare wheel carrier and chassis were brown, the rest being cream including the bonnet and scuttle. The name was written on the bonnet with different lettering. Musketeers had black chassis and flame red bodies. The ’37 team registration numbers were Crackers ABL 960, ’962 and ’964 being driven respectively by Toulmin, Crawford and Jones; Musketeers were ABL 961, ’963 and ’965 driven by MacDermid, Bastock and Langley. These TAs were modified, but not quite so much as previous years; maybe the pushrod engine did not need to be tuned to produce success! Chassis mods were much larger and stronger shock absorbers and dual braking was fitted; the tandem master cylinder from the 2.6-litre being used, ideal in the event of fracture of a brake pipe on a section. Large wheels were fitted to the rear during a trial while the main road work was on 4.50 X 19; the trials wheels were 600 x 16 for the rear, two spare wheels being carried. There have been various reports stating that the cars had locked differentials. All I can say is, mine is original and is normal TA. Bodies had cycle wings steel front and aluminium rear, bonnet, bonnet side pieces and doors also being made in aluminium. The gearbox had lower 1st, 2nd and 3rd gears, 1st being 19.5 : 1. The engine had the oil filter fitted slightly higher to avoid damage from stones, etc. Compression ratio raised to 7.5 : 1, tin sumps being fitted after Crawford holed his sump on Simms during the ’37 Exeter, repairing the cast aluminium with chewing gum to finish the event. Twin petrol pumps were another mod. The interior had bucket seats to give good elbow room, the dash had a water APRIL 2020 SAFETY FAST! 47

Bastock at the wheel tackling Darracott on the 1937 Land End Trial

temperature gauge in front of the driver, oil temperature in front of the passenger, two map-reading lights instead of the 30mph warning light. In 1937 the drivers were not too happy on trying the cars out, and they took time to tune and get used to. The Exeter that year saw the Crackers in TAs for the first time, while the Musketeers ran their 1408cc blown Magnettes; both teams, however, gained first class awards. The Muskets waited until the Margate and District Club’s Wye Cup Trial for their first outing in the new cars. They did extremely well for Bastook to win the Wye Cup, Langley the Committee Cup and MacDermid a First class; they also won the team award. This event was in February, the same month as Mac won the Full Moon Cup in the Bristol MC Full Moon Trial. The list of successes for these cars is very long. Some of the more outstanding events are: Colmore Cup, team award Musketeers. Lands End Mac: a Bronze failing Station Hill and Crackington, Crawford and Jones Bronze, failing Blue Hills 1 and Crackington, Bastock and Langley Silver failing Crackington; indeed Crackington caused a fantastic amount of failures and only Toulmin of the teams managed to clean, giving a

48 SAFETY FAST! APRIL 2020

tremendous exhibition of driving skill from the start line. He later failed Blue Hills to gain a Silver. In the Edinburgh all drivers had Premier Awards, the team going to Musketeers while the Crackers were third. The Brighton-Beer had a disastrous acceleration test followed by a brake test. In the latter, a 30hp Ford fitted with twin rear wheels clocked eight seconds, easily the fastest, while Langley was only 2/5ths second slower. Only one car qualified in the acceleration test, and that was Mac’s. All Muskets did extremely well to win the team, Langley the Brighton and Hove Trophy and Mac the Bishop Trophy. Crawford and Jones first class awards, while Toulmin does not appear in the results. The Bristol Speed Trials saw Mac second in class, while in the Scottish Rally Langley was winner of the open car class up to 1300cc. Looking at the results of the Fedden Trial, Mac’s car was best supercharged car; first time to show up as blown; all the others appear in the results but the trial was extremely tough, catching even experts like C.A.N. May unawares. One event of outstanding interest to TA owners was the team of Musketeers being entered for the Donington 12 hours Relay, the cars being driven by Crackers and Musketeers drivers.

Orders, it seems, were for the drivers to keep revs down for the first three hours to 4,800 rev/min; after that anything went. Two cars had trouble with oiling of plugs, while Langley and Jones drove ’965 with only one plug needing changing. It came on to rain very heavily and Crawford gave a terrific display of driving in the wet and the team went on to win the team award. These team cars went on to be used for the Exeter of Jan ’38, their new modified TAs not being ready. The new TAs were very different and interesting, the Crackers having VA engines while the Musketeers were blown TA engines which were reported to be faster than the VA – this, however, is another story. Just for the record, the Crackers won the M.C.C. Trial Team Championship for 1937. Having stated some of the successes of the cars in ’37, I must now defend them. First, though, I must say how I came by my own. After trialling Ford Pops for three years, I decided in 1962 to change to a more competitive class, the sports car class. It was therefore with interest I saw a TA belonging to a cartoonist friend of my brother, Ralph Steadman. Ralph had blown the engine up on the way down to the West Country from London and

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APRIL 2020 SAFETY FAST! 49

Bastock pushing the Musketter hard on the Ferriscourt section of the 1937 NWLMC Gloucester Trial

being like my brother a poor artist, could not afford to have it repaired. He asked £80 for the car, but after a while a price was agreed and the vehicle obtained for less than half the price asked. The block was beyond repair and another was found and everything else ﬁtted. After using it for a few events, an H.R.G. owner told me what the car was and its history, which was conﬁrmed by Wilson McComb. I was the proud owner of ABL 962, Crawford’s Cream Cracker. On the Exeter ’65 I was offered two TAs for £16. These were at Truro. The following weekend I bought them, one a Tickford the other, which was in a very sorry state, was A Langley’s Musketeer ‘Aramis’ ABL 965. These two cars would have been sold for scrap the

following week. ABL 962 and 965 appear to be the only cars remaining of the ’37 teams at present, but one always hopes others will turn up. Two, though, are known to have been broken. ABL 962 has been used with success for a wide variety of events. In Autocross always having fun in practice until the surface dried, then rather slow, but have won the class against E-type Jags, TR3As, MGAs and Twin Cams, that was in a sea of mud where the Cracker found grip and the others could hardly move. Hill climbs used to be enjoyed, but I was tired of ‘being put in the specials class (the organisers did not agree to cycle wings) however the class was won against blown Ford Specials. The organisers at Wiscombe had more sense

and there we were in the sports class. In Rallies the suspension was rather hard for a navigator but he was very good and a great deal of time was saved by using trials sections to cut down mileage. It was good fun. At the moment Autotests are popular in our Centre so it has to ‘be used for that as well, and on the odd occasion has beaten the moderns. In 1965 the Musketeer engine was ﬁtted for the Silverstone high-speed trial, in practice a big end ran. In order to drive home, the sump was dropped and the offending rod and piston removed, a piece of tin cut and wrapped around the journal, held in place by two jubilee clips. The car was then driven home on three cylinders, out of balance but getting me the 300 miles home. The old engine was then replaced. The Cracker has been used for at least 12 trials a season since 1963, these including the Exeter and Land’s End; always just missing a first on the Exeter and never better than a third on the Land’s End, having however cleaned every section in each event at various times. At this year’s Exeter the oil ﬁlter was damaged and all oil lost. It was repaired and driven on but the engine needed overhaul afterwards. That engine had done well over 90,000 miles since 1962. These miles were of competitive motoring and also as everyday transport – not bad for what has been called a rather ordinary-looking engine.

ABL 965 cresting the top during the NWLMC Laurance Cup Trial, 1937

50 SAFETY FAST! APRIL 2020

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APRIL 2020 SAFETY FAST! 51

Bastock sits astride Pothos

The Cracker is now once more in original colours but has telescopic shock absorbers, as the originals get damaged too quickly on rough Cornish trials. The radiator slats were replaced by stretched wire to give better cooling, as many trials‘ down here are in very wooded areas and overheating is a problem, e.g. oil temperature with the tin sump around 95°C, while an aluminium sump temperature never over 45°C. Another point is no door handles on the exterior, as the trees soon knock them off. A point of interest may be a letter published in the late 1960s from Mr Rees of Leeds, who bought Mac’s 1937 Cracker. It was raced by him at Donington at 109 mph; Brooklands 101mph and 99 mph two up, this was in blown form and presumably maximum speeds achieved. If you can bring us up to date on the activities of the ABL registered Musketeers or Cream Crackers since the article was first published please do get in touch.

52 SAFETY FAST! APRIL 2020

ABL 962 with H.W Crawford at the wheel

Bastock piloting Porthos on the Frensham section during the 1937 Lawrence Cup

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APRIL 2020 SAFETY FAST! 53

NEWSLETTER

Colin Manley mgatcgscribe@gmail.com

WELCOME TO THE

TWIN CAM NEWSLETTER

YOUR INPUT IS ESSENTIAL!

This newsletter and our other communication, the emailed TwinCaMGazette, are only as good as the input I get from you, the membership. I NEED MATERIAL. If Twin Cam owners still want to see both these publications continue I will need some articles or topics, and some high-resolution images. This message was in the last Safety Fast! Newsletter and also the previous Twin-CaMGazette. Our Historian, Edward Vandyk, was the only person to respond to these requests. If it were not for his input, this newsletter would comprise blank, white pages.

I also mentioned last time that 2020 will mark 60 years since the cessation of Twin Cam production and whether anyone had any ideas on how to mark this occasion and further, if anyone had ideas and photos of their winter projects for future inclusion. There was no response to those messages, either. The fate of both these publications now rests with you………. You can send me material at either mgatcg@outlook.com or mgatcgscribe@gmail.com Colin Manley

NEW IO EMAIL MESSAGE GROUP As was mentioned in the last newsletter, we have a new email message group to replace the defunct Yahoo message system. You may have also seen in the press recently that Yahoo are, effectively, closing down many old ‘Groups’; thankfully our moderators had the foresight to establish the io group early enough. I have added a couple of new names to the Twin-CaMGazette mailgroup arising from new messages on the io group. If you are not on the io group, go to MGATWINCAM@groups.io to register.

IDENTIFYING THE REMAINS – A FORENSIC ANALYSIS A recent, September 2019, eBay purchase of what was left of what was said to be an MGA Twin Cam Roadster has yet to cause ‘buyer’s remorse’ but had all the potential to do so simply because the corpse came with no documentation and no history, albeit it had a UK number plate attached. The vendor who offered it on eBay had acquired it from a dealer who only had it momentarily. All that could be elicited from the vendor was that the person he had bought it from had acquired it very recently from a lady whose late husband had owned the car, along with a large number of old cars collected over the

54 SAFETY FAST! APRIL 2020

last 30 years, many of them in poor and deteriorating condition. The car was properly described on eBay. The buyer was no MGA novice either having restored five MGAs over the years. He enjoys doing it and I suspect his reward is enjoyment as much as financial. He finishes the cars to an ‘in primer’ standard and then sells them, trim being not really his thing. The buyer says this is one he is going to fully restore and keep. A cursory examination of the corpse showed it be an MGA Roadster with Original MGA (as in 1500) side and rear light configuration. A more detailed examination

revealed twin horns and windscreen washers – whether these were factory or retro fitted is impossible to say with absolute certainty, save that both were fitted as if factory fitted. There was also a heater fitted. A working assumption of these options being factory fitted was adopted. There was no VIN but there was a body number tag. This was 68727 and indicated that the body was a 1500 body (as the front and rear wings could have been changed) and various factors pointed to it being a Twin Cam including a Twin Cam steering rack (right hand drive), Twin Cam drilled cross member, Twin Cam brake master cylinder, a

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NEWSLETTER

Twin Cam heater, holes relevant to the Twin Cam badges and of course knock on wheels and rear disc brakes. On the basis that this corpse was that of a Twin Cam, those cars which were

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built in that batch of body numbers had VINs from 771 to 1340 (Source NAMGAR). One needs to bear in mind that Twin Cam VINs started at 500 and that bodies were not used sequentially, so no reliance can

be placed on timing within the dispatch dates of that build batch which covered the period 3/11/58 to 9/3/59. The corpse also informed us that the car was originally Ash Green, albeit it last presented as yellow whilst additionally sporting red and blue colour in the intervening years. Critically, the underdash colour was Ash Green confirming the original paint. So now to the registration, 2974 AD, the label on the corpseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s toe if you will. This registration was issued May 18 1960

APRIL 2020 SAFETY FAST! 55

NEWSLETTER

to a car dealership in Cheltenham who were not MG dealers, but the car is clearly identified in the County registration records as an MG. This was some 14 months after the last possible delivery date from the relevant batch of bodies, so what conclusion could one draw from that? Perhaps the car had sat in a dealership unregistered for all that time – most unlikely given that these cars sold well, initially at least. Whilst it is possible someone had squirrelled it away unregistered and then sold it to a non-MG dealer, the most likely explanation is that the car was exported and then reimported and traded in for a new car at the dealership, leaving them to register the car. The purchaser would have avoided purchase tax that way, this would make it a YD2 car (Right Hand Drive Export) but why would it have been reimported and then UK registered? In those days the UK had a large military presence in post-war Germany and cars used by forces personnel in Germany would have had a forces registration used in Germany. It is not

56 SAFETY FAST! APRIL 2020

difficult to envisage the car being bought by a young officer in the forces (even though its cost was over half the price of the average house at the time). Accordingly, that leaves one with an Ash Green YD2 car (a roadster) with a VIN between 771 and 1340, fitted with Twin Horns, Windscreen Washers and Heater ex works, from which one might deduce that it was bound for a colder country rather than the tropics. The build specification of all Twin Cams is known, and the factory build records are still at Gaydon. Seven YD2 cars were built in Ash Green between VIN 771 and 1340; of these four were known to have been taken by the Competitions Department and converted from roadsters into coupes for Sebring. The remaining three possible cars have a variety of factory specified options, including in some cases oil coolers, twin horns, windscreen washers and heaters, but the panel on this car on which an oil cooler would have been mounted has long since rusted away. YD2/820 – specified with no options YD2/845 – specified with H (Heater), WW (Windscreen Washer), TH (Twin Horns), OC (Oil Cooler) YD2/872 – specified with TH (Twin Horns), SSC (Sliding Side Screen) Of the contenders YD2/820 is recorded in Peter Woods index cards, which stretch back over 50 years, as having been scrapped in Malaysia, whereas YD2/872 is

known to exist in a better condition than the corpse, there being photographs of the car on the Dutch MGA website, and is know to have body 68595. This only leaves YD2/845 which has the benefit of all the specified options from the production files save for the Oil Cooler which cannot be included or excluded. Having been through the corpses possessions, so to speak, now to the forensics. Given the condition of the corpse, it was likely that any numbers on the chassis (VIN or frame) had long since rusted away and at first sight that appeared to be the case. The new owner was, however, made of sterner stuff and by way of autopsy cut out the right-hand chassis cross member to more easily examine it under better conditions. Using advanced professional photographic and computer techniques a ‘5’ appears visible and even the preceding ‘4’ may be seen to be present. Having found the ‘5’ a search of the production files revealed that within the chassis range dictated by the body number there was but one other Ash Green right hand drive car, YD1/1085, which turns out to be 2 MTW – very much alive and well in the hands of Mark Daniell. The conclusion has to be, for all the reasons set out above, that the corpse is that of YD2/845, hopefully soon to be returned to MGA Twin Cam life! Edward Vandyk

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NEWSLETTER

WELCOME TO THE

V8 NEWSLETTER H4 HEADLAMPS UPGRADE In a V8BB posting Peter Spurrs sought advice on replacement headlamps for the original sealed beam units on his MGB GT V8. An earlier workshop note from David Biddle used Cibie H4 headlamp replacement units as the preferred option. Here we have an update. The first step is to find a good set of 7” H4 reflector units that can take

Halogen bulbs. Some kits come with flat lenses but many owners will want to have domed lenses similar to the original sealed beam units. There is a very good 16-minute video on the Holden Vintage & Classic website which provides a good guide to the various types of headlamps fitted to older cars and demonstrates how to replace an original sealed beam

Replacement H4 Halogen headlamp unit with a 2-adjuster back shell

The 2-adjuster back shell

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light unit using the available H4 Halogen replacement as an upgrade. The Wipac, Cibie or Lucas units take a 60/55W standard Halogen bulb. Peter Spurrs agreed the Holden video is good, showing that the job is straightforward. He also agreed on going for a good quality replacement headlamp unit and the dome lens shape. The Cibie replacement H4 headlamp with the side light fitment is part number 082439. Mike Howlett added: “As for the choice of brand of replacement headlamp, I originally bought a pair of Wipac Quadoptic units and was disappointed with the scatter of the beam. Then after only about 18 months, the reflectors were rusting so I stumped up the extra cash for Cibie Valeo units and have found they are terrific. The beam control is excellent and even with standard H4 Halogen bulbs they give better light than my modern VW car. After over 10 years of use they still show no sign of deterioration.” Bulb upgrade considerations The design and construction of each type of bulb is clarified by Tony Lake: Sealed beam unit – the light comes from an exposed Tungsten filament. It has a relatively short life because the filament degrades as it oxidises and forms a black deposit. H4 Halogen bulbs are filled with halogen gas and the light comes from a Tungsten filament. The halogen gas lengthens the life of the filament. HID (High Intensity Discharge) bulbs are filled with Xenon gas and the light is formed by an arc between two electrodes. Xenon helps form the arc at low temperatures. A Government website has guidance on “Aftermarket HID Headlamps” which says in the DfT’s view it is not legal to sell or use aftermarket HID lighting kits for

APRIL 2020 SAFETY FAST! 59

NEWSLETTER bulbs actually delivered a better result than our recommended bulbs by a small margin, but that price dropped Halfords off the podium. However they are still worth considering thanks to the light tunnel performance, which delivered a win in the maximum brightness test.”

converting conventional halogen headlamps to HID Xenon. To convert your vehicle to Xenon HID you must purchase completely new Xenon HID headlamps because the existing lens and reflector are designed around a halogen filament bulb, working to very precise tolerances. If an HID bulb is placed in the replacement headlamp unit designed for halogen bulbs, the beam pattern will not be correct, with glare in some places and not enough light in other places within the beam pattern. The website’s advice is clear: “It is not permitted to convert an existing halogen headlamp unit for use with HID bulbs. The entire headlamp unit must be replaced with one designed and approved for use with HID bulbs.” The H4 Halogen bulb has twin filaments – one for the main beam and an offset filament for the dipped beam. The bulbs have an indent on the locating ring so the bulb can only been fitted in the correct position to ensure the correct lighting. When installing halogen bulbs take care to avoid touching the glass of the bulb. If a replacement headlamp unit has separate provision for a side light then a 5W BA9 single contact bulb will be needed. When the wiring connector is

plugged in, a large rubber bung is pressed on, covering the terminals at the back of the reflector to provide protection at the back of the light unit.

Rubber bung covering the terminals

Osram Night Breaker Laser H4 bulbs

60 SAFETY FAST! APRIL 2020

Choice of bulb Peter Spurrs found a test review by Auto Express online which rated the Osram Night Breaker Laser bulb its top choice saying: “It’s the beam that secures its win here. It was noticeably bright with a wide hot spot and a sharp cut-off. A clear victory in the absence of arch-rival Philips. For those who prefer to avoid buying via Amazon then the Halfords H4 472 bulb was rated 4 stars and 92%. Look out for their regular ‘buy one get one free’ offer on bulbs. Halfords’ H4 472 Alite-branded

Are LED bulbs legal? There is concern over replacement LED bulbs for headlights because they have multiple light sources in the bulb, so are difficult to focus in replacement H4 Halogen headlamp reflectors with consequential concerns over dazzle for oncoming vehicles. At present, LED bulbs are technically illegal as the minimum wattage requirements for a headlamp is 30 watts, which an LED bulb would not consume, but this does not apply to new cars which have type approval as a unit and so do not have to conform to those lighting regulations. It is better to stick with halogen bulbs for your replacement headlamp units and if the standard bulbs are not bright enough, then fit the high performance ones which are now available and promise up to 150% greater brightness. Clearly, legislation has not kept up with technology. Chris Hunt Cooke highlights a website with clear information on the current legal position with LED bulbs used as an upgrade on classic cars. It’s on an ABD (Auto Bulbs Direct) website. See our ‘More’ web page for the link. Fitting relays is a useful upgrade Chris Bound with an MGB GT V8 Conversion suggests: “A useful upgrade while you are replacing the headlights would be to add a pair or relays into the circuits. In standard form, the feed to the lights goes via the main light switch and the headlight dip and main beam stalk switch, both of which as ageing components can sap the power reaching the lights. It’s a simple modification to insert relays into the circuits so that you get full power directly from the battery and also protect the ageing dip and main beam stalk switch. There are handy readywired relay kits available which contain everything you need to do the job. Moss Europe has one at £39.”

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NEWSLETTER Mike Howlett has an MGB GT V8 Conversion which he uses a great deal throughout the year and recommends “definitely fitting relays, not only because you minimise the voltage drop but because it protects and preserves your original switches. Clicking on your headlamps puts a 10amp load across the puny brass contacts in the main switch and the dip switch. Some sparking must occur and eventually the contacts will fail – they are 50 years old, after all. Using relays means the switches only have to pass a milliamp load while the relay handles the big load. Relays are cheap and easily replaced, unlike your switches.” Peter Spurrs contributed a detailed note describing his installation of twin relays using individual parts purchased from auto electrical suppliers. You can

see his illustrated article and more on H4 headlamp upgrades with wiring diagrams plus a link to the video on the Holden’s website via our ‘More’ web page. What is a relay? A relay is essentially a switch that is operated electrically rather than mechanically. Although there are various relay designs, the relays most often found in low voltage auto applications are electro-mechanical relays that work by activating an electromagnet to pull a set of contacts to make or break a circuit. A relay uses one circuit with a relatively small electric current that can turn on or off a second circuit with a much larger electric current. So used in a classic car, the low current circuit uses the existing

switches and loom with a low load and the second circuit has to cope with heavy loads supplying the upgraded headlights.

Neatly assembled twin relays kit

For more information visit our via our ‘More’ web page at www.v8register.net/ more.htm

STOVE ENAMEL REFURB OPTION FOR DUNLOP COMPOSITES

With Motor Wheel Services at Slough ceasing their specialist wheel refurbishment service for Dunlop composites a few years ago, there are few if any other firms with the necessary skills and high standards prepared to carry out a full refurbishment service, so what are your options with corroded wheels? A full refurbishment of these wheels involves splitting the alloy centres from the chrome rims, de-rusting the rims, rechroming them and then the time-consuming reassembly of the wheel by fixing the alloy centre to the steel rim and then balancing the wheel. The stove enamel refurbishment option is one many MGB GT V8 owners will have to consider if their Dunlop composites are badly corroded. Further research is underway to understand which of the specialists offer a good quality refurbishment service using a stove enamel finish, what the refurbishment work involves and the costs, plus gathering fellow members’ feedback on the results they have had with individual refurbishers. An MGB GT V8 up for auction at the Classic Car show at the NEC in November 2019 had stove enamelled wheels. The photo alongside shows the quality of the finish. The subtle difference with the original chrome finish was not immediately obvious as you

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walked round the car until you began inspecting it in detail. But the rims were highly polished and looked very good. Keith Baker reports he has “had a rusty Dunlop composite wheel shot-blasted and then powder coated by McNealy Brown in Sittingbourne. Any pitted rust may show as no remedial work is carried out. Once powder coated, I had to mask over all the flat ‘silver’ areas on the alloy centres so I could spray gloss black paint to complete the refurbishment. The rims are not quite as shiny as chrome but much more durable. The cost was £50 to remove the tyre and refit with balance weights. Like all MGB GT V8 owners with original Dunlop composites, I would prefer to have them stripped and rechromed but have not found any company willing to split and reassemble the wheels. Also, I have concerns over the strength of the wheel and difficulties with balancing the wheel once reassembled. So basically I think the stove enamel treatment above is the best and most cost-effective way of refurbishment. I did speak with another company in Rochester, Kent, who have done Dunlop wheels – their process is similar but much more expensive.” Recently Bryan Ditchman reported: “The stove enamel option does not involve splitting the rim and alloy centre but blasting the wheel to remove corrosion from the chromed steel rim, then polishing and finishing the wheel by baking a coating to form a polished stove enamel finish. It’s not an original chrome finish but it looks very good.” Bryan has his MGB GT V8 on the road round the year so his Dunlop composites take real punishment from the salt and road muck. He has had several sets of his wheels dealt with by a specialist alloy wheel refurbisher, Solent Wheels in Hampshire, who offer the stove enamel service and Bryan is pleased with both the result and their service.

APRIL 2020 SAFETY FAST! 61

NEWSLETTER DFT CONSULTATION WITH CONCERNS OVER PETROL AVAILABILITY AFTER 2035

The Prime Minister announced on February 4 2020 that the UK Government is seeking views on bringing forward the end to the sale of new petrol, diesel and hybrid cars and vans from 2040 to 2035, or possibly earlier if a faster transition appears feasible. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps is reported to have since said the deadline could happen as soon as 2032. News of an open consultation and how to respond was published on February 20 2020 on the GOV.UK website by the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV). It has not seen much publicity, although it was a brief news item in Classic Car Weekly for two weeks in early March, so if you feel you want

NEW UPDATE OPTIONS FOR SETS OF WORKSHOP NOTES As our two series of workshop notes have grown over the years and now have a combined total of over 1,035 notes with useful information in 15 volumes of V8NOTES and 12 volumes of RV8NOTES, many sets supplied to fellow members need updating. So we have now launched three update options on the V8 Shop for members who have previously purchased a full set. Update Option one provides a new complete set of workshop notes on a Twister memory stick with a reduced price for current Members. This is the option for you if the last volume in your set is Volume 13 (V8NOTES) or Volume 10 (RV8NOTES) or earlier.

62 SAFETY FAST! APRIL 2020

to participate then doing so promptly will be necessary. Responses need to be made as soon as possible but no later than end of Friday May 29 2020. See our ‘More’ web page for links to the public consultation document. Concerns over the continuing availability and cost of motor fuels Although the proposals relate to ending the production and sale of new fossil-fuelled cars and vans from 2035, owners of existing petrol, diesel and hybrid cars and vans will still be able to use these vehicles and buy and sell them on the used car market. The key concerns for drivers wishing to continue using a fossil fuel car after a 2035 deadline will inevitably be the continuing availability and cost of motor fuels. If the transition to non-fossil fuel cars is successful, with a reducing number of fossil fuel cars still running on UK roads in the run-up to and beyond 2035, the demand for fossil fuels from filling stations will inevitably decline. For fuel retailers, the effect on the economic viability of their continuing to have fossil fuel pumps around the country could gradually lead to rising motor fuel costs and many forecourts ceasing to have fuel pumps enabling drivers to fill up. E10 the new standard grade In early March it was reported the UK Government is consulting on making E10 – which contains less carbon and more ethanol than fuels currently on sale – the new standard petrol grade in the UK. The move could cut CO2 emissions from transport by 750,000 tonnes per year, the DfT said, but they acknowledge the lower carbon fuel would not be compatible with some older vehicles. Current petrol grades in the UK – known as E5 – contain up to 5% bioethanol and E10 would see this percentage increased up to 10%. The good news is that thanks to representations by the Federation of Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) and others, there will be continuing availability of E5 petrol, known as “protection grade”, and this will be super grade and therefore suitable for all vehicles.

Update Option two offers a download of the last two volumes in each series – Volumes 14 and 15 (V8NOTES) or Volumes 11 and 12 (RV8NOTES) in PDF format from the V8 website. Update Option three is a 12-months subscription updates service to keep your latest volume in your set of workshop notes up to date with downloads in PDF format from the V8 website. With this service you will be able to download Volume 15 (V8NOTES) or Volume 12 (RV8NOTES) whenever an additional note is added to the series throughout the 12-month subscription period. …These update options are only available to current Members of the MG Car Club who have registered an MGV8 with the V8 Register and have previously purchased a full set of the workshop notes.

www.mgcc.co.uk

NEWSLETTER VISIT TO THE WORKHOUSE AT SOUTHWELL MG V8 PRICE GUIDES AND MARKET REVIEWS Our next six-monthly market reviews and price guides for MGB GT V8s and RV8s will be released in early May 2020. This six-month period covers both Brexit and one of the wettest winter and early spring periods seen in the UK for many years, so whether it will show an impact on market activity and prices will be interesting. Our two Pricewatch volunteers, Andy Goves and Keith Belcher, have been beavering away spotting MGV8s advertised for sale, listed for auction and sold.

Ken Clayton has arranged a group visit to The Workhouse in Southwell in Nottinghamshire on Sunday July 5 2020. It’s a National Trust property and on their website they say “walking up the paupers’ path towards The Workhouse it is easy to imagine how the Victorian poor might have felt as they sought refuge here. This austere building, the most complete workhouse in existence, was built in 1824 as a place of last resort for the destitute. Its architecture was influenced by prison design and its harsh regime became a blueprint for workhouses throughout the country. This rural workhouse was designed to house around 160 inmates. They lived and worked in a strictly segregated environment with virtually no contact between the old and infirm, able-bodied men and women and children. The garden you can see today was recreated in 2004 on the site of the original vegetable garden which provided food for the inmates, with any surplus being sold off to generate income. The Bramley apple trees are over 100 years old and have a special connection with the local area, as Southwell is the home of the Bramley apple”.

PHOTO AT BLENHEIM MGLIVE! 2020 WEEKEND

This photo of an early MGB GT V8 in Damask at Blenheim Palace was used for a sales brochure. David Knowles suspects this photo was taken around May or June 1973 at the latest to meet deadlines for the first sales brochure in which the V8 appeared as a couple of pages inserted at the back of the existing MGB GT brochure (Publication 2962/A). There was even a reference there to V8 export specifications! It has some unusual wing mirrors. From a copy of the Factory records it must be GD2D1103G which went through Paint Finishing at the MG Plant on January 10 1973. The notes on the Factory records show it was produced as a RHD “Pre Production UK Photographic Demonstrator” on loan to Cowley and another later entry says it was “sold to Dias & Co in Carlisle”. It was registered with the V8 Register many years ago by an enthusiast in Canada where we believe it still remains. www.mgcc.co.uk

We will have our usual V8 Marquee at MGLive! (June 13-14) with refreshments including tea, coffee and homemade cakes and the comfort of tables and plenty of chairs where members can rest up and chat with their friends. We understand the V8 marquee will be located in the “Village” in the central area of the circuit with marquees set up alongside by other Registers. On Sunday at noon we have the V8 AGM in the V8 Marquee and the formal notice of that meeting will be posted shortly. On Friday June 12 at near noon we have an informal lunch at the visitor centre at the Hook Norton Brewery which is a convenient stopping-off point for members making their way to Silverstone for the weekend. Further news of events near MGLive! will be available in our V8 Column in May.

V8 KENT TOUR 2020 The next V8 Tour in September this year has proved very popular and the event organiser, Ian Quarrington, reminds members that it is fully booked. For further information and useful links see our ‘More’ web page at: https://www.v8register.net/more.htm

APRIL 2020 SAFETY FAST! 63

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RACE TORQUE

suspect that the phrase ‘unprecedented times’ will be seeing the start of a huge number of articles in the coming months. Instead of writing about a great race day at Silverstone and looking forward to the next one at Brands Hatch, I find myself thinking about the motorsport ‘family’ and the number of people that will be affected by us being unable to race for at least the next few weeks. There have been some tricky conversations with some of our suppliers, many of which are small businesses that are completely reliant on either motorsport or the wider sports economy. The Government has promised some support

and I can only hope that this will be enough to sustain them during the difficult weeks ahead. Competitors, Officials, Marshals, Sponsors, families and guests will all be disappointed that we cannot go racing and it will be really important for us to support them in any way that we can. I do believe that the family, both motorsport and MG, will rally round after this and that we can look forward to some amazing times ahead, as we try to fit a whole season of racing into a few months! Watch this space and the website for updates. In the meantime, I would like to wish you all a safe and well future and look

RACE TORQUE

forward to seeing you at a race event as soon as we can. At the time of writing, our first unaffected meeting is MGLive! in June. We will also be working on re-scheduling the postponed meetings and are in negotiation with the two tracks concerned.

by Mark Baulch

www.mgcc.co.uk

APRIL 2020 SAFETY FAST! 65

MGs ON TRACK

MG on track

Duncan Wood duncanw@mgs-on-track.com

STONELEIGH, CROFT AND EVs T

his month’s photo shows the MGs on Track stand at February’s MG and Triumph Spares Day, which was well attended despite Storm Ciara’s worst efforts. These events give us an opportunity to meet potential members who might not be aware of our activities, and we invariably come away hoarse from much chatting. Our display featured committee member Julian Hepburn’s beautifully presented MGC GT, track day regular Mark Wanstall’s equally immaculate and ultra-powerful RV8, and my own Midget... something of a thorn betwixt two roses in this company! The photo also shows an impatient small child aiming a kick at John Robertson’s shin which, for those that know John, warrants no further explanation! As we are only in the very early part of the MGs on Track season, it may be timely to remind MGCC members of our purpose. The aim is to provide a fun, sociable, and above all safe opportunity to drive some of the UK’s best known and sometimes lesser known circuits in the company of like-minded drivers in similar cars. You’ll be free to drive as hard and fast as you are comfortable with but, without any judgemental onlookers and timing of any sort banned, there is really no

66 SAFETY FAST! APRIL 2020

need to ‘perform’ for anyone but yourself. With cars all travelling in the same direction, generous run-off areas in case of overenthusiasm, and no cyclists or stray dogs on the circuit, the riskiest part of your day will be the drive to and from home rather than the time on track! Apart from your car and a normal driving licence, an approved safety helmet is required, and we have these available to rent. Finally, ARDS-qualified instructors attend all our events to guide and encourage; a session of instruction is great value and will enhance the track day experience without doubt. The events calendar for the year features the usual two visits to Goodwood, although one has already taken place, two visits to the ever-popular Castle Combe, and a less normal double helping of Croft Circuit. The first visit to Croft is at the invitation of Lotus on Track who share a very similar ethos to MGoT, but the day is organised on an ‘open pit lane’ basis so is less suited to first-timers or novices. However, the second visit, also in July, has been set-up by Noel Lindford of the MGCC Tyne-Tees Centre with full support from MGoT and is arranged in sessions to accommodate every level of experience from complete beginner upwards. The event is limited to just 30 cars on the day, the circuit has agreed to provide helmets free of charge,

and all the usual facilities including instruction will be available. Further information can be found on the website, which also details driver, car and noise level requirements for the day. A unique opportunity for northern MG drivers to sample the fun of a track day almost on their doorstep. With the introduction of the MG ZS EV all-electric vehicle, the marque finds itself well placed to take on the challenges of the coming decades. For several reasons, principally relating to how fires are dealt with, we are not currently able to accept hybrid or electric cars at our events, but this could well alter in the coming years. To prepare for what may be the inevitable we now have the imaginatively named MGoT Electric Vehicle (Track Day Usage) subcommittee (Steve, Martin and John) so we are anticipating all future developments! Finally, and tenuously linked to the previous paragraph, could I remind members that only the car that they have specified on the indemnity form presented at sign-on can be taken on track. Should mechanical problems occur midway through an event it may be possible to substitute a suitable alternative if you happen to have one to hand (!), but only after discussion with the event day manager. In every case a new indemnity form will be required.

www.mgcc.co.uk

MGS ON TRACK – 2020 CALENDAR

Please visit www.mgs-on-track.com to register, check availability, or to book a track day. Registered members will receive regular newsletters and notification of event opening dates. Mallory Park – April 21 A welcome return to this characterful Leicestershire circuit with lakes! Snetterton 300 – May 18 A fast and open track; long straights combined with a challenging infield section. Castle Combe – June 22 The first of two annual visits to this very friendly circuit in Wiltshire. North Weald – June 26 An introductory activity day for those who have not yet tried a full track-day. A chance to explore the capabilities of driver and car in complete safety. Croft – July 3 Experience one of the hidden gems of British Motorsport on a day shared with Lotus on Track. ‘Open pit lane’ format so not suited to novices. Blyton Park – July 6 Not a traditional racing circuit, but a fun and friendly venue boasting a layout with real character. Croft – July 17 Arranged by the MGCC Tyne-Tees Centre and fully supported by MGoT, this event is open to all MGCC members. Three sessions per hour ensure it suits all levels of experience. Anglesey – August 10 Experience this challenging circuit on a day shared with the Lotus 7 Club. Overlooking the Irish Sea and with views to Snowdonia this track amply repays the journey west. Castle Combe – September 7 A second opportunity to enjoy the thrills of this ever-popular track which includes a couple of chicanes and high speed, technical corners! Donington Park – October 5 A circuit with a long history, this is a firm favourite with all. Includes plenty of changes of elevation and the swooping Craner Curves. Goodwood – October 26 A second visit in case you missed the first due to popularity! Brands Hatch ‘Indy’ – December 7 Our season finale; don’t miss the chance to enjoy this undulating circuit including Paddock Hill Bend!

www.mgcc.co.uk

MGCC MGCCSPEED SPEEDCHAMPIONSHIPS CHAMPIONSHIP John Wilman, Beechfield, Fern Bank, Chapel-en-le-Frith, High Peak. SK23 0JJ Tel: 07778 165186 www.mgspeed.net By the time this article is published all the winter preparations will be coming to fruition and the first event of the season will only be a few days away. This will be our first visit of the year to Curborough sprint course at Lichfield on April 5. Speed event enthusiasts will be well acquainted with this venue which has consisted of various layouts over the years. The favourite now appears to be the figure-ofeight course which was introduced fairly recently. Organised by the Midlands Centre of the MGCC, this has become a regular season opener and well worth a visit as the car park almost becomes an MG exhibition in its own right. The following Sunday, the 12th, sees us performing at Harewood hillclimb, near Leeds. It only seems a short time since we celebrated the 50th anniversary of this track in 2012. If you do your sums you will realise that the year after next will be the 60th. Time flies! To complete the April programme is our visit to the Goodwood sprint on the 18th, organised by the Bognor Regis MC. This venue needs no building up, being at the heart of post-war motorsport and an absolute must for our Southern competitors.

In late February I once again had the pleasure of attending the South West Centre’s annual dinner and awards presentation. It has become traditional that the Southern speed championship competitors receive their awards at this event. Unfortunately, only a very few were able to make it and several major awards have gone unpresented. Those who did make it, however, were multiple award winners beginning with Ian Benningfield who, together with Ben Rolls, had barely time to sit down before they were called upon again. The two other recipients were Ted Roberts, who despite losing his MGF early in the season, quickly acquired a ZR 120 and won his class. Keith Riches received the coveted MMM Trophy, it would be good to see more of these historic cars competing as they embody our history as a club. The dinner was enlivened by an address from none other than Stuart Turner, whose career in motorsport needs no description from me. His delivery and anecdotes were both amusing and fascinating. You will see Ian Benningfield and Ben Rolls receiving their awards from Stuart in the attached photographs which are courtesy of Jim Lott, the SW Centre Chairman.

APRIL 2020 SAFETY FAST! 67

Please contact the organiser before travelling to events.

ABINGDON WORKS Tony Cotter sfscribe@mgabingdon.org.uk www.mgabingdon.co.uk One can only hope that the awful floods that have blighted much of the country this winter (and still are at the time of writing) have subsided and the ground beginning to dry out in time for the spring events we have in store for you. Compared to other areas of the UK, our Centre appears to have escaped the worst of the floods, but I feel so sad for all those that have been affected. Despite the poor weather, the AWC Wanderers still enjoyed a lovely February stroll around the snowdrops at Swyncombe, near Henley-on-Thames, followed by a superb pub lunch in Ewelme. Thanks again to Carol Gibbons (awc12wanderers@gmail. com) for organising this event. We held our AGM on Saturday February 29 at Kimber House. Traditionally the day when the ladies propose marriage to the men, I have to report that no such proposals were in evidence. Having said that, there were plenty of proposals to re-elect the AWC Committee for a further year. So no change, and I’m pleased to report that it’s business as

ANGLIA Rob Muir 01206 862619 scribe@mgccanglia.com www.mgccanglia.com Awards The Anglia Centre has always consisted of enthusiastic and hard-working members helping to make our Club what it is today and it is always nice to recognise this in these notes. We have had two presentations in the past month with the Chairman’s award going to our Secretary, Roger Moran, and the Restoration Trophy awarded to John Hazel. Roger’s organisation and attention to detail cannot be faulted; the time and effort that he puts in for us is amazing. Roger Hazel has completed a stunning restoration of his MG TD which is an inspiration to all. Our Chairman William Ball made the presentation to both men. Save Our Zeds Talking of inspiration, Mike Starnes answered the call in March Safety Fast! for members owning Zeds. He sent me photographs of his ZT-T 260 V8 www.mgcc.co.uk

CENTRES

to the REME Museum at MoD Lyneham. Contact usual, with a full calendar of events being planned Pete and Sarah Davies on 07877 932284 to join the for the year ahead. Once again, all speakers made fun. There are still places available for our historic Old reference to the many AWC members who give Speckled Hen run on Sunday May 24. Richard has their time and effort in helping to run the varied all the details on 01235 529331, but don’t leave it events throughout the year. Whether helping too late! Entry forms for both events can be found at prepare scones, pouring teas and coffees, erecting our website at http://mgabingdon.org.uk. A reminder tents on cricket pitches or organising parking, that there will be a full range of AWC merchandise the committee is most grateful for your support. available at the OSH event, so you can buy that We could not run the events without your help. exclusive AWC Grille Badge, or replace that worn out Grateful thanks was also made to Mike Lamb for old sweatshirt with a nice new one. his excellent ‘occasional’ AWC Newsletter, which Finally, a warm welcome to all new members. contains full details of upcoming events – both our We hope to see you at an event soon. own, and others – which our members may find useful. As promised in previous notes, planning is well underway for a full year of AWC-organised events for members to enjoy. Next up is the (Not Quite) St George’s Day Run on Sunday April 19. Starting at the Miele Experience Centre in Abingdon, the run follows a scenic countryside route A bright spring day with snowdrops in bloom, and Tony’s blue ZT. which he and Jane have owned for eight years. He describes it as: “A brilliant car that I feel is in the true spirit of MG”. I will post his story on our website. Rolling Road The annual visit to Luke Stevens’ Rolling Road is getting ever more popular, not surprising as Luke and his staff give us such a warm welcome and are so knowledgeable and helpful. Sixteen members’ cars were booked in, comprising four MG TFs, three MGFs, three MGAs, three MGB GTs, one MGC, one Midget and Tony Burgess with his wonderful Rover P5, which posted a power output of 144.5 bhp! Plenty of life left in Aunty Rover. Highest output of the day came from John Mealing’s MGC with 179.1 bhp, followed by Richard Wilmot’s MGF showing 176.1 bhp and Tony Waterfall’s MG TF registering 169.9 bhp at a speed of 160 mph, Richard having had the

re-map, induction kit and Straight Through Exhaust fitted. It was not all about top-end power, though, but about tuning and correcting any faults. Stuart Brooke brought his very nice 1957 MGA which gave a creditable 66.6 bhp; however more importantly a misfire was detected between 4,800 and 5,000 revs so advice was available and the fault corrected. A fantastic day; thanks must go to our Facebook editor Alison Isaacson for the organisation. Anglia Calendar As we have a number of members who do not have computer access, we are including a hard copy of out 2020 calendar this month.

Richard Wilmot’s F on the Rolling Road APRIL 2020 SAFETY FAST! 69

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Please contact the organiser before travelling to events.

CALEDONIAN Bob MacGillivray 07870 407111 mgcarsscotland@gmail.com www.mgcaledonian.com You are receiving this, just in time to attend our AGM in Bridge of Allan, on April 7. We normally have a good turnout but there is always room for more. Come along, meet your committee and make your views known! There will also, I expect, be places available on the Satellite Run on April 19. With a choice of three start locations, all converging on Stirling for lunch, this event should suit most people. Check the website for details. The show season is almost upon us, with the first event being at Thirlestane Castle on June 7. Our plan is to have a feature at each show, marking the 90th anniversary of the MG Car Club, but this year is also the MGF 25th anniversary. Some of you may intend to head for the one-day event at Gaydon for MGF 25, on July 25, but for those who do not we intend to make Glamis the Scottish MGF25 celebration! There is a good number of MGFs and TFs in the Centre, so please make a real effort to attend Glamis

DEVON & CORNWALL Young Janner II bobslatter@hotmail.com www.mgcc.co.uk/devon-cornwall-centre A quick reminder of the Skittles Evening being held at the Treburley Social Club on Saturday April 4 from 7.30pm onwards. The cost, including a Pasty Supper or veggie option, is £5.00 per head. If you haven’t booked yet, you may just be able to get a last-minute place by contacting Ian Cameron

www.mgcc.co.uk

on July 12. ANY model of MG is welcome but this year the F and TFs will receive the spotlight. It would be good to have limited editions, anniversary cars, monogram cars and a competition model would be welcome, although they are in very short supply here! Get your entries in, please, and make this a day to remember. For Bo’ness we may be restricted on entries due to space limitations, so first come first served. Get your entries in very soon, please! We will also have a stand at Silverstone for MGLive!, working in conjunction with the Anglia Centre. If you have never been, it’s worth the trip for

CENTRES a great weekend. Tickets should be bought direct from www.mgcc.co.uk but to gauge how many members are going please register on our website. Even further ahead, it’s likely that we will visit the NEC Classic Show in November, so don’t make your own plans before checking with us. And if I may refer to a long-standing subject… we are still missing email addresses for some of you. If you are not receiving monthly email updates, it’s because we are missing your address. If you are in that category, please send me the info. Many thanks.

Glamis rear ends!

on 01566 774426 or email: devon-cornwall. border@mgccdc.org As we are fast approaching the start of the holiday season and members from other Centres may be in the area, there has been a change of venue for the Torbay Natter. Still being held at lunchtime on the third Wednesday of the month, the new hostelry is the Railway Inn, shown in the attached photo, on the Dartmouth Road, Churston Ferrers, near Brixham. The post code is TQ5 0LL It is a 17thCentury building and also a former railway hotel, being adjacent to Churston Railway Station on the preserved Dartmouth Steam Railway. There are also strong connections to Agatha Christie who lived close by at Greenway House on the River Dart near Galmpton, the

property now being owned by the National Trust. Good Friday April 10 sees the Centre manning the start of the Motor Cycling Club’s Land’s End Trial at Plusha Services on the A30 near Launceston. As this is the start for the majority of the entry of nearly 300 cars and bikes, it will be quite busy. I have a team of volunteers at the moment but any more help would be appreciated. It will be from 4.00pm to about 9.00pm. Sunday April 26 is this year’s date for the National Drive It Day and once again we have secured a reservation for a late carvery lunch at the Strawberry Fields restaurant at Lifton from 2.30pm. We have been promised a dedicated area to eat and meet up with like-minded members from around the Centre, and also a separate area for parking. It is hoped that the Natters will organise scenic drives to the venue as in previous years, which has proved so successful. If you do not wish to partake in a run to the meal, you are still most welcome to join us. Please let me know if you are coming so that I can confirm final numbers to the management.

APRIL 2020 SAFETY FAST! 71

+44 (0)1242 384092 : GLOUCESTERSHIRE, GL7 5NX : INFO@CLASSICMOTORHUB.COM : WWW.CLASSICMOTORHUB.COM

SALES : STORAGE : TRANSPORT : EVENTS : DETAILING : SHOP

s t n e Ev Diary 2020

Wednesday 1st January : 12pm - 3pm

NEW YEAR’S DAY CHARITY MEET Sunday 5th April : 10am - 1pm

COFFEE & CLASSICS

Sunday 26th April : 10am - 1pm

DRIVE-IT DAY CELEBRATION Sunday 3rd May : 10am - 1pm

VE CELEBRATION

The Hub has a busy schedule of both public and private motoring events throughout the year and we always welcome new groups and enthusiasts wishing to take advantage of our atmospheric facilities. For the latest information on our events, visit our website to signup to our newsletter and be sure to follow us on Facebook.

SALES

STORAGE EVENTS

Saturday 16th May: 10am - 3pm

RIDE-IT DAY CELEBRATION Sunday 7th June: 10am - 1pm

COFFEE & ITALIAN CLASSICS Sunday 5th July: 10am - 1pm

COFFEE & CLASSICS

Saturday 18th July: 5pm - 10pm

HUB SUMMER BBQ

Sunday 2nd August: 10am - 1pm

COFFEE & PRE-1970s CLASSICS Sunday 6th September: 10am - 1pm

COFFEE & 70s, 80s & 90s CLASSICS Sunday 4th October: 10am - 1pm

COFFEE & CLASSICS

COFFEE SHOP TRANSPORT WORKSHOP VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR UPCOMING EVENTS

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LINCOLNSHIRE Ian Mackenzie 01529 497849 MaccaV8@aol.com www.mgcclincolnshire.co.uk April Natters: Wolds Wednesday 1; Abbey Lodge Monday 6; Wishing Well Wednesday 8; Three Horseshoes Thursday 16; Ferry Boat Tuesday 21; White Hart Thursday 23. Luncheon Club: Wednesday 15. April Events: Autotest, East Kirkby Sunday 19; National Drive Your Classic Car Day, Baumber Sunday 26. The recent AGM passed off peacefully, with your Centre Committee continuing unchanged under the leadership of Chairman Steve Hall, apart from the loss of Len Hartley. Thank you ‘Messenger Len’, for looking after our membership records and keeping us informed by email. Len’s role has been taken on by Webmaster Bob Welch, along with the email list. Steve Hall announced details of the Centre’s 40th Anniversary ‘Tour of Lincs’ event, which will take place on the weekend of August 15-16, based at the ‘Red Hall’ at Bourne. The event will take us back to MGCC Tours of Lincs of yore (pre 2001

Your Centre Committee: L-R back row Dave Stonehouse, Malcolm Clark, Bob Welch; L-R front row yours truly, Steve Hall, Robert Taylor (secretary Sue was behind the lens)

The Red Hall at Bourne

UK foot and mouth outbreak), and will include a road run/multi venue autotest, treasure hunt, and pride of ownership/Concours show with plenty of opportunities to eat, chat and have a wander round historic Bourne, home of BRM. The idea is for you to be able to ‘dip in’ and do as much, or as little, as you’d like... One of the topics for discussion at the AGM was the subject of competitive event entry fees. We have not seen an increase for the last five years, but late last year, the Centre Committee took the decision to increase the Autotest/Autosolo fees by £2 to £18 to cover increasing general costs. This decision was overtaken by our governing motorsport body, Motorsport UK, who announced at the beginning of the year that they were increasing the per capita charge that they levy on us for each event by £5 to

£11, which would leave little in the entry fee to cover our other costs. A proposal to increase our entry fee to £20 was voted in, which means that although our costs have increased by £5, we are only asking our members to contribute an additional £4 over our previous fee. Hopefully, you will all agree that this still represents good value for a day’s motorsport, and your committee will endeavour to make each £ go further... We look forward to our visit to East Kirkby, for the first round of our autotest season on the 19th, at the now-familiar Fen Road site. See our website, or contact Dave Stonehouse on 01790 754774 for details. Hopefully, we will have MGLive! to build up to on June 13-14. We’re off out for our National Drive Your Classic Car Day run to the Walled Garden at Baumber, near Horncastle, on April 26 – see our website, or contact Dave Stonehouse, as above.

and something a little different. Start (9.30am) and finish is The Old Prison, Northleach. Entry fee for two, which includes lunches for two, is £35. Run is around 50-60 miles – depending no doubt on one’s map reading skills! For more information contact Bob on 01684 301756 or email blackstocks2000@ aol.com for entry form and regs. Autumn Trial Sunday September 27. (Single) venue to be confirmed. Full details will be posted on the Midland Centre website. Please take the trouble to visit “Events” on our website. There is much to participate in and attend throughout the year, to suit all tastes, many of them free. Details will also be contained in our electronic

mailshot, sent out at regular intervals. Natters will in addition have details of local events, such as Drive it Day Sunday April 26. The photograph this month entitled Danger Elephants! was taken in the West Midlands Safari Park. Only kidding! Actually it was the Kruger Park August 2019, where the MGCC Johannesburg Centre was celebrating 50 years of being established. Photographer not recorded, but Club Member. The cars nicknamed “The Twins” were both built at Longbridge on February 10 2005, four hours eight minutes apart. Dover White, apparently – or were before they entered the park! Which, by the way, is bigger than Wales!

MIDLANDS John Fry jcfryza@gmail.com Forthcoming Events Curborough Sprint Course (near Lichfield) Sunday April 5. The Centre has been organising Sprints here for over 50 years, and the modern figure-of-eight course is quite challenging. If you are very quick you might still be able to late enter – speak to Martin Price 01299 401177 Sprint Co-Ordinator. Simon Morris, our Chief Marshal, may still be looking for marshals, so if you fancy a day in the fresh air give him a ring on 07788 168488. Entrance for spectators is free, so please come along and watch. Cotswold Naviscat Sunday May 3. Novices welcome. This type of event may be new to some of us. It is one step up from a Treasure Hunt and involves plotting six-figure map references (remember those!) onto OS Map 163. Having mapped out and driven to these positions, one then looks for answers to the questions, eg name of Vicar, time of last post collection (etc!). Organised by Bob Blackstock, and run by the SW Centre, plus involving all types of Classics not just MGs, it looks great fun,

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NORTH WEST Paul Goodman 01625 876300 Now that the clocks have changed, there will finally be some lighter evenings and MG driving will be enjoyable again. The first set of drivers in action this month will be the speed eventers. The venue is the spectacular Harewood Hillclimb, near Leeds, and the date is April 12. Then there are several social events starting with the Cheshire Sports Club Trophy Room on Tuesday April 14 followed by the Plough and Flail on Tuesday April 21. The Centre is supporting Drive-it-Day once again on Sunday April 26. We have a destination which is the Anderton Boat Lift, near Northwich CW9 6FW, and invite members to plan their own route to get there. We have been allocated a special parking area and arrival is between 10.30am and 11.00am to gain access. If you cannot arrive until later, you may have to park in the main car park. The Visitor’s Centre and cafe will be open. Our lunchtime pub meeting will follow on Wednesday April 29 at The Golden Pheasant, Plumley Moor Road, Plumley, Knutsford, WA16 9RX.

SOUTH EAST Ray Ruffels and William Opie raywillmg@gmail.com www.mgccse.co.uk Excellent news: Summer Time has arrived so, if you have not already, it’s time to “shake down” the MG and attend the various Events and Natters available to SE Centre members. Full details are at: www.mgccse.co.uk/calendar-2020/ Some of the immediate highlights are: The rearranged Valentine’s Treasure Hunt is on Sunday April 5. This fun day starts at The Pheasant, Buckland RH3 7BG; the entry form is available at SE website. On Thursday April 9 the Fairmile Natter (KT11 1BW) has a talk about the Abingdon Factory by John Morgan. Further details contact Ian Ailes on 01932 856960. The Brooklands MG and British Marques Day on April 19 celebrates the best of British manufacturing at our annual MG event. Come and visit us at the SE Centre display, experience the Test Hill, Cavalcade at Mercedes-Benz world and traditional fare at the Sunbeam Café. For more

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Then into May, our Anglesey Sprint Weekend will be held on May 2 and 3. Everything is ready for the event with an excellent entry and the good weather booked. There is still time to volunteer to be part of the event, either working on or off the circuit. The first of our “new for 2020” one-off outings will take place on Wednesday May 6. The destination is the British Commercial Vehicle Museum, King Street, Leyland, PR25 2LE. The intention is for members to plot their own route and arrive around mid-morning. We will have a special parking area and a reduced-price entry to the museum. This location has been selected to enable members from Lancashire to attend.

CENTRES Finally, the Scammonden Dam Hillclimb is arranged for May 17. There is still time to enter. There is a special low entry fee for drivers who have bought a Motorsport UK licence for the first time in 2020. If you are entering a post2000 standard car with an engine capacity of below two litres, then you just need a helmet and licence to be eligible to compete. The North West Centre website has been revised and updated with all the events that will be taking place in 2020 and there are also links to the Cockshoot Cup Racing Championship and the Speed Championship.

Anglesey Circuit and Snowdonia. Photo: Paul Goodman

details contact John Davies on 01737 241971 or view web on: www.brooklandsmuseum.com/ whats-on/MG-and-British-Marques-Day The same weekend April 18-19 is the MGCC Race meeting at Brands Hatch, a must-do experience, the spectacle of post-war MG race cars in the paddock and racing on the Indy track! Contact main Club for more details on 01235 555552 or see https://brandshatch.msv.com/BH-20-MGCC On Monday April 20 the Pheasant Natter (RH3 7BG) has a talk by John Dale – My other vehicle is a T34 tank! Further details contact John Morgan on 07802 770025. This year’s Spring Run on Sunday April 26 is centred on the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, with visits to the National Memorial to the Few at Capel-le-Ferne - www. battleofbritainmemorial. org and the Spitfire & Hurricane Memorial museum at RAF Manston

- www.spitfiremuseum.org.uk The day provides a fantastic opportunity to join in the celebratory year of such an iconic event. Full details and the entry form (for completion and return) are available on the MGCCSE website/calendar or for any questions contact - raywillmg@gmail.com May 1–4 sees the Continental Rally to Guernsey. Organised by Derek Edwards, see the SE website for full details. The Spring Gathering takes place on Sunday May 17 and this year visits the Watts Gallery, Compton GU3 1DQ. See website or contact Roy Baker on 07768 314226 for more details.

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SOUTH WEST Mike Angwin m.angwin@tiscali.co.uk www.mgccsw.com; www.facebook.com/mgccsw The South West Centre’s year traditionally starts with the annual dinner and awards presentation. This year was no exception as the Limpley Stoke Hotel once again played host to the event, with guest speaker Stuart Turner entertaining members and guests. We were pleased to welcome the Southern Speed championship competitors who also held their trophy presentation on the same evening. Our competitive calendar starts in April with the infamous MGs on Grass 1 on April 25. An old WW2 airfield on the A46 near Bath is the venue for a light-hearted autotest-style competition, aiming to be non-damaging and suitable for all MGs. Starting at the sociable time of 10.00am on a Saturday morning, and ably organised by Victoria Jones, this is always a good sociable event with a convivial amount of time set aside for lunch. Entry forms are on the website, but bear in mind that a Motorsport UK RS Clubman’s licence

TYNE-TEES Tony Wood anthony@scrutonvillage.co.uk “… and with one mighty bound he was free.” Technically not an accurate summary of the AGM, but you get the gist of it as far as Noel is concerned. We now have a new Chairman, yours truly, whose main attributes include own hair, representative selection of own teeth, inability to dodge a bullet and, most importantly, still warm and vertical.

Noel (right) receiving his standing-down gift from Tony Wood www.mgcc.co.uk

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is now required. It can be applied for on the day but it helps the organisers if you are prepared. Full details of this change in regulations can also be found on the website. All competitive events will now require this licence to be held. It might be the last-ever Kimber Classic Trial on May 2. The current organising team think that thirty-odd years is long enough, and if no one else volunteers it will be the sad demise of one of the longest-running Motorsport events in the UK. If you want to take part or marshal on this auspicious occasion check the website. If you want to organise the event next year contact any member of the committee! Photo from the SW archives, Kimber Classic trial 1969, Steve Dear in Cream Cracker P Type. We have a new Natter recently started in Stroud, and Natter leader Mike Guest has organised a number of events based in the area. This includes the Cotswold Naviscat on May 3. It’s been a few years since we had a Naviscat in our calendar, so please try to support this new event. The first Monday of the month is the regular meeting time for this Natter at the Fostons Ash Inn, but there is also a social run on April 5 to Fairford which everyone is invited to. There is

a separate calendar of events published by this Natter which can be accessed from the main Centre website. Spring is here, so time to get the old cars out!

Perhaps the 50+ (!) years of membership and previous form in the 1980s may help! Seriously, despite all the kind words and the presentation of a decanter and glasses in thanks of his sterling leadership, Noel hasn’t totally escaped, he’s just been slightly downgraded to Vice Chairman. Stability is the watchword as far as the rest of the Committee is concerned, although our Shows Co-ordinator Kevin White has stood down (any takers?). I will have the advantage of their help and experience going forward. Many thanks to them for their past efforts and for their support in the future. Looking forward, we have our first major event of the year with the Cobweb Run on April 26. New start, new organiser, and a new route. Start is at Plantsplus Garden Centre NE13 6BU for a 114-mile run, so get those entry forms back to David Alexander david.alexander2012@btinternet. com asap. Final judging will be based on our new system of awarding three prizes in the categories of pre-1955, 1955 to 1995 and post-1995 cars. Something not on the Calendar is our Track Day at Croft Circuit, held in conjunction with the helpful people from MGs on Track. This is

an opportunity for any member to come along in their MG of any age and enjoy driving it round one of the more interesting circuits. No car modifications, no overalls required, helmets are provided if needed. Our own John Pinkney, ex-chief instructor at Croft, will be on hand together with other ARDS instructors who will be available to help you get the most from your day. Cost £140 with an extra £20 for a second driver, passengers FOC. This is a new venture for us, so please support it and sign on the MGs on track site. Finally, we have organised a visit to Gibson Motorsport at Darlington on the morning of Saturday May 2. Gibson are long-standing chassis manufacturers, and as a team run a wide range of cars including McLarens, Lola T70s, an AC Cobra, as well as their own designed sports racing cars. Cost is £25 per head which covers food, guided tour, and most excitingly a session in their professional 180-degree racing simulator. This comes highly recommended, so contact me as soon as possible as numbers are limited.

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SUNDAY 17th May 2020 Supporting the charities Yorkshire Cancer Research and Dove House Hospice A new tour through the lovely East Riding of Yorkshire Coast and beautiful Yorkshire Wolds Invitation to All MG Cars and All Marques of Vintage, Classic and Sport Cars Entry Fee per car including route book and rally plaque MGCC Members £15.00 Non-Members £20.00 Further details and entry form on the Centre website www.mgccyorkshire.co.uk

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YORKSHIRE Ken Cothliff kencothliff@hotmail.co.uk, mgccyorkshire.co.uk The Yorkshire Centre Annual Awards dinner took place on February 23 at the Bridge Inn at Walshford, near Wetherby. We are particularly lucky to have such a fine selection of trophies in this area, and the presentation table was shining brightly. All the Yorkshire Natters were well represented, and the MGCC was represented by Lorraine NobleThompson who presented the awards. There is insufficient space here to relate every winner, but a special mention should be made of the “Marque of Friendship Award” which was presented to Paul Croft of North Natter, and Davis Copeman of the West Natter for their unstinting support to the Yorkshire area, both in organising runs, running the two respective Natters, and administration of the Centre and its events. Both have been key members of the Club for many years, and the awards were well deserved. For a bit of fun each year we have a photographic competition for photographs taken over the previous 12 months, and this year the

ULSTER Carol Willis 07831 345560 www.mgcculstercentre.co.uk carol.mgulster@hotmail.co.uk We recently held our latest lunchtime Nosh at Poacher’s Pocket where 12 of us enjoyed good food and great chat. It was great to see Peter Staff who drove from close to Enniskillen to join us as well as our regulars – Mike Wilson, Wendy Faulkner, Mike and Jen, Terry and Linda, Bill and Sally, Brian and Liz Patterson and, of course, yours truly.

photo, chosen by Lorraine, was a wonderful one of young Archie catching up on the MG news. He is the son of James Johnson of the West Natter, one of our members very keen on competitions, and I make no excuses for including it here. At this time of year all activities are about planning for the forthcoming summer. The North Natter also had a presentation by Jack and Barbara Haigh on their trip to Australia, including the interesting and lively MGCC New South Wales time trials. At the Vale of York Natter plans were put in hand for the Spring Run, which will have happened by the time this is read. This was postponed from October, as North Yorkshire Council had decided to dig up the roads in the

At time of writing the world is being challenged by the Coronavirus and nobody knows what government guidelines and directives we will be facing over the next weeks. We had planned to run the MG round of the NI Autotest Championship at the end of March and don’t know if it will even take place. As everything is up in the air at the moment, please keep in touch by checking the website and/or Facebook to check out what’s happening within the Ulster Centre. We will email you with any developments keeping you updated with events.

CENTRES area that was planned. The first Yorkshire Centre Run will be the Daffodil Run, again organised by the South Natter. If you haven’t already entered by the time you read this, you only have a few days to get your entry in – load from the Yorkshire Centre website (www.mgccyorkshire.co.uk) The 25th Anniversary Wolds Way Run around the beautiful East Yorkshire Wolds is on May 17, and the Heartbeat Run on July 12 round the North Yorkshire Moors. If any of you are interested in joining us check out the events page on the MGCC Yorkshire Centre website. Now back to your garages, bonnets up, and get ‘tinkering, ready for what we all hope is a sunny and active season. Happy motoring!

David Copeman, Lorraine Nobel-Thompson and Paul Croft

Proposed Dates for your diary:Saturday April 4 Karting Saturday April 25 Autotest Sunday April 26 “Drive it Day” – A run to Philip Faithful’s Collection near Omagh

A few photos from the 2020 Derek Walker Trial www.mgcc.co.uk

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REGISTERS VINTAGE Rob Constant rob@littleabingdon.co.uk Hello everyone! Your new VR Safety Fast! scribe here – known generally as the ‘middle generation’ of the Constant family, I have had my arm twisted by Ian Quarrington to take-over as your correspondent. I say arm twisted, but with all we have to look forward to over the next few years it took but a moment to agree…. Firstly, a big, big, thank you to Ian for his sterling work and I look forward to working in conjunction with the irrepressible Peter Jones who will continue to delight you all with his twiceyearly Vintage spreads. With this in mind, over the coming months I shall tend to encourage a ‘lifting of the eyes’ to the future as, before we know it, in 2023/24 the MG Car Club will lead the centenary celebrations of the MG marque! A fabulous time to be a Vintage MG owner and, as members of the Register which caters for the earliest cars in our great marque’s story, there will no doubt be many opportunities

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to help mark this momentous, literally ‘once in a lifetime’ event. Also, and equally important, in these notes I’d like to help spread the word as to what wonderful machines these old cars are. Anyone who may yearn for a Vintage car could do far worse than a 14/28, 14/40 or 18/80! Indeed, should folding one’s legs up triple be becoming something more of a challenge than in earlier years with a smaller MG, then these fantastic touring cars provide the ideal solution. So, it is in this vein I’ll write in order to help pave the way, too, for some ownership succession. We are looking at a youth policy! Should you be in your prime of life – 50s/60s or more, with a keenness for something new (or should I say Vintage!)

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then I’m rather hopeful we can tempt you into the fold…. As we look forward it seemed appropriate to momentarily take a glance in the rear-view mirror with this month’s piccie – in times past we see our old friend David Potter aboard the ex-Fernihough/ ex-Jarman 14/28 tourer chatting to a youthful Peter (still mainly sporting grey hair!) and the lovely Easter Kirkland. Happy days indeed!

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TRIPLE M CATHELIJNE SPOELSTRA +31 (0)6 41216600 cathelijnespoelstra@outlook.com www.triple-mregister.org Car of the Month Referred to as a J1 by young master O.C.M. (Terry) Jenkins, who owned the car from about 1946 to around 1949 and who was current Club member Glenn Bukin’s father-in-law (and who passed away some 10 years ago) with the help of the Kithead Trust, we have now learnt it’s actually F1499. Or was, more like… When Glenn posted the pic on Facebook, John Emmett, our J2 Registrar, did suggest it was an F3, mainly because of its large 12” brakes, but at the same time, I was convinced it was a J1 and that the sloping radiator was only an optical illusion. Zooming in on the pic one can clearly see the damage done to the front (headlamp, badge, bottom of radiator shell) and so I figured the radiator to be of the standing up straight variety as seen on the Midgets, instead of the sloping type as per the Magnas. Plus, the body

SVW Paul Campbell svw.safety.fast@gmail.com www.svwregister.co.uk Writing this on March 1, we’ve just had a lovely sunny day in West Sussex following what has been a very wet autumn and winter here in the UK; we’ve had very few nice days since last September! Anyway, the crocuses and daffodils are out and the cars will be made ready for the events to come. I’ve now completed the front-end renovation on my VA Tourer. The Lucas chrome horn is now wired up as it was when in police use. I just need to decide whether to have it blasting as well as, or instead of, the under-bonnet horn that’s been in use since I bought the car in 1968! Mustn’t frighten the horses! I visited Tim Phelps back in early March for a cuppa whilst we looked over the progress of the ex-David and Rosemary Washbourne SA Saloon 893, which is now in its new coat of paint. Although originally black all over, Tim decided to go for a two-tone finish, which I think really suits

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was clearly J1. John did say some F-types had J1-type bodies, which I dismissed as never having heard of before. Of course, I knew that left-over D-type bodies were used up on the first batch of J1s, but J1 bodies on F-types?! Well, I never! The documents held by the Trust show a different engine number to what we’re used to for the Triple-M models, and on the other document it says it was a saloon, which is a bit odd. I suppose we’ll never know the story behind these details, but at least the photograph survives! What we do know for a fact is that the first owner was one W.J. Maguire from Edinburgh who bought it the day before Christmas 1932, the car originally being ivory and brown. Even though the poor thing had to die at 19, I’m sure this beauty provided plenty of fun for its owners back in the day.

the car. The photo doesn’t do it justice as it’s got a bit dusty in the garage. The engine is now painted and in the car and a start has been made on the interior. Given Tim’s previous restorations, including VA Tourer 1601, we can be sure the SA will be a fine example. Looking at the website statistics for February received recently, we’re getting more page views than ever – an increase of 27% over the previous month and 37% since November. I think much of the increase is due to changes being highlighted in the Facebook group (where we have 171 group members).

All information about the July SVW Event at Battle, East Sussex, was provided last month and full details are on the website. Bookings have been encouraging, including some first-time attendees. My partner Sharman and I are arriving a few days earlier to celebrate her birthday. The VA head gaskets mentioned last month are going fast. Purchasers will receive a photo of their gasket(s) and some have opted to pick them up at Brooklands or Battle. Email as above for further details.

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REGISTERS

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T TYPE PAUL PLUMMER 01926 854574 scribe@tregister.org With the spread of Coronavirus impacting on all our lives, the T Register has taken the decision to cancel our Rebuild Seminar due to take place on April 18. This month’s notes were originally promoting this event, giving details of the subjects, the speakers and timings, etc. The AGM which was to follow the seminar has been postponed to a later date, which will be announced in due course. On a lighter note, here is an article describing the activities of an MG group run by TD owner Derek Squires, based in southern Spain. Here Derek tells us how they keep the MG flag flying! MGs in Andalucia. I’m the proud owner of TD 19068 EXLNA, and am retired to a small village about an hour’s drive to the east of Malaga. I jointly run a small Facebookbased MG club in my area, with a friend in Seville, which has around 100 members, of whom about 20 have classic cars here, mostly MGs. I also have

Y TYPE Jerry Birkbeck 01926 258691 Mob: 07855 566325 birkbeckjerry@gmail.com www.mgccyregister.co.uk Welcome Perhaps the dreadful weather we have been experiencing is beginning to lift. Certainly, some parts of the UK have really suffered with extensive flooding and I hope that no one has had their Y or classic caught up in this disaster. The next major event in the Y calendar will be the Spring Run in early May. You can find details on the Register website and also contact Chairman Chris Callaghan to confirm your attendance over the weekend, or just attending the Spring Run on the Sunday. What’s happening now? Neil Cairns has posted extensively on concerns over E10 fuel which will be introduced in early 2021 and the effects that it can have on our cars. The E stands for ethanol and E10 for 10% of fuel content. Why the worry, you may ask?

82 SAFETY FAST! APRIL 2020

an RV8 here, and my wife has an MG3 in the UK. We have quite a mix of cars in the group: two RV8s, my TD (and two more about to be put back on the road this summer), a TF (also under restoration), half a dozen MGB/BGTs, a couple of MGFs, seven MG TFs, a ZR, and a ZS. It’s a very casual group, with no committee or regular club night, just a bunch of friends enjoying MG motoring in a fabulous part of Europe, on quiet, well-surfaced roads, and with some spectacular mountain drives. Every year we have a few local

breakfast-meets, an annual beach picnic, a couple of weekends away to other towns in Andalucia, and a lot of runs of a couple of hours followed by a long, leisurely Mediterranean lunch in the sunshine. We’re very fortunate to get 300 days of sunshine, so our season is a long one, although unlike the UK, July and August are quiet months for us, as sitting in open cars for a couple of hours in temperatures between 35°C-43°C isn’t much fun! The RV8 gets some use then, though, with the roof up, as it’s ex-Japan and so has aircon!

One of the problems with ethanol is that it is a solvent and that means rubber, plastic and fibreglass parts that were designed to be in contact with pure petrol can melt once exposed to E10. Furthermore, ethanol is hygroscopic and mixes with water, even drawing it in from the air around it, which leads to corrosion. As a result not only will fuel lines need to be replaced but also fuel tanks will need protection or replacement. The solder inside the float chamber will also need replacing. The advice from Neil is to replace the floats with ‘stay up’ floats available from Burlen. My understanding is that higher premium fuel will continue to be available and that according to Grant Shapps, Transport Minister, will be the ‘alternative’ available for classic cars. No doubt someone will write an article

about protecting your fuel tank from the effects of ethanol. However, when E10 becomes commonplace, then draining your tank of fuel during periods of storage seems to be sensible advice. Do watch the motoring and classic car press for regular updates and when someone comes up with a ‘suitable additive’ then do make sure that the product does what it claims! The photo shows Ray Cotter’s MGB-engined YB which I wrote about last month.

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APRIL 2020 SAFETY FAST! 83

REGISTERS

Please contact the organiser before travelling to events.

MAGNETTE Stephen Tickell 01737 760330 stephen.tickell@gmail.com www.magnette.org I should have mentioned in the previous update that we’re joining in with the Y Register Spring Weekend (May 9-10) for which the Saturday dinner at Middle Aston House and Sunday run to Coombe Mill must be booked by the end of March. Hopefully you’ll already have had this information, but if not then you may still be in time if you contact Chris Callaghan of the Y Register straight away. The Saturday visit to Rousham House Gardens is being organised by John Harris who asked for early booking as well – however I suspect you’ll still be able to get in as a normal paying punter on the day. Also bringing to your attention a little belatedly, the International Magnette Day (actually a weekend, June 26-28) will be based around the Salzburg region. As there’s only one convenient hotel in the immediate area, Thomas Nebauer and Jörg Wiefler suggested booking before March... but there is camping available.

MGA Edward Vandyk 01488 608810 mgascribe@vandyk.co.uk We live in interesting times! It is worth recalling how MGA Register reports in past issues of Safety Fast!, and in particular MGActivities in the 1970s and into the 1980s, have also reflected the issues of their times as they have impacted the usage and enjoyment of our MGAs from the Oil Crisis to Devaluation and more recently Climate Change. Let us hope the current virus is but a short-term hiccup. A word about MGActivities, which was unambiguously the principal method of communication between the MGA Register and its members from 1972 to 1987, stretching over 14 volumes each with six editions. It was sent directly to members on payment of a subscription to the Register. Safety Fast! reports did nevertheless continue during that period, with both gaps and varying lengths. I have now scanned and stored all of MGActivities, sourced from the late Piers

84 SAFETY FAST! APRIL 2020

Kevin’s single-colour Varitone restoration

Kevin Skuce kindly sent me pictures of his fine Varitone restoration, completed just in time for the event season. The more observant will notice from the photo below that the Varitone is actually a single colour (Pale Ivory) which was a special option available when ordering – although I’ve only previously seen an all-black example ‘in the flesh’. I look forward to a proper viewing of this

one in due course, as it’s obvious from the photos that great attention has been paid to detail in the restoration, including the interior and engine bay. Apparently, Kevin’s current preoccupation is finding a suitable badge holder to fill the unused valance hole on one side of the grille, which is perhaps a nice problem to have!

Hubbard, which you can access on the link below. If you do so I hope you will find some of the content of interest. www.dropbox.com/ sh/2nlw5464okpcf8x/AAB_ GRwRvTB_0GPEfupu1n0ba?dl=0 MGA Register 50th Anniversary Book In 2005 the MGA Register published a book to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the launch of the MGA. Now it’s the turn of the 50th Anniversary of the Register itself to be commemorated. Members of the Register Committee and others are in the process of compiling a book covering all aspects of the work and history of the Register. There will be approximately 18 chapters on ‘How It All Began’, the development of the Register Database, touring events, MGA publications, Safety Fast! down the years, Technical Support and much, much more. The book will be A4 sized, 130 pages, hardback and in full colour. The cost will be approximately

£30. The current time plan is to have the books printed in time for MGLive!, if possible, or if not, in time for MGA Day in August. The book is sure to be a very collectible item for the future. At this stage, we would like to know the level of interest in the book to ensure that the print run will meet demand. To express your interest and to reserve a copy, without commitment, please email mgaregistershop@outlook.com with your name and address for delivery.

www.mgcc.co.uk

Please contact the organiser before travelling to events.

MGB David Broadhurst 01209 614704 newsletter-editor@mgb-register.org www.mgb-register.org Recently I received a couple of emails I thought I’d share with you below. Before I do that, though, don’t forget we’ve got our Spring Run on April 5, details from www.mgb-register.org The Versatile BGT I thought I’d follow up on Rodger’s comments of the practical BGT by sending a few pics of my 1975 GT fitted with a fast road motor and lowered suspension which I owned between 1989-2004. The GT was given a two-year hard labour sentence (which she certainly did not deserve) when we moved to France in 2002. The farmhouse and barns needed a great deal of restoration and the half acre ‘garden’ required completely landscaping. We received much appreciation and thumbs-up by passing motorists when returning from the garden nursery, with much use being made of the Webasto roof. The GT never cribbed when required to haul huge loads of building

MIDGET Chris Hale c.hale1962@btinternet.com www.midgetregister.com Register President and Historian, Dennis Wharf, has been digging in the archives and provided the following in what I hope will be a series of short pieces on historic Midgets and Sprites. Following the PMO 200 letter in February’s Safety Fast!, I thought I’d send the attached photo of the last time this famous registration number appeared on a Spridget. This was the John Sprinzel/Roy Fidler Midget entered for the 1968 London-Sydney Marathon Rally. Deploying a specially prepared 1275cc engine by Don More, among other things it also enjoyed raised suspension, glass fibre panels, and an enlarged works hardtop containing three extra fuel tanks. Although considered outsiders, the pairing enjoyed an almost perfect run through Europe, Yugoslavia, Turkey, Iran, and India, to be leading their class on arrival in Australia. Sadly, however, a suspension failure on the final day running towards the finish, and the subsequent delay finding replacement

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material, aggregate, sand, timber, etc. but I did feel rather guilty. She always brushed up well for the local car club events and attracted much interest. Brian Bailey Journey to MGLive! I have owned my current MGB for over 45 years, and now reside in Gozo, Malta, where we have a guest house. I shall be driving my MGB, accompanied by my co-driver wife Ann, from our house in Gozo to MG Live! at Silverstone in June 2020 to raise money for the Malta Community

REGISTERS Chest Fund Foundation. I underwent successful cancer treatment in Malta last year and want to say thanks to those who helped me get through the ordeal by raising funds for this important charity in Malta. The fund actively helps and assists the Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre in Malta in easing the financial burden of those undergoing treatment, and in supplying medication which the government cannot, for whatever reason. Our journey will be as follows: Drive 32km from Victoria, Gozo to Valetta, Malta and board Grimaldi Line ferry on June 1, arriving in Salerno, Italy on June 2. Drive 435km from Salerno, Italy to Ancona, Italy and board Jadrolinija Ferry on June 5 arriving Split, Croatia on June 6. Drive 1,823km from Split, Croatia via, Slovenia, Austria and France to Calais and board P&O ferry bound for Dover on June 11. Drive 217km from Dover via London (Stop off at daughter’s house) to Milton Keynes arriving on June 12 at Travelodge Hotel, Milton Keynes. Drive 10km from Milton Keynes to Silverstone on June 13 for the weekend MGLive! event. You’ll be able to track our journey on the computer, more details in the next issue.

parts, meant the Midget was out of time when they arrived in Sydney. It was a bitter disappointment, although still a great achievement from the modest MG team, who initially were given very little chance. The photo opposite is taken from the London to Sydney Marathon. MG & Triumph Spares Day Stoneleigh February 9 2020 With Storm Ciara in full swing I was pleased to see so many people turn out for the event at the NAC Stoneleigh Park, not least my fellow Committee members who had agreed to help on the day. We quickly set up our stand in Hall 3 and were all ready for visitors when the Show opened at 9.30am. We had a steady stream of enthusiasts and friends dropping by to look at the two cars we had on show, Dave Storer’s Red 1500 and Max Authers’ Green Mk3 Midget rally car. Both cars are regularly used and enjoyed by their owners and it was good that they were both on hand to answer any questions about the cars, too.

There were lots of parts and accessories being sold by the traders and it always amuses me to see people walking around with various car parts under their arm, knowing that they have secured the vital component for their pride and joy! Despite the very bad weather outside, we had a good show and would especially like to thank Max and Dave for bringing along their cars for us to display and Dave for organising the stand. Also Mike Parker, Mike Authers, Iwan Jones and Steve Clark for their help on the day. We couldn’t have done it without your valuable support! Pete Chaundy

APRIL 2020 SAFETY FAST! 85

REGISTERS MGC Mike Haughton mgc_mike@btinternet.com www.mgcc.co.uk/mgc-register/ A rally MGC was spotted recently at the Chester Rally Revival – got me thinking that there are a number of race cars around, but few Rally cars. John Sprinzel (with Gerry Ryan) entered the 1970 Monte with WLL 70G – did well until the alternator failed! Probably the most rallied C of all – YWT 666G – is owned by Simon Wilkinson. Originally a

FWD Ben Hatton ben2692@hotmail.co.uk www.mgcc.co.uk/fwd-register/ Since 2014, I have been involved in organising a small convoy of Cowley-built or Cowley-related cars from MINI Plant Oxford to Nuffield Place to celebrate the opening day of their season, as they close over the winter. This year their season opened on March 2 and we were reasonably lucky with the weather – well it was cold but it wasn’t

86 SAFETY FAST! APRIL 2020

Please contact the organiser before travelling to events. track racer (36 wins from 57 races) it was converted to rally spec in ’89 for the Pirelli Classic Marathon, went on to do London-Cape Town, the Inca Trail Rally (15k miles in 55 days round South America) and the Rallye International de Charente. Paul Nelson has a recently rebuilt GT currently competing in Historic Rally Car events – he says these are a perfect way for the navigator to get used to road books, tulips, and the trip meter (see the interior pic). And Terry Secker competes his GT – seen here on the ‘Challenge to Monte Carlo’. Let’s hear your rally stories. Our MGC Register AGM due to be held on May 2 has been postponed, but don’t forget MGC Day June 28!

raining, so that counts as lucky in my book! I feel that it’s important to keep alive the link between Cowley, where William Morris, (latterly Lord Nuffield) was so instrumental, and there can be no better way to do that than with cars. We were joined by Kevin Minns, Lord Nuffield’s great- great-nephew, who waved us off. Kevin was the Chair of the Friends of Nuffield Place and was instrumental in ensuring that Nuffield Place was passed from Nuffield College to the National Trust, securing its future once and for all and making it open to the public. I took Arthur, my MG Maestro 1600, and we followed at the back of the convoy. While quite small in number, between us we did manage to cover the MG, Morris, Wolseley and Riley marques, which I thought Lord Nuffield might have approved of. If you haven’t yet visited Nuffield

Place, I would urge you to do so. Despite his huge wealth, he led a humble life, which in itself I find humbling. Lord Nuffield wasn’t just about cars, he was a philanthropist and there is a room in Nuffield Place which tells you about his philanthropy. During the 1940s and 1950s when polio was cutting across the UK and the world, Lord Nuffield funded and produced at Cowley 5,000 iron lungs which were given to hospitals throughout the UK and British Empire – it was one of many extraordinary gifts. One of the 5,000 iron lungs is at Nuffield Place along with a quote from him saying: “All I want to do is save life”. What an amazing man. Tanya Field

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APRIL 2020 SAFETY FAST! 87

REGISTERS MGF Tim Morris 01932 882467 scribe@mgfregister.org www.mgfregister.org March 7-9 were important days. It was over these three days, at the Geneva Salon de L’Automobile, that the PR3 emerged out of its chrysalis, despite the cold of a Swiss winter, spread its wings and flew into the realms of legend as the MGF. The first all new MG roadster for 33 years captured the public’s imagination as the pair of gleaming red and green cars impressed the world – even Jeremy Clarkson had a good word to say about it! The MGCC, naturally, were there and Club Chairman, Mike Hawke, was introduced to Prince Edward and Gerry McGovern on the press days. Paddy Hopkirk tried out the car for size and thoroughly enjoyed it, as did Jackie Stewart; in fact there was not a harsh word to be said. The show itself opened to the general public on the 9th and for many this was the first chance to see the MGF in the flesh. It may be hard to understand today, but 25 years ago this was big news and not just in the motoring press – an all-new car from the Rover Group was a thing to be celebrated and we hope to encourage that same joie de vivre at the British Motor

ZR/ZS/ZT JOHN THOMPSON 01702 298866 johnt5@btinternet.com www.mgcc.co.uk/zedregister When I wrote these notes our first major event of the year was only a couple of weeks away. The Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show was due to take place over the weekend of March 27-29. With the escalating Coronavirus situation, the organisers made the wise decision to postpone the show. A number of other events have also been cancelled as a precautionary measure, including Pride of Longbridge later this month. At the time of writing the first racing round of 2020 at Silverstone was taking place on March 28. It is uncertain at present how long this situation will last and what events will be affected; however we will keep you up to date with the latest information via our website and Facebook group. Stay safe and well. ZEDS AT THE LAKES On a more positive note our ‘Zeds at the Lakes’ road trip is filling up nicely. Although announced

88 SAFETY FAST! APRIL 2020

Please contact the organiser before travelling to events. Museum on July 25-26 for our big celebration at MGF25. Tickets are now on sale but it’s a little complicated as there are two places to go to buy them! I’ll try to make it easy:• MGF25 Day show Saturday July 25 – £10 pp, order from the British Motor Museum • MGF25 Evening Party at the BMM – £15pp (members only), order from the MGF Register Shop • MGF25 Press Route Commemoration Road Run from the BMM to Combe Abbey Park – £20 per car (members only), order from the MGF Register Shop Any spare tickets will be available for general release to non-members after April 1 at a slightly higher price. We kicked off the silver anniversary year at Stoneleigh, which suffered a little thanks to Storm Dennis, but it was good to see quite a few of you brave the elements nonetheless. Then we headed to Frome for the Chairman’s weekend at the beginning of March which traditionally marks the beginning of our fundraising year (Young Minds is this year’s Register charity). Two museums and a garage were the subject of the weekend which began at

last month, we are happy to confirm the final pricing for the weekend. Final Pricing • £299.00 per person sharing a car/room (£598 per car) • £398.00 per person in a room on their own (£200 reduction from the total 2-person price) Prices include ALL of this: • Three night/four-day tour from September 11-14 2020 • Three nights’ accommodation in the threestar Riverside Hotel in Kendal • Breakfast included each morning at the hotel • Three dinners included – one every night • Evening meals provided will be a threecourse meal with at least two options per course. If everyone is dining together, the hotel may propose a fixed menu; i.e. the same menu for everyone, if they feel it will ensure a good standard of service • Discounted entry into the Lakeland Motor Museum • One route guide per car, which will feature

the Atwell-Wilson Museum near Calne, before the overnight stay in the centre of Frome itself. Next day was a run out to the Haynes Museum to view the red MGF in the famous ‘red room’ (and some other cars and bikes, too) before finishing off round at MGF25 Partner, Martin Smith’s, for a welcoming cup of afternoon tea.

The MGF is launched at Geneva

details and maps of attractions and places of interest • One rally plaque per car – Zeds at the Lakes tour plaque • 24-hour out of hours helpline whilst on the tour • Full financial protection via ABTOT – registered number 5405 • All bookings are bound by SCT conditions of booking You will have the opportunity to travel on some of the most scenic roads in England in the comfort of your own Zed. Those not on the road trip are more than welcome to join us for an enjoyable day at the museum where the same discounted entry rate will apply. Just to remind you of the dates; September 1114 are the dates for the road trip. Sunday September 13 is the day at the Lakeland Motor Museum. It’s still not too late to register your interest with Scenic Car Tours if you still wish to go. Simply email your details to admin@sceniccartours.com Payment for this tour has been made very simple and flexible by SCT with various options. Call their Sales/Operations team on 01732 879153 for further information.

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REGISTERS

Please contact the organiser before travelling to events.

MG6.3.5 Sean Round sean@seanround.co.uk www.facebook.com/groups/MG635Register twitter.com/635register I’m sorry that this isn’t the four-page spread you were all expecting this month but for various reasons, we’ve had to put it on hold until next month’s edition! Whilst we’ve got some content, if anyone has any interesting contributions that they wish to make to this article then please contact me on sean@seanround.co.uk and we’d be more than happy to include this in our submission. I trust all those members who have collected their new 20 plate MGs are enjoying them and we’re really looking forward to hearing more about them and seeing them! Further to our recent post on both Facebook and Twitter about event cancellations, I’m sure you’ll all agree that we’ve made the right decision. The health of you as our members is the most important thing to us in these most uncertain of times. The guys at Kimber House are doing a fantastic job in keeping us updated and providing

their guidance and we thank them for all of their efforts. The BTCC Media was held on March 17, at which it was confirmed that no MG6s will be running in this year’s Championship. As disappointing as this is, I’m sure you’ll all agree that we had a great time over the last few years watching them race, even if it got a bit frustrating now and then, and we’d like to thank all those involved for the fantastic opportunities we had! Further to last month’s note, we’d very much like to continue the increase in the vehicle numbers on our Vehicle Register. We have an online-based system into which you can enter

the details of your car, and help us to build up a history of the MG6, 3 and 5 cars on the road. Your data is held securely and will only be used for the purposes mentioned. Should you have any queries regarding the Register then please feel free to contact our Registrar, Richard Bibby-Brooke. In the meantime, should any of you require any support with your cars, or have any questions of the committee, then please do feel free to get in touch with any of us and we’ll be pleased to assist. May I also take this opportunity to wish you all well, and I trust that you and your family members are all well, safe and sound.

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

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

MG MGF 1.8vvc. One owner, Only 10,500miles

Here I offer what must be the very best one owner very low mileage MGF vvc for sale anywhere. Garage all of its life, with these extra’s from new, Hard top, passengers airbag, fire extinguisher, front fog lights, mudflaps, making a total new price of £20,637. We have the original bill of sale full service history, handbooks, number plates, 2 sets of keys everything from new when Supplied by Clive Sutton MG Kensington. This unmarked MGF vvc is totally original and as near new as you can get, a total one off collectors / showcar £7,995

MG TF LE 500+H/top, #140/500,Just 6,600miles

Late TF135LE (10/10), Just 32,000m.

This is the very best low mileage LE500 for sale anywhere. Supplied by us some 8+ years ago to its second owner, having purchased it from its original Lady owner, supplied by Thomas Day Motors (MG) Fleet,now owned by David. # 140/500. Now just 6,600 miles with fully documented service history. £8,495

2010 (10 Reg), Manual. Petrol, Finished in Frost White / Black leather, the last TF’s made, previously supplied by us in 2016. Soft ride suspension, 16” 11 spoked alloys, glass heated rear screen, engine water level sensor, passengers airbag, remote boot opening. FSH,just serviced plus a new wheel bearing, drop links, rear pads and Mot’d. Superb. £6,695

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1975 MGB Roadster, Blaze, black leather trim. O/drive, servo, mohair hood. Full rebuild a few years ago with full pictorial history. Moto-Lita steering wheel. Super condition and ready for summer. £6,495.00

1972 MGB Roadster British Racing Green, black trim, leather seats, antique red carpet, fast road engine, balanced and stage 11 head, 15” minilite, carbon ﬁbre dash, Moto-Lita, superb driving car in super condition, nice engine bay , superb shell fast fun at £13,795.00

1964 MGB ROADSTER Pull door handle car, Iris blue, black /white trim. Excellent restored car done in the 90s but still excellent an early Californian imports when they were really good. O/drive, interior really as good as new, lovley engine bay, superb shell and superbly original, painted underside, alloy bonnet, w/wheels, steering wheel. Fitted with better 5 brg engine, original banjo axle. A superb older restoration and ready to enjoy with no work required, fantastic value £15,995.00

1960 AUSTIN HEALEY 3000 MKI Fern Green, green leather trim. Restored a few years ago, rebuilt body, retrim, rebuilt engine and box. Works hard top! Period works additions - roof vent, air vent etc. Superb car and loads of fun! £49,500.00

1954 MG TF, Red, tan trim. Chrome wires. 5 speed gearbox conversion. Alloy rocker cover. Large history ﬁle. Excellent condition. Last owner many years. Very well cared for and sorted car, drives superbly and used for continental touring. Chrome boot rack. Original steering wheel. Lovely useable period motoring. £27,995.00

1962 MIDGET MK1 Almond Green, Shadow Green trim, grey roof. Totally immaculate. Totally restored car, probably the best MK1 available! Restored by ourselves in 1992 and still looks like it’s just been done. Immaculate underside, detailed engine bay, interior trim etc. Original spec, down to original wheels. Period steering wheel. Drives like new. Unique opportunity to aquire a very rare car. £18,995 (would cost well over £40-50k to restore now!)

APRIL 2020 SAFETY FAST! 89

e ite ebs - Typ w T d cate G and i d de e M W com g.com h . t E g r N fo agm xpagm ly l p a x i . @ c w spe ww ingdon b il: a a Em

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

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Unit 9, Broadfields Farm, Dunmow Road, Rayne, Braintree, Essex. CM77 6SA We reserve the right to charge for any alteration to this proof which a departure from the original| copy 01376 569355 is | abingdon@xpagmg.com www.xpagmg.com

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 UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 our work at www.xpagmg.com

CLASSIFIEDS Seeking information

CARS FOR SALE 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 colingrant@mgcc.co.uk

On an MGA Roadster that I owned in 1968/9 Registration number AFJ955B. Contact John 01223880679 or Email: john@rhino.myzen.co.uk

1951 MGTD

Original RHD which spent much of its life in USA. Purchased 2006 following its return to UK 2005/6. Restoration over the next couple of years including respray. Existence of an old green log book enabled original number plate to be acquired. Garaged at all times and hardly used due to knee problems hence selling now. £20,000 Contact Dick 01327352983 Mob 07779610153 (near Silverstone)

1994 MG RV8.

UK car in Racing Green, first regd 1994, reg. mark B16 (“BIG”) MGR. owned last 15yrs and always garaged. R380 gearbox. Spax dampers. 62,000 miles. FSH. Fresh MoT. Near perfect exterior and mechanicals. New hood. Good interior but no glovebox lock or door speakers and first signs of veneer cracks on door cappings, hence only £15,500. 01622 844648 (Mid Kent)

BRG in absolutely pristine condition with 12,823 miles on the clock. FSH from new with last cam belt change at 11,333 miles (05/17). Original Sales invoice and 2x keys, with extras such as interior Leather (cream) option pack. Recent new set of Falken ZEIX tyres at 11,781 miles (06/18) and new rear vinyl screen. £5995. Tel; 07785 354371 (Somerset).

Automatic. MoT runs out on 20th March and is now on a sorn. A really good runner with a special number plate . Year of 1st reg is 30.04.2004. 159,000 miles on clock. Diesel 1951cc Silver 2 axle rigid body. It was my late husband’s pride and joy. £1500ovno. For more information Tel: 01380698949. (Devizes , Wilts)

92 SAFETY FAST! APRIL 2020

2003 MGTF 120

Stepspeed – Starlight Silver in excellent condition with 59,843 miles on the clock. FSH from new with head gasket changed/ uprated at 20,134 miles (12/07). Last cam belt change at 56,458 miles (06/18). Original Sales invoice and 2x keys. Extras include bright trim pack, front fog lights, windstop and hard top. Soft top uprated to later glass rear window with demist. £2495. Tel; 07785 354371 (Somerset).

1958 ZB Magnette

Excellent condition, 1622 Oselli engine lead free. Full history, silver birch with burgundy trim. Genuine mileage 55,091, New tyres all round. Many original features, £11,500. Tel 01908 337933

2002 MGZS 1.8

82,000 miles approx. MOT Nov 2020. Had this vehicle for 15 years - lots of work done. Excellent condition. £550. Tel: 07879690018

1995 MGRV8

Nightfire Red. Built in 1995 then exported to Japan. Re-imported in 1998. Mileage 26542. Immaculate condition. Power-assisted steering fitted in 2008. Stone Beige Leather Interior with Burr Walnut dashboard/door cappings. Radio, Air-Con, Half-tonneau cover and Wind Stop. Dust and Rain Covers. Alarm. Dry Use Only, always garaged. Taxed and MoT. Heritage Certificate. Car located in West Kent. Price £22000. Telephone: 01892 - 832608 / Mobile: 07714 – 751574

2004 MG ZT CDTI+135

2004 MGZS 180

4 door (facelift model) – Starlight Silver in showroom condition having been a collector’s car all it’s life. FSH from new with only 13,552 miles on the clock. Fully loaded spec including full black leather interior, electric rear windows and parking sensors. Original Sales invoice and 2x keys. Cam belts changed at 10,383 miles (01/16). New Conti Contact Sport tyres at 10,716 miles (01/16). £5995. Tel: 07785 354371 (Somerset).

Purchased in May 2015 with the intention of using it for track days. Considerable sums spent on improving the car for this, including fitting Piper Cam, VVC Deletion Kit, new exhaust, installing emerald software, uprated oil rail, replacing calipers and fitting braided brake hoses and much more. This work was done in March 2016 and the vehicle has still only covered 88,000 miles. The car is road legal and is MOT’d till June 2020. Mike Stafford recently replaced the head gasket, cambelt and tensioners and water pump. Some bodywork repairs carried out plus sills and box sections wax injected. Lovely car, but has never been properly used for the purpose intended. Offers around £2750.00. Contact Paul on 07794 919337.

1997 MGF VVC

1946 MG TC

In BRG with replaced beige interior seats hood and side screens, VW steering conversion, all chrome replaced or rechromed, lots of other new parts unable to list because of limited size of advert. Please email for full list. Body paintwork needs attention and brakes master cylinder recommissioned. Last MOT 10/10/2017 mileage then 9206 now 9228. Tel: 07704436666 or Email: vinceshirley60@gmail.com (Oxford)

2003 MGZR 160

2004 MG TF 135

COOL BLUE Edition. Silver, only done 35000 miles, one owner last 13 years, garaged, full service history (FJ Chalke, MJS Auto and Marine, Mike Rolls), new MOT. Head Gasket replaced by MJS. Maintained regardless of cost. Spare tyre unused. Complete file history. Pensioner’s wife does not like driving it so selling at MG Scrap value price £2000ono Chris@cbraithwaite.free-online.co.uk

MG BGT V8, 1975

3.5 ltr, with Over drive, refurbished in original Tundra Green, rare colour . 5 owners, genuine 79,000 miles , MOT May 2020, last owner had 34 years. All panels are original, Dunlop wheels. many new parts, etc. New starter motor, battery, brakes, water pump, recent service, The interior is very clean , door panels all in nice condition, The car has been Zei barted from new, the floors is solid. Radiator fan switch thermocouple , Clutch Hose and clutch fluid replaced, new antifreeze in system. £21,990 Tel: 07958431991

1973 MGBGT V8

Factory produced. Chrome bumpers. Glacier White. Bare metal respray and engine rebuild in 1997. S/S exhaust.Uprated suspension. Garaged. Full history. Current owner 9 years. Excellent condition. £21000. For full details contact Dick on 07785734310 or email rgtysoe@hotmail.co.uk (Oxon).

Please note that the Advertising deadline is April 10th for the May issue of Safety Fast!

www.mgcc.co.uk

BARRY WALKER BARRY WALKER BARRY WALKER Estd.1968

British Motor Heritage approved

.....for the very best in vintage .....for MGs..... British Motor

British Motor Heritage approved

Heritage approved

Estd.1968

.....for the very best in vintage MGs..... the very best in vintage MGs.....

1934 TOTALLY RESTORED MGPA. 1960 top-spec MGA ‘1600 One of the most PAs you ROADSTER’. will find anywhere. Completely rebuilt Is this the wrong colour from the chassis-up, both bodily & or have out of mechanically, with MGAs Bayntongone Jones fashion? It is engine, full-flow oil system,offered waterat far below restoration cost, pump & 900cc bore. This all-matching is in immaculate condition Nos. car is for someone looking for a both & out and yet not one totally originalinside P type in showrooom personinhas even Black viewed it! condition. Finished Raven It is adark ‘top-of-the-pile’car. with Collingburn red leather Completely refurbished interior, unused double-duck weatherfor me by Bob West MGA. Invoices gear and re-shod with Blockley tyres. hand. to drive; all The car comestowith LHFabulous & RH mirrors, Nos, BMH Certificate, stoneguards,original aeroscreens, deluxe UK registered Emgee gauges, full history file & orig. in Reg. No. Red with than full beige It may cost more many weather you see gear. spoke wires, serviced, advertised (all60 needing work!) fully but the all ready the acoming last few thousand buyforyou properSpring. What&more could you want? restoration. Come see for yourself .......................£35,500 ......................................£46,500 ovno ovno

1960 MGA ‘1600 ROADSTER’. Is this the wrong colour or have MGAs gone out of fashion? It is offered at far below restoration cost, is in immaculate condition both inside & out and yet not one person has even viewed it! It is a ‘top-of-the-pile’car. Completely refurbished for me by Bob West MGA. Invoices to hand. Fabulous to drive; all original Nos, BMH Certificate, UK registered in Emgee Red with full beige weather gear. 60 spoke wires, fully serviced, all ready for the coming Spring. What more could you want? .......................£35,500 ovno

1960 MGA ‘1600 ROADSTER’. Is this the wrong colour or have MGAs MG ‘N’6 CYL. gone out of fashion? It is offered 1935 at far below restoration cost, is in 4-SEAT MAGNETTE. disappointed this one person has immaculate condition both insideSomewhat & out and yet not beautifully restored & so practical rally car has not even viewed it! It is a ‘top-of-the-pile’car. Completely refurbished for me found a new home. The ideal long distance touring MGtoordrive; all original Nos, by Bob West MGA. Invoices to hand. Fabulous perfect for golf clubs, dog or BMH Certiﬁcate, UK registered inwife’s Emgee with full beige weather luggage. Red Good ground clearance for rallying, perfect gear. 60 spoke wires, fully serviced, allFlying ready for the coming Spring. for the Scotsman, roomy & comfortable with What more could you want? .......................£35,500 ovno proper 6 cyl. performance. So original too, finished in 2-tone blue with contrasting blue leather by Collingburn & full weather equip. Just view NOW REDUCED to offer you a bargain.................£59,950

1935 MG ‘N’6 CYL. LATEST SPARES FOR PRE-WAR MGs MAGNETTE. 4-SEAT

disappointed this SECONDHAND PARTS.rare 1934 MG N ROLLING CHASSIS A Somewhat very chance NEW PARTS. beautifully restored & so to RevMG counter clock (restored) practical rallychassis. car has notNeeds cradles acquire a complete rolling *6TA cyl N with Type * Battery Br. Jaegar temp. The gauges found awater new home. ideal 2-seater hood frames * TA/B/C * D/F/J/L/P friction shock absorbers long distance touring MGspecial, or fully rebuilding, but perfect* kit of bits to begin an N tie - red ends * Radiator J2 sump (also fit D type) perfect for golf clubs, dog or stop domes * Bonnet K3 replica or pumps WHY. Comes** with original N engine, g’box, L/K cylinder head (pressure tested) wife’s luggage. Good ground & L/K water * P/N J/P/L/N engine/radiator clearance formountings. rallying, perfect Instrument cluster panels * * axles, brakes, 18”clutch wheels, trials history & full Bronze carriers forbearing the Flying Scotsman, rhombicetc. panelsand set*of * Instrument TA/B/C roomy Rep. speedo & R. counter & comfortable with plug holders& orig. registration....... * Pair * 4 cyl. spare DVLA paperwork gauges propers/charger 6 £29,500. cyl. performance. K3/Q front wing stays & fittings * 14/25 Br. Jaeger

Estd.1968

1934 TOTALLY RESTORED MGPA. 1934 TOTALLY One of the most top-spec PAs you will find anywhere. Completely RESTORED MGPA.rebuilt from the chassis-up, both bodily & One of thewith most mechanically, Baynton Jones engine, full-flow oil system, water top-spec PAs youall-matching pump & 900cc bore. This Nos. car is for someone looking for a will fi nd anywhere. totally original P type in showrooom condition. Finishedrebuilt in Ravenfrom Black Completely with Collingburn dark red leather interior, unused double-duck weather the chassis-up, both gear and re-shod with Blockley tyres. bodily & mechanically, The car comes with LH & RH mirrors, stoneguards, aeroscreens, deluxe with gauges,Baynton full history fileJones & orig. Reg. No. It may cost more engine, full-flthan owmany oil you see advertised (all needing work!) but the last few thousand buy you a proper system, water pump restoration. Come & see for yourself &......................................£46,500 900cc bore. This ovno all-matching Nos. car is for someone looking for a totally original LATEST SPARES FOR PRE-WARBlack MGs P type in showrooom condition. Finished in Raven with SECONDHAND PARTS. weather Collingburn darkNEW red leather interior, unused double-duck PARTS. Revcomes counter with clockLH (restored) cradles * TA gear and re-shod with Blockley tyres. The car with & RH * Battery Br. Jaegar water temp. gauges hood frames * TA/B/C * 2-seater friction shock absorbers tie - red ends mirrors, stoneguards, deluxe gauges, full history file * D/F/J/L/P * Radiatoraeroscreens, Bonnet stop domes * J2 sump (also fit D type) * cylinder head (pressure tested) & orig. Reg. No.* P/N It may costpumps more than many you see advertised & L/K water * L/K J/P/L/N engine/radiator mountings. Instrument cluster panels * * (all needing work!) but the lastpanels few thousand buy you a proper clutch bearing carriers rhombic * Bronze * Instrument TA/B/C Rep. speedo & R. counter * Pair * 4 cyl. restoration. Come & spare see plug forholders yourself ...................£46,500 gauges K3/Q front wing stays & fittings * 14/25 Br. Jaeger s/chargerovno

* everySotype of steering wheel. in ORIGINAL 1932-4 MG J SERIES ENGINE. * Mushroom wing bolts Almost every type of steering wheel. original too, finished ORIGINAL 1932-4 MG J SERIES ENGINE. * Mushroom wing bolts * Almostcord * Many * strung. cord strung. 2-tone blue with contrasting It is totally complete, including clutch, * 3 part/double buckle bonnet straps It is totally complete, including 1935 MG clutch, ‘N’6 CYL. * 3 part/double buckle bonnet straps Many sets & manifolds, dynamo, starter motor ORIG. factory PAYEN gasket sets leathergasket by Collingburn ‘DOG BONE’ petrol manifolds, dynamo, starter motor but not * ‘DOG BONE’ petrol caps but not * SPARES LATEST FORcaps PRE-WAR* MGs * ORIG. factorybluePAYEN 4-SEAT MAGNETTE. full weather equip. Just view carbs. It needs complete restoration but carbs. It needs complete restoration but NOSE MOUNTED & SIDE-MOUNTED SUPERCHARGERS NOSE MOUNTED & SIDE-MOUNTED SUPERCHARGERS NOW REDUCED to offer you is not broken, cracked or damaged to is not broken, cracked or damaged to Somewhat disappointed this FOR ALL PRE-WAR MGsa bargain.................£59,950NEW FOR ALL PRE-WAR SECONDHAND PARTS.MGs the naked eye. Rare & original....£6,500 the naked eye. Rare & original....£6,500 PARTS.

beautifully restored & so

rally of carcars haswe cradles for the type We carry – just shelves phone or full email. of new & secondhand spares for the type of cars we *sell – just phone or email. * Battery * We carry shelves full of new & secondhand sparespractical *notsell found a new home. The ideal * TA/B/C Br. Jaegar water temp. gauges * 2-seater hood frames TA Rev counter with clock (restored)

COMMISSION SALES: Our highly regarded always COMMISSION to you. SALES: Our highly regarded service is always available tofriction you. shock absorbers longservice distance is touring MG available or Radiator tie - red ends * D/F/J/L/P Tel: 01789 400181 Mob: 07836 244103 Email: barry@barrywalker.com Web: www.barrywalker.com 400181 Mob: 07836 244103 *Email: Web: sump (also fit D type) perfect for golf clubs, dogTel: or 01789 Bonnetbarry@barrywalker.com stop domes * J2 www.barrywalker.com

wife’s luggage. Good ground clearance for rallying, perfect for the Flying Scotsman, roomy & comfortable with proper 6 cyl. performance. So original too, finished in 2-tone blue with contrasting blue leather by Collingburn & full weather equip. Just view NOW REDUCED to offer you a bargain.................£59,950

ORIGINAL 1932-4 MG J SERIES ENGINE. It is totally complete, including clutch, manifolds, dynamo, starter motor but not carbs. It needs complete restoration but is not broken, cracked or damaged to the naked eye. Rare & original....£6,500

* * P/N & L/K water pumps * Instrument cluster panels * Instrument rhombic panels * 4 cyl. spare plug holders * K3/Q front wing stays & fittings wing bolts * Mushroom 3 part/double buckle bonnet straps * ‘DOG BONE’ petrol caps *

* L/K cylinder head (pressure tested) * J/P/L/N engine/radiator mountings. * Bronze clutch bearing carriers * Pair TA/B/C Rep. speedo & R. counter Br. Jaeger s/charger gauges * 14/25 * Almost every type of steering wheel. Many cord strung. * ORIG. factory PAYEN gasket sets

NOSE MOUNTED & SIDE-MOUNTED SUPERCHARGERS FOR ALL PRE-WAR MGs

* We carry shelves full of new & secondhand spares for the type of cars we sell – just phone or email.

COMMISSION SALES: Our highly regarded service is always available to you. Tel: 01789 400181 Mob: 07836 244103 Email: barry@barrywalker.com Web: www.barrywalker.com

enquiries@mgsforsale.com

www.mgsforsale.com

01707 876089

07831 556666

MGBCGT V8 Roadster 1974 (NOL576M) chrome bumpers, MG 1968 AUTOMATIC Older Nut & Bolt Restored overdrive, oneMG family years, built in the 80’s (RWD628G) CGTowner 1968,32automatic, excellent Mineral by renowned MG with Specialists & H Richardson’s Blue coachwork nicelyS mellowed original ofBlack el Staines interior utilising trim, components a factory onto aMGC leather original from genuine leatherV8bound e TL enquiries@mgsforsale.com warm climate chrome bumper roadster shell, structurally steering wheel, nicely detailed engine compartment 0 miles sound older restored example recently refreshed housing the smooth 3.0 litre engine ideal withand thereBorg rease) 18” commissioned following longmaking term hibernation, clean rare Warner automatic gearbox this particularly T’d until Barry Walker April 20.indd 1 Glacier white coachwork, Black leather interior trim, Barry Walker April 20.indd 1 model an ideal classic today, this vehicle apparently formed part of a collection of a deceased ds as well Mota-Lita steering wheel, Black Mohair hood and cover, Black carpeted boot, GB alloy wheels, estate, on inspection one registration can see the quality of mot’s theAUTOMATIC rebuild a80’s number yearsRestored ago and or, satMG CGT 1968 Nutthe &ofBolt small history file with V5C document, back tofrom theOlder and original invoice with little miles since is stilldrives very fresh appearance, just automatic, arrived £24,950.00 l service (RWD628G) MG CGT£15,950.00 1968, excellent Mineral from likely Richardson’s for £4,500.00!, nicely,injust arrived or 2016 UK Tech-MG6 GT diesel Blue coachwork with nicely mellowed original Black MGBBGT GT1972 1980 Conversion (OGJ888V) MG Last Owner 37 Years (LLF951K) MG . Spacious, leather interior trim,BGT, original genuine leather bound MGC Facelift model. Top-of-the range TLChrome converted toowner chrome nicesteering Black coachwork 37 bumpers, years, chrome bumpers, overdrive, MG. £6500 wheel, nicely detailed engine compartment model. 1.9 turbo1972, diesel.last 48,000 miles albeit some imperfections, chrome wire wheels, recent chrome Rostyle wheels, coachwork nowsmooth requiring 44(daily driver so mileage housing the 3.0 litre engine ideal with the Borg will increase) 18”Aqua engine rebuild by MG Moto Buildautomatic contained some improvement butSpecialist a very solid vehicle indeed with a Warner gearbox making this particularly rare alloys, red bumper inserts. MoT’d until within clean compartment with invoicestyle for £1890 nice original feel and appearance, original navy cloth June 2020. Recent discs andengine pads as well and little miles since, rebuilt overdrive, Mota-Lita steering gold satseal engine fitted mid 80’s and drives as new tyres. Fullinterior leathertrim, interior, wheel, nice black interior reupholstered nav, Bluetooth connectivity. Full delightfully, goodservice historytrim filewith withrecently original documentation seats in Black, useful telescopic gas struts for tailgate history – servicedback by SAIC Techto theMotor 80’s, aUK plethora of invoices from renowned specialists Brian Brown Classics & B and boot aperture, heavy history fi le with original sales invoice from new, both past & present nical Centre. In good condition. Spacious, Hive, original Unipart Gold Seal papers, old mot’s etc. etc. just arrived invoices, old mot’s, manuals etc. etc. Full Ziebart rustproof protection when£5,950.00 new, a pleasant cared economical engaging modern MG. £6500 for example with mot September 2020, drives nicely, previously sold by us (2017 images), just ono. Call Adam on 07530734044 arrived £8,950.00

01707 876089

www.mgsforsale.com

07831 556666 03/03/2020 10:57

03/03/2020 10:57

URGENTLY WANTED

ANY ANY MG MG

URGENTLY WANTED

On the U approvproved he motor lead h a beige

ANY ANY YEAR YEAR

ANY ANY CONDITION CONDITION SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF OUR STOCK

www.mgsforsale.com

Do not confuse the above vehicles with cheaper inferior quality models offered elsewhere. Part exchange

Do not confuse the above vehicles with cheaper inferior quality models offered elsewhere. Part exchange MG A 1600 any make of Motor Car with generous allowances. Discounted cash purchases. Viewing by appointment only

the please (available evenings & weekends) no obligation to purchase. All our vehicles carry a warranty, have an In car. good condition, built 1961. On the MOT and are areItfully fully serviced prior to to collection/delivery. collection/delivery. GBP. Theare 58’000 MOT and prior tacho miles. hasserviced EU approvce.alPhone papers (before this it was approved Barry Walker April 20.indd 1 in Switzerland) The power of the motor is 79 PS and had be changed to lead www.mgcc.co.uk free petrol. The car is black with a beige Tel: +44 (0) 1953 717618 Fax: (0) 1953 717850 interor. It’s in a good condition. The wheel is on the left side of the car.

www.mgmecca.co.uk

03/03/2020 10:57

APRIL 2020 SAFETY FAST! 93

1972 MGB Roadster Shell

Chrome bumper, v5, the shell has been rebuilt to a very high standard, nos front wings, every other panel is original, inc floor sill etc, it’s stunning, everything comes with it, wire wheels, 90k on the clock, overdrive. £5500.00 ovno. Tel: 07792728713

1971 MG Midget,

black. 1275 engine. Mileage 18973. Good condition. Re-built by my late husband. The car goes well and has been recently serviced. There is a roll bar fitted. Good tyres. Service history. Hardtop that possibly needs some attention. Boot lid with parcel rack. One or two spares, paperwork, manuals. £7,500. lesleystevens44@btinternet.com or Tel: 07767 152259.

1993 MGRV8

Woodcote Green, Japanese export car for sale at £17,250. It has a newish hood and comes with its tonneau cover. It has covered 47,143 miles, 52,719 Km in Japan and 16,000 miles in the UK. I have the original speedo. It has a high output starter motor, the manual steering rack has been refurbed by Kiley Clinton, a new hand brake lever has been fitted and new improved “U” bolts (Clive Wheatley) securing the back axle. I have recently renewed the heater motor resistor and fitted an automatic bleed system to the top hose. The suspension bump stops have been renewed. I would include the Workshop Manual and Parts List. I have spot lights to fit if the air conditioning was ever removeed. Tel: 07966210143 orifraserwaite@hotmail.com

1974 MGB Roadster

White. 24000 miles. Older restoration, chrome bumper conversion. K&N filters, overdrive. Walnut dash, leather seats. Luke harness, roll-bar. New fuel pump, battery, rear brakes. House move forces sale. £8500. Tel: 07801 650189 (West Kent)

1932 Mg F Type

Special, strengthened chassis, hydraulic braking system, 6 cylinder engine, fully reconditioned, Phoenix type crank, full flow oil system, water pump fitted, Cylinder head fitted with new/recon valve seats, guides, cam shaft. Reconditioned ENV gearbox. New body in dark green /black leather interior. New 19” wire wheels /tyres. Pristine condition £72500ono.Email: davbrolloyd@mail.com or Tel: 07751 668781 for more info.

1956 MGA 1500

Dark Blue with red interior, matching mohair hood, side screens with storage bag and tonneau. Body and paintwork recently restored to A1 condition. Boot rack. Kenlowe fan. New front drums and servo fitted in 2018 along with 4 new tyres. Lady owner for past 23 years who had ex-US vehicle first restored. Full documentation available. 60,000 miles covered since 1997. MOT’d. Lovely car which drives really well. Reluctant sale. Make the trip to Edinburgh and you will not be disappointed! £27,950. Tel 07719 798649 or 0131 336 1691 Email: ysy705@aol.com for more photos. (Edinburgh)

94 SAFETY FAST! APRIL 2020

Email: bensonc8@aol.com

1969 MG MIDGET Older restoration, rust free excellent Tartan Red bodywork. Extensive history file including photographic full body restoration. MOT and service records since 1982. Vehicle registration details from 1976.Silver seal replacement engine now covered 15k miles.Unleaded head with electronic ignition. Frontline suspension, stainless exhaust and manifold.Recent improvements include, new front callipers brake seals, Alternator, Trim replaced, Seats recovered, wheels refurbished. Regular on the North-East show scene. £5250 ono. Contact Kevin, 07811 780158 (Sunderland )

Only 19700 miles from new.Regards 31/3/2004 ,5 speed manual.BR Green with black cockpit and seats,Windows deflector,Kenwood DAB radio CD player. LoLarm, Low coolant alarm. Original bill of sale, history file. Garaged. MOT. Headgasket, cambelt, waterpump changed 2017. Superb condition. Beautiful gear change, Very reluctant sale due to spenalty surgery. £3450 Tel 07811 836694 (Potters Bar Herts)

1977 MGB V8 roadster

3.5 Rover engine with Edelbrock carb, 5 speed gearbox, twin exhausts. Body and engine rebuilt 2013 resprayed dark blue. Black leather sports seats and leather Motolita steering wheel. 5 x Minator alloy wheels, new screen 2018. £13500. 01243 584796 or dfbneptune@aol.com. (West Sussex)

MGC Owned since 1976. Full nut and bolt restoration in 2000. MG Motorsport fast road engine, balanced/ lightened flywheel, electronic ignition, 6 branch exhaust, uprated suspension/brakes, quick steering rack, 5.5 J wheels. Overdrive/ original tonneau (new hood 2000), wood rim wheel. Total mileage 132692, 32000 on engine. Always been garaged, never run on salted roads. I have the original log book, BMC/MGC Workshop Manual and steering wheel. Extensive history, lovely patinated condition. £21,950.

2004 MG TF 135

2002 MGTF 135 Sprint

85k miles. Full MOT, good paintwork, head gasket upgrade, water pump/cam belt replaced, MG ‘soft ride kit’, stainless water pipes, Scorpion stainless exhaust, Kmaps remap increased performance, Piper Cross induction, new interior carpet set, MG logo mats. Alloy wheels refurbished, alloy spare. New grooved discs shoes. Hood & rear screen good condition, seats suede and leather. Car Club Owner. £2750.

MG TF 135 2004

Monogram Spectre paintwork No 23/36. Black Oxford leather, bright pack, f/fogs. Spax shocks, new rear calipers, discs, pads, recent h/gasket, cam belt, water pump, s/s water pipes. Refurbed 16in Abingdons with nearly new tyres, hood with glass rear window, 64K miles, MOT Aug 20 no advisories, looks and drives very well, £3,500 Contact 01298 814798 or liam.mccarthy@tiscali.co.uk

1955 MGTF

I am reluctantly selling my much loved MG TF. I am a retired engineer having owned the car since 2017 in which time I have carried out a number of improvements to update the driving experience. Ford Type9 5speed gearbox, engine oil seal conversions, brakes over hauled, new Chrome 60 spoke wheels and tyres, and the new fuel pump with the carburettors overhauled. The car comes with a well documented maintenance history and providence file. Ready to drive away: £29,900. For more info Tel: 01237 477273 (Devon)

Supercharged MG ZS

Rare supercharged MG ZS MK2 for sale, lots of optional extras such as sunroof, cruise control, full leather interior, Sprintex supercharger with upgraded oil feed, ITG induction, uprated gearbox, SPAX suspension, full stainless exhaust and manifold, 330mm brakes and a lot more, running around 280bhp. £9,900ono very rare for one to come up for sale. Tel 07971 438395 (Dudley)

Please note that the Advertising deadline is April 10th for the May issue of Safety Fast!

www.mgcc.co.uk

OFFERED FOR SALE The First MG PA Airline Coupé

“The MG Airline Coupé successfully carries off the honours as the best looking small coupé ever built.” Rich Taylor, managing editor, Car & Driver magazine, 1973.

The first Airline Coupé body designed for an MG was placed on this Chassis PA0286 (registration MG 3528) on 9th February 1934. MG retained the PA Airline Coupé as a demonstrator. Car comes complete with full provenance since new.

PA0286 is located in Australia. Initial contact to Graeme Cocks, email gacocks@iinet.net.au

URGENTLY WANTED 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: ejwclassiccars@btinternet.com Website: www.mgandporsche.com (Northwood, Middlesex) www.mgcc.co.uk

APRIL 2020 SAFETY FAST! 95

Specialising in all MG’s

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

TRADE MEMBER

TEL/FAX: 01258 820337

Insurance for all MG’s classic and modern

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

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 8am-6pm, Wed: 8am-5pm, Sat: 8am-1pm 2016 2016 TRADE MEMBER

How to Advertise

MIKE ROLLS SERVICESROLLS FOR MGs MIKE Specialising in all MG’s

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 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

SERVICES FOR MGs

TEL/FAX: 01258 820337 Specialising in all MG’s Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 8am-6pm, Wed: 8am-5pm, Sat: 8am-1pm TEL/FAX: 01258 820337

TRADE MEMBER

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

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

MG Car book collection

17 titles including rare collectable T series. £125 please. Many other non - MG titles available. Douglas. Tel: 077116994245. smithmearns@aol.com

MG TC`19” Wire Wheels

MGB ROADSTER - 1972

Three with tyres in good condition £120.00 each ONO. Pair of Xpag carburettors with enlet manifold offers. Reproduction MG Midge mascot £195.00 ONO. Phone 01621 829799 or 07990 971974

MG TF - 2002 ONLYFarm, 24.000MLS FROMnear NEW £2,495 Dorset SP8 5RR Units 9/10 Fifehead Business Park, Manor Fifehead Magdalen, Gillingham,

E-mail: mikerolls4mgs@compuserve.com • www.mikerolls.co.uk

Units 9/10 Fifehead Business Park, Manor Farm, Fifehead Magdalen, near Gillingham, Dorset SP8 5RR Mail Order “Friendly Quality Service”

E-mail: mikerolls4mgs@compuserve.com • www.mikerolls.co.uk Mail Order “Friendly Quality Service”

CM02.13/B32/d CM02.13/B32/d

New Project, 1972 MGB Roadster undergoing full respray in Dark Racing Green. Excellent rust free body with Tan interior, Walnut dash and Chrome wire wheels. Ready early spring.

Safety Fast Mags

1959 to 1979 (Dec 1968 to Dec 1969 lost in move) £600:00 or reasonable offer. MG Octagon Car Club Mags April 1991 to Dec 2019. £280:00 ono.(cheapest on net £1:00/copy)Buyer collects. Tel: 01235 764288

Midget Mk 2-4

4Sight Lighting Company............78 Kimble-Rutter Ltd........................70 Works style hardtop;needs preparing Adrian Flux ..................................83 Longstone Tyres .........................35 repainting, and also Mk 2 Sprite,/ Mik Barrie Carter ...............................97 Manor Garage.............................74 1 Midget hardtop with rounded back window. Midget/Sprite half size 3 galBarry Walker ...............................93 Metropole Hotel.............................6 lon gallon steel fuel tank [reduced from Beech Hill Garage........................93 MG Mecca...................................89 original 6.gallon standard tank] ; would British Motor Heritage..................39 MG Motors..................................11 suit race or hill climb Spridget. All parts Brown and Gammons...................9 MG Motorsport ...........................57 free to first person who contacts me and Bucks Sports and Classic............70 Midland Classic Restoration..........4 is able to come and collect them James 01564 742508 or e-mail ajthacker@ Carole Nash Insurance..................6 Mike Authurs Classics ................96 tanworth.free-online.co.uk for photos. Chisbon Restorations..................51 Mike Rolls....................................96 [N.W Warwickshire] Church Square Autos .................89 Mike Satur...................................83 MGB Banjo Axle Classic Concierge........................49Please Moss Europe Ltd........................IFC check this proof carefully for errors in style, content and layout. LSD diff. 3.9 Ratio.New crownwheel and Classic & Sports Cars (Essex).... 90,91Although Motor Wheel Services.................53 everythis care is exercised in preparing your advert, pinion,professionally rebuilt and ready Please check proof carefully for errors in style, contentwe andcannot layout.hold Clive Wheatley.............................43ourselves NTG Services. ...........................OBC responsible any inaccuracies you mayadvert, overlook. to fit.Photos available.POA not conAlthough every care isfor exercised in preparing your we cannot.Do hold template paying higher prices for lesser College Motors Burford...............74ourselves Oselli Ltd .....................................51 responsible for any inaccuracies you may overlook. SHOULD YOU REQUIRE ANY ALTERATIONS TO THIS PROOF PLEASE spec rebuilt offered items.Certain T Colne Classics.............................74 Paul Depper.................................74 TELEPHONE _ _ANY _ _ _ALTERATIONS _ _ AND QUOTE ADVERT NO . _PLEASE ____ Type TO items available also. YOUBEFORE REQUIRE THIS PROOF Competitive MGA Deluxe / Twin SHOULD Peter Best........................96,97,IBC Contact Tim Patchett happypeo_ _ _ _ _ _ _ AND QUOTE ADVERT NO. _ _ _ _ _ Cam with FIA HTP For Sale.........64TELEPHONE Peter JamesBEFORE Insurance...............45 ple222@gmail.com Cotswold Car Storage..................72 Raceglaze....................................70 Free parts for MGB 1800 Crown Classic Cars.....................78 Rees Bros....................................70 Brand new Moss parts foc. Just pay David Manners .............................6 Retro Sports Cars........................43 p&p or collect from West Yorkshire: 12H4201 Crank gear simplex B Dennis Welch..............................87 Rimmer Bros Ltd.........................25 3H2127 Timing chain simplex Distributor Doctor.........................87We RJH Automotive reserve the Transport...........57 right to charge for any 12A398 alteration to this Locktab crankproof which Don Trimming..............................70 RM Car Care................................64 is a departure from the originalSingle copy gear proof cam which We reserve the right to charge for any CAM5333 alteration to this EJW Classic and sports...............95 Robin Lackford Duplex is a departure from the11G203 original copycam gear. Motor Engineering ......................83 Evans Division of Hydratech........25 12A1553 Crank gear duplex Email: davidandgillie@yahoo.co.uk Sherwood Restorations...............97 First MG PAAirline Coupe For Sale....95

URGENT PROOF URGENT PROOF

Skiptune......................................45 SMR.............................................93 Steve McKie Sports Cars.............87 Summit MG.................................45 Sussex Classic Car Parts.............49 The Hutson Motor Co Ltd..............4 Torro Sports Cars Ltd...................96 Trophy Cars.................................76 Vitesse Global Ltd........................76

Units 9/10 Fifehead Business Park, Manor Farm, Fifehead Magdalen, near Gil ingham, Dorset SP8 5RR

E-mail: mikerolls4mgs@compuserve.com • www.mikerolls.co.uk Mail Order “Friendly Quality Service”

CM02.13/B32/d

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

www.classiccarinsurance.co.uk MGB Gearbox.

4-speed ex 1969 car c/w bellhousing and in good condition. Result of a 5 speed conversion. £60 ono. Contact Richard on 07714 233840 (Staffs)

MGA Fuel Tank

Excellent condition c/w mounting straps £50. Contact Richard on 07714 233840 (Staffs)

Registration Number

J2 MMM. Could be available if price can be agreed. Tel: John on 0785678215

WANTED ALL MG MODELS!

MG TF, 2002 Finished in X Power Grey The car comes with new tyres, a new hood with glass rear window and will have a new MOT, Cambelt and service done upon purchase. Only 24.000mls from new. £2,495

96 SAFETY FAST! APRIL 2020

01376 574000

WANTED

MG TF - 2002

Fishers Services..........................78 Footman James..........................21 Former Glory WANTED................87 Frontline ......................................13 Halls Garage................................57 Heathrow Transmission...............87 Hoyle Suspension........................53 John Woods Motorcare...............51 Just Right Autos Ltd....................68

Call for a quote today

Please note that the Advertising deadline is April 10 for the May issue of Safety Fast!

All conditions wanted, from barn ﬁnds to concours. Complete collections purchased. Cash buyer. Discretion assured. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you are interested in selling your MG and are looking for a prompt hassle-free cash buyer! Please feel free to contact me for a no obligation friendly chat.

I am especially interested in the following models: MG TC, MGA, MGB, MGC, MGB V8, Magnette and Midget.

CALL DIRECT ON: 07787 528131 UK Based Buyer

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

FOR DISPLAY ADVERTISING IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF

PLEASE CALL NICK ON 01452 730770 www.mgcc.co.uk

Call for a quote today

01376 574000

Insurance for all MG’s classic and modern

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This lovely Citr has undergone a at some point. It than most, don’t quicker than oth body & interior, g boot rack & a lar cars are rising in £6,995

07885 01308 07885Ltd C a e i r r t r e Sherwood Restorations r 768830 768830 Barrie Carter Ba 868884

01308 868884

and Alan Bartlett email barriemgracer@yahoo.co.uk

Established 1966 and Alan Bartlett

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

Established as one of the leaders in the field of vintage and classic car sales and restoration, email barriemgracer@yahoo.co.uk We restore and refresh both T-types and X-pag engines, gearboxes, trim, paint; every aspect and we buy with over 200 years ofand combined experience, ofwemany major Concours Awards T’s for sale but have some interesting objects to d’Elegance occupy and sell T-types other classics. Running out ofwinners

‘T-type’ – ‘T-type’ – ‘T-type’ ‘X-pag’ – ‘X-pag’ – ‘X-pag’ yourself after retirement and banishment to the garage

I’ve decided to create space for the work that are coming though our doors, Mg’s, Race cars, Classics of all types. We are open and now is the time have all your work carried out, so these sales cars are at or well below their cost to me. I’m very dealable.

TC Race/fast road car, allegedly twice championship winner, fully modified to T reg. specs. Rolling chassis £13,950. 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 modified brakes, teles, cage, race seat, and more. It’s as scruffy as raced and very quick. Ideal circuit, race or hillclimb. £18,500

Citroen 2cv 6 Red & Cream with galvanised chassis. Very nice newly upholstered, Mot’d. Enormous fun. £6,250.

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 profit! £21,000

Rover Metro 1.1 1990 only 2cvAustin Citroen 2cv 6 London Blue & Cream This lovely Citroen DollyA40 Somerset totally Be Different!! Taxi &professionally 2 owners 1undergone Lady, 1 Doctor restored and in fabulous family owned for nearly 3 years, has a very nice restoration This lovely Citroen 2cv Dolly has converted toundergone a mobile cafe with a London aGalvanised very nice restoration at and 21000 miles, full history condition allwire newwheels, leather, its no expense spared, at some point. It has more performance MGTF for restoration. RHD, somehot point.water, It has moresuperb performancelighting, theme. Fridge, than most, Don’thistory know why, but its and as newmost, fabulous starter just but fabulous, engine rebuilt, chassis and very large all complete, very why sound and £10,250 than don’t know it’sonly. than some&others!! Itcheap. has seats 8. Greatquicker fun MoTd very £4,750 car. £2,500. just running in. £7,950.. a lovely boby galvanised ﬁle, Mot’d a lovely car., interior, £6,500.

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 £21,995

Extremely rare 4WD switchable 1990 Subaru Justy, 34000 miles and in lovely condition inside and out. These out perform pandas, 205s, even MX5s. Quick, Quirky and superior, Cheap Tax and insurance. Mot’d. £2,250

Subaru Justy, You’ve forgotten these 1200 cc FWD! Switchable! 34K I love these, a low mileage lovely example. They have MX5 Performance. Cheeky, quick and great off roaders. Beautiful inside and out. It rubbishes 205s and rare. £3,250

quicker than others!! It has a lovely body & interior, galvanised chassis, XPAG 1500. We are building an XPAG 1500 engine boot a large history ﬁle.and These And an extremely rare, only one otherGordon we England are Cup Model Austin 2cv Whiterack with&nice interior owned restored by 7 1926cars are rising in value & I love em! to any spec. Please ring with requirements. One owner for over 50 years & in lovely told, Justy Van, Lovely 4 or 2wd as new inside, 2cv club secretary. Galvanised chassis and Mot’d, my condition. This well known Gordon England £6,995 builtdaily touser. order isXPAG fitted with the 1250s rare LAP. OHV conver Mot’d, great fun, great performance.Austin £2,250 Nicefrom but not£3000 mint. £4,995.

A very rare 1929 BMW Austin 7 Badge, radiator emblem and surround are pure BMW, as are the wheel hubs. This car must rank in the forefront Austin 7 and BMW desirability. Built by BMW in 1929 with its mirror image & engine adapted for LHD and then fitted with JHLE sports 600 body and Ulster suspension modifications. Has a fully documented and fascinating history, all documented. It has been in the same ownership 50 years or more, being in many Austin events, before being loaned to a museum. Now, on the demise of the owner, the car is being recommissioned in our workshops, please enquire for further details. £31,000

1935 Y Type for special ﬁtted with MG period P or J Body. Built for hill climb sprints in the 50s/60s a family owned. Running driving great vintage fun. The Body is probably worth more than the car. £6,550.

chassis, boot rack and a large history file. These cars are rising in value very quickly and I love em! £6,995

sion and has performed with this for many years. It has the spare engine and box with it & is a fine Austin that is acceptable for many Vintage and Austin events. For sale on behalf of the family. £29,950

TC Race Car, Ally Panels, LSD, All correct suspension mods, a very well known race car Derrington manifold 1 3/4 S U’s, Special brakes, 1 / ”SUs, very quick engine is fully modiﬁed 1350 or a less modiﬁed unit can be supplied/ I paid £20k for it, make a silly, not too silly offer.

Panhard Dyna X 1947 RHD Allegedly 1 owner & specially built as RHD for 3 a disabled customer. Resting undisturbed in a 4 French barn for over 20 years, it has now been recommissioned and is a lovely Oily Rag car that is now running and braking, with everything working. The car has been researched by a Panhard historian who has unearthed its fascinating history from the factory records. It is at present being registered in the UK with full authorisation from the Panhard Club. Offered £6,995

www.barriecartermg.com Be Different!! London Taxi professionally converted to a mobile cafe with a London theme. Fridge, hot water, superb lighting, seats 8. Great fun MoTd & very cheap. £4,750

Ford Model Y V ﬁtted with a prew lovely seats, etc owned by the sa lovely car to use fo Some racing hist

Ford Model Y Vintage Special 1935 ﬁtted with a prewar MG body & wings, lovely seats, etc in the 60s & has been owned by the same family since. It’s a lovely car to use for the fun it was meant for. Some racing history. Very cheap. £6,950

adRocket

www.barriecartermg.co

Sherwood Restorations Ltd MGTF for restoration. RHD, wire wheels, all complete, very sound and only. £10,250

Established 1966

XPAG 1500.asWe 1500 engineand classic car sales and restoration, Established oneare of building the leadersan in XPAG the field of vintage any ring experience, with requirements. with to over 200spec. years Please of combined winners of many major Concours d’Elegance Awards XPAG 1250s built to order from £3000

13/4”SUs,

1961 MGA ROADSTER MK2

1968 MGC ROADSTER

1977 MG MIDGET 1500

Chariot Red with Black trim. Bob West restoration some years ago and still stunning throughout.

Glacier White with Black trim. Retaining its original registration

OEW with Red Trim, fully restored and converted to chrome bumper spec some years ago to a superb standard. Fully detailed throughout. Spec includes; Minilite style alloys, inertia reel seatbelts, Mountney steering wheel, wooden dash etc.

‘OOB 21G’. Sympathetically

1970 MGC ROADSTER

– OVERDRIVE – TRIPLE WEBERS

Ideal ‘starter’ classic.

£6,950 Tartan Red with Black Interior, Hood & Tonneau. Original Buff Log Book. Restored to a very high standard. Upgrades include ;Stage 2 Head, Triple Webers, Tubular Manifolds, Luminition Alternator, Alloy Fuel Tank, Maniﬂow Twin Pipe Sports Exhaust, Koni Rear Shock Conversion, Knock On Minilite Style Wheels, Etc.Etc.

£9,995

£27,995

www.barriecartermg.com

£34,995

modified with ‘touring’ in mind.

Comprehensive history. So nice, so original and so understated.

£25,995

If your car is one of the very best, please call with an accurate description, detailing condition, history, ownership, etc. All makes and models required.

Upton Fields Garage, Upton Road, Southwell, Notts. NG25 0QB. Tel: 01636 812655/812682/812700

www.sherwoodrestorations.co.uk sales@sherwoodrestorations.co.uk

“SPECIAL DISCOUNTED RATES FOR READERS” Please mention ‘Safety Fast’ when calling.

www.mgcc.co.uk

FP_CLASSICC_3899348id3990095.pdf 05.08.2019 12:09

APRIL 2020 SAFETY FAST! 97

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 2020

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, Ian Quarrington Chairman: Bill Silcock.

e understand that this photo of an immaculate MGA Twin Cam by Alan Peacock was taken on the MG Car Club Stand at the NEC in 1989. Perhaps you can tell us more about the car and who the individuals with it are. This picture also by Alan Peacock is, we are led to believe, of the MG Car Club

marquee at Donington in June 1988. Our records show that car number 26 was entered by Lew Bergonzi and that Alan was assistant chief Marshal at the meeting. This group appear to be celebrating winning the Nuffield Cup. Our guess is that they may be from South Africa. Can you add any further details please?

Vice Chairman: Keith Williams Treasurer: Richard Colston Directors: Dave Saunders, Peter Cook, Adele Rand, Lorraine Noble Thompson, Colin Withers, George Wilder and Dave Tynan Company Secretary: Colin Grant Staff Members: Adam Sloman (General Manager 01235 849732), Andy Knott (01235 849730), Lauran Gallacher (Assistant General Manager 01235 849735), Liz Allsworth (Membership Secretary 01235 849734), Mark Baulch (Motorsport 07554 160840), 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, Rob Oldaker, Steve Hanegan, Gerry McGovern, 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! APRIL 2020

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

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

ask us today about our classic mg cover call now for an instant quote

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or get a quote online by visiting: www.peterbestinsurance.co.uk

Peter Best Insurance Services Ltd Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registration No. 307045 | Registered in England No. 2210270

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

T190K MGA ﬂoorboard kit-7 piece £120 C141K ﬁxing kit £33

S106B Steering control adaptor TA/B/C £103.20

B308AK Thermostat kit-TA/B/C/D/Y £98.34

Disc Brake Kit-TD/F/YB/MGA/Magnette (ZA/ZB shown) from £654

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